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The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

With the economy starting to change, the young generation has decided to prioritize more creative-based paths.

Gen Z: Redefining Milestones

Amelia Castellanos, Staff Writer
April 25, 2025
After many generations, Gen Z is redefining traditional rites of passage.
The surge in student visa revocations began mid-March while under the Trump Administration.

America’s First Step Toward Totalitarianism

Travis McGinnis, Shadow Files Director
April 25, 2025
In today’s America, advocating pro-Palestine beliefs means deportation for pro-terrorism beliefs.
 From depression to OCD, celebrities begin being more transparent about their struggles

Celebrities Make Mental Health Mainstream

Hayden Hunt, Staff Writer
April 24, 2025
Several celebrities are making headlines as opening up about mental illness is becoming more normalized.
Students are preparing to showcase their artwork during the annual spring art show. “I’m a little nervous because I don’t show off my work outside of my close friend group,” senior Grayson Leavitt said. ”However, I think it’s a very great opportunity to present my work, and I hope people like what I have to present, especially considering how proud I am of it.”

Art Department presents ‘Threads, Pixels, and Paint’ Showcase

Jon Escala, Staff Writer
April 23, 2025
The event will be on April 24 from 5-7 p.m. in the ballroom.
Several events have been organized by the freshmen student council class to help integrate freshmen into the school community. This Thursday will be the first new student induction night. “I think freshman events are good for us to have more knowledge about what is actually going on at school,” freshman Kyra Buchheit said. “I think the freshman event will be good for the next group.”

New Student Induction Night Held For Prospective Students

Natalia Klonowski, Staff Writer
April 23, 2025
New student induction night will take place on April 24th to help new students connect, explore campus life, and kick off their high school journey.

Automotive Program Hosts: Tech Olympics

Devin Uclaray, Shadow Files Reporter
April 22, 2025
CTE students network and compete at the Tech Olympics to experience what the automotive industry holds
Designing cards, junior Katrina Siphonexay works hard on drawing. “We were making cards for the elderly,” Siphonexay said. “That’s why I chose nostalgic characters, like Teletubbies and Care Bears. We also wrote positive messages, so we could uplift their spirits.”

CLUB PREVIEW: A LOOK INTO THE WEEK OF APR. 21

Achilles Caranto, Staff Writer
April 22, 2025
HOSA collaborates with an awareness group, Jam Club prepares for their next performance, and Key Club makes Teacher Appreciation cards.
Where Are They Now: Camryn Carr

Where Are They Now: Camryn Carr

Kailie Sicolo, News Editor
April 21, 2025
Here's a look at 2016 graduate Camryn Carr's life after high school.
School announcements being broadcast on social media has drastic implications for the information being spread between students and teachers.

Poor Social Media Advertising Creates the Uninformed

Hunter Rhee, Multimedia Editor
April 21, 2025
The rise of social media content for school announcements has become a major detriment to information around Southwest.
Despite all that Las Vegas has given me over the years, it’s time to say goodbye.

I’m Leaving Las Vegas

Philipos Alebachew, Editor in Chief
April 17, 2025
Now that college decision season is over, I’ve made my final decision.
Today, collecting designer figurines such as Labubu’s, Sonny Angels, and Smiskis have become popular collectable items, with hundreds of people trying to get their hands on one. These collectibles have gained immense popularity, changing the scope of collectibles from occasional purchases to overconsumption. “I store my figurines by hanging shelves and storing them there,” senior Donavan Leung said. “Honestly, what makes me excited when collecting figurines is when I get to open them and hang them up. It’s fun to open the figurines, especially since most of them are blind bags. I don’t buy them often, but when I see something I really like or want, I get it.”

FROM BLIND BOXES TO MYSTERY SURPRISES: HOW FIGURINE COLLECTING BECAME WORLDWIDE

Joy Ryan, Staff Writer
April 17, 2025
Today, collectible figurines have become a worldwide phenomenon for people of all ages.
Sitting in her room, junior Jada DeJesus strums the guitar. DeJesus has learned to play many songs through her guitar. “I plan on learning how to play Velvet Ring by Big Thief,” Dejesus said. “It's a good song so I need to lock in and learn it.”

Adaptable Artist: Meet Jada DeJesus

Amelia Castellanos, Staff Writer
April 16, 2025
Junior comes from a long line of generational talent.