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The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Elijah Cruz drums for the Lohan School of Shaolin. The rest of the team lion danced to match his beat. “It’s cool to see so many lion dancers move when I hit the drum and at the speed I want them to move,” sophomore Elijah Ray Cruz said.

Heart of A Drummer: Meet Elijah Cruz

Rheyland Simon, Writer
February 5, 2025
Ever since he was nine years old, sophomore Elijah Cruz has been beating drums as loud as a lion’s heart.
Friends Forever: Meet Angelina Nguyen

Friends Forever: Meet Angelina Nguyen

February 3, 2025
Angelina and her friend Irene have been friends since third grade.
Sneaker King: Meet Andrew Aviles

Sneaker King: Meet Andrew Aviles

January 30, 2025
Sneaker collecting and reselling has became the ultimate past time for freshman Andrew Aviles
On the day of his performance, junior Ryan Cruz prepares himself and tries to calm his nerves for the event. For Cruz, lion dancing is an expressive outlet that brings emotion to any spectators that check out his performances. “It’s really fun for me, honestly,” Cruz said. “I like jumping around, or running around. I really like [pretending to] bite people as the lion. It means a lot to me that I’m able to make people smile, whether it is making them think that I brought them good fortune, or doing those random things to kids to cheer them up because they’re really scared.”

Head of the Lion: Meet Ryan Cruz

Jon Escala, Staff Writer
January 30, 2025

Most who have experienced the tradition of lion dancing might be content staying a spectator for fear of feeling embarrassed to wear a huge costume while dancing. But for junior Ryan Cruz, he remains fearless...

Posing with a Chiikawa stand, a popular Japanese cartoon character, junior Chloe Rivera enjoys her time in Japan. She snapped a picture with the Chiikawa and Tokyo Banana collaboration poster to commemorate the moment. “I think they [Chiikawa] were really cute and during the time I was thinking about how Tokyo Banana and Chiikawa collab and that I should take a picture before their collab ended,” Rivera said. “Sometimes I wish I got the collab package, but I’m also glad I didn’t even though the packaging is different.” 
“Photo Credit: Chloe Rivera”

DEVOTED TRAVELER: MEET CHLOE RIVERA

Joy Ryan, Staff Writer
January 29, 2025
Junior shares her experience of traveling frequently to different parts of the world.
On Pointe: Meet Victoria Lebedyeva

On Pointe: Meet Victoria Lebedyeva

January 28, 2025
Junior Victoria Lebedyev shares her passion for ballet with every performance.
Choosing Music: Meet Zoe Rawlins

Choosing Music: Meet Zoe Rawlins

January 24, 2025
Zoe Rawlins started her musical journey learning the cello and piano and sees a long journey ahead
Local Musician: Meet Leo Amend

Local Musician: Meet Leo Amend

January 22, 2025
Doing everything that he can to make his dream of becoming a musician come true.
Dual Language: Meet Ashley Gonzalez

Dual Language: Meet Ashley Gonzalez

January 20, 2025
Ashley Gonzalez struggled to connect with others as a fluent Spanish speaker.
Sticker Booked: Meet Janica Zamora

Sticker Booked: Meet Janica Zamora

January 18, 2025
Janica's sticker collection tells her story with images of her life experiences
Out on the ice during a college game, video production teacher Ernesto Zita runs up and down the ice ensuring a fair game. Zita served as a ref for a JV match at the City National Rink in Vegas earlier last month. “My favorite part of my job is when the game starts and I’m able to focus on the game; focus on what's happening on the ice,” Zita said. “I like that high tension, I thrive in environments like that.”

Lifelong Hockey Ref: Ernesto Zita

Calahan Davis, Staff Writer
January 16, 2025
Dedicated referee and Video Production teacher discusses his fervor for hockey
On an Artistic Journey: Meet Isabella Costa

On an Artistic Journey: Meet Isabella Costa

January 16, 2025
Art serves as a crucial creative outlet for Isabella, whether it's cartoonist anime styles, serene landscapes, or striking fashion statements.