The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Administration is currently organizing to ensure a safe and successful ceremony for seniors. In contrast to last years drive-thru graduation, this years graduation will include pre-recorded speeches and a smaller audience at Orleans Arena. Senior year went well for me as I still was able to spend time with the people I care about even though it was in a reduced capacity, senior Micheal Brock said. It’s obviously bittersweet as it’s [graduation is] saying goodbye to a part of my life, but I’m excited for the future.” Photo Credit: MD Duran

In-person graduation scheduled for June 7

Hanae Furugaki
May 19, 2021
Abiding by the guidelines, senior graduation 2021 will be held in person with limited capacity
Toxicity’s relationship with gaming has created a negative image over the years. The extreme pervasiveness of toxic players has left most with no options, but to simply tolerate and normalize the behavior, despite its hatefulness. I’ve played online games practically my entire life, so Ive had my fair share of toxicity, sophomore Ashley Harris said. Unfortunately, we can never get rid of toxicity anywhere, and we do what we have to do to get rid of trolls and rude people. We do our best to make a safe bubble for everyone, which is what the rest of the gaming community needs to replicate.Photo Credit: Florian Olivo

The increasing toxicity of gaming culture

Hanae Furugaki
April 30, 2021
Toxicity and its normalization continues to exist it online gaming communities.
Due to coronavirus precautions, CollegeBoard is giving students the choice of taking the exam in digital or paper format at home or school. Individual testing schedules depend on three exam dates for each subject between early May and mid-June. “The biggest pro [to taking the test at home] is probably being safe from any exposure to COVID-19, sophomore Yusra Shafique said. You might also feel more relaxed and at ease since you’re in a comfortable, familiar environment rather than being stressed by going to school and sitting in a classroom with other students.
Photo Credit: Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu

Examinees given options for 2021 AP Exams

Hanae Furugaki
April 6, 2021
Collegeboard offering digital exams that can be taken at school or home for safety reasons.
Where are They Now: Nikki Molina

Where are They Now: Nikki Molina

Hanae Furugaki
March 19, 2021
Class of 2016 graduate Nikki Molina is now a Navy engineer.
Q&A: Do you agree with Superintendent Jesus Jara’s plan to return high schoolers to in-person learning by April?

Q&A: Do you agree with Superintendent Jesus Jara’s plan to return high schoolers to in-person learning by April?

Hanae Furugaki
March 12, 2021
Students of various grade levels share their input on whether they agree or disagree with the Superintendent's plan to return high school students to physical learning in April.
February marks the beginning of Black History Month as teachers integrate traditional Black History Month topics as well as more current topics in their curriculum. “I keep in mind the importance of it that its not just a month its a mindset,” social studies teacher Jessica Kelly said. “You cant understand whats going on today without knowing the history behind it.” Photo Credit: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

The Enduring Significance of Black History Month

Hanae Furugaki
March 4, 2021
Conversations in the classroom are now extending to include current events.
Enjoy the luxurious view and healthy dining at Strip View Cafe

Enjoy the luxurious view and healthy dining at Strip View Cafe

Hanae Furugaki
March 2, 2021
Strip View Cafe offers various meals, desserts, and drinks to enjoy in the relaxing atmosphere outdoors.
While many of us are locked down in our homes, sophomore Genevy Machuca has found a way to utilize the time by making homemade cookies to sell online with her close friend Alyssa Yozamp. The new business offers cookies in a variety of flavors, such as red velvet and peanut butter. Credit: Genevy Machuca

Online cookie business owner: Meet Genevy Machuca

Hanae Furugaki
February 11, 2021
Sophomore Genevy Machuca shares her story of being an online cookie store owner
Schoolwork and busy schedules have made students prone to sleep deprivation. The consequences of sleep deficiency are serious and this widespread issue can cause various health issues. “There are so many reasons that sleep deprivation is hindering the success of our teenagers,” Psychology 101 teacher Benjamin Lacombe said. “There is a connection between sleep deprivation and irritability, bad temper, weight gain, memory, and other mental health issues. Maybe we would see a reduction of these problems in teenagers if they just got more sleep.” Credit: Icons made by Flat Icons from www.flaticon.com

The teenage sleep deprivation epidemic signals alarms

Hanae Furugaki
February 5, 2021
The teenage population suffers from sleep deprivation issues.
Starting after winter break, adding new teachers has allowed for smaller class sizes for core classes. After a large intake of freshmen, many classes were larger than normal. “I love it at Southwest,” Whitney Lopez said. “Coming into the distance format, the biggest challenge was how do I adjust all these things that I know we used to hit on, but also, do I need to make adjustments so that I can kind of lighten the load a little bit, so that it’s not so overwhelming all the time.”

New faculty joins Southwest for second semester

Juliana Borruso and Hanae Furugaki
January 14, 2021
The addition of two new English and a science teacher have aided in reducing course sizes.
Working on her laptop from her usual Google Meets spot, sophomore Heron Yonas works on a PSA project to raise awareness about the harmful effects of reusable plastic masks. For the project, members took pictures of masks they found around the neighborhood and compiled them together in a video. I love how this club keeps us up with the new environmental issues, Yonas said. Honestly, if it werent for this club, I would be completely blind to everything going on. Photo Credit: Heron Yonas

Environmental Club studies COVID’s impact on non-reusable products

Hanae Furugaki
December 10, 2020
Environmental Club members take steps to change their lifestyles and raise awareness to help the environment during the pandemic.
PODCAST: Discord Schooling

PODCAST: Discord Schooling

Hanae Furugaki and Farhad Yazdani
December 1, 2020
Student Discord server Fever Dream joins the Southwest Shadow to talk about their experience using the platform as a community.

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