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
During a game of cornhole, junior Aliza Schroeder celebrates with her buddy after making her bean bag through the board. Cornhole was one of many games offered in Victory Village. “We liked the activities in the Victory Village. We had a lot of fun playing the games, and she was really excited when she did well. We had fun celebrating. It’s important to be inclusive, involved [and] be excited to celebrate,” Schroeder said.

Heart of the games

Payton Dean, Opinions Editor • April 17, 2025

Celebrating in Victory Village during Special Olympics, junior Caitlin Brandmill and her buddy Franchesca Chevalie decorate a paper bag to hold her crafts, like necklaces and slime. Brandmill wanted to participate in the Special Olympics because she thought it was an excellent opportunity to make an impact in the Parkway community. “I loved all of it. I had so much fun getting to know Franchesca and all the kids in our group,” Brandmill said. “My favorite part was making slime, but also basketball was fun because a lot of the athletes were getting into [the activity].”

Photo of the Week – March 10

Elle Rotter, Deputy Conceptual Editor-in-Chief • March 10, 2023

Junior and cheerleader Tori Fischer hugs a Special Olympics athlete during the opening ceremony last year. Throughout the basketball tournament, cheerleaders encourage athletes from the side of the court. “Cheering for Special Olympics is honestly one of my favorite things I get to do during the school year,” Fischer said. “At normal games, we have to stay in formations and do planned cheers and people are so used to us that [it] doesn't get people excited. But at Special Olympics a lot of the athletes get excited when they hear us cheering for them and we can cheer them on in a totally relaxed and more personal way.”

Changing our mindset towards Special Olympics

Pathfinder Editorial Board • March 5, 2020

In the days following Special Olympics, Instagram floods with photos of “Buddies” smiling next to their athletes. Buddies are student volunteers who help and support their partnered Special Olympics...

Video: Special Olympics 2018

Susie Seidel, Convergence Media Editor • February 13, 2018

Cheering on her buddy, senior Julia DeFrank watches as her athlete shoots the basket. "She enjoyed the day, and that was awesome because they said last year she was nervous to even go into the gym," DeFrank said.

Special Olympics day to become school-wide day of service

Claire Smout, AWARDS COORDINATOR • October 6, 2017

Last school year, over 500 students volunteered in Special Olympics. Although more students applied, the administration had to cap the number of participants because of space issues. This year, as a solution,...

Cheering on her buddy, senior Julia DeFrank watches as her athlete shoots the basket. "She enjoyed the day, and that was awesome because they said last year she was nervous to even go into the gym," DeFrank said.

Community unites to plan Special Olympics

Wonsang Lee, Staff Writer • February 10, 2017

Five hundred volunteers. Two hundred athletes. And countless hours all poured into one memorable event on Feb. 13: Special Olympics 2017. “Every year, the number of participants in Special Olympics...

Seniors Kjell Hagen and Tyler Hannegan, and eight grader Kia Hagen wear gold medals after their game against Cape Girardeau.

Kjell Hagen and Tyler Hannegan’s journey to Special Olympics

Grant Aden, SPORTS EDITOR • November 9, 2016
Seniors Kjell Hagen and Tyler Hannegan won the opportunity to be considered for the North American National Special Olympics in Seattle, WA.
Junior Chris Williams and sophomore Sophia Malpocker hang out with their Special Olympics buddy.

Nicole Wang takes over as Special Olympics coordinator

Nell Jaskowiak, OPINIONS AND ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR • March 1, 2016
On Feb. 22, hundreds of students from West High and across the St. Louis area converged on the main gym, clad in bright purple, green, yellow, red and salmon shirts. Over 400 West High volunteers worked at this year’s Special Olympics, with positions in Victory Village, as unified players, buddies and buddy captains.
Sophomore Emma Moss takes on the job of buddy and plays with her athlete at Special Olympics.

How to make Special Olympics the best day for your Buddy

Emily Wind, Staff Wirter • February 16, 2016
With the annual Special Olympics less than a week away, preparations finalizing the day’s events for all the athletes have already begun.
Students circle around as junior Sarah Goldblum reads "The Berenstain Bears."

Student Spotlight: Sarah Goldblum

Bronte Segura, Staff Writer • March 10, 2015
Junior Sarah Goldblum spreads positivity working with special education students.
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