The Student News Site of McCallum High School

The Shield Online
The Student News Site of McCallum High School

The Shield Online
The Student News Site of McCallum High School

The Shield Online
News
Michael Reeves, Ava Weaver, Erick Garcia, Faye Zayed, Charlotte Schwarte, Elizabeth Yowell and David Doerr represented New Voices Texas at the Capitol on March 17, lobbying with state legislative offices for passage of HB 4821.
Austin-area student journalists seek legislative support for student press freedom
Beatrix Lozach, student reporter • April 5, 2025
This image taken on Saturday afternoon from a residence in Northwest Hills in the McCallum attendance zone shows that the smoke from the Crabapple Fire blanketed the sky above Austin.
Crabapple Fire burns 9,700 acres near Fredericksburg
March 17, 2025
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT: The house that lives at 6409 Wilbur Drive is also known as “Carl’s house” from its appearance in the 1993 American comedy film Dazed and Confused. The Allandale home is a normal mid-century family home except to those dedicated, radical supporters of the motion picture Dazed and Confused. For the fans, this house is where Ben Affleck's O'Bannion ambushes Carl and Mitch in an effort to paddle them in one of the most intense high school hazing rituals. Things look bleak for Carl and Mitch until Carl's mom comes to the door threatening O’Bannion with her rifle. With the house still in the exact same condition, and architecture still intact, walking past the house truly makes you relive the scene. “I live across the street from the house, so I see a lot of people stop and take pictures," said neighbor Natalie Klein. "One time there was a bus full of people who wanted to talk about the movie. The family loves the history behind the house, so they don’t mind.”  Although this house holds some protection, from the fact it is featured in the famous Linklater film. Many houses in the neighborhood of Allandale with a similar mid-century vibe have been knocked down and built into huge modern mansions. One of the most charming things about Allandale is the wholesome vintage homes that hold so many great memories. Houses like these need to be better preserved to maintain the wonderful, weirdness of Austin.
Iconic ‘Dazed and Confused’ house is for sale
March 16, 2025
Several of the AISD police officers who remained on campus to aid with dismissal after it was deemed safe to lift the secure hold on the campus attended the faculty briefing that took place in the cafeteria immediately after school.
AISD police chief reveals details of threat on McCallum campus, police response to it
March 14, 2025
Opinion
The vast majority of women in the U.S. have used contraception in the last year and 18 million use birth control to treat medical conditions. The infant mortality rate has increased significantly in Texas since the abortion ban went into effect. Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation, JAMA Pediatrics.
Birth control ills
Riley Pita, staff reporter • April 4, 2025

Many teens and adults use different forms of contraceptives for various reasons. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some use them to prevent unwanted pregnancies, while others...

Graphic depicting a common slogan of the Free Palestine movement, "existence is resistance".
An ephemeral ceasefire
March 20, 2025
Lizzo and Chappell Roan album covers are included here under the doctrine of fair use.
Rise and fall of new artists
March 4, 2025
The shift from fact checking to user-generated notes means that Meta will no longer take direct responsibility for the accuracy of its content.
Free speech or free-for-all?
February 27, 2025
AISD needs to provide its students, especially those at the most at-risk campuses, with information on how they can stay safe from these raids and how they can support others. Photo by Fletcher Vandegrift. Editorial cartoon by Nate Williams.
Prioritizing student safety
February 19, 2025
During the Austin anti-Trump rally at the Capitol on Feb. 5, resistance to Trump's plans to ramp up deportation of immigrants was on the top of many people's minds as reflected on their signs.
School districts should resist ICE access
February 11, 2025
Sports
Kleiman (center) was joined at the regional meet in Jasper by Victoria Aragon (left), a friend of his personal coach Joshua Trammell and his school coach, Anthony Osorio (right). Photo courtesty of Kleiman.
Kleiman does heavy lifting for upstart team
Hudson Hensley, staff reporter • April 6, 2025

Senior Ozan Kleiman had already enjoyed a historic season for a McCallum athlete. He had formed the school’s first powerlifting team in two decades, he placed first in his...

From pitching to printmaking
From pitching to printmaking
March 28, 2025
Varsity girls soccer team carries sophomore Ellie Wiseman, who scored both Knight goals, as they celebrate their 2-0 win over Victoria West, securing spot in Regional Playoffs
How Sweet 16 it is!
March 27, 2025
Freshman Ashtyn Gunning kicks the ball against Ann Richards on Feb. 10.
Kicking off ninth grade
March 24, 2025
When the school schedule made it impossible for to Morton to make gymnastic practice, she shifted her focus to being a high-flying cheerleader. Photo courtesy of Bell Morton.
The floor to the air
March 7, 2025
Astrid Huerta and Shoala Houston compete for possession in a scrimmage during practice on Nov. 14.
A shot for everyone
March 5, 2025
Throwback Thursday
AFTER RECEIVING the Max Haddick Journalism Teacher of the Year Award, Mrs. Lorene Denney is all smiles. This is her second year as journalism teacher at McCallum.
ILPC names Denney the 1980 Max Haddick Journalism Teacher of the Year
David Woodruff, co-sports editor • April 3, 2025

Culminating a successful year for McCallum publications, Mrs. Lorene Denney received the Max Haddick Journalism Teacher of the Year Award for Texas at the Interscholastic...

Carole Keeton holds her granddaughter, Anna McClellan (who happens to have the byline for this article), and is surrounded by her other granddaughters, Kathryn and Michelle McClellan, as she gives her concession speech for the gubernatorial race on Nov. 7, 2006. Although, she lost the race, having her family there made it one of the highlights of her political career. "The [best] moments are the moments when the family is all there. And they’re there in good times, and they’re there in the tough times."
From McCallum to mother to mayor
March 27, 2025
USING MUCH the same skills in gymnastics as he did for the cheerleader tryouts, Mark Pourmanafzadeh does a "Texas T" for the audience.
Powerful gymnasts will return next year
March 13, 2025
Mixing, match to patterns
Mixing, match to patterns
February 28, 2025
A NEW back was given to the deuce. "The signing of the Declaration of Independence" is the name of the painting on the rear. The front, however, is almost the same as ten years ago.
New money in circulation
February 13, 2025
Actor Jimmy Stewart, the star of black-and-white classics like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and It's a Wonderful Life though colorizing Bedford Falls would be worse than it becoming Pottersville. Photo accessed on the JM L Flickr account. Reposted here under the terms of a creative commons license.
Computer adds color to movies
January 2, 2025
People
Ferrante poses with her sixth-period students and Mr. Featherstone after receiving the Teacher of Promise award.
‘Walking in her purpose’
Evelyn Jenkins, a&e editor • April 2, 2025

First-year teacher Lia Ferrante was awarded the Teacher of Promise Award on Jan. 16. According to Austin ISD, the Teacher of Promise Award is given to teachers in their first...

Carole Keeton holds her granddaughter, Anna McClellan (who happens to have the byline for this article), and is surrounded by her other granddaughters, Kathryn and Michelle McClellan, as she gives her concession speech for the gubernatorial race on Nov. 7, 2006. Although, she lost the race, having her family there made it one of the highlights of her political career. "The [best] moments are the moments when the family is all there. And they’re there in good times, and they’re there in the tough times."
From McCallum to mother to mayor
March 27, 2025
Mary may be the gatekeeper at Nelson Field but she has a much more important job making enchiladas for her 31 grandchildren.
Her name is Mary
March 21, 2025
Giovanna Pinto at age 17 practices her gymnastics skills before a competition. Photo courtesy of Pinto.
New country, new language, new career
March 19, 2025
Senior directors Reyn Linder, Will Sims and Larsen Krell introduce the fashion show to the audience on the second performance of the show on Sunday.
Senior director Linder takes the lead
March 15, 2025
Hebrew National kosher beef salami and the Jewish pastry rugelach brought both a taste of home and currency to swap with soldiers for high-value items. Photo courtesy of Andy Lavigne.
Send more salami
February 27, 2025
Entertainment
Senior Austin Pain and Sophomore Delilah Grad pose after "Partner in Crime" during 'Tuck Everlasting' performance in September.
‘Everlasting’ Bonds
Riley Pita, staff reporter • April 1, 2025

Tuck Everlasting, MacTheatre's fall-semester musical, has been nominated for 10 Heller Awards for Young Artists. The award ceremony will take place on April 16 at the Long...

NEW YEAR, NEW SAMBAS: The Samba Knights performed at the girls varsity basketball game against Anderson on Friday. This was the group’s first performance of the school year. The club consists of students with ranging musical experience, from marching band members to those having never picked up an instrument. Friday’s halftime show was senior Finley Dixon’s first as a Samba Knight, being a new club member this year. Dixon said the performance was nerve-racking but she ultimately felt a sense of accomplishment. “We only had about three practices before this performance, so I didn’t know exactly what to expect,” Dixon said. “But I was proud of our performance and how I played overall. We spent our first practices basically just diving into playing for this show, so I feel that our work paid off.” Dixon discovered the group after watching them perform at a boys soccer game last year. “I was really amazed by the group and the genre of music they were playing,” she said. “I thought it would be a really fun opportunity and very unique.” Dixon said her intention to join Samba was not only for the musical lessons but also for the community that the group fosters, especially under the leadership of club director Richard Pride. “I think it is a great way to meet new people and bond over a shared experience,” Dixon said. “Mr. Pride also creates a really exciting environment and makes the learning process very fun.” Dixon said she is excited for her next performance with the Samba Knights and encourages those interested in discovering a new hobby to try it out. The Samba Knights will next perform at halftime of the JV boys basketball game on Wednesday in the gym. Caption by Nate Williams.
Expanding the Samba Knights
March 31, 2025
Opal Rodgers performs her self-choreographed solo at the adjudicated works show.
Dance program expands in more ways than one
March 17, 2025
Levi King posts to his fashion Instagram account, @fitsbyLevi, every day. His account has drawn the attention of fashion influencers and enabled him to become a fashion ambassador for a clothing company.
The King of fashion
March 2, 2025
Tech theatre teacher Kristen Vandenberg poses for a portrait on the McCallum Arts Center stage, a space that she brings to life with every Mac Theatre show she supports with costumes, lighting, stage sets, props and more.
The story behind the curtain
March 2, 2025
Hart performs during 2024 graduation entrance.
Hart hearts her music
February 28, 2025
Photo Galleries
SHAPING MEDIA, STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY: NEW YORK CITY—the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, celebrating its centennial, began its convention on the Wednesday of spring break on the Columbia University campus. The opening keynote, titled “The Evolution of Media & Democracy: How We Got Here, How We Might Move Forward,” featured Richard Gingras, strategic adviser and former global vice president of Google News. Gingras addressed the challenges of fragmented media on democracy, the importance of rebuilding trust in journalism, and the role of media in strengthening communities.
Knights spring about
Beatrix Lozach, Katie Martin, Josie Mullan, Elizabeth Nation, Mira Patel, Eva Sanchez, Sofia Saucedo, and Maya Tackett • April 1, 2025

From the cathedrals of Mexico City to the snow-capped slopes of Colorado, Knights went to a variety of far-flung locales during Spring Break. Many students and staff used...

"WHAT STARTS HERE CHANGES THE WORLD" — The University of Texas geology department has always felt like a second home to me. Growing up surrounded by passionate discussions about earth sciences, with both my parents working there, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication that drives the department's mission to explore and understand our planet. From attending department events to overhearing exciting research stories at the dinner table, I feel a deep connection to its community and work. This longstanding relationship has shaped my love for the school and instilled a sense of pride in being part of such a prestigious institution. The department isn’t just a place of learning; it is a core part of who I am. I share this compassion with my mom, who attended the university and has a strong connection with it. “For me, the University of Texas is a full circle,” Jaime Barnes said. “I was educated here and now I am the educator here.”
Beneath the surface
March 25, 2025
LOVELY RITA: Senior designer Rita Hagerty was the lucky winner of the 2025 show. Hagerty participated in the show for her second year. “Rita has incredible dedication and her eye for detail is incredible," one of Hagerty's designer peers said. "I'm glad her hard work paid off.” Each designer put countless hours into the show, sacrificing sleep and free time for the opportunity to share their work with the community. For some of these young designers it may have been their first time participating, some say that the hardest part was finding the time to dedicate to the competition. “Of course, designing the clothes was challenging, but that's what I was expecting," first-year sophomore designer Tallulah McAuliffe said. "It was really hard to find the time to put it all together though. Between school, homework and friends. The show was always following me.” Caption by Isa Truan.
Braving the ‘Wilderness’ together
March 18, 2025
Sophomore Paityn Jones sings "Lift Every Voice and Sing" for the Black History Month assembly on Feb. 10. Written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was originally a poem but became the official song of the NAACP in 1919 and became even more prominent during the Civil Rights Movement. In the wake of George Floyd's murder in 2020, the NFL made the song a fixture at its championship game. Caption by Wren Vanderford. Photo by Jasmine Aung.
Acknowledging and celebrating Black history, culture and expression
March 11, 2025
LOOMING LARGE: Sutton Hall, five stories of aged brick, stands for the University of Texas at Austin’s architecture students. It is the powerhouse of their creativity, drive, passion, and dedication. It’s a space senior student Emily Kahn has gotten to know very well over the past four years. “The first year, we were all in the attic together,” Emily said. “We hated being in the attic; we were like, ‘Why do they have us up here? Why don’t we rebel?’ but looking back, it was probably one of my favorite times. It was like, we’re all in the same space; we’re going to become friends, you know?” Four years of drawings, models, site visits and final reviews later, Emily said goodbye to Sutton Hall.
Pieces of a journey
March 4, 2025
FEATURES: This home is one of the more famous homes designed by John Saunders Chase, the first licensed African American architect in Texas. According to the National Organization of Minority Architects, or NOMA, website, he was also the first African-American student to enroll at a major predominantly white university in the South.  The house is a widely known architectural landmark. “His houses are a staple point in the neighborhoods history” a representative for the E4 youth tour said. The historic district sign can also be seen proudly displayed above the street signs, indicating the historic nature of the original homes in the neighborhood. Caption by Avital Cuevas.
Preserving history, character of East Austin
February 26, 2025
Among the attendees at the PTA rally on Monday there were lots of proud parents, advocating for their students' schools and giving their children a voice. Two parents and PTA members, Jenny Rasco and Ashley Baker, were fighting for Timbercreek Elementary in Lewisville ISD.  “We wanted to advocate for our kids because they deserve better,” Rasco said. “We’re pushing for raising the basic allotment for students, and to make sure that Gov. Abbott knows that we don’t want the vouchers.”  Lots of parents view the vouchers to be harmful, not just within their inner circles but across the state.  “For me personally I don’t think my kids will be affected directly; however, vouchers don’t work for all the kids in Texas,” Rasco said. “Not every parent can come out here and advocate for that, and someone should, which is why we’re here. This shouldn’t be a political issue, it should be about the kids. It shouldn't be a right side or left side issue, just wanting the best for the future of our Texas kids.”  Baker and Rasco were both proud of how many people showed up to spread the word, just like them, and seeing government officials alongside them.  “The speakers were great, especially here in front of the Capitol,” Rasco said. “I’m happily relieved that all of the government isn’t supporting these vouchers we’re fighting against. It’s very comforting to know that there are people fighting with us. There’s a lot of people here, and it was a great turnout.”  Caption by Wren Vanderford. Reporting by Mira Patel and Sofia Saucedo.
Public school advocates descend on Capitol demanding more funding and assailing proposed vouchers
February 26, 2025
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The debate over gun control

The debate over gun control • 5975 Views

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Defending the rights of gun owners at the McCallum walkout in support of stronger gun control legislation on April 20, 2018, three McCallum seniors (two of them pictured here) sit silently counter-protesting at the rally in the parking lot. “I believe in the Second Amendment since it was instituted in the beginning of this country," one of them said. "I obviously don’t believe in fully automatic weapons. They aren’t legal anyways. I’m pro-rifle, pro-gun and I’m pro Constitution.” One of the students asked to remain anonymous to protect future opportunities. Photo by Kien Johnson.

Banning guns is not the way to go • 344 Views

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The turnout rate among youth voters and Texas voters for the 2020 and 2024 elections. Voter turnout has decreased from 50% of youth voters turnout in 2020, to a 42% turn out in 2024. Overall, the Texas election in 2020 led to a 9.6% turnout decrease indicating a trend in lowering voter turnout rates especially among youths.

2024 election sees decline in younger voters • 241 Views

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Like all things, the year of Orwell's dystopian tale of the future came to pass, prompting social and cultural introspection. Credit to unknown artist on theoriginalunderground.com.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: 'Big Brother is watching you' • 208 Views

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Carole Keeton holds her granddaughter, Anna McClellan (who happens to have the byline for this article), and is surrounded by her other granddaughters, Kathryn and Michelle McClellan, as she gives her concession speech for the gubernatorial race on Nov. 7, 2006. Although, she lost the race, having her family there made it one of the highlights of her political career. "The [best] moments are the moments when the family is all there. And they’re there in good times, and they’re there in the tough times."

From McCallum to mother to mayor • 204 Views

6
While I appreciated the life skills teachers attempt to raise Autism awareness with the first bulletin board, it contained an outdated, harmful symbol to represent autistic people. I sincerely appreciate how quickly the teachers changed the symbol once they learned of the negative connotations of the puzzle-piece symbol.

Reject puzzle piece as autism awareness icon • 199 Views

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Like drugs or gambling, social media can be addictive soaking up time that could be used on more meaningful pursuits. On May 23, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a health advisory which concluded that "while social media may offer some benefits, there are ample indicators that social media can also pose a risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents." Among the many harms cited in the advisory are lower self image, particularly body image; exposure to hate speech; and sleep deprivation.

Breaking free of a social media addiction • 168 Views

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Those who vape at Mac have reacted to the CDC report in different ways. To some, the CDC findings are a big deal; to others, the report hasn’t changed their habits at all.

CDC links vaping to 33 deaths in U.S. • 142 Views

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Shavonne Wright (Deena Martin), Kaye Faulkner (Christine Harnos) and Jodi Kramer (Michelle Burke) waiting outside of the Americana Theatre.

Looking back on the good old 'Dazed' • 136 Views

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Actor and activist Matthew McConaughey was among the speakers at the #MarchForOurLives in downtown Austin on March 24, 2018, which attracted more than 10,000 to the Capitol today. “This is an American issue," McConaughey said of gun control. "It’s a Texan issue. It’s a legal and law-abiding gun owner issue. It’s a mother issue. It’s a father issue. And, quite literally, this is our children’s issue." McConaughey also said that consensus leading to action should be above politics. “My hope here is that we can find a common ground on what I see as a very much a common-sense issue. This is an issue anchored in purpose for all of us. It’s not anchored in politics." Photo by Madison Olsen.

Banning guns is not a panacea • 132 Views

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SPECIAL EDUCATOR: In an off-the-court victory for boys basketball, Coach Carlin Shaw was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year today. Shaw is a Social Behavior Skills teacher and a special education case manager, and he is the head JV boys basketball coach and an assistant coach for varsity boys basketball. Assistant principal Gabriel Adame presented Shaw with a gift basket in the large gym, announcing his win. Shaw had tears in his eyes as he expressed his gratitude for the community that motivates him. Video by Dave Winter.
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