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
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

Shila Gill, Lillian Gray, Evelyn Jenkins, Beatrix Lozach, Sophia Manos, Maggie Mass, Josie Mullan, Adele Seeboth, and Fletcher Vandegrift
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

Beatrix Lozach, Katie Martin, Josie Mullan, Elizabeth Nation, Mira Patel, Eva Sanchez, Sofia Saucedo, and Maya Tackett
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

Kaylee Breecker, Mac photojournalism
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

JoJo Barnard, Delaney Lavelle, Sienna Martens, Sophia Manos, Maggie Mass, Elizabeth Nation, Callen Romell, Maya Tackett, Priya Thoppil, Isa Truan, Camilla Vandegrift, Nate Williams, and Harriet Zettner
March 18, 2025
Sophomore Paityn Jones sings "Lift Every Voice and Sing" for the Black History Month assembly on Feb. 10. Written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was originally a poem but became the official song of the NAACP in 1919 and became even more prominent during the Civil Rights Movement. In the wake of George Floyd's murder in 2020, the NFL made the song a fixture at its championship game. Caption by Wren Vanderford. Photo by Jasmine Aung.

Acknowledging and celebrating Black history, culture and expression

Daniela Di-Capua, Tegan Hahn, Beatrix Lozach, Josie Mullan, Piper Norfolk, Riley Pita, Callen Romell, Maya Tackett, Wren Vanderford, Fletcher Vandegrift, and Nate Williams
March 11, 2025
LOOMING LARGE: Sutton Hall, five stories of aged brick, stands for the University of Texas at Austin’s architecture students. It is the powerhouse of their creativity, drive, passion, and dedication. It’s a space senior student Emily Kahn has gotten to know very well over the past four years. “The first year, we were all in the attic together,” Emily said. “We hated being in the attic; we were like, ‘Why do they have us up here? Why don’t we rebel?’ but looking back, it was probably one of my favorite times. It was like, we’re all in the same space; we’re going to become friends, you know?” Four years of drawings, models, site visits and final reviews later, Emily said goodbye to Sutton Hall.

Pieces of a journey

Hannah Kahn, Mac photojournalism
March 4, 2025
Among the attendees at the PTA rally on Monday there were lots of proud parents, advocating for their students' schools and giving their children a voice. Two parents and PTA members, Jenny Rasco and Ashley Baker, were fighting for Timbercreek Elementary in Lewisville ISD.  “We wanted to advocate for our kids because they deserve better,” Rasco said. “We’re pushing for raising the basic allotment for students, and to make sure that Gov. Abbott knows that we don’t want the vouchers.”  Lots of parents view the vouchers to be harmful, not just within their inner circles but across the state.  “For me personally I don’t think my kids will be affected directly; however, vouchers don’t work for all the kids in Texas,” Rasco said. “Not every parent can come out here and advocate for that, and someone should, which is why we’re here. This shouldn’t be a political issue, it should be about the kids. It shouldn't be a right side or left side issue, just wanting the best for the future of our Texas kids.”  Baker and Rasco were both proud of how many people showed up to spread the word, just like them, and seeing government officials alongside them.  “The speakers were great, especially here in front of the Capitol,” Rasco said. “I’m happily relieved that all of the government isn’t supporting these vouchers we’re fighting against. It’s very comforting to know that there are people fighting with us. There’s a lot of people here, and it was a great turnout.”  Caption by Wren Vanderford. Reporting by Mira Patel and Sofia Saucedo.

Public school advocates descend on Capitol demanding more funding and assailing proposed vouchers

Lillian Gray and Wren Vanderford
February 26, 2025
THE FINAL SHOT: For senior Jaiden Booe Senior Knight was the single best moment of the entire district season. After nearly finishing undefeated the win against LASA, and the secured spot in the first round of UIL playoffs summed up Booe’s love for basketball all in one game. “[My favorite thing about playing] is making memories with the team because we are all about to graduate,” Booe said. “Just playing, having fun with the guys knowing it's the last home game at McCallum.” For Booe the pre-game ritual to the teams' basketball games was another highlight during his years on the team. “My favorite thing about playing is the pre-game shooting with my teammates in the back gym,” Booe said. “We practiced hard and made sure to have fun.” For Booe basketball ends in high school, however he plans on continuing his athletic endeavors at Kilgore College for football. Caption by Chloe Lewcock. Photo by Julia Copas

Senior Knights get royal sendoff

Shila Gill, Chloe Lewcock, Beatrix Lozach, Arwen Pelletier, Maya Tackett, Callen Romell, Fletcher Vandegrift, Nate Williams, and Josie Mullan
February 19, 2025
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. Caption by Nate Williams.

Battle of the Bands brings Mac musicians together

Shila Gill, Lillian Gray, Maggie Mass, Sophia Manos, Josie Mullan, Callen Romell, Sofia Saucedo, Priya Thoppil, Camilla Vandegrift, Wren Vanderford, and Nate Williams
February 12, 2025
Junior Paige Mitchell leaps during group performance for Blue Brigade's annual show-off held last Wednesday commencing the contest season.

Twirl, leap and spin into contest season

Daniela Di-Capua, Evelyn Jenkins, Josie Linton, Sienna Martens, Harper Maxwell, Katie Martin, Piper Norfolk, Elizabeth Nation, and Mira Patel
February 4, 2025
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: Senior Sasha Grapko is highlighted on stage by a spotlight during the McCallum Youth Dance Company show this past Thursday and Friday at the AISD PAC. The company put in tireless efforts to make the show a reality with late rehearsals and all-day preparations at the PAC in the days leading up to the show. The show was unique with multiple ensembles performing throughout the night. Since the company consists of students ranging from their freshmen to senior years, the dances vary in complexity which created a balance throughout the program over the two days. Overall, the efforts of the dancers and choreographers paid off, and the show was a success. As Grapko is shining above, every McCallum dancer was able to highlight their commitment to the program with their performances. Caption by Arwen Petellier. Photo by Adele Seeboth

McCallum Youth Dance Company delivers ‘moving’ showcase

Daniela Di-Capua, Carson Duncan, Chloe Lewcock, Beatrix Lozach, Josie Mullan, Piper Norfolk, Arwen Pelletier, Callen Romell, Chloe Seckar-Martinez, Maya Tackett, Fletcher Vandegrift, and Nate Williams
January 29, 2025
AN UNLIKELY PAIRING: Fried chicken/biscuits and a weight room. These two things are not the kind of businesses that you would be expecting to work together let alone share the same building. Dane's Body Shop and Bird Bird Biscuit both use up half of a singular building at 2701 Manor Road. Surprisingly, they actually work together very well even if they provide opposite results for their customers. Both Dane Krager, the owner of Dane’s Body Shop, and Brian Batch, the owner of Bird Bird, believe in positivity about oneself. They both think that it is good to treat yourself to some biscuits once you have finished working out. Along with that, Dane also thinks that being alongside Bird Bird benefits his business. “Whenever they’re sitting and eating biscuits,” Dane said, “They will look up and feel guilty, which pushes them into buying a membership.”

Barbells and biscuits

Lucy Tepera, Mac photojournalism
January 21, 2025
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