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
All content by Shanna Bailey
Speak to Silence tackles eating disorders and oening up tough conversations in its first chapter.

[Photo] Speak to Silence: Introduction

Susie Seidel, Convergence Media Editor
January 21, 2020
Missouri law requires public schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance once per school day, though individual students are not required to participate.

[Photo] Students share their reasons to stand

January 22, 2020
Starting in the 2020-2021 school year, first semester finals will commence in the second week of school after winter break.

[Photo] First semester finals set to commence after winter break

Charlotte Zera, Staff Writer
December 20, 2019
Photo illustration of athletes who find strength in vegan and vegetarian diets.

[Photo] Plant-powered athletes: Students share their experiences in sports with modified diets

Susie Seidel, Convergence Media Editor
January 13, 2020
Eyeing up breakfast options, seniors Nolan Barbre and Jake Juenger take in the sights and smells of Dominique Ansel Bakery during their first morning in New York City. Marketing students go on an annual trip to tour New York’s major businesses and learn about marketing strategies. “I got a piece of chocolate cake for breakfast, which was a pretty great start to the day,” Barbre said. “Everything in New York is so much fun and totally different than an everyday routine back at home.”

Photo of the week – Nov. 11

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
November 15, 2019
Our school has not been able to recycle properly due to excess trash in the recycling bins.

[Photo] Editorial: It’s time to clean up

Pathfinder Editorial Board
October 31, 2019
Perfecting a hyperextended toe touch, sophomore Emily O’Connor smiles at the camera. Having previously participated in gymnastics and competitive cheer for seven and five years respectively, this was O’Connor’s first season on the school cheer team. “I had a few friends on the [school] team who encouraged me to try out, and I felt it would be fun to have a change from competitive cheer,” O’Connor said. “I honestly didn’t expect to have so much fun at the football games; it’s so fun cheering for your friends who are playing and for your friends in the stands.”

[Photo] Un-be-leaf-able season: Fall sports recap

Nayeon Ryu, Video Editor
October 29, 2019
ACT introduced a new policy with a variety of options effective September 2020.

[Photo] Students and faculty react to ACT’s updates effective September 2020

Lydia Roseman, News and Sports Editor
October 11, 2019
Getting ready to bite into food truck menu options from UKRAFT Eats, junior Claire Middleton and seniors Aaliyah Weston and Reema Alhachami learn about the logistics of owning a food truck from owner and operator Matt Ratz. Marketing I teacher Holly Weber brought in Ratz to guide students as they create their own food trucks for their class projects, and inspire them to set and accomplish goals. "There are so many different options of what you can eat, or what [the truck] can look like and hearing about how it started was so interesting to me,” Middleton said. “[Ratz] said specifically that you should follow your dreams, and you have an idea or a vision of something you really want to do, go for it and go all in. It gave me more of a positive outlook and if I do set my mind to something I can get there and accomplish it.”

[Photo] Photo of the week – Sept. 23

Susie Seidel, Convergence Media Editor
September 27, 2019
Holding hand-made signs in front of St. Louis City Hall, sophomore Maura Collins, senior Sabrina Bohn, juniors Ulaa Kuziez, Abby Caudill, Zoe Rutledge and Gillian Davis and senior Jack Carusa protest against inaction on environmental crises during school hours Sept. 20. Kuziez participated in the organization of the climate strike to plan out the logistics of the walkout and facilitate greater high school involvement. “The climate crisis is obviously the biggest threat to our lives and to our future. I still don’t think many people are treating it as a crisis, but it’s imminent, and it’s already happening right now,” Kuziez said. “A lot of the things [the speakers] were talking about was new information, so I treated it as a learning experience so I could become more educated about the issue. One of the speakers talked about how the climate crisis is fueled by capitalism and greed from fossil fuel companies who care about profits [more than] people. Her speech was talking about how it is important to think about the climate crisis as an extension of these capitalistic, colonial systems.”

[Photo] Photo of the week – Sept. 16

Nayeon Ryu, Video Editor
September 20, 2019
Completing a thigh stand, senior Sam Buehler finishes the boys' cheer routine. The seniors had two practices leading up to homecoming week, both two hours long. “Performing in front of everyone was pretty nerve racking. I was in the front row for whatever reason, so standing in front of all your peers can be intimidating. Once I got going though, I noticed that I wasn't really nervous anymore. I just wanted to make sure I was doing it right,” Buehler said.

Posing for the crowd, the Poms team dances to pop hits. Senior captain Sadie Hershenow helped guide the team through the practice-filled week. “When we were practicing the dance, it felt like we never really got it, but when we performed, everything seemed perfect,” Hershnow said. “The more we do it, the better we become as a team.”

Leading the team, senior Poms captain Alexis Nadreau hits a toe touch. The seven minute dance took 18 hours to learn. “There was so much adrenaline, especially at the start of the routine. The whole school was cheering, and it was so hard to think straight because I was so focused on dance and the moves. It all went by so fast that when it was over I couldn’t even remember what I had just done,” Nadreau said.

Standing front and center, senior Tywan Simms leads the district Step Team. To differentiate West students from other Parkway schools, students sported columbia blue t-shirts. “Any facial expression that you see is how I feel. In this moment, it’s all the hype and amp the crowd gave me. It’s so cool to hear all the screaming and energy,” Simms said.

Hyping up the school, senior Nolan Barbre performs the haka chant. Barbre and senior Brayden Eddy taught it to the rest of the senior men as a unique addition to the pep rally. “It's usually done before sporting events, so we wanted to do it before the assembly because we thought it would get everyone up and cheering,” Barbre said.

Starting the senior men’s cheer dance with the haka, a tribal dance performed in Polynesian ceremonies, senior Brayden Eddy leads the group. Eddy and fellow senior Nolan Barbre taught the group the haka in order to get them excited about the pep rally. “I went to a football camp in Utah where I learned it, and it was cool to lead it because Nolan and I have always wanted to do it in front of people,” Eddy said.

[Photo] Pulling out all the stops for the fall Pep Rally

September 16, 2019
Performing a solo, senior and co-captain Grace Kroner dances with the varsity cheerleading team. The routine was choreographed in May, and the cheer team practiced three times a week for two hours to perfect it. “Performing was such an adrenaline rush and it was one of my favorite things to be on a mat performing for an audience,” Kroner said. “Knowing that my last pep rally is over, and I’ll never experience anything like that again, really pulls at my heartstrings.”

Hugging her tightly, senior Kelly Wehrmeister embraces senior Ema Causevic to congratulate her on a job well done on her solo in the jazz choir performance. After the performance, Wehrmeister ran down the bleachers to hug Causevic, knowing that she had been very nervous to perform in front of the school. “I was really proud of her because she did so well,” Wehrmeister said. “While she was singing, whenever she got nervous, she would look up at me in the bleachers, and I would be singing along with her and she would smile. This is what friends do; they’re there in the difficult parts, and they’re there in the happy parts.”

Senior Theresa Monteleone keeps the beat for the jazz choir. Monteleone felt scared because she was the main source of the beat within the choir. “The audience being so pumped up helped out the jazz choir,” Monteleone said. “It felt really good. Honestly, to be the one keeping the beat felt really cool.”

Yelling and shouting during the step team performance, senior Jonese Shead hypes up the student section with a drum. Shead was excited to see the winners of the spirit court. “My favorite part of the pep rally was the step team performance. They gave off so much energy and gave everyone else a lot of energy,” Shead said. “My friends Linsey Green and Cameron Neisler won Mr. and Mrs. Spirit, and my best friend is Linsey Green. I was just so excited for her.”

Jumping in front of the audience, senior Brady Sweet celebrates after the football team runs into the gym to “Here Comes the Boom” by Nelly. The team huddled together and did a cheer before heading to their seats. “There was definitely lots of excitement because everyone got to shine. Knowing that everyone in the school cheers for the football team was a really good feeling,” Sweet said.

Microphone in hand, senior emcee Cameron Neisler introduces fall sports teams as they enter the gym. As part of his outfit, Neisler repurposed senior floor decorations by cutting gold string that had fallen and wrapping it around his waist. “[The pep rally] was a lot more exciting [as a senior] and kind of surreal,” Neisler said. “You want to just enjoy every moment and not take for granted the times you have with your classmates.”

Screaming with the senior men, senior TJ Fleming gets fired up to perform the traditional senior boys dance in front of the entire school. The dance was taught by seniors Nolan Barbre and Brayden Eddy. “We don't really all talk outside of the dance, but practicing for the dance we all clicked which was fun. The Haka dance was my favorite part, it really set the moment and got us all hype for the dance,” Fleming said.

After waiting four years to become an emcee, senior Katie Solodar celebrates her time to announce during her last homecoming pep rally. Solodar’s job was to make sure everyone stayed spirited while the pep rally ran on schedule.. “I’d always wanted to be more involved and a part of it [the pep rally]. It made me happy knowing that I would impact the day and everyone's experience in a positive way,” Solodar said.

Before the pep assembly, seniors Matt Loaney and Tywan Simms do a shoulder bump to hype each other up for the senior boys dance. Loaney was nervous while waiting to perform in front of the school, but he was glad he decided to do the dance. “I have been looking forward to performing this dance ever since I saw my older brother have so much fun with it,” Loaney said.

Testing the lighting and shutter speed of her new flash, senior Caroline Judd captures senior Lydia Roseman mid-air hours before the pep rally. Having taken many photos together, Roseman felt comfortable being Judd’s test subject. “[Caroline and I] do photo shoots outside of school a lot so i’m used to her taking photos of me,” Roseman said. “Homecoming week is my favorite week of the year. I always love pep rallies; they’re just super fun to get excited for and to see everyones camaraderie. It was fun being a senior this year.”

Parting the curtain separating the senior lounge from the senior hallway, senior Nolan Barbre walks the red carpet the morning of Thursday, Sept.12. In honor of the senior class theme for Homecoming week, West Coast Glam, Barbre dressed up as singer/songwriter Elton John. “This has been the best spirit week I’ve seen in all four years, just because of the participation. I see a lot more people participating, everyone’s doing it rather than just the upperclassmen. Glam Day has been my favorite day so far because I got to dress up as Elton John.”

[Photo] Photo of the week – Sept. 9

Lydia Roseman, News and Sports Editor
September 13, 2019
Fresh off their first performance at Red and Blue Night, freshman Kelsea Wilson hugs her sister, senior Kristin Wilson, excited that they completed their first routine together. Both tried out for poms and were excited to make varsity, it being the only year they will both be on the team. “My favorite part is the games, getting ready with her beforehand and having our parents get to watch us both perform,” Kristin said.

[Photo] Senior Kristin Wilson and freshman Kelsea Wilson take advantage of the chance to dance as teammates

Susie Seidel, Convergence Media Editor
September 11, 2019
Worn at Powderpuff, football games, spirit days and other school events, senior jerseys are a long standing tradition.

[Photo] The class of 2020 breaks traditions with new senior jerseys

Lydia Roseman, News and Sports Editor
September 3, 2019
Varsity cheerleaders watch the game from the sidelines.

[Photo] Red & Blue Night spirit

Nayeon Ryu, Video Editor
August 30, 2019
Laughing as they embrace, senior Aaliyah Weston and freshman Nina Simpson play Balloon Pop at Freshman Orientation Aug. 12. Each August, Link Crew organizes Freshman Orientation to help freshmen acclimate to high school. "Getting to meet so many new people and hang out with them was probably the best part," Simpson said. "We were able to go run around and play games but also get to know the school."

[Photo] Photo of the week – Aug. 12

Emma Caplinger, Arts and Entertainment Editor
August 16, 2019
Looking out over the pool, JV coach Brian Welch and alumni Mitch Griffin celebrate a goal at the State water polo championship against St. Louis University High, May 11. The varsity team walked home with second place. “The game was so tight and every possession was heavily contested,” Welch said. “Every goal felt like a breath of air after being underwater in between goals.”

[Photo] Photo of the week – May 13

Emma Caplinger, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 17, 2019
Performing Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” at Singer’s Choice May 7, senior Bella Meara smiles as she sings into the microphone. The performance Tuesday night was Meara’s final performance as a high school student. “Every day choir helps me sound so much better and wakes me up if I’m having a slow morning,” Meara said. “Performing is a skill everyone should have because it’s such a good way to express your thoughts and emotions. Everyone should try it at least once.”

[Photo] Photo of the week – May 6

Emma Caplinger, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 10, 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.”

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

Drew Boone and Joey Grove
May 9, 2019
Working on his novella before the approaching publishing date, senior Hayden Riehl hopes to grow both his understanding of the world around him and the world’s understanding of him. “I find writing for storytelling to be incredibly therapeutic, just from some of the stories that people have written in class that I've [seen],” Riehl said. “It was them literally working through a trauma that they've had in the past or something that they're trying to get their own heads wrapped around. Stories can do that. They can help you navigate a sea of your own thoughts.”

[Photo] From students to published authors: Creative Writing 2 will host E-book release launch party at the Wolf Cafe

Brinda Ambal, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2019
Dribbling down the field, senior Bella Hatzigeorgiou plays against Fort Zumwalt North April 22. The team won 6-1 and solidified their ranking for districts, achieving a long-term goal. “We have been focusing really hard on getting a good seed for districts, and this game was really important to make sure that we got where we wanted to be in the rankings,” Hatzigeorgiou said. “It’s my last season, and I really want us to do well. It’s been so rewarding as a senior to see everyone on the team playing for each other and working to make the team great.”

[Photo] Photo of the week – April 22

Emma Caplinger, Arts and Entertainment Editor
April 23, 2019
Sitting in front of the Hindu Temple of Saint Louis, freshman Brinda Ambal dons traditional attire. Ambal has been a member of her temple's Youth Group since 2016. “In St. Louis I can make [Hinduism] my own. The small things aren't that important, it's about how you live your life and follow the religion as a whole,” Ambal said. “A lot of our Holy Texts have stories about courage and trusting yourself so that you are best able to serve others.”

[Photo] Freshman Brinda Ambal models her religion with integrity

Bella Hatzigeorgiou, Convergent Media Writer
January 23, 2019
Inside the English Concepts Center, teaching assistant Rose Rouner works on her laptop. Rouner spends most of her mornings answering emails for parents of students in the Eighth Grade Acceleration program. "A lot of it is getting information to the parents or just answering questions,” Rouner said. “Some of it has to do with communication between teachers and parents, like about registration for the following year or having an information meeting coming up."

[Photo] Eighth grade acceleration: helpful or stressful?

Fatema Rehmani, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief
April 12, 2019
womens march

[Photo] Students attend Women’s March 2019

Sabrina Bohn, Managing Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2019
Decked out in Longhorn Cheer gear with pom-poms in hand, senior Jackson Barnhart perfects a toe touch. Barnhart was chosen as one of the judges' top five competitors. "[I was] very surprised because I wasn't trying to win. I was doing [Mr. Longhorn] to just have a good time with my bros and embarrass myself for charity," Barnhart said.

[Photo] Senior boys compete in 2019 Mr. Longhorn

Nayeon Ryu and Irene Yannakakis
March 1, 2019
Walking across the Main Gym on Wednesday, senior Sophia Ferretti is accompanied by her parents, Pete and Tonya Ferretti during the senior Poms ceremony. As the dancers walked, history teacher Zaven Nalbandian announced the dancers achievements throughout their high school career. “It was a very bittersweet night,” Ferretti said. “I was really happy to have made it this far and I am proud of everything that I have accomplished. I definitely had to fight back my tears when the reality of not being on the team anymore started sinking in.”

Photo of the week – Feb. 18

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
February 22, 2019
Bringing down bags of donated clothing for the Quill & Scroll Clothing Drive, senior Olivia Riemer tosses them in front of the main entrance kiosk. The counselor and yearbook adviser from St. Clair High School came to pick up the donations to replenish their community closet. “When they came to pick up the clothes, it was overwhelming to see how appreciative they were of all of the donations,” Riemer said. “We got a lot more donations than what we were anticipating, so it took a while to load all the bags into their truck.”

Photo of the week – Feb. 4

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
February 8, 2019
Preparing for the ice rink, senior Kristen Priest holds her ice skates before her practice on Wednesday. Priest is grateful for the variety of her schedule with the addition of Ice skating. “I think it's really cool to end the day doing something fun,” Priest said. “I am very glad to be back and moving again.”

[Photo] Senior Kristin Priest finds alternative P.E. courses

Jacob Stanton and Justin Cupps
March 1, 2019
Pumping his fist in the air, senior Harry Skordos cheers his teammates on during the senior vs faculty basketball game. The event benefited the Friends of Kids with Cancer organization, and children who are diagnosed were asked to attend the game and participate by playing games during halftime. “My favorite part of the event was helping the kids during halftime. It is always so rewarding to be with people like that because it makes you appreciate the small things in life,” Skordos said.

[Photo] Photo of the week – Jan. 28

Bella Hatzigeorgiou, Convergent Media Writer
February 1, 2019
Sharing his Pakistani culture through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) program, sophomore Muzamil Umar wears a shalwar kameez and a khapol to school. Umar has enjoyed sharing his culture through clothes and presentations to his classes. "When people think of Pakistan, the common thought is terror or terrorists. I don’t want people to think that is what Pakistan is all about. We don’t want people to be afraid of our country,” Umar said. “I am so grateful to change the misconception of American people because many people had wrong thoughts about the people in Pakistan."

[Photo] Foreign exchange student Muzamil Umar hopes to change perceptions of Pakistan

February 14, 2019
Pathfinder editors sit in the journalism classroom before school recapping that week.

[Photo] Censored: the Pathfinder and student press laws

Dani Fischer, MANAGING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
January 30, 2019
Sitting criss-crossed in front of her concentration, senior Allani Gordon showcases her work at the Parkway West District Art Show on Thursday, Jan. 24. Throughout the semester, AP art students focus on one theme, or concentration, to guide their projects. “I chose decay and wanted to depict beauty within decomposition with a feminine touch,” Gordon said.

Photo of the week – Jan. 21

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
January 25, 2019
1:38 a.m. Sitting upright in her bed on a Wednesday morning, junior Caroline Judd lies awake due to cars passing by on Clayton Rd. As Judd gets settled into her new house, loud street noises frequently make their way into her room. “Often times I can hear people listening to the radio in their car on the streets. I always try to figure out which song it is,” Judd said.

[Photo] 24 hours across West High

Pathfinder Staff
February 4, 2019
In character, sophomore Reese Berry informs classmates in Kristen Collins’ fifth hour AP World class about Ivan the Terrible. On Thursday students participated in a speed dating activity to learn about historical figures highlighted in the course. “I made a love connection with Suleiman. We were going to take over the world because we were both terrible people, but had a lot of power,” Berry said.

Photo of the week – Jan. 7

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
January 14, 2019
Senior Shahzan Mian holds a strip of potassium over a bunsen burner. Mian has pursued accelerated math and science courses in order to follow a career in medicine. "I’ve worked so hard in high school and I’ve had the stress of the ACT and all of the standardized tests. If I can get the solid guarantee of getting into medical school, which is a very, very difficult thing to do, statistically, I won’t have to stress as much," Mian said.

[Photo] From purposely tanking a placement exam to applying to medical programs

January 10, 2019
An assortment of books cradled in her arms, junior Meela Abby arranges belongings in her locker. Abby was enrolled in Parkway from kindergarten, hoping to study psychology upon graduating high school. “My sister went to school here and she told me that as soon as I come here, I need to start working. With my schedule you can’t procrastinate or things go bad,” Abby said. “If you want your education, you have to work hard. It doesn’t come easy.”

[Photo] “I have to sacrifice”: junior Meela Abby’s daily struggle for education

December 17, 2018
Singing “The First Noel,” senior Malik Penton harmonizes with Concert Choir at the Winter Concert Dec. 11. Students from grades seven through 12 performed at the 50th anniversary of the Winter Concert. “Being in Concert Choir, after eight years of choir, is one of the most special experiences of life. Wherever I go, I’ll always have the memories with my friends to hold onto. When I transferred junior year to Marquette and later Saint Charles West High School, I made sure choir was on my schedule because music is something I can’t live without,” Penton said.

Photo of the week – Dec. 10

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
December 15, 2018
During theater mentor class, senior Miqueyla Lopez hugs senior Kathryn Kerckhoff. Lopez has participated in PE Mentor classes and cooking mentor classes, but this is her first time in the theater class. "I learned how to work with them in a different setting because in here, we worked on social skills a lot, unlike the other mentor classes where we worked on things like activeness and motor skills. It takes so much patience, but I loved spending quality time with them individually," Lopez said.

[Photo] Student mentors help students with special needs host a winter play

December 13, 2018
Strumming with his left hand on the neck of the guitar, junior Jon Ma plays with his band Stir Fry at the Flint, Mich. benefit concert Dec. 6. Five local bands performed at the concert and raised more than $1,400 towards the Flint Water Fund. “I wasn’t that nervous because I realized there weren’t any stakes in this, no winner or loser, just some people coming together to make music for a good cause,” Ma said.

Photo of the week – Dec. 3

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
December 7, 2018
Sophomores Irene Yannakakis and Anna Pavlisin lay in the hallway deciding what Pop Tart flavor to try next.

[Photo] Pop Tart Taste Test

Irene Yannakakis and Anna Pavlisin
December 14, 2018
A Parkway school bus waits outside the building's front entrance.

[Photo] Zip code and skin color: the power in the stories that nobody tells

Tyler Kinzy, Managing Editor-in-Chief
December 7, 2018
Cutting fabric with scissors in hand, junior Meela Abbey decorates her ugly Christmas sweater during a Fashion Club meeting after school on Nov. 29. Members of the club gathered in Family and Consumer Science teacher Renee Broemmelsick’s room to make their own holiday sweaters. “Since they were supposed to be ugly, I had to make mine ugly, but like a cute ugly, it had to have some potential,” Abbey said.

Photo of the week – Nov. 26

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
December 2, 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 other's 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 of the week – Nov. 19

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
November 20, 2018
Gripping the electric razor, senior Sophie Pellegrino shaves coach Charles Cutelli’s head in his classroom after school on Thursday. Cutelli promised the girls cross country team that they could shave his head if they placed second in state. “I've always known him as the guy who writes my workouts and tells me what to do, but then I shaved his hair off his head,” Pellegrino said.

Photo of the week – Nov. 5

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
November 9, 2018
Soaring through the air, sophomore Sarenna Wood takes on the Parkway North ropes course, part of the Adventure Pursuit field trip Oct. 29. The students jumped off tall platforms and attempted to grab trapeze bars. “It was terrifying actually, getting on top of it was the hardest part, it was all adrenaline and you didn't feel anything else,” Wood said.

Photo of the week – Oct. 29

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
November 2, 2018
Describing the distinctive characteristics of the neighborhood, senior Nell Jaskowiak strolls through the produce stands at Soulard Market Oct. 25. History of St. Louis students traveled to downtown St. Louis and visited the Old Courthouse, Arch Grounds, Grand Avenue, Lafayette Square and the Downtown Architecture. “My favorite thing that I’ve learned about so far in the class is the diverse cultural backgrounds of all the different neighborhoods in St. Louis, learning about everything from Italian immigrants to the French settlers to the Czechs,” Jaskowiak said.

Photo of the week – Oct. 22

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
October 26, 2018
Freshman Giselle Bauer poses with a model of the human brain. Bauer has a brain tumor that causes seizures and has undergone four surgeries to minimize the tumor's size and effects. "Even though some things are harder, I know I can function normally," Bauer said. "I try to forget my tumor’s there and know that I’m just the same as everyone else."

[Photo] Freshman Giselle Bauer overcomes brain tumor

Maddie Brueggenjohann, Convergent Media Writer
October 26, 2018
Holding up a soccer ball, junior Jansen Miller dons his soccer jersey in front of a goal. Jansen has played soccer with the St. Louis Football Club Academy for three years. “The advantage is that [STLFC] are good role models, who have helped me not just in soccer, but in life as a professional because that's their job. That's their life and that's what I want to do,” Miller said. “Seeing them and what they do every single day, that's my goal.”

[Photo] Junior Jansen Miller scores a spot practicing with the St. Louis Football Club Academy

Reagin Ward, Convergent Media Writer
October 12, 2018
gisellefeat

Squatting in the Peace Garden Wed., Oct. 17, senior Brianna Vietmeier and senior Women of West Officer Jessica Goedeke tie-dye shirts. In an effort to create a sense of community, 30 members met at 7 a.m. to talk, tie-dye and bond. “We wanted girls to feel supported and comfortable coming to the club and listening in on their experiences,” Goedeke said.

Photo of the week – Oct. 15

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
October 20, 2018
Adjusting his guitar pedals, Hippo Campus lead singer and guitarist Jake Luppen prepares to play songs from the bands' album "Bambi."

[Photo] Hippo Campus and The Districts bring an electric performance to The Pageant

Sabrina Bohn, Managing Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2018
Rallying together during a home game Oct. 8, senior Alexa Abney and sophomore Emma Breidecker shoulder bump at the start of the varsity softball game against Ladue High School. Throughout the season, the varsity team mentally prepared in between innings by hyping up their fellow teammates. “Usually before every inning the infielders ran around and high fived each other before the batter came out,” Abney said. “Us outfielders always got together and shoulder bumped or chest bumped.”

Photo of the week – Oct. 8

Caroline Judd, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
October 12, 2018
Holding up a Billy Graham devotional book, senior Will Creemens proudly displays his faith. Each day, he reads the devotional and accompanying verses for that day. "There's a lot in [the book] about accepting the people around you which we don't always do," Creemens said. "We're in such a divided world, so it's refreshing to have a devotional saying what God wants us to do and a verse that explains it too."

[Photo] Senior Will Cremeens finds himself through Jesus Christ

October 16, 2018
Holding up a Billy Graham devotional book, senior Will Creemens proudly displays his faith. Each day, he reads the devotional and accompanying verses for that day. "There's a lot in [the book] about accepting the people around you which we don't always do," Creemens said. "We're in such a divided world, so it's refreshing to have a devotional saying what God wants us to do and a verse that explains it too."

[Photo] Senior Will Cremeens finds himself through Jesus Christ

Bella Hatzigeorgiou, Convergent Media Writer
October 16, 2018
Mahaffey poses with a shirt from ST∆Y. She plans to stay an ambassador for the company in order to continue to impact people's lives. "My main reason for being a part of ST∆Y is to spread kindness and awareness of suicide prevention," Mahaffey said, "There are so many people just tearing each other down. I just wanted to be a part of the crowd that fights for kindness."

[Photo] Spreading the message to ST∆Y

October 11, 2018
A student looks at his planner, which indicates that there is no school on Columbus Day. Despite the fact that Columbus brought mostly harm to Indigenous people, many schools still get off school to celebrate his legacy.

[Photo] The Wendigo in the room: our Columbus Day carnage

Gokul Venkatachalam
October 8, 2018
At the end of the final practice before the annual Powder Puff game, junior and head coach Walker Piles gives a pep talk to his team. The players and coaches attended a meeting and two practices to prepare for the game, which the seniors ended up winning 21-7. "To motivate my team, my goal was to make [them] understand it was not about individuals. It was team first," Piles said. "The seniors had athletes, but we had a team, and we came out and fought."

[Photo] Photo of the week – Sept. 24

Sabrina Bohn and Carly Anderson
September 30, 2018
Senior Maria Licavoli shows classmates her hamster Chili while preventing him from escaping her grasp. Licavoli took Zoology to further her learning for her hopeful future profession of a veterinarian. “I want to be a veterinarian when Im older because I love animals and Zoology really is a great intro because your learning about animals. I just really love animals,” Licavoli said.

[Photo] Meet the pets in Zoology

Irene Yannakakis, STAFF WRITER
October 9, 2018
Sitting in Zoology, senior Kristin Priest holds her Crested Gecko during a lesson. Zoology students brought their pets to class in order to learn more about the different species. “It’s so fun and so therapeutic because [during] the whole class period while you're taking notes you can have your animal out on your desk and play with it,” Priest said. “It's relaxing because you get to take notes and pet a guinea pig at the same time.”

Photo of the Week – Sept. 10

Caroline Judd and Carly Anderson
September 14, 2018
Helping junior Ronik Bhaskar with an assignment, English teacher Leslie Lindsey checks Bhaskar's work on rhetorical analysis. Bhaskar finds Lindsey attentive to her students needs. "I think as a teacher, she is very structured and organized which is good," Bhaskar said. "It helps makes sure everyone knows what's going on, what's going to happen and what they need to be prepared for. After setting up the kind of system, she still works hard to makes sure every student understands."

[Photo] Getting to know English teacher Leslie Lindsey

Ridwan Oyebamiji, Features Section Editor
September 11, 2018
Taking a break from recording, junior Andrew Jolly and senior Ali Yumuk laugh while working on their debut album “Up To No Good Volume 1.” The album is made up of eight original rap songs available on SoundCloud and Spotify. “Being together in a studio and recording together is a lot better than recording on your own in your own studio and then sending it to them,” Jolly said. “It gives you a much greater connection because you’re both part of the atmosphere of the album, and you’re a part of all the songs, even if you don’t have a part in them. Being in the studio with people is a such a tight knit feeling.”

[Photo] Junior Andrew Jolly and senior Ali Yumuk release debut rap album

Lydia Roseman, News and Sports Editor
October 8, 2018
Preparing for the scrimmage to begin, junior middle linebacker Luke Ward helps junior defensive lineman Tommy Mohan practice his defensive skills during Red and Blue Night. The varsity team started off their season with the jamboree, where they competed against Fort Zumwalt, St. Charles and Westminster. “The scrimmages are always fun. The first scrimmage felt rough, and like we were too slow, but by the third, I think the rust and butterflies were knocked off, and the team looked good,” Ward said. “Sportsmanship was high, and we got out with no significant injuries. Overall, it was a great way to kickoff the season.”

[Photo] Photo of the week – Aug. 13

Sabrina Bohn and Carly Anderson
August 19, 2018
Handing a customer an iced coffee, junior Madison Terry works as a Blue Brew barista. Marketing II students helped create the coffee shop and have raised more than $300 for West Chest. “Next year we’re going to change a little bit of the set-up, we’re going to add more coffee, make things a little more complicated,” Terry said. “The job is really fast paced but it’s fun [because] you get to see everybody and work with all the other [Marketing II] students.”

[Photo] Photo of the week – May 1

Carly Anderson and Sabrina Bohn
May 4, 2018
Sophomore Tywann Simms prepares to perform at a school pep assembly. Prior to Virginia Beach, Rho Sigma Delta won local competitions and performed at events like the pep assembly to uproarious crowds. “I feel like a lot of people look forward to seeing step because its an amazing thing and a lot of people are disappointed if we don’t perform,” freshmen Thalia Banks said.

[Photo] Rho Sigma Delta Wins National Championship

Gabe Davis, STAFF WRITER
April 7, 2018
In the middle of a backswing, senior Andrew Yazdi pretends to hit freshman Ethan Coy. Yazdi came up with the idea last minute while waiting to go out on the gym floor. “I think our golf team will be good. Our eight players on varsity are all strong,” Yazdi said. “I’ll make the most of each time I’m out on the course.”

[Photo] Spring Pep Rally Photo Gallery

Nayeon Ryu, Video Editor
March 23, 2018
Freshmen Jackson Gorman and Thomas Anderson play HQ together during their study hall for the 2 p.m. game. “I really like to play the game but I haven’t won any money yet,” Thomas Anderson said. “It is really addicting to play, which makes it hard to not play during study hall.”

[Photo] HQ Trivia catches the attention of students and faculty

Anna Pavlisin, STAFF WRITER
February 2, 2018
Seniors Brett Schade, Jackson Glisson, Austin Balestra, James Banks, Tyler Ramatowski, Drew Benoski and junior Will Patton pose for a photo. The boys gathered for a photoshoot, and this is currently the main picture on the website. "I mean it’s not really anything crazy you know just a local business just starting out selling sweatshirts, but once we get our website going and a little more brand recognition I think we could really have potential to expand," Glisson said.

[Photo] Student-run “For the Boys” company catches fire in St. Louis area

Noah Gwin, STAFF WRITER
January 29, 2018
Senior Salmoi Inje works on homework in the library. “I’m in debate and mock trial so I’m not really a sports person. My interests are very much academic. I want to go into Pediatrics so I’ll probably go through some pre-med track and then figure out my special later,” Inje said.

[Photo] Senior Salomi Inje struggles with FAFSA as a non-U.S. citizen

Carly Anderson, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief
January 10, 2018
During the home football game against Ladue, the student section, which includes parents, is sparse.

[Photo] Students address inadequate fan sections

Susie Seidel, Convergence Media Editor
December 1, 2017
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