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
Throwing candy out to the crowd around them, the varsity boys soccer team enters Brook Hill Subdivision gates Sept. 24, 2021. Due to excessive litter and waste in previous years, the school placed a rule that limits candy usage in the parade this year. “We had to drive a golf cart around the neighborhood and pick up candy and trash late at night. It was just another freshman and me, and I didn't feel safe," sophomore class president Triya Gudipati said. "We missed most of the homecoming game, which was upsetting because it was my first year in high school. It was my first homecoming game, and I was right behind the field so that I could hear all of the game, but I didn't get to go. I feel like that experience was taken away from me."

To candy or not to candy: ‘No Littering Rule’ changes Homecoming parade expectations

Elle Rotter, Deputy Conceptual Editor-in-Chief • September 22, 2022

UPDATE: AS OF SEPT. 22, 2022 THE ADMINISTRATION TEAM HAS DECIDED THAT THE HOMECOMING PARADE WILL ALLOW CANDY ON THE WEST HIGH CAMPUS THIS YEAR. Homecoming traditions where students toss candy, beads and...

The girls varsity volleyball team come together celebrating a block by senior Maddy Truka (2). The team finished with a record of 12-5 alongside a second place finish at the state tournament. “It still feels surreal, but I couldn’t think of a better way to have ended my senior season,” senior and team captain Carly Kuehl said. “I think going into the season not thinking we would have a season makes it even better. At the beginning, we weren’t really working for an end goal. As we kept moving on and kept winning, my excitement and desire to keep winning grew. I’m just so proud of my team and happy that this is how I got to end my volleyball career.”

Despite unorthodox season varsity girls volleyball finishes second place at state

Drew Boone, Staff Writer • December 14, 2020

Playing their season knowing it could be canceled at a moment's notice, the varsity girls volleyball team continued working to achieve their final goal: a state championship. Despite falling just short...

Preparing his team for the upcoming girls lacrosse season, coach Tom Herpel directs his players during the parent/ player game, not knowing the coronavirus would halt the season from begining. With all the varsity players returning, hopes were high for a winning season. “I was heartbroken. I knew how hard the girls worked over the past couple years to put themselves in a position to be so successful," Herpel said. "It was terrible to think about what could have been but never would be."

Coaches share the disappointment with student-athletes regarding canceled sport seasons

Cooper Walkoff, Convergent Media Writer • May 21, 2020

Student-athletes aren't the only ones who are disappointed with their seasons being cancelled due to the coronavirus. The coaches are equally frustrated about not being able to lead their teams during...

Wearing their varsity jerseys, brothers Jack and Sam Goedde smile for a photo. This year, the brothers had the opportunity to play on the same volleyball team, but their season was cut to only two weeks due to the outbreak of COVID-19. “I know that Jack worked extremely hard to prepare for this season so that he would have a chance to make varsity and play with Sam,” boys varsity volleyball coach Susan Anderson said. “Had [they] been able to play, I know they would have pushed each other on the court and really bonded.”

Senior Sam Goedde and freshman Jack Goedde’s work ethic ‘set’ them up for success as volleyball teammates

Mira Nalbandian, Managing Editor-in-Chief • April 22, 2020

From practicing volleyball in their front yard to sharing the varsity court, senior Sam Goedde and freshman Jack Goedde took their bond to a new level as teammates on the boys varsity volleyball team....

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...

Principal Jeremy Mitchell and senior Jacob Dennison light the opening ceremony torch.

Special Olympics – A West High Tradition

Nico Stranquist, Staff Writer • February 23, 2015
Three hundred and seventy two volunteers will fill the gymnasium on Monday, Feb 23 for the annual Special Olympics Basketball Tournament.