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The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

The titles valedictorian and salutatorian are awarded to the two brightest students in a graduating class. Yet, the difference between the way that they’re treated is substantial.

Salutatorian: The Prestigious Title For Being Just Short of Greatness

Johnny Tao, Staff Writer
February 20, 2025
The honors of valedictorian and salutatorian have been used for over a century, but one of these titles does not hold as much significance as it may appear.
Valentines is a Capitalist Holiday

Valentines is a Capitalist Holiday

Brooke Weyandt, Staff Writer
February 14, 2025
Every year, items are marked up for holidays like Valentine’s Day all because of a few extra prints.
Immigrants come to the United States to pursue an American dream that now intentionally excludes them.

EDITORIAL: “Poisoning Our Country”

Southwest Shadow, Editorial Board
January 28, 2025
Harsh crackdowns on immigrant population proves jarring for migrant-heavy communities like Las Vegas.
In the last seconds of a 1998 regular season game, quarterback Vinny Testaverde ran to the endzone on a 4th down play. The play ended in Testaverde being inches from the goalline without crossing. However, in a strange turn of events the the play was declared a touchdown, despite the ball never crossing into the endzone.

Are NFL referees ruining the game?

Andrew Baier, Staff Writer
January 14, 2025

Since the beginning, the National Football League (NFL) has fined, flagged, and ruled in controversial ways. As the league evolves and creates new rules and regulations, players are being forced to adapt...

A sign depicting the words “deny, defend, depose,” referring to the slogan many healthcare insurance critics use in protest. This phrase mirrors the common healthcare tactic known as “delay, deny, defend,” where providers will deny claims in hopes for increased profit margins.

EDITORIAL: Viva la Revolution

Southwest Shadow, Editorial Board
January 10, 2025
With the current state of the healthcare system, are we truly surprised? In the words of Mangione, “frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.”
The debate on whether VAR is really benefiting soccer has been up for debate ever since its release. It’s unclear what the future of sport will be like as more advanced technology continues to be developed.

A Fan’s Perspective: VAR Is Not Helping Soccer

Johnny Tao, Staff Writer
January 10, 2025
The addition of VAR to some of the highest levels of soccer seems to have created more controversy than expected.
Obesity is a disease that is more complex than the stereotypes that represent it.

PRO/CON: Obesity is a Disease

Zelina Panissidi, Social Media Editor
January 10, 2025
The discussion of obesity and why it should be universally classified as a disease.
With obesity rates climbing, the debate on whether or not it's a disease is more prominent than ever.

PRO/CON: Obesity is not a disease

Hunter Rhee, Multimedia Editor
January 10, 2025
Obesity's classification as a disease has been highly debated. However, there are many reasons for it to not be considered a disease.
No Phones in The Classroom

No Phones in The Classroom

Brooke Weyandt, Staff Writer
January 9, 2025
School districts have started to ban the use of cell phones in the classroom. Although sometimes used for inefficient reasons, they can also be utilized for digital notes, and other assignments.
Strong-willed individuals from different lines of work are joining the Trump administration.

A new era begins with Trump’s Cabinet picks

Hayden Hunt, Staff Writer
January 6, 2025
Trump makes some controversial choices when nominating people for his cabinet
By lobbying Congress and supporting political campaigns that favor empowering corporate entities, companies have become almost immune to regulation.

Photo Credit: © 2024 Wikimedia & Picryl

Corporations have Captured the Government

Philipos Alebachew, Editor in Chief
December 17, 2024
The amount of money circulating in politics is at an all time high, creating an environment where the rights of companies are being placed above the rights of people.
A quaint ensemble comprising pieces from Balenciaga’s “Destroyed” fashion campaign. Despite its ran-through and tattered appearance, the total cost of the outfit comes out to a staggering $6,340.

The Problem with Pretend Poverty

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2024
Being rich is out. Today, the impoverished aesthetic is what every person wants to emulate.