The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Juliana Borruso

Juliana Borruso, Multimedia Editor

Hi! I'm Juliana and I'm the multimedia editor for the Southwest Shadow. This is my fourth and final year in journalism. I'm glad to be here and excited to see my last year in person.

All content by Juliana Borruso
Everything wrong with Gen Z

Everything wrong with Gen Z

Juliana Borruso
September 14, 2022
Despite their strong suits, Generation Z is discovering their flaws.

Teachers’ half-hopeful, half-terrified response

As the new school year approached, many teachers had a sense of uncertainty lingering around due to the grading reform policy.    Not knowing whether it was going to remain the same or change,...

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
May 2, 2022
Test yourself on news you might have missed last week.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
April 25, 2022
Test yourself on news you may have missed last week.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
April 19, 2022
We hope you had a great Spring Break.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
April 4, 2022
Find out what you might have missed last week.
Painting one of the rocks, senior Aster Damtew ensures that there’s an even coat to start. Students took two class periods to work - one to paint the rocks’ base coat and let them dry, and a second to paint the kind messages on them. “I love making people feel good about themselves,” Damtew said. “This is a perfect way to give someone that little bit of brightness in their day.”

Student Council beautifying campus with kindness rocks

Juliana Borruso
April 1, 2022
Placing rocks around the quad on April 1, Student Council is hoping to spread positive vibes around campus.
Showing their work to a friend, sophomore Arcade Encarnacion explains the different aspects of it in a Graphic Design course last summer. Southwest Tech began offering summer courses last year, with some program courses being available for students to expand their knowledge. “Ms. Olvina’s graphic design lab gave me an opportunity to learn different Adobe programs,” Encarnacion said. “I was able to rig a character I made in Photoshop and make it move through facial tracking.”  Photo Credit: Victoria Ornelas

Southwest Tech implements CCSD Plans for Summer Acceleration Camp

Juliana Borruso
March 30, 2022
Running from May 31-June 17, the camp will be allowing students to gain skills and makeup credits in courses that aren’t based on assessments or grades.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
March 28, 2022
Find out what you might have missed last week.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
March 21, 2022
Find out what you might have missed last week.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
March 14, 2022
Find out any news you might have missed last week.
INFOGRAPHIC: Trucker Convoys in Canada

INFOGRAPHIC: Trucker Convoys in Canada

Juliana Borruso
March 11, 2022
Truckers are protesting in Canada because of vaccine mandates. Here's what you need to know.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
March 7, 2022
Find out what you might've missed last week.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
February 28, 2022
Find news you might have missed last week.
Putting in the solution, senior Rylee Jones studies the measurements in the test tubes. Students had to be careful and ensure that all their measurements are correct to prevent inaccurate lab results.. “Even though [the work] is tedious, we gain a lot of skills from it,” senior Rylee Jones said. “I enjoy it, though, and the labs give us a physical example of everything we learn, which definitely helps us learn better.” Photo‌ ‌Credit: Gurleen Swaich ‌

Biology 189 students begin stepping into the lab with new weekly experiments

Gurleen Swaich and Juliana Borruso
February 18, 2022
Dr. Mary Breslin is preparing labs for each lecture, allowing students to gain real-world experience.
Animal Rest Red Cat Laziness Cat Domestic Cat

SPARK: Combating Senioritis

Juliana Borruso
February 10, 2022
Reflect on your senior year and remember these lessons you should have learned by now.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
February 7, 2022
See what you might have missed last week.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
January 24, 2022
See what you missed last week, from NFT profile pictures to rescinding vaccine mandates.
Ordering a snack from the student store, sophomore Kayan Galan waits to enjoy his lunch.  Students have been using the adjusted lunch schedule for about a week now. I think [most people like the new lunch schedule], but some of my friends dont really agree with it, Galan said. I think a lot of people like it.

Lunch schedule adjusted, accommodating culinary students, seniors

Juliana Borruso
January 21, 2022
Students are experiencing mixed emotions after the lunch schedule changed.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
December 13, 2021
Find out what you might've missed last week, from booster shots to natural disasters.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
December 6, 2021
Find out what you might've missed last week, from the firing of a CNN anchor to college football playoffs.
Tracing an image of a wolf to include in her design, senior Mia Nenadic works on her yearbook cover. Students had to include some type of husky mascot as a requirement from the client. “The hardest thing about the project was probably making sure it’s good enough to present to a client,” Nenadic said. “It’s not just between us and Mr. Ball, it’s going to an actual client to eventually be put into print, hopefully.” Photo Credit: Juliana Borruso

Graphic Design III students create yearbook covers for West Prep Academy

Juliana Borruso
December 6, 2021
Students are gaining real-world experience and the chance to have something they made be put into print.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
November 29, 2021
Find out what you might have missed last week, from the Thanksgiving game to the new COVID-19 variant.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
November 15, 2021
Find out what you might've missed during last week's news cycle.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
November 8, 2021
Find out what you might have missed last week, from the infrastructure bill to the Covid-19 pill.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
November 1, 2021
Catch up on news you might've missed last week as the month of October ends.
PODCAST: Halloween: Everything from candy to clowns to costumes

PODCAST: Halloween: Everything from candy to clowns to costumes

Gurleen Swaich, Juliana Borruso, and Ayma Malik
October 29, 2021
We talk about everything that comes with Fall and Halloween season, from what scares us most to how we celebrate.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
October 25, 2021
Find out what you might have missed last week.
Working on designing posters, freshmen Brianna Scherschel and Isela Michael sketch out their ideas in pencil. Student Council has been working in committees to prepare for Homecoming on October 22 and 23. “I am really excited that we get to have [a homecoming] just in general,” Scherschel said. “The past year and a half, two years, we haven’t had anything, and this is our first big dance back. I’m really excited for not just the dance but everything that comes with it, like all the sports and the posters and spirit week and that sort of fun stuff. Photo Credit: Juliana Borruso

Student Council prepares for first homecoming in two years

Juliana Borruso
October 19, 2021
Adjusting to new obstacles, Student Council is having three homecoming dances, with 249 people each.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
October 19, 2021
Catch up on last week's events that you might've missed.
Blank white label on injection bottle glass vial with syringe

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
October 11, 2021
Catch up on what you might've missed last week.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
October 4, 2021
Take a look at what you might've missed in last week's news.
SPARK: Concert Preview

SPARK: Concert Preview

Juliana Borruso
September 27, 2021
With live events coming back to Las Vegas, here;s a preview of concerts making stops here soon!
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
September 27, 2021
Catch up on this past week's news.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
September 20, 2021
Take a look at this week's news.
QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?

Juliana Borruso
September 14, 2021
Take a look at what you might've missed last week.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Mckenna Thayer

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Mckenna Thayer

Juliana Borruso
September 14, 2021
Take a look into SWCTA graduate McKenna Thayer's life.
QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

QUIZ: Do you know what happened last week?

Juliana Borruso
August 23, 2021
Test yourself on news from last week.
The torque lab required students to test different weights on a seesaw. Placing mystery boxes on one side and a brick on the other, they were able to determine the weight of the mystery box. “I found the lab helped me figure out the torque formulas,” junior Franchesca Ramirez said. “After working on this assignment I feel like I’m actually prepared for any tests on it.” Screenshot By: PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado, Boulder

AP Physics I students complete online torque lab

Juliana Borruso
May 18, 2021
Working to prepare for the exam, AP Physics I students have completed an online lab, using a digital seesaw to find mystery weights.
After finishing their third design for their micro-collection, students are now choosing their fabrics. “Choosing fabrics now makes it easier for us in the future so we’re not spending too much time thinking about what we could do,” junior Makenna Wahrer said. “If we already know what we’re going with, we can just go get however much we need based on our pattern and then get that part done quickly.”  Art Credit: Ana Gonzalez Photo Credit: Levi Harbeson

Planning for a micro-collection, fashion students hope to host a runway show next year

Juliana Borruso
April 27, 2021
Hoping to arrange a fashion show for next year, students have been working on planning their micro-collections.
While designing packages, students had to think about the general layout before constructing them in three dimensions. Students must go to professional printing companies to get their designs printed and assemble them. “I like the hands-on aspect of it,” junior Nia Anderson said. “It adds more of a different element to it than just doing a normal design on Illustrator and turning it in like we usually do.”  Art Credit: Jeffrey Ball

Replicating professional company designs, students in Graphic II create packages

Juliana Borruso
April 21, 2021
Constructing their own packages for real companies of their choice, students are learning about the manufacturing process.
Q&A: What Life is Beautiful headliner would you be most excited to see?

Q&A: What Life is Beautiful headliner would you be most excited to see?

Juliana Borruso
March 25, 2021
With the Life is Beautiful lineup coming out, we ask students who they'd want to see.
LIFEHACKS: Desk Organization Edition

LIFEHACKS: Desk Organization Edition

Juliana Borruso
March 16, 2021
Have no worries about a messy desk with these lifehacks.
Students had to create and mock-up two creations for the “Make the Call” project. Mock-up designs are a crucial part of the design process so a client can see the design in a real context. “Mocking up adds to the design because we can see our designs in a real place,” junior Regan Thomas said. “It adds a reality to our designs and helps us see what we can create.”   Art Credit: Juliana Borruso

Graphic Design II students create products for a real client

Juliana Borruso
March 2, 2021
Creating two or more assets for the organization, “Make The Call,” students are designing items ranging from flyers to T-shirts in order to support the cause.
SOUTHWEST SHADOW ASKS: Clarisse Andrade

SOUTHWEST SHADOW ASKS: Clarisse Andrade

Juliana Borruso
February 25, 2021
Find out junior Clarisse Andrade's favorite film, dream vacation spot and more.
IN MY EYES: Claire Cuddihy

IN MY EYES: Claire Cuddihy

Juliana Borruso
February 25, 2021
Take a look into the everyday routine of junior Claire Cuddihy.
State last year was held at Reno for FCCLA students, however due to the pandemic, it is now being held virtually in March. Although this conference will be different, members are still excited for the opportunity to attend. “I’m glad that state is continuing,” junior Brooke Young said. “I think it really gives the new kids a taste of what it would be like in regular school.”  Photo Credit: Brooke Young

FCCLA prepares for virtual state conference

Juliana Borruso
February 16, 2021
FCCLA students are finalizing their work before state at the beginning of March.
PODCAST: Valentines Day during a pandemic

PODCAST: Valentine’s Day during a pandemic

Although it can be tempting to see your significant other during Valentine's Day, can there be consequences?
The Nevada Help Desk is helping students earn certifications for technology-based jobs. Students can apply for an after-school or summer training program. “Over the next four  years, there will be millions of unfilled tech jobs,” Snehal Bhakta said. “This program started to help fill some of the workforce gaps in Southern Nevada related to technology.”  Photo Credit: Nevada Help Desk

Nevada Help Desk program is preparing students for the future

Juliana Borruso
February 12, 2021
Freelance opportunities, technology certifications and jobs are all available in this new program.
SPARK: Astrology 101

SPARK: Astrology 101

Juliana Borruso
February 12, 2021
Learn more about interpreting and calculating your birth chart.
Solving practice questions for her ACT prep, junior Lizeth Ontiveros starts early preparation for testing. Since the way the ACT is administered will change, the junior class may be split into three groups, each testing on a different day. “If all goes well next month then hopefully SWCTA’s schedule will run smoothly,”  Ontiveros says. “However, if cases rise again and it’s unsafe to proceed with the exam this year, then I hope juniors will be able to reschedule for our senior year or later this year.”

ACT testing plans underway, despite distance learning

Juliana Borruso and Aila Pasic
January 20, 2021
Expected to test from Feb. 23-25, juniors are going to take the ACT in person.
Starting after winter break, adding new teachers has allowed for smaller class sizes for core classes. After a large intake of freshmen, many classes were larger than normal. “I love it at Southwest,” Whitney Lopez said. “Coming into the distance format, the biggest challenge was how do I adjust all these things that I know we used to hit on, but also, do I need to make adjustments so that I can kind of lighten the load a little bit, so that it’s not so overwhelming all the time.”

New faculty joins Southwest for second semester

Juliana Borruso and Hanae Furugaki
January 14, 2021
The addition of two new English and a science teacher have aided in reducing course sizes.
Although it can be hard to leave a job, assistant principal Trish Taylor is taking her memories and amazing experiences at Southwest to start fresh and build a community of hardworking and diligent students as the principal of East a career and Technical Academy. Taylor spent seven hard years here, even being the subject of an award-winning photo in 2015. “The students have always been fantastic and so much fun to be around,” Taylor said. “The incredible group of professionals at Southwest I will miss terribly.”  Photo Credit: Jorge Carrera

Assistant principal Trish Taylor promoted to principal of East Career and Technical Academy

Juliana Borruso
December 7, 2020
Ms. Taylor takes the next step in her career, transferring schools and causing shifts in the administration's office.
In order to ensure students know about circular motion, AP Physics I teacher Patrick Waddington had students choose groups and calculate circular motion on any planet. Circular motion is part of the third unit in AP Physics I. “I hope that students will use the project as a chance to study for their upcoming Circular Motion Test, talk through their misconceptions with group members, and be able to have an interesting bit of trivia info about something that not many are familiar with,” Waddington said.  Photo Credit: Juliana Borruso

Students calculate circular motions on different planets

Juliana Borruso
November 23, 2020
Studying circular motion, students in AP Physics I create presentations and calculate forces on a different planet.
DRAW MY SHADOW: Franchesca Ramirez

DRAW MY SHADOW: Franchesca Ramirez

Juliana Borruso
November 6, 2020
Although she hasn't been able to go audition for things as often due to the COVID-19 pandemic, junior Franchesca Ramirez still pursues her dream of being famous one day.
Q&A: Whats your favorite kind of Asian BBQ?

Q&A: What’s your favorite kind of Asian BBQ?

Juliana Borruso
October 11, 2020
Students share their opinion on which Asian BBQ is best.
Preparing for future careers, nursing students write pro/con essays on different ethical issues. In the medical field, when evaluating patients, professionals have to take into account multiple things to make the best decision they possibly can. “We have to realize that our opinion isn’t the only one that matters,” junior Marivee Cadiz said. “Sometimes, what we as medical professionals] think is best isn’t what we do.”  Art Credit: Juliana Borruso

Nursing students examine ethical dilemmas

Juliana Borruso
September 26, 2020
Working to see different sides of the same story, Nursing III students write essays focusing on different ethical issues.
PODCAST: The one where they go to high school

PODCAST: The one where they go to high school

Transitioning from middle school to high school is already difficult, but having the added dynamic of trying to keep relationships with your previous friends can be one of the hardest aspects.
DRAW MY SHADOW: Nathan Robles

DRAW MY SHADOW: Nathan Robles

Juliana Borruso
September 16, 2020
When sophomore Nathan Robles heard that one of his favorite YouTube channels, Jubilee, was having a casting call for their latest video, he jumped at the chance.
Practicing her speech on female harassment, junior Lizeth Ontiveros makes sure to include hand gestures at chest level. Students needed to include hand gestures, use an expressive voice, and keep a consistent pace, to earn a good grade. “Being in COM 101 while online is a little bit conflicting because we can’t physically be there to express ourselves for our speeches,” Ontiveros said. “However, I am excited to get into speeches and especially the first one because I am passionate about my topic on [female] harassment and I am looking forward to delivering it.”Photo Credit: Lizeth Ontiveros

Speeches for COM 101 conducted virtually

Gurleen Swaich and Juliana Borruso
September 16, 2020
Taking a different turn this year, teacher Henry Castillo works around internet issues and adjusts guidelines for delivering speeches at home.
The yearbook staff works on their spreads through Jostens Yearbook Avenue. They do this in groups, having three people and an editor to a spread so it’s easier to get it done. “Now that school is out, permanently, all of our photos will be taken from social media,” editor-in-chief Alan Ong said. “Interviewing students will be done over text, social media, email, or through a digital meet.” Photo Credit: Alan Ong

Yearbook production continues despite distance learning

Juliana Borruso and Naila Yazdani
September 9, 2020
With everything being digital, the yearbook staff faces changes while working on this year’s yearbook.
 NHS uses Google Classroom to collaborate and share announcements with students. For their first meeting, they are trying to reconnect with members after summer. “We hope to find different ways to connect virtually, do small group activities, and provide community service opportunities that dont involve face to face interactions,” NHS adviser Laura Penrod said.  Photo Credit: Screenshot of Google Classroom

Distance learning poses challenges for clubs

Juliana Borruso
August 31, 2020
Figuring out how to make clubs work in a virtual environment, advisers and board members find new ways to have members participate in their club through an online medium.
Virtual education starts with minor bumps amidst Canvas, Infinite Campus outages

Virtual education starts with minor bumps amidst Canvas, Infinite Campus outages

After the technology complications were resolves, the remainder of the day continued without noticeable complications.
PODCAST: School during COVID-19

PODCAST: School during COVID-19

As we get ready to go back to school, still in the middle of a global pandemic, we still have questions about what life is going to be like each day.
PODCAST: The uninvited guest

PODCAST: The uninvited guest

Gurleen Swaich and Juliana Borruso
May 15, 2020
Things have changed drastically and it is hard to estimate when things will start going back to normal.
INFOGRAPHIC: Survey Says: COVID-19

INFOGRAPHIC: Survey Says: COVID-19

Juliana Borruso
May 8, 2020
We conducted a survey asking a variety of questions related to this quarantine. Here are the results.
Stock market game helps teach financial literacy

Stock market game helps teach financial literacy

Juliana Borruso
May 2, 2020
Learning how to manage finances, students are playing a game simulating the stock market.
INFOGRAPHIC: COVID-19 in Nevada

INFOGRAPHIC: COVID-19 in Nevada

Juliana Borruso
April 3, 2020
See how Nevada responded to the growth of COVID-19.
DRAW MY SHADOW: Angelo Ednacot

DRAW MY SHADOW: Angelo Ednacot

Juliana Borruso
March 31, 2020
Sophomore Angelo Ednacot shares what he's been doing during the time off and what he's been thinking about the quarantine itself.
PODCAST: Coronaphobia

PODCAST: Coronaphobia

Hear these questions and answers in this week's podcast. What justifies the fear of COVID-19? Is doomsday prepping worth it? After all, it should only affect people with weak immune systems, right?
Health Science II students mold clay hearts

Health Science II students mold clay hearts

Juliana Borruso
February 24, 2020
To gain a better understanding of the exterior of the heart, students in Health Science II are making 3D models of hearts out of clay.
Club Preview: A look into the week of Feb. 24

Club Preview: A look into the week of Feb. 24

Grinesa Bajrami and Juliana Borruso
February 21, 2020
FCCLA and FBLA members prepare for state, while BSU creates their presentation.
DRAW MY SHADOW: English 11 teacher Laura Penrod

DRAW MY SHADOW: English 11 teacher Laura Penrod

Juliana Borruso
February 14, 2020

Learn who Mrs. Penrod is when she's not in the classroom.

Career, Technical Education Month kicks off

Career, Technical Education Month kicks off

Juliana Borruso
February 6, 2020

As a means to raise awareness for career-oriented programs, the annual Career and Technical Education month started this week.  “CTE programs encourage students who aren’t academically as inclined...

Q&A: Who is going to win Super Bowl 54?

Q&A: Who is going to win Super Bowl 54?

Juliana Borruso
February 1, 2020
Super Bowl 54 is coming soon. Who do students think will win?
PODCAST: How soon is too soon?

PODCAST: How soon is too soon?

Kamiran Hinton and Juliana Borruso
January 31, 2020
With the death of Kobe Bryant, potentially disrespectful videos have already surfaced about the tragic accident. How far is too far when reporting on celebrity deaths?
An Hour In ... Fashion Design II

An Hour In … Fashion Design II

Juliana Borruso
January 30, 2020
Sophomores in Fashion II upcycle old T-shirts.
DRAW MY SHADOW: Will Grube

DRAW MY SHADOW: Will Grube

Juliana Borruso
January 20, 2020
From seeing shows to being in them, hear about a senior who began theater and the benefits that came from it.
POST/PACE students continue practicing life skills on campus

POST/PACE students continue practicing life skills on campus

Juliana Borruso
January 14, 2020
Although there are common misconceptions about the POST/PACE programs, the reality is that they are preparing for the workforce.
Rock climber extraordinaire: Meet Lily Gurdison

Rock climber extraordinaire: Meet Lily Gurdison

Juliana Borruso
December 30, 2019
Rock climbing since the age of nine, freshman Lily Gurdison has learned discipline and travelled across the country through her team.
PODCAST: Childhood memories are back with Disney+

PODCAST: Childhood memories are back with Disney+

Disney+ is a new entertainment app that allows teens to reminisce about their favorite shows and movies.
U. S. History classes will visit Nevada State Museum for PBL

U. S. History classes will visit Nevada State Museum for PBL

Juliana Borruso
November 12, 2019
Students in Jessica Kelly’s U.S. History class are taking a field trip to the Nevada State Museum.
Sophomores compete in Fashion Forward competition

Sophomores compete in Fashion Forward competition

Juliana Borruso
October 28, 2019
Sophomores in Fashion II will compete in the CCSD competition Fashion Forward. They are currently creating button-up shirts for the first round of the competition.
CCSD Board of Trustees adjusts school calendar

CCSD Board of Trustees adjusts school calendar

Juliana Borruso
October 18, 2019
CCSD district board changes the 2020-2021 calendar, meaning students won’t have a full Thanksgiving break and the school year will be longer.
Q&A: Are you going to homecoming?

Q&A: Are you going to homecoming?

Juliana Borruso
October 15, 2019
Students across campus decide whether or not they are going to homecoming.
Administration enforces new ID policy

Administration enforces new ID policy

Juliana Borruso
September 3, 2019
As of this year, students are required to wear IDs around their neck or it is an immediate dress code violation.

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