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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

On Dec. 21, the day before students went on winter break, the Parkway School District put in place new signs displaying classroom room numbers. The signs were installed as a safety measure for first responders to locate emergencies around the school. “It makes it a lot easier and universal for people to understand the location of students and staff,” Sophomore Principal Jamaal Heavens said.

A path to safety

Samari Sanders, Staff Writer January 5, 2024

On Dec. 21, the Parkway School District set up new classroom number signs that would be more visible to first responders. In previous years, room numbers were placed flat on the walls near each classroom,...

Preparing for A.P. U.S. History test, Senior Chris Gray opens the preamble of the U.S. Constitution to review the six goals of the Consitution. Taking U.S. history has always been a graduation requirement in schools. “It is essential for everyone to learn about the constitution, because it is important to know your rights,” Gray said. “Even though the original Constitution was written in 1787, and the American landscape has changed from a predominantly farming society to a digital/technological one, our constitution is very relevant today as it was 239 years ago because our rights are the same.”

Students reflect on Constitution, rights in digital age

Raj Jaladi, Newsletter Editor/Data Analyst December 21, 2023

The U.S.Supreme Court ruled on two cases earlier this year involving rights on digital space. On October 31, the Court heard arguments on two cases — Lindke v. Freed and O’Connor-Ratcliff v. Garnier...

Smiling widely, Principal John McCabe congratulates English teacher and English Department head Shannan Cremeens on winning the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year title. Sophomore Cooper Oswald was a witness to the celebration. “We were all pretty excited. We were all clapping and standing up. We even [got to] take a picture with her,” Oswald said.

English teacher Shannan Cremeens wins 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year

Emily Early, Editor-in-Chief December 14, 2023

On Friday, English teacher and English Department head Shannan Cremeens’ sixth-hour class was interrupted by bright balloons and a fruit basket. Principal John McCabe walked in, announcing that Cremeens...

Juniors Laith Alhamid and Brooke Hoenecke smile at the camera, sitting behind a red table in the cafeteria as they sell candy canes. A sign beside them advertises the Candy Cane Exchange.

‘Tis the season

Serena Liu and Ruthvi Tadakamalla December 13, 2023
This week, Future Business Leaders of America is hosting their annual Candy Cane Exchange. For $1, students can purchase candy canes to be delivered to a recipient of their choice. Each candy cane can come with a complimentary note.
Sophomore Kanya Livingston and junior Ash Herring sit on chairs on stage. Herring extends an arm, pretending to drive a car.

Getting wild at West: Running With Scissors presents its first show of the year

Serena Liu, Editor-in-Chief December 8, 2023

Making their audience laugh, cheer and laugh some more, Running With Scissors presented their Wild West improv show on Friday. The theatre sold 108 tickets to the event. “Everyone on the team worked...

Sophomore Sravya Guda stands outside in a saree, lighting a firecracker at nighttime.

Festival of lights: Celebrating diversity within Diwali

Keira Lang and Zoya Hasan December 4, 2023

Once a year, the dark sky fills with the sound of laughter and the popping of firecrackers as family and friends come together to shine up the night with sparkling lights and indulge in a feast. The tradition,...

Triumphantly celebrating, senior Cameron Hickert is hefted into the air by fellow Mr. Longhorn contestants. Out of 15 contestants, Hickert took the first-place prize. “At the end of the day, I’m just glad I’m having fun with my friends,” Hickert said.

The finale: senior Cameron Hickert wins Mr. Longhorn 2023

Serena Liu and Elizabeth Franklin November 24, 2023

On Friday, Nov. 17, Mr. Longhorn tested 15 senior contestants across the categories of occupation, talent and formal wear, and senior Cameron Hickert came out on top.  In an effort to curry favor with...

Senior Emily McCarthy sits next to junior Zoe Gleason. She looks down at a paper with a list of names on it.

To the cinéma!

Serena Liu, Editor-in-Chief November 17, 2023

The lights dim. The screen turns on. A crowd of students sits at the edge of their red seats, waiting in anticipation. On Nov. 10, French students of all levels watched a screening of “April in France”...

Teaming up with seniors Chase Haun, Brock Sweet and Mitchell Seavey, senior Ben Gingrich performs a comedy act during Mr. Longhorn dress rehearsals on Nov. 16. Gingrich signed up after being encouraged by Longhorn Council’s recruiting efforts. “We've got a lot of talent out there, a lot of funny acts, a lot of impressive acts — it's gonna be a good show. My Sports Lit teacher Casey Holland encouraged me to do it and branch out and try something different from what I’d usually do,” Gingrich said. “Bring positive attitudes, and be ready to be wowed.”

Behind the scenes: A peek into the process of the Mr. Longhorn contestants

For the past few days, the senior contestants for the annual charity pageant Mr. Longhorn have rehearsed in the theater, practicing their acts, learning a group dance and mastering the art of swaggering...

Each year, senior boys compete in Mr. Longhorn, a talent show and pageant designed to raise money for charity. “It’s going to be a blast, it’s going to be a great time,” Haun said. “I think it's going to be exciting. I'm not too scared, as long as I don't mess up, it'll be great.”

The show must go on

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief November 16, 2023

On Friday, Nov. 17, 16 senior boys will take the stage to compete for the coveted title of Mr. Longhorn. To win the crown, participants must score the highest cumulatively in three categories: occupational...