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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
Graphic shows the consequences associated with each offense number. Graphic by Priya Thoppil.
Texas schools ban phone usage during school day
Priya Thoppil, print editor-in-chief • September 25, 2025
Copy of the New York Times, Sep. 12, 2001
A day to remember
September 24, 2025
Pride stickers available during pride week 2023.
Texas bill bans gender identity clubs
September 22, 2025
Senior Aristotle Balsimo holds up a sign reading "Bullets are not school supplies" to onlookers.
‘End gun violence, no more silence’
September 15, 2025
Opinion
With the start of the 2025-26 school year, a new policy has been implemented. After the passing of House Bill 1481, all personal devices that are capable of receiving communication are not aloud on public school campuses during school hours.
Screen fiends
JoJo Barnard, print managing editor • September 26, 2025

I sit in my science class and breeze through my work. With some time left in the period, I turn to my neighbor, a kid I just met, and strike up a conversation. While this...

Dangers of using AI
Dangers of using AI
September 19, 2025
President Trump at CPAC in 2017 during his first term.
Nothing is beautiful about this bill
July 4, 2025
There is so much more thought and painstaking detail that goes into playing records: operating the needle with a gentle touch so as not to accidentally damage record or player, carefully cleaning the grooves of a record before playing it so it doesn’t skip and placing the vinyl slowly back into its sleeve. Photo accessed on the Lena Flickr account. Reposted here with permission under a creative commons license.
Losing its musical magic
May 21, 2025
Let’s be honest: we use our phones for social media diversions not for learning. They made it harder for us to succeed and to build community in the classroom.
Out of sight, out of mind
May 8, 2025
Sports
Andrew Lavine plays tennis during tournament in Kuršumlijska Banja, Serbia. Photo courtesy of Lavine.
Playing through grief
Riley Pita, people editor • September 25, 2025

Former McCallum student Andrew Lavine, who graduated in 2025, has had many challenges during his tennis career. Moving around between cities, such as Austin, Houston and in...

Junior Ellie Wiseman's photo from her official visit at Penn State University.
From four years old to four-year commit
September 18, 2025
Rivalry games are increasing endangered by conference realignments with universities motivated more by big-money television contracts than longstanding traditions.
An unrivaled tradition
June 4, 2025
Senior Ella Brotman, the captain of the Texas Rowing Center varsity women's team rows in bow seat for race during national championship. Photo courtesy of Brotman.
Making waves
May 23, 2025
The athletic training program visited the University of Texas on Jan. 30. During their visit they saw the strength and conditioning weight room, main sports medicine facility and the sports science division. Photo provided by senior Brianna Miller.
The magnificent seven
May 9, 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
Elizabeth Falkin does an arabesque in Batalha, Portugal during her photo shoot.
Summer spent in Leiria, Portugal
Maya Tackett, people editor • September 24, 2025

Entering East Side Performing Arts, a ballet academy, every afternoon at 4:30 p.m. is part of senior Elizabeth Falkin’s regular routine; however, Oct. 19 brought a different...

Copy editor junior Carlo Hinsdale, former staffer Lillian Gray and I take a Polaroid at the 2025 SXSW EDU conference.
More than a mentor
September 17, 2025
Parts of Kyiv lie in rubble after Russian bombings
The death notebook
September 17, 2025
During a class game, photojournalism teacher David Winter’s students frantically search issues of The Shield to find the layout that Winter asked for. Before the game, he had gone over different types of newspaper layouts, and now the students’ knowledge was being put to the test. For freshman Anais Long, the game was a fun distraction from the stressful environment of the end of the year. “It was so fun running around chasing each other and I got to work with my best friends,” she said. “My team and I all just grabbed a newspaper and were kind of screaming at each other.”
Every direction but also One Direction
June 12, 2025
Wiggins, Swinney, Alvarado and Carlson are four of the 25 2025 Who's Who winners. Click on the name of each Who's Who winner below to see the details of their Mac careers.
25 for the Class of ’25
June 10, 2025
Entertainment
This clock shows the time as 2:17 which is the precise time that the children ran away.
‘Weapons’ hits the mark
Evelyn Jenkins, a&e editor • September 23, 2025

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS After the success of the film “Barbarian” (2022), fans were eager to see what director Zach Cregger had in store for his next film, and...

Cartoon by copy editor Carlo Hinsdale.
The decline of Spotify, the rise of physical media
September 23, 2025
Appetizer of chips n' dips at Nixta.
A-maize-ing spot
September 16, 2025
The iconic band director is all smiles after Austin City Councilman Mike Siegel proclaimed it to be Carol Nelson Day in Austin.
What makes Carol Nelson an icon?
May 27, 2025
Freshman Sofia Moreno sings the national anthem at the Austin FC game on July 29, 2024 against LA Galaxy. Photo provided by Moreno.
Freshman finds her voice
May 17, 2025
Photo Galleries
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
Carlo Hinsdale, Delaney Lavelle, Elizabeth Nation, Emerson Merritt, Fletcher Vandegrift, Julia Copas, Kaylee Breecker, Mira Patel, and Vera Petrowsky • September 25, 2025

On Sept. 13 at the Round Rock Aquatic Center, the McCallum boys and girls water polo teams competed in a tournament, with the girls team coming away with a win against...

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
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.
A fresh start for mac-ulty
September 11, 2025
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.
Shoal Creek Showdown shows out
September 4, 2025
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.
Bandapalooza marches into new year
August 28, 2025
Softball standout Lila Brotherton evades a Crockett defender in the Knights' victory over the Cougars in their quarterfinal matchup. The Knights would defeat Travis in the semifinal game to reach the championship where they lost to Bowie.
Flag football unfurled at district tournament
May 27, 2025
Print Edition
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Trending Stories
1
Like all things, the year of Orwell's dystopian tale of the future came to pass, prompting social and cultural introspection. Credit to unknown artist on theoriginalunderground.com.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: 'Big Brother is watching you' • 162 Views

2
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.

Bandapalooza marches into new year • 109 Views

3
Chamila Muñoz de Grado 12, en su telefono en la clase de Ms. Nix.

Pantalla adolescentes • 105 Views

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Senior Aristotle Balsimo holds up a sign reading "Bullets are not school supplies" to onlookers.

'End gun violence, no more silence' • 100 Views

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The turnout rate among youth voters and Texas voters for the 2020 and 2024 elections. Voter turnout has decreased from 50% of youth voters turnout in 2020, to a 42% turn out in 2024. Overall, the Texas election in 2020 led to a 9.6% turnout decrease indicating a trend in lowering voter turnout rates especially among youths.

2024 election sees decline in younger voters • 91 Views

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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.

A fresh start for mac-ulty • 87 Views

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Desde el campo hasta el escenario

Desde el campo hasta el escenario • 87 Views

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Copy editor junior Carlo Hinsdale, former staffer Lillian Gray and I take a Polaroid at the 2025 SXSW EDU conference.

More than a mentor • 65 Views

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Junior Beatrix Lozach is all smiles while wearing her gold medal as the 5A state champion in ready writing. She also placed fourth in the 5A classification at State in headline writing.

Lozach wins 5A state ready writing title • 61 Views

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Marty catches the breeze on his grandfather's pontoon boat on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia-South Carolina border. Photo courtesy of Henry Winter.

The story of Marty, the family dog • 59 Views

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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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