The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
Adrienne Vera-Perez

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Howdy guys, I’m Adrienne! This is my second year in journalism, and I’m so so so excited to be the Shadow’s assistant editor-in-chief!! Looking forward to see what we can accomplish together :)
All content by Adrienne Vera-Perez
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, and Adrienne Vera-Perez
September 17, 2024
Is Nevada really the worst state for education?
BREAKING NEWS: California Wildfires Bring Polluted Air to Las Vegas

BREAKING NEWS: California Wildfires Bring Polluted Air to Las Vegas

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2024

Wednesday morning, several large wildfires originating in Southern California have pushed smoke, haze, and polluted air into Las Vegas. The air quality index has been determined to have a score of 166,...

At the start of class, a student places their phone inside a signal-blocking pouch, which will be sealed shut and can be opened again at the start of passing periods. Other measures were used in the past to limit phone usage, such as cell phone holders on classroom walls. “I actually think this new policy is an improvement from the old one,” Psychology 101 teacher Benjamin Lacombe said. “We are seeing kids now have anxiety if they don’t even have their phone next to them. Now, their phone is just right next to them, and it’s still sealed away.”

Classrooms Enforce New District-Wide Cell Phone Policy

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
August 29, 2024
Students are now required to place their cell phones inside non-locking signal-blocking pouches during class time.
"I think my first week went super, super well," senior Andrew Bennett said. "Honestly, I have a great schedule. I don't have any open periods, so I think I'm gonna be swamped in work this year, but I'm excited for the classes I picked, especially Communications."

Q&A: HOW WAS YOUR FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL?

Adrienne Vera-Perez and Hunter Rhee
August 23, 2024
Find out how Southwest feels about their first week back on campus
Rocking out on stage, THE REDPILLS perform a cover of “Looking Out for You” by Joy Again at Coyote Coachella 2024. The band also performed in 2023 where they experienced playing in front of a crowd for the first time. “Performing at Coyote Coachella was super fun for all of us,” drummer Oliver Rondez said. “Seeing the crowd that we had brought together really made me and my band members super happy. It’s really satisfying to see people enjoying the music that you are making.”

Sweet Sounds: Meet THE REDPILLS

Adrienne Vera-Perez and Joy Ryan
May 1, 2024
THE REDPILLS share their experiences as an up-and-coming band, future plans and releases.
Sitting with moderators Angela Ferrel-Zabala and Xochitl Gomez, Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on the importance of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. A week prior, it was revealed that background checks before purchasing a gun were improving and that the “gun show loophole”, a way people could acquire guns without a background check, could no longer be exploited. “It’s an important step that we needed to take,” Vice President Harris said.

Vice President Kamala Harris Visits Southwest CTA

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
April 16, 2024
Vice President Harris participated in a moderated conversation on campus in front of an audience composed of high school students, staff, and representatives from outside organizations.
Image by Sara Svensson from Pixabay

Vice President Kamala Harris to Speak at Southwest CTA

Adrienne Vera-Perez and Yaritzza Montenegro
April 12, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris will be visiting Southwest CTA.
The rapid advancement of AI technologies has made its way into classrooms, leading to the gradual implementation of AI bots, programs, and games into learning environments. A 2023 survey conducted by Forbes advisor revealed that in the United States, 60% of teachers have already started integrating artificial intelligence into their classrooms to streamline daily responsibilities. “I think that it’s an amazing tool that can be used in so many different ways,” computer science teacher Ronald Barranco said. “I already see how it impacts the classroom, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Artificial intelligence revolutionizing education

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
April 12, 2024
AI is creating opportunities for students and teachers alike, improving the classroom experience.
PACKS creates a lyrically stunning record.Rating: A-Photo Credit: PACKS the Band

‘Melt the Honey’ is a Sweet Fever Dream

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
March 21, 2024
Indie rock band PACKS laments about falling in love, missed opportunities, and high fructose corn syrup.
"I bought my husband one but I can not believe I spent 55 dollars on it," social studies teacher Jessica Kelly said. "Somebody spent 40 dollars on my water bottle years ago. Everyone sees me with it all the time. I'm a Hydroflask person and I'm all about people reusing water bottles."

Q&A: Do you own a Stanley tumbler?

Ayma Malik and Adrienne Vera-Perez
March 1, 2024
Find out if Southwest likes Stanley tumblers or not.
Placing the final decoration down onto the table, senior Kai Parker finishes her tablescape. Last year, Hospitality students had the opportunity to employ practical skills that they would use in the industry, but due to the usage of substitutes to teach the class, that option was taken away from them this year. “I didn’t even know that they were getting rid of the program, I thought that they were phasing it out,” senior Kai Parker said. “I do think that it’s a good thing, though. The course load, it didn’t feel like it was at a high school level, it felt like it was at a middle school level. Culinary by itself was great, but Hospitality alongside it just wasn’t that good.”

HOSPITALITY PROGRAM ELIMINATED FROM COURSE OFFERINGS

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
February 12, 2024
Hospitality classes removed in 2024-2025 school year among other course catalog changes.
“I thought there were way too many performances, I think that they just needed to speed up giving out the awards,” junior Kailani Lopez said. “Some of my favorite artists, like Lana Del Rey, didn’t win, so I was kind of upset about that, but it’s not that big of a deal.”

Q&A: Did you watch the GRAMMYs?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
February 9, 2024
Find out if students and teachers watched the 66th GRAMMY award show.
“I’m in the middle of filling out my FAFSA,” senior Ilani Miron said. “I’ve been pretty busy right now, so I haven’t gotten to finishing it just yet, but it’s something that I’m definitely prioritizing. The FAFSA is a necessity, for pretty much all high schoolers, so I’m going to 100 percent complete it when I have the time.”

Q&A: Have you filled out your FAFSA?

Adrienne Vera-Perez and Zelina Panissidi
January 12, 2024

“I’m in the middle of filling out my FAFSA,” senior Ilani Miron said. “I’ve been pretty busy right now, so I haven’t gotten to finishing it just yet, but it’s something that I’m definitely...

SIX ARTISTS YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO: JANUARY 2024

SIX ARTISTS YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO: JANUARY 2024

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
January 15, 2024
Check out these artists this month.
As Hospitality III students work on their “Managing Stress” project, a short presentation on the benefits of stress relieving techniques, substitute teacher Collin Dodos works on grading assignments. Dodos is the third substitute brought on to teach the hospitality class this semester. “I wouldn’t say that I took this course because I was interested in hospitality as a topic, but because it was a job that was offered to me,” Dodos said. “I do get how it could be hard on the students, but there’s not much that can be done in this situation. I’m trying to make the best out of it and to be positive in the classroom.”

Lack of Hospitality Teacher Creates Gap in Staffing

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
January 8, 2024
Long-term substitutes needed to fill vacant position in Culinary and Hospitality program.
“I would say that my new year’s resolution is to always strive to do better,” senior Juliette Montes said. “It could be like, maintaining a clean room, or being on top of my schoolwork. If I’m trying to improve myself, I will always try to put that effort in.”

Q&A: What is your New Year’s Resolution?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
January 7, 2024
FInd out student and staff's resolutions!
Helping create decorations for the Meteorology Association’s Winter Fest booth, junior Brian Price prepares popsicle sticks to add to his club’s banner. Over the last couple of months, BSU has been in close contact with club leaders to help organize their activities for the event. “I’m really excited for Winter Fest, it’s gonna be super awesome with all the fun activities that are going to be going on,” Price said. “It’s gonna be really cool getting to talk with all the other student-run clubs that are gonna be at the event, and I want to hear how other clubs are going to be growing.”

BSU, STUCO set to host rescheduled Winter Fest

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
January 4, 2024
The event will take place on Friday, January 5 from PM.
“My top genre this year was pop, but I know that I listened to a lot of indie music as well,” senior Ella Mengistu said. “My top artist was Taylor Swift, I listened to her for almost 10,000 minutes, so I know that was probably why my top genre was pop. I also listened to a lot of Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams and One Direction.”

Q&A: What genre was number one on your Spotify Wrapped?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
December 8, 2023
Find out students’ top genres for the year.
BREAKING NEWS: BSU, STUCO Winterfest Postponed to After Winter Break

BREAKING NEWS: BSU, STUCO Winterfest Postponed to After Winter Break

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
November 30, 2023
Winterfest is postponed.
In room H207, board members juniors Marc Chae and Tyrah Lamay lead the first SHFAA meeting. The club’s first meeting was on September 28th, but new members who are interested in joining are still welcome. “We’re looking for volunteer opportunities for our members right now,” Lamay said. “As vice president, I have to help plan our fundraisers and help advertise SHFAA. I really like what we’re planning to do with the club.”

Shelter, Homeless & Foster Animal Advocates Ready to Meet Goals

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
October 19, 2023
SHFAA will meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.
“Before Homecoming, I’m going to go to downtown Summerlin for photos,” sophomore Addison Marsh said. “There are a lot of cool lights there, and it’s also a good place to get some food before going to the dance.”

Q&A: What is the best Homecoming photo spot?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
October 13, 2023
Find out students' favorite Hoco photo spots.
Celebrating their victory, last year’s Professional Academy (PA) cheer as they were announced to be the winners. “I came to this school last year, so I never got to go to the flag football games of years prior,” STUCO adviser Brandon Lafountain said. “I’m pretty excited now that I’ll be able to, because it’s like a tradition at the school.”

Flag Football Returns for PA/DA Game

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
October 11, 2023
Students participate in yearly school tradition.
Attempting to cool down an Engineering classroom, senior Brandon Pecayo adjusts a small portable fan. Over the past month, the F building has been one of the places on campus that has been the most affected by the AC breakdowns. “The fan in the room definitely makes it more comfortable to work,” Pecayo said. “I like being able to do my work in comfort instead of having to sit in the heat.”

Campus Air Conditioning Receives Much Needed Repair

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Staff Writer
September 21, 2023
Classrooms cooled down after a month of abnormally hot temperatures.