The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
Squaring up to a practice dummy, sophomore Cypher Andres prepares to throw a punch. Dummies are regularly used to help him prepare certain hits to take his opponents down. “[Boxing dummies help me practice] because it’s basically a model of the body,” Andres said. “It helps with accuracy, such as pressure points behind the ear, and a clean liver shot can end the fight.”

Stepping into the Ring: Meet Cypher Andres

Leo Amend, Staff Writer
October 16, 2025
Over the past ten months, Andres has become a dedicated boxer.
Swaying and preparing to toss the tennis ball, Dylan Grove practices serving. Grove had been training in preparation for her upcoming matches against Chaparral and Doral Red Rock. “[Both teams are] both very tough opponents, but I am ready for whatever gets thrown my way,” Grove said.

A Persistent Tennis Player: Meet Dylan Grove

Karmen Cao, Staff Writer
October 9, 2025
Grove continues her tennis passion of six years, driven by her strong work ethic and close bonds with her teammates.

Last Week In Sports: 9/28-10/4

Nino Galloway, Sports Writer
October 7, 2025

During his passing period, junior Nino Galloway scrolls through his content on his phone. A study published in Computers in Human Behavior Reports found that doomscrolling can significantly heighten anxiety and severely disrupt sleep, especially among teens and college students already vulnerable to stress. “I prefer to not doomscroll throughout the day,” Galloway said. “I mainly watch TV or long-form YouTube videos, then save the TikToks for the night.”

Plugged In, Burnt Out: The Doomscrolling Epidemic

Jon Escala, Staff Writer
October 3, 2025
From late-night scrolling to endless news cycles, doomscrolling has become a common, yet harmful, habit for many teenagers.
'Best Spooky Song' Contest

‘Best Spooky Song’ Contest

Brooke Weyandt and Celia Evangelista
October 1, 2025
Tell us your favorite spooky song for a chance to win.
Designing her next work of art, junior Carly Smith uses the sharpness of her pencil to etch defined, accurate lines across the paper’s smooth surface. Smith practiced doodling tattoo designs in her sketchbook. “I try a lot of different mediums when it comes to anything art related,” Smith said. “I am willing to try anything new.” Photographer: @carlyforniagirls Instagram

The World of Arts & Crafts: Meet Carly Smith

Aanya Miller, Staff Writer
October 1, 2025
Through her passion and dedication to the arts, Carly Smith expresses her love of drawing and painting.
Through an increase in fees, attending high school today is becoming more and more expensive

The mounting price of academic excellence

Hayden Hunt, Features Editor
September 29, 2025
Higher fees in classes, clubs, and more have caused students economic strain and financial stress.
Mikayla Tabada displays this spring theme inspired nail set.

Aspiring Nail Artist: Meet Mikayla Tabada

Michaela Bustamante, Staff Writer
September 26, 2025
Tabada discusses her experiences with nails and starting a business.
Erevis Sosniak, sophomore, shoots the puck during a hockey match with his team, the Las Vegas Warriors. After a summer of devoted training, Sosniak performed a hat trick, or three goals for a single game, in his first match of the season. “It’s just my love of the sport. I love being out on the ice…I’ve been training myself to get lower and lower every time, it allows me to go faster because it creates a longer stride,” Sosniak said.

A Champion of Hockey: Erevis Sosniak

Carter Hunt, Staff Writer
September 24, 2025
Sosniak has played hockey for the majority of his life and has performed well in a traveling team for the past two years, experiencing highs and lows as he strives to improve himself and the team.

Last Week in Sports: 9/14-9/20

Nino Galloway, Sports Writer
September 23, 2025

Maintaining a fully extended, stretched-out body, Atalya Carroll continues to swing 360-degree rotations around the bar. She was performing her giant swing, the movement that she had been practicing for hours. “This year I have been super determined to get in the gym and put in 110%, instead of just 50% or 80%,” Carroll said.

The Making of A Gymnast: Meet Atalya Carroll

Karmen Cao, Staff Writer
September 23, 2025
The heartfelt journey of a 12-year gymnast.
An Hour In … EDU 250

An Hour In … EDU 250

Celia Evangelista, Co-Activities Director
September 23, 2025
EDU 250 students work on their purpose of education assignment.
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