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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

Adding a tray of canned corn to the pile, junior Michael Collop assists in transporting donations for the Holiday Food Drive. The event, hosted schoolwide from Dec. 10-17, raised over 5,000 food items to deliver to the Parkway Food Pantry, helping several families in need. "[The drive] is a great thing for us to do because you're giving to those who are less fortunate, and it helps provide for people who can't provide for themselves. [The] competition is always fun, too. It was fun to be in [social studies teacher Jeff] Chazen’s class, because he always gets worked up over [the competition]. He made it exciting, and was always convincing us to turn in cans for the drive,” Collop said.
Competition for a cause: Social studies department marks success in Holiday Food Drive efforts
Risa Cidoni, Editor-in-Chief • December 19, 2024

When holiday spirit meets fierce competition, West High’s social studies department turns giving into a game. This year’s season of giving brought West High’s 12th year of decking...

Raising his arm for a high five, freshman Abram Brazier plays with Early Childhood Center students during his first visit of the semester. Brazier joined his assigned class during their designated outdoor time. “[Child Development] gives me experience with how to talk [to] kids. We read them a book so knowing how to talk to them [was helpful]. Most of the [preschoolers] just came right up to us [and] played around,” Brazier said.
From one classroom to another: A look inside Child Development’s curriculum
Payton Dean, Staff Writer • January 13, 2025

Laughter and screams echo as students thunder across the playground in a game of tag. Despite the large age gap between high schoolers and preschoolers, they play together...

Principal John McCabe announces that Jeffrey Chazen has won Teacher of the Year. Chazen was discussing freedom of speech with his AP Government class when the door opened and administrators rushed in. “[I was] extremely happy and humbled, but mostly shock[ed]. I've been here longer than any other teacher, so I know most of the people on the list of Teachers of the Year, and they are amazing teachers themselves,” Chazen said. “It's just nice to be on the list with them, including [social studies teacher Kristen] Collins, who is the only other social studies teacher who has won Teacher of the Year. It was nice to bring something back to the social studies department.”
Social studies teacher Jeffrey Chazen wins 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year
Triya Gudipati, Sage Kelly, Gabbie Kerber, Isaiah Meese, and Cindy Phung December 13, 2024

With administrators funneling into the classroom, confusion and surprise swept over the face of Jeffrey Chazen and those of his AP Government students. On Wednesday, during...

Going up to a customer, junior and FBLA member Grace Garetson sells Waterway coupons. Garetson has been a part of FBLA for one year and enjoyed participating in FBLA’s fundraiser and competition. “The competition reminded me of when I was a Girl Scout and I sold Girl Scout cookies, except this was a lot more important because I had to sell coupons to earn money for our competitions,” Garetson said.
Believing in Business: FBLA hosts Waterway fundraiser competition
Ruthvi Tadakamalla, Sports/Newsletter Editor • December 2, 2024

From Oct.1 to Nov. 12, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) hosted a Waterway Carwash fundraiser by selling coupons. Members of FBLA participated in the fundraiser...

Kicking off dress rehearsal, Mr. Longhorn contestant and senior Carson Hughes goes over the group routine alongside other competitors. With just two days of practice, all participants learned the entirety of their introductory dance, chose an occupation to embody and crafted skits for the show. “The best part of this [whole thing] was learning the dance and just practicing with the guys. We [have to] try not to laugh the whole time, but we're having a lot of fun,” Hughes said.
A tradition almost lost
Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • November 20, 2024

On Thursday Nov. 21, nine senior boys will go head to head, competing for the coveted title of Mr. Longhorn. One of the most prominent events integrated into student life,...

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Latin students pose for a group photo in front of historical ruins in Italy. From March 13 to March 23, the Latin department traversed cities in Italy to immerse students in an educational experience of a lifetime. “I enjoyed being able to learn about the different cultures. [The trip] encouraged me to see other people's lifestyle and learn more about different histories,” senior Suraiya Saroar said.
Tourist adventures: Latin students explore Italy
Keira Lang and Zoya Hasan April 3, 2024

From March 13 to March 23, Latin students from a combination of three Parkway schools —West, South, and Central— went on a 10-day trip to Italy. The group consisted of...

From Jan. 22 through Feb. 1, Parkway West High is displaying a wide array of art pieces made by students ranging from elementary to high school. All classes were represented on the displays in both the art wing and the main foyer of the school. “[Art] benefits me because in the middle of a busy day. I can just relax and have some fun doing art and it makes me happy. I think it's important that you show art in the art show so that people can get inspired by it and be inspired to create their own pieces; it’s really impactful,” sophomore Dhiya Prasanna said.
Brushstrokes of brilliance: Parkway West Regional Art Show returns
Keira Lang and Zoya Hasan February 1, 2024

From Jan. 22 through Feb. 1, Parkway West High holds one of the two biggest art shows in the Parkway West region, the other being at Queeny Park. The art show brings talented...

Preparing for A.P. U.S. History test, Senior Chris Gray opens the preamble of the U.S. Constitution to review the six goals of the Consitution. Taking U.S. history has always been a graduation requirement in schools. “It is essential for everyone to learn about the constitution, because it is important to know your rights,” Gray said. “Even though the original Constitution was written in 1787, and the American landscape has changed from a predominantly farming society to a digital/technological one, our constitution is very relevant today as it was 239 years ago because our rights are the same.”
Students reflect on Constitution, rights in digital age
Raj Jaladi, Newsletter Editor/Data Analyst • December 21, 2023

The U.S.Supreme Court ruled on two cases earlier this year involving rights on digital space. On October 31, the Court heard arguments on two cases — Lindke v. Freed and...

Sophomore Sravya Guda stands outside in a saree, lighting a firecracker at nighttime.
Festival of lights: Celebrating diversity within Diwali
Keira Lang and Zoya Hasan December 4, 2023

Once a year, the dark sky fills with the sound of laughter and the popping of firecrackers as family and friends come together to shine up the night with sparkling lights...

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