![Bill Byrd (center left) stands with current principal Jeremy Mitchell, and former principals Dave McMillan and Beth Plunkett at West’s 50th anniversary football game and celebration. Byrd had continued to stay connected to the West community even after leaving his post as principal in 1987 through his three children’s enrollment and attendance to football and basketball games. “We currently have a granddaughter [sophomore Susie Seidel] at West and enjoy attending her activities and listening to her West stories. I feel very honored and fortunate to have been a part of West High for the past 50 years,” Byrd said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/unnamed-7-675x900.jpg)
Owen Ulmer - I’m Owen. Patrick May - And I’m Patrick. Ulmer - And this is the Athletes of West. May - We just interviewed star softball...
![Wind blowing through the tennis court, sophomore Maddie Mills serves, tying the score against Marquette at 5-5 on Oct. 8. Playing with a new partner, junior Bree Lang, the duo kept their game strong despite the harsh wind. “We [worked] well together; [Bree] is good at the net, and I’m good at my groundstrokes,” Mills said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Copy-of-DSC08335-1200x800.jpg)
![Sophomore Aleix Pi de Cabanyes Navarro (left) finishes up a soccer game while junior Ava Muench (right) warms up for cross country practice. The two came to Parkway West High School as exchange students for the 2025-2026 school year. “The goal for the [exchange] program is to provide opportunities for both Parkway students and our international exchange students to learn about other cultures, build connections and become confident, capable, curious and caring — Parkway’s Four C’s — in the process,” Exchange Program Lead Lauren Farrelly said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Feature-Photo-1200x800.png)
The beginning of the school year is chaotic for everyone as students adjust to new classes, meet new teachers and face new challenges. Fall sports...