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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

Preparing for her first districts round, sophomore Kathryn McAuliffe debates how we should handle the global drug crisis, between the criminal justice system and public health system. McAuliffe competed in MSHAA state districts in Lincoln-Douglas debate, which surrounds philosophical values in the context of topics provided. “I aimed to stay involved and educate others on politics through speeches and competitions,” McAuliffe said. “I was reading my case out loud to make sure it sounded smooth and I was well-articulated.”

Kathryn McAuliffe chosen for Sophomore Pilgrimage

Olivia Arzano, Convergent Media Writer March 31, 2019

More than 300 sophomores in the state of Missouri will be traveling together April 9 to attend the 85th annual Sophomore Pilgrimage in Jefferson City. The purpose of the Pilgrimage is to give recognition...

Senior Noah Wright delivers a speech at the St. Louis Youth Climate Strike US in front of a crowd of 100. Wright was a lead organizer for the event after being inspired by what he learned in AP Environmental Science and Honors Environmental Sustainability. “For decades, our politicians have failed us by doing so little when we need so much. It is my hope they see crowds like this across the country and realize that the time for denial is over,” Wright said. “To our politicians we have one message: take action against climate change or we will vote you out.”

St. Louis youth gather downtown to demand action regarding climate change

Maria Newton and Sabrina Bohn March 15, 2019

The Youth Climate Strike US held a national walkout today, March 15, attended by students across the United States as part of a global movement; it is estimated that about one million students worldwide...

The Parkway Step Team performs during the homecoming pep rally Sept. 28. The team plans to travel to Virginia Beach, VA to perform this weekend for a national competition. “Performing in front of the school is way different than a real competition because there are not as many people watching you at school and its less pressure because it's not a competition, it's just a chance to have fun. But at a real competition, there is a lot more pressure to win, and there are more than 2,000 people watching you, usually,” sophomore RoNeeka Boyd said.

The Parkway Step Team plans to attend a national competition in Virginia

Irene Yannakakis, STAFF WRITER March 15, 2019

The nationally acclaimed step team is back at it once again. With plans to travel to Virginia next week for the Spring Showdown Step Competition, the team continues to practice to make the trip worth their...

Writing messages about how to include everyone, freshmen Tre Bell and Ethan McLeod write a note about what they will do to inspire change in the community.  “I never really thought about everything that happens around me. I really have just been worried about myself, but I realized other people go through a harder time then I do. Now I am going to try help around and be a better person in the community,” Bell said

Freshmen experience their first Day of Service

Ella Roesch, Convergent Media Writer March 14, 2019

For the second annual Day of Service, the upperclassmen went off campus to give back to the community, while the freshmen class remained on campus and participated in three sessions of their choice, as...

Senior Noah Wright makes a poster for the Youth Climate Strike on March 15. He has been an organizer for the walkout in St. Louis. "Climate change is a massive problem that must be addressed as soon as possible," Wright said. "I encourage all West students to get involved in their future and join us downtown."

Students organize a walkout combatting environmental apathy

Maria Newton, FEATURES EDITOR March 14, 2019

A nation-wide walkout is being organized by students all over the nation, including senior Noah Wright, to pressure lawmakers to take action regarding climate change. “It is a call to action for...

Translating a story from their textbook, freshmen and Latin II students Mary Hardy and Claire Folkins work together. The practice translations in the textbooks follow a story of the same characters throughout the four books. “I chose latin because both of my sisters took it and they both really enjoyed it. Also because they both said Herpel was the best teacher,” freshman and Latin I student Claire Folkins said. “Our class is really close and we all get along really well. We can joke around with each other but also get work done when it needs to get done.”

Latin program faces potential cuts

Claire Smout, AWARDS COORDINATOR March 13, 2019

Due to an enrollment drop in Latin in recent years, the future of the program is being threatened. If more students do not start taking Latin I and II, the number of sections of the class will only continue...

The annual buzzbook will not be available for purchase this year due to scheduling and printing errors. In the future, the buzzbook will be distributed digitally and Digital Design students will still compete to be the cover artist as sophomore Ariej Rafiq (left design) and freshman Jack Andrews (right design) did. “This was a new experience for me. I was quite impressed and surprised by all the [software] had to offer,” Rafiq said. “I feel like I picked it up quickly.”

What’s the buzz? Everything you need to know about this year’s buzzbook

Maria Newton, FEATURES EDITOR March 7, 2019

Due to complications in the printing and formatting of this year’s buzzbook, an official booklet will not be distributed to the student body. However, freshman Jack Andrews and sophomore Ariej Rafiq...

Senior Farhan Hassan entertains children while volunteering at the Gateway 180 shelter for day of service. Last year students got to read books, played with the kids and sorted out the donation closet. “Volunteering at Gateway 180 allowed students to not only see the other side of St. Louis, but also it helped those impoverished families to the best of our ability,” Hassan said. “Even if it was only one day out of the year, I’m sure we made a huge impact on some of the people staying there.”

Students and staff prepare for second annual Day of Service

Claire Smout, AWARDS COORDINATOR March 6, 2019

Organizations set, permission slips signed, students put into groups, supplies gathered. It must be about time for Day of Service. March 7, every student will be either volunteering with Special Olympics...

Best- selling author Nic Stone discusses the focus and messages of her novel “Dear Martin” with the members of SSJLAC.  Her book was published Oct. 17, 2017. “I was actually studying Psychology and planning to go into neuropsych, but I'd started a novel the year before and managed to finish it and secure an agent before graduation. That novel didn't go anywhere, but the switchover changed the trajectory of my entire life,” Stone said.

SSJLAC attends book discussion with best selling author Nic Stone

Irene Yannakakis, STAFF WRITER March 5, 2019

Sitting in the University City High School library, sophomore Tiye’ Hyler had a realization—no matter what you expect, plans and life can always change. Hyler came to this realization after hearing...

Listening to her peers at the African American Read-In, senior Kyra Clerk wears red in support of the event. Clerk worked to spread the word verbally about the event. “The only time we really hear about [African American] stuff is in history class, and mainly it's about slavery. We hardly ever hear about accomplishments of African Americans and what we’ve done for the country,” Clerk said.

Improving our celebrations of Black History Month

Fatema Rehmani, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief March 4, 2019

Throughout the hallways, classroom doors are uniquely decorated with tokens of African-American history. Starting early mornings, students listened to their classmates' recitation of African-American poetry...