Opinions - Pathfinder

The current map of Russia is superimposed over a map of the USSR, its past incarnation

Will Gonsior, Opinions Editor • May 28, 2024

A fallen hero As of April 27, U.S. intelligence has determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin probably didn’t order the...

Sophomore Zoya Hasan holds up the Pathfinder’s Gold Crown award while senior Sakenah Lajkem sulks in the corner. Lajkem was affected by the zero-sum mindset, for she believed she couldn’t be as successful as the other writers on the Pathfinder. “The zero-sum mindset creates jealousy. It makes people think they can’t succeed unless someone else fails,” Lakjem said.

A step towards the future: Abandoning the zero-sum attitude

Ruthvi Tadakamalla, Sports Editor • May 23, 2024

With the pressure of success on every student’s back, it’s sometimes hard to imagine that inner peace can exist. Looming college decisions...

Since the Supreme Court’s repeal of the federal law protecting a women’s fundamental right to abortion, many states have begun to restrict access to or even ban abortion. On June 24th, 2022, Missouri was one of many states to move to ban abortion. “Missouri is giving fetuses more rights than humans who’ve been on this world for many years. If someone [wants] to have an abortion because of whatever [reason], it should be their choice. You don't know why they're in that position and you don't know why they need an abortion,” senior Mars Allendorph said.

Revoked: The life-or-death nature of abortion rights

Lauren Holcomb, Staff Writer • May 14, 2024

Disclaimer: This article mentions abortion, sexual assault, incest and abuse On Feb. 7, Missouri senators voted against an amendment that...

Company marketing for gifts and cards during Mother’s Day and Father’s Day depicts the differences associated with the holidays. In order to capitalize on profit, large companies often include stereotype-reinforcing marketing behind parental celebration products: Mother’s Day sales typically prioritize jewelry and clothing, complete with heartfelt messages about childcare, while Father’s Day gifts tend to illustrate the father in a less serious, paternal light. “In terms of emails around those holidays, I typically get more Mother's Day [marketing] from florists or from whatever places I've shopped at online. I tend to see more in terms of advertising and marketing,” English teacher Casey Holland said.

One month apart, 60 years behind

Risa Cidoni, Editor-in-Chief • May 13, 2024

On the second Sunday in May of every year, families gather to celebrate the strong women who brought children into the world and tended to the...

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MONTHLY EDITORIALS

Like many students, sophomore Medina Nanic experiences pressure to do well in school. Through continuous success and achievements, West has developed a high academic standard for students. “Because we’re seen as one [of] the better schools, we have higher standards than the [schools] who aren’t ranked as high. There’s a lot of pressure on students to do [well] and live up to those standards,” Nanic said.

Under the weight of "obligation"

Pathfinder Editorial Board • May 24, 2024

West has a history of academic excellence — a fact that is well-known and often appreciated by students. Ranked fourth out of all public high...

In the 1950s, the first recorded spikes in global temperatures were recorded, and ever since, Earth has been in the midst of a disastrous climate crisis, as rising temperatures wreak havoc on susceptible regions and destroy animal habitats worldwide. Junior Nidhi Pejathaya helped found West’s Sustainability Council to create a space where students can educate themselves about climate change and do their part to preserve the environment. “When you're going out of your way to recycle [or] reuse your clothes to save water, you're saving people. You're saving adults, you're saving families, you're saving children. You're saving a whole generation. Just because we don't see it doesn't mean it's not happening,” Pejathaya said.

The green generation

Pathfinder Editorial Board • April 22, 2024

April 22. Earth Day. A celebration of our planet and its incredible biodiversity. But take a peek at recent news headlines, and the only thing...

Across the United States, state Congresses have seen an uptick in bills aiming to further particular political ideologies in the classrooms, which raises concerns about the place of political battles within classrooms. In Dec. 2023, Francis Howell School District’s School Board in St. Charles County voted to pull two elective courses centered around Black history from the curriculum, later stating that the courses could possibly return if they adhered to the board’s definition of “politically neutral.” The case of Francis Howell School District and their rescinding of legitimate classes centered around topics of political interest is just another example of thinly-veiled censorship that has become increasingly popular throughout the country within the past half-decade.

Classrooms should not be political battlefields

Pathfinder Editorial Board • March 31, 2024

Parkway was recently placed in the hot seat when Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent a cease and desist accusing the district of religious...

As students approach adulthood, it is essential for them to learn about the status quo from all perspectives possible. While in school, students have opportunities to engage in activities, discussions and lessons to enhance their knowledge. “People will be afraid to speak out on their political views if they know that those around them disagree with them, but we definitely talk about political issues around school. We encourage people to share different political views and make sure that no one is excluded,” sophomore Ryan Shabani said.

Drivers of change: Society’s role in the generational influence of politics

Pathfinder Editorial Board • February 29, 2024

Make America Great Again. Finish the Job. Everyone’s Invited. Make America Normal Again. Declare Your Independence. With the 2024 presidential...

Three trophies in the colors pink, gold and blue are centered in the image. A yellow background is covered in text highlighting key moments from Jo Koy's Golden Globes monologue.

And the award goes to… patriarchy, again

Pathfinder Editorial Board • January 31, 2024

It’s award season. From the paparazzi clamoring for celebrity photos to internet debacles over the best-dressed attendees or the works that...

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