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
Senior Sally Peters stands in the history hallway, contemplating her choices in the 2024 United States and Missouri elections on Nov. 5. As a member of Diplomacy Club, Peters has discussed key candidates and issues in contemporary American politics. “[As students], we're starting to become adults. We're realizing how much the policies that are enforced and the laws that make it through the House and Senate are starting to affect us. [Opportunities such as] AP [U.S.Government] and Diplomacy Club [make elections feel] a lot more real,” Diplomacy Club vice president and senior Nidhisha Pejathaya said.

Activity across ages: Generational differences in political engagement

Pathfinder Editorial Board • October 31, 2024

A range of cultural icons stretching from Tupac Shakur to Greta Thunberg have commented on how younger generations are, in their eyes, more activist, more open to change and more willing to work to make...

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...

In recent years, the topic of lowering the national voting age has sparked debates across the United States. Young people have been at the forefront of the discussion, sharing their unique perspectives and opinions on voting ages. “[I want to vote because] I should be able to make decisions about myself, about my education, and about my rights,” sophomore Yein Ahn said.

Youth voices on the rise

Ruthvi Tadakamalla and Serena Liu • October 17, 2023

Pro: Turning sixteen can be one of the biggest milestones for a teen. By their 16th birthday, a teen can drive a car, pay taxes, work without restrictions, become emancipated and drop out of high school....

Junior Insang Lee takes a peek at the sample St. Louis County ballot after his English class. This was the first time Lee saw the ballot, and although he could not vote, he was curious about the offerings. “I haven’t heard of many people on this ballot, particularly the county officials,” Lee said. “But it is important to know about them and vote on them because this will affect all of us living in the county.”

Eight things students find surprising on the November 2022 Ballot

Raj Jaladi, Newsletter Editor/Data Analyst • November 7, 2022

As the midterm election countdown begins and candidates make their final pitches, election officials prepare the document that every voter needs: the ballot. Juniors and seniors who have never seen the...

Rosie the Riveter style, junior Kashifa Farooq poses, eager to vote. “I’m excited to see how voting trends are going to be when Gen Z is allowed to vote. I think a new generation brings new insight and perspective. So when my generation can vote, I feel our government will reflect us more,” Farooq said.

Student suffrage: How to register to vote

Anna Claywell, Staff Writer • October 7, 2022

As thousands of Missourians prepare to vote for the 2022 midterms, 18-year-old students have the opportunity to join them.  With midterm elections on Nov. 8, the deadline to register to vote is Oct....

With the 2020 election, it is important to understand the limits of the ballot box and why it is necessary to expand our political imagination beyond voting to achieve liberation.

Voting is not enough

Ulaa Kuziez, News and Sports Editor • November 2, 2020
With the 2020 election, it is important to understand the limits of the ballot box and why it is necessary to expand our political imagination beyond voting to achieve liberation.
History teacher Zaven Nalbandian stands outside of a polling place at the St. Louis County Government Center. Nalbandian experienced socially distant lines, mask wearers and a comfortable and tolerant feeling in the air. “I stood in the rain for the chance to once again exercise my right. I was feeling nostalgic as I thought back to that Tuesday in November in 1988 when I walked into the gym at Francis Howell North High School and punched the card," Nalbandian said. "St. Louis County is still using those old voting stands that look like ‘80s suitcases, but there are no more punch cards. I did get to keep the pen they gave me."

Despite a pandemic, students and teachers exercise their right to vote

Thomas Bruns, Opinions/A&E editor • November 2, 2020

As the 2020 election season comes to a close, students and faculty alike are preparing to vote on Nov. 3. This is seniors’ first time at the ballot, and for teachers, their first time voting during a...

Signs proclaiming “VOTE!” are illustrated against a blue background, a call to action heading towards the Missouri primary election Tuesday, March 10.

Missouri’s presidential primary is Tuesday, March 10–here’s everything you need to know

Sabrina Bohn, Managing Editor-in-Chief • March 9, 2020

The general election in November is quickly approaching as we make our way through primary season. This Tuesday, March 10, Missouri will have its primary, deciding which candidate will receive the state’s...

Hanging a flier on a locker, junior Sabrina Bohn raises awareness for the upcoming voter registration event Sept. 18. The campaign seeks to increase youth voter turnout ahead of the 2018 midterm elections. "It may not seem like one vote can change the way things are, but it really can," Bohn said. "Some candidates win by one vote in a precinct, so your vote really does matter and that’s why it’s so important for high schoolers to start registering."

Student activists to host voter registration event

Tyler Kinzy, Managing Editor-in-Chief • September 14, 2018

Students who are at least 17 1/2 years old will receive the opportunity to become more politically active Tuesday, Sept 18. when Parkway West is scheduled to hold a voter registration drive. As the...

Voter turnout sees extreme highs and lows

Justin Cupps, CONCEPTUAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • March 15, 2016
Compared to other countries, we are terrible in that that we do not have everyone participating, and voting is truly the center of democracy.
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