The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
The rapid advancement of AI technologies has made its way into classrooms, leading to the gradual implementation of AI bots, programs, and games into learning environments. A 2023 survey conducted by Forbes advisor revealed that in the United States, 60% of teachers have already started integrating artificial intelligence into their classrooms to streamline daily responsibilities. “I think that it’s an amazing tool that can be used in so many different ways,” computer science teacher Ronald Barranco said. “I already see how it impacts the classroom, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Artificial intelligence revolutionizing education

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
April 12, 2024
AI is creating opportunities for students and teachers alike, improving the classroom experience.
Celebrating their victory, FCCLA members group together to take a picture. All participating members received a gold or silver medal at their competition. “I’m very proud of everyone’s hard work,” adviser Jennifer Gonzales said. “Their projects aren’t ones that can be completed in a couple days. It took hard word and dedication, and the fact everyone earned a silver or gold medal is something to be very proud of.”

AN HOUR IN … FCCLA

Kailie Sicolo, Staff Writer
April 3, 2024
FCCLA members compete in STAR events, win medals, and spend time together as a chapter.
"This was a nice divergence from the assignments we usually do," sophomore said. "My favorite part was analyzing how the aluminum reacted with the copper sulfate."

AN HOUR IN … CHEMISTRY HONORS

Ayma Malik, Editor in Chief
March 26, 2024
Students complete a hands-on lab project.
Danica Ruiz posing for a photo in front of a beautiful backdrop, “There are so many (inspirational), amazing, beautiful singers and songwriters out there,” Ruiz said. She has professional looking photos done to post to social media and on resumes.

Singer and Songwriter: Meet Danica Ruiz

Hayden Hunt, Staff writer
March 25, 2024
Sophomore Danica Ruiz has been following her dream of becoming a famous singer/songwriter since she was a kid.
Increasing issues with carbon emissions have students worried about the future of the Earth. An article written by the NCEI predicts that there’s a 22 percent chance that 2024 will be the hottest year, and there is a 99 percent chance that it will rank in the top five of the hottest years. “Where I live there’s a whole area where people just dump their trash, and who knows, in 10 to 30 years it might get so bad that we’ll just see trash everywhere,” sophomore Eliza Pangilinan said. “Even that small piece of trash went through a factory, and those factories produce a lot of gas [emissions].”

Carbon Footprints: Actions Have Consequences

Zelina Panissidi, Staff Writer
March 20, 2024
Students and staff discuss the impacts of greenhouse gasses.
The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in America and took place in Las Vegas for the first time in the newly built Allegiant Stadium. It became the most-watched Super Bowl in history with approximately 123 million people tuned in across multiple platforms. “With F1 and all of that, I actually think that that was probably the worst time to have the Super Bowl just considering that if you’ve seen what F1 has done,” senior and Allegiant Stadium Worker Kylee Parker said. “It has destroyed the Strip and construction is so bad, and considering that the stadium is pretty Strip adjacent, it definitely was bad timing.”

Las Vegas Wasn’t Prepared for the Super Bowl

Ava Torres, Staff Writer
March 19, 2024
Critics are pleased with the Superbowl in Las Vegas, but plenty of locals were not.
Completing an assignment for NSC Dual Enrollment Math 126, senior Artur Barsan uses the knowledge and skills he learned to work with his peers. Assignments in dual enrollment classes provide students with a challenge and test their understanding. “The hardest part of dual enrollment classes is the work itself,” Barsan said. “You get points off if you turn in work late and you have to put in a lot of time into the class. If you don’t spend enough time doing the work and understanding the material, you won’t be able to do well and pass.”

Under Pressure: The Challenges of Dual Enrollment

Kylie Dacquel, Staff Writer
March 18, 2024
Dual credits provide advantages and benefits to those who decide to complete the course, but many are on the fence about taking these classes.
Using a ruler for measuring, junior Skye Parker works with her partner to place roof tiles on their dollhouse. Correct measurement was an important part of building the dollhouse, as it ensured everything was oriented correctly and evenly. “I never knew math would be so involved with interior design,” Parker said.”It was involved in measuring the shingles so we could cut them, spacing out the wooden poles evenly, and many other parts of the building process.”

An Hour In … Interior Design

Kailie Sicolo, Staff Writer
March 7, 2024
Interior Design students construct dollhouses to study scale models, interior furnishings, exterior architecture.
Joining the march, freshman Jaidyn Eddington sets to interact with the cheering crowd alongside her float. After the exhausting preparation of puppet-handling and choreography, the Halloween parade was ready. “I guess it's just a big pile of dopamine,” Eddington said. “Like you're constantly happy, you're loving the work environment, you're loving seeing the smiles on everyone's faces as you go down the streets; everyone's positive, everyone tries their hardest to make everyone smile, and it's just a good experience.” Photo credit: Leslie Robertson

Determined Parade Marcher: Meet Jaidyn Eddington

Venice Jingco, Staff writer
March 5, 2024
Jaidyn Eddington shares her pursuit in parade performances.
Writing her answer on a whiteboard, junior Tiffany Tan works with her team to decide on an answer. Students worked to earn the most points for a chance to win a prize while practicing for the ACT. "It was really fun and engaging," Tan said. "This whole month Ms. De La Fuente has challenged us with fun and innovative ways to get us engaged."

AN HOUR IN … AP LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION

Ayma Malik and Kathryn Peterson
March 1, 2024
Find out what students are doing in AP Language and Composition to practice for the ACT.
Cooking with her stepdad and stepbrother, junior Maria Flor Bordinhon enjoys one of her many hobbies. As a culinary student, she is devoted to the art of cooking. “I really love cooking,” Bordinhon said. “It’s fun for me to cook up new dishes for my family and just experiment with recipes I’ve never tried before.”

Jack of all Trades: Meet Maria Flor Bordinhon

Kylie Dacquel, Staff Writer
February 28, 2024
Bordinhon shares her journey in expanding her knowledge on a variety of skills.
Posing on the ski lift, senior Neah Tablit ascends up Lee Canyon Ski Resort’s mountains. Lee Canyon has served as an outlet for individuals, like Tablit, to learn new skills like snowboarding, as extreme winter sports aren’t prevalent in Las Vegas. “I was able to step out of my comfort zone,” Tablit said. “Snowboarding introduced me to a completely new physical activity that requires balance, coordination, and strength, which was unfamiliar to me and challenging at first. Snowboarding allowed me to overcome my fear of falling and push myself to try new tricks.”

Enthusiastic Snowboarder: Meet Neah Tablit

Kailie Sicolo, Staff Writer
February 26, 2024
Senior Neah Tablit illustrates her snowboarding journey.
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