The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
Naila Yazdani

Naila Yazdani, Features Editor

Hey guys! I’m Naila and I’m the features editor for the Southwest Shadow this upcoming school year. This is my third year in journalism and I’m so excited to perfect my writing skills, meet new people, and learn more about other writing styles!

All content by Naila Yazdani

The student impact

Tishie Nyitray, Rhamil Taguba, and Naila Yazdani
August 29, 2022

Reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, CCSD adopted several new grading policies for teachers to implement for a more efficient transition to in-person learning. The minimum 50% policy, suspension of punishing...

Committed to being the shining star in the Las Vegas hospitality community, Proper Sandwich Company co-owners Eric and Phil strive to present the tastiest sandwiches for customers to love. Rating: A+ Photo Credit:Naila Yazdani

Indulge in authentic cuisine at Proper Sandwich Company

Naila Yazdani
May 24, 2022
Experienced fresh and healthy sandwiches, salads and sweets at Proper Sandwich Company.
INFOGRAPHIC: Tips to Prevent Eye Strain as a Student

INFOGRAPHIC: Tips to Prevent Eye Strain as a Student

Naila Yazdani
April 4, 2022
Students sometimes do not realize the harmful habits they are participating in that may be ruining their eyes. Here are some tips to prevent eye strain for students.
SPARK: FIVE FACTS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ST. PATRICK'S DAY

SPARK: FIVE FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Naila Yazdani
March 17, 2022
Five fun facts you may have not known about St. Patrick's Day.
PODCAST: Parental Standards

PODCAST: Parental Standards

Julia Jauregui and Naila Yazdani
March 10, 2022
In this episode, learn about different parental standards in regards to education, friends, and life that a majority of students experience.
Draw My Shadow: Collin Tan

Draw My Shadow: Collin Tan

Naila Yazdani
February 16, 2022
Senior Collin Tan shares his passion for sneakers and the reselling business that comes with it.
Finishing another hard workout session, senior Ventisislav Yankov studies his side triceps after training shoulders and arms. Beginning his junior year, Yankov began to start taking the gym seriously and working out to improve the way his body looked. “I remember the best memory of my training experience when I benched 225 pounds, which was my goal for six months,” Yankov said. “I failed that benchmark three times before that and when I finally hit it, I felt very happy.” Photo Credit: Ventisislav Yankov

Certified Personal Trainer: Meet Ventisislav Yankov

Naila Yazdani
February 3, 2022
Yankov landed his first job as a personal trainer after rigorous amounts of work over the last two years.
Q&A: What did you do over Winter Break?

Q&A: What did you do over Winter Break?

Naila Yazdani
January 10, 2022
We asked students about what they did over winter break.
INFOGRAPHIC: Myths vs. Facts Drinking Water

INFOGRAPHIC: Myths vs. Facts Drinking Water

Naila Yazdani
December 7, 2021
Discover some facts and myths about the drink we consume on a daily basis.
Experience a traditional Japanese hotpot at U Shabu

Experience a traditional Japanese hotpot at U Shabu

Naila Yazdani
December 6, 2021
Healthy, delicious Japanese cuisine is served at U Shabu with a fun twist.
Students explore the functions of the mind

Students explore the functions of the mind

Naila Yazdani
November 4, 2021
Students create Lego models of different brain developments related to the adult, teenage, and child brain functions.
Experience nostalgic vibes with ‘Dim’

Experience nostalgic vibes with ‘Dim’

Naila Yazdani
October 23, 2021
Dropping his first EP of the year, SYML produces a heartfelt, genuine piece for all to listen to.
SPARK: Gender-Neutral Halloween Costume Ideas

SPARK: Gender-Neutral Halloween Costume Ideas

Naila Yazdani
October 14, 2021
With Halloween season right around the corner, consider some of these costume ideas for the spookiest night of the year.
This family-owned restaurant not only has a welcoming atmosphere, but provides delicious home-made dishes for all to enjoy.Rating: A+ Photo Credit: Naila Yazdani

Try various Italian items at Piezza

Naila Yazdani
September 22, 2021
From DIY and breakfast pizzas, Piezza has unique cuisine for the public to appreciate.
During her Groove season competition in 2020, senior Genelynn De Dios had mixed feelings about getting on stage but knew once she did, she would do an amazing routine. “I loved letting go on stage, but as excited as I was I had more anxiety,” De Dios said. “The only time I had no anxiety was the three minutes I performed on stage and although it was extremely hot and I was dripping sweat it was an amazing and unforgettable experience.” Photo Credit: Genelynn De Dios

Competitive dancer: Meet Genelynn De Dios

Naila Yazdani
September 9, 2021
Advanced dancer Genelynn De Dios shares her journey as a competitive, ambitious performer.
Q&A: How do you feel about the revised lunch schedule?

Q&A: How do you feel about the revised lunch schedule?

Naila Yazdani
August 26, 2021
As the new lunch is revised, we ask students if they prefer the previous or current lunch schedule.
From BBQ chicken, salmon and ramen, to sandwiches and a variety of dessert teas, 9th Island Grill provides traditional Hawaiin cuisine. Rating: A Photo Credit:Naila Yazdani

Try bold flavors at 9th Island Grill

Naila Yazdani
May 20, 2021
Taste some of the amazing and unique flavors 9th Hawaiian Grill has to offer.
IN MY EYES: Ethan Tabamo

IN MY EYES: Ethan Tabamo

Naila Yazdani
April 29, 2021
Learn a little bit about sophomore Ethan Tabamo and his daily life.
Southwest Shadow Asks: Tyrah Lacar

Southwest Shadow Asks: Tyrah Lacar

Naila Yazdani
April 28, 2021
Tyrah Lacar answers some fun questions about herself and what she enjoys.
After her audition with Nickelodeon, junior Franchesca Ramirez hopes to remember this moment in her life. Ramirez has done multiple auditions with Nickelodeon and other shows in hopes of pursuing acting. “that audition opened up a lot of doors for me as it was my first time auditioning for Nickelodeon,” Ramirez said. “In the span of a year, I have auditioned around 20 times for them now!” Photo Credit: Franchesca Ramirez

Enthusiastic, flourishing actress: Meet Franchesca Ramirez

Naila Yazdani
April 21, 2021
Devoted to acting, junior Franchesca Ramirez hopes to one day fulfill her dream of becoming a famous actress.
Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: April 2021 EDITION

Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: April 2021 EDITION

Naila Yazdani
April 15, 2021
In need of new music? Check out these artists.
Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: March 2021 EDITION

Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: March 2021 EDITION

Naila Yazdani
March 31, 2021
In need of new music? Check out these artists.
Trying to celebrate the winning classes who earned an ice cream party, Student Council members create a red carpet for students to walk on during November of 2019. Students created digital posters and videos to showcase why they should be elected for their chosen position. “I’ve been in Student Council since freshman year so I know how Stuco runs,” Student Body Vice President candidate Claire Cuddihy said. “I know how to be a good role model and being able to win this election would help me create better social skills and more essential leadership qualities.” Photo Credit: Student Council

Annual student council campaign week concludes

Naila Yazdani
March 26, 2021
Student Council members participate in yearly board elections.
Key Club board decided to get together for a picture of the new board members and since this was during quarantine, it made it a little more challenging. Key Club is only one of the clubs, out of many, on-campus that represents leadership and teamwork. “We were taking our annual board photos because we weren’t able to take them in March before quarantine began,” junior Daniella Sayson said. “These people on board helped me overcome the part of me that was always shy and introverted. I’m very thankful that I’ve been able to be around such fun and memorable people.” Photo Credit: Cody Barrameda

Becoming a leader

Naila Yazdani
March 22, 2021

From learning how to work in a team, to how to engage with diverse groups of people, leadership of a student organization is pretty much a teenager’s first job. This role impacts the way people act in...

Over the course of four years, drastic changes occur. Whether it may be one’s style, personality, or even physical characteristics because of a growth spurt, this affects how we present ourselves and our confidence behind it all. Art Credit: Dean

The reality of the golden years

Julia Jauregui, Gurleen Swaich, Naila Yazdani, Monserrat Mendieta, and Kamryn Baldenebro
March 8, 2021
Truths behind freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year.
Explore islands and journey through destinations in Tides: A Fishing Game. Collect new boats and fishes along the expeditions. Rating: A- Photo Credit: Shallot Games, LLC.

Escape into the sea with ‘Tides: A Fishing Game’

Naila Yazdani
March 2, 2021
Catching virtual fish has never been so relaxing.
Infographic: Changing up poor eating habits

Infographic: Changing up poor eating habits

Naila Yazdani
March 2, 2021
Improve your bad eating habits with these helpful tips.
LIFEHACKS: TECHNOLOGY EDITION

LIFEHACKS: TECHNOLOGY EDITION

Naila Yazdani
February 16, 2021
Make your life easier after learning some simple hacks to help with your technology.
Open for dine-in, pick up and delivery, Cafe Express offers a variety of Mediterranean eats for all to enjoy especially vegans and vegetarians. Rating: A- Photo Credit:Naila Yazdani

Enjoy Modern Vegan, Vegetarian Meals at ‘Cafe Express’

Naila Yazdani
February 9, 2021
Experience the unique and tasty delicacies at Cafe Express.
Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: February 2021 EDITION

Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: February 2021 EDITION

Naila Yazdani
February 7, 2021
In need of new music? Check out these artists.
CCSD anticipates that starting on January 25, all personnel throughout Clark County, UNLV and the CSN Henderson Student Union will be able to register for COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Since then, appointments have not been able to be made because of the limited supply of vaccines.”Photo Credit: Mat Napo

CCSD employees are permitted to now receive the COVID-19 vaccine

Naila Yazdani
January 27, 2021
CCSD recently spoke out about the COVID-19 vaccine saying that teachers will be eligible to make appointments for the vaccine within the next few days.
INFOGRAPHIC: Health Myths

INFOGRAPHIC: Health Myths

Naila Yazdani
January 14, 2021
Find out the truth about these popular health myths.
Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: January 2021 EDITION

Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: January 2021 EDITION

Naila Yazdani
January 12, 2021
In need of new music? Check out these artists.
Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: December 2020 EDITION

Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: December 2020 EDITION

Naila Yazdani
December 9, 2020
In need of new music? Check out these artists.
Creating an emotional atmosphere for listeners, artist Josh Sellers describes his encounters with love and heartbreak. Rating: BPhoto Credit: Josh Sellers

Discover heartbreak with ‘The Promise’

Naila Yazdani
December 8, 2020
Listen to the soulful lyrics and beats in Josh Seller's first album, "The Promise".
DRAW MY SHADOW: Max Walck

DRAW MY SHADOW: Max Walck

Naila Yazdani
November 23, 2020
Junior Max Walck shares how he started drawing and how he has become an intricate artist overall.
Play, collect and match with iconic Funko Pops! that brings this game to life. Rating: A Photo Credit: N3TWORK Inc.

Collect unique Funko Pops with ‘Funko Pop! Blitz’

Naila Yazdani
November 16, 2020
Swipe, swap and match three characters to bring Funko Pop! figures to life.
Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: November 2020 EDITION

Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: November 2020 EDITION

Naila Yazdani
November 6, 2020
In need of new music? Check out these artists.
After producing several singles over the course of this year, pop artist Will Hyde, has recently come out with an emotional EP that could get anyone in their feelings. Rating: A Photo Credit: Pack Records

Reflect on your past in ‘with u in mind’

Naila Yazdani
November 3, 2020
Listen to the peaceful instrumentals and voice in Will Hyde’s newest and only EP, “with you in mind.”
As Web Design teacher Denise Snow leaves Southwest CTA, former English 12 teacher Max Brewer takes her place in advising all web classes. Ms. Snow has not only taught Web Design but she has participated in so many other events at Southwest which show the dedication and love she has for her students. “I facilitated professional development workshops for teachers to become National Board Certified Teachers,” Snow said. “Over 10 web students won NCWIT Girl in Technology awards, and I also ended up winning an award from ACTE Trade and Industry Teacher of the Year last year.” Photo Credit: Naila Yazdani

Web Design teacher Denise Snow transfers to Nevada Learning Academy

Naila Yazdani
October 13, 2020
Former Web Design teacher, Denise Snow will be leaving campus after three years of being with the Southwest community.
With a world of possibilities, students in Graphic Design III are given ultimate freedom to create their very own logos to use for when applying for jobs. Students have been adding onto their digital portfolios with their headshots just recently taken as well. “All the students are on Adobe Creative cloud so they have access to Illustrator and Photoshop to design their logos and any of their brand identity,” Olvina said. “I guess [the most difficult part for students] will be how they choose to represent themselves.”Photo Credit: Adobe Illustrator

Graphic design III students create personalized logos

Julia Jauregui and Naila Yazdani
October 7, 2020
Students in Graphic Design III create logos in order to add onto their digital portfolios.
Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: October 2020 EDITION

Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: October 2020 EDITION

Naila Yazdani
October 6, 2020
In need of new music? Check out these artists.
DRAW MY SHADOW: Mr. Harbeson

DRAW MY SHADOW: Mr. Harbeson

Naila Yazdani
September 29, 2020
Learn how Mr. Harbeson's love for the game Dungeons and Dragons started.
Blue Swirl is a unique take on the runner genre games. Your abilities test you as you go through many ocean obstacles and the deeper you go the harder it’ll get for you to pass the level. You’ll have constant surprises throughout this generated underwater world Rating: A Photo Courtesy of Rikzu Games

Explore under the sea with “Blue Swirl”

Naila Yazdani
September 25, 2020
Travel through the ocean and complete quests in Blue Swirl.
Personalizing the experience for every customer, HUMMUS offers bowls, wraps and fresh squeezed juices using ingredients prepared daily . Rating: A+ Photo Credit: Naila Yazdani

Eat healthy and for cheap at HUMMUS Bowls & Wraps

Naila Yazdani
September 18, 2020
Try out nutritious Mediterranean eats at HUMMUS Bowls and Wraps.
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.
Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: September 2020 EDITION

Six Artists You Should Be Listening To: September 2020 EDITION

Naila Yazdani
September 4, 2020
In need of new music? Check out these artists.
Virtual education starts with minor bumps amidst Canvas, Infinite Campus outages

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

Julia Jauregui, Gurleen Swaich, Ahmed Ahmed, Juliana Borruso, and Naila Yazdani
August 26, 2020
After the technology complications were resolves, the remainder of the day continued without noticeable complications.
Expanding Italian culture, La Strega offers a variety of unique and healthy foods for everyone to appreciate. La Strega is perfect if you are trying to feel what Italian food is truly all about. Rating: B+ Photo Credit: La Strega LV

Get a taste of Italian inspired cooking at ‘La Strega’

Naila Yazdani
August 24, 2020
La Strega offers a variety of Italian foods for all to enjoy.
PODCAST: School during COVID-19

PODCAST: School during COVID-19

Julia Jauregui, Gurleen Swaich, Juliana Borruso, and Naila Yazdani
August 21, 2020
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.
Six artists you should be listening to: August 2020 edition

Six artists you should be listening to: August 2020 edition

Naila Yazdani
August 10, 2020
In need of new music? Check out these artists.
Design, create rooms with ‘Redecor’

Design, create rooms with ‘Redecor’

Naila Yazdani
April 29, 2020
Learn more about designing by creating some of your own home spaces.
INFOGRAPHIC: Netflix shows to watch

INFOGRAPHIC: Netflix shows to watch

Naila Yazdani
April 21, 2020
Get ready to add some new shows to your Netflix list after learning about these.
INFOGRAPHIC: Latest facts on the Coronavirus

INFOGRAPHIC: Latest facts on the Coronavirus

Naila Yazdani
March 28, 2020
With the recent epidemic occurring world-wide, it's important to stay in the loop with the latest information to stay updated.
Debates about Shakespeare take place in English 10 classes

Debates about Shakespeare take place in English 10 classes

Naila Yazdani
March 9, 2020
Students in English 10 Honors classes worked in teams to build arguments.
Southwest joins the ‘Las Vegas is Beautiful’ Initiative

Southwest joins the ‘Las Vegas is Beautiful’ Initiative

Naila Yazdani
February 26, 2020
Southwest CTA joins the competition and spreads awareness for blood cancer throughout our school.
An Hour In ... COM 102

An Hour In … COM 102

Naila Yazdani
February 19, 2020
Students in Com 102 learn about the importance of dealing with specific conflicts that occur in the real world.
Chemistry students perform lab on types of reactions

Chemistry students perform lab on types of reactions

Naila Yazdani
February 5, 2020
Students in chemistry learn the different components of reactions and have hands-on experience with creating them.
Q&A: Who do you think will win the Pro-Bowl?

Q&A: Who do you think will win the Pro-Bowl?

Naila Yazdani
January 24, 2020
Students determine which team will beat the other in the Pro-Bowl.
An Hour In ... Fashion Design III

An Hour In … Fashion Design III

Naila Yazdani
January 22, 2020
Fashion III students open up to a new challenge by having to outline and design a shirt without an original template.
World History discovers the elements of the Age of Exploration

World History discovers the elements of the Age of Exploration

Naila Yazdani
January 20, 2020
Students in World History created a project to expand their knowledge about the past and have a create one experience with their partner.
Student Council hosts canned food drive during Winter Spirit Week

Student Council hosts canned food drive during Winter Spirit Week

Naila Yazdani
December 9, 2019
The annual food drive turns into an individual competition where students can win Snow Royalty.
PODCAST: Childhood memories are back with Disney+

PODCAST: Childhood memories are back with Disney+

Julia Jauregui, Gurleen Swaich, Juliana Borruso, and Naila Yazdani
November 21, 2019
Disney+ is a new entertainment app that allows teens to reminisce about their favorite shows and movies.
New math course offered focusing on finance

New math course offered focusing on finance

Naila Yazdani
November 14, 2019
A new Financial Algebra class is being offered to remedial students by Randy Suba.
"Donating socks is really important especially in this time of year because you never think how much you appreciate socks until you're really cold, and it can make a really big difference in someone’s life."

Donations begin for annual Socktober drive

Naila Yazdani
November 1, 2019
The sock drive continues as a Student Council community outreach event.
Practicing around campus, senior Kennedy Nelson shows off one of her moves to express herself. “A few photography students asked me to help them with a few motion photos so I did a few jumps and I attempted a leap,” Nelson said. Photo Credit: Maya Negash

New dance club created to perform, share talents

Naila Yazdani
October 1, 2019
The new Dance Club has been created to teach choreography and different styles of dance, after three years of preparing by President Kennedy Nelson.
Q&A: What is your preferred social media network?

Q&A: What is your preferred social media network?

Naila Yazdani
September 20, 2019
Social media is often used amongst students, so we asked them what their preferred app is.
Teaching and Training class study different ways of learning

Teaching and Training class study different ways of learning

Alyx Beeten and Naila Yazdani
September 10, 2019
Students in Teachers and Training create posters revolving around the Multiple Intelligence Theory.
Coffee machine added to the student store

Coffee machine added to the student store

Gurleen Swaich, Naila Yazdani, and Jackson Bogan
August 30, 2019
A new coffee machine has been added to the student store, and it will be working by next week so students will be able to get coffee.