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The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Paizley Swaney

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer

My name is Paizley and I’m looking forward to another year of writing for the Southwest Shadow! Watch out for a little bit of everything coming your way.

All content by Paizley Swaney
INFOGRAPHIC: A GUIDE TO FINDING THE PERFECT PROM DRESS

INFOGRAPHIC: A GUIDE TO FINDING THE PERFECT PROM DRESS

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
April 12, 2024
Prom will be held on April 20th at Starbase.
Standing in front of the student success office, senior Daphney Garcia-Hatton fills out the student portion of the newly enforced absence excuse note. Students are required to turn in physical excuse notes signed by their parent or guardian. “A lot of people find it inconvenient that the excuse notes are now physical, but it prevents students from filling it out on their own at home online,” Garcia-Hatton said.

NEW ATTENDANCE POLICIES IMPLEMENTED

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
March 19, 2024
To combat excessive tardiness, detention regulations have been enforced.
Performing at an open mic, senior Alina Adams sings an original song.
“I asked the owner when and where it was, and I went down there and I sang three songs,” Alina Adams said. “They asked me to come back and host the next one. I've been hoping to go back and work on more stuff and like bring new songs to help myself get over stage fright.”

Aspiring Music Artist: Meet Alina Adams

Daphney Garcia Hatton and Paizley Swaney
February 7, 2024
Adams’ music career is on the rise.
To ensure coverage in the classroom, teachers use software like SmartFind to assign a relief teacher in the case they are absent. The current scarcity of qualified teachers has posed a significant challenge to secure the necessary replacements. “There's a pretty high demand [for substitutes] right now in the valley. I enjoy it very much because it gives me a lot of working opportunities,” substitute teacher Dylan Drachler said. “When administrators contact me it has been a little more fast paced, saying they need help that day, but I try to look a few days out in advance and get jobs that way.”

CCSD FACES CRITICAL TEACHER SHORTAGE

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
December 5, 2023

Nevada currently faces a staggering teacher shortage, with only 44 teachers available per 1k students enrolled, placing the state at the bottom of national rankings. With an insufficient number of teachers,...

Podcast: Explaining Girl Math

Podcast: Explaining Girl Math

Ava Julian, Paizley Swaney, and Violet Moreno
November 1, 2023
Breaking down examples of "girl math" and how it is shaping girls' financial decisions.
Rotating to each station of the gallery walk, junior Noah Ly answers each group’s essential question on a sticky note and places it on the different posters. Each rotation allowed time for group discussion and note-taking. “The class learned to tell the difference between asepsis types, and my group’s focus was teaching others about surgical asepsis and how to keep a clean environment when it comes to bacteria and organisms,” Ly said.

AN HOUR IN … NURSING

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
October 5, 2023
As the unit comes to an end, Nursing students review their findings through a gallery walk.
Yi Fang has made it all the way to Nevada with the mission of sharing their classic flavors. 
Grade: B+

Expand Your Palate At Your Local ‘Yi Fang’

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
September 19, 2023
Enjoy a variety of teas served fresh, fast and friendly.
“I was planning to go to my friend’s house to rehearse a song," junior Amerie Ignacio said. "Right now, we’re working on 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' by Nirvana. We play guitar, drums, and sometimes bass.”

Q&A: What Are You Doing This Weekend?

Paizley Swaney and Ethan Bull
September 8, 2023
Find out what students are doing this weekend.
Creating his own head to toe cosplay attire through 3D printing, Staheli proudly poses for his professional photos. "I'm most proud of the things I make because not many people have the chance to make something that's one of a kind, like my suit," Staheli said. "It's the same with everything I make. I'm really proud because it was by my effort that it exists."

Creative Cosplayer, 3D Printer: Meet Samuel Staheli

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
March 20, 2023
Cosplayer and 3D Printer shares his experiences, goals and more.
PODCAST: IS THE HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE OVER-ROMANTICIZED?

PODCAST: IS THE HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE OVER-ROMANTICIZED?

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
February 26, 2023
Tune in on this episode discussing deeper into the high school experience.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW: ALTHEA GEVERO

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: ALTHEA GEVERO

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
February 22, 2023
2017 graduate progresses through their law school journey.
 Listening and watching closely to Dr.Breslin’s instruction, junior Iris Kellett prepares to follow her directional guide through to the inside of the cat’s body. The majority of students struggle to ease their emotions, while others see it as a part of strictly scientific procedures. “The cat’s dead already so I’m not very emotional,” Kellett said. “Plus, the teacher is carrying us through the whole process.”

AN HOUR IN … ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
February 21, 2023
Dissecting cats, Anatomy and Physiology Honors students take part in a hands-on examination of real organisms.
Podcast: 2023 Trend Predictions

Podcast: 2023 Trend Predictions

Ava Julian and Paizley Swaney
January 30, 2023
Listen to this episode for trend predictions in 2023.
INFOGRAPHIC: CREATING GROUP RESOLUTIONS FOR 2023

INFOGRAPHIC: CREATING GROUP RESOLUTIONS FOR 2023

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
January 27, 2023
Millions make New Year's resolutions to start off the year on the right foot, but how many of them actually follow through with them?
“For Black Friday, I bought clothes and perfume,” sophomore Akela Custodio said. “The clothes were more for summer but had a large discount and the perfume was also low priced.”

Q&A: Did you buy anything for Black Friday?

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
December 2, 2022
Students let us know if they bought anything for Black Friday.
Announcing that they will be resigning their current positions, Dental teacher Kirsten Winfield and Health Science teacher Cynthia Wong are shown great appreciation on their last day. While Winfield is leaving the district, Wong takes over just next door. "I'm not excited to see Winfield leave, but I am very grateful to get a teacher like Dr.Wong to step in," junior Daphney Garcia-Hatton said.

Head of Dental Program Kirsten Winfield Leaves, Dr. Cynthia Wong Steps In

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
December 1, 2022
With teachers coming and going mid-school year, students are left with mixed emotions.
In preparation for their contortion class, sophomore Lex Boyd builds their stamina by running through their poses and stretches in the gym. Equally an outlet and source for their stress, contortion plays a major role in Boyd’s life. “Working out has especially helped me to build not only my strength but more importantly my confidence to excel in my contortion journey,” Boyd said. Photo Credit: Lex Boyd

Beginning Contortionist: Meet Lex Boyd

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
November 29, 2022
Sophomore is progressing in their journey.
Infographic: Student Guide To Finding A Job

Infographic: Student Guide To Finding A Job

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
November 9, 2022
Learn the tips of finding a job manageable with your busy schedule.
Using the tools of Paper tutor, students are quickly moving forward in their learning curriculum. Students are directed towards tutors that specialize in their area of demand to guarantee a successful session. "Paper is a great option for anyone looking to work through questions or writing one on one in the Classroom or in the Review Center," Paper tutor Hannah said. "The goal is to empower students in their own learning."

New Online Tutoring Service Provided Free For Students

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
October 24, 2022
Students and teachers recently explore the digital way of tutoring.
Dunking the ball into the net, sophomore Xavion Staton scores yet another point for the Sierra Vista varsity boys basketball team. Staton enjoys being able to create memories with his new team. “My teammates have a lot of fun because they get to experience throwing stuff up and having me immediately dunk it,” Staton said. “It brings a lot of energy to the court.”

TALLEST PERSON ON CAMPUS: MEET XAVION STATON

Paizley Swaney, Staff Writer
October 18, 2022
Sophomore is just an inch away from reaching seven feet tall.