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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

Rallying across the street from the Parkway School Board Candidate Forum at the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, Parkway students, parents and alumni share signs that address white supremacy on the Board of Education. Students also protested and talked to voters at polling sites April 3 to help spread their message. “At about eight different locations, [students] protested basically all day, holding up signs, talking to voters and making sure that they knew to make an informed decision,” senior Cheryl Ma said.

Students stand up against school board candidate Jeanie Ames

Sabrina Bohn and Carly Anderson April 3, 2018

Students across Parkway have formed the group “Not on Our School Board” to protest school board candidate Jeanie Ames’ campaign for a position on Parkway’s Board of Education after controversy...

After receiving their award, students pose for a photo in the lobby of the Park Central Hotel. The Pathfinder won the Silver Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. “Last year we won a Gold Crown for yearbook and I wanted newspaper to finally get recognition for all of the hard work that they have done to build the program into what it is today,” Klevens said.

Pathfinder editorial board visits New York

Lydia Roseman, News and Sports Editor April 2, 2018

After being nominated for a Crown award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Pathfinder editorial board traveled to New York March 14-17 to receive the award and live the New York journalist...

Students stand along Clayton road as a part of the nationwide walkout on March 14. Teachers threatened students walking out of the school with detention, but 14 students went anyway instead of attending the protest in the gym. “It felt good, to stand out there in solidarity with other students across the nation,” junior Harper Stewart said. “We linked arms, and as cars passed by they honked at us and drivers encouraged us. It was an incredibly powerful experience.”

Leaving the building and looking ahead

Dani Fischer, MANAGING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF April 2, 2018

Over 200 students walked out of their classes and went to the gym to rally together with students across the nation on March 14. However, 14 students walked out the doors and to the front marquee despite...

Students and teachers discuss gun regulation in light of school shootings

Students and teachers discuss gun regulation in light of school shootings

April 1, 2018

Through walkouts and political advocacy, students at West aim to spread awareness and encourage legislation limiting access to guns after recent school shootings.

Speaking about school safety at the League of Women Voters meeting March 12, candidate Amy Bonnett is running for one of the two open director positions on the Parkway School Board. All candidates, which includes Jeanie Ames, Matt Schindler, Jonathan Taylor, Kevin Seltzer and Bonnett answered audience questions at this forum. "I have always been a proud Parkway West alumna, and I care deeply about our schools and district," Bonnett said. "For the last three years, I have served as the [West Parent's Organization] President at Parkway West. Running for School Board is simply a natural extension of my service and enthusiasm for the district that has educated me and my children."

6. Parkway Board of Education election brings controversy

Carly Anderson and Sabrina Bohn March 23, 2018

With student participation in politics on the rise across the nation, Parkway’s own Board of Education election approaches. Community members will vote for the two open seats April 3, and the candidates...

Students collaborate to produce original film “Glitch”

Maria Newton, FEATURES EDITOR March 19, 2018

Senior Emily Foy and juniors Dani Fischer and Kristin Priest went on a self-led expedition to write, film and produce an original short film this semester. They did this through an independent study sponsored...

Sarah Pennell, Kennedy Brown, Sophie Ellis and Skyla Faber, along with the rest of Jazz Choir, rehearse a song for the New York Voices Festival. Among their set are arrangements of ‘California Dreamin’,’ ‘We Found Love,’ ‘Shiny Stockings’ and ‘Singin’ in the Rain,’ along with a piece titled ‘The Awakening.’ “I’m excited to perform ‘California Dreamin’.’ There are a lot of cool rubs and half step movements that sound really awesome when we have them together,” senior and jazz choir member Mitchell Vierling said.

Jazz Choir performs at New York Voices Festival

Justin Cupps, CONCEPTUAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF March 15, 2018

Out of dozens of submissions from top vocal jazz ensembles in the nation, the Jazz Choir was selected to perform at the New York Voices Jazz Festival at St. Charles North High School in St. Charles, IL...

Junior Maryam Oyebamiji laughs during her reading. Oyebamiji had been an audience member of the read-in for the last two years, but spontaneously chose to read this year. “Mr. Welch kept egging me to go, he kept staring at me, and I was like, ‘You know, why not,’ and I already had a book in my hands so I went up,” Oyebamiji said.

African-American Read-In celebrates excellence

Nell Jaskowiak, OPINIONS AND ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR March 11, 2018

As librarian Brian Welch stands at the podium on Feb. 22, students laugh between mouthfuls of pizza at his commentary on the Southern accent he is about to use. This was the start of the 15th annual African-American...

For the March ASAP meeting, guest speaker Sylvester Chisom shares personal stories and entrepreneurial strategies in hopes of inspiring members of ASAP. “I met a room full of great leaders that day,” Chisom said. “It is my hope that they all take full advantage of everything this world has to offer. I hope they will use their success and influence to help others in their community the same way I tried to do when I met with them.”

Black History Prospers Throughout School History

Ridwan Oyebamiji, Features Section Editor March 11, 2018

For over almost 100 years, Black History Month has been celebrated throughout the month of February in the United States and in order to localize the national observance, librarian Brian Welch promoted...

Senior Ann Truka and English teacher Andria Benmuvhar pose with roses and the Regional Poetry Out Loud Champion trophy. Truka has competed in Poetry Out Loud for four years in a row. “I was thrilled that Ann first won the school competition because she had won previously as a freshman. It felt like a nice bookend experience. The regional competition was very tight—everyone gave incredibly strong performances—so when Ann won I was very excited and proud of her,” Benmuvhar said.

Senior Ann Truka advances in Poetry Out Loud competition

Carly Anderson, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief March 7, 2018

After four years of competing in Poetry Out Loud [POL], senior Ann Truka placed first in the St. Louis Regional Competition and has qualified to perform at the state competition in Jefferson City, Mo....