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
News
A protester holds a No Kings sign up as Mexican and American flags share the Austin skyline.
‘You are not alone’
Beatrix Lozach, online editor-in-chief • October 20, 2025
Alexandria Buzzard teaches her second period Advanced English II class.
Writing the next chapter
October 20, 2025
Front-desk receptionist Sara Zettner takes a phone call, while working in the temporary main office for McCallum. Within the book shelves and art work, Zettner works to fulfill her daily tasks, while awaiting for the original office's completion.
Changing construction deadline disrupts community
October 13, 2025
Principal Andy Baxa, secretary of counselors Tonya Moore and fine arts ambassadors in a meeting featured in shields in the graphic. Despite administration changes, including with Moore's role at the school, the traditions and programs in the fine arts academy will continue on.
Changing of the guard
October 13, 2025
Opinion
Graphic showing an AI resource trying to get into a blocked off classroom. This represents the administrators shutting out AI.
Give AI a second chance
Vera Petrowsky, staff reporter • October 17, 2025

When syllabi were first handed out and discussed on the first days of school, almost every cheating policy involved artificial intelligence. AI tools like ChatGPT have a reputation...

A modern version of Shakespeare with a nose ring, earring and cool glasses.
Why Shakespeare still gets us
October 10, 2025
Museum goers viewing Trans Forming Liberty by Amy Sherald. Photo accessed under creative commons on Flickr.
Now is not the time for a rewrite
October 8, 2025
A diagram explaining the meaning behind Austin's new logo. Image courtesy of austintexas.gov
Where’s the weird?
October 3, 2025
The Friday crowd as the sunsets at ACL 2024 with the Austin skyline in the back.
Just for the experience
October 3, 2025
Sports
Freshmen Annika Ellwanger (left) and Audrey Moss (right) pose for a picture before the LASA rivalry game.
Fresh faces on the court
Josie Linton, news editor • October 16, 2025

This year, two freshmen made the girls varsity volleyball team: Annika Ellwanger and Audrey Moss. Ellwanger has been playing volleyball for four years, and Moss for five....

Assistant cheer coach, Jada Stewart in her classroom.
New faces, same spirit
October 9, 2025
Senior Aaniya Thornton celebrates 1,000 digs with her family after the varsity volleyball game against the LASA Raptors on Friday, Sept. 12.
1,000 digs, one dream
October 9, 2025
Burns-Trahanovsky dives off a 10 meter platform, doing a front 1 1/2 pike about to hit the water, at USADiving Junior Nationals 2023 in Mission Viejo, CA
Diving to Dartmouth
October 2, 2025
A bulldozer sprays water onto the field with a special attachment in the process of installing turf.
Fieldless? Still got fitness
October 2, 2025
Throwback Thursday
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Cafeteria receives makeover: new tables, new murals’ and ‘With a new year, comes a new look’
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Cafeteria receives makeover: new tables, new murals’ and ‘With a new year, comes a new look’
Kevin Turi and Drew Fitzgerald • September 25, 2025

Cafeteria receives a makeover: new tables, new murals Students looking for a bite at the cafeteria this year found a few new changes that go beyond the color of the Jell-o...

Laneta Stefka (Knight Editor), Ann Kinch (Blue Brigade President), and Jo Eickmann (Shield Editor) admire the Victory Bell in its habitat of last year, the Travis High library. Eickamann is pointing out a previous McCallum victory which the Knights hope to duplicate in tonights McCallum-Travis game. Caption and photo by 1957 Shield staff.
Traditional north-south rivalry symbolized by victory bell battle
September 11, 2025
Some students and teachers support the new no pass/no play rule while others think it is unfair and inflexible. Regardless of campus opinion, Texas schools are stuck with the law for at least a year and half.
The grade debate PASS/FAIL
May 22, 2025
DANGEROUS, WILD rocks are becoming less popular to pet rock owners as tame, pedigreed rocks become more available for only $3 to $5.
You’d pay for a rock?
April 24, 2025
TODAY AND EV’RY DAY: The cast and crew held its first performance of Freaky Friday in the MAC on Feb. 20. The musical stars Ellie and Katherine Blake, a mother-daughter duo who swap bodies in this story of self-determination and acceptance. Although the musical is a comedy, it offers a deeper message for audiences according to sophomore Elora Clarke. “I think Freaky Friday is about accepting yourself and everyone around you for who they are, flaws and all, Clarke said. “More than anything it’s about love and positivity and how you should put kindness and acceptance into the world.” Clarke (far right) plays the role of Lois, a sassy wedding photographer helping Katherine with her upcoming wedding. “I’m the photographer that works for weddings magazine to photograph Katherine’s wedding,” Clarke said. “I think my favorite moment in the show is the song ‘What You Got’ with me, Danielle, Torrey and Katherine.” Clarke said that opening night went well despite a few technical errors. “There were a few mistakes and technical errors, but overall I think the energy was good, the audience was good, and everyone gave a great performance.” Caption by Katie Martin.
A Throwback Thursday to ‘Freaky Friday’
April 17, 2025
People
The Japanese National Honor Society hosts a snack sale funded by Asahi imports in May 2025. Asahi imports donated enough snacks to raise enough funds to begin their chapter for the first year.
 Japanese NHS spreads culture, community
Piper Adair, staff reporter • October 22, 2025

The Japanese National Honor Society was founded in spring 2025 by the students in AP Japanese, Japanese 5 and Bond Sensei. This fall it has expanded to a group of 15 students...

Amy Brodbeck, head volleyball coach, head of the english department and student Council, poses for picture.
Brodbeck does it all
October 15, 2025
AP Biology teacher Ishan Saharoy assists junior Berit Ellwanger during class.
From Viking to Longhorn to Knight
October 15, 2025
Sophomore Layne Long attends a JSU meeting during lunch.
Jewish Student Union forges community
October 8, 2025
BIM teacher Ms. Primeaux in her classroom.
Business in fashion
October 8, 2025
Entertainment
Taylor Swift performs her "Lover" set at the Eras Tour on April 21, 2023.
‘The Life of a Showgirl’ shines in production value, but is lyrically mundane
Sienna Martens and Arwen Pelletier • October 21, 2025

On Oct. 3, Taylor Swift released her twelfth studio album, titled "The Life of a Showgirl." The album has 12 tracks, with the final and title song featuring Sabrina Carpenter....

Graphic by Elizabeth Nation
‘Man’s Best Friend’ lacks emotional depth
October 14, 2025
The summer we tuned into drama
The summer we tuned into drama
October 7, 2025
Graphic by Mira Patel
Battle of the balms
October 3, 2025
The movie poster for Chicuarotes, a movie by Gael Garcia Bernal that tries to show familial violence.
Crítica de cine: Chicuarotes
October 2, 2025
Photo Galleries
A protester holds a No Kings sign up as Mexican and American flags share the Austin skyline.
‘You are not alone’
Beatrix Lozach, online editor-in-chief • October 20, 2025

WARM WELCOME: Freshman Juliana Lotz performed her long prepared monologue on October 6th during the Freshman Theatre Showcase. During this year's showcase, Lotz highlighted that the amount of people cheering in the crowd was special to her and made her feel comfortable in her ability on stage. "I wasn't really that nervous after all,” Lotz said. “It was a very supportive space considering the turnout of the older theatre majors.” In the past week, Lotz and other freshman theatre students were given one week of time to practice their monologues in class previous to the showcase. In her monologue, “Between the Lines,” Lotz mentioned she was very excited to perform in the play because it was challenging herself to exaggerate her act and fully pursue herself to the audience. “I’ve always imagined myself wanting to go on and do acting at McCallum,” Lotz said. “My major takeaway is getting my timing down but I think that's honestly it.” Caption by Ethan Roberts. Photo by Isadora Truan.
Debut acts, big impact
October 16, 2025
HONORING HER HERITAGE: Last Tuesday, McCallum’s Ballet Folklorico put on a showcase in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Senior Abigail Peacock says it was nice for Folklorico to showcase their traditional Hispanic folk dance during Hispanic Heritage month, due to the fact that they are no longer able to perform for Cinco de Mayo. Because of the new Texas laws that prevent certain cultural groups from performing, Peacock says they will take what they can get, and Hispanic Heritage Month was the perfect opportunity to celebrate dance. “To me, it's important that Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated at McCallum because it's an integral part of our school's culture,” Peacock said. “Additionally, it's especially important that we are able to dance for Hispanic Heritage Month because we may not be able to put on a Cinco de Mayo this year. Our club works hard, and I think there should be a way to showcase our hard work to the school.” Peacock says the Folklorico dance is an important part of Hispanic culture, and can represent various Hispanic cultures and backgrounds through music and art. “Folklorico is representative of the different cultural influences that come together to create Hispanic culture,” Peacock said. “Folklorico originated as a combination of indigenous and Spanish-style dances, and can represent different regions of Mexico that have unique dance attire and steps that show even more specific influences and history of the individual regions.” For Peacock, the community that surrounds Folklorico is what makes the club such a welcoming and fun environment where students can spread Hispanic culture. “My favorite part about being in Folklorico has been learning about and being able to experience Hispanic culture. It is what makes Texas so special, and I have loved becoming more involved in the community that surrounds me,” Peacock said. “I've also loved meeting everyone involved in Folklorico, from teachers to club members and people involved in our events. It really has been such a wonderful experience.” Caption by Sofia Saucedo.
Homage to heritage
October 9, 2025
VOLLEYBALL BUDDIES: Junior Mia Davis and Senior Kafia Jackson-Woods join hands after a play against Ann Richards Varsity at Ann Richards on September 26. Both student sections were energized. Moments prior, the girls had scored and brought the points up. Davis, one of two setters, felt grateful to have Jackson-Woods by her side. “I’ve played with Kafia since my freshman year because we were both on JV,” Davis said. “I really like her competitive spirit, and that she isn't afraid to tell me what I need to fix so that we can connect better. I just really like her energy and her personality.” Playing with her friends gives Davis more confidence and assuredness. She knows how the girls will play and how her teammates feel. However, because the gym was smaller, the crowd was louder. Davis believed that affected the team’s play. “I think we let the crowd get to us a little bit because when we were on the side with our student section, we kept them 12 and under,” Davis said. “When we were on the other side they beat us in one set and we went over 25.” Caption by Carlo Hinsdale.
Setting the stage for success
October 2, 2025
BEATING BOWIE: Senior Will Bowman swims towards the ball, attempting to gain possession, in the first district tournament for water polo on Sep. 13. The Knights faced Austin High, Anderson, Bowie, and LASA, but Bowman’s favorite game was their victory over Bowie. “It was great,” Bowman said. “We knew going into the game we had a good shot, and we were able to deliver.” Although Bowman wishes the Knights had beaten Bowie by a greater number of points, he enjoyed the consistency of the Knights’ performance. “We didn’t crush them hard,” Bowman said. “But it’s fun when you’re actually playing and shooting goals and doing good.” Bowman primarily plays point, covering the middle of the court and making long passes. He occasionally fills in at set. He acknowledges that while the position still feels difficult, he has greatly improved at it since freshman year, when he began playing water polo for the first time. “When I was a freshman, I was a skinny little kid,” Bowman said. “I still am, but I know what I am doing, and it’s pretty satisfying.” After playing water polo all four years in high school, Bowman will miss the sport when he goes to college next year. “It’s a little unfortunate this is my last time playing because I don’t think I’m going to play in college,” Bowman said. “At least I’ll have memories of these four years.” Bowman has one more opportunity to form more memories with the water polo team this Saturday, Sep. 27, at the second district tournament. If the team wins one game, they will advance to bi-districts which will take place on Oct. 6. Bowman hopes not only to make bi-districts but to make a run in the playoffs and believes that the team can as long as it plays consistently. “As long as we’re making goals and hitting well, we should do good,” Bowman said. Caption by Elizabeth Nation.
Treading toward success
September 25, 2025
CALLING THE PITCHES AND THE SHOTS: Senior Grace Yemington catches pitches behind the plate during the softball team’s fall ball practices. For Yemington, softball has been a part of her life for 12 years and catching’s a family tradition. “My older sister was a catcher, so I decided to follow in her footsteps,” she said. Consistently serving as a reliable player for the team, Yemington now thrives in the leadership side of the position. “I like being able to sort of conduct the infield; help call pitches, remind infielders of the play, and play an important role on the field,” she explained. Looking ahead, Yemington is primed and ready to close out her senior year strong. “I’m looking forward to this season and excited to continue playing fall ball with the team this year,” she said. Caption by V Overstreet. Photo by Magnolia Smith.
Softball’s soft launch
September 18, 2025
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GRAND REVEAL: Sophomore Cruz Gonzales performs alongside the other baritone saxophone players during Bandapalooza on Aug 22. Bandapalooza allowed the band to perform what they’ve been practicing during the summer to an audience full of friends and family. While this wasn’t the band’s first full run through, it was their first in front of an audience. “I feel like we’ve done better in rehearsals, and due to the pressure and other things, it hindered our performance a little bit, but I was still proud,” Gonzales said. One thing that Gonzales pointed out that the band needs to work on in the future is making sure everybody knows exactly where they’re supposed to be and knows the repetition. This performance also allowed the band to introduce their new theme of Gothic Renaissance to their audience. “This year’s costumes are totally different,” Gonzales said. “We have hip capes and shako hats, which is a big change from last year.” Looking towards the future and big pictures, Gonzales wants the band to have a successful season and make state. “Considering how close it was last year, we were pretty bummed,” he said. “So this year, I think everybody is really trying to work harder to get there and make state again.” Caption by Maya Tackett. Photo by Wren Vanderford.

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ONE LAST BATTLE CRY: Senior Valeria Villafuerte-Perez celebrates with her friends after the senior class won the spirit competition. At each pep rally, a different game is played with volunteers from the crowd. Villafuerte-Perez was nominated by her friends to play a game in which the goal was to snatch a pom-pom from an opponent. “Before school started, my friends and I had talked about going all out for senior year, so I told them to nominate me for a game since it was our last [Shoal Creek Showdown] pep rally,” Villafuerte-Perez said. “I wasn’t really scared to go down to the floor in front of the whole school, all I was focused on was getting the crowd hyped for the game.” Villafuerte-Perez entered the game determined to win. After several rounds, as there were just two people left, she managed to snatch the last pom just in time, in order to secure a victory for the senior class. “I was really happy I won the game for the class of 2026,” Villafuerte-Perez said. “Honestly, I just wanted to win because seniors rule.” As this was her first pep rally as a senior, the event carried extra meaning to Villafuerte-Perez. “Being in the stands as a senior feels very surreal,” Villafuerte-Perez said. “I still remember my first  pep rally, and now I’m a senior having my last pep rally, I think in that moment it really set in that I’m a senior, and that I’m going to graduate soon.” Caption by Sophia Manos. Photo by Julia Copas.

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FROM PLAYGROUNDS TO PLAYWRIGHTS: In room 103, one can find a bustling classroom of students lively chatting and working. The new English teacher, Abigail Pfeiffer, said she feels quite at home here. “I love the students here,” Pfeiffer said. “It’s been such a pleasure to teach them.” This is Pfeiffer’s second year of teaching. Her previous teaching experience was for a fourth grade classroom. Some might say fourth grade to 10th is a huge jump, but Pfeifer has been facing it with great enthusiasm. She majored in English in college and finds that a high school setting gives her more room to explore her passion. “There’s much more freedom when teaching high schoolers,” Pfeifer said. “I really get to put my skills to work.” Pfeiffer was drawn to McCallum because of its commitment to Fine Arts and its welcoming community. So far, her experience at Mac has not let her down. “It’s clear how passionate students are, and it’s very inspiring to see,” Pfeiffer said. Ultimately, Pfeiffer’s hope for this year is for her students to feel accomplished and for her to feel as if she taught them something worthwhile. Caption by Zanna Allen.

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SPECIAL EDUCATOR: In an off-the-court victory for boys basketball, Coach Carlin Shaw was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year today. Shaw is a Social Behavior Skills teacher and a special education case manager, and he is the head JV boys basketball coach and an assistant coach for varsity boys basketball. Assistant principal Gabriel Adame presented Shaw with a gift basket in the large gym, announcing his win. Shaw had tears in his eyes as he expressed his gratitude for the community that motivates him. Video by Dave Winter.
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