CD Review- JoJo’s “Jumping Trains”
Bserat Ghebremicael, Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 2012
Though she’s been absent from the musical world due to issues with her record label, JoJo returns in 2012 retaining her pop musical styles with her album “Jumping Trains.” JoJo has moved away from being the innocent romantic to educated and realistic concerning topics about love, evident... (more...)
DECA members head to ICDC
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
April 23, 2012
From April 27 to May 2, students from SWCTA will be attending the International Career Development Conference to further compete after placing second or third in their DECA events. Students were required to attend the DECA state conference that occurred in Feb. 2012, in order to be eligible... (more...)
#KONY2012 goes viral
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
March 23, 2012
Remember when the terrorist, Saddam Hussein, was killed? For a couple of days, his death was the topic of discussion on social media sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter. After a few days, people moved on with their daily lives, completely ignoring the fact that one of the most dangerous... (more...)
Aspiring Higher: Desiree Tolentino
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
March 8, 2012
She’s there to help us out, she’s there to represent SWCTA DECA, and she’s there to support and encourage us. Junior Desiree Tolentino will be leading us during the 2012-2013 school year as the Nevada DECA VP of Membership. “I am really excited for her. She has done a lot for SWCTA... (more...)
Album Review – Tyga’s ‘Careless World: Rise of the Last King’
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2012
From one album to the next, Tyga continues to display excellence in his rap music, releasing a song almost every month. Tyga’s “Careless World: Rise of the Last King” can be classified as one of the best albums 2012 has to offer so far. Tyga’s new song “For the Fame,” featuring... (more...)
Class officers chosen for 2012-2013 school year
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2012
From Feb. 13 to Feb. 17, current and new members of Student Council campaigned for class officer positions. Students had the ability to put up flyers and posters in the buildings. “I feel rather accomplished, but being that I’m not a competitive person, I just know that it is meant... (more...)
People change, interests change, dreams change
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2012
Follow your dreams; that’s the happy image society is trying to portray now, is it not? They make it sound so effortless. Let’s just ride off to a magical land on ponies and live happily ever after! Though it appears to be simple, following your dreams is not that easy. As naïve and vulnerable... (more...)
Details revealed for DECA/HOSA competitions
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
February 8, 2012
DECA and HOSA state competitions are coming up very shortly. With only a short time left to prepare, students are studying and completing any requirements for their events. “I am really excited for the competition and all the workshops!” SWCTA DECA President Yuen Ying Ha, junior, said. From... (more...)
Album Review – Ryan Leslie ‘Les is More’
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
January 31, 2012
Ryan Leslie pursues an interestingly pleasing musical style years after disappearing from mainstream music. “Les is More” is a mixture of cheerful beats and instruments such as tamborines, pianos, drums, and guitars; he encourages many to live glorious, high esteemed lives. Compared to... (more...)
Are streets safe anymore?
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
January 24, 2012
Imagine driving down Las Vegas Boulevard as you are heading home after picking your brother up from school. As you approach the intersection the light turns yellow, but you are past the white line, so you keep going. But, as you proceed, a car tries to make a left turn in order to beat the... (more...)
Semester exams schedule released
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
January 11, 2012
From Jan. 17 to Jan. 20, semester exams will be administered to students at SWCTA. Beginning Jan. 18, each day is a half-day and consists of two classes. “I feel ready. I just want to get them over with so I can start the new semester with a clean slate,” replied Ellaha Koshan, junior. The... (more...)
Journalism students will gift wrap to raise conference funds
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
December 8, 2011
On Dec. 10, Journalism II students will be gift wrapping items for the Las Vegas community near the Boca Park center, inside the REI sports store. “I’m excited to do this fundraiser because it’s sort of original. Not many organizations do it and it’s going to be so much fun wrapping... (more...)
Album Review – Drake’s ‘Take Care’
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
December 5, 2011
From singing to rapping and acting, Drake has come a long way from his first self-released album “Room for Improvement,” becoming one of the most famous, well-paid rappers while keeping a positive image for his younger fans. As one of the most anticipated albums of 2011, Drake’s “Take... (more...)
Hot Chelle Rae expresses practical, earthly attitudes
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
November 27, 2011
From an unknown Nashville band to an award winning pop rock band, Hot Chelle Rae, comprised of Ryan Follese (lead vocalist), Nash Overstreet (lead guitar), Ian Keaggy (bass guitar), and Jamie Follese (drums), never fail to please their teenage audience. Once named Miracle Drug, the band signed... (more...)
‘Tower Heist’ provides comical views
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
November 27, 2011
With a story that involves crime, comedy, and a connection to the infamous 2009 Bernie Madoff investment scandal, “Tower Heist” resulted in multiple laughs, and is a perfect break from homework. Manager Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) learns that hard-edged businessman Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda)... (more...)
Hot Chelle Rae perform live concert on campus
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
November 21, 2011
On Nov. 21, 2011, over 1400 SWCTA students enjoyed a live concert in the gym from pop band Hot Chelle Rae. “They were better than I expected. They did a great job and they were amazing!” comments Courtney Downs, senior. As they entered the gymnasium, students screamed their lungs out for... (more...)
Local Las Vegas Theatre Review – ‘Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
November 16, 2011
In contrast to the common assumption that high school musicals are unprofessional or amateur, Las Vegas Academy’s student production of Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was outstanding. Its highly qualified actors and durable sets presented what I would deem a professional musical... (more...)
Mayors breakfast promotes community involvement
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
November 16, 2011
On Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 a.m., students from Southwest Career and Technical Academy will attend the Mayors Prayer Breakfast at the Texas Station Hotel and Casino; students who are attending have been pre-selected by their teachers. The Mayors Prayer Breakfast brings together mayors and... (more...)
Sun Youth Forum celebrates student opinion
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2011
Fourteen juniors and seniors have been selected to attend the Sun Youth Forum, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This event is open to all Clark County High Schools, who will come together to discuss their opinions, without any adult input. “I... (more...)
Book festival features prominent authors
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2011
From Nov. 3 to 6, the Vegas Valley Book Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary. This year’s festival will feature 100 writers, 100 events, and around 14,000 people are expected to attend. Jorge Argueta, author of A Movie in My Pillow, Max Brooks, author of The Zombie Survival Guide,... (more...)
Tough Enough: Roy Badillo and Xavier Bauer
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
October 30, 2011
You’re in the ring. It’s the last round and everyone’s screaming your name. Can you imagine the pressure? Though most believe boxing is a violent sport, they should realize that Mike Tyson partly biting off an ear in retaliation and supervised punches to stop your opponent is two different... (more...)
Republican GOP candidates debate in Vegas
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2011
On Oct. 18, 2011, the Western Republican Leadership Conference was held in the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Seven candidates participated in this debate, including U.S. Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann, business executive and chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank... (more...)
Album Review – J. Cole’s ‘Cole World: The Sideline Story’
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
October 17, 2011
With J. Cole’s use of unique beats, creative style, and soul, “Cole World: The Sideline Story,” explores a variety of topics, rather than the expected—love. With Jay-Z as his mentor, he improved his rapping from the first to his recent third album by creating a different sound, evident... (more...)
Respiratory Therapy program conducts CPR certification
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
October 13, 2011
Respiratory Therapy juniors are now being certified or retrained for a cardiopulmonary resuscitation card. Many juniors in the Respiratory Therapy program were certified for two years, after completing the process their freshman year in health. Mrs. Vicki Smith, Respiratory Therapy and certified... (more...)
Album Review – David Guetta’s ‘Nothing But the Beat’
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2011
David Guetta’s new album, “Nothing But the Beat,” is literally just that—nothing but the beat. I figured Guetta’s catchy and upbeat single, “Where Them Girls At?” would set the standard for the album, but in reality, the rest of his songs are disappointing. The album features... (more...)
Album Review – Jason Derulo’s ‘Future History’
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
September 21, 2011
After releasing his first album, Jason Derülo, in 2010, Jason Joel Desrouleaux returns with an even more vibrant, high spirited album, in Future History. Derulo has developed a distinctive R&B and pop style over the course of three short years. His lyrics include vivid imagery and the... (more...)
Culinary programs hosts Cupcake Wars
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
September 21, 2011
On Oct. 10-11, SWCTA’s junior and senior baking and pastry students will be competing in a baking contest. The event is based on the Food Network show, Cupcake Wars, where each team of SWCTA students must create a Halloween display, featuring one dozen Halloween-themed cupcakes. “I was... (more...)
Classes reinstated; teachers added
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
September 10, 2011
At the conclusion of the 2010-2011 school year, 639 teaching jobs had been cut and several courses and programs were eliminated in the Clark County School District. However, a total of $250 million was restored to the district budget, which allowed SWCTA to reinstate Art I, Drawing I, Painting... (more...)
Senior Sunrise celebrates final year
Bserat Ghebremicael
September 7, 2011
On Friday, Sept. 2, the Southwest Career and Technical Academy held a Senior Sunrise for the first senior class. Seniors were served a free breakfast as they watched the sunrise. Senior Class President Marisa Martinez and Vice President Trevor Dawson also expressed their thoughts in a short... (more...)
Seeking Success: Vanessa Gomez
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
September 6, 2011
Have you seen junior Vanessa Gomez during a SWCTA Spirit Week? Nobody can outdo her crazy colored hair, pennies on her socks, and Miss Universe dresses. Of all students, Gomez shares her unique and loud personality with teachers and students throughout the school year. Born in Upland, CA and... (more...)
Vans Warped Tour 2011 Preview
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor
April 29, 2011
Do you love music? Are you fascinated by extreme sports? Well, on June 30th, 2011, the Vans Warped Tour will be coming to Las Vegas, Nevada at the Plaza Hotel. This is the 17th edition of the Warped Tour and the first time the tour has returned to Las Vegas since 2004. The Warped Tour is a... (more...)
Album Review – Rise Against’s ‘Endgame’
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor
April 11, 2011
Three years since their previous album, “Appeal to Reason,” Rise Against returns with an upbeat album, “Endgame,” focusing on songs with messages about the world and its problems. Rise Against consists of Tim Mcllrath (vocals/guitar), Joe Principe (bass/backing vocals), Brandon Barnes... (more...)
Reality Check for Student Principal
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
April 8, 2011
On April 1st, 2011, I had the chance to be Principal for a day—pretty cool, right? When I found out I won, I wore a shining bright smile for the rest of the day. I expected an exciting day where I could just lay back, put my feet up on the executive desk and have fun. However, things did... (more...)
Fashion students spotlight Shade Tree for event
Bserat Ghebremicael, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
March 31, 2011
On April 2, 2011, SWCTA students will model dresses to raise money and awareness for The Shade Tree, an organization benefiting abused children, women, and pets. “I think it will be very successful because SWCTA students are very generous and caring about others. We will do anything we can... (more...)
Artist Spotlight: Allstar Weekend
Bserat Ghebremicael, Staff Writer
November 15, 2010
With songs such as “Dance Forever” and “A Different Side of Me,” AllStar Weekend’s fame continues to grow, pleasing fans everywhere they go. As they perform, girls scream their names with a frenzied look on their faces. These new Disney artists present themselves to their best ability,... (more...)
Artist Spotlight: Sevendust
Bserat Ghebremicael, Staff Writer
November 15, 2010
For years, Sevendust has traveled the world pleasing people with their music and talent. From their first self-titled album, to their most recent album, Cold Day Memory, Sevendust have grown in their music, but still have that same rock sound everyone loves. Obstacles in their path were no... (more...)
New teachers join SWCTA Faculty
Bserat Ghebremicael, Staff Writer
September 26, 2010
The Southwest Career and Technical Academy welcomed 19 new teachers, first year instructors and transfers from within the district, for the 2010-2011 school year. “I love it. It’s like going home. Everyone is helpful and accepting. Students are driven to become successful,” said Mr. Jeffrey... (more...)
