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The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Adrienne Vera-Perez

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief

HII! I’m Adrienne and I’m so so excited to spend my third and final year on the Southwest Shadow as the editor-in-chief. Let’s make this year a great one :)

All content by Adrienne Vera-Perez
Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash

QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
November 17, 2025
Find out what you might have missed last week.
VIB: Vegas Isn't Boring

VIB: Vegas Isn’t Boring

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
November 14, 2025
Find something fun to do this weekend.
Photo by NASA on Unsplash

QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
November 10, 2025
Find out what you might have missed last week.
“I thought it was one of the best World Series in a long time,” political science teacher Joseph Juliano said. “I thought it was really exciting and interesting. Number one, because Toronto was in there that and they have not won in so long. And also, like, the games were all really close, and Ohtani was just doing, like, incredible things over pitching and hitting. So I found it was really fun and exciting.”

[Photo] Q&A: Did you watch the MLB World Series?

Zelina Panissidi and Amelia Castellanos
November 10, 2025

“I thought it was one of the best World Series in a long time,” political science teacher Joseph Juliano said. “I thought it was really exciting and interesting. Number one, because Toronto was in...

"Las Vegas Sign Nightly" by LasVegasGuy is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse.

Best of (Teen) Las Vegas 2025

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
November 7, 2025
For the 11th year in a row, students and editors are shouting out their favorite sports across Las Vegas. Check out which places made the cut this year.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is funded entirely through federal taxes, costing  around $100.3 billion in the 2024 fiscal year, which comes out to around $36 per taxpayer. “We already live in a very food insecure society,” Sociology teacher Benjamin LaCombe said. “Taking away SNAP benefits is going to have a major impact on families.

Partial SNAP Benefits Issued to Nevadans Amidst U.S. Government Shutdown

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
November 7, 2025
196,000 households in Nevada were issued up to 50 percent of their original SNAP benefits.
"UNF Baseball vs. Florida Gulf Coast University" by DeusXFlorida (11,059,330 views) - thanks guys! is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2025
Find out what you might have missed last week.
"I'm going to dress up as Paddington the Bear," freshman Andelyn Kolek said. "I just love him as a character because he's so nice. I feel like it's a pretty unique costume, too."

Q&A: Will You Be Dressing Up For Halloween This Year?

Rheyland Simon and Adrienne Vera-Perez
October 30, 2025

"I'm going to dress up as Paddington the Bear," freshman Andelyn Kolek said. "I just love him as a character because he's so nice. I feel like it's a pretty unique costume, too."

VIB: Vegas Isn't Boring

VIB: Vegas Isn’t Boring

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
October 30, 2025
Find something fun to do this weekend.
The ACT now holds more weight than ever in determining a student's success.

Be Pro(ACT)ive

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2025
Getting a good standardized test score opens the door to a myriad of opportunities, yet students still fail to realize its importance.
"White House" by Tom Lohdan is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2025
Find out what you might have missed last week.
VIB: Vegas Isn't Boring

VIB: Vegas Isn’t Boring

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2025
Find something fun to do this weekend.
"France-000192 - Louvre Museum" by archer10 (Dennis) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2025
Find out what you might have missed last week.
VIB: Vegas Isn't Boring

VIB: Vegas Isn’t Boring

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
October 3, 2025
Find something fun to do this weekend.
“I’m most excited for the [Homecoming] Spirit Week,” senior Jada Dejesus said. “I think it’s really fun to dress up … especially as a senior. I plan on going all out every spirit week this year.”

Q&A: What part of homecoming are you most excited for?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
October 3, 2025
Find out what upcoming events students and staff are the most excited for.
"Courtroom" by srqpix is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2025
Find out what you might have missed last week.
VIB: Vegas Isn't Boring

VIB: Vegas Isn’t Boring

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
September 19, 2025
Find something fun to do this weekend.
"fall leaf" by JustyCinMD is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
September 16, 2025
Find out what you might have missed last week.
VIB: Vegas Isn't Boring

VIB: Vegas Isn’t Boring

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2025
Find something fun to do this weekend.
"fall" by eschipul is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2025
Find out what you might have missed last week.
“Me and my family were planning on going swimming, but I got sick,” sophomore Jessica Mendez said. “So I just spent the entire weekend in bed.”

“Me and my family were planning on going swimming, but I got sick,” sophomore Jessica Mendez said. “So I just spent the entire weekend in bed.”

“I actually went to a pool party this weekend, so I was able to hang out, get some sun,” English teacher Maritza De La Fuente said. “My whole thing was just wanting to get outside and relax. I meditated, went for a walk, and did some grading at a coffee shop. A little basic, but I’m definitely recharged.”

“I actually went to a pool party this weekend, so I was able to hang out, get some sun,” English teacher Maritza De La Fuente said. “My whole thing was just wanting to get outside and relax. I meditated,...

“I just binged movies at my house,” junior Robin Green said. “I watched the entire 'Fast and Furious' series. My favorites were the fifth and seventh.”

“I just binged movies at my house,” junior Robin Green said. “I watched the entire 'Fast and Furious' series. My favorites were the fifth and seventh.”

“We live on a farm … so this weekend I just hung out with my family and chilled with the animals,” senior Adalyn McShane said. “We just adopted a dog too, so we taught him how to swim.”

“We live on a farm … so this weekend I just hung out with my family and chilled with the animals,” senior Adalyn McShane said. “We just adopted a dog too, so we taught him how to swim.”

Although significant progress has been made towards facilitating equal pay for both men and women, institutional flaws still perpetuate an economic divide between the two sexes.

Gender Pay Gap Narrows in 2025

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2025
Women now make an average of 84 cents for every dollar that a man makes, representing a significant increase in women’s wages in the past 20 years.
"Sunrise on the Reaping" presented an already familiar narrative through an emotionally turbulent and fresh angle. Grade: B+

I Loved ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Like All-Fire

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2025
Despite my initial doubts, “Sunrise on the Reaping” has proved itself to be one of the most valuable and hard-hitting installments in the beloved universe.
 Confused about college? No problem, your guardian angel is here.

PRO/CON: College Admissions Culture Actually Cares Now

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2025
In today’s state of admissions, content creators and social media have started to play an important role in enlightening students that would have otherwise been left in the dark.
Introducing the meeting with a game, senior Haris Gibirila hosts a pop culture icebreaker to Amnesty Club attendees before discussing future projects. This week, the club will focus their meeting on forms of freedom and expression.

[Photo] CLUB PREVIEW: A LOOK INTO THE WEEK OF FEB. 24

Achilles Caranto, Staff Writer
February 26, 2025

Introducing the meeting with a game, senior Haris Gibirila hosts a pop culture icebreaker to Amnesty Club attendees before discussing future projects. This week, the club will focus their meeting on forms...

Immigrants come to the United States to pursue an American dream that now intentionally excludes them.

[Photo] EDITORIAL: “Poisoning Our Country”

Southwest Shadow, Editorial Board
January 28, 2025

Immigrants come to the United States to pursue an American dream that now intentionally excludes them.

Preparing for his competitive event, junior Armando Aguilar presents his project alongside his team members. The Technology Student Association has gone through careful preparations to ensure that they will be successful in the upcoming Nevada TSA State Conference, which will be held in January.

CLUB PREVIEW: A Look Into the Week of Jan. 13

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
January 14, 2025
TSA plans increased campus involvement, NHS hosts panel, and Book Club picks their next read.
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.

[Photo] EDITORIAL: Viva la Revolution

Southwest Shadow, Editorial Board
January 10, 2025

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,...

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

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....

"Yeah, I was following the elections really closely," junior KJ Palacios said. "With the results, I think we failed our own citizens. I can't believe so many people acknowledge the person that Trump is and still voted for him regardless. He's pretty much against me as a person, and it affects most of my friends. We're immigrants, we're part of the LGBTQ+ community. I think our near future is going to be terrible."

Q&A: Did you follow the results of the election?

Find out people's reactions to the outcome of the election.
Donald Trump has a complete understanding of what it means to be a sixteen year old girl. I rescind all my control to Him.

SATIRE: Donald Trump’s World is a Happy World

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
October 30, 2024
As a woman, I yearn for the future that Trump wants to give me.
Diversity programs, which are meant to level the playing field, are now being accused of causing under qualified people to be chosen for roles just because they aren’t white.

[Photo] Am I a ‘DEI Hire’?

Philipos Alebachew, Editor in Chief
October 30, 2024

Diversity programs, which are meant to level the playing field, are now being accused of causing under qualified people to be chosen for roles just because they aren’t white.

"Me and my friend group are doing a group costume inspired by Scooby-Doo," senior Alyssa Ramirez said. "I decided to dress up as Shaggy because he's goofy and lazy and I just really resonate with him."

Q&A: Are you dressing up for Halloween?

Hear what costumes students are planning to show out in this October 31.
Q&A: Are you informed about the events of Hurricane Helene?

Q&A: Are you informed about the events of Hurricane Helene?

Learn how aware Southwest is about Hurricane Helene
The divide between opportunity and affordability grows wider within today’s academic landscape.

You’re Not Behind, You’re Just Poor

Adrienne Vera-Perez, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2024
The academic playing field has become increasingly uneven, spotlighting the widening class divide that separates high schoolers.
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.”

Staff 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

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.