Skip to Main Content
The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Rhamil Taguba

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor

Hi! I’m Rhamil and I’m a columnist for Southwest Shadow. This year is my final year, and I hope to give a more interesting insight to all my readers!

All content by Rhamil Taguba
Leaping up into the air, senior Vassily Tan spikes the ball over the defender, gaining his team the point.

[Photo] Coyote Olympics Day 2: Vietnam pulls ahead to lead after second day

Philipos Alebachew, Staff Writer
March 29, 2023

Leaping up into the air, senior Vassily Tan spikes the ball over the defender, gaining his team the point.

While there were several impressive pieces of architecture like the exterior of the One World Trade Center, I wasn't able to fully embrace what millions of people call the "embodiment of the American Dream".

NEW YORK CITY ISN’T ALL THAT IT’S MADE OUT TO BE

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor
March 29, 2023

Recently, I visited what many cite as the most influential, most famous city in the world: New York City. While I was looking forward to strolling through what popular culture has idolized as the most...

The famous Museum of Modern Art had some notable works that I adore.

The famous Museum of Modern Art had some notable works that I adore.

CLUB PREVIEW: A LOOK INTO THE WEEK OF MARCH 20

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor
March 21, 2023
Creative Writing plans for next year, HOSA creates goodie baskets, and Jam Club continues to prepare for their Coachella performance.
“Taxing the rich” has been a signature catchphrase for most left-leaning voters and politicians alike. While taxing the super rich may be beneficial for the welfare of middle-class America, how does the government expect to pay their multi-million dollar mansions and 20 Ferraris?  Photo Credit: Philip Taylor PT

Satire: Let’s tax poor people even more

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor
February 26, 2023
The national debt continues to rise in this country. Why cut a break for hard-working, struggling Americans?
The German anatomist Gunther von Hagens technique of preservation has raised eyebrows from spectators and investigators alike.

‘Bodies: The Exhibition’ is morally wrong

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor
January 26, 2023
Why the world-famous exhibitions are controversial.
School choice should be an undeniable right

School choice should be an undeniable right

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor
January 3, 2023
A discussion on why school choice should be implemented in CCSD.
Under a school voucher or savings account system, parents would be siphoning money directly from public education funding to their own pockets.

On the Scale: Is School Choice a Cool Choice?

Ethan Bull and Rhamil Taguba
January 3, 2023
The argument for school choice continues with the results of the midterm elections.
"There's just too many games, so I didn't feel the need to buy it," site-based technician Roderick Alimusa said. "If I had the money, I would buy it, but the games take too much time and the grind is tough. My favorite Pokémon game so far however is  Pokémon Crystal Version because of the story line."

Q&A: Did you buy the new Pokémon game “Pokémon Scarlet and Violet”?

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor
November 21, 2022
Students and teachers discuss the new Pokémon game.
The debate against gun control is popular with millions of conservative Americans today. But the prevention of firearm safety throughout several states like Texas has time and time again led to violence and death. Crowd at rally against gun control at the Minnesota State Capitol © Fibonacci Blue, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Republicans are failing when it comes to gun control

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor
November 17, 2022
A look on why the conservative side of the famous gun debate is flawed.
Laughing at a joke, Engineering teacher Rizalito Nicolas brings his students to the lab. Nicolas has been preparing to introduce the four-year program to incoming students. "It's a good program, because it teaches you many skills about the technology world. However, I can only take in about 40 freshmen every year for engineering," Nicolas said.

Program Area Leaders, Students Set to Welcome Prospective Coyotes

Gray Barranco and Rhamil Taguba
November 15, 2022
The event will have representatives from each of the program areas to welcome the community and answer questions.
The recent controversy surrounding the once invincible quarterback of the century has him struggling on the field after his 40 day retirement period. But how will the Buccaneers possibly perform efficiently if Brady is breaking? Third Photos © All-Pro Reels, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Brady’s fall from grace

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor
November 3, 2022
A look into what’s causing the NFL’s most legendary quarterback to fail.
An A-list celebrity, a revolutionizing rapper, and a cultural icon, Ye has created an empire for himself. But a conflict with the most famous family in America has thrown Ye spiraling down a controversial path. Kanye West San Pablo Tour © kennysun, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Someone needs to give Ye immediate help

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor
October 25, 2022
A look into what Ye's future is now, considering how much trouble he's caused within the past year.
Unpaid internships in the United States hurt both college students and young adults alike. Yet, thousands of Americans still take up the position for various reasons, including college credit and work experience. But in the end, the benefits don’t fit the cost. Photo Credit: Rhamil Taguba

WHAT STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS MEANS COMING FORWARD

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor
September 7, 2022

Biden’s astounding move to cancel billions of dollars of loans has kept millions of young and old Americans alike celebrating their freedom from serious financial burden. However, the Biden Administration’s...

Using gumdrops as tokens, freshmen were able to engage in a variety of activities for this year’s Freshman Orientation. Teachers Jessica Kelly and Laura Penrod hosted dozens of incoming freshmen and discussed several topics to bolster their beginnings as a high school student. “I think they enjoyed the time we had together, it went well," Penrod said.

Student council prepares for first freshmen social

Rhamil Taguba, Managing Editor
August 31, 2022
Southwest hosts event catered to freshmen.

The student impact

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...

The President's statement in Poland initiated a panic within The White House, but their efforts to divert his statement are futile considering the damage has already been done.  Photo Credit: The White House

Biden’s objectionable backtracking

Rhamil Taguba
April 5, 2022
Is The White House too late to correct Biden's mistake?
The world watches as major conflict arises in eastern Europe, but is the U.S. even capable of solving such a disaster? Photo Credit: Frankie Fouganthin

The case for avoiding war with Russia

Rhamil Taguba
March 10, 2022
Putin's tyrannical invasion has left the world on the brink of nuclear disaster, but is Biden capable of dealing such mounting pressure?
The Kansas City Chiefs’s rising quarterback shows future potential to take over the NFL as the greatest of all time, knocking off Tom Brady’s two decade reign. Photo Credit: All-Pro Reels

MAHOMES MAY SURPASS BRADY’S LEGACY

Rhamil Taguba
February 1, 2022
The quarterback is the core position in a football team - will the Chiefs’s QB topple down the rest of the league?
Meta’s new console poses several benefits, but can it beat out what traditional gaming consoles have to offer? Photo Credit: Maximilian Prandstätter

THE ‘OCULUS QUEST 2’ IS THE PERFECT GATEWAY TO A NEW REALITY

Rhamil Taguba
January 27, 2022
Meta’s newest VR console is taking strides in a new gaming world.
DECA members and officers were officially inducted into the organization and were tasked to pledge a promise to the club. Their induction marks the beginning of preparation for a state-wide competition, which focuses on what the members have learned through the past year. “DECA was a good opportunity to learn about business. I felt proud for a moment, I felt like I was a part of something,” junior Jake Windon said. Photo Credit: Rhamil Taguba

New DECA Officers anticipating club’s future

Rhamil Taguba
December 7, 2021
DECA, the business and finance clubs, keeps its head high after inducting new members and officers.
Q&A: What are you going to buy for Black Friday?

Q&A: What are you going to buy for Black Friday?

Rhamil Taguba
November 28, 2021
We asked students what they planned on buying for this year's Black Friday, an annual event where retailers price their products at significant discounts.
Board President Linda Cavazos speaks to the audience and fellow board members following the revote. Cavazos has been a strong critic of Jara, voting to finalize the termination during the revote.

JARA REINSTATED AS SUPERINTENDENT, BOARD DIVIDED 4-3

Rhamil Taguba
November 23, 2021

A nine-hour CCSD board meeting session on Thursday concluded with Trustee Irene Cepeda’s revote to reinstate formerly terminated superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara's contract, reversing the previous vote...

Gov. Steve Sisolak lifts Nevada state mask mandate. Art Credit

BREAKING: CCSD BOARD MEETING MAY RECALL JARA’S TERMINATION

Rhamil Taguba
November 18, 2021
CCSD has board meeting on recent accusations of harassment on Dr. Jesus Jara.
The recent efforts by ROBLOX to push Rthro avatar sets is somewhat of a failure when compared to the original sets. Yet, ROBLOX still pursues Rthro related projects. Photo Credit: Rhamil Taguba

ROBLOX, GIVE UP ON RTHRO

Rhamil Taguba
November 2, 2021
ROBLOX is pushing for a new style of avatars, one completely different from the original. But is it worth the effort?
While Biden’s capacity for office continues to go under fire after his latest mess in Afghanistan, his approval ratings continue to plummet. Republicans across the nation are calling for his impeachment in this latest outrage over Biden’s well-being. Photo Credit: Center for American Progress Action Fund

BIDEN, TAKE A COGNITIVE TEST

Rhamil Taguba
September 27, 2021
Joe Biden's mental capacity has been a long debate, especially since he's at the helm of the world's most powerful position. But is his limitations holding him, and the rest of America, back from progress?
In a national case questioning the legality of freedom of speech, another question arises regarding the authority of the American educational system: are schools allowed to moderate social media? Flickr Photo Credit: elPadawan

OPINION: MAHANOY CROSSED THE LINE

Rhamil Taguba
June 7, 2021
A discussion about a Supreme Court case challenging freedom of speech outside of school campus.
For almost 20 years, thousands of military personnel have been stationed in Afghanistan as part of a campaign devoted to battling global terorrism. But, should we really continue the struggle against extremist forces? Or should we save the lives of our own troops first? Photo Credit: Helmandblog

THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN IS A LOST CAUSE

Rhamil Taguba
May 4, 2021
A look at what made the war in Afghanistan a mistake.
Through influence and appeal, Fox News and Donald Trump worked together closely to provide a leading voice in the Republican party. But, because of betrayal and misinformation, the network would soon fall from the GOP ranks. Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

THE FALL OF FOX NEWS: HOW THE NEWS NETWORK FACES THE MOB THEY CREATED

Rhamil Taguba
April 5, 2021
What led to the decline of Fox News’s ratings over the months and how they’re rebuilding the once powerful media empire.
Being guided inside the school bright and early, a new set of ninth and twelfth graders enter campus for hybrid learning. They will be receiving in-person instruction for the first half of the day. “I am happy to see students return for Cohort B,” Assistant Principal Kendra Kelley said. “I was happy to see Cohort A students on Monday and Tuesday as well. The SWCTA campus was very lonely without students. I'm glad to see those who chose to return in-person and that they are well and ready to learn.” Photo Credit: Matthew LaPorte

Cohort B returns to in-person learning

Cohort B starts in-person instruction and teachers see new group of students.
Building the bridges to a covid-free world

Building the bridges to a covid-free world

The pandemic has adversely affected our country in a myriad of ways. Here, we go beyond the stats and numbers and zoom in on how each of us were impacted.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW: AGNES MICIANO

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: AGNES MICIANO

Rhamil Taguba
February 25, 2021
2012 graduate talks about her hopes, future, and past after taking nursing in SWCTA.
During today's press conference, Superintendent Jesus Jara announced the expansion of the hybrid school model for additional grades. He also announced for plans to open schools fully for the 2022 school year. "As we continue to open safely, slowly, and carefully, we can't go backwards, we go forwards. It all depends on the mitigation strategies, we have great ones in place," Jara said. Photo Credit: Taylor Wilcox

BREAKING: CCSD ANNOUNCES TIMELINE FOR CONTINUED HYBRID SCHOOL IMPLEMENTATION

Rhamil Taguba
February 24, 2021
CCSD superintendent announces hybrid operations for schools across the valley.
Q&A: What do you think about Trump's acquittal?

Q&A: What do you think about Trump’s acquittal?

Rhamil Taguba
February 17, 2021
SWCTA students respond to Donald Trump's second acquittal from impeachment.
Several vaccines are currently being distributed to frontline workers and at-risk populations, but Biden may not be able to distribute it fast enough to achieve “herd immunity.” Photo Credit: Adam Schultz

COVID-19 Vaccine: Can Biden handle the response?

Rhamil Taguba
February 5, 2021
A discussion about bureautic incompetency and whether President Biden can handle vaccine distribution.
After several attempts by incumbent President Donald Trump to overturn election results, he rallied supporters into interrupting the election confirmation hearing. However, the protest turned into a riot as protestors broke into and vandalized the building. Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

Second Impeachment: Is another snap at Trump necessary?

Rhamil Taguba
January 20, 2021
A discussion about government influence, the raid on the Capitol, and the future of politics.
Rhythmically moving her body to the sound of hip hop, senior Sandra Amores practices in her garage late at night. For years, Amores has been practicing in her garage as a way for her to manifest her emotions physically. “I can express myself however I want without saying anything,” Amores said.

Moving to the Groove: Meet Sandra Amores

Rhamil Taguba
January 19, 2021
Professional dancer, senior Sandra Amores looks forward to her career as a dancer or dance teacher.
Holding the “envelope” of the balloon up, sophomore Landon Sims and his brother assemble their own hot-air balloon at sunrise. Initially fascinated by the process it took to assemble the hot air balloon, Sims began to learn how to fly in one. “I got really attracted to it when I got to experience helping out, then getting to fly in it as the reward later on.” (Photo Credit: Landon Sims)

Exploring from the Skies: Meet Landon Sims

Rhamil Taguba
December 10, 2020
Aspiring ballooner takes to the skies after meeting with an experienced pilot.
PODCAST: 2020 Election Wrap-Up

PODCAST: 2020 Election Wrap-Up

With the election wrapping up, our four hosts describe what they saw.
PODCAST: Trusting Political Media

PODCAST: Trusting Political Media

The four of us discuss the role that the media plays in politics and distributing truthful information.
The CCSD Board of Trustees began discussing the new hybrid operational plan. Guided by state recommendations, the plan was initially called to be implemented, but was delayed afterwards. "Make no mistake, we are suffering here in Clark County, and as we enter here in the winter months, our challenges will increase exponentially. But the future of our children is on the line," CCSD Superintendent Jesus Jara said. (Photo Credit: Rhamil Taguba)

School Board postpones vote on hybrid model

Ahmed Ahmed and Rhamil Taguba
November 15, 2020
The school board’s decision to postpone the vote may leave some confused.
Analysis: Election 2020 Endorsements: Who deserves to win?

Analysis: Election 2020 Endorsements: Who deserves to win?

Ahmed Ahmed and Rhamil Taguba
October 26, 2020
Ahmed and Rhamil give their election endorsements for the 2020 election.
Judge Douglas Herndon presides over a court hearing while Assemblyman Ozzie Fumo speaks with voters. Both men are running to replace retiring judge Mark Gibbons for the State Supreme Court. (Photo Credit: Douglas Herndon, Ozzie Fumo)

Nevada Supreme Court: Herndon vs Fumo

Rhamil Taguba
October 25, 2020
Two authors endorse a judicial candidate for Seat D on the State Supreme Court.
Daniel "Big Dan" Rodimer (R) is a newcomer in the political game, with most of his career as a professional wrestler for the WWE.  Rep. Susie Lee (D) is a veteran politician and incumbent. Both candidates are running for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District, which includes Henderson and Southern Las Vegas.

Photo Credit: U.S. House of Representatives
"File:Dan Rodimer, candidate for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District.jpg" by ThatCoolGuy90 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .

United States Congress: Rodimer vs Lee

Rhamil Taguba
October 25, 2020
A discussion on which candidate should win the race for Congress.
President Donald Trump (R) speaks at the 2011 Conservative Political Action Conference while Joe Biden (D) speaks at the 2019 Iowa Federation of Labor Convention. Both men are running to win the U.S. Presidential election. 
"Donald Trump" by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 .  "Joe Biden" by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 .

United States President: Trump vs Biden?

Rhamil Taguba
October 23, 2020
Two authors debate on which presidential candidate deserves to win the 2020 election.
Separated by plexiglass, Senator Kamala Harris (D-Cali) and Vice President Mike Pence (R) debate in a televised program moderated by USA Today reporter Susan Page. The controversial debate on Wednesday discussed views on COVID-19, healthcare, China, climate change, Breonna Taylor’s murder, and Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court hearing. Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

Analysis: No clear winner in the vice presidential debate

Rhamil Taguba
October 13, 2020
Vice presidential candidates dispute points in nine different topics on Wednesday night.
SOUTHWEST SHADOW ASKS: Claire Anne Reyes

SOUTHWEST SHADOW ASKS: Claire Anne Reyes

Rhamil Taguba
October 9, 2020

We ask the same ten carefully selected questions chosen by our team to one student each week. Our focus is to help our community learn more about different people who are a part of SWCTA. We hope you enjoy...

While discussing agenda item 5.03, several board members were disconnected from the Google Meet. The meeting was delayed for forty minutes until a new one was streamed promptly. “Just like we had this evening, a challenge with the Google platform … I get these calls, emails, and text messages from teachers, parents, and students that this happens to them rather frequently,” CCSD District C Trustee Linda Young said.  Photo Credit: CCSD

CCSD Board of Trustees confirm students will not return to school in October

Rhamil Taguba
September 30, 2020
Trustees discuss in-person education updates regarding technological issues, the youth COVID-19 infection rate, and other issues.
An ExxonMobil factory near Chicago. Courtesy of Richard Hurd

PRO/CON: Not As Bad As It Seems

Rhamil Taguba
September 23, 2020
As the pandemic looms destroying essential oil industries, Big Oil turns to plastic as a saving hero.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Rochelle Mae Ruiz

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Rochelle Mae Ruiz

Rhamil Taguba
September 22, 2020
Former Respiratory Therapy student pursues a career in marketing and event planning.