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
Graphic by Carlo Hinsdale
Classrooms to courtrooms
Kaylee Breecker, staff reporter • October 6, 2025
Head librarian Mathew Zuniga helps freshman Ezra Melendez with her malfunctioning Chromebook on Sep. 17. Ever since library clerk Lauren Alindogen's position was cut, Zuniga has been forced to take over the job of fixing and distributing Chromebooks for almost two thousand students, taking his time away from other library duties.
Books on a budget
October 6, 2025
The state of construction as of Sept. 18th.
Fine arts building recovering from July flooding
September 29, 2025
U.S. Marshals arrest drug offenders during Operation Ignite the Light in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2022. Photo accessed on the Office of Public Affairs Flicker account. Reposted here under a Creative Commons license.
US Marshals arrest AISD custodial specialist on counts of indecency with a minor
September 27, 2025
Opinion
Museum goers viewing Trans Forming Liberty by Amy Sherald. Photo accessed under creative commons on Flickr.
Now is not the time for a rewrite
Arwen Pelletier, opinion editor • October 8, 2025

Gospel music fills the room at the African American History Museum in Washington, D.C., where Emmett Till’s half-opened exhumed casket is held as it was at his funeral in...

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
زیبایی افغانستان و فرهنگ آن
زیبایی افغانستان و فرهنگ آن
September 29, 2025
The beauty of Afghanistan and its culture
The beauty of Afghanistan and its culture
September 29, 2025
Sports
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
Priya Thoppil, print editor-in-chief • October 2, 2025

Earlier this spring, senior Iris Burns-Trahanovsky announced her verbal commitment to the admissions process at Dartmouth College for diving for the class of 2030. Her signing...

A bulldozer sprays water onto the field with a special attachment in the process of installing turf.
Fieldless? Still got fitness
October 2, 2025
Andrew Lavine plays tennis during tournament in Kuršumlijska Banja, Serbia. Photo courtesy of Lavine.
Playing through grief
September 25, 2025
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
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
Sophomore Layne Long attends a JSU meeting during lunch.
Jewish Student Union forges community
Reese Clinchard, staff reporter • October 8, 2025

The Jewish Student Union was founded in April of last year, and in just a short time, it has blossomed into a group of nearly 40 official members, with more students attending...

BIM teacher Ms. Primeaux in her classroom.
Business in fashion
October 8, 2025
Seniors Zara Cacci, Jada Silk and Iris Guzman talk to the class of 2029 during Big Mac Day on Aug. 8.
Linked since day one
October 1, 2025
Jane McKenna with her finished Mosaic, outside the McCallum Arts Center.
Breaking the glass ceiling
October 1, 2025
Andrea Stan Stoiceaux (left) and Aitana Counceiro Bote (right) are both juniors who have decided to spend the entirety of this year staying with host families, and attending McCallum.
All new faces from all different places
September 29, 2025
Entertainment
The summer we tuned into drama
The summer we tuned into drama
Harper Maxwell, staff reporter • October 7, 2025

Every Wednesday, millions of fans tuned into Prime Video’s "The Summer I Turned Pretty" to see where book author and show director Jenny Han would take the show's beloved...

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
The movie poster for Chicuarotes, a movie by Gael Garcia Bernal that tries to show familial violence.
Film review: Chicuarotes
October 2, 2025
Shoppers look for records at Waterloos new location on 1105 N. Lamar.
Waterloo Records thrives in new location
September 30, 2025
Photo Galleries
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
Carlo Hinsdale, Ethan Roberts, Hannah Kahn, Josie Linton, Makenzie Brin, Magnolia Smith, Sam Nash, Sofia Saucedo, Sophia Manos, and Vera Petrowsky • October 2, 2025

Fueled by strong rallies and steady teamwork, the McCallum varsity volleyball team secured a 3–1 victory over Ann Richards on Sept. 26. We are proud to present McCallum's...

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
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
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Trending Stories
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U.S. Marshals arrest drug offenders during Operation Ignite the Light in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2022. Photo accessed on the Office of Public Affairs Flicker account. Reposted here under a Creative Commons license.

US Marshals arrest AISD custodial specialist on counts of indecency with a minor • 322 Views

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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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Daniel Sena in the cafeteria.

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Junior Ellie Wiseman's photo from her official visit at Penn State University.

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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.

Shoal Creek Showdown shows out • 124 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 • 118 Views

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

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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 • 108 Views

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

Pantalla adolescentes • 107 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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