Category: Opinion

Some students enjoy themselves at the actual prom event, whereas others choose to attend locations elsewhere. Why say you're going to prom if you don't even plan to truly attend?Photo Credit: June Gabriel Santos

Prom disregarded as a dance

Many students mention that they plan on going to prom, and pay quite a lot to have one of the best nights of their life. However, they choose to only spend a little amount of time at the actual event, and spend more time experiencing the city.

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Senior April Bitanga struggles to finish her online assignment, yet she fails to realize the plug is not connected into the computer. Sometimes, being too focused on academics and being an "intelligent" person can bypass common sense.Photo Credit: Bserat Ghebremicael

Intelligence vs. common sense

Many students focus themselves on their academics thoroughly and can be considered “intelligent,” but when it comes to the real world and handling problems on the streets, students have no idea what to do and where to begin. Common sense should be taught in high school through classes that can give further information about real-life topics.

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Because of the frequent mass shootings that occurred during the 2012-2013 school year, students are now required to participate in hard lockdown drills.Photo Credit: Alex Nedelcu

More violence in schools leads to new drills

Because of the frequent mass shootings that occurred during the 2012-2013 school year, students are now required to participate in hard lockdown drills.

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Seniors Jamie Fajardo and John Morales had their makeup done, during a lunchtime game during the Battle of the Sexes. Some seniors participate in these spirit days, They took the initiative to participate in an event that brings more school spirit, unlike those who decided to watch in the background.Photo Credit: Michelle Manuel

Editorial: Seniors disregard initial pledge for spirit

Earlier this school year, the Class of 2013 pledged to have more senior spirit than the Class of 2012. However, no new traditions have been formed and there have not been any new senior events.

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Seniors Elaine Wong and Brianna Yee work as partners in order to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the mannequin. They also use an ambu bag for breaths and an AED to shock the patient and bring him back to life.Photo Credit: Bserat Ghebremicael

Editorial: Superb growth benefits students

From its founding in 2009, SWCTA has developed in the last four years.

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A senior takes time to read a story on the new "Star Trek" movie, instead of working on her homework for her classes. After seniors have received their acceptance letters, some lack the motivation to maintain satisfactory grades in their classes.Photo Credit: Bserat Ghebremicael

Editorial: Colleges will revoke admission

After seniors receive their college acceptance letters, they may choose to let all of their hard work go to waste, believing that colleges cannot revoke admission. However, it’s quite the opposite, and severe consequences can come out of a careless decision.

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Outside of Las Vegas, many people view this city as corrupt and destructive. Little do they know, “Sin City” is improving and becoming a better place for families and businesses.Courtesy of America's Wallpapers (Creative Commons)

Editorial: Las Vegas: Sin City or Improving City?

Outside of Las Vegas, many people view this city as corrupt and destructive. Little do they know, “Sin City” is improving and becoming a better place for families and businesses.

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Photo Credit: Elaine Wong

Editorial: Traffic problem continues

Each year, the traffic in the morning continues to be a problem. Without a set system being followed by drivers, students will continue to be put in harm’s way.

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Students compete in order to earn the honor of being valedictorian.Photo Credit: Bserat Ghebremicael

Editorial: Valedictorian candidates compete for title

Multiple schools honor multiple valedictorians, but this tarnishes the meaning of this special title. Each school must have one valedictorian, based on their academics and social skills.

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Juniors Vivian Tam and Danielle Valerio spend a recent Saturday washing cars to fundraise for their upcoming HOSA conferences. This is just one example of the time commitment required for extracurricular activities.

Editorial: Choosing extracurriculars over academics: short-term distraction, long-term consequences

Students choosing to participate in extracurricular activities, instead of focusing on their academics, are not thinking of the long-term consequences.

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Junior Jared Ward demonstrates the use of the motion capture equipment, which was provided by Perkins Funding. The X-Box Connect Bar that Ward is using records his movement and takes a skeleton shot that applies to him and a 3-D model of a human. Any movement he makes is replicated on the model, which is easier than key framing for projects.Photo Credit: Southwest Shadow Staff

Editorial: Perkins funding integral for career technical education

Perkins Funding is awarded to Southwest CTA, as well as other Career and Technical Education programs around the country, to further their educational mission. This funding is currently in jeopardy and could severely diminish CTE programs.

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Photo Credit: Jordan Sutton

Editorial: Seniors need to focus on academics before fun

Seniors can become overwhelmed with the various activities that are part of senior year, but it is important to finish the year off strong before engaging in these extracurriculars.

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Editorial: SAT’s catalyst for high stress

Editorial: SAT’s catalyst for high stress

The SATs give students more to worry about as the holiday seasons come closer and closer. As one possible required college entrance exam, many seniors depend on their score to better their chances into being admitted into a quality university.

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