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
The state of construction as of Sept. 18th.
Fine arts building recovering from July flooding
Sam Nash, staff reporter • September 29, 2025
U.S. Marshals arrest drug offenders during Operation Ignite the Light in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2022. Photo accessed on the Office of Public Affairs Flicker account. Reposted here under a Creative Commons license.
US Marshals arrest AISD custodial specialist on counts of indecency with a minor
September 27, 2025
Graphic shows the consequences associated with each offense number. Graphic by Priya Thoppil.
Texas schools ban phone usage during school day
September 25, 2025
Copy of the New York Times, Sep. 12, 2001
A day to remember
September 24, 2025
Opinion
زیبایی افغانستان و فرهنگ آن
زیبایی افغانستان و فرهنگ آن
نوشته: زهره لشکری, گزارشگر کارکنان • September 29, 2025

افغانستان کشوری بسیار زیبا است که دارای کوه‌های بلند، دره‌های سبز و رودخانه‌های صاف و زلال...

The beauty of Afghanistan and its culture
The beauty of Afghanistan and its culture
September 29, 2025
With the start of the 2025-26 school year, a new policy has been implemented. After the passing of House Bill 1481, all personal devices that are capable of receiving communication are not aloud on public school campuses during school hours.
Screen fiends
September 26, 2025
Dangers of using AI
Dangers of using AI
September 19, 2025
President Trump at CPAC in 2017 during his first term.
Nothing is beautiful about this bill
July 4, 2025
Sports
Andrew Lavine plays tennis during tournament in Kuršumlijska Banja, Serbia. Photo courtesy of Lavine.
Playing through grief
Riley Pita, people editor • September 25, 2025

Former McCallum student Andrew Lavine, who graduated in 2025, has had many challenges during his tennis career. Moving around between cities, such as Austin, Houston and in...

Junior Ellie Wiseman's photo from her official visit at Penn State University.
From four years old to four-year commit
September 18, 2025
Rivalry games are increasing endangered by conference realignments with universities motivated more by big-money television contracts than longstanding traditions.
An unrivaled tradition
June 4, 2025
Senior Ella Brotman, the captain of the Texas Rowing Center varsity women's team rows in bow seat for race during national championship. Photo courtesy of Brotman.
Making waves
May 23, 2025
The athletic training program visited the University of Texas on Jan. 30. During their visit they saw the strength and conditioning weight room, main sports medicine facility and the sports science division. Photo provided by senior Brianna Miller.
The magnificent seven
May 9, 2025
Throwback Thursday
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Cafeteria receives makeover: new tables, new murals’ and ‘With a new year, comes a new look’
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Cafeteria receives makeover: new tables, new murals’ and ‘With a new year, comes a new look’
Kevin Turi and Drew Fitzgerald • September 25, 2025

Cafeteria receives a makeover: new tables, new murals Students looking for a bite at the cafeteria this year found a few new changes that go beyond the color of the Jell-o...

Laneta Stefka (Knight Editor), Ann Kinch (Blue Brigade President), and Jo Eickmann (Shield Editor) admire the Victory Bell in its habitat of last year, the Travis High library. Eickamann is pointing out a previous McCallum victory which the Knights hope to duplicate in tonights McCallum-Travis game. Caption and photo by 1957 Shield staff.
Traditional north-south rivalry symbolized by victory bell battle
September 11, 2025
Some students and teachers support the new no pass/no play rule while others think it is unfair and inflexible. Regardless of campus opinion, Texas schools are stuck with the law for at least a year and half.
The grade debate PASS/FAIL
May 22, 2025
DANGEROUS, WILD rocks are becoming less popular to pet rock owners as tame, pedigreed rocks become more available for only $3 to $5.
You’d pay for a rock?
April 24, 2025
TODAY AND EV’RY DAY: The cast and crew held its first performance of Freaky Friday in the MAC on Feb. 20. The musical stars Ellie and Katherine Blake, a mother-daughter duo who swap bodies in this story of self-determination and acceptance. Although the musical is a comedy, it offers a deeper message for audiences according to sophomore Elora Clarke. “I think Freaky Friday is about accepting yourself and everyone around you for who they are, flaws and all, Clarke said. “More than anything it’s about love and positivity and how you should put kindness and acceptance into the world.” Clarke (far right) plays the role of Lois, a sassy wedding photographer helping Katherine with her upcoming wedding. “I’m the photographer that works for weddings magazine to photograph Katherine’s wedding,” Clarke said. “I think my favorite moment in the show is the song ‘What You Got’ with me, Danielle, Torrey and Katherine.” Clarke said that opening night went well despite a few technical errors. “There were a few mistakes and technical errors, but overall I think the energy was good, the audience was good, and everyone gave a great performance.” Caption by Katie Martin.
A Throwback Thursday to ‘Freaky Friday’
April 17, 2025
People
Andrea Stan Stoiceaux (left) and Aitana Counceiro Bote (right) are both juniors who have decided to spend the entirety of this year staying with host families, and attending McCallum.
All new faces from all different places
Sofia Saucedo, social media managing editor • September 29, 2025

Lily Walewski  Senior Lily Walewski just got back to McCallum after spending her junior year at a private Catholic school in Angers, France. Walewski was originally...

Daniel Sena en la cafetería.
El Escudo Perfil: Daniel Sena
September 29, 2025
Daniel Sena in the cafeteria.
El Escudo Profile: Daniel Sena
September 29, 2025
Elizabeth Falkin does an arabesque in Batalha, Portugal during her photo shoot.
Summer spent in Leiria, Portugal
September 24, 2025
Copy editor junior Carlo Hinsdale, former staffer Lillian Gray and I take a Polaroid at the 2025 SXSW EDU conference.
More than a mentor
September 17, 2025
Entertainment
Shoppers look for records at Waterloos new location on 1105 N. Lamar.
Waterloo Records thrives in new location
Wren Vanderford, staff reporter • September 30, 2025

After Waterloo Records sold its location on 6th and Lamar, longtime customers worried about the store's future. A well-known Austin location was now at risk of losing its...

Sophomore Max Marcus (center) and junior Finley Mcbride (left) perform as Augustus Gloop in the 2025 STS production of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
School’s out, curtains up
September 30, 2025
This clock shows the time as 2:17 which is the precise time that the children ran away.
‘Weapons’ hits the mark
September 23, 2025
Cartoon by copy editor Carlo Hinsdale.
The decline of Spotify, the rise of physical media
September 23, 2025
Appetizer of chips n' dips at Nixta.
A-maize-ing spot
September 16, 2025
Photo Galleries
BEATING BOWIE: Senior Will Bowman swims towards the ball, attempting to gain possession, in the first district tournament for water polo on Sep. 13. The Knights faced Austin High, Anderson, Bowie, and LASA, but Bowman’s favorite game was their victory over Bowie. “It was great,” Bowman said. “We knew going into the game we had a good shot, and we were able to deliver.” Although Bowman wishes the Knights had beaten Bowie by a greater number of points, he enjoyed the consistency of the Knights’ performance. “We didn’t crush them hard,” Bowman said. “But it’s fun when you’re actually playing and shooting goals and doing good.” Bowman primarily plays point, covering the middle of the court and making long passes. He occasionally fills in at set. He acknowledges that while the position still feels difficult, he has greatly improved at it since freshman year, when he began playing water polo for the first time. “When I was a freshman, I was a skinny little kid,” Bowman said. “I still am, but I know what I am doing, and it’s pretty satisfying.” After playing water polo all four years in high school, Bowman will miss the sport when he goes to college next year. “It’s a little unfortunate this is my last time playing because I don’t think I’m going to play in college,” Bowman said. “At least I’ll have memories of these four years.” Bowman has one more opportunity to form more memories with the water polo team this Saturday, Sep. 27, at the second district tournament. If the team wins one game, they will advance to bi-districts which will take place on Oct. 6. Bowman hopes not only to make bi-districts but to make a run in the playoffs and believes that the team can as long as it plays consistently. “As long as we’re making goals and hitting well, we should do good,” Bowman said. Caption by Elizabeth Nation.
Treading toward success
Carlo Hinsdale, Delaney Lavelle, Elizabeth Nation, Emerson Merritt, Fletcher Vandegrift, Julia Copas, Kaylee Breecker, Mira Patel, and Vera Petrowsky • September 25, 2025

On Sept. 13 at the Round Rock Aquatic Center, the McCallum boys and girls water polo teams competed in a tournament, with the girls team coming away with a win against...

CALLING THE PITCHES AND THE SHOTS: Senior Grace Yemington catches pitches behind the plate during the softball team’s fall ball practices. For Yemington, softball has been a part of her life for 12 years and catching’s a family tradition. “My older sister was a catcher, so I decided to follow in her footsteps,” she said. Consistently serving as a reliable player for the team, Yemington now thrives in the leadership side of the position. “I like being able to sort of conduct the infield; help call pitches, remind infielders of the play, and play an important role on the field,” she explained. Looking ahead, Yemington is primed and ready to close out her senior year strong. “I’m looking forward to this season and excited to continue playing fall ball with the team this year,” she said. Caption by V Overstreet. Photo by Magnolia Smith.
Softball’s soft launch
September 18, 2025
FROM PLAYGROUNDS TO PLAYWRIGHTS: In room 103, one can find a bustling classroom of students lively chatting and working. The new English teacher, Abigail Pfeiffer, said she feels quite at home here. “I love the students here,” Pfeiffer said. “It’s been such a pleasure to teach them.” This is Pfeiffer’s second year of teaching. Her previous teaching experience was for a fourth grade classroom. Some might say fourth grade to 10th is a huge jump, but Pfeifer has been facing it with great enthusiasm. She majored in English in college and finds that a high school setting gives her more room to explore her passion. “There’s much more freedom when teaching high schoolers,” Pfeifer said. “I really get to put my skills to work.” Pfeiffer was drawn to McCallum because of its commitment to Fine Arts and its welcoming community. So far, her experience at Mac has not let her down. “It’s clear how passionate students are, and it’s very inspiring to see,” Pfeiffer said. Ultimately, Pfeiffer’s hope for this year is for her students to feel accomplished and for her to feel as if she taught them something worthwhile. Caption by Zanna Allen.
A fresh start for mac-ulty
September 11, 2025
ONE LAST BATTLE CRY: Senior Valeria Villafuerte-Perez celebrates with her friends after the senior class won the spirit competition. At each pep rally, a different game is played with volunteers from the crowd. Villafuerte-Perez was nominated by her friends to play a game in which the goal was to snatch a pom-pom from an opponent. “Before school started, my friends and I had talked about going all out for senior year, so I told them to nominate me for a game since it was our last [Shoal Creek Showdown] pep rally,” Villafuerte-Perez said. “I wasn’t really scared to go down to the floor in front of the whole school, all I was focused on was getting the crowd hyped for the game.” Villafuerte-Perez entered the game determined to win. After several rounds, as there were just two people left, she managed to snatch the last pom just in time, in order to secure a victory for the senior class. “I was really happy I won the game for the class of 2026,” Villafuerte-Perez said. “Honestly, I just wanted to win because seniors rule.” As this was her first pep rally as a senior, the event carried extra meaning to Villafuerte-Perez. “Being in the stands as a senior feels very surreal,” Villafuerte-Perez said. “I still remember my first  pep rally, and now I’m a senior having my last pep rally, I think in that moment it really set in that I’m a senior, and that I’m going to graduate soon.” Caption by Sophia Manos. Photo by Julia Copas.
Shoal Creek Showdown shows out
September 4, 2025
GRAND REVEAL: Sophomore Cruz Gonzales performs alongside the other baritone saxophone players during Bandapalooza on Aug 22. Bandapalooza allowed the band to perform what they’ve been practicing during the summer to an audience full of friends and family. While this wasn’t the band’s first full run through, it was their first in front of an audience. “I feel like we’ve done better in rehearsals, and due to the pressure and other things, it hindered our performance a little bit, but I was still proud,” Gonzales said. One thing that Gonzales pointed out that the band needs to work on in the future is making sure everybody knows exactly where they’re supposed to be and knows the repetition. This performance also allowed the band to introduce their new theme of Gothic Renaissance to their audience. “This year’s costumes are totally different,” Gonzales said. “We have hip capes and shako hats, which is a big change from last year.” Looking towards the future and big pictures, Gonzales wants the band to have a successful season and make state. “Considering how close it was last year, we were pretty bummed,” he said. “So this year, I think everybody is really trying to work harder to get there and make state again.” Caption by Maya Tackett. Photo by Wren Vanderford.
Bandapalooza marches into new year
August 28, 2025
Softball standout Lila Brotherton evades a Crockett defender in the Knights' victory over the Cougars in their quarterfinal matchup. The Knights would defeat Travis in the semifinal game to reach the championship where they lost to Bowie.
Flag football unfurled at district tournament
May 27, 2025
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Trending Stories
1
U.S. Marshals arrest drug offenders during Operation Ignite the Light in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2022. Photo accessed on the Office of Public Affairs Flicker account. Reposted here under a Creative Commons license.

US Marshals arrest AISD custodial specialist on counts of indecency with a minor • 227 Views

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Daniel Sena in the cafeteria.

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GRAND REVEAL: Sophomore Cruz Gonzales performs alongside the other baritone saxophone players during Bandapalooza on Aug 22. Bandapalooza allowed the band to perform what they’ve been practicing during the summer to an audience full of friends and family. While this wasn’t the band’s first full run through, it was their first in front of an audience. “I feel like we’ve done better in rehearsals, and due to the pressure and other things, it hindered our performance a little bit, but I was still proud,” Gonzales said. One thing that Gonzales pointed out that the band needs to work on in the future is making sure everybody knows exactly where they’re supposed to be and knows the repetition. This performance also allowed the band to introduce their new theme of Gothic Renaissance to their audience. “This year’s costumes are totally different,” Gonzales said. “We have hip capes and shako hats, which is a big change from last year.” Looking towards the future and big pictures, Gonzales wants the band to have a successful season and make state. “Considering how close it was last year, we were pretty bummed,” he said. “So this year, I think everybody is really trying to work harder to get there and make state again.” Caption by Maya Tackett. Photo by Wren Vanderford.

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Desde el campo hasta el escenario

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FROM PLAYGROUNDS TO PLAYWRIGHTS: In room 103, one can find a bustling classroom of students lively chatting and working. The new English teacher, Abigail Pfeiffer, said she feels quite at home here. “I love the students here,” Pfeiffer said. “It’s been such a pleasure to teach them.” This is Pfeiffer’s second year of teaching. Her previous teaching experience was for a fourth grade classroom. Some might say fourth grade to 10th is a huge jump, but Pfeifer has been facing it with great enthusiasm. She majored in English in college and finds that a high school setting gives her more room to explore her passion. “There’s much more freedom when teaching high schoolers,” Pfeifer said. “I really get to put my skills to work.” Pfeiffer was drawn to McCallum because of its commitment to Fine Arts and its welcoming community. So far, her experience at Mac has not let her down. “It’s clear how passionate students are, and it’s very inspiring to see,” Pfeiffer said. Ultimately, Pfeiffer’s hope for this year is for her students to feel accomplished and for her to feel as if she taught them something worthwhile. Caption by Zanna Allen.

A fresh start for mac-ulty • 89 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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