The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Last Week In Sports: 10/13-10/20

Nino Galloway, Sports Writer
October 24, 2025

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.”

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.
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World History class, Thur works with his students individually, helping them as they sort through notes and assorted historical documents.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?”

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.
Fast food has not stayed the same principle of “sit down, order, and get food,” but has turned into a process with multiple layers and complexity. This is largely due to the integration of automation in every aspect of dining. “I'm not that knowledgeable on it, but I've seen videos on TikTok, I'm not really concerned—it doesn’t seem that smart,” senior Dallas Evertt said. “When [some people are just ordering] 18,000 water cups, it sounds really dumb. There was no way [the AI] was gonna put down 18,000 water cups—and that just shows how it’s not going to take anybody’s job soon.”

BEEP BOOP: WELCOME TO THE AI DRIVE-THRU

Kevin Zhao, Staff Writer
October 20, 2025
Your next drive-thru order might be taken by a robot, not a cashier.
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.”

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.
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.

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.

Last Week In Sports: 9/28-10/4

Nino Galloway, Sports Writer
October 7, 2025

During his passing period, junior Nino Galloway scrolls through his content on his phone. A study published in Computers in Human Behavior Reports found that doomscrolling can significantly heighten anxiety and severely disrupt sleep, especially among teens and college students already vulnerable to stress. “I prefer to not doomscroll throughout the day,” Galloway said. “I mainly watch TV or long-form YouTube videos, then save the TikToks for the night.”

Plugged In, Burnt Out: The Doomscrolling Epidemic

Jon Escala, Staff Writer
October 3, 2025
From late-night scrolling to endless news cycles, doomscrolling has become a common, yet harmful, habit for many teenagers.
'Best Spooky Song' Contest

‘Best Spooky Song’ Contest

Brooke Weyandt and Celia Evangelista
October 1, 2025
Tell us your favorite spooky song for a chance to win.
Designing her next work of art, junior Carly Smith uses the sharpness of her pencil to etch defined, accurate lines across the paper’s smooth surface. Smith practiced doodling tattoo designs in her sketchbook. “I try a lot of different mediums when it comes to anything art related,” Smith said. “I am willing to try anything new.” Photographer: @carlyforniagirls Instagram

The World of Arts & Crafts: Meet Carly Smith

Aanya Miller, Staff Writer
October 1, 2025
Through her passion and dedication to the arts, Carly Smith expresses her love of drawing and painting.
Through an increase in fees, attending high school today is becoming more and more expensive

The mounting price of academic excellence

Hayden Hunt, Features Editor
September 29, 2025
Higher fees in classes, clubs, and more have caused students economic strain and financial stress.
Mikayla Tabada displays this spring theme inspired nail set.

Aspiring Nail Artist: Meet Mikayla Tabada

Michaela Bustamante, Staff Writer
September 26, 2025
Tabada discusses her experiences with nails and starting a business.
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