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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

Junior Will Gonsior lies down on a pile of money, an opportunity gained by allowing the Pathfinder to use his name, image and likeness. Accusations of corruption and misconduct have revealed just how easily the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) lets money pile up where it doesn’t belong. “[The NCAA] is a business, so they're trying to win games. No matter the sport, they're trying to be the most successful that they can,” varsity football coach and physical education teacher Jeff Duncan said.

Foul play: Amateurism or a collegiate cartel?

Will Gonsior and Ruthvi Tadakamalla January 8, 2024

With over 1000 participating colleges and almost half a million young adults under its umbrella, the National Collegiate Athletics Association pledges to inspire and support its “student-athletes.”...

For the past three years, Parkway has administered high school finals after winter break, a practice that proves to be detrimental to the success as well as the mental health of students. With finals after break appearing to do more harm than good, the question of what changes can be made arises time and time again. “The pressure for finals is difficult, and to have that [pressure for] a few weeks because you're on [a] break can make you generally sad. It's a bummer in general. I wish [finals] were before break, so we [could] have a break to sleep, celebrate and not study. Everyone I've talked to about it is like 'yeah, finals sucks,' and I wish that wasn't a thing,” junior Meadow Kostial said.

Post-break panic

The problem Beginning in the 2020-21 school year, a new schedule — pushing back the academic year and shifting finals to after winter break — was adopted district-wide. From students to teachers,...

Junior Esta Kamau and senior Natalie Lashly lean towards each other on stage while they sing, holding out white fans in front of them.

Scenes and songs

Serena Liu and Keira Lang January 4, 2024

A scrapbook-style graphic that reads "Pathfinder Favs."

Pathfinder’s 2023 favorites

Lauren Holcomb, Staff Writer January 3, 2024

Dozens of important world events happen every year, yet frequently we find years less defined by political developments but instead by cultural ones. The 1920s, in most minds, aren’t associated with...

2023 was defined by female vocalists such as Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Paramore’s Hayley Williams as their diversity and talent amongst their respective genres topped the musical charts. Williams took to Instagram to show her gratitude for having owned the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top 100 chart. “We know enough by now to know success doesn’t equal value. That being said, to experience the [No. 1] on this album, as this version of Paramore, is such a sweet and surreal moment to celebrate together,” Williams wrote.

A musical recap of 2023

Mikalah Owens, Staff Writer December 19, 2023

While living in a time where creativity can be dull or hard to find in music, 2023 managed to highlight some of the biggest moments in several artists’ careers. Though there were monumental accomplishments...

“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” has been credited as one of the most influential albums of all time. In “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” the genres of hip hop, neo soul and R&B are blurred, but this experimentative sound is also what makes the album work so well.

Twenty-five years later: “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” is a shining beacon of once-in-a-lifetime talent

Elizabeth Franklin, Editor-in-Chief December 4, 2023

On August 25, 1998, singer and rapper Lauryn Hill released her debut album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” following a series of circumstances in her life, including her pregnancy, her departure...

Since its introduction and subsequent explosion on the world stage, social media has proven to be a detriment to the fight against misinformation and fake news in the media because of its targeted marketed tactics and abuse of unified communities. This being said, taking responsibility over what you consume online and deciding whether or not it’s true is crucial. “It’s important to notice that [the spread of misinformation through social media] is happening, and as a teacher, media literacy is so important to teach,” journalism teacher Lindsey Katz said.

Untangling the web

Pathfinder Editorial Board November 30, 2023

From accidentally misprinted dates on invitations to wrongly heard rumors, we are all constantly in a battle searching for the truth. In our current world of hyper-interactivity and our acute obsession...

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 Dana Zafarani poses in paint reading “Women, Life, Freedom” and “#BarayeAzadi” as a protest against the Iranian government. The experiences of Iranian women inspired Zafarani to assist in any effort to protect women’s rights. “The world should live in peace. Every woman deserves to be equal. Every woman deserves love [and] kindness,” Zafarani said.

Woman, Life, Freedom

Will Gonsior, Opinions/A&E Editor November 14, 2023

An oppressive republic On Sept. 16, 2022, Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini passed away in custody of the Iranian government. Amini had been arrested three days earlier for improperly wearing her hijab. Although...