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
A graphic of the 2022-23 Pathfinder senior staff.

Seniors signing off

Addie Gleason, Ashlyn Gillespie, Elle Rotter, Madi Michajliczenko, and Makinsey Drake • May 12, 2023

Addie Gleason I’ve been a shy person for just about as long as I can remember. While I always completed coursework on time, my teachers often commented that I rarely participated in class. This followed...

Senior Ava Kayser cooks a meal with her nanny Angela Cupajita. Kayser's parents wanted her to learn a different language growing up and hired Cupajita to teach her.

A nanny’s love, a students legacy

Ava McLeod, CJ1 Writer • April 5, 2023

With three kids under seven, doctors Jason Kayser and Sarah Garwood decided to enlist some help on the homefront. After talking to friends about their childcare needs, they decided a nanny would be a great...

Sophomore Sadie Burgess poses with her grandmother's novel "Spirited Sisters." Burgess' grandmother grew up in India and has written 20 novels with her experience.

Discovering diversity

Ava Griswold, Yearbook Editor-in-Chief • March 31, 2023

After spending time with her grandparents twice a year, sophomore Sadie Burgess felt a connection far beyond Ballwin, Mo. Burgess’ grandma was born and raised in India, where she attended...

Freshman Ella Early works to publish and display her artwork and writing, which she has practiced for years. Early learned techniques from her grandmother’s art and found her talent through writing. "I remember my teachers reading my books out loud to the class and being very proud of them. I said, ‘look, guys, I wrote a book,’” Early said.

Inside her story

Esta Kamau, Features/Humans of West Editor • March 13, 2023

When freshman Ella Early was in elementary school, she was often caught doodling and writing on her class notes; now, her teachers praise her for her drawings and stories. Early’s passion for drawing...

With five languages under her belt, junior Suraiya Saroar's plan to become fluent in several languages is underway. Although she is also fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu and Arabic, Saroar's first language, Bangla, is the most important to her to speak fluently. "It is especially important to me to be able to speak my native language, so I can speak to all my relatives properly and not have to worry about them not understanding me," Saroar said.

Proud to be a polyglot

Anna Claywell, Staff Writer • March 10, 2023

Walking through the halls, hundreds of conversations in English surround junior Suraiya Saroar, though her mind goes from language to language. As a friend catches up to her to chat, she replies with an...

Early graduate Mia Irving moves the tassel on her cap, signifying her next move in life. After graduating, Irving plans to enter the U.S. Army while attending Lindenwood University. “[The military] told me that if I do go into the military, I’m on track to graduate at 30 to 37, so I [plan to be in the military between ages] 30 [and] 35, just so I can have everything planned out for afterward,” Irving said.

Focused on the Future

Samari Sanders, Staff Writer • March 8, 2023

What began as sibling rivalry quickly became a competition between early graduate senior Mia Irving and her older brother [Amarion]. After comparing grades, athleticism, academic achievements and more,...

Junior Charlie Robinson hits a glowing hot piece of metal with a hammer to form it into the correct shape for his hunting knife project. Robinson never took lessons from a professional, opting to work off his intuition. “It hasn’t always worked out, and sometimes I’ve had to look at how to fix whatever I had done, but most of the things I have made have just been me freestyling,” Robinson said.

Forging forward

Achyuta Ambal, Staff Writer • March 6, 2023

As hammering sounds ring through the air, junior Charlie Robinson repeatedly hits a glowing metal fragment on his anvil. While it cools, Robinson picks up the metal with tongs and brings it back over...

Nearing the halfway mark, Beveridge pushes through the last 12 miles, maintaining his first place spot. The race consisted of a 5k, 10k, half-marathon and marathon, hence Beveridge passed runners of all races as he approached the finish line. “I thought someone was on my tail the whole time so I kept my speed. The reality of the win didn’t hit me until the last three miles. I thought to myself I could really win this thing and hoped no one could pass me,” Beveridge said.

A Day of Firsts

Makinsey Drake, Staff Writer • February 21, 2023

Checking running a marathon off his bucket list, senior Luke Beveridge powered through the sixth annual Honoring our Heroes Marathon. Alongside the rolling hills and plains of Rolla, Mo., Beveridge passed...

At the Ladue Invitational, debaters compete in a variety of events. Students that qualified for the tournament had the chance to receive awards for their events through teamwork. “There was always someone willing to help you grow as a debater, and getting into the community was always such a welcoming place. It solidified being a family when we started to spend so much time together on tournament weekends,” junior Serpil Kuccukaya said.

The Rookies vs. Veterans

Samari Sanders, Staff Writer • February 6, 2023

The National Speech and Debate Association is an American student debating organization where students can compete in competitions covering various topics. Whether they are senior novices or a sophomore...

Librarian Lauren Reusch holds her Edible Arrangements flower bouquet and poses with principal John McCabe after announcing her winning Teacher of the Year.

Believe in your shelf: librarian Lauren Reusch wins Teacher of the Year award

Elle Rotter, Deputy Conceptual Editor-in-Chief • February 1, 2023

Dec. 9, school librarian Lauren Reusch was sitting at her desk when principal John McCabe and student photographer junior Abbi Vanvalkenburgh walked into the library, holding balloons and an edible flower...

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