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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

The prosecution team in the fifth hour Crime and Law mock trial plans for a cross-examination against a surprise witness during a two-minute recess. Senior Akshaya Mulakala, junior Jaxon Smith, senior Ryan Whorton and junior Parker Cummins gathered to come up with questions, hoping to discredit the witness and convince the jury that the defendant was guilty of second-degree murder. “I wanted to build a case by looking at [the] facts. [So,] it was cool to look at the details and build a case from that,” Whorton said. “The defendant [was] found guilty of manslaughter, but  got a 10-year [sentence] which I still consider a success.”

Photo of the Week – April 15

Elle Rotter, Deputy Conceptual Editor-in-Chief April 15, 2022

Preparing to pitch, senior Luke Wright reads his pitching sign from his catcher. Wright has 22 strikeouts through five games pitched. “[Reading my catcher’s sign] is very important, we have to be on the same page to be successful throughout the game or else it’ll throw off our rhythm, and our team as a whole won’t be as successful,” Wright said

Taking an unexpected twist: senior Luke Wright’s baseball recruitment goes from Division I to JUCO after summer injury

Tre Bell, Staff Writer April 12, 2022

Having pitched one summer game, senior Luke Wright played in a baseball tournament in Wisconsin when he experienced an unexpected turn that changed his future baseball path: he tore his Ulnar Collateral...

Doing his pregame lineup handshake, senior Martin Franciscus (left) pretends to shoot an arrow in the student section with junior Brady Kuehl. Franciscus got his first career varsity basketball start against Fort Zumwalt East for senior night. “My basketball skills have improved thanks to being a part of [our school’s basketball] program,” Franciscus said. “I am a better defender, shooter and ball handler than I otherwise would have been.”

Four years in the making: senior Martin Franciscus leaves his mark on the boy’s basketball program

Drew Boone and Tre Bell April 8, 2022

Sitting on the edge of his seat, a tunnel of his teammates and cheerleaders pave the way to the massive student section waiting to hear Martin Fraciscus’ name to be announced as a starter. As the announcer...

Senior Lindsi Cook writes her name under her handprint as part of the senior hand wall. Students lined up to put their hands on the wall and were directed towards spots to place their handprints. "Being able to see [the hand wall] finished [was my favorite part] because ever since I was a freshman it's just been exciting to see other classes finish their wall," Cook said.

Photo of the Week – April 8

Sarah Boland, Staff Writer April 8, 2022

Competing for the ball, freshman Sienna Lorenz faces off against her opponent in a draw. Lorenz, inspired to try lacrosse because of her love for running, signed up to play in her offseason. “I wanted to try something new,” Lorenz said. “Staying in shape motivated me. Lacrosse [gave me a chance] to meet new people and become closer with my friends on the team. Being on a team automatically brings you closer [to people.] You learn how to be a friend. Being [both] friends and teammates connects you in a stronger way.”

Photo of the Week – April 1

Emily Early, Editor-in-Chief April 1, 2022

With an upcoming school board election on April 5, we interviewed the candidates still in the race to get to know them and their vision for Parkway a bit better.

School board candidate Q&A

Katie Wallace and Ellie West April 1, 2022

Disclaimer: These are the exact words of the candidates, any changes made were minor edits for clarity. Additionally, all candidates were contacted for an interview at the same time and received follow-up...

The influence of religion on public education discussions has grown: we have to protect the secularism of public education while remaining respectful to all groups.

Drawing the line between religion and state

Pathfinder Editorial Board March 31, 2022

As reporters of our school and community, we believe we must share and respect all student voices. Over the last year, we have covered controversial and underrepresented topics, including gender-neutral...

English teacher Erin Fluchel poses with the camera she uses during sessions. Fluchel experimented with other types of photography but decided that she preferred family moments most. “[Photographing a wedding] was stressful. It was a long day that I was away from my kids. I felt like I was capturing more of the stage moments and not the spontaneous stuff that I love doing. I'm glad that I tried these things, but it wasn't for me. Again, it was less about connection and more about getting perfect things,” Fluchel said.

Snapshots of life

Addie Gleason, Managing Editor-in-Chief March 31, 2022

Looking through her camera viewfinder, English teacher Erin Fluchel waits for the right moment to capture. The camera lens follows a child splashing in a creek; the parents watch from afar. Click. The...

Parkway needs to work with students to promote sustainability within schools.

Sustainability in Parkway

Sarah Boland, Staff Writer March 30, 2022

The world produces 400 million tons of plastic each year, while nine out of 10 people worldwide are breathing polluted air. As the climate changes, it grows more and more important for students and staff...

At the St. Clair girls tournament, sophomore Brooklyn Eddy 
takes on her opponent from St. Charles High School. Eddy joined wrestling 
for the first time more than halfway through the season and managed to obtain
three pins for beating her opponent. “Wrestling is different from everything you 
ever do in your life. When you’re on the mat, you have to leave everything 
there, and you have to fail to succeed,” Eddy said.

The effects of making weight on female wrestlers

Sabrina Urdaneta, Staff Writer March 28, 2022

In the last 10 years, over 22,000 high school female wrestlers joined the sport in the U.S., and 15 states will be hosting their first girl's championship in 2022 and 2023. With an increase in athletes,...