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The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Madison Land

Madison Land, Staff Writer

Hi! I’m Madison and I am a senior this year. This is only my second year in journalism, but I learned a lot last year and can’t wait to show my progress and improvements.

All content by Madison Land

Smile! It’s For A Good Cause

Madison Land
September 14, 2022

With the rise of the internet and more readily accessible social media platforms, many in this generation have felt increasing numbness toward common tragedies. Social media has given countless opportunities...

Prom's Over! What Do I Do?!!

Prom’s Over! What Do I Do?!!

Madison Land
May 2, 2022
With prom being over, we all feel like the night was so short for the amount of time we put into our hair, makeup, outfits, plans, everything. I have compiled a list of hacks and ideas that will truly make prom a night to remember, no matter how long ago it was.
“I Love Hue” is a simple and straightforward game that you can play for hours. Rating: A Photo Credit:Google Play Store

Relax, Solve Colorful Puzzles with ‘I Love Hue’

Madison Land
March 7, 2022
‘I Love Hue’ is a puzzle game that utilizes color theory to solve the problem.
Six Artists you Should Be Listening To: March 2022

Six Artists you Should Be Listening To: March 2022

Madison Land
March 3, 2022
Black people have had a huge impact on music as a whole, in America, since the beginning so here are some new artists.
Celebrities and Influuencers truly do not have their fan’s best interest at heart; they care more about what their supporters can give them over everything else.  Photo Credit: Madison Land

Stop Idolizing Celebrities, Influencers

Madison Land
February 7, 2022
As fans, we are seen as nothing more than a means to reach success and riches.
‘Collapsed Sunbeams’ sounds like storytelling backed with captivating beats and melodies.Rating:B+Image Credit Credit NME

Reminisce On The Past with ‘Collapsed Sunbeams’

Madison Land
December 13, 2021
Arlo Parks, a British singer and songwriter has released her first album that takes her listeners on the journey of her life.
The fashion industry takes and sells our culture to non-black people, but then turns around and does not cater their products to us, support our movements, or help our communities in any way. They exploit us.
Photo Credit: Unsplash

They Love Our Culture, But Not Us

Madison Land
November 26, 2021
Fashion companies love to use Black people and our culture, talents, and faces but do nothing to support our community or include us.
“Space Sweepers’ was lovable in every way, from their layered, diverse characters, to their perfect pacing and effective life lesson. Rating: A

Fight evil governments and collect space debris in ‘Space Sweepers’

Madison Land
November 8, 2021
‘Space Sweepers’ is the type of movie that makes you want to go on adventures with those you love most, whether that’s family or friends to call a family, no matter how simple or extravagant the adventure might be.
Staying Moisturized In Winter

Staying Moisturized In Winter

Madison Land
October 21, 2021
It has gotten drastically colder here in Vegas recently, which is good for finally being able to layer your winter clothes, but bad for your skin.
An adorable cookie shop that sells homemade cookies and an array of sodas and drinks. Located 6410 S. Tenaya Way, Las Vegas. Rating: A Photo Credit:Madison Land

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Twisted Sugar

Madison Land
September 27, 2021
All of Twisted Sugar’s items are not only delicious, but camera ready as well and perfect to post on Instagram.
Get into the fall spirit with these different recommendations, treats, and activities.

Getting Ready For Fall

Madison Land
September 16, 2021
Fall is my favorite time of the year, with Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Native American Heritage Month all occurring. Fall is not just a season to me, it's a feeling and lifestyle; I will show you different foods, amazing music, and awesome activities that you can try this fall to really tap into that fall feeling,
Notable Moments From the Derek Chauvin Case so Far

Notable Moments From the Derek Chauvin Case so Far

Madison Land
April 22, 2021
George Floydś killer, Derek Chauvin, is finally brought to court for the horrendous crime he had committed. We are currently on week three of a four week trial for a murder that everyone witnessed via a video.
Southwest Shadow Asks: Nia Anderson

Southwest Shadow Asks: Nia Anderson

Madison Land
March 26, 2021
Nia Anderson answers questions ranging from her favorite film to what her personal motto is.
These recent attacks on Asian Americans are not getting enough news coverage, so people need to post about it on social media to spread the word. 

Art Credit:Madison Land

The Overlooking of Asian-American Hate Crimes

Madison Land
March 23, 2021

Recently, there has been a surge in crimes against Asian American communities. An 84-year old man in San Francisco was killed by a 19-year-old boy for no reason. Another man and his 3 and 6-year old sons...

LIFEHACKS: MOVIE EDITION

LIFEHACKS: MOVIE EDITION

Madison Land
March 2, 2021
Save some money with these movie hacks that are both accessible and stress-free.
"Heavy Hitting Hurts My Head” is relatable in both the lyrics and melodies.Rating: A 
Photo Credit: Alondra Bucio

Experience What It’s Like for A Teenager in 2021 With ‘Heavy Hitting Hurts My Head’

Madison Land
March 2, 2021
Channeling a garage band sound, Christian Leave is growing musically post-Vine.
Celebrities and Influencers who ignore COVID-19 guidelines, are sending the message to their followers that they can do what they want to do, and simply do not care that they are aiding in the spread of this virus. Photo Credit: ActionVance

Being A Celebrity Does Not Make You Immune To COVID-19

Madison Land
February 25, 2021
We can all catch COVID-19.
It’s unfortunate that I, as well as many other student athletes, have to miss out for the second year in a row on a huge part of our high school experience. 
Photo Credit:Henry & Co

Taking One For The Team

Madison Land
February 11, 2021

CCSD had announced that they will be cancelling fall sports for the 2020-2021 school year after saying it would resume in February.    This means no more wearing my cross country gear to school...

The inexcusable attack on our Capitol

The inexcusable attack on our Capitol

Madison Land
January 24, 2021
Participants need to be punished, without question.
Treating this movement as if it is just a trend is doing more harm than good for the cause. It makes what we are fighting for seem frivolous and unimportant. Don’t stop protesting, signing petitions, or posting educational content on your social media just because you don’t see BLM trending anymore, it was never a trend to begin with. 
Photo Credit: 
 Logan Weaver

OP-ED: BLM Is Not A Trend

Madison Land
December 10, 2020
The fight is not over, justice has still not been served, so don’t stop doing your part to support the BLM Movement. If you treat this as just another trend that will come and go, then change will never happen and history will keep repeating itself.
Students are expected to create an infographic that is both informative and creative. Most students have experience with making infographics, but even they are learning new things on how to make their infographic display their style and personality. “Creativity is an important skill in everyday life that we all need,” Marissa said, “It gets the point across in a way that will be remembered.” 
Art Credit: Madison Land

Using An Infographic to Present Information in Graphic Design II

Madison Land
December 7, 2020

Typically infographics are used to display information visually such as statistics, a process, or even a resume. Graphic Design II teacher Rosarita Olvina is teaching her students the creative aspect of...

Make your cell phone the embodiment of you with Widget Smith  Rating: B Photo Credit: Widgetsmith

Customize your home screen with ‘Widget Smith’

Madison Land
November 11, 2020

People have been finding different ways to express themselves creatively: painting their walls on TikTok, tweeting their thoughts, sharing their opinions and posting their best photos of themselves on...

Where Are They Now: Ana Woods

Where Are They Now: Ana Woods

Madison Land
October 29, 2020
Ana is currently attending UNR as a freshman and is studying Social Work.
SOUTHWEST SHADOW ASKS: Jennifer Luong

SOUTHWEST SHADOW ASKS: Jennifer Luong

Madison Land
October 27, 2020
Jennifer Loung, a junior, answers ten questions regarding her favorite quote, preferred superpower and what decade she would like to experience.
Plant based dying is a safe and environment friendly activity anyone can do from the comfort of their house, using foods that they were about to thrown away for another purpose. Unsplash Photo Credit: Monica Dihiya

FIDM Club members learn how to dye fabrics

Madison Land
October 27, 2020

Members of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising club learn how to dye fabrics and textiles using natural plant based dyes by Fashion teacher Levi Harbeson. Students will take plant based...

Adding a few more finishing touches to her digital creation that took her hours to complete, Junior Fashion student Ana Gonzalez  She has been creating her own art since a young age, improving little by little. “It’s a great way to express myself and very therapeutic. I know I can always turn to my art to calm me down after a hectic and stressful day,” Gonzalez said.* Photo Credit: Ana Gonzalez

An Emotional Artist: Meet Ana Gonzalez

Madison Land
October 8, 2020
Ana Gonzalez shares how she got into art and how it helps express herself.
INFOGRAPHIC: Job losses due to COVID-19

INFOGRAPHIC: Job losses due to COVID-19

Madison Land
October 7, 2020
Americans have been suffering financially, due to the consequences of the coronavirus.
Firefighters rush to the World Trade Center where the attack took place, helping anyone they can, and risking their lives to do so. Students in AP Lang are getting the opportunity to examine President George Bush and draw conclusions. “Bush’s speech changed nations, he presented a speech with faith in not just America, but gave faith in all of humanity to unify and make the world a better place. Changing the world isn’t easy, but I find it inspiring that Bush put in the effort to make the world great,” junior Michelle Nguyen said. "World Trade Center 9/11/01 attack memorial photo" by cattias.photos is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 .

AP Language students analyze President George W. Bush’s 9/11 speech

Madison Land
September 19, 2020
Robert Davis hopes students learn that language is meant to bring people together.