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
As students approach adulthood, it is essential for them to learn about the status quo from all perspectives possible. While in school, students have opportunities to engage in activities, discussions and lessons to enhance their knowledge. “People will be afraid to speak out on their political views if they know that those around them disagree with them, but we definitely talk about political issues around school. We encourage people to share different political views and make sure that no one is excluded,” sophomore Ryan Shabani said.

Drivers of change: Society’s role in the generational influence of politics

Pathfinder Editorial Board • February 29, 2024

Make America Great Again. Finish the Job. Everyone’s Invited. Make America Normal Again. Declare Your Independence.  With the 2024 presidential election less than nine months away, campaigns and...

Free speech on a national level

Tanvi Kulkarni, Features Editor • September 17, 2021

The United States was founded on the ideals of democracy and freedom. The First Amendment written in 1787 clearly states that “Congress shall make no law… abridging freedom of speech.” The freedom...

Free press on an international level

Tanvi Kulkarni, Features Editor • September 17, 2021

Conversely, countries such as Syria, which has an extremely oppressive regime, are very restricted in speech and press. Freedom of the World 2021 rated Syria a 1/100 in terms of political rights and civil...

President Joe Biden takes the oath of office from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts as his wife, first lady Jill Biden, stands next to him during the 59th presidential inauguration.

Teachers reflect on the importance of inaugurations

Thomas Bruns, Opinions/A&E editor • January 21, 2021

Many teachers paused their classes Jan. 20 and turned their attention to the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Students were masked and socially distanced as they watched Biden place his hand on the...

During a meeting for Every Mind Matters, junior Katie Solodar leads the group in introductions and advice. Solodar co-founded the club and works to destigmatize mental illness. “The overall goal is for this club to be a place where people can come and learn about mental illness,” Solodar said. “We tried to give good advice on how to take care of yourself, even more than just ‘drink a lot of water.’”

From high school to government: Katie Solodar hopes to take the lead

Kaleiya Andrews, Convergent Media Writer • May 1, 2019

After being recommended by history teachers and principals, junior Katie Solodar got accepted into Missouri Girls State (MGS), a camp for upcoming senior girls who are passionate about the government. “First,...

Although the government is open temporarily for three weeks of negotiations over the budget, the shutdown was the longest in history, lasting 35 days. Many families with members who work for the government were affected by the two paychecks that were not paid during that time. “My mom is really good at managing money. She managed to make it work so we can buy groceries to eat dinner. Stuff that we don’t need, we just haven’t really been getting,” junior Lauren Ottensmeyer said. “The shutdown just made everything stressful, but we got through it slowly.”

Families deal with effects of government shutdown

Sabrina Bohn, Managing Editor-in-Chief • February 8, 2019

After the longest government shutdown in United States history, government workers are still adjusting from the two paychecks that they missed during the 35-day period. “Initially, we just figured...

Sue Meredith, representative for the 71st district, talks to students in Mel Trotier's third hour AP Government class.

Missouri state representative Sue Meredith speaks to AP Government students

Hannah Hoffmann and Gabby Leon • December 1, 2016

Who are you? I'm Sue Meredith, State Representative. I get to wear this cute little pin. These pins get very expensive depending on how much it costs to get elected. Senate ones are plastic, which I think...

Students signed a poster after a silent protest to show their support for social justice.

Students organize silent walkout for social justice

Allie Collins, Entire Staff • December 6, 2014

Students can expect to see plenty of bubbles to fill in if Amendment 3 is passed.

Standardized Stress

Hannah Hoffmann, TECHNICAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • October 2, 2014
On Nov. 4, voters will pass or deny Amendment 3, a piece of legislature that bases teacher salaries and job opportunities around standardized testing.