The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

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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
December 2, 2024
Following his victory, Mr. Longhorn and senior Henry Wild gets lifted up by fellow senior contestants in a moment of celebration. After making it into the top three of nine competitors, Wild responded to an interview question posed by senior class principal Beth Aromando to cinch the victory. “Being up there with all the boys when they're picking me up and throwing me around was a fun time. I didn't participate to win; I just did it to have fun with them,” Wild said.
And the winner is…
November 22, 2024
Striking a pose following their group dance, the 2024 Mr. Longhorn contestants welcome their audience to the show. Throughout the night, the nine competitors participated in an occupational section, skits for the talent portion and a fashion attire show before finalists were interviewed. “It's a fun time getting to hang out with my friends and doing [our] acts. I think I'm most excited for my performance with [seniors Bart Connors, Gavin Hamlin and Colin Hughes]. I like that I get to dance a little bit. I don't think I'm very good, but I'm gonna try my best to put on a show,” contestant and senior Henry Wild said.
Meet the competition
November 21, 2024
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
November 21, 2024
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
November 1, 2024
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
April 3, 2024
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
February 1, 2024
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
December 21, 2023
Sophomore Sravya Guda stands outside in a saree, lighting a firecracker at nighttime.
Festival of lights: Celebrating diversity within Diwali
December 4, 2023
a person holding skittles
Colorful chaos
November 13, 2023
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
December 2, 2024
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
November 21, 2024
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
November 1, 2024
Voter registration is open for November’s presidential election through Oct. 9. On Oct. 2, students at West High were able to receive assistance with online registration in the library. “When I went into the library to [register to] vote, [librarian] Lauren Reusch made completing my registration very easy and clear. It’s important to learn about voting and it’s important that schools help with voter registration, because it can be confusing for first-time voters,” senior Gianna Lionelli said.
Countdown to Election Day
October 3, 2024
From April 24 to May 3, students in the Parkway West Spanish club sold woven bracelets called ‘Pulseras.’ Pieces were sold outside of the cafeteria by Spanish club members. “It's my way of giving back. It's just a cool project in general for students to be exposed to a nonprofit organization that's not in the U.S. and deals with other cultures and other countries,” Spanish club sponsor Dominique Navarro said.
Pulsera power: Spanish Club’s mission to make a difference
May 13, 2024
Surrounded by teammates, junior Katie Byergo is coached by Susan Anderson during a team huddle between sets. Anderson told the team that their energy was lacking, and the team needed to start getting excited about every point. "Cheering on my teammates is something I love to do. Celebrating their success over mine- it's my team over myself," Byergo said.
Beyond the net
November 14, 2024
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.
The long run
November 6, 2024
Junior Sravya Guda dances at Clayton High School to showcase her debut performance: the arangetram. The performance was the culmination of years of effort and preparation from Guda “This was my first time performing with a live orchestra. Usually, in St. Louis, a lot of students don't perform with a live orchestra for everyday events. If you're in India, it's a norm that you perform with a live orchestra, but it's harder to find here,” Guda said.
Blending worlds together
October 10, 2024
Sophomore Isaiah Meese smiles after his Eagle Scout Ceremony. Meese has participated in the scouting program since first grade, learning new aspects of life and growing a community of a second family. “I almost didn’t do [boy scouting], but I'm glad I eventually did start doing it. I regret that I wasn't [working towards Eagle Scout during COVID]. It might not always seem like the most rewarding thing, but if you put your time into it, there's a good chance you'll get quite a lot out of it: friends, new activities and hobbies, or just more experience,” Meese said.
The eagle’s flight
October 4, 2024
Junior Justin Lutz arranges his collection of basketball sports cards. Lutz started his first hand at entrepreneurship with an online store on eBay, dealing and trading in the sports card market. “I was already collecting sports cards [before], so I knew a lot of these players and I understood the market. I ventured into other sports, but I really stayed with the ones that I knew the most, [like] basketball. It’s really important to focus on what you know because it's so much easier than starting completely from scratch in a market that you don't understand. Find something that you're interested in," Lutz said.
Getting down to business
September 26, 2024
Surrounded by teammates, junior Katie Byergo is coached by Susan Anderson during a team huddle between sets. Anderson told the team that their energy was lacking, and the team needed to start getting excited about every point. "Cheering on my teammates is something I love to do. Celebrating their success over mine- it's my team over myself," Byergo said.
Beyond the net
November 14, 2024
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.
The long run
November 6, 2024
Junior Sravya Guda dances at Clayton High School to showcase her debut performance: the arangetram. The performance was the culmination of years of effort and preparation from Guda “This was my first time performing with a live orchestra. Usually, in St. Louis, a lot of students don't perform with a live orchestra for everyday events. If you're in India, it's a norm that you perform with a live orchestra, but it's harder to find here,” Guda said.
Blending worlds together
October 10, 2024
Sophomore Isaiah Meese smiles after his Eagle Scout Ceremony. Meese has participated in the scouting program since first grade, learning new aspects of life and growing a community of a second family. “I almost didn’t do [boy scouting], but I'm glad I eventually did start doing it. I regret that I wasn't [working towards Eagle Scout during COVID]. It might not always seem like the most rewarding thing, but if you put your time into it, there's a good chance you'll get quite a lot out of it: friends, new activities and hobbies, or just more experience,” Meese said.
The eagle’s flight
October 4, 2024
Standing in front of the American Sign Language program’s mural, junior Brooke Hoenecke signs with freshman Darren Young. Hoenecke began cadet teaching for ASL this year alongside working towards earning her seal of biliteracy. “I was in ASL class when I received the email [that I qualified for the seal]. I was jumping up and down with my teacher and the rest of the class. One of the reasons why I took cadet teaching this year was so that I could prepare for the Seal of Biliteracy and be immersed in ASL,” Hoenecke said.
Fluent in silence
May 29, 2024
Business and personal finance teacher Evan Stern stands in front of his classroom. After facing hardships growing up, Stern learned how to deal with them with the help of role models like his dad. “We dealt with some trauma when I was in middle school, and my dad had to be responsible for all three of us while he was working full-time. I know he had to sacrifice a lot. I'm sure it was really hard for him, but looking back on it, he did a really good job . I didn't appreciate everything that he did at the time because I was so young. Now, I'm engaged and probably going to have kids of my own in the next couple of years so I [am starting] to look at things differently,” Stern said.
Flashback Friday: Business and personal finance teacher Evan Stern
February 9, 2024
Holding his two smiling daughters in his arms, Principal John McCabe celebrates earning his doctorate degree. He attended Maryville University for two years and reached his goal of achieving a Doctor of Education: Educational Leadership degree after months upon months of hard work and long nights. “I'm not going to lie, I'm glad I have another night of my life back when I'm not at school till very late,” McCabe said. “I can spend more time with my family and with my friends [who] are here at [West]. I'm really happy about that.”
Principal prodigy: Now Dr. John McCabe
January 30, 2024
Art teacher Katy Mangrich sits in her classroom, smiling for a picture. During her time in high school, Mangrich learned several lessons that she now passes on to her son. “The biggest life lesson that I learned is honesty. I wouldn't say I was the best teenager, but I learned very quickly in high school to always be forthcoming and honest with my parents because it always ended up serving me better in the long run. [My parents] might have been upset with me [and the mistake I made], but I wasn't going down the rabbit hole of a lie because that was just going to get me into more trouble,” Mangrich said. “I passed [that lesson] along to my nephew. Honesty is always your best approach; just don’t lie. I say that to my son all the time. There's no advantage to lying, [and] that's a huge takeaway [from] how my parents raised me.”
Flashback Friday: Art teacher Katy Mangrich
January 26, 2024
Social studies teacher Aaron Bashirian smiles in front of his classroom. Bashirian didn’t know he wanted to be a teacher from early on, but he found the choice to be a good one. “I started [teaching] because there was an opportunity for me to experiment with it. Fortunately, [teaching] was a good choice. In 2012, I became a teacher at Parkway at the Alternative Discipline Center, which is where they send suspended kids to keep being educated if they choose. I spent six years there and then I got drafted to West, [where] I've been for about six years,” Bashirian said.
Flashback Friday: Social studies teacher Aaron Bashirian
January 12, 2024
English teacher Angela Frye stands behind her desk in her classroom. Frye went through a lot of personal struggles to get to where she is today, and with each step in her life, she carries her gratitude for those obstacles. “Everything happens for a reason. I believe in [the concept of] good energy, good karma, [from] being a good person. Those are things I don't take lightly. [Struggles] build character. You really appreciate everything you have when you have to work for everything you have,” Frye said.
Flashback Friday: English teacher Angela Frye
November 24, 2023
Despite the numerous health and ethical concerns of energy drinks, popular influencers still flood their social media platforms with numerous posts, and drinks sell out as energy drink companies continue dropping new flavors. The energy drink industry, worth an estimated $99 billion, has maintained a large growth rate, yet is no stranger to controversy. “[The] curiosity of teens needs to be considered. Showing them other alternatives that are safer — like a small cup of coffee — or having them research and discover on their own [would be safer,]" health teacher Jessica Wheeler said.
Problematic partnerships: popular promotions of energy drinks
November 7, 2024
Checking out a customer, senior Shirah Ramaji works behind the counter at CVS Pharmacy. Ramaji believes in the passing of Proposition A during the 2024 election to help uplift minimum wage workers. “I’m going to college next year, and it’s going to be very expensive. It’s infeasible to work long hours to get just a little bit of money,” Ramaji said.
Shifting the baseline
November 4, 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
October 31, 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
October 11, 2024
Mounting school pressure can leave many students overworked and overstressed. Schools must give students the necessary resources to help assuage student mental health issues and prevent the development of serious crises. “The biggest thing [schools] can do [to protect student mental health] is offer more time [to do work], like a study hall, or offer more support from teachers so that students don't feel stressed out and can get help in areas that they need,” senior Bhavya Gupta said.
Stressed without support
September 30, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump has big plans to change the American education system, promising to dismantle the Department of Education and to restrict federal funding toward schools teaching about critical race theory or gender identity. In our increasingly polarized nation, we need public schools to create educated citizens with critical thinking skills and uncensored history knowledge.“It's almost disgusting how both Democrats and Republicans have politicized getting an education on different cultures and races' history in America. If the schools have the resources and the teachers to be teaching these classes, then they should be strongly encouraged, if not required to be learning this information in a non-political way,” senior Gianna Lionelli said.
Now what?
November 30, 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
October 31, 2024
Mounting school pressure can leave many students overworked and overstressed. Schools must give students the necessary resources to help assuage student mental health issues and prevent the development of serious crises. “The biggest thing [schools] can do [to protect student mental health] is offer more time [to do work], like a study hall, or offer more support from teachers so that students don't feel stressed out and can get help in areas that they need,” senior Bhavya Gupta said.
Stressed without support
September 30, 2024
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”
May 24, 2024
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
April 22, 2024
Sixpence None The Richer guitarist Matt Slocum met vocalist Leigh Nash in New Braunfels, Texas. Their new EP, “Rosemary Hill,” is named after the street Slocum grew up on and takes inspiration from his and Nash’s childhoods.
Return to roots
October 23, 2024
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
October 10, 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
September 24, 2024
Throughout the year, the Pathfinder has welcomed an excellent addition of new stories to our site. Certain stories have especially caught viewers’ and writers’ eyes: take a look at this year’s extraordinary articles in the 2023-2024 Pathfinder Wrapped.
2023-2024 Pathfinder Wrapped
May 30, 2024
Resting on a map of Gaza, surrounded by a littering of lyric cutouts from the recently released diss tracks from rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar, sits a phone playing rapper Macklemore’s newest single “Hind’s Hall.” Dedicated to student protesters in the United States and current victims of the conflict in Gaza, the song addressed national leaders who ignore the current conflict as well as the public community in a message of resistance. “Art, in its purest form, is resistance. Art, in its purest form, is from the heart, and it connects with people. It brings people together. The day that I stop following my heart and talking about things in the world that matter is the day that I don’t need to be on stage anymore. Today is not that day,” Macklemore announced at a live concert in Wellington, New Zealand on March 13.
Music for a movement
May 29, 2024
Sixpence None The Richer guitarist Matt Slocum met vocalist Leigh Nash in New Braunfels, Texas. Their new EP, “Rosemary Hill,” is named after the street Slocum grew up on and takes inspiration from his and Nash’s childhoods.
Return to roots
October 23, 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
September 24, 2024
Resting on a map of Gaza, surrounded by a littering of lyric cutouts from the recently released diss tracks from rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar, sits a phone playing rapper Macklemore’s newest single “Hind’s Hall.” Dedicated to student protesters in the United States and current victims of the conflict in Gaza, the song addressed national leaders who ignore the current conflict as well as the public community in a message of resistance. “Art, in its purest form, is resistance. Art, in its purest form, is from the heart, and it connects with people. It brings people together. The day that I stop following my heart and talking about things in the world that matter is the day that I don’t need to be on stage anymore. Today is not that day,” Macklemore announced at a live concert in Wellington, New Zealand on March 13.
Music for a movement
May 29, 2024
Though the 13 year anticipation of graduation has finally culminated to its climax, the conflicted emotional baggage that comes along with it hasn’t settled down just yet. With one final summer left with the class of 2024, reminiscing in the good times, while making memories and preparing for the future, the tracks associated with the season are bound to become, in the words of singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, “Future Nostalgia.” So blast that song, scream that tune and anything else that’ll solidify the moments and memories made with the graduated seniors.
You’re gonna go far
May 20, 2024
Students’ favorite songs from the Greek, Urdu, Telugu, Haitian Creole, Cuban Spanish and Sanskrit languages.
FINAL six songs for your international playlist
May 16, 2024
Marking the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year, 2024’s color is revealed: Peach Fuzz.
Stay peachy
February 28, 2024
Students’ favorite songs from the Korean, Bengali, Vietnamese, Russian, Tamil and Farsi languages.
Six MORE songs for your international playlist
January 29, 2024
(Photo from Netflix) Jackie Howard stands in between brothers Alex Walter and Cole Walter as they fight to win her love. The love triangle looks to continue with Netflix’s recent renewal of the teen drama show for a second season.
Like every other teen drama: “My Life With the Walter Boys”
January 23, 2024
To showcase the diversity of West High, six students come forward to share parts of their own culture with the school by sharing their favorite songs in Hindi, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, Mandarin and Arabic.
Six songs for your international playlist
January 12, 2024
A scrapbook-style graphic that reads "Pathfinder Favs."
Pathfinder’s 2023 favorites
January 3, 2024
Eyes glued to his sheet music, senior Andrew Gillies accompanies the Jazz Band as the pianist. During the annual Winter Jazz Concert, Gillies was chosen to improvise a solo during the song, “T.J. Boogie.” ¨I love concerts [because of] how the audience reacts, and just the stage lights [shining on me],¨ Gillies said.
From practice to performance
November 22, 2024
Athletes of West: Junior Leyton Usry
Athletes of West: Junior Leyton Usry
November 19, 2024
College Bound Ep. 1: Senior Siena Snyder, University of Michigan
College Bound Ep. 1: Senior Siena Snyder, University of Michigan
November 1, 2024
Behind the lens
Behind the lens
October 11, 2024
Serenading her class to the tune of “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz, junior Olivia Owens makes her debut appearance as a member of the Jazz Choir. Owens has been a part of the choir program since her freshman year; last year, she auditioned and became one of 16 students selected as a member of the prestigious performance group. “It was nerve-wracking to perform in front of the whole school, but it was fun. It takes a lot of practice, but my confidence comes from the support of my group, my teacher and knowing that everybody's there for me,” Owens said.
Rallying together: A day of school spirit
October 4, 2024
Who won the Pathfinder Bachelorette???
Who won the Pathfinder Bachelorette???
February 16, 2023
Pathfinder Bachelorette: Valentine’s Day Edition EP. 3
Pathfinder Bachelorette: Valentine’s Day Edition EP. 3
February 15, 2023
Pathfinder Bachelorette: Valentine’s Day Edition EP. 2
Pathfinder Bachelorette: Valentine’s Day Edition EP. 2
February 14, 2023
Pathfinder Bachelorette: Valentine's Day Edition EP. 1
Pathfinder Bachelorette: Valentine’s Day Edition EP. 1
February 13, 2023
The "if" and "what"s of the Feminist Club
The “if” and “what”s of the Feminist Club
December 5, 2022
College Bound Ep. 1: Senior Siena Snyder, University of Michigan
College Bound Ep. 1: Senior Siena Snyder, University of Michigan
November 1, 2024
Senior Michael Emerson exchanges ideas with junior Will Gonsoir in history class. They discussed immigration as the topic of their debate. “I really enjoyed the experience. I think it opened my mind to new ideas, and that’s what matters at the end of day,” Emerson said.
Pathfinder Debates: Immigration
May 9, 2024
In perfect shooting form and with eyes on the rim, junior Tyler Kuehl is about to shoot his next basket in the last game of the season against Marquette High School. Kuehl has been playing basketball since he was 5. “Even though I played basketball all my life, the game-winning shots can be pressure, it's confidence. If you're going into that shot and not thinking that you're gonna make it, it's obviously not going in. And if you believe, [it will]. That's the only way you can succeed,” Kuehl said.
Athletes of West: Episode 6
January 19, 2024
Seniors Serena Liu and Sakenah Lajkem are cobbed onto a car.
Senioritis: Masks, memories, milestones
November 20, 2023
Senior Chris Gray and senior Max Brophy get ready to face off in their debate on gun control in America. Both of them have been discussing political issues since middle school history class. “I think it’s important to have these difficult conversations so that we can all learn from each other on important issues,” Gray said.
Pathfinder Debates: Gun control
November 6, 2023
Athletes of West: Junior Leyton Usry
Athletes of West: Junior Leyton Usry
November 19, 2024
In perfect shooting form and with eyes on the rim, junior Tyler Kuehl is about to shoot his next basket in the last game of the season against Marquette High School. Kuehl has been playing basketball since he was 5. “Even though I played basketball all my life, the game-winning shots can be pressure, it's confidence. If you're going into that shot and not thinking that you're gonna make it, it's obviously not going in. And if you believe, [it will]. That's the only way you can succeed,” Kuehl said.
Athletes of West: Episode 6
January 19, 2024
Loading the hands and getting ready to swing it, Senior Grant Meert is taking his place to face the pitch in the last game of the season against Marquette High School. Meert has been playing baseball since age three.“I love baseball and like with anything else in life, you're gonna have your ups and downs,” Meert said.
Athletes of West: Episode 5
June 1, 2023
Now presenting, Athletes of West, a podcast featuring Longhorn athletes each session.​​ We bring you stories from the players, both on the ground and behind the scenes, covering individual accomplishments, records they set and break, endurance and fitness, sports leadership and many more. Stay tuned!!
Athletes of West: Episode 4
January 26, 2023
Athletes of West: Episode 3
June 3, 2022
“Winning [the Scholastic Gold Key Regional Award for Writing] feels incredibly rewarding. I dedicated a lot of time to putting my feelings into my work, especially ‘Melanin’, which was about my experience with racism and feeling like an outcast because of my skin color [and] primarily due to living in a white/homogenous area. My memoir reflects upon a time in which I lived in a small town that had close to zero people who looked like me and how that affected my mental health, especially how I felt about how I looked. But then I moved to a larger, more diverse city where there were more people similar to me and I had this moment where I realized that my features are unique and beautiful. I feel like a lot of people of color can relate to the feeling of overcoming internalized racism. It's truly validating to see my efforts recognized by the Scholastic Writing Contest especially because it gives me a platform to share my voice. ” - Farrin Rahman, 10
Farrin Rahman
November 19, 2024
“Hitting that ball hard is just pure satisfaction. I’m on the varsity tennis team, and it’s funny because I actually got pressured into joining, but we actually [had] a really good season. I’ve been playing for three years now. My favorite part is definitely going to other schools and meeting other girls. Tennis is really fun and it's a good stress reliever, but something that [stresses me out] is definitely tests [at school]. When things [start to] stress me out, I just tell myself that [I] can get there because everyone will move on and [will] get there [too].” Alisha Yin, 10
Alisha Yin
November 15, 2024
"Becoming a teacher evolved over time. I wanted to be a writer or in theater, [so] I got degrees in English and theater and wrote plays. Every important job involved working with kids. After college, I [worked on] shows with kids, and [everything] I loved came together. That's when I thought [becoming a teacher]. I went back to school [for] a master’s in education. [Being] 5-foot-2, I was a little scared to teach high school, thinking students [might] think I was younger than them, [so] I got a job at the middle [school] and loved [it]. I always wanted to teach high school, and [now I’ve finally done it]. I see [my students’] great writing, and it inspires me. I've written so much myself but haven't sent much out [yet]. I think I'll [focus on that] after I retire. This is my second year at Parkway West and my first [time] teaching high school, and it’s something I've always wanted to do. I love being [here].” – Marcy Rademeyer, English
Marcy Rademeyer, English
November 12, 2024
“I’m the vice president of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), the co-president of the Women in Healthcare club, and [am also in] of ABC club, NHS first aid, the diplomacy club, and other volunteering activities [in my community.] My main goal in these clubs is to be actively engaged in the school and give back to the community. [Through these opportunities,] I’ve learned to be a better organizer and planner, especially with my roles in MSA and Women in Healthcare. I think these skills will be valuable towards the career path I choose. I’m particularly interested in the medical field, which is why I co-founded Women in Healthcare. As a freshman, I was the chief financial officer of the Muslim Student Association. This year, I’m the vice president. We’ve worked hard to improve the organization and make the club more fun and interactive for everyone. It’s been great to see the club grow, with a lot of new freshmen joining. Balancing all of these activities with my schoolwork can be challenging at times, but the whole team helps with the workload. A misconception others have about the MSA is that [there is minimum involvement.] One time I went to stamp the MSA flyers to get approved down at the office, and the woman was hesitant about it. She asked how many people actually come to our meetings, so I explained that we usually have 35 to 40 people. Parkway West includes lots of diversity and it [helps strengthen] our community.” – Yusra Khan, 10
Yusra Khan
October 25, 2024
“Sports [can] teach you a lot of things, and playing on the team can teach you leadership. When you're working with a bunch of guys, you’ve got to know what's best for the team, and you've got to do whatever is best for the team. Commitment is a big part of sports. Some days, you don't want to show up to practice, [but] you have to do it because it's what's best for the team. You just [have] to be committed. You [gain] better relationships and you make a lot of friends when you play sports. You're spending at least two hours a day with those people, so you build really strong relationships with your teammates. If you put in the work, you're bound to get better.” - Henry Wild, 12
Henry Wild
October 17, 2024
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

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The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

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All content by Allie Collins

Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens review

Allie Collins, Staff Writer
December 23, 2015
Seniors Syndey Baker and Kathryn Harter attend the college fair held in the Parkway West Gymnasium on Sept. 15.

Seniors stand out in college applications

Allie Collins, Staff Writer
December 23, 2015
The team completes a free style set; each lane making their way through the workout at their own pace.

Girls Swim and Dive preview

Allie Collins, Staff Writer
December 1, 2015

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 review

Allie Collins, Staff Writer
November 24, 2015
Seniors Audrey Frost and Anna Worpvik participate in homecoming week by dressing up as the cookie and the baker.

Upperclassmen experience exchange

Allie Collins, Staff Writer
October 28, 2015
On their road to state, juniors Ava Larson and Claire Martin competed against Lafayette's top State ranked double's team. "When Claire and I beat Lafayette in team districts, I think deep down we both knew we could do it; but it was awesome when we actually did it," Larson said.

Swinging to State

Allie Collins, Staff Writer
October 16, 2015
Volunteering at the Green Trails fall carnival, sophomore Sarah Habibollah tosses a bean bag to an elementary student.

COW joins Key Club

Allie Collins, Staff Writer
September 29, 2015
The varsity racers gather before their race to discuss strategies. “I know we’ve swept the last two, but there may have been more. I do know that out the nine years we’ve done this, our varsity team has won seven times. The only two times we didn’t win, we were beaten by our rival, Central,” head coach Charlie Cutelli said.

Girls XC gets out the broom

Allie Collins, Staff Writer
August 31, 2015
POW: Kyle Bernstein and Tucker Watts, 12

POW: Kyle Bernstein and Tucker Watts, 12

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
February 7, 2015
POW: Sophia Spaulding, 9

POW: Sophia Spaulding, 9

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writing
February 1, 2015
POW: Taylor Klein, 12

POW: Taylor Klein, 12

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
January 25, 2015
POW: Dr. Angela Frye, Creative Writing

POW: Dr. Angela Frye, Creative Writing

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
January 22, 2015
POW: Amy Thornhill, History teacher

POW: Amy Thornhill, History teacher

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
January 15, 2015
POW: Demonica Mims, 10

POW: Demonica Mims, 10

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
January 8, 2015
POW: Jane Fuller, 9

POW: Jane Fuller, 9

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
December 17, 2014
POW: Ashlyn Gravatte, 11

POW: Ashlyn Gravatte, 11

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
December 15, 2014
Students aid Mrs. Annie Wayland as they put boxes of donations from the canned food drive in the back of a truck to be taken to Circle of Concern. "We’re being thankful and then we’re going into winter break where we’re reflecting as a community about how much we have. It’s just a perfect correlation for us to give back to the community and give back to those that are in need," Wayland said.

Competition of the Cans

Allie Collins, Photo Editor
December 12, 2014
Ellie Workman

POW: Officer Scoggins, Staff

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
December 10, 2014
Students signed a poster after a silent protest to show their support for social justice.

Students organize silent walkout for social justice

Allie Collins, Entire Staff
December 6, 2014
During Lauren Bernstein's Spanish III class, sophomores Grant Cline, Alyssa Jackson and Victoria Marston participate in a silent written debate about the Michael Brown case. "It's ironic this is falling on the same day as the scheduled walk-out; that was not intentional," Bernstein said.

Protest walk out for social equality

Allie Collins, People of West Editor
December 4, 2014
Chistina Neuwirth, Laura Neuwirth, Kayln Neuwirth-Deutsch, Blaine Deutsch and Julia Neuwirth-Deutsch spend a day in Ferguson brightening up the community as they painted four boarded up windows over Thanksgiving break.

Helping Heal Ferguson

Allie Collins, Photo Editor
December 1, 2014
Huddling before the race, the girls cross country team chants "Carpe diem, let's go West!"

Girls cross country ends the season drought

Allie Collins, Photo Editor
November 15, 2014
POW: Brian Welch, Librarian

POW: Brian Welch, Librarian

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
November 12, 2014
POW: Jackson Fleming, 12

POW: Jackson Fleming, 12

Allie Collins, Photo Editor
November 8, 2014
Preparing to leave after the school day, sophomore Will Carter is one of 40 sophomores to have gotten the privilege to drive to school and park alongside the juniors in the pit for the rest of the year.

Sophomores are granted parking privileges

Allie Collins, Photo Editor
November 7, 2014
POW Amy Cohen, Science teacher

POW Amy Cohen, Science teacher

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
November 3, 2014

Cleaning Up Parkway’s Act

Allie Collins, Photo Editor
October 29, 2014
POW: Rachel Pille, 10

POW: Rachel Pille, 10

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
October 28, 2014
POW: Keith Brown, Custodian

POW: Keith Brown, Custodian

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
October 25, 2014
POW: Gwenn Pietrowski, 11

POW: Gwenn Pietrowski, 11

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
October 21, 2014
POW: Camille Schillizzi, 12

POW: Camille Schillizzi, 12

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
October 17, 2014
Flyer at heart

Flyer at heart

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
October 14, 2014
POW: Tim Corteville, physical education teacher

POW: Tim Corteville, physical education teacher

Allie Collins, Staff Writer
October 12, 2014
Biting into a lemon bar, Junior Julia Patterson enjoys the food and her friends at Taste of West. "I love going to Taste of West. I look forward to it every year," said Patterson.

Behind the Scenes of Taste of West

Allie Collins, Photo Editor
October 10, 2014
POW: Alison Owen, 12

POW: Alison Owen, 12

Allie Collins, Photo Editor
October 8, 2014

POW: Leon Kutscher, 10

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
October 7, 2014
POW: Daniel Loaney, 9

POW: Daniel Loaney, 9

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer
October 2, 2014
Along with his rewritten 'acceptance letter to Hogwarts', Sophomore Nick Wotruba completes the package with a stuffed owl as he asks Grace Folkins, sophomore, to Homecoming.

Save the Last Dance

Allie Collins, Staff Writer
October 1, 2014
“I’m proud of my tan lines because they mark me as someone who spends a lot of time outside.”- William Griffin, 10, Cross Country

“I’m embarrassed by my sock tan lines. I put sunblock on my legs to try and prevent to prevent them.”-Rebecca Su, 11, Golf

"I spend a lot of time outside. Most of the time though I’m working in landscaping and wearing gloves to protect my skin so I never really get rid of my tan lines.”- Landon Creemens, 11, Football

“My tan lines make me nervous for Homecoming when I have to get a dress.” -Rachel Friedman, 10, Tennis

"I’m terrified because I tan really easy so I hope my tan lines don’t get too bad by the end of the season.” -Ellie Nazzoli, 11, Field Hockey

After finishing a work out, Luke Whitten celebrates his success with his mother and Coach Zeller with high fives and hugs.

Athlete Spotlight: Luke Whitten

Allie Collins, Staff Writer
August 29, 2014
Student Spotlight: Duncan McBride skates against stereotypes

Student Spotlight: Duncan McBride skates against stereotypes

Allie Collins, Guest Writer
December 16, 2013
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