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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

Drawing the bow across her violin, senior Yena Ahn plays New World Symphony at the orchestra concert on April 30. The symphonic orchestra combined with the band for the last performance of the school year. “This was our seniors' last concert, so we were able to wear a different attire than the usual black to stand out,” Ahn said. “It's definitely bittersweet because I've done orchestra for four years and most of the people in symphonic [orchestra] are seniors.”

Photo of the Week – May 3

Ruthvi Tadakamalla, Sports/Newsletter Editor
May 3, 2024
Arms flying above water, sophomore Max Moore dribbles the ball away from his defender at the junior varsity water polo game against Parkway Central on April 22. Moore relied on his speed to move away from his defenders in the pool but focused on mindset and communication while leading his team. “My typical mindset during a difficult game is to try to stay calm to set an example for everyone so they don’t panic. [I also] think of ways to get us back in the game. I usually think about things that keep me happy if a game gets tough. It keeps me calm and [I can] play better,“ Moore said.

Photo of the Week – April 26

Dana Zafarani, Photo of the Week Editor
April 26, 2024
Focusing on the goal, junior Sam Lair winds up to throw in the varsity baseball game against Eureka on April 16. Lair pitched during the game. Although the team lost 6-1 on April 16, they came back to win on April 17 at Eureka 8-4. “We lost pretty badly,” Lair said. “I wouldn’t really change anything because I pitched well and we went out and beat them the next day.”

Photo of the Week – April 19

Dana Zafarani, Photo of the Week Editor
April 19, 2024
Running towards the goal on her 8-meter shot, senior Amy Rein focuses on getting around her defenders. The varsity girls lacrosse team played against Westminster Christian Academy on April 4 and lost 4-9. “The most challenging part of the game for me was getting the ball back when we were playing defense. I am a midfielder so I play both attack and defense. When we were playing defense, we had some trouble getting the ball down the field without turning it over,” Rein said. “We overcame this by being persistent and trusting in each other. Even though we still made a lot of mistakes and it was kind of a frustrating game to lose, it gave us a lot of lessons to learn from. Now, for the rest of the season, we know what it takes and we are hungry to win our next games.”

Photo of the Week – April 5

Dana Zafarani, Photo of the Week Editor
April 5, 2024
Center stage, junior Nidhi Pejathaya participates in the Winter Guard performance in the Mar. 8 Pep Assembly. Winter Guard held the student body’s attention with flags, dancing and a story throughout the performance. “This is my first year in guard. At tryouts, I preferred dance because I personally didn’t think I could do a flag, but Nicole, the [Parkway] South guard coach, noticed my work at practices and told our coach that I should be in the front. That was the biggest part for me in the show,” Pejathaya said. “I absolutely adore the team. I’ve played multiple sports and I don’t think a single one has compared to the guard team. Traditionally, we do compliment circles, you cross your right hand over your left, and say a compliment. I’ve only known these girls for three months [and] these girls are the most genuine and kind people I have ever met. You don’t need to act differently, you don’t even have to like what they like, you just have to be you.”

Photo of the Week – March 8

Dana Zafarani, Photo of the Week Editor
March 8, 2024
Plucking the cello, freshman Myra Peters performs at the orchestra concert on Feb. 27. The concert consisted of a variety of performances, from group ensembles to one united group. “This performance was different because I was first chair in concert orchestra for the first time,” Peters said. “I practiced in the orchestra room for a bit and made sure that I had my music down. I also helped a friend with his music to help him get prepared.”

Photo of the Week – March 1

Dana Zafarani, Photo of the Week Editor
March 1, 2024
Clapping to the beat, junior Maddy Tarter smiles while volunteering with Special Olympics in the gymnasium on Feb. 21. Special Olympics is an annual event in which high schoolers spend a day with athletes as they participate in activities such as basketball, face painting and hockey. “While we were walking around Victory Village, we went towards the DJ and made a dance circle. Eventually, all the students wanted to dance with each other,” Tarter said. “I definitely liked having the freedom to walk around and see everyone having fun, and also being able to interact with the athletes and buddies.”

Photo of the Week – February 23

Dana Zafarani, Photo of the Week Editor
February 23, 2024
Under the hoop, senior Chloe Kallaos and the cheer team line up before they begin their cheer routine on Feb. 10. The seniors celebrated by wearing t-shirts that each underclassmen made for them. “My shirt was made by one of my teammates, [sophomore] Elizabeth Knott. It’s a tradition for the underclassmen to make t-shirts for the seniors to wear on their senior night. In my sophomore year, I made one for Madi Nuernberger and Sami Milholland,” Kallaos said. “My favorite part was seeing my fellow seniors fly when some of them don't normally get the chance to fly. It was fun to see my friends try new skills,” Kallaos said.

Photo of the Week – February 16

Dana Zafarani, Photo of the Week Editor
February 16, 2024
Gazing at a tube of DNA, sophomores Matthew Barry, Tawqir Farooq and Colby Yates participate in an experiment in Honors Biology. Students were exploring their DNA by analyzing a soy and alcohol mix. “[My favorite part] was getting to do the experiment with my friends. It was just a lot of fun. [I like] getting to explore what life is made of [in biology class],” Barry said.

Photo of the Week – February 2

Ruthvi Tadakamalla, Sports/Newsletter Editor
February 2, 2024
Driving with basketball in hand, freshman Ella McNeal dodges her defender. The girls basketball team defeated Visitation Academy 51-36 on Jan. 25. “We did good at the beginning of the game, but then we got better as we understood their plays,” McNeal said. “I was definitely ready for the game. I just knew I had to come to play,” McNeal said.

Photo of the Week – January 26

Dana Zafarani, Photo of the Week Editor
January 26, 2024