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
Junior TJ Polack plays his saxophone solo at halftime for the 2024 marching band show, ‘Coloring Book.’ This year, Polack was one of two soloists in the marching band. “[Polack] is very hard on himself. [His saxophone solo] sounds amazing [and] everyone [cheers] for him; [still], somehow, he thinks it’s a bad performance and he's down. What he does is not easy. It takes a lot of confidence as a person [and] a lot of musical skill to be expressive, and he's doing an amazing job,” drum major and senior Dominic Perez said. (Courtesy of Christina Block)

The long run

Sage Kelly, Features/News Editor • November 6, 2024

On Oct. 10, as the bustling crowd in the football stadium applauded, junior TJ Polack took his place on stage during halftime to deliver his solo. The applause died down as the 2024 marching band show...

Blending together a concoction for a science experiment, science teacher Joel Anderson scares his students by bringing excitement and thrill into his classroom for his annual Halloween show. It took about six weeks for Anderson to set up his classroom for the show. “It’s pure terror. I came up with this idea a couple decades ago to do something fun for Halloween. So I pretend to be this mad scientist [that creates] a Frankenstein-like creature [with the class], learning a little bit of science along the way and [then ending] with a laser show. It’s just for fun; entertainment value,” Anderson said.

Haunting highlights

Yein Ahn and Esta Kamau • November 1, 2024

Senior Sally Peters stands in the history hallway, contemplating her choices in the 2024 United States and Missouri elections on Nov. 5. As a member of Diplomacy Club, Peters has discussed key candidates and issues in contemporary American politics. “[As students], we're starting to become adults. We're realizing how much the policies that are enforced and the laws that make it through the House and Senate are starting to affect us. [Opportunities such as] AP [U.S.Government] and Diplomacy Club [make elections feel] a lot more real,” Diplomacy Club vice president and senior Nidhisha Pejathaya said.

Activity across ages: Generational differences in political engagement

Pathfinder Editorial Board • October 31, 2024

A range of cultural icons stretching from Tupac Shakur to Greta Thunberg have commented on how younger generations are, in their eyes, more activist, more open to change and more willing to work to make...

Behind the lens

Esta Kamau, Features/Humans of West Editor • October 11, 2024

Whether it’s in class, at home or online, students are exposed to politics wherever they go. The ability to speak out on topics has been discouraged for years which has led to ramifications on individuals, communities and the workings of democracy throughout the government. “We should be able to talk about our views, we should be having conversations that can move society forward. Walking on eggshells is making us complacent, and it’s becoming a big problem,” senior Jamie Tiemeier said.

Let’s talk politics

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • October 11, 2024

Kamala or Trump. Democratic or Republican. Pro-choice or Pro-life. As campaigning for the 2024 presidential election reaches its end, society is left more polarized than ever before. With over 81% of citizens...

As the leaves turn orange, the weather gets colder and a vivid cinnamon and pumpkin scent wafts in the air, you know fall is approaching.

Fall favorites: Essentials for the perfect season

Niharika Vaidya, Staff Writer • October 10, 2024

Dressed in West High’s signature red and Carolina blue jerseys, the eighth grade (left) and varsity (right) football teams take the field for their respective home openers. Varsity played on Aug. 30, and the eighth graders on Sept. 7. “Each year brings new excitement and a new challenge. Bringing everyone together to work to achieve one common goal is something that is exciting each and every year,” physical education teacher and varsity football head coach Jeff Duncan said. (Payton Dean and Nikhita Cherukuri)

Kickoff to high school season

Payton Dean, Opinions Editor • September 26, 2024

Feet stomping. Hands clapping. Arms rolling. “Everybody rumble!” The fan favorite cheer, dubbed the ‘Longhorn Rumble,’ echoes through the air during a fall football weekend where the Longhorns...

Horns up West High!

Best of Homecoming spirit week 2024

Esta Kamau, Noor Hacking, and Yein Ahn • September 24, 2024

On “The Joshua Tree,” U2 expressed their love for the ideals that founded the United States — and their disappointment with our country’s efforts to live up to those values. The album outlines the stark difference between America as popularly conceived and America in reality, reminding the country that we have a long way to go but delivering a hopeful message about our ability to get there.

The two Americas

Will Gonsior, Opinions/A&E Editor • September 24, 2024

Political. Religious. Activist. “The Two Americas” renamed as a National Park. U2’s career-defining album “The Joshua Tree” has a message that transcends their music — but also music that transcends...

Senior Griffin Beno waits in the counseling hub. Students were allowed to visit counselors without an appointment on Aug. 15 and 16 to adjust their schedules, resulting in long wait times. “There [were] not as many [people at open hours last year], but I think that was because we didn't get the word out as well,” counselor Jen Wibbenmeyer said.

Plan period alignment: Productive or disruptive?

Will Gonsior, Opinions/A&E Editor • September 20, 2024

Background Students traversing the hallways of West High — with a hall pass, of course — are liable to see a new sight this school year. One of our school’s many subject wings will be packed with...

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