Amaya Collier: Torchbearer
As this year’s Torchbearer, senior Amaya Collier has spent her four years as a Knight giving. Whether it be through student government, feminism club or KASA, Collier has made it her mission to lead and make a difference. Out of all of her extracurricular involvements, it’s been her time as a PAL that Collier has especially appreciated, thanks to the program’s commitment to authenticity and eliminating judgment.
“I genuinely love all the incredibly talented people I’m surrounded with here,” Collier said. “Being in PALS has cultivated such a beautiful community for me [because] It draws people in from all different realms of McCallum.”
Collier has stayed involved with the community by being co-president of West Rotary and being the co-opinion editor for the Shield. She decided to join the newspaper staff because the class aligned with the skills she has acquired.
“I’ve always loved writing, being outspoken, and being a storyteller [and] Newspaper seemed to integrate so many of my interests.”
She plans to major in journalism at the University of Texas and credits newspaper teacher Dave Winter for this choice.
“Mr. Winter was such a support for me during COVID when I felt isolated,” Collier said. “And his encouragement and support inspired me to continue on this path and I ended up discovering what I [want to] do in life.”
Another teacher Collier has looked up to while being here at McCallum is PALS teacher Richard Cowles.
“He just has so much wisdom and has devoted so much of his life to service. [and] he runs the PALS program beautifully and has a huge impact on so many people’s lives.”
Though Collier is excited for independence and new opportunities, she will miss the relationships she’s built while in high school.
“I’ve built some of my strongest friendships here and I hope to carry those into college with me.”
Visual Art Major (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th), VASE Regional Medal (9th, 10th, 11th), Silver Key Award (10th, 11th)
Student Council (10th, 11th, 12th), Junior Class President, Senior Class President
National Art Honor Society (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th), Community Service Officer (10th), Junior Officer (11th), Senior Officer (12th)
Newspaper (11th, 12th), Co-opinion editor (12th), 2023 National Press Club Julie Schoo for Diversity in Journalism scholarship, New York Times Summer Program (2022), WRKXFMLY 2020 Photojournalism Competition Award of Excellence, 2022 Quill and Scroll: National Competition Winning Entry, Editorial Cartoon category, “All work and no play makes Mac a dull school” Winning Entry, Multimedia Feature Package category, “Coffeehouse enjoys triumphant return to Mac campus”, Awarded Best of SNO 2021 for Sexual Abuse Walkout Coverage Photo Gallery, “Standing up and walking out” News story, “‘Critical race theory’ bill spurs discussion, criticism”,2022 Awarded Best of SNO Feature profile story, “Cancer can’t stop Callan” News story, “AISD provides free period products in all schools” 2022 TAJE (Texas Association of Journalism Educators) Best in Texas Awards for Superior N7., In-Depth News/Feature Story Excellent 04., Multimedia Presentation Excellent 04., Photo Gallery Superior 026., Editorial Cartoon Superior 016., Staff Editorial -2022 Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA) Best Writing Contest Best of Show: Editorial Cartoon, “Overworked” Best of Show: Environmental Portrait, “Freshman Aubrey Mitchell” Award of Merit: News, “Standing up and walking out” -2023 TAJE (Texas Association of Journalism Educators) Best in Texas Awards for Superior, “Jackson Heights street food vendors provide cultural exchange, struggle to survive amid city restrictions”
Knights Against Sexual Abuse Student Leader (11th, 12th)
Feminism Club (11th, 12th), President (12th)
Rotary Club Co-president (12th)
NHS (11th, 12th)
PALS (12th)
Writing Center (12th)