The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
SPOTLIGHT
FEATURES
With the economy starting to change, the young generation has decided to prioritize more creative-based paths.
Gen Z: Redefining Milestones
Amelia Castellanos, Staff Writer • April 25, 2025
After many generations, Gen Z is redefining traditional rites of passage.
Tinkering with the engine of an excavator, junior Wyatt Adams takes apart pieces of the machine to take the engine out of the back. During guidance periods, Automotive teacher Bert Potts calls on Adams to assist with projects that are then used for class demonstrations. “I'm helping to swap out the engine on this excavator during my guidance period,” Adams said. “It's a big help to Mr. Potts while giving me something fun to do.”
Reliable Repairman: Meet Wyatt Adams
Calahan Davis, Staff Writer • April 23, 2025
Talented automotive student takes advantage of all the career opportunities provided to him
Today, collecting designer figurines such as Labubu’s, Sonny Angels, and Smiskis have become popular collectable items, with hundreds of people trying to get their hands on one. These collectibles have gained immense popularity, changing the scope of collectibles from occasional purchases to overconsumption. “I store my figurines by hanging shelves and storing them there,” senior Donavan Leung said. “Honestly, what makes me excited when collecting figurines is when I get to open them and hang them up. It’s fun to open the figurines, especially since most of them are blind bags. I don’t buy them often, but when I see something I really like or want, I get it.”
FROM BLIND BOXES TO MYSTERY SURPRISES: HOW FIGURINE COLLECTING BECAME WORLDWIDE
Joy Ryan, Staff Writer • April 17, 2025
Today, collectible figurines have become a worldwide phenomenon for people of all ages.
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PROFILES
Tinkering with the engine of an excavator, junior Wyatt Adams takes apart pieces of the machine to take the engine out of the back. During guidance periods, Automotive teacher Bert Potts calls on Adams to assist with projects that are then used for class demonstrations. “I'm helping to swap out the engine on this excavator during my guidance period,” Adams said. “It's a big help to Mr. Potts while giving me something fun to do.”
Reliable Repairman: Meet Wyatt Adams
Calahan Davis, Staff Writer • April 23, 2025
Talented automotive student takes advantage of all the career opportunities provided to him
Sitting in her room, junior Jada DeJesus strums the guitar. DeJesus has learned to play many songs through her guitar. “I plan on learning how to play Velvet Ring by Big Thief,” Dejesus said. “It's a good song so I need to lock in and learn it.”
Adaptable Artist: Meet Jada DeJesus
Amelia Castellanos, Staff Writer • April 16, 2025
Junior comes from a long line of generational talent.
Posing with her Hello Kitty collection, sophomore Joyce Harveston shows off her newest addition. Her collection has grown throughout the past decade and houses well over 300 trinkets. “I just spent a lot of Holiday money on the Care Bear Hello Kitties,” Harveston said. “Care Bears and Hello Kitty did a collaboration, and they are like $200 online.”
Hello Kitty Lover: Meet Joyce Harveston
Natalia Klonowski, Staff Writer • April 9, 2025
Harveston explains her passion for Hello Kitty Collectibles.
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LONGFORMS
The Harmful Effects of a Modern Lifestyle
The Harmful Effects of a Modern Lifestyle
Philipos Alebachew, Adrienne Vera-Perez, Ava Torres, Kylie Dacquel, Achilles Caranto, Venice Jingco, Zelina Panissidi, Shayna Migalang, Kailie Sicolo, Travis McGinnis, and Hunter Rhee • January 16, 2025

NEVADA: TRULY THE WORST STATE FOR EDUCATION?
NEVADA: TRULY THE WORST STATE FOR EDUCATION?
Jianna Aganon, Philipos Alebachew, Ethan Bull, Kylie Dacquel, Venice Jingco, Ayma Malik, Yaritzza Montenegro, Kalista Palarca, Kathryn Peterson, Kailie Sicolo, Shayna Migalang, Adrienne Vera-Perez, and Travis McGinnis • September 17, 2024
Is Nevada really the worst state for education?
THIRST FOR URGENCY
THIRST FOR URGENCY
Ayma Malik, Ethan Bull, Jianna Aganon, Kalista Palarca, Kathryn Peterson, Travis McGinnis, and Yaritzza Montenegro • December 11, 2023

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AN HOUR IN ...
Scissors in hand, junior Ghiada Ferraer cuts out her design traced on the fabric. After creating a basic sketch, students were allowed to start building their project. “At first I wanted to do Scruff, but she said that we weren’t allowed to do Ugly Doll characters that have already been made, so I decided to do Scruff but turn it into me.” Ferraer said. “The biggest challenge I think everyone has faced is finding fabrics that match what you want to do, and then finding enough of that fabric, so a lot of people had to change their ideas.”
An Hour In…Design Crafts
Joy Ryan, Staff Writer • March 24, 2025
Hitting his drums, junior Oliver Rondez matches the beat of the song “Creep” by Radiohead. Jam Club members hosted a rehearsal for the upcoming BSU basketball tournament. “We’ve been thinking about doing a little halftime show,” Rondez said. "Jam Club was thinking of working as a pep band because most schools have them to liven up the mood.”
An Hour In … Jam Club
Zelina Panissidi, Social Media Editor • March 10, 2025
Speaking about the organization, “Pre-dental Society” at UNLV, college senior Lilian Dinh discusses the organizations mission and purpose. She had been apart of the organization for a few years now. “My goal is to help future dental students get the exposure they need,” Dinh said. “This will help them as they proceed further in their career.”
An Hour In: HOSA
Yara Ahmed, Shadow Files Reporter • March 3, 2025
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CONTESTS
'Favorite Movie' Contest
‘Favorite Movie’ Contest
Zelina Panissidi, Social Media Editor • April 4, 2025
Tell us your favorite movie for a chance to win.
'Best Vacation' Contest
‘Best Vacation’ Contest
Zelina Panissidi, Social Media Editor • March 6, 2025
Tell us your dream vacation for a chance to win.
'Perfect Valentine's Day' Contest
‘Perfect Valentine’s Day’ Contest
Zelina Panissidi, Social Media Editor • February 4, 2025
Tell us your version of a perfect Valentine's Day for a chance to win.
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