![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-64513e003abbefa949408dcb-78bf66266533.jpg)
Dragon Newsletter
May 10, 2024
Top 10- #4 Geradro Padilla
A big round of applause to Gerardo Padilla for holding the number 4 ranking in his graduating class. Gerardo has shown consistent commitment to academic excellence throughout his 4 years in high school, while also being involved in Mariachi, a Dungeon leader, and Student leader at Southwest.
You may wonder how he was able to stay so motivated and persistent. Well, here is what Gerardo Padilla has to say about that: “I love learning, so staying motivated to continue studying was never really an issue for me. I think the competitiveness of the others I've spent the last few years around to do the best in every class pushed me to continue to stay in the top 10.”
Although being in the top 10 of your class comes with its benefits and advantages, like college acceptances and opportunities, it also comes with struggles and obstacles. “Sleep and procrastination were something I definitely struggled with throughout my high school years. Being an extremely involved person at Southwest High School sometimes made me put off assignments and practice for tests. I could have done better, but despite the challenges, I found a balance of fun and work that got me to where I am now, and I wouldn't have done it any other way.”
Let’s take a moment to wish Gerardo Padilla the very best in everything he does going forward. He has made our school beyond proud!
Starlett Marie Hoyuela
Second Time A Charm?
The Peterson family is set to make their second appearance on Family Feud today, May 10th at 5:00 pm/5:30 pm. The family consists of Mrs. Peterson, her husband Dwayne Peterson, their daughter-in-law Derrick Peterson, and their sons Dorian and Dimitri Peterson.
The Petersons were first featured on Family Feud in November 2022 and even made it to the Fast Money round, but unfortunately, they did not win the grand prize. However, the producers were impressed with their charisma and invited them to come back in March 2023. Unfortunately, they could not attend as Dorian and Derricka were expecting a child.
The producers contacted Mrs. Peterson again in November 2023 and invited her family to tape the show in January 2024. Mrs. Peterson was thrilled and accepted the offer as it was a free trip to Atlanta, with a hotel stay, and the opportunity to visit family.
It is worth mentioning that Mrs. Peterson is a Reading Specialist and teaches reading, in addition to being the Yearbook Sponsor.
Hydroponic Garden
Mrs. Estes has recently launched a hydroponic garden in the library, thanks to a $5,000 grant from Southwest ISD Education Foundation. Together with Mr. Dreamkowski (Mr. D.), she has started planting the seeds. Mrs. Estes is famous for her green thumb and love for gardening, but harsh Texas weather and pesky critters often ruin her crops.
The hydroponic garden offers several advantages; it takes up less space, is indoors, and less messy. Mrs. Estes explains that "you can grow things using just water, air, and this big LED light in the middle that essentially replaces the sun." Seeds are planted in cubes, and a water pump moves water through these large panels to water the roots. When the fruits and vegetables are ready for harvesting, they can be clipped and kept growing or replaced with something else.
Once everything is set up, there should be plenty of vegetables to harvest within 28 days, which is faster than a regular garden outside. The light stays on for 18 hours a day, with water constantly flowing, along with added nutrients. Mrs. Estes and Mr. D. are also conducting a side experiment to determine which garden is better for growing plants. The library plans on making the vegetables and herbs available to teachers and staff.
They also hope to donate to the food bank and incorporate them into the cafeteria food. In addition, they aim to start a gardening club for people interested in nutrition, cooking with fresh vegetables, and growing organic herbs. Additionally, they plan to build a longer version of the hydroponic garden along the front windows of the library in the upcoming school year!
Akeela Custer
Softball Champs!!
Our varsity softball team won the Bi-District championship after playing a fantastic game against Edison on April 25, 2024. A special shoutout goes to Tommie Betancourt who scored the winning run in the eighth inning by singling and scoring Ebony Saldana from third base. This made our team eligible to play in the second round of playoffs.
The second round of playoffs took place at Liberty Hills softball field on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Our ladies played a great game against Liberty Hills and also had a rematch on our Southwest field on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
Unfortunately, as all good things must come to an end, the softball season has finally ended. Our Lady Dragons have done an amazing job, thanks to all their trainers, coaches, and teammates. We are incredibly proud of our ladies for their hard work and dedication this year, and we hope to see even greater things from them in the future!
Mia Silva
Angelise Santos (11) - Powderpuff
Powderpuff Football
Southwest High School held the Powderpuff Game on April 30th, where juniors and seniors participated. Junior Angelise Santos was interviewed about the game and shared her thoughts. "Losing the game felt awful, and forget about the spirit stick, we needed a rematch! However, my team and I supported each other like family, and we tried our best to focus on having fun. I wish I could have been more focused and not gotten scared on the second play. It affected me a bit because I felt like I let my team down after being told I was team captain. No captain should watch their team fail. But at the end of the day, I thought, 'winning and losing is a part of life, and we own up to whatever we get,'" explained Santos.
Julianna Studdard
Secondary Art Show and Scholarship Opportunity
Southwest High School is hosting its annual Secondary Art Show which will feature artworks created by students from the school's secondary schools Scobee and McNair throughout the year. The event will take place next Friday, May 10th between 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the Southwest Mall area.
Moreover, the art show also marks the occasion to announce the winners of the Vanessa Puente scholarship. The scholarship was created in memory of the former Southwest Art Teacher, Mrs. Vanessa Puente, who passed away. The scholarship offers two art students from Southwest High School a chance to receive a cash prize of $1,000 and $500 for the first and second place, respectively. Any Southwest High School student can apply for the scholarship, and the winners will be announced during the art show.
We hope to see you at the Southwest Mall area to celebrate the creativity and talent of our students!
Ashlee Lama
Senior Graduation Timeline - 2024
May 17, 20 and 21, 2024
Senior Final Exams
May 17 - 1,3,5,7
May 20 - 2,4,6
May 21 - Make up exams
All failures must be turned in to Mrs. Allen and Mr. Garcia no later than 4:30. Students will be considered passing if their name is not submitted on time.
May 22, 2024
Seniors need to bring their gown
Students report to the competition gym no later than 8:50 AM
Graduates need to bring their gowns
Last Names - A-L -Home Side
Last Names - M-Z - Visitor Side
Mr. Johnson will explain the rules and expectations of the graduates.
Senior Graduation Panoramic Picture - 11:00 (not yet confirmed)
All students not turning in their checklist will be pulled from the gym and must remain separated from graduates until they turn in their checklist.
Students needing to make up credit or attendance will be removed from the gym and placed in their alternate locations and will remain there until they have completed their time or credit requirements.
Graduation Practice Day 1 - May 23, 2024
Seniors need to bring their cap and gown
Seniors report to the competition gym by 8:50. They will be assigned to a bus based on their elementary/middle school and we will complete the Feeder School Senior Walk.
Students released –after all activities are completed.
Students needing to make up credit or attendance will remain on campus until they have completed their time or credit requirements.
Students that need to wait on the buses will be released after lunch to holding rooms. Any student that is on campus after lunch without permission will face disciplinary action.
Senior Field Trip - May 24, 2024
Students who qualified and signed up for the Senior Trip will load buses at 9:15 am and travel to Schlitterbahn. Students not participating in the trip will report to the gym and work on graduation practice information. Senior trip students will return to campus no later than 8:00 pm.
Students on campus will be released after all senior activities are complete.
Students needing to make up credit or attendance will remain on campus until they have completed their time or credit requirements.
Students that need to wait on the buses will be released after lunch to holding rooms.
Graduation Practice Day 2 - May 28, 2024
Students will be numbered for graduation.
Students not attending practice on May 28th will not have a seat on the floor of the dome for graduation.
Students released –after all activities are completed.
Students needing to make up credit or attendance will remain on campus until they have completed their time or credit requirements.
Students that need to wait on the buses will be released after lunch to holding rooms.
Graduation Practice Day 3 & 4 - May 29 - 30, 2024
Students not attending practice on May 29th or May 30th will not have a seat on the floor of the dome for graduation.
Students will practice for graduation in the gym.
Students released –after all activities are completed.
Students needing to make up credit or attendance will remain on campus until they have completed their time or credit requirements.
Students that need to wait on the buses will be released after lunch to holding rooms.
June 2, 2023 – Graduation Day - Southwest High School
Students Arrive at SWHS for food and busses - 10:35
All students planning on attending graduation must take the bus from school to participate.
Students load busses - 11:05-11:20
Students Arrive at the Alamodome - 11:45-12:00
Practice at the Alamodome – 12:00-12:15
Doors open at the dome for guests - 1:00
There is no charge for attending graduation
Parking at the Alamodome is $10.00
Students prepare for graduation backstage - 1:15-1:45
Graduation - 2:00-4:15
Dome cleared by 5:00.
TEACHERS & CLUB SPONSORS
Yearbook
Newsletter Editor: Akeela Custer
Instagram: Kloe Ruiz (yearbookswhs)PR: Destiny Olivares
Email: speterson@swisd.net
Location: 11914 Dragon Lane, San Antonio, TX, USA
Twitter: @yearbookswhs