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The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

Alumnus Ed Alizadeh continues to make a difference in the community as the CEO of Geotechnology

Sarah Lashly, COPY COACH October 26, 2018

From overseeing and participating in the construction of the current Busch Stadium to public works projects in the City of Blue Springs, 1980 alumnus Ed Alizadeh has participated in many engineering and...

Freshman Giselle Bauer poses with a model of the human brain. Bauer has a brain tumor that causes seizures and has undergone four surgeries to minimize the tumor's size and effects. "Even though some things are harder, I know I can function normally," Bauer said. "I try to forget my tumor’s there and know that I’m just the same as everyone else."

Freshman Giselle Bauer overcomes brain tumor

Maddie Brueggenjohann, Convergent Media Writer October 26, 2018

As her body begins to shake, 9-year-old Giselle Bauer tastes rotten blueberries. Her head begins to ache and her face begins to twitch. She feels a flash. Three weeks later, Bauer–now a freshman–learned...

At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, senior Lauren Chapman visits the eighth floor garden after a treatment. Chapman enjoyed looking out at the views of Forest Park. “At that point I don't think I had been outside in at least two weeks, it was really cool just to leave that room and feel the breeze and see the trees,” Chapman said.

Senior Lauren Chapman undergoes a bone marrow transplant for severe Aplastic Anemia

Irene Yannakakis and Katelyn Tyree October 24, 2018

After noticing several random bruises scattered on her body and getting a blood test from her doctor when she was 13, senior Lauren Chapman was rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with severe Aplastic...

On his trek at Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile, alumnus Eddie Kampelman takes a break to capture a positive memento of his own. “I never felt like I was wasting my time or money on such a life changing experience,” Kampelman said. “Certainly I’ve learned the most from ‘underdeveloped’ countries. Most of the people are very creative and hardworking and have a very positive attitudes despite not having a lot of things. [It serves as] a great reminder that happiness doesn’t come from material objects.”

Alumnus Eddie Kampelman pursues his goal of traveling the world

Andrew Li, STAFF WRITER October 23, 2018

People may think that quitting means failure, but for alumnus Eddie Kampelman, who graduated in 2000, he has never made a better decision in his life. His decision to quit his job as Territory Manager...

After punching her fist into the air for the Black Power Movement and the Palestinian Crisis, alumna Yasmin Younis receives a standing ovation from the audience after her speech came to an end. Younis was chosen to give the commencement speech out of five other finalists after presenting to a committee. “I couldn't believe that people out there thought I was as inspirational as some incredible people,” Younis said. “Just to be recognized and compared to them is such an honor.”

Alumna Yasmin Younis reclaims her identity

Ridwan Oyebamiji, Features Section Editor October 18, 2018

As you scroll through The 74 website on 7 of This Year’s Most Memorable—and Inspiring—Graduation Speeches you see Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Carter and alumna Yasmin Younis. Younis’...

Holding up a Billy Graham devotional book, senior Will Creemens proudly displays his faith. Each day, he reads the devotional and accompanying verses for that day. "There's a lot in [the book] about accepting the people around you which we don't always do," Creemens said. "We're in such a divided world, so it's refreshing to have a devotional saying what God wants us to do and a verse that explains it too."

Senior Will Cremeens finds himself through Jesus Christ

Bella Hatzigeorgiou, Convergent Media Writer October 16, 2018

Feeling empty and without purpose in life, senior Will Cremeens found Christ and a community. His older brother convinced him to attend an evening youth group, Krew, at Chesterfield Presbyterian Church....

Mahaffey poses with a shirt from ST∆Y. She plans to stay an ambassador for the company in order to continue to impact people's lives. "My main reason for being a part of ST∆Y is to spread kindness and awareness of suicide prevention," Mahaffey said, "There are so many people just tearing each other down. I just wanted to be a part of the crowd that fights for kindness."

Spreading the message to ST∆Y

Emily Lofgren, Convergent Media Writer October 11, 2018

Working as a brand ambassador for the company ST∆Y Wear, senior Jaina Mahaffey follows in the lifestyle brand’s mission to change how people view themselves and others.  Each item of clothing...

Posing with a bok choy, Webster Groves freshman Bree Tokraks and sophomore Kathryn McAuliffe relish in their inside jokes from Kode with Klossy, a free two-week summer camp designed to empower teen girls interested in coding. McAuliffe discovered the program through Peerlift, an organization that strives to help prepare high school students for the future. “I’d like to do Kode with Klossy next year, and I will apply for sure, but there are a couple of other opportunities I’m more interested in. I don’t even know what those opportunities might be, but I’d like to do something more in my interests with journalism or activism,” McAuliffe said.

Sophomores Kathryn McAuliffe and Maddy Truka empower others through Peerlift

Nayeon Ryu, Video Editor October 8, 2018

While most high school students look forward to the awaited spring break trip and forgetting about school, sophomore Kathryn McAuliffe used this time to further her preparation for college. While touring...

Standing next to her host dad and sister last fall, senior Hayden Sampson arrived in Hamburg, Germany, to begin her 12 month exchange student program. After visiting Berlin, Hayden plans to study there for college. “Berlin is overall my favorite place in the entire world because I fit in there perfectly,” Sampon said. “There’s just so many opportunities there to pursue anyone’s goals or dreams. I love the people and atmosphere of the city and all the history it includes.”

Senior Hayden Sampson spent her junior year as an exchange student

Anna Pavlisin, STAFF WRITER September 28, 2018

After finding out about a scholarship opportunity to be an exchange student in Germany, senior Hayden Sampson applied, got accepted and spent the year in Hamburg, Germany. When Hayden was in eighth...

Applying eye shadow, senior Bailey Goughenour completes a makeup look. Goughenour started her makeup Instagram and YouTube accounts this summer in order to further her hobby and do more freelance makeup. “As of right now, I’d say my Instagram account is what I’m most proud of because I put a lot of effort into it, and it’s really satisfying to see people following me, commenting or direct messaging me asking if I can do their makeup,” Goughenour said.

Senior Bailey Goughenour shares makeup talents through freelance and social media

Sabrina Bohn, Managing Editor-in-Chief September 26, 2018

After experimenting with makeup in middle school for fun, senior Bailey Goughenour began doing her friends' makeup for homecoming and other events. Now, she does freelance as a self-taught makeup artist,...