The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
With all her attention focused on the illuminated mannequin in front of her, senior Athena Jean Nardo practices her lashing techniques with the utmost precision as she carefully picks at a newly placed false eyelash with her trusty tweezer to ensure it is symmetrically lined up with the other lashes. Only being a lash technician for a few months, Nardo is determined to improve and become a better businesswoman. “I was so used to doing my own eyelashes that I wanted to start learning how to do it on others and it created a way to make people like how they look,” Nardo said.

Aspiring Entrepreneur: Meet Athena Jean Nardo

Monserrat Mendieta
October 1, 2020
An ambitious self-starter, Athena Jean Nardo is honing her entrepreneurial spirit through her at-home lash business.
After her distance learning, sophomore Jasmine Thai spends hours in her room learning a song from the movie “Your Name”. Thai finished the learning process after a long 3 weeks, and now considers it her favorite song. “Playing, it relaxes me. I am able to work on something I love and put all my focus into that,” Thai said. “I don’t have to worry about anything else that going on. It’s like a stress reliever.” Photo Credit: Jasmine Thai

Miraculous Middle School Musician: Meet Jasmine Thai

Hannah Paine
September 24, 2020
After starting music in middle school, sophomore Jasmine Thai has learned to play three instruments.
After a rigorous day of training, sophomore Gavin Ariota poses for a picture with boxers he looks up too and learns from. His workout routine includes two hours of muscle training, one hour of sparring and finishing that off with a run/jog. "At the end of a hard day of training we all love to relax and just hang out as friends instead of boxers” Ariota said. Photo Credit: Seon Lee.

Devoted Boxer: Meet Gavin Ariota

Farhad Yazdani
September 17, 2020
Gavin Ariota is as devoted as he can be and works harder than anyone and everyone standing in his way.
In the midst of practice, sophomore Louis Santiago Fernandez poses with the classical guitar he uses to play sweet and sombre melodies. He enjoys playing music from the older generations. “I just feel more connected to the [older] music,” Fernandez said. Photo Credit: Louis Santiago Fernandez

Don’t Stop the Music: Meet Louis Fernandez

Truong Phan
September 9, 2020
Aspiring musician, Louis Santiago Fernandez is perfecting his musical craft through consistent practice.
Small business owner: Meet Janelle Castillo

Small business owner: Meet Janelle Castillo

Julia Jauregui
August 22, 2020
After three months of working on her new sneaker brand, sophomore Janelle Castillo sold out her first line of products in one day.
Melodious singer: Meet Ginella Joy Santos

Melodious singer: Meet Ginella Joy Santos

Gurleen Swaich
April 28, 2020
Having an extreme passion for singing, sophomore Ginella Joy Santos created an Instagram to be able to express herself.
Talented track athlete: Meet Kassidy Land

Talented track athlete: Meet Kassidy Land

Gurleen Swaich
April 18, 2020
Hard-working track star, Kassidy Land hopes to be in a collegiate track program.
Committed swimmer: Meet Kristina Glavas

Committed swimmer: Meet Kristina Glavas

Gurleen Swaich
March 30, 2020
Glavas is a competitive swimmer working towards swimming in the Olympics.
Car fanatic: Meet Sergio Ybarra

Car fanatic: Meet Sergio Ybarra

McKenna Thayer
March 10, 2020
Since getting his first car at the age of 14, Ybarra has gained interest in the drift scene and has worked with many different cars and trucks.
Culturally involved: Meet Alex Espinoza

Culturally involved: Meet Alex Espinoza

McKenna Thayer
February 21, 2020
Sophomore Alex Espinoza incorporates her culture into her everyday life with how she speaks, her clothing and what food she eats.
Accomplished Cook: Meet Kyle Peng

Accomplished Cook: Meet Kyle Peng

McKenna Thayer
February 17, 2020
After joining the culinary program, junior Kyle Peng has excelled in his baking skills.
Rising Tik Tok star: Meet Eian Burge

Rising Tik Tok star: Meet Eian Burge

McKenna Thayer
January 31, 2020
After posting a video to the app Tik Tok, freshman Eian Burge has gained a large following.
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