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
A solitary sign held aloft with the Capitol rotunda in the background expresses the central theme of those who gathered to oppose Senate Bill 2 and the voucher system it will create.
Abbott and his allies finally earn voucher victory
Lillian Gray, staff reporter • April 17, 2025
Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, speaks to the large crowd that gathered in the Capitol rotunda to reject SB2, which would establish vouchers in Texas. The sheer numbers of Texans who showed up to fight the bill encouraged Austin Council PTA advocacy chair Daphne Hoffacker even if the debate on the House floor proved frustrating.
Debate on school voucher bill rages into the night
April 17, 2025
Texas State Representative Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City, speaks in the rotunda on April 16 in protest of vouchers. “Our public schools are the great equalizer that no matter what your zip code, every child should have a great public education so that they can compete in a global economy,” he said. “Nelson Mandela was right. Education is the most powerful weapon to use to change the world.”
House debate underway for voucher bill, public school funding
April 16, 2025
A speaker from the group Education Austin makes a fist at the Save Our Schools Rally on April 5. Over 100 teachers walked from Kealing Middle School to the Texas State Capitol to start the rally.
Educators gather at Capitol—again—to urge lawmakers to increase public school funding
April 14, 2025
Opinion
Graphic depicting the duality of female pop stardom, ranging from countercultural subversion to conservatism.
Modern female pop stardom necessitates conformity
Beatrix Lozach, staff writer • April 11, 2025

I was about 4 or 5 when I heard “Love, Angel, Music, Baby” for the first time. My family had just moved to Austin from New York, where I was born, and amid that time of...

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
April 4, 2025
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
Sports
Before becoming a teacher and track coach, Thea Ramsey ran Division 1 track at The University of Arizona where she ran long-distance events and steeplechase. Photo courtesy of Ramsey.
D1 to the one
Adele Seeboth, staff reporter • April 19, 2025

The track and field team has brought in a new coach for the 2025 season. Coming from running D1 cross-country and track and field at University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona,...

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
April 6, 2025
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
Throwback Thursday
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’
Sunday Cardinal, Avital Cuevas, Etta Fannin, Tegan Hahn, Anais Long, Sienna Martens, Katie Martin, Harper Maxwell, Piper Norfolk, Eva Sanchez, and Adele Seeboth • April 17, 2025

With two other MacTheatre productions making huge news this week, it might seem odd that we are publishing a Freaky Friday photo essay, but we have been meaning to share this...

ONE OF DR. BILL SMOOT'S tasks as new principal is to give the morning announcements over the public address system. Dr. Smoot spends a great deal of his time at his desk, besides doing the announcements, in which a great amount of school paperwork is processed, most of it dealing directly with the AISD administration. He also answers the telephone and talks with parents and faculty alike. However, his main job is to oversee the school and make sure everything runs smoothly.
SMOOT: Same face but new title
April 10, 2025
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
April 3, 2025
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
People
Marty catches the breeze on his grandfather's pontoon boat on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia-South Carolina border. Photo courtesy of Henry Winter.
The story of Marty, the family dog
Lillian Gray and Wren Vanderford • April 21, 2025

Annabel and Henry Winter had always wanted a dog, so much so that in elementary school, Henry wrote a persuasive essay for his fourth-grade class about why he thought his...

Hedlund helps sophomore Olive Glenn with her project in AP World History Class. Photo by Carson Duncan.
Hedlund takes on history
April 20, 2025
Art teacher Jessica Garcia, demonstrates an aluminum foil art project to Vivian Garris and Vera Petrowsky, freshmen in her Art 1 class.
Teaching through laughter
April 9, 2025
Ferrante poses with her sixth-period students and Mr. Featherstone after receiving the Teacher of Promise award.
‘Walking in her purpose’
April 2, 2025
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
Entertainment
Adventurefuls maybe be simple and a little harder than they should be, but they are still delicious, earning the second-highest rating in this review. Photo accessed on the slgckgc Flickr account. Republished here with permission under a creative Commons license.
Putting Girl Scout cookies to the taste test
Harper Maxwell, staff reporter • April 18, 2025

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience program averages around $800 million in cookie sales annually. With their cookies being back in season, I began to wonder if these boxes...

The Weeknd performs in Oslo in 2015. Photo accessed on the Flickr account of NRK P3. Reposted here with permission under the terms of a creative commons license.
The Weeknd’s new album is better on vinyl
April 13, 2025
Senior Nathan Howard and choir director Nathan Thompson pose with a TMEA All-State convention packet after Area E Auditions in January.
Howard’s final note at Mac
April 7, 2025
Senior Austin Pain and Sophomore Delilah Grad pose after "Partner in Crime" during 'Tuck Everlasting' performance in September.
‘Everlasting’ Bonds
April 1, 2025
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
Photo Galleries
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’
Sunday Cardinal, Avital Cuevas, Etta Fannin, Tegan Hahn, Anais Long, Sienna Martens, Katie Martin, Harper Maxwell, Piper Norfolk, Eva Sanchez, and Adele Seeboth • April 17, 2025

With two other MacTheatre productions making huge news this week, it might seem odd that we are publishing a Freaky Friday photo essay, but we have been meaning to share this...

SOMEONE IN THE CROWD: The McCallum Blue Brigade performs their opening dance to the song ‘Someone in the Crowd’ choreographed by Junior Lieutenant Paige Mitchell and First Lieutenant Gaby Alvarado. Senior Greta Waymay hits her final end pose completing her last opening dance as a member of the Blue Brigade. Wayman has been watching the Blue Brigade perform their opening dance since her sister performed as a member. Wayman was a 4 year member on the team and said this opening dance was her favorite. “I loved this year's opener because I loved the song,” Wayman said. “I also loved how energetic the dance was.” For Wayman, however, performing this opener was a bittersweet moment as her last performance on Blue Brigade. “It didn’t really hit me during the opener that it was my last spring show,” Wayman said. “Although it did hit later in the show.” Wayman said her favorite part about performing with Blue Brigade over the years has always been being able to do it with some of her best friends. “I love being able to perform with all my friends,” Wayman said. “Growing with a tight knit community that Blue Brigade creates is my favorite part.” Aside from performing the dances, Wayman said the show was an important moment to watch her fellow seniors say their goodbyes. “I loved getting to see all of the senior solos and cheer on my friends from backstage,” Wayman said. Caption by Chloe Seckar-Martinez. Photo by Daniela Di-Capua.
Embracing their final dance
April 15, 2025
Quinceañeras Alexis Jimenez, Yami Salas, Sofia Arredondo, Valeria Barrientos, Sadie Mason and Evelyn Martinez Mercado pose for a photo outside the school. The image captures their grand entrance to their collective quinceañera. This Saturday, McCallum held the quinceañera in the cafeteria allowing students to partake in the traditional Hispanic coming of age celebration without the expenses associated. Señora Altamirano-Cancino and the Ballet Folklorico Club came together to organize the event and with help from the local community were able to cover all aspects of the celebration from the lowrider cars for the students to arrive in to the DJ and dresses and suits that students were able to rent out or have donated. Caption by Josie Mullan.
Agradecida por la oportunidad
April 9, 2025
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
April 1, 2025
"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
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Trending Stories
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The debate over gun control

The debate over gun control • 4941 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 • 295 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 • 260 Views

4
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 • 217 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' • 214 Views

6
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 • 213 Views

7
SETTING THE STAGE: Before the opening night of Urinetown: the Musical and with fine arts parents and outdoor stage organizers Nicole Wayman and Shaneye Ferrell looking on in approval, principal Nicole Griffith cuts a ribbon to mark the grand opening of the recently completed outdoor stage. Griffith also took the time to reflect on the process it took to create the stage and recognize the group of community members that worked to make their dream of a safe performance space a reality. District 4 trustee Kristin Ashy also gave a short speech on the drive and commitment of the McCallum community. The outdoor stage, a product of a Lowe’s grant and crowdfunding, is very literally a product of the community working together. A group of over 60 parents, teachers, and student volunteers worked to finish the stage in early February, and the stage will continue to serve as a space for performances, events, and club meetings. Reporting by Bella Russo.

Griffith reflects on her time at Mac, her future at ARS • 176 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 • 151 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. • 136 Views

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LOVE AND JOY: As she dances in her beautiful dress, sophomore Amy Love reflects on the joy it brings to see her father so happy during the McCallum Quinceañera. "I think that this event was really beautiful and fun to experience especially for my dad, seeing him so happy and having my family experience this," Love said. "My family isn’t big on doing huge celebrations so me and my sister weren’t able to have a quinceañera, but we loved being able to share this day with all the other quinceañeras and their families." Despite the stress of daily meetings and practices leading up to the event, Love found it all worth it for the fun and memories made on the quinceañera day. "It was really stressful doing the whole entire meetings and practice because it was every single day, but whenever it was the actual day of it, it was actually really fun," Love said. Overall, Love found the quinceañera event to be a very meaningful experience, which could not have happened without the hard work of Spanish teacher Juana Gun. "I want to give a huge thank you to Ms. Gun for making it all possible and being such a sweet person to all of us," Love said. Caption by Gergő Major.

McCallum Quinceañera celebrates comeback • 128 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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