Samantha Powers

Samantha powers has always loved the thrill that writing for the newspaper has given her. It’s a thrill that she has chased throughout high school and will be chasing in college as well. Next fall Powers will be attending Northwestern to Pursue a journalism degree. In addition, she will be a writer for the Daily Northwestern. 

“I’m so glad my path is taking me to journalism,” Powers said. “Throughout high school, it has been what makes me feel the most passionate. Pursuing the truth and reporting is a noble thing.”

Powers has been a part of the shield staff since her sophomore year. Junior year she was the co-news and co-copy editor. During her senior year, Powers became one of four co-editor in chiefs. To Powers, being in a leadership role in the newspaper made her feel like she had an impact on the community.

“I like it because it feels like a real job, and I know it matters,” Powers said.

Powers is excited to start writing for a real college newspaper, yet sad that she has to leave her high school one behind. She will miss all the friends and connections she has made at McCallum.

“I’ve spent years getting to know everyone here,” Powers said. “It will be hard to let go of the relationships I have built with my friends and with my teachers because everyone I’ve met has had such a positive impact on me.”

And while to some starting completely fresh in a new town might sound daunting, Powers look at it as more of a challenge than an obstacle.

“I’m nervous to start college in a city where nobody knows me, but from the time I have spent on campus I can tell I’ll feel at home,” Powers said. “Plus, the library is to die for.”

Newspaper (10th, 11th, 12th), Co-editor-in-chief (12th), co-news editor (11th), co-copy editor (11th), 40+ Journalism awards,

 McCallum choir major (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th), Choral studies ambassador to the Fine Arts Academy (this year) and soprano 1 section leader (all 4 years)

9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade TMEA All-State process: 2nd runner-up to the All-State choir (12th), 1st chair at Pre-Area (11th) 6th chair at Pre-Area (9th, 10th), 7th chair at Pre-Area (9th), 3rd chair at Region (11th), 6th chair at Region (10th), 10th chair at Region (9th), UIL Solo & Ensemble contests Scored a 1 on a class piece (11th, 12th), South Texas NATS: 2nd place, Classical Upper High School Treble auditions (12th), Semi-finalist Classical Upper High School Treble auditions (11th), 

Student Leadership Team (11th, 12th), Board member (12th)

National Honor Society (12th)Writing Center tutor (11th, 12th), 2021 Selection Committee member (11th)