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
Drew Boone

Drew Boone, Staff Writer

Pronouns: He/Him

I am a senior and this will be my fourth year on staff. I look forward to newspaper everyday because it allows me to work at my own pace while developing my journalism skills. While I can sometimes lack focus, the results of my work always end up meeting my standards. I spend most of my time outside of school going out with friends and discovering new things. The first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning is why did I set my alarm this early?

All content by Drew Boone
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Albert Pujols takes a swing at the plate. “Albert Pujols” by Photo by Dirk DBQ is licensed with CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

Albert Pujols and the Cardinals work to meet the expectations set for them

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
May 5, 2022
Doing his pregame lineup handshake, senior Martin Franciscus (left) pretends to shoot an arrow in the student section with junior Brady Kuehl. Franciscus got his first career varsity basketball start against Fort Zumwalt East for senior night. “My basketball skills have improved thanks to being a part of [our school’s basketball] program,” Franciscus said. “I am a better defender, shooter and ball handler than I otherwise would have been.”

Four years in the making: senior Martin Franciscus leaves his mark on the boy’s basketball program

Drew Boone and Tre Bell
April 8, 2022
Taking on the role of Jeffrey Dahmer, senior Andy Volz participates in Crime and Law’s speed dating with a serial killer. Students in the class received the background of a famous serial killer and took turns convincing students on why they should date them, not knowing who they are. “Speed dating with a serial killer was really fun,” Volz said. “It was hilarious to see people’s reactions to what you were saying. It also boosted my confidence talking to so many people trying to get them to date me.”

Best of West: Top five classes to take before graduating

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
March 16, 2022
Sitting with her parents as she signs her letter of intent, senior Megan VanValkenburg takes the first steps towards her collegiate swimming career. VanValkenburgs swims the 200 and 100 freestyle and the first leg of the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. “Although I had already signed in December, all of the support from everyone on signing day made it feel very real now,” VanValkenburg said. “I feel like every little step I have taken in this process — from all the phone calls to my official trip and decision — has led to that moment. It felt good to be able to make it official, and I am so fortunate to have been able to do it with my family, teammates and friends by my side.”

2022 Senior Athlete Sendoff Map

Drew Boone and Tre Bell
February 25, 2022
Holding his hand up while harmonizing, junior Andrew Gwin stands back to back with senior Connor Dolan as they perform at the December Jazz Choir concert. Gwin feels lucky to be performing on stage for an audience again. “Everyone was having a great time working and performing off of each other,” Gwin said. “It was refreshing to be able to perform again after a year of not being on stage. It's a great feeling having the audience watch you do your thing.”

Photo of the Week – Dec. 20

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
December 20, 2021

Chazen vs Wayland Canned Food Drive (Press Conference)

Raj Jaladi and Drew Boone
December 15, 2021

Before the battle: Jeff Chazen and Annie Wayland’s canned food drive pregame interviews

Raj Jaladi and Drew Boone
November 30, 2021
"Imagine Dragons performing at the Ilosaarirock festival in Joensuu, Finland" by Tuomas Vitikainen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photo used under Creative Commons Licenses.

Can’t miss winter concerts in St. Louis

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
November 30, 2021
Senior Mckayla Apollo shows her tattoo that reads 'your wings were ready but my heart was not' while looking at a picture of her mom.

Significant Ink

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
November 4, 2021
Senior Kenzi Sampson displays the three stars on her ankle that represents her relationship with her older sister and best friend.

Kenzi Sampson

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
November 4, 2021
Senior Tyree Simms shows his tattoo on his forearm that reads ‘my brothers keeper.’

Tyree Simms

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
November 4, 2021
Senior Devon Owens shows the quote he has on his forearm.

Devon Owens

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
November 4, 2021
Junior Kennedy Overstreet displays her semicolon tattoo on her forearm.

Kennedy Overstreet

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
November 4, 2021
Senior McKayla Apollo shows of her roman numeral tattoo.

McKayla Apollo

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
November 4, 2021
Senior Shaylee Sippel shows her tattoo that reads ‘love you’ written by her grandmother.

Shaylee Sippel

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
November 4, 2021

High school bachelorette seeks to find homecoming date: Season Finale and Recap

Drew Boone and Raj Jaladi
October 5, 2021

High school bachelorette seeks to find homecoming date: Season 1 Episode 3

Drew Boone and Raj Jaladi
September 26, 2021

High school bachelorette seeks to find homecoming date: Season 1 Episode 2

Drew Boone and Raj Jaladi
September 23, 2021

High school bachelorette seeks to find homecoming date: Season 1 Episode 1

Raj Jaladi and Drew Boone
September 17, 2021

“BOOTS” by Hardy

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
December 31, 2020
The girls varsity volleyball team come together celebrating a block by senior Maddy Truka (2). The team finished with a record of 12-5 alongside a second place finish at the state tournament. “It still feels surreal, but I couldn’t think of a better way to have ended my senior season,” senior and team captain Carly Kuehl said. “I think going into the season not thinking we would have a season makes it even better. At the beginning, we weren’t really working for an end goal. As we kept moving on and kept winning, my excitement and desire to keep winning grew. I’m just so proud of my team and happy that this is how I got to end my volleyball career.”

Despite unorthodox season varsity girls volleyball finishes second place at state

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
December 14, 2020
Fall sports teams persevere in the face of canceled practices, games and entire seasons as the season comes to a conclusion.

Fall Sports Recap

Drew Boone, Zoe DeYoung, and Grace Kaempfe
November 15, 2020
Working at his virtual teaching setup from home, math teacher Patrick Troy prepares for the day with his Border Collie, Luna, laying behind him. Troy feels there are multiple benefits to teaching on a computer opposed to writing on a whiteboard. “My setup allows me to work on the computer, instead of writing on a whiteboard or paper behind me,” Troy said. “It allows me to directly look at my students while I'm teaching.”

Inside look at virtual learning: Students and Staff share their e-learning setups

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
October 29, 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 of the Week–Oct.19

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
October 23, 2020
Practicing different plays with his team, senior tight end Josh Gansen works to improve his footwork and concentration while on the field. With the team set to play their first game Oct. 3, the players continue working to make sure they are prepared. “The whole team has been working really hard on and off the field for the first game,” Gansen said. “We are all ready to go out and do what we do against an actual team now opposed to just practice.”

Football season set to begin outside of St. Louis County

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
October 3, 2020
Working on her ball control, sophomore Lexie Lutz practices with her field hockey team while maintaining distance. With COVID-19 regulations impacting every fall sport, field hockey is considered a moderate frequency sport so they must gradually progress into full contact with one another. “I am disappointed because playing field hockey is something I look forward to all year, so it's a big letdown to have COVID put restrictions on me and my team because it makes it harder to enjoy,” Lutz said.

No cut competition: Every fall athlete will make a team amidst coronavirus regulations

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
September 14, 2020
Putting his arms up to strike the batter out, alumnus Trevor Dannegger makes the call behind home plate. Dannegger started officiating minor league baseball games in 2016, along with being a substitute teacher in his time off. “I try to stand out in both roles,” Dannegger said. “Whether it be asking a teacher to continue their lesson instead of showing a video or going out of my way to help players on the field.”

Substitute teacher and professional umpire: alumnus Trevor Dannegger’s journey from education to officiating baseball games

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
May 11, 2020
Using a bandana as a makeshift mask, sophomore Ellie Moriarity adjusts it on her face before she begins to drive. Moriarity believes there is always a risk associated with leaving your house during these uncertain times. “I think it's important to wear a mask right now because there is no way of knowing if you have contracted the coronavirus,” Moriarity said. “It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting those around you.”

Photo of the week – May 4

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
May 7, 2020
Giving advice during a timeout, Coach Melvin Bethany hopes to lead his team to victory. After coaching at West for 11 years Bethany plans to go to Lutheran St. Charles High School, taking on the role as Activities Director. “I'm sad to be leaving West, but I won't be leaving any students behind; I'll still stay in touch and make sure that they continue on a path for success,” Bethany said.

A farewell to Coach Bethany

Drew Boone and Tre Bell
April 1, 2020

Scarcity of striped shirts: Why there is a lack of referees

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
February 25, 2020
Posing for a family photo, Principal Jeremey Mitchell Ph.D spends time with his wife and two sons outside of school. After 10 years in the job, Mitchell enjoys his free time away from the office. “When not at West or watching my own children's events, I enjoy an occasional long jog or a good movie with my wife,” Mitchell said.

The man behind the suit: An inside look at DMitch’s life

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
February 6, 2020
Jumping to set a ball, sophomore Ethan Jennings assists an attack for junior Evan Conger. Jennings played JV volleyball his freshman year and continues to play for the High Performance Volleyball program. “Playing with older guys was great because it gave me a unique experience that most guys my age don’t usually have and pushed me to work harder,” Jennings said.

Sophomore Ethan Jennings unites with his team to obtain a bid for the USA Volleyball National Championship

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
January 27, 2020
Writing letters to a foreign leader, the freshman AP Human Geography class learns about foreign government’s judicial systems around the world. Through Amnesty International, students voiced their opinions on political prisoners. “We are learning about where there are conflicts and what kinds of government are in different regions of the world along with real world problems that we can help solve,” Boles said.

AP Human Geography classes write letters to foreign governments in hopes of change

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
January 24, 2020
Putting on an ankle wrap after a previous injury, new athletic trainer Daniel Smith helps sophomore Sydney Slaven prepare for practice. Through Mercy Sports Medicine, Smith attends all athletic events to make sure athletes are being treated for injuries on and off the court. “Being a trainer can be very exciting,” Smith said. “You never know what's gonna happen, and you have to be prepared for everything.”

Meeting the new face in athletics: Daniel Smith takes on role as athletic trainer

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
January 10, 2020
Choose your favorite playlist and vote above.

Battle of the playlists: Workout edition

Brinda Ambal and Drew Boone
January 6, 2020
Writing a Teacher of the Year nomination note in World History teacher Amy Thornhill’s class, sophomore Kate Yates gets the opportunity to thank her teacher of choice, as well as possibly nominate them as Teacher of the Year. “[Teachers] spend so much time and effort to teach us and make sure we understand the content. We need a way to appreciate them so they know we are thankful for everything they do for us,” Yates said. “We should [have a say] because we spend the most time with [teachers]. We are the ones in their classes all day.”

Editorial: Teacher versus colleague of the year

Drew Boone and Brinda Ambal
November 26, 2019
Making sure to keep both hands on the wheel during the test will help guarantee you passing.

The complete underclassman’s guide to passing the drivers test

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
November 19, 2019
Senior Alina Dunder works with a teammate to decorate her coach's room for his birthday.

Alina Dunder

Brinda Ambal and Drew Boone
November 5, 2019
Many view social media as an integral part of every teen’s life: they say it shapes not only the way people are viewed, but also their actions. Here are the six stories of students that abstain from social media.

No social media: Students share their stories

Brinda Ambal and Drew Boone
November 5, 2019
Junior Anna Butler listens to music as she works on a piece in her AP studio art class.

Anna Butler

Brinda Ambal and Drew Boone
November 5, 2019
Freshman Ashlynn Gillespie reads about algebra outside of her class.

Ashlynn Gillespie

Brinda Ambal and Drew Boone
November 5, 2019
Sophomore Martin Franscius checks a schedule to see what he is doing in class that day.

Martin Franciscus

Drew Boone and Brinda Ambal
November 5, 2019
Freshman Ibrahim Kuziez works to organize materials in engineering class.

Ibrahim Kuziez

Brinda Ambal and Drew Boone
November 5, 2019
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 of the week – Oct. 29

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
November 1, 2019
Working with junior Elliot Krewson, alumni Scott Winfrey helps him finish a project for business class. Winfrey graduated in 2008 and since then has been working to have an impact on students in the classes he substitutes for. “I don’t believe in 'good or bad’ students,” Winfrey said. “Only energy that is focused productively or not. Students are not opposed to working hard. They just want to find meaning in the work they do.”

More than a substitute: alumnus Scott Winfrey shares the impact he hopes to have on students

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
October 4, 2019
Cheering on the varsity football team, seniors Cameron Neisler and Garrett Larsen get the crowd ready for a victory at the homecoming football game. Neisler and Larson run the @PWestSuperfan Instagram account which promotes sporting events and activities around the school. “I’ve had the account since May of last year,” Neisler said. “The reason I created the account was to spread the word about different sporting events and show love to all the teams and players.”

Attendance is Mandatory: Behind the scenes of @PWest Superfan

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
September 20, 2019
Following her performance, freshman Joey Schweppe presents his Taylor Swift themed sign to freshman Cameron Chandler. Chandler has been a long time Taylor Swift fan and was excited to see it incorporated into the sign. “I thought it was really nice for him to make a Taylor Swift sign knowing how big of a fan I am,” Chandler said. “I'm really looking forward to dressing up and getting ready for the night.”

Loco for Hoco: Class of 2023 shares their homecoming proposals

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
September 13, 2019
With increased enrollment, 380 students were allowed to pay $85 for a parking permit. There are currently no more spots being sold. “Based on however many junior and senior parking permits we give out at the beginning of the year, will usually determine how many more spots we have to sell for the rest of the year," Sophomore class Principal Kate Piffel said.

Increased enrollment leads to new parking policies

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
September 3, 2019
Lining up to make a play on the defensive line, senior Ryan Gansen attempts to make a tackle. Gansen used football as a way to prepare for life in the Army. “It was a bit of a contest for a while between the Marine Corps and U.S. Army. In the end it came down to the army having more opportunities and different routes I could go,” Gansen said.

A salute to senior Ryan Gansen

Tre Bell and Drew Boone
May 17, 2019
Beginning his victory lap around the gym, 2019 Teacher of the Year awardee Emanuel Young pumps his fists to energize the crowd at the Spring Pep Rally, March 29. This is Young’s fourth year teaching business at West High.. “I was in a state of disbelief,” Young said. “My heart was racing; it was one of those things you felt like you should have known but didn’t.”

Teacher of the Year takes on new challenges after 10 years in the classroom

Drew Boone and Joey Grove
May 9, 2019
Freshman Tre Bell runs the ball up the court during the Coaches versus Cancer game against Lindbergh. Bell has been playing basketball since he was six years old. “I just try to be myself. I don’t try to go out of my role,” Bell said. “I just try to make my teammates better but at the same time make myself better.”

Balancing between passion and demand: the student-athlete grind

Drew Boone and Michael Lolley
April 23, 2019
Putting his arm up to block the defender, junior Kyle Geraghty drives to the hole to score a basket.Geraghty averaged 6.7 points per game on 37.4% field goal shooting this season. “It’s been a rough season. At the end of the day, it was all about making relationships with the guys and the experience you’ll look back on in high school,” Geraghty said. “Even though our record doesn’t show it, I’ve had a good time this season.”

Winter sports recap

Drew Boone and Michael Lolley
March 27, 2019
Freshman Martin Franciscus practices ball handling as he plays a pick up game with his friends. Diagnosed with diabetes in fourth grade, Franciscus does not let that affect his love for the game. “The team completely understands my condition and totally accepts it and understands it,” Franciscus said. “Most people don’t know a lot diabetes. They are like, ‘wait you have diabetes?’”

Freshman Martin Franciscus overcomes diabetes through basketball passion

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
March 6, 2019
Coach Josh Gannan goes over the game plan with the girls JV basketball team as they take on Fort Zumwalt North High School. The team lost to the Panthers 23-29. “Our main goal is to always be improving,” Gannan said. “You never start out your very best, but if you can see little bits of improvement throughout the season, you know you are doing something right. I have been very proud of the girls and their work ethic to turn things around and become better players.”

New coaching staff brings changes to girls basketball

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
February 25, 2019
Seniors Jacob and Kara Swihart laugh with their mother Jenny before she is scheduled to have brain surgery. The school community helped fund the surgery and continue to support the family. “I have received a lot of support from my coaches, peers and people all over the community," Jacob said.

The community gives back to the Swihart family

Drew Boone, Staff Writer
January 30, 2019