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The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
All content by Debra Klevens
Members of the Investment Club review their trading software for the Wharton Global High Investment Competition. By discussing next year’s economic projections, the group can predict how the stock market will change. “[During the meeting], we talked and got our thoughts together. It’s really important that everyone shares their ideas and we’re able to form a solid plan for the future,” student leader and senior Rohan Daggubati said.

[Photo] Calling all clubs!

January 12, 2023
Using Starbursts to represent a caption, freshmen Kate Hardy and Julia Kiffer recreate a yearbook spread with food. Convergence Journalism 1 students learned how to design yearbook double-page spreads using various snacks and candies to represent different design elements. “It helped me see the layout and learn how to set up the page myself,” Hardy said. “It was challenging but worth it in the end when we got to eat it all.”

[Photo] Photo of the Week – Dec. 2

December 2, 2022
Editors for the Parkway West Pathfinder help organize the Pathfinder product drive. The team collected and sorted donations from each English teacher’s room after school from Nov. 14 - Nov. 21. “Our goal was originally to give each family seven additional items for the month of December, and we have far surpassed our goal now,” Pathfinder editor and senior Elle Rotter said. “We passed that goal by the third day of the drive, and it was amazing how many people donated.”

[Photo] Food feuds: you made an impact

November 30, 2022
Sophomore Triya Gudipati teaches dance moves at her Bollywood dance night event, wearing a mixture of traditional and modern clothing. Gudipati wanted to wear comfortable dance clothing but still stay true to her culture to teach others about Indian tradition. “It was fun to bring everyone together and dance as one. I felt like everyone had fun and learned things about dance,” Gudipati said.

[Photo] Bollywood boogie

November 16, 2022
Junior Achyuta Ambal

[Photo] Sadie Burgess

September 23, 2022
The art department’s furniture was laid out in the cleared locker bay at the start of construction.

[Photo] The final draw: Administrators decide to update the art department

September 19, 2022
After pinning the squid to the tray, senior Luisa Lazarini watches as junior Claire Creely inserts her scissors into the mantle cavity during Biology 3 class. The first pair of scissors Creely used were not sharp enough and the duo feared disturbing the internal organs. “I’m a vegetarian so this was an experience for me, but Claire helped me out,” Lazarini said. “It wasn’t that gross, but I’m glad I got it over with.”

[Photo] Photo of the Week – Sept. 9

September 9, 2022
Celebrating courtside, senior Tristan Caudill dances along to the ‘rumble’ cheer. During the second module of the first ac lab, Principal John McCabe introduced himself to the student body and shared his school expectations. “The cheerleaders led us in some of the schools favorite cheer, and my friends and I wanted to be the loudest. It was fun to be back in the gym with the whole school,” Caudill said.

[Photo] Photo of the Week – August 26

August 26, 2022
An unexpected fire alarm caused students to evacuate the building before school Aug. 26. Sophomores Makayla Hoskins and Kerra White walked back into the building, Hoskins walking in socks while holding her shoes. “It was wet outside, and I didn’t want to mess up my white shoes. I was making a TikTok, and out of nowhere, the fire alarm went off with no reminder,” Hoskins said.

[Photo] Wake up call

August 26, 2022
In Latin teacher Tom Herpel’s Latin 3 class, Herpel sets up a chariot race in his room. Junior Madi Michajliczenko won the first race in a series of six and was crowned with the laurel wreath of victory. “The race was weirdly stressful. The entire class was cheering for who they wanted to win and counting laps. At one point, everyone lost count, and I had to complete an extra lap to make sure I got the seven needed. When I finally crossed the finish line, Katie Henak, the person counting my laps, and I were excited because I won,” Michajliczenko said.

[Photo] Latin teacher Tom Herpel shares the benefits of his course

April 11, 2022
How would you describe your book in one word? “I would describe my poetry book as emotional or reminiscent because [writing it] was really nostalgic for me. It encapsulates my entire life as a musician so it definitely had a lot of value to me when writing it,” senior AJ Hall said.

[Photo] Aspiring authors: Creative Writing Students publish short stories

May 28, 2021
Senior Tyler Kinzy teaches 2019-2020 Convergence Journalism I students how to write ledes.

[Photo] Cadet teachers reporting for duty

May 27, 2021
In an attempt to steal the ball, junior Mary Hardy clashes with senior Margaux Eubank, from Parkway Central High School. The team defeated Central 6-0. “Now were the upperclassmen, but we havent really had a ton of experience,” Hardy said. “We didn’t know a lot about the other teams as well because we didnt get to see them play last year.”

[Photo] Varsity spring sports midseason review

April 28, 2021
Battling for position on the ball, senior Irene Yannakakis beats Parkway Central freshman defender Sophie Spicuzza. Yannakakis has one assist in the young season. “I want this to be a great season for me and my teammates,” Yannakakis said.

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An assortment of Pop-Tarts, from Froot Loop flavored to red velvet.

[Photo] Pop-Tart taste test

April 9, 2021
Carrying the ball forward, left defender and junior Ella Mercer dribbles away from Parkway Central seniors Kaylee Canoy and Brooke Taeckens. Mercer has played soccer since she was five years old and is a three-year member of the varsity team. “Soccer has always been a huge part of my life. I love using it as a way to de-stress and get exercise. No matter what I have going on outside of soccer, as soon as I’m on the field it disappears and I forget about it for an hour and a half,” Mercer said. “Soccer is both a mental and physical sport, you always have to be thinking about the next play, and where you need to be and where the next ball needs to go. I love getting to incorporate both the mental and physical aspect on the field.”

[Photo] Photo of the Week – April 5

April 9, 2021
Working with the right tools, senior Tengis Kelley participates in constructing a Sukkah for the United Hebrew Congregation. Kelley enjoyed taking part in National Honors Society and getting the time to work with his peers to help the community. “NHS personally is a great way for someone to become better connected with their surroundings,” Kelly said. “As someone who was new to the St. Louis area [as of] two years ago, working different service opportunities has helped me meet new people and learn more about the area.”

[Photo] A glimpse into clubs during COVID-19

March 11, 2021
In Convergence Journalism class, sophomores Jordan Scales and Thomas Bruns watch the Inauguration Wednesday, Jan. 20. Despite it being President Joe Bidens inauguration, many viewers focused on Bernie Sanders mittens. “When I heard about the inauguration I didn’t really care too much about it,” Scales said. “I didn’t have any favorite parts of it because I don’t really care about politics. Bernie Sanders mittens looked pretty good though.”

[Photo] Photo of the Week- Jan. 18

January 22, 2021
Junior Lauren McLeod, a member of the swim and dive team, gives her all in the 100 backstroke. McLeod has been a part of the varsity swim and dive team for two years, and has been swimming for seven years of her life. Its a sport that takes a lot of perseverance. But it is also very rewarding to be a part of a team that is so driven and always brings each other up, McLeod said.

[Photo] Photo of the Week-Jan.11

January 15, 2021
Playing center midfield, junior Marissa Liu pushes the ball upfield. To stay focused, Liu worked on her skills and always found ways to improve. “My favorite strategy was transferring the ball,” Liu said. “I moved the ball to the other side of the field to open up space.”

[Photo] Fall Sports Recap

November 15, 2020
Theater teacher Amie Gossett instructs her Foundations of Acting students on how to stand away from the camera when they perform. The students in the back were critiquing the performances that the online students gave to the class. “I’m going to run the class as I would run it if I were in-person completely. Things worked out very well last quarter virtually for theater classes, which was more than I had ever expected, so I am just going to improve on that model,” Gossett said.

[Photo] A behind the scenes look at teaching a hybrid schedule

November 18, 2020
Conferencing with his coach after a meet, sophomore Jack Windler reflects on his performance from the previous event. Due to the many doubts about if there would even be a season, Windler felt grateful that he was able to swim for his school. “Receiving the news from MSHSAA that there would be a season was relieving,” Windler said. “This year really gave me a chance to reconnect with the team [as] a whole.”

[Photo] Photo of the Week–Oct.19

October 23, 2020
Screwing bolts into the sukkah, senior and National Honor Society member Tengis Kelley volunteers at United Henrew Congregation to help prepare for Sukkot, a Jewish holiday. Sukkot celebrates the way God protected the Jewish people during their years spent journeying through the desert to the Promised Land. The Sukkah will be used as the synagogues sukkah for practitioners to come and commune and feast during Sukkot, hence why this one is relatively large, Kelley said. I really enjoyed the experience and the chance to learn something new whilst volunteering.

[Photo] Photo of the Week- Sept. 28

October 2, 2020
Virtual school has taken away a lively learning environment for most. For several support staff members, transferring online was not an option.

[Photo] School behind screens changes jobs for support staff

September 16, 2020
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[Photo] 3. The Pathfinder: Bachelor Edition

February 13, 2020
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Junior Bri Davis stands with her father Ywain Davis and mother Deandria Davis as she entered the reception. Davis poem and picture were featured at the enterance.

[Photo] Junior Bri Davis places first in the SIUE Poetry Contest

January 22, 2020
Moving her hand to to copy the leader, freshman Harlei Young participates in the ‘say it and do it’ activity in the third common ground of the year. The main focus of this activity was to examine the concept of honor and if students would remove themselves from the game if they did not follow the leader. “Common Ground is great because it gives us a place to ask questions and a group of people to talk to,” Young said. “We play games as a group and it lets us get to know other students.”

[Photo] Photo of the week – Oct. 29

November 1, 2019
Business teacher Laura Glenn helps junior Walker Piles with an assignment in class. Throughout her time of teaching, Glenn has taught Accounting, Web Design and Intro to Computer Science and Technology. “The thing I’ll miss the most is working with students and sharing knowledge with them,” Glenn said. “[It’s] really exciting to see how just a little bit of what I might’ve introduced them to here has turned into a career for them and something that they are excited about.”

[Photo] Business teacher Laura Glenn finds her ‘interest’ in retirement

April 18, 2019
Senior Farhan Hassan entertains children while volunteering at the Gateway 180 shelter for day of service. Last year students got to read books, played with the kids and sorted out the donation closet. “Volunteering at Gateway 180 allowed students to not only see the other side of St. Louis, but also it helped those impoverished families to the best of our ability,” Hassan said. “Even if it was only one day out of the year, I’m sure we made a huge impact on some of the people staying there.”

[Photo] Students and staff prepare for second annual Day of Service

March 6, 2019
Stopping on their way into lunch, students write letters for the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Students were given the opportunity to write letters the week of Feb. 4-8. “The goal in doing this is to make the students at Parkland feel love and support as they’re approaching the one year anniversary of this difficult time,” senior Sophie Pellegrino said.

[Photo] Students write letters to Marjory Stoneman Douglas students on the anniversary of the Parkland shooting

February 12, 2019
While Cadet Teaching in Culinary Arts, Zander Lionelli stirs homemade spaghetti sauce.

[Photo] Cooking with passion

December 14, 2018
Sorting through canned goods Nov. 19, freshman Brinda Ambal participates in the West County Interfaith Alliance Thanksgiving drive. Members from the Hindu, Islamic and Jewish temples came together alongside Catholic and Christian church members to better understand each others faith and provide canned food for the Parkway Food Pantry. “In a world where there is so much religious conflict, it is really great to see people come together,” Ambal said.

[Photo] Photo of the week – Nov. 19

November 20, 2018
Handing an ‘I Voted” sticker to a participating voter Nov. 6, junior Hasan Rizvi works the midterm election at Bonhomme Presbyterian Church. Rizvi and other US Government and Politics students volunteered at the polls from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to hand out stickers and help to keep things organized. “I really enjoyed it,” Rizvi said. “It was nice to talk to older people and help them out. It was a good experience seeing how an election works and how polling works.”

[Photo] Senior students add to the youth voter surge in the 2018 midterm election

November 8, 2018
Focused on his music, senior Noah Wright plays his trumpet alongside the rest of trumpet section during his second hour class. Wright has been playing in the Jazz Band since his sophomore year, but this is his first year playing with a full instrumentation.“With there being more people, we’ve really been able to push ourselves,” Wright said. “We really have depth in the parts.”

[Photo] Jazz Band gets a full instrumentation

November 2, 2018
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After the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh Saturday morning, Jewish Student Union member seniors Lexie Bratton and Derek Isle discuss their emotions with Rabbi Yitzchak Staum. Students shared their disbelief for the fact that antisemitism still exists in 2018. “We can respond with kindness to the hate by educating others,” Bratton said. “The majority of hate stems from lack of knowledge, and through JSU and other programs we hope to educate our peers to stop the hate.”

[Photo] Jewish Student Union strives to create a welcoming community

November 1, 2018
Accepting the 2018 Founders Award from Principal Jeremy Mitchell, senior Daniel Loaney reflects on his experiences at West. The Founders Award is given to the student who best exemplifies what West students stand for: good character, academics, school spirit and is the highest school honor. “I was overwhelmed, it was a surreal moment to look out and see four years of my life had gone by. I’ve loved this place, and being here, Loaney said. It really meant a lot to me to see how I have impacted the school. I wanted to make the most of my time here at West so to be recognized was surreal and overwhelming.”

[Photo] Photo of the week – May 14

May 18, 2018
After receiving their award, students pose for a photo in the lobby of the Park Central Hotel. The Pathfinder won the Silver Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. “Last year we won a Gold Crown for yearbook and I wanted newspaper to finally get recognition for all of the hard work that they have done to build the program into what it is today,” Klevens said.

[Photo] Pathfinder editorial board visits New York

April 2, 2018
Rockwood Elementary SRO Sanda Smajlovic presents information on vaping to faculty on March 21, 2018 during the faculty meeting at a school late start.

[Photo] Administrators work to end the vaping epidemic

April 5, 2018
Representing West, sophomore Sabrina Bohn participates in a Parkway student-led press conference surrounding gun violence. Along with speaking at the press conference, Bohn is currently helping to organize the March for Our Lives and school walkouts. “I am passionate about stopping gun violence because I believe that no other students should have to be in fear of dying or seeing their friends or teachers die,” Bohn said. “I think this is the perfect time for every student to demand change and let their voices be heard.”

[Photo] Photo of the Week – Feb. 19

February 23, 2018
Reading to a little boy at Gateway 180, junior Tommy Harper participates in West’s first Day of Service. Gateway 180 is a homeless service for women, children and families, that provides food and clothes to those in need. “I would definitely recommend volunteering with programs like Gateway 180 because it was really cool. When we got there they showed us a video about some of the people who had lived with them for awhile and it was amazing, the little kids were so nice and energetic,” Harper said.

[Photo] Photo of the week – Feb. 12

February 16, 2018
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.

[Photo] Virtual Enterprise students launch Global Goodies corporation

November 30, 2017
Vivid+ students thank Vantage Credit Union for funding student travel to the event.

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Virtual Enterprise students set up booths to showcase their businesses at the Southern regional conference and exhibition.

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Junior Lorenzo Giganti markets Global Goodies Jammin Japan box during the trade show. Global Goodies earned 80,000 virtual dollars, exceeding their 50,000 virtual dollar goal.

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On Sept. 27, National Day of Prayer, students gather around a school flagpole for a program known as See You At The Pole.

[Photo] Mountains and Valleys raises community through prayer

October 13, 2017
Freshman Joe Rosenberg, Principal Jeremy Mitchell and junior Zach Poscover attend the 9 a.m. Rosh Hashanah service at United Hebrew on Sept. 21.

[Photo] Principal Jeremy Mitchell attends Rosh Hashanah service at a local synagogue

September 22, 2017
Gathered around a computer, the Global Goodies finance team prepares to register their business through Virtual Enterprise.

[Photo] Virtual Enterprise kicks off for second year, adding a second business

September 22, 2017
Principal Jeremy Mitchell awards senior Nehemiah Colyer the 2017 Founders Award recipient. The Founder’s Award is given to a student who exemplifies what West students stand for: good character, academics, school spirit and is the highest school honor.

[Photo] Praise for the honors ceremony

May 16, 2017
With headphones in, student watches a YouTube video in class. A study by the University of Nebraska estimates that students spend up to 20 percent of class time on phones.

[Photo] How to limit cell phone use in the classroom

April 5, 2017
During a break from class, freshman Lilly Bucher reads “Uprooted” by Naomi Novik on a Fatboy chair.

[Photo] Guide to handling newfound magical abilities and temperamental dragons

February 22, 2017
During the week before Thanksgiving, freshmen Megan Kixmille and Carly Andersen practice with the StoryCorps app in preparation for interviewing their loved ones.

[Photo] Students participate in StoryCorps Great Thanksgiving Listen

December 13, 2016
Dignity Period administrator Jane Unger, Mariam Seba, Freweini Mebrahtu and senior Mariel McMindes pose for a picture after Mebrahtu’s speech.

Dignity Period speakers visit West

Debra Klevens, Convergent Media Writer
May 4, 2016
Volunteering at the Green Trails fall carnival, sophomore Sarah Habibollah tosses a bean bag to an elementary student.

[Photo] COW joins Key Club

September 29, 2015
Finishing touches are being added to the Parkway North scoreboard before it debuts Friday, Sept. 11.

Parkway’s Friday Night Lights just got bigger

Debra Klevens
September 11, 2015
Junior Emily Wind pies Kristen Collins in the face for Cash for Cancer.

[Photo] Paying it forward with pie

April 23, 2015
Junior Emily Wind pies her teacher, Kristen Collins for Cash for Cancer.

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Junior Emily Wind pies Kristen Collins for Cash for Cancer.

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Christopher Narishkin lights the red, white and blue candles to symbolize what he will do to honor his expectations as an Eagle Scout.

[Photo] Christopher Narishkin earns his Eagle Scout rank

April 14, 2015
Freshman Sydney Kinzy reads her published story. When I write, I always write something deep from inside me which is embedded in each and every character and conflict, and thats what Im sharing. Im sharing lifes problems and how people deal with them. Im sharing the truths of the world I see around me. Really, thats what writing is all about for me, Kinzy said.

[Photo] Student Spotlight: Sydney Kinzy

March 25, 2015
Guccione crowned Mr. Longhorn 2015

Guccione crowned Mr. Longhorn 2015

Debra Klevens, Convergent Media Writer
March 6, 2015
During the 13th annual African American Read-In in the West High library, junior Donte Hopkins reads “Love Your Enemy” by Yusef Iman. Pizza and dessert was served to all student present. “We all have to live together. In the past there was so much hatred. The poem is telling everyone not to forgive them for everything they have done, but instead love them. It represented how we have to keep moving forward and love each other no matter what happens,” Hopkins said.

Love your enemy

Debra Klevens, Convergent Media Writer
February 26, 2015
During her NYU visit, senior Ela Sutcu enjoys the big city experience.

POW: Ela Sutcu, 12

Debra Klevens
February 26, 2015
Freshman Rachel Wang buys a school lunch daily.

New food regulations chew up old cafeteria standards

Debra Klevens, Convergent Media Writer
February 25, 2015
Beating everyone in the business

Beating everyone in the business

Debra Klevens, Staff Writer
February 25, 2015
Typing a chapter in From the Ashes, sophomore Allison Worth adds to her upcoming novel.

Student Spotlight: Allison Worth

Debra Klevens, Convergent Media Writer
February 24, 2015
At the two year anniversary party of Circle 7 Ranch, Marquette senior Caroline Harms, sophomores Demi Ferretti and Alyssa Fleming greet and seat customers.

Students learn life skills working part-time

Debra Klevens, Convergent Writer
February 18, 2015
Combating Shakespeare

[Photo] Combating Shakespeare

February 2, 2015
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[Photo] Nico Stranquist

August 12, 2014
Peaceful walkout allows students to embrace equality

Peaceful walkout allows students to embrace equality

Debra Klevens, Staff Writer
December 5, 2014
During Lauren Bernsteins Spanish III class, sophomores Grant Cline, Alyssa Jackson and Victoria Marston participate in a silent written debate about the Michael Brown case. Its ironic this is falling on the same day as the scheduled walk-out; that was not intentional, Bernstein said.

[Photo] Protest walk out for social equality

December 4, 2014
English ASC teacher Kristen Witt donates $19.90 to the Parkway Alumni Association.

[Photo] Parkway Alumni Association hopes to support students on #GivingTuesday

December 2, 2014
Custodian Ollie Caruthers accepts the donations from the West High community.

Students present Custodian Ollie Caruthers with a check

Debra Klevens, Convergent Media Writer
November 25, 2014
During first lunch, juniors Emily Wind and Shannon Anderson give Custodian Ollie Caruthers a check for 33K.

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After watching the Changing of the Guard,the publications staff, sophomore Ritoma Ganguly, juniors Sarah O’Beirne, Bailey Rathert, Molly Sewester, Katie Hornsby, Megan Barton and senior Kappy Pille, stand before the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater.

[Photo] Pathfinder and PAWESEHI receive awards at JEA conference

November 22, 2014
Junior Molly Sewester walks arm in arm with the bus driver of the city tour outside the mansion of George Washingotn

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After watching the Changing of the Guard,the publications staff, sophomore Ritoma Ganguly, juniors Sarah O’Beirne, Bailey Rathert, Molly Sewester, Katie Hornsby, Megan Barton and senior Kappy Pille, stand before the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater. You need a quote about the changing of the guard. It would give so much more meaning.

[Photo] Publications program attends national high school journalism convention

November 16, 2014
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Debra Klevens