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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

Standing on the practice field after an intense scrimmage, new football coach Mario Patton is adjusting to the new playing style at West. Patton energizes the team everyday with his personality. “ I want our kids to think of me as one of the most passionate coaches that they have been around, also someone who truly cares about the best interests of kids,” Patton said. “When it is business time I think the kids know the difference.”

New football coach and alumnus Mario Patton, despite strict COVID-19 rules, still makes connections with athletes

Tre Bell, Staff Writer September 18, 2020

Handing off his knowledge to football athletes, coach Mario Patton is the new running back coach. Patton has coached for 16 years, but this year is more meaningful than others. “I had an opportunity...

Blowing into his trumpet, senior and trumpet section leader Karl Oswald practices his instrument outdoors at band rehearsal. Band has resumed rehearsals with restrictions put in place to adhere to social distancing guidelines. “One big limitation is that all of our rehearsals have to be monitored very carefully. That means I can't just pick a random day of the week for the trumpet section and myself to come together and rehearse; everything needs to be very planned out,” Oswald said. “This year, I'm looking forward to having an opportunity to play music in person with people I care about and [perform] my solo.”

Photo of the week- Sept. 8

Ulaa Kuziez, News and Sports Editor September 11, 2020

Self-isolation as a response to COVID-19 had more benefits beyond containing the spread; it also helped some people discover their introvertedness.

Carpe Diem, introverts

Brinda Ambal, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief September 8, 2020

You say quarantine made you understand the value of a little ‘me time,’ appreciate a little quiet, become a little more introverted. Amazing job, I’m so proud of you. But you did not change, your...

Cheering each other on, freshmen Cora Tiemieir and Ashley Lewenski use a unique way to celebrate. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the girls were not allowed to partake in high fives or fist bumps. "We like to 'foot-five' whenever we do good," Lewenski said. "We're excited to be here and hype each other up."

Photo of the Week- Aug. 31

Michael Lolley, Staff Writer August 31, 2020

A collage displays students preparing for the first day of school. Parkway began the school year with districtwide virtual instruction upon implementing its ‘Plan C’ for reopening. “I felt slightly nervous before the day started because I didn't know how well our internet would hold up. The thing that scares me the most is that I will never know if the internet will stay up the whole day or if it will go down,” junior Aliana Sawall said. “This experience overall has taught me that I will have to have more patience than usual because this is new to everyone, including teachers.”

Photo of the week – Aug. 24

Tyler Kinzy, Managing Editor-in-Chief August 28, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit communities worldwide, regular summer plans were put on hold. Amongst our community, students wrestled with breaking the spell of boredom while also adhering to national safety guidelines that are still in place. Students were left to figure out alternative ways to enjoy their summer break.

Summer Plan B Story

Lilly Francis, Staff Writer August 25, 2020

An arrangement of the cover art for the albums discussed herein.

Top five albums to come out of quarantine

Tyler Kinzy, Managing Editor-in-Chief August 24, 2020

COVID-19 may have prompted some musicians to postpone albums or cancel tours, but that’s not to say the past several months have been devoid of good music. Below are my top five albums that have been...

Planning for a safe return to  sports and activities, Athletic Director Brian Kessler sends out new information to parents and students. As back to school approaches, Kessler worked with MSHSAA and other districts to decide the best way to continue with sports and activities. “The workload has been immense, the changes to the schedule have been a lot and then there’s a lot of fatigue,” Kessler said. “It’s hard to think what’s right for your community at this time because things can change quickly.”

Safety first: Athletics Director Brian Kessler plans return to sports

Tre Bell, Staff Writer August 22, 2020

As professional sports teams around the country struggle to create safe seasons, Athletic Director Brian Kessler works with the Missouri Sports High School Athletic Association (MSHSAA) and other groups...

Celebrating senior night during the 2019-2020 girls tennis season, varsity girls tennis coach Katelyn Arenos poses for a picture. Like many, Arenos was unaware of the circumstances that would come the following fall. “It’s going to be exciting to be back and see everyone. While we are thrilled to get back on the courts, our main goal will be to keep everyone safe," Arenos said. "I know our tennis community will work hard to follow the standards our district will set for us."

Coach Katelyn Arenos shares how she plans to coach during COVID-19

Lilly Francis, Staff Writer August 13, 2020

As the summer ends and fall sports begin, athletes and coaches will not find normalcy when they return to play. Social distancing measures will loom over practices and games as health regulations require...

Teacher Andrew Van Herik protests outside Chicago Public Schools headquarters July 22.

Podcast: COVID-19 and America’s teacher crisis

Tyler Kinzy, Managing Editor-in-Chief July 29, 2020

The vast majority of Americans believe teachers don’t receive the respect—or pay—they deserve, but that won’t stop the U.S. from forcing educators to work in potential COVID-19 hotspots with barebones...