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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

Wrapping gifts and organizing supplies, sophomore Rachel Deadwyler, junior Johnathan Stephens and senior Brandi Beaubien set up for Marketing II's holiday wrapping event. Community members have the opportunity to bring the gifts for marketing and DECA students to wrap in exchange for a donation to the Day of Service programming. "For parents who are really busy this time of year, it's really helpful for them to just be able to drop off gifts. It relieves a lot of stress and it's for a really good cause," Beaubien said.

Marketing students DECA the halls with holiday gift wrapping event

Sabrina Bohn, Managing Editor-in-Chief December 1, 2017

To get into the holiday spirit and help out the community, DECA, along with Marketing II students, are doing a holiday gift wrapping event Dec. 5-7. “Community members will bring unwrapped gifts to...

Global Goodies employees stand outside the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge to get some fresh air before the oral presentation. The team placed first. "I think we won the business plan because of our extensive knowledge of the real world subscription box industry, and we were able to respond to any challenges the judges presented with concrete evidence," senior Jack Gieseking.

Virtual Enterprise students launch Global Goodies corporation

Blakely Gibeaut, Convergent Media Writer November 30, 2017

It all began with a hungry belly and a need for food. What started as an idea became a business plan, a web page, and an international subscription box business. Sixteen high school student employees are...

Rose poses with her sister, alumna Maddie Rose in front of the Mizzou columns. Both of the Rose sisters attended Mizzou. "I spent my first year teaching in Columbia, Missouri because I was participating in a Master’s Degree program through the University of Missouri," Rose Said.

English teacher Taylor Rose returns to West

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER November 29, 2017

Pathfinder: What got you interested in teaching? Rose: “I have always wanted to be a teacher, as so many empowering women in my family have served as teachers. From playing school with my cousins...

During a workday, Adam Johnson and Boy Scout Troop 631 help Gateway Off-Road Cyclists  on the Rock Hollow trail in Wildwood. Trail builders use a variety of tools, like the “pulaski” (axe-pick mix).

Senior Adam Johnson helps Gateway Off-Road Cyclists build biking trail

Peyton Gaskill, STAFF WRITER November 28, 2017

People of all ages enjoy walks in the woods and exciting bike rides through the hills year round, but the hard work that goes into the construction of those paths is not widely known. Senior Adam Johnson has...

Getting to know teacher assistant Erin Fitzsimmons

Getting to know teacher assistant Erin Fitzsimmons

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER November 28, 2017

Pathfinder: What is your job? Fitzsimmons: “I am a study hall teacher and interventionist, though my official title is teaching assistant.” Is this your first time doing this? “Not exactly,...

Standing up in her new chair, Kathryn collaborates with senior Junior Lopez during cooking mentor class, using her “talker.” Her new chair has made it easier for her to have conversations with her peers. “I’m learning to drive it by myself,” Kerckhoff said.

Senior Kathryn Kerckhoff sports her new ride

Claire Smout, AWARDS COORDINATOR November 21, 2017

A brand new Permobil F5 VS powerchair has been a life changer for senior Kathryn Kerckhoff. Kathryn, who has epilepsy and cerebral palsy, received the new wheelchair in July that allows her to stand up....

With plenty of makeup work to do after her week of recovery, Senior Kaleigh Stanfield looks through her AP Psychology review book and holds the pillow she was given by the hospital after surgery to her rib. “The pillow helps to compress the area where the rib was taken out,” Stanfield said.

Senior Kaleigh Stanfield overcomes another rare injury

Hannah Hoffmann, TECHNICAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF November 17, 2017

Juggling five different orders at once, senior Kaleigh Stanfield handles a midday coffee rush with practiced ease. The change comes when she has to lean out the drive through window: there is a pop, a...

Preparing for a round with his debate partner Cheryl Ma, senior Ryan O’Connor studies information he has researched. Being partners for only one year, they placed first in districts and went to Nationals in the 2016-2017 school year. “Cheryl is the love of my life. She has made it bearable. Working with her has helped me re-find my passion,” O’Connor said.

Senior Ryan O’Connor reaches 1,000 debate points after three years

Katie Spillman, PHOTO EDITOR November 17, 2017

Over the course of three years, senior Ryan O'Connor has accomplished something that many debate students hope to achieve. He is the first student this year to be a Quad Ruby competitor, which means that...

Music teacher Brian Parrish instructs the concert choir on facial expressions. Parrish has been singing since his childhood. “Voice is my primary instrument, always has been, but I’m also a jazz pianist—I can manage my way around that pretty well,” Parrish said.

Music teacher Brian Parrish inspires student musicians

Maria Newton, FEATURES EDITOR November 14, 2017

Inspired by his own instructors, music teacher Brian Parrish uses his charisma and passion for music to influence all types of young musicians. Although no one in his immediate family is a musician...

Freshman Emma Roth dances in black Adidas-wear behind varsity in orange at the homecoming game. Roth performed a back handspring during the dance. "Gymnastics helped me become more flexible," Roth said. "I also used leaps and jumps a lot which are similar in gymnastics and poms."

Freshman Emma Roth brings flips to the poms team

Leah Selm, Staff Writer November 14, 2017

After retiring from gymnastics, freshman Emma Roth decided to use her skills in gymnastics to help her on the poms team. Since she was 2 years old, Emma had done gymnastics and was on competitive teams...