Shield enjoys strong showing in Best in Texas contest

Newspaper staff earns more than 200 writing, design, multimedia and photography awards from the Texas Association of Journalism Educators

Dave Winter

The staff members who earned Best of the Best in Texas in Online News Packages show off the TAJE gold medals they earned for their online gallery of Mac VASE winners. Front row: Lydia Reedy, Josie Bradsby, Alice Scott, Lucy Marco. Back row: Samantha Powers, Evelyn Griffin, Evie Barnard, Anna McClellan, Kate Boyle and Sofia Ramon.

In the statewide Texas Association of Journalism Educators Best in Texas print newspaper, online newspaper and broadcast competition, McCallum journalists took home more than 200 awards.

In addition, 12 of the Shield entries placed in the Best of the Best in Texas competition, which seeks to identify the most outstanding student work among the submissions that earned superior ratings.  The Shield earned the double superlative Best of the Best in Texas in three categories.

Sophomore online co-editor in chief Alice Scott earned Best of the Best in Texas in the print news portfolio category. The staff earned Best of the Best in Texas in Online News Packages category for its online gallery of McCallum TAEA Visual Arts Scholastic Event state finalists. Finally, Anna McClellan and Samantha Powers earned Best of the Best in Texas in Online News Design category for the information graphic, “The Principal Selection Process.”

The complete list of winners below provide a pretty comprehensive look at the journalistic output of the Shield from January 2021 through January 2022. Perusing these entries will also give you a pretty comprehensive look at McCallum life over those 12 months.

This editorial cartoon by design and visuals editor Anna McCellan earned third runner-up honors in the Best of the Best in Texas competition for Print Newspaper Visuals after earning a superior rating in the print newspaper editorial cartoon category. Anna McClellan

TAJE BEST OF THE BEST

IN TEXAS WINNERS

FOR PRINT, ONLINE & BROADCAST

PRINT NEWS PORTFOLIO

BEST OF THE BEST IN TEXAS – Alice Scott

PRINT NEWS OBJECTIVE WRITING

SECOND RUNNER-UP: Alice Scott, “Third shot gives boost to elderly, immunocompromised,”  “Trio of 12th-graders step up as leaders,” or “It all matters in the Long run

FIRST RUNNER-UP: Alysa Spiro and Amaya Collier, “‘Critical race theory bill’ spurs discussion, criticism

PRINT NEWS SUBJECTIVE WRITING

SECOND RUNNER-UP: Alice Scott, “Alamo Drafthouse finds a way

PRINT NEWS PHOTO/ART

THIRD RUNNER-UP: Anna McClellan, “Campus safety comes at a cost

SECOND RUNNER-UP: Evie Barnard, “Senior wide receiver Nate Davidson bobbles the ball

Senior wide receiver Nate Davidson bobbles the ball during the Knights’ 38-24 loss to the Lehman Lobos on Sept. 3 at Shelton Stadium. This Evie Barnard photo earned second runner-up honors in the Best of the Best in Texas competition for print newspaper visuals after earning a superior rating in the sports actions photo category. Photo by Evie Barnard.

PRINT NEWS DESIGN

FOURTH RUNNER-UP: Caroline Owen, “Not just a pipe dream.

ONLINE NEWS PORTFOLIO

FIRST RUNNER-UP: Alice Scott, “Beautiful blue eyes,” “A Zoom full of strangers,” “Virtual SXSW allows wider reach, deeper experience,” “Universities, school districts respond differently to threat of omicron,” “Stepping up as leaders.

ONLINE NEWS PACKAGES

BEST OF THE BEST IN TEXAS: Evie Barnard, Kate Boyle, Josie Bradsby, Olivia Capochiano, Ellen Fox, Evelyn Griffin, Lucy Marco, Anna McClellan, Samantha Powers, Sofia Ramon, Lydia Reedy, Bella Russo, and Alice Scott, “A virtual VASE gallery of MAC state finalists.” 

ONLINE NEWS DESIGN

FIRST RUNNER-UP: Lucy Marco, Alice Scott, Anna McClellan and Theo Roe.

BEST OF THE BEST IN TEXAS: Anna McClellan and Samantha Powers. “Selection process for McCallum principal postponed twice, now underway.

BROADCAST STORY

FOURTH RUNNER-UP: Alice Scott, “Hudnall can’t be pinned by opponents or pandemic.

Alice Scott’s broadcast sports package, “Hudnall can’t be pinned by opponents or pandemic,” earned fourth runner-up honors in the Best of the Best in Texas competition for broadcast stories after earning a superior rating in the broadcast sports story category. Video by Alice Scott.

TAJE BEST IN TEXAS

NEWS AND BROADCAST CONTEST

BROADCAST

B1 News Story

Alice Scott, “Drop in COVID risk factor brings pep rallies back to Mac,” EXCELLENT

B2 Feature Story

Alice Scott, Lucy Marco, “Thank God, it’s Friday,” EXCELLENT

Alice Scott, Samantha Powers and Caroline Owen, “Coffeehouse makes a comeback,” EXCELLENT

Morgan Eye, “The fish are drowning,” HONORABLE MENTION

B3 Sports Story

Alice Scott, “Hudnall can’t be pinned down by opponents or pandemic,” SUPERIOR

Alice Scott and Makenzie Mason, “Stepping up as leaders,” HONORABLE MENTION

Hosted by Samantha Powers and engineered by Theo Roe, the fifth episode of the Feedback Loop featuring opera star and Mac alum Ella Villalón earned an excellent rating in the category for conversational podcasts.

B8 Podcast – Interview/Conversational

Samantha Powers, Theo Roe, “Ella Villalón to star as Susanna in Austin Opera’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ in next chapter of eventful career,” EXCELLENT

Theo Roe, Alysa Spiro, Evelyn Griffin, “A songwriter first, Baxter Low views their lyrics as a dialogue with the subconscious mind,” EXCELLENT

Samantha Powers, “Let’s talk disordered eating and rape culture,” HONORABLE MENTION

Samantha Powers, “Internalized misogyny is everywhere, and it’s a big deal,” HONORABLE MENTION

Theo Roe and Bobby Currie, “Celebrating Black history should be a year-round thing,” HONORABLE MENTION

Produced by Alice Scott, narrated by Samantha Powers and featuring footage captured by Caroline Owen and Powers, the broadcast feature package, “Coffeehouse makes a comebacks” was one of three Shield Online video packages to earn an excellent rating.

PRINT

N1 Photo Portfolio

Kennedy Weatherby, EXCELLENT

Anna McClellan, HONORABLE MENTION

N2 Story Portfolio

Alice Scott, SUPERIOR

Madelynn Niles, EXCELLENT

Alysa Bijl-Spiro, HONORABLE MENTION

Lucy Marco, HONORABLE MENTION

Sophie Leung-Lieu, HONORABLE MENTION

N4 News Story

Alysa Bijl-Spiro, “At risk teachers receive New Year’s shot in the arm,” SUPERIOR

Madelynn Niles and Grace Nugent, “Mask mandate mostly met at Mac,” SUPERIOR

Samantha Powers and Evelyn Griffin, “Large class sizes negatively affect students, teachers,” EXCELLENT

Samantha Powers, “Pilot program proves positive,” HONORABLE MENTION

Samantha Powers and Alysa Spiro, “ Students start coming ‘Back to Mac,’” HONORABLE MENTION

N5 News-Feature Story

Lucy Marco, “Life as a teenage essential worker,” EXCELLENT

Alice Scott, “Student council eliminates gendered homecoming royalty titles,” HONORABLE MENTION

Alice Scott, “A Zoom full of strangers,” HONORABLE MENTION

Senior Michael Valentino participated in the LBJ Fire Academy’s live fire skill day that was held on Sep. 25. After a full year of learning about fires, extinguishers, equipment and how to use it, Valentino and the three other seniors a part of the academy put out their first live fires. “It was so cool,” Valentino said. “I ended up doing the nozzle, which is the first person in line, which was super cool, I really wanted to do that.” Caption and photo by Kennedy Weatherby.  Weatherby earned a superior rating for this photo in the feature photo category, and the story it accompanied earned an excellent rating. The image was also in Weatherby’s print photo portfolio that also earned an excellent rating.

N6 Feature Story

Alysa Spiro, “Pandemic prompts plush passion,” EXCELLENT

Caroline Owen, “Not just a pipe dream,” EXCELLENT

Kennedy Weatherby, “Forged by fire (fighting),” EXCELLENT

Madelynn Niles, Rock and roll (of film),” EXCELLENT

Amaya Collier and Ingrid Smith, “Martinez marches to Mac Band,” HONORABLE MENTION

Bella Russo, “SOCA creating community at MAC,” HONORABLE MENTION

Francie Wilhelm and Eliza Jensen, “A safe space for all,” HONORABLE MENTION

Lily Prather, “Boxes made with love,” HONORABLE MENTION

Madelynn Niles, Senior slides to state all four years,” HONORABLE MENTION

Samantha Powers, “Her door is always open,” HONORABLE MENTION

N7 In-Depth News/Feature Story

Alice Scott, “Third shot gives boost to elderly, immunocompromised,” SUPERIOR

Alysa Bijl-Spiro, “Gaggle: lifeline or invasion,” SUPERIOR

Alysa Spiro and Amaya Collier, “‘Critical Race Theory’ bill spurs discussion, criticism,” SUPERIOR

Bella Russo, “Reports of Asian hate on the rise,” EXCELLENT

Evie Barnard, “Shortfall forces tough call,” EXCELLENT

Sophie Leung-Lieu, Pandemic provides no rest for the weary,” EXCELLENT

Thomas Melina Raab, “Trans athlete bill becomes law,” EXCELLENT

Kate Boyle, “A breath of fresh air,” HONORABLE MENTION

Sophie Leung-Lieu, “Is the district doing enough to support its students’ mental health?HONORABLE MENTION

N8. In-Depth Package

Alice Scott, Lucy Marco, Lydia Reedy, “Saying goodbye to Savers,”/“Being thrifty saves cash, planet,” EXCELLENT

Lucy Marco, Tobin Wine, “Surviving COVID,” EXCELLENT

Thomas Melina Raab, Elena Ulack, “Knights shine on court, in sand,” HONORABLE MENTION

N9. Sports Game Story

Grace Nugent, “Baseball team comes from behind to win first bi-district series since 2016,” SUPERIOR

Thomas Melina Raab, “Riley places second in state in 1600 meters,” HONORABLE MENTION

For her reporting on the trio of seniors leading the 2021 girls basketball team, Alice Scott earned two Best in Texas awards: the first, a superior rating for her sports feature story, the second, an honorable mention award for her broadcast sports package, on which she collaborated with photographer and videographer Makenzie Mason.

N10. Sports Feature Story

Alice Scott, “It all matters in the Long run,” SUPERIOR

Alice Scott, “Trio of 12th-graders step up as leaders,” SUPERIOR

Grace Nugent, “Inside the line,” SUPERIOR

Francie Wilhelm, “Skating through struggles,” EXCELLENT

Lanie Sepehri and Sofia Ramon, “Tennis team doubles in size,” HONORABLE MENTION

Tallulah Wilson, The magnificent freshmen seven,” HONORABLE MENTION

N11. Entertainment Feature

Ingrid Smith and Elena Ulack, “Board of video games?” EXCELLENT

Kennedy Weatherby, “There’s nothing like opening night…” EXCELLENT

Madelynn Niles, “Senior Lozano performs Mozart as Mozart at Mozart’s,” HONORABLE MENTION

Lanie Sepehri, Eliza Jensen, “Lit mag adviser fosters leadership by creating community of equals,” HONORABLE MENTION

Morgan Eye, “Looking Sharp,” HONORABLE MENTION

Samantha Powers, “The ribbon is cut on the outdoor stage,” HONORABLE MENTION

Tallulah Wilson, “Can’t hold it any longer,” HONORABLE MENTION

N14. Staff Editorial

Samantha Powers and Tobin Wine, “SB3 is re-whiting history,” EXCELLENT

Alysa Spiro, “An unreliable reflection,” HONORABLE MENTION

Ellen Fox, “We can handle the whole truth,” HONORABLE MENTION

Samantha Powers, Grace Nugent and Logan Davis, “Campus safety comes at a cost,” HONORABLE MENTION

N16. Personal Column

Alysa Bijl-Spiro, Pandemic has me playing a different tune,” HONORABLE MENTION

Elisha Scott, “In Sanabria’s AP Microeconomics class, space is a scarce resource,” HONORABLE MENTION

Lucy Marco, “Thinking inside the box,” HONORABLE MENTION

N17. Personal Opinion Column

Lanie Sepehri, “It’s time to write off annotation.” SUPERIOR

Samantha Powers, “Support Austin, not Amazon,” EXCELLENT

Madelynn Niles earned three Best in Texas superior ratings for the work on this single page about the film Minari: one for her review, one for her illustration and a third for her page design.

N18. Entertainment Review

Alice Scott, “Alamo Drafthouse finds a way,” SUPERIOR

Grace Nugent, “Wonder Woman 1984 bites the bust,” and “Soul creates worlds of wonderful whimsy,” SUPERIOR

Madelynn Niles, “Minari: An intimate family portrait,” SUPERIOR

Naomi Di Capua, Grace Vitale, “Film revivals spur controversy,” SUPERIOR

Lydia Reedy and Josie Bradsby, A four-course food truck feast,” EXCELLENT

Lydia Reedy and Josie Bradsby, “We all scream for ice cream,” HONORABLE MENTION

N19. News Photo

Elisha Scott, “Standing up and walking out,” EXCELLENT

Bella Russo, “Union writes TEA,” HONORABLE MENTION

N20. Feature Photo

Kennedy Weatherby, “Forged by fire (fighting),” SUPERIOR

Sophie Kessler, “Band takes sixth in state,” SUPERIOR

Caroline Owen, “The cast converges on Jesse Lucas,” HONORABLE MENTION

Kennedy Weatherby, “Pop and Lock,” or “Time Passages,” HONORABLE MENTION

N21. Sports Action Photo

Evie Barnard, “Wide receiver Nate Davidson bobbles the ball,” SUPERIOR

Kennedy Weatherby, “Grace Werkenthin spikes the ball,” SUPERIOR

Grace Nugent, “TMR runs 16:53 at state cross-country meet,” EXCELLENT

Kennedy Weatherby, “Noah Arnold drives to the basket,” EXCELLENT

Kennedy Weatherby, Rob Wade shoots in the paint,” EXCELLENT

Caleb Melville, “Senior Avery Miller pushes the ball forward,” HONORABLE MENTION

Emily Carroll, “Water polo team makes it to state tournament,” HONORABLE MENTION

Kaya Stone, “In Riley’s absence, Melina Raab and Co. are stepping up,” HONORABLE MENTION

For capturing this image of seniors Natalie Nagy, John Hamlet, Scarlet Frese, sophomore Stella Hufford, junior Stephanie Gallegos, freshman Sadie Swinney and junior Claire De Silva-Yost posing after their show at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Sophie Kessler earned a superior rating in the print feature photo category.

N22. Sports Feature Photo

Charlie Partheymuller, “Boys soccer splits games with Raiders, Raptors,” “Defensive backs Ez Guenther and Tino Rodriguez celebrate,” or “Knights celebrate quarterback Jaxon Rosales’ overtime game-winning touchdown,” EXCELLENT

Evie Barnard, “Utility player Brock Fanning looks for a flag,” EXCELLENT

Ellen Fox, “Years in the making,” HONORABLE MENTION

Evie Barnard, HONORABLE MENTION

Grace Nugent, “Vandament enjoys home-run season,” HONORABLE MENTION

Kennedy Weatherby, “Senior Katie Peterson celebrates a point with her teammates,” HONORABLE MENTION

N23. Portrait

Anna McClellan, “The return to campus,” EXCELLENT

Nicholas Wheat, “Rock and roll (of film),” HONORABLE MENTION

N24. Editorial Cartoon

Anna McClellan, “Campus safety comes at a cost,” SUPERIOR

Anna McClellan, “A bill in search of a problem,” EXCELLENT

N25. Original Artwork

Grace Nugent and Evelyn Griffin, “The ‘pick me girl’ persists,” SUPERIOR

Kai Kirkham, “Close quarters,” SUPERIOR

Kai Kirkham, “The thrill of conversation,” SUPERIOR

Kai Kirkham, “Not making the grade,” SUPERIOR

Madelynn Niles, “Minari: An intimate family portrait,” SUPERIOR

Anna McClellan, Weathering the storm,” EXCELLENT

Anna McClellan, Wonder Woman 1984 bites the bust,” EXCELLENT

Bella Russo, “We want a more colorful media,” EXCELLENT

Kai Kirkham, “The Dating Game,” EXCELLENT

Kai Kirkham, “COVID comes to the comics,” EXCELLENT

Eliza Jensen, “A safe space for all,” HONORABLE MENTION

Staff cartoonist Kai Kirkham Macias earned six Best in Texas awards for his graphics work and three superior ratings, including one for this October 2021 back-page cartoon, “The Thrill of Conversation.” Cartoon by Kai Kirkham-Macias.

N26. Nameplate, Folios, and Standing Heads

Alysa Bijl-Spiro, Madelynn Niles, Grace Nugent, Samantha Powers, “Shield nameplate, folios and standing heads,” EXCELLENT

N27. Infographic Presentation

Ellen Fox, “On the map,” HONORABLE MENTION

N28. Alternative Coverage

Evie Barnard, Kate Boyle, Chris Ferina, Evelyn Griffin, Ingrid Smith, “The latest Lone Star legislation,” EXCELLENT

N29. News Magazine Cover Design

Grace Nugent, “What kind of big brother is Gaggle?” SUPERIOR

Anna McClellan, “The return to campus,” EXCELLENT

Ellen Fox, “Frozen in place,” EXCELLENT

Grace Nugent, “How masked is Mac?” HONORABLE MENTION

N31. News Page Design

Grace Nugent, “The latest Lone Star legislationEXCELLENT

Madelyn Niles, Grace Nugent, “Mask mandate mostly met at Mac,” EXCELLENT

Alysa Bijl-Spiro, “At-risk teachers receive New Year’s shot-in-arm,” HONORABLE MENTION

Alysa Bijl-Spiro. “Gaggle: lifeline or invasion?” HONORABLE MENTION

Caroline Owen and Julia Husted, “The limits of Austin City Limits,” HONORABLE MENTION

Grace Nugent, November 2021 news briefs,” HONORABLE MENTION

Sophie Lung-Lieu, “Pandemic provides no rest for the weary,” HONORABLE MENTION

N32. Editorial/Opinion Page Design

Lanie Sepehri, “It’s time to write off annotation.” SUPERIOR

Naomi Di-Capua and Sophie Leung-Lieu, “You got a minute?” SUPERIOR

Grace Nugent, “Confused about college? It’s OK; you’re not alone.” EXCELLENT

N33. Feature Page Design

Samantha Powers, “Her door is always open,” EXCELLENT

Francie Wilhelm and Eliza Jensen, “A safe space for all,” HONORABLE MENTION

Shield co-editor in chief Grace Nugent hauled in nine awards for print newspaper design including a superior award for her 2022 redesign of the sports highlights page.

N34. Sports Page Design

Grace Nugent, “Sports Highlights, Nov. 19, 2021,” SUPERIOR

Grace Nugent, “Inside the Line,” EXCELLENT

Anna McClellan and Esme Moreno, “Miller makes the most of her minutes,” HONORABLE MENTION

Anna McClellan and Kennedy Weatherby, “Serving up sisterhood,” HONORABLE MENTION

Francie Wilhelm, “Skating through struggles,” HONORABLE MENTION

Julia Husted and Kennedy Weatherby, “Bringing cheer to senior year,” HONORABLE MENTION

N35. Entertainment Page Design

Caroline Owen, “Not just a pipe dream,” SUPERIOR

Madelynn Niles, “Minari: An intimate family portrait,” SUPERIOR

Lucy Marco, Thinking inside the box,” EXCELLENT

Lucy Marco, “Getting the band back together,” HONORABLE MENTION

Samantha Powers, “Support Austin, not Amazon,” HONORABLE MENTION

Junior Georgia Zaninovich was one of the organizers of the Nov. 15 walkout. “This year, a lot of students have been open online about their experiences with sexual assault,” Zaninovich said. She and other organizers disagree with the administration’s handling of previous sexual-assault allegations. “We deserve to be listened to,” she said. Caption by Cassidy Levin. Photographer Nate Williams earned a superior rating for this as it appeared in our online version of the photo essay, “Standing up and walking out.” Managing editor Elisha Scott earned an excellent rating for an image that appeared in both the print and online versions of the essay. The online gallery earned an excellent rating while the print version received honorable mention. Photo by Nate Williams..

N36. Photo Essay Page

Evelyn Griffin, Esme Moreno, Kennedy Weatherby, “Seniors savor muddy mask-querade,” HONORABLE MENTION

Grace Nugent, “Standing up and walking out,” HONORABLE MENTION

Kennedy Weatherby, “Despite ice, Knights turn up heat,” HONORABLE MENTION

Kennedy Weatherby, “Volleyball seniors say farewell,” HONORABLE MENTION

N37. Double Truck Design

Madelynn Niles, “McCallum says hello to new teachers in fine arts, academics,” EXCELLENT

Evie Barnard and Madelynn Niles, “Meeting McCallum’s magnificent artists,” HONORABLE MENTION

ONLINE NEWSPAPER

O2. Story Portfolio

Alice Scott, “Beautiful blue eyes,” “A Zoom full of strangers,” “Virtual SXSW allows wider reach, deeper experience,” “Universities, school districts respond differently to threat of omicron,” “Stepping up as leaders,” SUPERIOR

Francie Wilhelm, “Vandalism wave beleaguers custodians, erodes trust,” “Freshman finds fulfillment by funneling free time into film, family,” “Skating through struggles,” “A safe space for all,” “New property developments mean big changes for Austin, McCallum, surrounding neighborhoods,” SUPERIOR

Evie Barnard, “Q: Why is Fine Arts Academy coordinator job being cut? A: You better sit down for the answer. It’s complicated.,” “Despite standing to lose $34.76 million in state funding, district offers virtual learning to K-6 students,” “Teachers union writes TEA asking for local autonomy,” “Portable AC units removed, but AC problems persist,” “Triplets take on a triple rivalry,” EXCELLENT

Sofia Ramon McCallum HS Bus drivers double essential duties,” “Purkiss named Teacher of the Year,” “Weathering the storm,” “Tennis team doubles in size,” “Pandemic inspires Mac entrepreneurs to venture out with innovative businesses of their own,” EXCELLENT

The text in this illustration, which earned a superior rating in the original artwork category, are snippets from calls made by victims and first responders on Sept. 11, 2001. The number 2,996 represents the total number of fatalities caused by the attacks. The illustration was also including in graphic artist Anna McClellan superior award-winning online design portfolio (Anna McClellan).

O3 Design Portfolio

Anna McClellan, “Selection process for McCallum principal postponed twice, now underway,” “Some like it hot; some like it not,” “Bill to ban transgender athletes creates problem where there was none,” “For close Bush adviser, 9/11 emotions remain strong,” “Safety measure crosses line between security, privacy,” SUPERIOR

O4 Multimedia Presentation

Evie Barnard, Kate Boyle, Josie Bradsby, Olivia Capochiano, Ellen Fox, Evelyn Griffin, Lucy Marco, Anna McClellan, Samantha Powers, Sofia Ramon, Lydia Reedy, Bella Russo, and Alice Scott, “A virtual VASE gallery of MAC state finalists,” SUPERIOR

Evie Barnard, Alysa Bijl-Spiro, Amaya Collier, Carter Eason, Evelyn Griffin, Cassidy Levin, Madelynn Niles, Caroline Owen, Samantha Powers, Sofia Ramon, Alice Scott, and Grace Vitale, “Coffeehouse enjoys triumphant return to Mac campus,” EXCELLENT

Grace Nugent “Taco Shack XX: the last chance,” HONORABLE MENTION

Alice Scott “Stepping up as leaders,” HONORABLE MENTION

Alice Scott “Supporting trans teens: video reporting from national summer workshop,” HONORABLE MENTION 

O5. Photo Gallery

Alysa Bijl-Spiro, Naomi Di-Capua, Julia Husted, Cassidy Levin, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Lucy Marco, Madelynn Niles, Grace Nugent, Samantha Powers, Alice Scott, and Grace Vitale “This time the ‘breaking’ news is good news,” EXCELLENT

Evie Barnard, Amaya Collier, Naomi Di-Capua, Emma Hagood, Julia Husted, Eliza Jensen, Cassidy Levin, Lucy Marco, Helen Martin, Kaela Martin, Lexi Ramos, Elisha Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Alysa Spiro, Francie Wilhelm, Nate Williams, and Bo Witzel, “Standing up and walking out,” EXCELLENT

Bella Russo, Lanie Sepehri, Alice Scott, Alysa Spiro, Kennedy Weatherby, and Tallulah Wilson ¨One last visit to ´Urinetown,’” HONORABLE MENTION

McCallum photojournalism students, “Hands down, the best photo essay we’ve published,” HONORABLE MENTION

Lukas Bednar, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Lucy Marco, Madelynn Niles, Grace Nugent, Charlie Partheymuller, Lauren Potts, Samantha Powers, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Alysa Spiro, and Francie Wilhelm, Knights fill campus first day of school,” HONORABLE MENTION

O6. News Story

Evie Barnard, “Portable AC units removed, but AC problem persist,” SUPERIOR

Eveyln Griffin, “Server issue disrupts STAAR all over Texas,” SUPERIOR

Samantha Powers, “Griffith Installed as permanent principle at McCallum,” EXCELLENT

Madelynn Niles, “Mac vaccine clinic doles out 383 first dose pfizer shots,” EXCELLENT

Francie Wilhelm, Morgan Eye, “Vandalism wave beleaguers custodians erodes trust,” HONORABLE MENTION

Lucy Marco, “Electrical malfunction triggers fire in the field house,” HONORABLE MENTION

Meredith Grotevant, “Activists rally at Capitol for reproductive rights,” HONORABLE MENTION

O8. Feature Story

Evie Barnard, “Triplets take on a triple rivalry,” EXCELLENT

Naomi Di-Capua, “For one Austin neighborhood, community during a pandemic began with a song … or two,”  EXCELLENT

Kate Boyle, Sofia Ramon, “Pandemic inspires Mac entrepreneurs to venture out with innovative businesses of their own,”  HONORABLE MENTION

Francie Wilhelm, “Freshman finds fulfillment by funneling free time into film, family,” HONORABLE MENTION

The information graphic by Anna McClellan illustrated Samantha Powers’ Best of Texas honorable mention-winning in-depth news story about the principal selection process. The graphic itself not only earned a superior rating in the online information graphics category; it was named the overall Best of the Best in Texas winner in the online news design category. Graphic by Anna McClellan.

O9. In-Depth News/Feature Story

Alice Scott, “Universities, school districts respond differently threat of omicron,” HONORABLE MENTION

Samantha Powers, ¨Selection process for McCallum principal postponed twice, now underway,” HONORABLE MENTION

O11. Sports Game Story

Grace Nugent, “Knights next man-up to topple Trojans in taco shack bowl, 14-13” SUPERIOR

Charlie Partheymuller, “Knights find their mojo in fourth quarter to triumph over Tivy,” EXCELLENT

Thomas Melina Rabb, Grace Nugent, “Knights corral mustangs on goal line stand,” HONORABLE MENTION

O12. Sports Feature Story

Thomas Melina Raab, “Riley eyes return to racing after ankle injury,”  EXCELLENT

Alice Scott, “Hudnall can’t be pinned by opponents or pandemic,” HONORABLE MENTION

Samantha Powers, “Mac soph helps paint, raise Austin FC’s first tifo,” HONORABLE MENTION

Sophie Leung-Lieu  ¨Archery team surprises founder with national Coach of the Year Award for his work to build, sustain team,” HONORABLE MENTION

O14. Headline Writing

Grace Nugent, “Taco Shack XX: the last chance,” “Free Guy delivers pixel perfect performance,” “Class of ’22 is on fire (figuratively),” “Knights corral Mustangs on goal line stand,” “Seniors make most of muddy mask-querade,” HONORABLE MENTION

O15. Caption Writing

Grace Nugent, “Barraz’s brilliance,” “New year, no fear during senior year,” “Dads can dance if they want to,” A Dash of offense,” “Sunshine on a rainy day,” EXCELLENT

Lucy Marco, “Hope for the best,” “Pop, lock and lead it,” “Golden grins,” “Preparing for PALS,” “Sophomore Chloé Marco yells over the crowd,” HONORABLE MENTION

O16. Staff Editorial

Amaya Collier It’s time to demand an end to Devious Licks,” HONORABLE MENTION

O17. Sports Column

Thomas Melina Raab, “Bill to ban transgender athletes creates problem where there was none,” SUPERIOR

Anna McClellan, “Why high school athletes should be allowed to play,” HONORABLE MENTION

O18. Personal Column

Alice Scott, “Beautiful blue eyes,” EXCELLENT

O19. Personal Opinion Column

Lucy Marco, “A chance to level the field,” EXCELLENT

Logan Davis, “Allowing full capacity at AISD events is wrong,” HONORABLE MENTION

O20. Entertainment Review

Tobin Wine, “Deltarune sequel surprises, satisfies,” SUPERIOR

Grace Nugent, “Free Guy delivers pixel perfect performance,” EXCELLENT

Eliza Jensen, “Spider-Man: no way to avoid spoilers,” EXCELLENT

Lanie Sepehri, Julia Husted, “Squid Game violent and violently thought-provoking,” HONORABLE MENTION

Grace Nugent, “Don’t Look Up: an out-of-this-world satire,” HONORABLE MENTION

Thomas Melina Raab, Oliver Boyd, “French Dispatch delivers on all fronts,” HONORABLE MENTION

Cassidy Levin, “Cold weather: one more reason to curl up with a good book,” HONORABLE MENTION

O21. News Photo

Nate Williams, “Junior Georgia Zaninovich was one of the organizers of the Nov. 15 walkout.” SUPERIOR

Elisha Scott, “Freshman Aubrey Mitchell throws her hands in the air and cheers along with the crowd,” HONORABLE MENTION

Meredith Grotevant, “Activists rally at Capitol for reproductive rights,” HONORABLE MENTION

BATTLE OF THE BANDS: This image of drummer King Perez-Cude of the band Red River Trucking Company performing at the 2021 edition of Battle of the Bands on Nov. 16 in the Fine Arts Building Theatre, earned sophomore photographer Meredith Grotevant a superior rating in online feature photography. Photo by Meredith Grotevant.

O22. Feature Photo

Meredith Grotevant, “Battle of the bands,” SUPERIOR

Kennedy Weatherby, “Last nights on stage as a Knight,” EXCELLENT

Meredith Grotevant, “Playing the villain,” HONORABLE MENTION

Madelynn Niles, “McCallum dance majors perform ‘SHEEN,’” HONORABLE MENTION

O23. Sports Action Photo

Lexi Ramos, “Knights 51, Raptors 32 (cover image),” SUPERIOR

Evie Barnard, “Nate Davidson secures game-winning TD pass from Jaxon Rosales,” EXCELLENT

Kennedy Weatherby, “Senior guard Noah Whiteley tries for a layup,” EXCELLENT

Kennedy Weatherby, “Knights 2, Trojans 0 (cover image),” EXCELLENT

Charlie Partheymuller, “Quarterback Jaxon Rosales puts exclamation point on the Knights’ bi-district playoff triumph with walk-off touchdown run,” EXCELLENT

Charlie Partheymuller, “Golf team competes at Berry Creek Country Club in Georgetown (ninth image),” HONORABLE MENTION

Naomi Di-Capua, “BULLDOGS 2, KNIGHTS 1 (cover image),” HONORABLE MENTION

O24. Sports Feature Photo

Evie Barnard, “Defensive delight,” EXCELLENT

Mia Gomez, “Rodriguez named District 14-5A-D2 defensive MVP,” EXCELLENT

Homework keeps teens up late at night, preventing them from getting enough rest, which leaves students exhausted and susceptible to depression and a defeatist attitude. This editorial cartoon earned Amaya Collier a Best of Texas superior award in category for online editorial cartoons (Amaya Collier).

O26. Editorial Cartoon

Amaya Collier, “All work and no play makes Mac a dull school,” SUPERIOR

Kai Kirkham, Sophie Kessler, “It’s High time to respect Jewish Holidays,” EXCELLENT

O27. Original Artwork

Anna McClellan, “2,996,” SUPERIOR

Anna McClellan, “The best books of 2021,” EXCELLENT

O28. Nameplate, Folios & Standing Heads

Lucy Marco, Alice Scott, Anna McClellan, Theo Roe, “Shield Online nameplate,” “Shield Online: Online Exclusives section main page,” Shield Online: Lucy’s Laboratory standing head,” “Shield Online: Feedback Loop podcast standing head,” SUPERIOR

O29. Infographic Presentation

Anna McClellan and Samantha Powers, “The principal selection process,” SUPERIOR

Ingrid Smith, Elena Ulack, “Game changers,” EXCELLENT

Kennedy Weatherby, “A trading card salute to the boys basketball seniors,” HONORABLE MENTION

Anna McClellan’s illustration for Cassidy Levin’s blog, “Levin’s Library” earned a superior award. Levin also earned an honorable mention for the blog. Illustration by Anna McClellan.

The Shield would like to thank Mario Petropoulos for his time and effort to help format this post.