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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

Using Procreate 5X, senior Rebecca Vierck demonstrates how attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social anxiety can make someone feel like being watched. Vierck’s piece conveyed the alienation felt from their peers. “A lot of media representation about ADHD is built upon stereotypes. Because of the comorbidity of my ADHD and social anxiety, I tend to feel anxious to stim in front of people in fears of seeming weird,” Vierck said. “I've had to cut off friends because of their disrespect for my sensory triggers. As a child, I would have multiple breakdowns a week over the texture of dinners that I was made to eat.”

Students showcase their ‘draw dropping’ artwork

Addie Gleason, Managing Editor-in-Chief November 6, 2020

Through a combination of mediums, students from Katy Mangrich’s AP 2D Art and Design class, Ashley Drissell’s Design Arts class and Kat Briggs’ AP Drawing class made pieces that investigate cultural...

Take this quiz to get to know our new editors virtually and see which one you are most like!

Quiz: Which editor are you?

Mira Nalbandian, Managing Editor-in-Chief September 15, 2020

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Teacher Andrew Van Herik protests outside Chicago Public Schools headquarters July 22.

Podcast: COVID-19 and America’s teacher crisis

Tyler Kinzy, Managing Editor-in-Chief July 29, 2020

The vast majority of Americans believe teachers don’t receive the respect—or pay—they deserve, but that won’t stop the U.S. from forcing educators to work in potential COVID-19 hotspots with barebones...

Posing in the trunk of his car, senior Tony Morris and junior Riley Leslie (Fernridge high school) get ready to start the parade. Morris had his entire family come along to show support for him graduating. “I loved the parade. I really enjoyed myself and I think it should be a thing that’s continued. The energy and amount of people that showed up and all of the decorated cars made it really really fun,” Morris said. “But I would really love to walk across the stage wearing my cap and gown, being handed my diploma, and saying goodbye to highschool surrounded by my class, not separated by cars.”

Bidding farewell to the class of 2020: senior parade edition

Sara Albarcha, Staff Writer June 8, 2020
"I was proud I was able to show them how far I’ve come. it was also great to see some friends who I haven’t seen in a while, and I was happy we were able to experience this altogether,” Hassan said.
Wearing a mask helps protect not only you, but also those around you.

No mask? No problem: here is a six step at-home mask tutorial

Sara Albarcha, Staff Writer May 26, 2020

The CDC recommends people wear masks in public spaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Now that you have used your time at home to clean out every closet, perhaps you can recycle a Longhorn t-shirt into...

Throwing her horns up, senior Maddie Hoffman has a “Zoom prom” with her friends. Hoffman and her friends dressed up to video chat on Zoom and celebrated prom together by coming up with funny senior superlatives. “My favorite part was getting to spend that time with my sister. It’s the sort of thing we normally would’ve been doing with friends, and we got to do it together. I think celebrating prom in a different way was just what everyone needed at a time like this,” Hoffman said.

Prom on the Porch

Quinn Berry, Staff Writer May 4, 2020

Senior and theatre department officer Dennis McMorrow acts in last fall’s production of “Boeing Boeing.” This spring’s one-act plays were canceled due to school closures. “I think most of the people involved in the show, including the directors, were pretty sure that the show wasn’t going to be put on once they called off classes. They had been planning their one-acts for months now, and now they don’t have the chance to see their hard work pay off,” McMorrow said. “[The school cancellation] has harmed my senior year, but I would rather everyone close to me stay safe during this time, so while I don’t like that things are being canceled, I understand that it is necessary.”

A senior year cut short: seniors reflect on activities getting canceled

Charlotte Zera, Staff Writer April 23, 2020

Second semester of senior year: the final stretch. We are making our final decisions on which college we want to go to, picking out our prom outfits, getting excited for graduation and everything in between....

A collage of various haikus written by Creative Writing 2 students.

QUIZ: Which places in the school correspond with these haikus?

Ulaa Kuziez, News and Sports Editor April 8, 2020

Were you wondering what all of those random poems plastered around school were? They are haikus: a traditionally Japanese poem consisting of three short lines that do not rhyme. Creative Writing 2 students...

See how well you know West staff by guessing their two truths and a lie.

Two truths and a lie: Teacher edition

Olivia Bradshaw, Staff Writer March 27, 2020

Think you know the teachers of West High? While some of us may be shocked to learn teachers have lives outside of school, our teachers are filled with fun stories and incredible adventures. Take this quiz...

Why do we still need Black History Month?

Ulaa Kuziez and Bri Davis, Staff Writer March 3, 2020

Black History Month is celebrated every February as an homage to the contributions of African Americans who have shaped American history. This celebration was started in 1915 by historian Carter G. Woodson...