Katie Wallace, Staff Writer
Pronouns: she/her
I am a sophomore, and this is my second year on staff. I joined the Pathfinder because I needed an outlet to share my voice and opinions pertaining to ongoing issues in our community. I strive to persevere and voice my opinions in everything I do. I spend most of my time reading a good book, participating on the varsity cheerleading team and enjoying the outdoors. I hope to do my part to bring to light current and ongoing issues, as well as ways to solve them.
![Sophomore Rand Al-Hachami poses for a picture at school, donning her hijab and Zulfiqar sword necklace. Even though Islamophobia is very present, Al-Hachami says she has met a lot of positive reactions concerning her decision to start wearing hijab. “[Hijab symbolizes] positive character traits that Islam promotes, like dependability and honesty,” Al-Hachami said. “Wearing it has made me feel closer to my Muslim friends as well as to my religion in general.”](https://PWestPathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/randfeaturedphoto-900x600.jpg)
![Supporting her team from the sidelines at the 47th Annual Girls State Meet on Feb. 18, sophomore Alli VanValkenburgh holds the swim and dive flag proudly in the air. The team won the 400 free relay, securing 1st place in the state. “I was super proud,” VanValkenburgh said. “My sister [Megan] had just swam the last event of her high school career and it was [beyond] fun to watch. It has [also] been super fun watching everyone improve and grow this season.”](https://PWestPathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/POW-FINAL.jpg)
![Junior Shaleigh Araya (front row, far left) poses with her adoptive family for a picture in 2019. Araya said she owes her success to her family and faith. “God has really helped me in life,” Araya said. “That’s the number one thing I [attribute] to my success. Next comes [the support] of my family and friends.”](https://PWestPathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IMG-1923.jpg)
![Junior Elle Rotter’s collection of five ducks sits lined up on a table. Rotter felt joyful finally finding a duck for herself. “I remember all day [when the ducks were first put out] looking for them in the hallways, library and at lunch,” Rotter said. “A lot of my friends found one before me but I finally found one in the library the next day. I instantly felt so happy. I remember [also] feeling dumb for being so happy and proud, but I quickly shrugged that feeling off and have since enjoyed keeping my eye out for the ducks around the school.”](https://PWestPathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/IMG-1531-900x601.jpg)
![Walking into school, senior Graci Badami talks with her friends. Badami drives to and from school and faces the long lines and faults of school traffic. “[It makes me] kind of angry, because if people don’t let you out, you’re there for at least another 20 minutes. You either get out or you don’t, it’s a big issue,” Badami said.](https://PWestPathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-1-900x564.png)
![Jumping toward the basket, above his opponents, junior Tyler King launches the ball. Ending the game 84 to 61, King made one of the winning baskets. “Beating [Parkway] South was one of my favorite parts of the game. We played to crush them and that is what we did,” King said.](https://PWestPathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/DSC_0222-900x600.jpg)
![Overlooking the iconic Pinehurst golf course, Kylie and Jamie Secrest pose for a picture in the fairway of the 2020 World Teen Championship. This tournament was strictly invite-only and Kylie excelled, achieving 37th in her age group, her dad right by her side. “This was one of the last times my dad was able to caddie for me before he was unable to do so due to his ALS,” Kylie said. “I loved him caddying for me. He always knew what to say [to me] when I got upset and he was able to see me grow throughout my golf career.”](https://PWestPathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/secrestfin.jpg)
