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
Posing outside Missouri State University, students take a group photo following the MSHSAA Speech and Debate State Tournament. The competition spanned two days, adding up to nearly 60 rounds between the team. “This was all of our first times at States, and that made this experience unique 一 no one knew what to expect. Getting one last tournament with this specific team and our seniors was sentimental, but I’m excited to get going again next season,” sophomore Aagi Gudipati said.

Voices of the herd

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • May 13, 2025

From April 24-26, 15 students traveled to Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., to compete in the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Speech and Debate State Tournament....

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...

Getting a running start, junior Vita Madamanchi prepares to pie Speech and Debate Head coach Cara Borgsmiller after winning a bid. Borgsmiller was one of the coaches who volunteered to get pied, to raise money for Every Child’s Hope at the Speech and Debate team’s annual fundraiser. “Once I closed [donations, the team] wanted to bid on Borgsmiller, and it was a 10-minute bidding match between Madamanchi and [senior] Noah Schell. Madamanchi won and ended up spending $45,” junior Serpil Kucukkaya said.

Eyes on the pies: the Speech & Debate team raises money to honor alumnus memory

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • December 1, 2022

On Oct. 14 and 15, the Parkway West Speech and Debate Team kicked off the competitive season by hosting their first in-person tournament since 2019. While running the tournament, the raised money for Every...