The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
School operations closed for Summer Break

School operations closed for Summer Break

Gurleen Swaich
May 25, 2021

Summer Break begins on Wednesday, May 25 until Monday, Aug. 9. We look forward to seeing you when in-person learning resumes. Have a great break!

Administration is currently organizing to ensure a safe and successful ceremony for seniors. In contrast to last year's drive-thru graduation, this year's graduation will include pre-recorded speeches and a smaller audience at Orleans Arena. "Senior year went well for me as I still was able to spend time with the people I care about even though it was in a reduced capacity," senior Micheal Brock said. "It’s obviously bittersweet as it’s [graduation is] saying goodbye to a part of my life, but I’m excited for the future.” Photo Credit: MD Duran

In-person graduation scheduled for June 7

Hanae Furugaki
May 19, 2021
Abiding by the guidelines, senior graduation 2021 will be held in person with limited capacity
The torque lab required students to test different weights on a seesaw. Placing mystery boxes on one side and a brick on the other, they were able to determine the weight of the mystery box. “I found the lab helped me figure out the torque formulas,” junior Franchesca Ramirez said. “After working on this assignment I feel like I’m actually prepared for any tests on it.” Screenshot By: PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado, Boulder

AP Physics I students complete online torque lab

Juliana Borruso
May 18, 2021
Working to prepare for the exam, AP Physics I students have completed an online lab, using a digital seesaw to find mystery weights.
Animation II students are delving into 3D animation by creating a 3D donut and coffee cup in the animation software, Blender. For this assignment, they will follow tutorials to guide them through the process. “I am enjoying following a specific guide on how to use Blender,” sophomore Simon Tolentino said. “I feel like I am learning the necessary steps to 3D animation and I am truly enjoying it.” Photo Credit: Farhad Yazdani

Animation II Students begin learning about 3D Designing

Farhad Yazdani
May 17, 2021
Animation II sophomores begin making 3D donuts and coffee cups in Blender.
Students in Jennifer Conder’s Chemistry class were tasked with creating a device that could keep water warm. Sophomores tested their creations in three trials and recorded data. “In project based learning there is always a guiding question,” Conder said. “Our guiding question is to design a device that can prevent the release of energy, an endothermic reaction, using water.” Photo Credit: Anika Aller

Chemistry students build hydro-flask like devices

Monserrat Mendieta
May 17, 2021
Students researched conduction, convection, and radiation to make a homemade device that keeps water warm.
Hoping to finish the year off strong, students are preparing for final exams and teachers are wrapping up course content work. “After all the hard work everyone put in this year, I think everyone is excited for summer,” sophomore Luke Gil said. “So many things were different and we are looking towards a break.”

A Look Into Fourth Quarter

Tishie Nyitray
May 5, 2021
The final quarter has always brought challenges, this year is no different, with hybrid learning, graduation plans and AP exams
Students kicked off the new unit in COM 102 starting with a discussion on issues, such as parents controlling their child’s career choices. Gaining insight through each other's responses, students learned more about careers and the pathway to success. “I think that this unit is going to be really helpful in the future. I haven’t had a job yet, so a lot of this information is really new to me,” junior Gabriella Barber said. “COVID-19 has made it a little hard to get a job, but once things get better I will definitely be using these tips in the future to get a job.”Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio

COM 102 students take a closer step into adulthood

Gurleen Swaich
April 30, 2021
Learning about real world topics, students in COM 102 discuss professional relationships and workplace environments.
After finishing their third design for their micro-collection, students are now choosing their fabrics. “Choosing fabrics now makes it easier for us in the future so we’re not spending too much time thinking about what we could do,” junior Makenna Wahrer said. “If we already know what we’re going with, we can just go get however much we need based on our pattern and then get that part done quickly.” Art Credit: Ana Gonzalez Photo Credit: Levi Harbeson

Planning for a micro-collection, fashion students hope to host a runway show next year

Juliana Borruso
April 27, 2021
Hoping to arrange a fashion show for next year, students have been working on planning their micro-collections.
Brushing up on her knowledge, sophomore Hannah Segura reviews information taught during class about types of restaurants. After every lecture, students are assigned notes that they must complete for a grade. “So far the information being taught is interesting,” Segura said. “Mrs. Viggato has shared that we’ll be doing a project along with it so hopefully it’ll be different than how previous projects had to be done.” Photo Credit: Hannah Segura

Hospitality I students begin learning about restaurant management

Aila Pasic
April 23, 2021
Students will present findings in a group project.
Due to vaccinations not being a requirement, students have the option of either taking it or opting out. The vaccinations available consist of Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax, and more. “I’m going to be taking the vaccine sometime next week and I can't wait to get it,” sophomore Hai Tong said. “After getting vaccinated I will feel more safe and confident in publicplaces.”Photo Credit: NIAID

COVID-19 vaccines now available for anyone 16 or older

Farhad Yazdani
April 22, 2021
With COVID-19 vaccinations being available for anyone 16 or older, students are deciding if they want to be immunized.
Nursing students are completing an OSHA certification program to be introduced to policies and procedures in the medical field. “Personally, I think the certification program is a good way to continue our nursing year, especially now that we’ve finished our end of program tests and bookwork,” junior Ralph Quinto said. Photo Credit: Mufid Majnun

Nursing students start OSHA certification course

Gurleen Swaich
April 22, 2021
With Nursing students done with general lectures, students who passed the EOC are now able to do an OSHA certification course to help introduce workfield protocols.
As exams approach, AP Human Geography teacher Jessica Kelly is holding Google Meets on Saturdays to provide extra guidance and information for students. During these sessions, students listen to lectures, videos, and even play Quizlet games. “I am appreciative of Mrs. Kelly and all that she is doing to prepare us for the AP test,” sophomore Manmeet Kaur said. “Her dedication to teaching has really improved my knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in class. She goes above and beyond making sure that her students do well and I am grateful for that.” Photo Credit: GeoJango Maps

Advanced placement students work together during weekends to prepare for upcoming exam

Monserrat Mendieta
April 21, 2021
AP Human Geography students attend meetings on weekends including, participating in lectures, discussions, to better understand test concepts.
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