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The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Upcoming and passionate artist Hope Tala makes a loud entrance into the music industry with “Girl Eats Sun.”
Rating: A- Photo Credit: EMI

Enter an ethereal frenzy with ‘Girl Eats Sun’

Gurleen Swaich
May 19, 2021
Staying true to her roots, artist Hope Tala released a new album called “Girl Eats Sun,” with a bold fusion of Latin and R&B genres and figurative-filled lyrics.
The torque lab required students to test different weights on a seesaw. Placing mystery boxes on one side and a brick on the other, they were able to determine the weight of the mystery box. “I found the lab helped me figure out the torque formulas,” junior Franchesca Ramirez said. “After working on this assignment I feel like I’m actually prepared for any tests on it.” Screenshot By: PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado, Boulder

AP Physics I students complete online torque lab

Juliana Borruso
May 18, 2021
Working to prepare for the exam, AP Physics I students have completed an online lab, using a digital seesaw to find mystery weights.
PODCAST: Skin Care

PODCAST: Skin Care

As teenagers, our skin is constantly changing and today were going to talk about how to handle it.
Midterms and final exams would better show students knowledge and creativity if they were formatted as projects. Photo Credit: Firmbee.com

Pro/Con: Who said it was the easy way out?

Tishie Nyitray
May 17, 2021
Although tests are what teachers are used to, that doesn’t mean it’s what is best for students.
A new study confirms where the real anti-semitism lies

A new study confirms where the real anti-semitism lies

Ahmed Ahmed
May 17, 2021
A base built on bigotry will be home to anti-semites.
Animation II students are delving into 3D animation by creating a 3D donut and coffee cup in the animation software, Blender. For this assignment, they will follow tutorials to guide them through the process. “I am enjoying following a specific guide on how to use Blender,” sophomore Simon Tolentino said. “I feel like I am learning the necessary steps to 3D animation and I am truly enjoying it.” Photo Credit: Farhad Yazdani

Animation II Students begin learning about 3D Designing

Farhad Yazdani
May 17, 2021
Animation II sophomores begin making 3D donuts and coffee cups in Blender.
For almost 20 years, thousands of military personnel have been stationed in Afghanistan as part of a campaign devoted to battling global terorrism. But, should we really continue the struggle against extremist forces? Or should we save the lives of our own troops first? Photo Credit: Helmandblog

THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN IS A LOST CAUSE

Rhamil Taguba
May 4, 2021
A look at what made the war in Afghanistan a mistake.
QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

Julia Jauregui
May 3, 2021
Take a look at last weeks' news.
LIFEHACKS: Curly Hair edition

LIFEHACKS: Curly Hair edition

Kayla Thomas
May 3, 2021
Curly hair can be hard to care for, but with these three tricks it will be easier.
2021 Road to Summer Contest

2021 Road to Summer Contest

Julia Jauregui
May 1, 2021
We'd love to know your upcoming summer plans.
Students kicked off the new unit in COM 102 starting with a discussion on issues, such as parents controlling their child’s career choices. Gaining insight through each other's responses, students learned more about careers and the pathway to success. “I think that this unit is going to be really helpful in the future. I haven’t had a job yet, so a lot of this information is really new to me,” junior Gabriella Barber said. “COVID-19 has made it a little hard to get a job, but once things get better I will definitely be using these tips in the future to get a job.”Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio

COM 102 students take a closer step into adulthood

Gurleen Swaich
April 30, 2021
Learning about real world topics, students in COM 102 discuss professional relationships and workplace environments.
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 I've 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.