The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
Isabella Sandoval

Isabella Sandoval, A&E Editor

Hi! I’m Isabella, this is my second year on the Southwest Shadow. I am the A&E Editor and cannot wait to see how these new stories turn out!

All content by Isabella Sandoval
Do we shine for confidence, or do we shine for attention?

We’re Too Focused on ‘Main Character Energy’

Isabella Sandoval, Staff Writer
April 30, 2025
In a world obsessed with filters, likes, and curated identities, “main character energy” has become the new trend. But at what cost?
A small shop with a big reputation, serving up golden, hand-cut fries that keep customers coming back for more.

Explore the Sweet Home of Potatoes at ‘Golden French Fries’

Isabella Sandoval, Staff Writer
April 14, 2025
Come visit ‘Golden French Fries’ for freshly fried goodness.
Once lost in the nervous buzz of competition, now a calm and focused presence on stage. “Do it for fun, even if you're not going to win,” sophomore October Rosales said. “Some kids go to these competitions constantly, just be there, play, and enjoy the game.”

Competitive Gamer: Meet October Rosales

Isabella Sandoval, Staff Writer
March 11, 2025

From Local Tournaments To Regional Showdowns, Ronzeles Brings Their A-Game. What started as endless races on virtual tracks became a journey of unexpected opportunities and competitive thrills, from...

The sad exploitation of animals. Photo Credit: Pixabay, Sakura Robins

SeaWorld is Built Off Animal Abuse

Isabella Sandoval, Staff Writer
March 10, 2025
SeaWorld keeps marine animals in cramped tanks, forcing them into unnatural performances that harm their well-being.
Students exchange compliments with their peers while giving out yarn from their ‘warm fuzzies.’ This event created moments of kindness that will be remembered after the activity ends. “Warm fuzzies are something people can wear around their neck on Valentine's day,” Senior Class Secretary Alexis Taing said. “You can give out words of affirmation, like saying, ‘Hey! You have a nice outfit today.”

Warm Fuzzies Return for Valentine’s Day

Isabella Sandoval, Staff Writer
February 14, 2025
A StuCo tradition of spreading love around the school and bringing students together as a community is brought back every February to boost students' confidence in themselves and others. 
During his training, sophomore Carter Sims spends the afternoon reviewing game strategies and focusing on his mental preparedness. “A hockey game is about two things: your mental game, and your knowledge,” Sims said. “Those are the two most important things in this game.”

Speeding Through The Ice: Meet Carter Sims

Isabella Sandoval, Staff Writer
December 17, 2024
The icy floor feels like home to Carter Sims.
Come on in to T & B Cafe Express where you can get yourself an enjoyable meal along with a sweet drink on the side.

A Great Place for Delicious Eats and Refreshing Drinks, ‘T & B Cafe Express’

Isabella Sandoval, Staff Writer
November 7, 2024
Check out this new restaurant with lots of great things to offer.
Welcome yourself to Dirty Dough, where the flavors rotate weekly, with a new texture experience within each cookie.

Craze Over Cookies at ‘Dirty Dough’

Isabella Sandoval, Staff Writer
October 17, 2024
This Arizona-based bakery is all about bold flavors and sweet treats that awaken the senses.
As students find their academic paths, Janelle Kelly discusses the importance of having perspective in planning for the future. “Sometimes you have to step away from what you're in the midst of and look at the big picture,” Kelly says. “Ask yourself, where am I going? What am I doing? Why am I doing these things?”

Students Navigate Their Future with Strategic Academic Planning

Isabella Sandoval and Natalia Klonowski
October 4, 2024
By planning with counselors, students are making choices about their education in order to stay on track for their post-secondary choices.