The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
Ashley Harris

Ashley Harris, News Editor

Hi, I’m Ashley! I’m super excited for my last year in journalism and at Southwest. As your News/Features editor, I look forward to growing closer with each member of the staff.

All content by Ashley Harris
Incentives and prizes will include drawings for boba tea, desserts, class parties, and two iPads valued at $400.

Administration hopes to motivate MAP test takers with incentives

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
April 4, 2023
To combat a decline in productivity during the testing season, students will have the opportunity to win prizes.
Since the addition of lanyards in school dress code, more students have taken advantage of expressing their interests, organizations or identities.

Tiny Forms of Expression Through Pins

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
March 24, 2023
When students or educators display pins around their lanyards or bags, it's a subtle reminder of who they are.
Podcast: Onto the Next Chapter

Podcast: Onto the Next Chapter

Tishie Nyitray, Hannah Paine, Lily Gurdison, and Ashley Harris
March 22, 2023
Growing up, moving out and moving on. The reality seniors are facing during fourth quarter.
“Avatar Generations” is an RPG adventure set within the timeline of the cartoon. Rating: B Art Credit: Square Enix Press

Become a Master Bender in ‘Avatar Generations’

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
February 28, 2023
First video game project in the Avatarverse since the establishment of Avatar Studios.
Outlining his expectations for writing assignments, US Government & Economics teacher Joseph Juliano makes sure that students understand the task at hand. First semester was based on specific political ideas, but seniors have the opportunity to creatively express their beliefs and priorities. “I have known about this contest for a long time, but some years I didn’t introduce it to the full class as an assignment, rather just showed them the opportunity,” Juliano said. “In the past I had a student who won our local Las Vegas contest. She was invited to a luncheon at the district court and awarded a nice check for $1500.”

Seniors Create 28th Amendment for Civics Contest

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
February 23, 2023
Students of Joseph Juliano’s Government class participate in the Ninth Circuit Civics Contest.
Researching legislative bills, seniors Yusra Shafique, Vassily Tan, and Jacob Gallardo expand their knowledge on the government and how it’s run. This research acted as the first step of making Laura Penrod’s students more politically aware. “I’m teaching them adult skills that they need to know how to do,” Penrod said. “Some of my students want to own businesses or go off and have these lives and careers that won’t be possible if legislation passes that doesn’t go in their favor.”

[Photo] English 102 Students Research Legislative Officials For First Project

Kailie Sicolo, Staff Writer
February 14, 2023

Researching legislative bills, seniors Yusra Shafique, Vassily Tan, and Jacob Gallardo expand their knowledge on the government and how it’s run. This research acted as the first step of making Laura...

Giving the opportunity for students to contribute to the community, Creative Writing Club hosts a used book drive. They anticipate that the event will bring more attention to the club. “I really hope that people will see it as something serious,” Creative Writing Club President Ava Torres said. I know it's a student run organization, but I want it to be seen that we’re doing things. We have a lot of plans and this is the first stop, but we have a long way to go.”

Creative Writing Club requesting Used Books for Underprivileged Communities

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
February 8, 2023
Staff and students can donate books for underprivileged communities.
With the continued rise of social media, more and more teenagers are logging onto apps like Instagram, Tiktok and Twitter. Despite dealing with all of the problems concerning student social media use, assistant principal Cameron Rohem still has faith in the students. “I think most teenagers are definitely responsible enough,” Roehm said. “There are still exceptions, but I think for the most part that high schoolers or even middle schoolers are at an age where they can be responsible for their actions.”

[Photo] Irresponsible Social Media usage continues to scuff teen digital footprints

Kailie Sicolo, Staff Writer
January 26, 2023

With the continued rise of social media, more and more teenagers are logging onto apps like Instagram, Tiktok and Twitter. Despite dealing with all of the problems concerning student social media use,...

Club Preview: A look into the week of January 23

Club Preview: A look into the week of January 23

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
January 20, 2023
FCCLA continues state projects, HOSA will participate in games, and Kpop Club learns new choreography.
Year-Round Horror Experience from Universal Set to Open in AREA15

Year-Round Horror Experience from Universal Set to Open in AREA15

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
January 12, 2023
Attraction was announced in conjunction with a new kid centered theme park in Frisco, Texas.

Was Growing up a Choice?

Ashley Harris
December 15, 2022

Editorial Warning: Mature Content Many times people are forced to “grow up,” embracing a mature and distinct perspective on their experiences. It may stem from a singular traumatic experience, or...

BREAKING NEWS: Southwest Squids Win Regional Championships

BREAKING NEWS: Southwest Squids Win Regional Championships

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
December 14, 2022
After a successful first season, the Southwest Squids win the regional championship.
As they illustrate their final projects, Fashion Design I freshmen navigate how to make their creation out of food items. The semester was spent expressing and designing their ideas with watercolor paint, some of which will be displayed at the art show. “We’re really excited to not only teach the subjects that we do, but show what's being done in our classrooms,” Art teacher Brandon Lafountain said. “We can share it as a school instead of just a singular class and work together as a group.”

Art Teachers to Host First Student Showcase

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
December 4, 2022
Community members will have the opportunity to view student artwork.
TSA prepares for fundraisers, NHS makes gingerbread houses, and Art Club works on independent projects.

Club Preview: A look into the week of December 5

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
December 2, 2022
TSA prepares for fundraisers, NHS makes gingerbread houses, and Art Club works on independent projects.
Throwing away his leftover lunch, junior Narek Tonoyan makes sure that his surroundings are clean before lunch dismissal. Custodians and supporting staff have to work in a timely and efficient manner to ensure a sanitary campus. “Health inspectors visited a couple weeks ago, and we still got A’s in all of our kitchens,” Assistant Principal Cameron Roehm said. “It’s nice that even with a shorter staff, they’re working really hard to make it [campus] good for every student and staff member.”

CCSD in the Midst of Custodial Shortage

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
December 2, 2022
Workload for custodians has increased, prompting staff and students to support their efforts.
Breaking News: Fashion Design Students Sweep ‘Hunger Games’ Sustainable Art Competition

Breaking News: Fashion Design Students Sweep ‘Hunger Games’ Sustainable Art Competition

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
November 18, 2022
CityNeon rewards flexible and creative students.
After being featured on Buzzfeed, the New Jersey bagel shop opened its first west coast location. Grade: A-

Indulge in Eccentric Flavors at ‘The Bagel Nook’

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
November 3, 2022
The Bagel Nook provides unique flavors for all breakfast treats.
As the Environmental club prepares to provide a new event for students on campus, they aim to provide information on the heavy effects of fast fashion. Aside from trading clothing, there will be a selection of games and snacks for participants. “We were studying fast fashion, and the impact it has on the environment,” adviser Martha Horner said. “One of the things that we had discovered is that people aren’t keeping their clothes as long. People would wear something one or two times, or in a lot of cases, not wear them at all.”

Environmental Club to Host First ‘Trade Day’ to fight fast fashion pollution

Ashley Harris
October 19, 2022
Students can trade or donate clothing while enjoying games and snacks.
With an upbeat playlist and colorful interior, MochiCo is a great place to hang out with friends. Grade: A

Try a Modern Take on Traditional Japanese Snacks at ‘MochiCo’

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
October 17, 2022
Whether you’re in a sweet or savory mood, MochiCo will satisfy those cravings.
Practicing her bass, Poselero finds a new bass line for her band’s new original song. Writing her own content has always been a great way to express her, and her band’s creativity. “It's really cool to see when I’m on stage and how people are taken aback because of my height,” Poselero said. “People don’t expect this tiny, little lady to be screaming her lungs out. My energy is completely different than if I were to just be talking to someone, and I fell in love with what that felt like.”

Rockin’ Band Member: Meet Zielle Poselero

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
October 4, 2022
Poselero shares experiences performing in front of live audiences with her band.
The marshmallow challenge is an activity COM101 teacher Henry Evans organizes each school year, as skills utilized often apply to speeches given throughout the semester. “Public speaking is not easy, but it's made a little easier when you engage in friendly activities with the people you'll be presenting your speeches to,“ Evans said. Photo Credit: Ashley Harris

An Hour in … COM101

Ashley Harris, News and Features Editor
August 29, 2022
Juniors and seniors participated in the marshmallow challenge ice breaker during the first week of classes.
Looking over their footage, freshmen and sophomores in Video Production I are practicing filming stories. Students began learning the necessary skills to make content for the morning news show. “I love video production and notice I use a lot of the skills in other classes,” sophomore Ellie Lakatos said. “I’ve done video editing since I was a kid, and I enjoy being able to do it more effectively. It’ll [multimedia] promote bigger growth of the program and students will learn more. Having one teacher who can only teach one class isn’t as good as having multiple who can teach different aspects.” Photo Credit: Ashley Harris

Multimedia Communications Added to Design Academy

Ashley Harris
March 25, 2022
Web Design program phased out to make room for new area of study
SPARK: Controversies in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

SPARK: Controversies in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

Ashley Harris
March 10, 2022
Prominent issues around the world sparked controversies during this year’s Olympics.
The newest addition to the “Life is Strange” franchise includes queer, Asian-American representation as players explore the fictional small town of Haven Springs. Rating: A- Photo Credit: Square Enix

Embrace Empathic Abilities in ‘Life is Strange: True Colors’

Ashley Harris
February 18, 2022
Experience relationships and an emotional story driven by the decisions you make.
Organizing the decorations for the Sadies dance, co-head for Dance Commission Rachel Gehlen prepares the festivities lined up for the week of the dance. “I think the Student Council is a mixture of stressed and excited,” Gehlen said. “The week of valentines is full of activities, we have the King and Queen of hearts announced, warm fuzzies, random acts of kindness, and Sadie's contests so everyone has been working hard. Everyone splits up and helps work on a different task to help reach our end goal.” Photo Credit: Ashley Harris

Student Council is Preparing for ‘Sweethearts Sadies’ Dance

Ashley Harris
February 15, 2022
Sadies returns after seven year hiatus
Southwest Shadow Asks: Yusra Shafique

Southwest Shadow Asks: Yusra Shafique

Ashley Harris
February 9, 2022
Learn more about junior Yusra Shafique, from the thing she can't live without to what decade she wishes to be born in.
The perfect stop for a quick and crunchy snack, CrunCheese offers many variations of Korean corn dogs. Rating: A Photo Credit: Ashley Harris

Grab a Savory Korean Treat at ‘CrunCheese’

Ashley Harris
January 27, 2022
CrunCheese is a great spot for a quick and cheap snack in Chinatown.
Working on his political cartoon, junior Anthony Pham expresses his ideas and opinions on the War of 1812. Students in APUSH had to create cartoons for their peers to view and interpret. “I’m excited to be able to represent and analyze political cartoons,” junior Anthony Pham said. “It's important to know how to make them since we should know the history and the process behind them.” Photo Credit: Ashley Harris

APUSH Students Create Political Cartoons

Ashley Harris
December 10, 2021
Students interpret their thoughts on the War of 1812 by making political cartoons in APUSH.
Showing off her extensions and nail swatches, junior Adriana Bonilla is ecstatic for her next client to visit her at-home nail salon. This passion has taught Bonilla many new skills, artistically, socially and professionally. “It's so exciting when friends and family will trust me with such big events,” Bonilla said. “When people have details that they need me for, it's nice that I can add something small to their special days.” Photo Credit: Paola Bonilla

Dedicated Nail Artist: Meet Adriana Bonilla

Ashley Harris
December 7, 2021
Junior shares her journey starting an at-home nail salon.
Sorting through the chocolate flavors, junior Yusra Shafique sells a chocolate bar for both National Honor Society and Speech and Debate to junior Maha Chaudhry. Students across campus sold chocolate bars for their organization’s benefit. “Most people are only having to sell one or two boxes,” Shafique said. “I have to sell three, two for NHS and one for Speech and Debate, and all of the deadlines are in November. I’m a little stressed about it, but I know I’ll get it done.” Photo Credit: Ashley Harris

Annual Chocolate Fundraisers begin again with students advocating for their clubs

Ashley Harris
November 4, 2021
Making up for last year's fund, the annual World’ Finest Chocolate fundraisers has started until the end of November.
Looking at his finished look, junior Karim Abd-Elmalek poses for his next Instagram post. Through drag, Abd-Elmalek has tested what he is truly capable of, breaking boundaries and becoming more confident. “It's nice to let people out there in the world know what I’m doing,” Abd-Emlalek said. “I am a person doing this type of thing, and there's not a lot of people who are my age that do this." Photo Credit: Ashley Harris

Teenage Drag Queen: Meet Karim Abd-Elmalek

Ashley Harris
October 29, 2021
Junior Karim Abd-Elmalek hopes to inspire others through his journey with drag.
Ironing her fabric, junior April Reyes gets ready for her button-up shirt project on September 16 in the sewing lab. Students had to prepare their materials before cutting out the pieces for the garment. “The most intimidating part is actually getting on the sewing machine and putting things together,” Reyes said. “I feel like I might mess up a lot or maybe when I’m ironing I might burn it, which is terrifying.” Photo Credit: Ashley Harris

Fashion III students sew button-up shirts

Ashley Harris
September 27, 2021
Fashion Design III students begin sewing button-up shirts, the first sewing project they're doing in their program area.