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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

Freshman Raj Jaladi and senior Sri Jaladi pose for a photo after tennis practice. The brothers and teammates had high hopes to play in state but ended their season losing to Priory’s doubles team in the second round of districts. “It’s not like we don’t get along at home, but we communicate best at a tennis match,” Raj said.

The dynamic duo: Jaladi brothers ace the season

Elle Rotter, Deputy Conceptual Editor-in-Chief June 2, 2021

Working side by side for their varsity tennis season, freshman Raj Jaladi and senior Sri Jaladi were the top two players on the team. They got to play as a doubles team in districts but their season ended...

As part of Creative Writing, students publish short stories.

Aspiring authors: Creative Writing Students publish short stories

Madi Michajliczenko, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief May 28, 2021

Usually in English classes, students are asked to write narratives, literary analyses and even research papers; however, students in English teacher Dan Barnes’ Creative Writing I and II get to create...

Making their way through the senior parade, seniors Zoe Rutledge, Tori Fischer and Talie Ziegler smile at the crowd. Fischer has not committed to a college yet but plans on attending the University of Kentucky to study computer science and dance. "I loved seeing all the teachers and families cheering us on and congratulating us, it just felt really good, like an 'I really made it' moment. It was one last chance to see everyone together, which was nice because we haven't had many chances at all this year," Fischer said. "[In college,] I'm super excited to just be somewhere new and make lots of new friends especially in a sorority."

Photo of the week – May 21

Mira Nalbandian, Managing Editor-in-Chief May 21, 2021

Senior Sarenna Wood receives her COVID-19 vaccine at Mercy Hospital.

From donuts to paid leave, what can you get with your COVID-19 Vaccine?

Sara Albarcha, Staff Writer April 19, 2021
In Missouri, all people above the age of 17 are eligible to register for the vaccine. As vaccinations expand in Missouri, many establishments are offering discounts and freebies with proof of vaccination. Read below to see what different establishments are offering. 
Posing in the trunk of his car, senior Tony Morris and junior Riley Leslie (Fernridge high school) get ready to start the parade. Morris had his entire family come along to show support for him graduating. “I loved the parade. I really enjoyed myself and I think it should be a thing that’s continued. The energy and amount of people that showed up and all of the decorated cars made it really really fun,” Morris said. “But I would really love to walk across the stage wearing my cap and gown, being handed my diploma, and saying goodbye to highschool surrounded by my class, not separated by cars.”

Bidding farewell to the class of 2020: senior parade edition

Sara Albarcha, Staff Writer June 8, 2020
"I was proud I was able to show them how far I’ve come. it was also great to see some friends who I haven’t seen in a while, and I was happy we were able to experience this altogether,” Hassan said.
Senior Mohammed Kuziez leads the assembly right before dismissal. Kuziez co-teaches with senior Ridwan Oyebamiji at Al-Iman Saturday School. “They recite what we assigned them in class, and we give them a grade on that,” Kuziez said. “Based on their grades throughout the semester, we give them a final grade for the semester based on different categories. There’s behavior, classwork, homework and pronunciation.”

Seniors Ridwan Oyebamiji and Mohammed Kuziez teach Qur’an

Lydia Roseman, News and Sports Editor May 13, 2020

After school and on the weekends, seniors Ridwan Oyebamiji and Mohamed Kuziez teach Qur’an in Arabic to students between seven and 12 years old. As an action that their prophet Muhammad did, it is important...

Holding their third place medals from districts, senior Robert McKnight stands alongside his teammate Matt Boyd and tennis coach Katelyn Arenos after a practice during their junior year. They spent most of their season playing doubles matches with each other. “Playing tennis has taught me a lot. Staying committed to my training has taught me discipline. Struggling through back injuries has taught me how to always find the silver lining. Most importantly, my tennis career has taught me a lot about humility and respect,” McKnight said. “Respect is earned in many ways. It’s about correcting your mistakes and putting others first, and improving the lives of those around you, because you [can] personally have an impact.”

A time to remember: Inside senior Robert McKnight’s tennis career

Jacob Stanton, Staff Writer May 12, 2020

After placing third in the district doubles tournament his junior year, team captain and senior Robert McKnight is poised to become a tennis star. Even though his final season has been postponed due to...

While COVID-19 still plays a part in our lives, principals have found a way for the class of 2020 to still be able to walk the stage.

2020 graduation is back on

Bri Davis, Staff Writer May 1, 2020

Despite schools being canceled for the remainder of the school year, not all is lost. Classes will end on the scheduled day of May 21 yet graduation for seniors will be pushed back to July in hopes of...

Sprinting toward the finish line, senior Ryan Caton races at the Missouri Sectionals meet at Parkway Central High School Nov. 2, which was one of the last cross country races of his career. He finished the race in 14th place and qualified for state the following week. “My teammates [were] everything. Nobody was motivated for themselves; everyone was motivated for the whole team, and that is something I can’t thank them enough for,” Caton said. “I felt very happy that I was able to end my season at state. Not very many people were able to do that.”

Senior Ryan Caton reflects on his running career after his final season is postponed

Jacob Stanton, Staff Writer April 29, 2020

After three months of preparation and running more than 500 miles during the off-season, senior Ryan Caton is one of many spring athletes seeing their final season slip away due to the COVID-19 pandemic....

Holding up the transgender pride flag, senior Tony Morse takes a picture in his binder. He got the flag towards the end of middle school. “The flag for me is a symbol of pride,” Morse said. “It reminds myself and others of who I truly am. I am wearing a binder in my photo; I used to be very very self conscious of letting others know I used a binder. Now, I am comfortable enough to post pictures of me in it and wear it out in the open. I feel as if I pass enough. Once I get top surgery, I am so excited to not have to deal with wearing the chest binder. It definitely takes a toll on me having to wear it. It gets physically uncomfortable and I long for the day when I can put on a shirt without having to put it on first, as well as being able to take off my shirt and be proud and comfortable.”

7. The battle to become a man; four years later

Zoe DeYoung, Staff Writer April 16, 2020

As a seventh grader, senior Tony Morse decided that after years of gender dysphoria, he would take the leap to come out as a transgender male. He cut his hair short and kickstarted the long process of...