As we progress through April we are starting to see flowers bloom. Whether your favorite flower is a simple red rose or something more exotic like an orchid, The Southwest Shadow would like to hear what your favorite flower is.
- Comment on this post what your favorite flower is AND why.
- Entries must be school appropriate
- Students must log-in to comment (make sure your username is your first and last name)
- The winner will be chosen by the editorial staff of the Southwest Shadow. Entries will close on April 30 at 11:59 p.m.
- The winner will receive a $10 McDonald’s gift card.
![Many teenagers are reluctant to receive professional support for mental health. There are various factors that play into teens not getting the help that they need. “[Teenagers] might feel that even though they're talking to someone, they still don't feel heard,” freshman Jaeda Gonzales said. “I've noticed that a lot of times when I try to talk to someone about my problems, it doesn't really click [with] them. [It’s] like they're making up their own story about my story in their head and they're just getting it all twisted.”](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mental-help-graphic.jpg)
![Many food trends gain attention because of viral influencers or appealing visual aspects. This has continually drawn approval and admiration from consumers before they had even tried the product. “Food trends [are popular] because it’s such a big build-up, especially from influencers,” junior Myles Jenkins said. “They think something’s cool, then they post it everywhere on social media, and then other people just want to do it so they can experience it and post about it. People want to just feel seen by doing the same thing, especially with food, a common way that people could connect.”](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-1200x800.png)
Ivy Li • Apr 16, 2026 at
In the beginning of spring, the dawn of light captures the beauty of Lily by the valley, a white delicate flower that droops by the stem and curves up by the petals. I find their presence alluring yet calming- the shape can be described like a vanilla ice cream scoop.
Like a fresh scoop of ice cream on a hot day, Lily of the valley can be a refreshing sight to see on the first day of spring. The scent of the Lily of the valley can be represented as a fresh floral smell; a type of smell that makes your eyes flutter as you reminisce about the aroma of it.
Just as beautiful as the name, the root of the meaning compliments it – It means being in a gloomy mood and surrounding yourself with something that brings you joy; a return of happiness. I find that there’s always a different form of Lily of the valley for everyone; whether it’s coming home to a joyful pet, getting home to bed after work, or simply being in the presences of loved ones.
It’s my favorite flower as I find that everyone finds joy in something that is different, but it makes us feel the same way. Lily of the valley is a mark of a beginning into happiness; like a sun lighting up a valley, every dark valley will eventually come to light.
Calahan Davis • Apr 16, 2026 at
My favorite flower is sunflowers because they are bright and full of life. To me, they symbolize positivity and resilience. Sunflowers always turn toward the sun, and that reminds me of how people should try to face the light even when times are tough. Their tall stems and bold yellow petals show strength and warmth, just like someone who stands strong but still radiates kindness. This is why sunflowers are my favorite — their meaning goes deeper than their appearance, representing hope, growth, and the power of positivity.
Amelia Castellanos • Apr 16, 2026 at
A sunflower has always been my favorite flower—not just for its brightness, but for its honesty. It stands tall, reaching toward the sun, warm and open, yet rooted firmly in the ground. It doesn’t apologize for needing light or for taking up space.
I think that’s why I love it so much—because I see myself in it.
Like a sunflower, I can be cheerful, kind, and full of warmth, but I’m also strong in ways people don’t always notice. My strength isn’t loud—it’s steady. It shows in how I keep growing, how I keep turning toward what gives me energy, even when things feel heavy.
A sunflower doesn’t shrink itself—it follows the light and blooms fully, exactly as it is. And I’m learning to do the same.
Nadia Baldwin • Apr 16, 2026 at
My favorite flower is lilies because they are very beautiful and, for me, they symbolize new life. They start unopened but beautiful on the outside, then they spring open and reveal a new, beautiful picture. If you really think about it, this kind resembles us individuals; we might look like something on the outside, but beauty relies on what is inside a person. Personality, thoughts, dreams, and ambitions. This is why lilies are my favorite because they have an underlying meaning for me.
Christian Sumaway • Apr 15, 2026 at
I love lavender. They have a beautiful name and look so pretty, with the different petals on them, and the detail they have makes me love the flower. Also, the purple shining in the morning glow makes me love lavender so much.
Achilles Andre Aquino Caranto • Apr 15, 2026 at
A lily has always spoken to me—not just for its grace, but for its quiet resilience. Its petals open like whispers, pure and unguarded, yet it thrives in places others might overlook. It doesn’t need to shout its beauty; it simply exists, serene and self-assured.
I think that’s why I admire it so deeply—because I see myself in it.
Like a lily, I’ve learned that strength can be silent, and presence doesn’t need permission. I don’t bloom to be seen; I bloom because I’m meant to. And even when life feels heavy, I stand tall, carrying light within me. A lily never forces its moment—it just waits for the right season to shine. I’m learning to do the same.
Madison calxito • Apr 15, 2026 at
A Lily has been my favorite flower because of its passion. Its sweet and soft smell is inviting and relaxing. I see myself in it a lot. I am very passionate about what I do and a lily represents passion.
Ella Velasquez • Apr 15, 2026 at
My favorite flower is the lily flower because it is the flower for the month of May which is my birth month. It is also really special to me because my cat Lily was named after this flower, so it helps me to connect to her and remember her after her passing.
Aleeya Atkins-Dowd • Apr 15, 2026 at
My favorite flower is the ballerina tulip. This enchanting flower captivates me because, unlike traditional tulips that often remain tightly closed, the ballerina variety gracefully unfurls its petals to reveal a stunning display of vibrant colors. The brilliant hues and delicate silhouette make it a striking presence in any garden. In a sense, the ballerina tulip symbolizes how a familiar figure can still shine brightly, radiating its unique beauty and charm to the world around it.
Thalia Ollarvia • Apr 15, 2026 at
My favorite flower is hydrangeas and lotus flowers. Mostly because the lotus flowers because they bloom so delicate and gracefully. They also have a beautiful pink tint. Lotus flowers are my birth month flower and are a part of my favorite show. Hydrangeas are extremely unique flowers their petals combine to look like multiple tiny flowers in a cluster. Their buds are especially gorgeous.
Zelina Panissidi • Apr 14, 2026 at
A rose has always been my favorite flower—not just for its beauty, but for its truth. Soft petals, delicate and inviting, yet guarded by sharp thorns. It doesn’t apologize for being both.
I think that’s why I love it so much—because I see myself in it.
Like a rose, I can be gentle, kind, and warm, but I’m not without my edges. My thorns aren’t there to hurt people; they’re there to protect me. They remind others that beauty doesn’t mean weakness, and softness doesn’t mean I can’t stand my ground.
A rose doesn’t try to hide what it is—it blooms fully, thorns and all. And I’m learning to do the same.