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The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Lily Gurdison

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor

Heyy! My name is Lily and this is my third year on the newspaper staff. I'm psyched to further my skills in reporting, writing and designing this year!

All content by Lily Gurdison
Southwest Shadow Asks: Ihsan Seman

Southwest Shadow Asks: Ihsan Seman

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
April 28, 2023
Learn more about this nursing student.
Where are They now: Elizabeth Bovill

Where are They now: Elizabeth Bovill

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
April 3, 2023
2019 Interior Design Graduate shares her experience as a mom and soon to be architect.
Southwest Shadow Asks: Ghiada Ferraer

Southwest Shadow Asks: Ghiada Ferraer

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
March 27, 2023
Discover some fun facts about freshman Ghiada Ferraer.
Podcast: Onto the Next Chapter

Podcast: Onto the Next Chapter

Growing up, moving out and moving on. The reality seniors are facing during fourth quarter.
Where Are They Now: Diana Jean

Where Are They Now: Diana Jean

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
March 10, 2023
2015 Fashion Design graduate shares her experience as a flight attendant.
Southwest Shadow Asks: Jorja Osburn

Southwest Shadow Asks: Jorja Osburn

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
March 2, 2023
Find out some fun facts about sophomore Jorja Osburn.

Draw my Shadow: Genevy Machuca

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
February 16, 2023
Senior Genevy Machuca shares her passion for poetry.
Pie-a-Palooza

Pie-a-Palooza

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
January 28, 2023
Student Council holds a sweet and sticky fundraiser.
VIB: This weekend in Vegas 1/27/23

VIB: This weekend in Vegas 1/27/23

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
January 27, 2023
Find something fun to do this weekend.
Southwest Shadow Asks: Alize Quiroz

Southwest Shadow Asks: Alize Quiroz

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
January 19, 2023
Find out some fun facts about sophomore Alize Quiroz.
Southwest Shadow Asks: Eavan Abao

Southwest Shadow Asks: Eavan Abao

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
January 13, 2023
Find out some fun facts about senior Eavan Abao.

Maturity Knows no Age

Hannah Paine and Lily Gurdison
December 15, 2022

High school is a turning point for young adults when it comes to maturity. Spending four years learning how to become an “adult” results in varying levels of sophistication. While some embrace the...

Southwest Shadow Asks: Talon Shultis

Southwest Shadow Asks: Talon Shultis

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
November 18, 2022
Learn some fun facts about senior Talon Shultis.
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” unites modern cell phones with a mysterious ghost story. 
Rating: B-
Art Credit: Netflix

‘Mr. Harrigan’s Phone’ is a Mild Scare

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
November 7, 2022
“Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” is entertaining, but lacks the main components of a horror film.
Southwest Shadow Asks: Daphne Huang

Southwest Shadow Asks: Daphne Huang

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
October 27, 2022
Find out some fun facts about senior Daphne Huang.
Stringing up paper cranes in H building, senior Isabel Gomez spends her free time helping out HOSA. Even though the decorations are time consuming, she enjoys the process. “It took a long time to hang all of the cranes.” Gomez said. “We had to ask the whole dental class to help us. I really liked stringing them up, it was kind of therapeutic in a way.”

Photo Credit: Lily Gurdison

HOSA Recognises Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by Hanging Paper Cranes

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
October 19, 2022
Bringing attention to childhood cancer in the month of September, HOSA decorates the halls with paper cranes.
Flipping through the printed version of her students’ assignment, English 9H teacher Corrina Terry misses the freedom that the early days of teaching provided with textbooks and paper. She felt she had more lee-way with her students’ learning before COVID-19. “Education today seems very cookie cutter, and it looks like we are heading towards a more standard and uniform way of teaching,” Terry said. “It seems that is what the admin wants now, more uniformity within the classrooms, which I understand, but I just miss some of that creativity that happens without the use of Chromebooks.”

Photo Credit: Lily Gurdison

Out with the old, in with the new

Lily Gurdison
October 11, 2022
Teachers learn to balance the tried and true ways of traditional instruction, while managing new strategies and technology.
With a hip and healthy menu, in addition to their eye-catching space, Squally’s provides a perfect place for customers to feel their best.
Grade: A

Discover Health, Wellness at ‘Squally’s Juice Bar & Cafe’

Lily Gurdison, Multimedia Editor
September 15, 2022
Hop on the health craze at Squally's Juice Bar & Cafe.

Reshaping Educational and Career Pathways

Lily Gurdison and Hannah Paine
September 14, 2022

University or gap year? College or apprenticeship? School in-state or out-of-state?  As more of Generation Z enters their post-high school lives, their dependency on technology and shifting attitudes...

Southwest Shadow Asks: Jessica Ye

Southwest Shadow Asks: Jessica Ye

Lily Gurdison
April 7, 2022
Find out some fun facts about junior Jessica Ye.
Using facts and reasoning to settle the argument, junior Clyde Louise Hao gets the opportunity to practice resolving conflicts with his friends. “I played the intellectual in our conflict resolution and, honestly, it was a hard role for me to play.” Hao said. “I don’t normally look for facts and reason to end an argument and I had the instigator targeting me the whole time, so it was difficult coming up with good responses.”
Photo Credit: Lily Gurdison

Com 102 Students Perform Conflict Skits

Lily Gurdison
April 4, 2022

Teaching students the importance of resolving conflicts, COM 102 teacher Henry Castillo gave students the opportunity to “dress rehearse” issues they might face. Students were able to create and perform...

Newly opened Clove Indian Cuisine and Bar provides a truly unforgettable dining experience with friendly staff and a delicious variety of dishes.
Rating: A
Photo courtesy of Lily Gurdison

Enjoy Everything From Curries to Kebabs at ‘Clove’

Lily Gurdison
March 23, 2022
“Clove Indian Cuisine and Bar” brings a modern twist of Indian culture to Las Vegas.
While checking the status of her stocks, junior Anna Buckley checks on her current stock investments. For many this was their first experience with the stock market.  “I really like getting a closer look at our economy,” Buckley said. "Learning how to appropriately invest money into different companies will be a useful skill for me in the future.” 
Photo Credit: Lily Gurdison

Students Participate in SWCTA’s Annual Stock Market Challenge

Lily Gurdison
March 10, 2022

Introducing students to the financial world, social studies teacher Joseph Juliano is in the midst of conducting his annual stock market challenge. Through the webite HowtheMarketWorks.com, participants...

Coyote Olympics Day One

Coyote Olympics Day One

Students participate in the first day of Coyote Olympics.
Lifehacks: Road Trip Edition

Lifehacks: Road Trip Edition

Lily Gurdison
February 22, 2022
Make the long drive a breeze with these simple hacks!
Fast Fashion’s Impact on Younger Generations

Fast Fashion’s Impact on Younger Generations

Tishie Nyitray, Hannah Paine, and Lily Gurdison
February 15, 2022
Today, we discuss how quickly current fashion trends are cycling through social media and how stores like Shein and Zara are only adding to the issue.
While locating and identifying all of the controls on the shop’s rotary cutting machine, junior Jacob Bogel builds the skills necessary for his end of program exam. With the upcoming test, he found the hands-on form of studying to be the most beneficial. “When I can see and touch the parts of a system that I am learning about, the concepts stick way better in my head,” Bogel said. “I enjoy working in the shop the most and I think it has prepared me the best for our end of program test.” 
Photo Credit: Lily Gurdison

Auto Tech III Students Prepare for Their End of Program Exam

Lily Gurdison
February 2, 2022
Students in Auto Tech III study using hands on technique to visually understand information.
Sophomores show off their newly customized student ID badges, each containing a unique Pokémon card. While many students are familiar with Pokémon, there many others who are being exposed to it for the first time. "I have never ever been into Pokémon before,” sophomore Travis Pangelinan said. “I really like seeing everyone with the cards in their IDs because I feel more connected to others and more included as a student in this school.”
Photo Credit: Lily Gurdison

Gotta Catch ‘Em All? More Like Gotta Give ‘Em All

Lily Gurdison
January 31, 2022
Enlightening school spirit through Pokémon cards.
Draw My Shadow: Nadia Hansen

Draw My Shadow: Nadia Hansen

Lily Gurdison
December 5, 2021
Junior Nadia Hanson shares her experiences with automotive repair.
"Reminiscence" was an interesting take on exploring fictional technology. Although the movie was threaded with a confusing plotline, the setting and the unique use of hypnotic effects made it entertaining.
Photo Courtesy of HBO Max
Rating: B-

Take a Look Into the Past in ‘Reminiscence’

Lily Gurdison
November 30, 2021
“Reminiscence” is a sci-fi romance story that incorporates a classic love tale with futuristic technology.
Infographic: Tips to Reduce Food Waste

Infographic: Tips to Reduce Food Waste

Lily Gurdison
November 3, 2021
Change wasteful habits with these helpful tips.
Six Artists You Should be Listening to: November 2021 Edition

Six Artists You Should be Listening to: November 2021 Edition

Lily Gurdison
November 3, 2021
In need of new music? Check out these artists.
 As the school year unfolds, counselors start to meet with students to discuss their future. Some students feel like they are behind in their college selection process and don’t know what the next steps should be. “I know I want to start studying engineering after highschool but I have no idea where. I have a list of colleges but It is stressful talking to your counselor when you haven't decided on one yet,” junior Brett Edgeworth said.
 Photo Credit: Lily Gurdison

College Process: do it now, not later

Lily Gurdison
October 23, 2021
Students share their experiences with navigating college selection.
Recognising the importance of the ACT prep book, juniors begin preparing themselves in class for their upcoming test. Teachers recommend students start studying now rather than later to make them less anxious and feel more prepared. “I feel really nervous for the ACT at the moment. I took the practice exam and now I realize how much studying the ACT is going to require,” junior Noah Cannon said.
 Photo Credit: Lily Gurdison

Juniors in English 11 Honors start ACT Test Prep

Lily Gurdison
October 7, 2021
Juniors in Amy Lutz’s English 11 Honors have the opportunity to refine their skills for the upcoming ACT.
“Routinery” is an organization app that provides a structured to-do list to create healthy habits.
Rating: B+
Photo Credit: Routinery Corp.

Boost Productivity in ‘Routinery’

Lily Gurdison
May 3, 2021
Acheive goals by implementing a daily routine with this handy app.
Lifehacks: Going Green Edition

Lifehacks: Going Green Edition

Lily Gurdison
April 1, 2021
Simple hacks to make your home more eco-frindly.
Infographic: Women's History Month

Infographic: Women’s History Month

Lily Gurdison
March 18, 2021
Discover how women have left their mark on history.
After nearly spending the whole year online, students are finally transitioning to a learning model that will allow certain students to be back on campus. Students were sent an email the previous week specifying which cohort they were placed in and a follow up link if students would like to change. “The other schedule put me in a consistent routine by now, so I’m kind of upset that we changed it so abruptly and just for the last quarter, ” junior Isabell Min said. “However, I’m excited for the fourth quarter and hopefully things will be normal by the beginning of my senior year.” Art Credit: Monserrat Mendieta

New schedule put into place for first day of new in-person learning plan

To accommodate in-person learning there is a new school start time, revised schedule, and more.
With her new blog, KEIWIZ, junior Keisha Farrales hopes to spread love and help for other teenagers through hard times. Her blog reflects the current mindset of teenagers and in order to connect with people, Farrales collaborates with her peers to make KEIWIZ an inspirational site. “The main goal of my blog is to make others feel content and inspire others to be the best versions of themselves and to love themselves,”  Farrales said. “I feel like most teenagers nowadays don't feel as worthy or they feel like they're not enough.”
Photo credit: Keisha Farrales.

Rising blogger: Meet Keisha Farrales

Lily Gurdison
March 2, 2021
Junior Keisha Farrales Inspires others through her new health, beauty blog, KEIWIZ
Draw My Shadow: Breanna Bui

Draw My Shadow: Breanna Bui

Lily Gurdison
February 25, 2021
Senior Breanna Bui shares her love and experiences with photography.
Posing for her picture in the lake, freshman Danika Molina holds her stance. Molina has been a dancer since she was two years old and has ever since competed. “ I love my sport because it allows me to express myself when I can’t find the right words.” 
Photo credits: Evolve Dance Center

Skillful Dancer: Meet Danika Molina

Lily Gurdison
February 18, 2021
Competitively dancing for almost nine years, freshman Danika Molina has been to many high-level competitions along the western United States.
In My Eyes: Yimeli Suarez

In My Eyes: Yimeli Suarez

Lily Gurdison
February 11, 2021
Senior Yimeli Suarez shares details about her daily life.
SOUTHWEST SHADOW ASKS: Louis Fernandez

SOUTHWEST SHADOW ASKS: Louis Fernandez

Lily Gurdison
February 9, 2021
Louis Fernandez shares fun facts about himself in a video questionnaire.
PODCAST: Balance between both school, work

PODCAST: Balance between both school, work

Julia Jauregui, Truong Phan, and Lily Gurdison
February 9, 2021
In this podcast, we discuss the difficulties of having a job while going to school at the same time, time management and stress.
Southwest Shadow Asks: Samantha Phelan

Southwest Shadow Asks: Samantha Phelan

Lily Gurdison
January 26, 2021
Sophomore Samantha Phelan answers a series of questions regarding her daily life, sports, etc.
In My Eyes: Emily Thorn

In My Eyes: Emily Thorn

Lily Gurdison
January 17, 2021

Due to distance learning, we are unable to continue “An Hour In” for the time being. Instead, we have asked students to participate in a new segment, “In Our Eyes,” that showcases important elements...

Former Automotive student Anthony Qian now explores the career of medical sciences.

Where are they now: Anthony Qian

Lily Gurdison
December 8, 2020
Anthony Qian is currently working in a chemical lab as well as an event planner.
In My Eyes: Kate Wingate

In My Eyes: Kate Wingate

Lily Gurdison
December 1, 2020
Take a look in the daily life of Kate Wingate.
Q&A: Should Gov. Steve Sisolak Mandate Another Required Lockdown?

Q&A: Should Gov. Steve Sisolak Mandate Another Required Lockdown?

Lily Gurdison
November 20, 2020

With Las Vegas COVID-19 cases at an all-time high, we asked students if another lockdown should be mandated.  

PODCAST: Girls’ Safety: The Dangers of Las Vegas

PODCAST: Girls’ Safety: The Dangers of Las Vegas

Listen to firsthand experiences, escape tactics, how violent counters happen, common ploys criminals use and ways to be aware of the environment in this episode.
According to the Journal of Effective Teaching “Working collaboratively with others is extremely important in building problem solving and teamwork skills and is proven to help students retain information better.” However, because of virtual schooling, group work poses more of a challenge for teachers to incorporate into online lessons."Teamwork" by davis.steve32 is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .

Teachers Explore New Options To Increase Student Interaction

Lily Gurdison
November 16, 2020
With schools being virtual, it is not only stressful for students to ask for help on assignments from their teachers, but also to connect with other students and collaborate.
Q&A: Do you wear reusable or disposable masks?

Q&A: Do you wear reusable or disposable masks?

Lily Gurdison
November 13, 2020
With a two-week stay at home mandate declared by Governor Steve Sisolak, we wonder what kind of masks you choose to wear.
Running an engine inspection on an old Mac truck, the new automotive instructor, Bertrand Potts started in the automotive trade right out of high school and quickly progressed in the field. “I was the North American Feild Team Leader, testing out oil formulations in trucks, busses, boats, you name it.  I was in charge of testing different oils in field-applications” Potts said.

Photo Credit: Bertrand Potts

New Automotive Teacher: Meet Bertrand Potts

Lily Gurdison
October 27, 2020

From experimenting with motor oil to working on navy submarines, the new automotive instructor, Bertrand Potts has a long history of schooling and career work in his field. “I have been in the automotive...

“Crux” is a rock climbing simulation game that provides the experience of climbing in a puzzle-like format. 
Rating: A
Photo Credit: Unity Gaming Engine
    The 2020 version of the game ‘Empty’ takes on a simple task that relaxes players.  Rating: A Photo Credit: m1ndg4mes

Climb to new heights in ‘Crux’

Lily Gurdison
October 27, 2020

There is more to rock climbing than just strength and endurance. Climbing requires one to find the most logical way to the top of a wall while utilizing a variety of complex techniques. The game “Crux,”...

INFOGRAPHIC: The importance of sleep for students

INFOGRAPHIC: The importance of sleep for students

Lily Gurdison
October 21, 2020
Snoozing prevents physical and mental health disorders, as well as attention and behavior issues.
PODCAST: Staying fit this school year

PODCAST: Staying fit this school year

In this episode, find out about different types of exercises, ways to manage your fitness and school, and more.