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
Although I had developed book smarts going to college, I quickly discovered that my street-smarts were behind my peers as I struggled with day-to-day organizational and time management skills as well as a lack of big picture and worldly views of topics and events. Thinking back to my high school years, I let my parents do too much for me who were quick to step in, reminding me about deadlines or just assuming responsibilities that were mine to own. Although it made my life easier at the time, my development was behind where it needed to be, and blame and struggle were placed solely on my shoulders. My parents had a significant impact on my development as a person in both the ways I approached and thought of others as well as my choices to stay challenged in life. Amongst other values, they instilled in me the virtue of acceptance which largely led me to the field of Counseling." - Chris Lorenz, counseling.

Chris Lorenz, Counseling

Lia Emry, Staff Writer • April 6, 2023

Explaining how to request high school transcripts for the college application, college counselor Chris Lorenz leads a senior class meeting for English teacher Diana Lurkins’ AP Literature class. West High transitioned the counseling department to create a single college counselor, following in the footsteps of the other four Parkway high schools. “I love working with high school [students], coming of age, moving from being a child to an adult. I’m helping individuals through that transition, which encompasses an understanding of themselves and their passions are as they leave high school and go off to do bigger and better things,” Lorenz said.

Counseling department shifts gears

Madi Michajliczenko, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief • September 13, 2022

Common App. Essay Writing. ACT Optional. Applying to the college of your dreams can span months. Students don’t have to figure out this world alone. Counselors are readily available.  Dedicated to...

College and career secretary Lauren Rowe finishes submitting a senior’s college admission paperwork. Rowe began submitting Transcription and Information Release Requests immediately upon her arrival at school. “As I reached the office I already had pink sheets in my box,” Rowe said. “I submitted the materials right away so everything reaches the offices of admissions in a timely manner.”

College and career center lacks designated college counselor

Umeera Farooq, Convergence Journalism Writer • December 3, 2019

Preparing consent and release forms, standardized test scores and recommendation letters, College and career secretary Lauren Rowe is bombarded with paperwork starting Nov. 1. Within the Parkway School...

Bell schedules differ at each Parkway high school, West being the only schedule that does not incorporate an Academic Lab.

The future of bell schedules

Susie Seidel, Convergence Media Editor • October 4, 2019

Students stay after school hoping their teacher hasn’t left before their question is answered, teachers working at multiple schools fly into the parking lot to make the bell and members of off-campus...

A student sits outside of the counseling office, looking at a poster directed at stressed students. The posters were hung in response to the rising anxiety levels of students. Because of busy schedules, counselors have limited time to deal with the emotional needs of students, and so students are forced to look elsewhere for help.

Editorial: counseling department is understaffed

Pathfinder Editorial Board • April 9, 2018

The counseling office is a constant hub of activity. All five counselors have a table used as a waiting room filled with drop-form-toting students, kids with parents’ notes requesting schedule changes;...

Senior Mason Gervich takes a nap during his fourth hour study hall.

West community debates senioritis

Hasan Baig, Staff Writer • December 4, 2015
Freshmen, sophomores and juniors must be careful about keeping up with their grades, doing their homework and staying up-to-date with their assignments. If not, something happens when the student approaches senior year.
Judy Babitz, Counseling Secretary extrodinaire

Judy Babitz, Counseling Secretary extrodinaire

Kathryn Harter, Multimedia Editor • May 7, 2015
From the capital of the United States, to a potential law degree, to personal training, to Parkway North and now here at West, Judy Babitz is the new Guidance Secretary.
Madeline Kaempfe looks through a college pamphlet.

College Planning Night

Claire Martin, Staff Writer • November 12, 2014
Parents and students attended the College Planning Night on Nov. 11 to receive information of college and how to plan for their post-high school lives.