Aspiring Fitness Content Creator: Meet Sebastian Huynh Johnny Tao, Assistant Editor-in-Chief May 12, 2026 Through years of trial and error, senior Sebastian Huynh has slowly transformed his body and self-image and is now trying to help others do the same.
Once Dominating the Ice Rink: Meet Sophia Adams Michaela Bustamante, Staff Writer May 5, 2026 Adams reflects on her time competing and meeting the demands for figure skating.
More Than Just Support: Meet Marcella Garcia Isabella Sandoval, A&E Editor April 10, 2026 Garcia emphasizes that while mental health challenges are common, determination can lead to remarkable achievements.
Emerging Barber: Meet Jayden Pascual Michaela Bustamante, Staff Writer March 27, 2026 Pascual describes his journey in hair cutting and his strive for recognition and improvement.
From the Lab into the Classroom: Meet Dr. Mary Breslin Achilles Caranto, Standards and Practices Editor March 9, 2026 After years of leading cancer research projects, Breslin stepped away from research and into teaching to share her love for science.
Battle Ready B-Boy: Meet Micah Casimiro Jaden Espinueva, Assistant News/Features Editor February 3, 2026 Sophomore Micah Casimiro pushes past challenges and expectations as he builds a future in breakdancing alongside the crew that first inspired him.
Public Speaking Enthusiast: Meet Vivian Evans Mason Rafferty, Assistant Editor-in-Chief November 4, 2025 Evans shares how a high school elective led to a life-changing commitment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aspiring Nail Artist: Meet Mikayla Tabada Michaela Bustamante, Staff Writer September 26, 2025 Tabada discusses her experiences with nails and starting a business.
![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.”](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/55A1FC60-BE63-4F24-9B78-65194336319E-e1760926431267.jpg)
![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?”](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_8991-1200x800.jpg)
![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.”](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_5728-e1759850486200-1200x864.jpg)
![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.](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-1200x900.png)
