Being able to contribute meaningfully to the McCallum Journalism program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my high school career. Whether it’s through capturing moments that are featured on our website, sharing photos that garner thousands of likes on social media, or seeing my work used by fellow staff members in their stories, every opportunity reinforces my passion for journalism.
Photography has taken me to events I never would have attended otherwise, and each assignment challenges me to push my creative boundaries and broaden my perspective. Through journalism, I’ve not only grown as a photographer, writer and interviewer, but I’ve also built meaningful connections across the city and found a deeper sense of purpose. I’m especially proud of the behind-the-scenes collaboration that happens at pep rallies—seeing how many people come together to create a single Instagram post is truly awe-inspiring. It’s in these moments that I’m reminded how grateful I am to be part of such a dedicated and talented community. The experiences I’ve had this year have sparked a genuine passion for photography, and I’m excited to continue capturing the photos that matter most next year.
REACHING FOR THE STARS: Junior Zane Shieh sings an original song while playing the guitar with his band, Spiral Maze, at the Battle of the Bands last Thursday. He sings the long note of his band’s original song entitled “Reach,” a part of a new album coming soon. “This is my second year doing Battle of the Bands and with Spiral Maze,” Shieh said. “We had a pretty tight set, but I think it went really well, and the crowd liked us a good bit.” Shieh said his excitement toward playing at the Battle of the Bands this year was being able to showcase his band’s new music. “My favorite part was performing our new song, and playing for a bunch of my friends was super sick,” Shieh said. “It was stressful at first—like a little nervous—but it all cleared up right after the first song, and the atmosphere was very chill.” While it was not his band’s first time performing in front of a crowd, Shieh said he loves playing music at his own school and performing original music. “We’ve played at the Austin Rodeo two times and a few restaurants like Tamale House and Freddo’s ATX,” Shieh said. Shieh and his band will be back performing at school at the upcoming first annual McCallum Art Party fundraiser on Feb. 22.
Published Feb. 12 on the Shield Online.
A KNIGHT OF DANCE: Sophomore Opal Rodgers performs a solo moment during a group performance for Mac Dance’s spring dance show, “The Art of Being.” “I loved this ballet piece because not only did it turn out well, but I loved having the opportunity to choreograph,” Rodgers said. “I also loved being able to do this show surrounded by the people and community I love.” Rodgers said her favorite part about the show was getting to bond with her friends backstage and the audience’s enthusiasm for all the pieces. “My favorite moment from the whole show was probably the second night after we finished our ballet piece,” Rodgers said “It felt like the best run we’d ever done.”
Published April 29 on the Shield Online.
DANCING WITH THE KING: Seniors Kai Talebi and Devon Robinson take the opportunity to dance with seniors Ajay Woolf moments after he was announced as the 2025 prom king.
Published April 27 on the MacJournalism Insta account.
Big Bend National Park is part of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Preserve, which uses dark sky policies to prevent light pollution.
Published Feb. 22 on the Shield Online.
ONE LAST BATTLE CRY: Seniors Joe Colaleo and Theo Northcutt dressed as Mario and Waluigi cheer hard as they win their last senior battle cry. “I was very excited and happy because we had just won,” Colaleo said. “Now that I look back on it, it feels a little sad knowing I can’t go to another one.” Colaleo said although the moment was bittersweet, it’s also nice to know other things in life are coming up. Colaleo and his two friends said they dressed as Mario characters because it was a simple and fun costume idea. “I decided on the costume because it’s so iconic and recognizable,” Colaleo said.
