The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
Grabbing her phone to take a photo, sophomore Vanessa Ta sits down on a bed and takes a couple photos to post on her social media. “I just really [feel] that my favorite cosplayer is everyone lowkey, because I get to see people’s creativity,” Ta said. “I get to see how skilled and talented they are.”

An imaginative and inspiring Cosplayer: Meet Vanessa Ta

Gianna Barreras
October 23, 2025
Ta expresses her love for dressing up, as well as how she puts her costumes together.
In his fifth period World History class, Thur works with his students individually, helping them as they sort through notes and assorted historical documents. “I’m always willing to try something new,” Thur said. “Some of my best ideas that I’ve received over the years are from students. This year I’m trying out stations for the first time and kids are rotating through and it’s working. Well, some things are [working], I’ve still got to work out the kinks with it. The kids change, why shouldn’t I change too?”

International teaching legend: Meet Vincent Thur

Hayden Hunt, Features Editor
October 22, 2025
Mr. Thur has developed a vast arrangement of life experiences by taking every opportunity he can get.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Corrina Terry is running through beautiful National Parks. In the past, she has flown out to be able to participate in the races, exhibiting her determination. “I was running in the Lake Powell half marathon in Page Arizona—it was beautiful,” Terry said.

Racing around the states: Meet Corrina Terry

Brooke Weyandt, Staff Writer
April 30, 2025
Determined runner and English teacher talks through her cross country journey.
Tinkering with the engine of an excavator, junior Wyatt Adams takes apart pieces of the machine to take the engine out of the back. During guidance periods, Automotive teacher Bert Potts calls on Adams to assist with projects that are then used for class demonstrations. “I'm helping to swap out the engine on this excavator during my guidance period,” Adams said. “It's a big help to Mr. Potts while giving me something fun to do.”

Reliable Repairman: Meet Wyatt Adams

Calahan Davis, Staff Writer
April 23, 2025
Talented automotive student takes advantage of all the career opportunities provided to him
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.
Posing with her Hello Kitty collection, sophomore Joyce Harveston shows off her newest addition. Her collection has grown throughout the past decade and houses well over 300 trinkets. “I just spent a lot of Holiday money on the Care Bear Hello Kitties,” Harveston said. “Care Bears and Hello Kitty did a collaboration, and they are like $200 online.”

Hello Kitty Lover: Meet Joyce Harveston

Natalia Klonowski, Staff Writer
April 9, 2025
Harveston explains her passion for Hello Kitty Collectibles.
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