Katie Wallace, Staff Writer
Pronouns: she/her
Grade: 11
Years on staff: 3
What was your favorite childhood TV show? Jessie, Victorious, Shake it Up - all of the classics
What is your favorite book? It's difficult to pick one, but I would say a classic is always Harry Potter
What motivates you? My family and friends are some of the biggest motivations in my life. I always strive to do better to make them proud and try to be even just a fraction of the people they are. Other than that, I would say I self-motivate a lot, because I want to leave a positive impact, however big or small, on the world.
![Senior Henry Dittmar celebrates his 18th birthday in recovery from a drive-by shooting that left him seriously injured. During this birthday, Dittmar was still unable to walk from the effects of a bullet that ripped through his calf. The most challenging part of this experience was being patient with everything, Dittmar said. Building that patience was definitely the best thing for me, [because] I am definitely not a very patient person. I learned a lot about myself during this experience.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-design-9-900x506.png)
![History teacher Melvin Trotier gazes longingly out his window towards where his beloved duck pond used to be. Trotier says that the disappearance of the pond has taken a toll on him. At this point, I did the sad, depressive [stage] this morning, and now I am at anger. I am working through my stages [of grief], Trotier said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG-3502-900x600.jpg)
![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)
