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
Adele Seeboth

Adele Seeboth, editorial writer & business manager

Adele Seeboth is a junior and this is her second year on staff. She is the editorial writer and business manager for The Shield. She loves taking photos and is looking forward to covering different aspects of McCallum. Outside of the paper, Adele is a member of the cross country and track team and also enjoys rock climbing and swimming. Seeboth is prepared to take on her new roles and excited about what this year has to offer.

All content by Adele Seeboth
PAINTING POINTS: Junior Joseph Blackwood performs painting skit for Mr. McCallum pageant on Saturday night. Blackwood came in third for the entire competition after several wins throughout the week's challenges including his second place win for raising the most money in the ice bucket challenge. As a fellow actor, sophomore Hallie Cooper was assigned to be Blackwood's guide througout the week, orienting him where to go and what to do for the various challenges. At the end of the week, Blackwood was awarded third place after all his hard work earning points throughout the week from supporters and sponsors through all the various challenges as well as his final culminating performance on Saturday.  Caption by Josie Mullan. Photo by Lillian Gray.

From knight to king

Carlo Hinsdale, Evelyn Jenkins, Beatrix Lozach, Sophia Manos, Josie Mullan, Piper Norfolk, Callen Romell, and Adele Seeboth
May 13, 2025
Sophomore Lucinda McCollum performs during a group performance of "Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight" by ABBA on Sunday night's closing performance. Due to some pieces being mixed with other classes within the choir program, McCollum explained it was a challenge to find time to rehearse, but the show still ended up being a success. "We only had a few rehearsals where we learned choreo and practiced with the other choirs, but I feel like we had good energy and did well on stage," McCollum said. McCollum said one of the best parts of the show was the audience's reactions to the pieces. "It was really fun watching the audience’s reactions to some of the small groups and hanging out with my friends backstage," McCollum said. Caption by Carlo Hinsdale. Photo by Josie Mullan.

A throwback Saturday and Sunday

JoJo Barnard, Daniela Di-Capua, Carlo Hinsdale, Tallulah McAuliffe, Josie Mullan, Piper Norfolk, Riley Pita, Arwen Pelletier, Adele Seeboth, and Fletcher Vandegrift
May 6, 2025
WORKING TOGETHER: McCallum Dance Company performs the student-choreographed “Dancing with Death” during last Tuesday’s dress rehearsal before the spring dance show. Sophomore Pia Sosa performed in five different numbers during the show and thought that everything went well even despite a few challenges. “I was getting a little worried closer to the end because there were still a lot of changes happening and people getting shuffled around into places,” Sosa said. “But by the tech week and by the shows, it really felt like we all worked together and came together.” Sosa’s favorite part was performing “Come Play,” which was choreographed by junior Maya Tien. Sosa loved being able to work with Tien because of her level of preparation and being able to perform hip hop, since the dance company does not perform that style as much. “It’s the first number I do in the show, and I always just felt like it gave me so much energy,” Sosa said. “It felt really good because we rarely do hip hop, so it just felt like such a great opportunity to do something that I don’t get to do all the time.” Sosa explained that there were some challenges due to sudden changes in several pieces, however Sosa said she was proud of how the company responded as a whole. “Everybody put their best foot forward and pushed through any challenges that they were having,” Sosa said. “I’m really proud of how the company handled it all.” Overall, Sosa said she is grateful for all the work put in by the dance directors and the student choreographers for producing the show. “We couldn’t have put the show together without [them],” Sosa said. “Mac dance is amazing and I can’t wait to choreograph next year.” Caption by Riley Pita. Photo by Harper Maxwell.

Stage blooms for spring show

Harper Maxwell, Sienna Martens, Elizabeth Nation, Piper Norfolk, Adele Seeboth, Chloe Seckar-Martinez, Camilla Vandegrift, Carson Duncan, Priya Thoppil, and Callen Romell
April 29, 2025
Before becoming a teacher and track coach, Thea Ramsey ran Division 1 track at The University of Arizona where she ran long-distance events and steeplechase. Photo courtesy of Ramsey.

D1 to the one

Adele Seeboth, staff reporter
April 19, 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’

Sunday Cardinal, Avital Cuevas, Etta Fannin, Tegan Hahn, Anais Long, Sienna Martens, Katie Martin, Harper Maxwell, Piper Norfolk, Eva Sanchez, and Adele Seeboth
April 17, 2025
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
SHARING THEIR STORIES: Senior Trinity Ritcherson speaks at a panel of African American students during a the second Black History Month assembly on Feb. 25 in the MAC. Ritcherson answered questions about her experience with race at school and health and beauty tips for Black hair and skin.  “I found it really interesting that a lot of the questions we were asked was about taking care of our hair types and skin, so it was fun sharing our personal tips and routines with our peers,” Richerson said. Many questions asked were also focused on dealing with microaggressions or being in a predominantly white space. A microaggression is a comment or action that subtly expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group. “I don’t think our experiences are often shared to the whole student body, so I thought it was really important that we were being open and transparent about struggles we have faced in our own lives,” Ritcherson said. “I think it’s important to teach students, especially at McCallum, that there are those of us who have experienced real microaggressions in our community.” Ritcherson said she hopes the panel allowed the audience to reflect on their inner biases. and continue to learn about other’s experiences. Caption by Nate Williams.

[Photo] 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
Lizzo's "Special" was released by Nice Life and Atlantic Records. Chappell Roan's "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" was released by Amusement Records, an imprint of Island Records. The artists' album covers are included here under the doctrine of fair use.

Rise and fall of new artists

Adele Seeboth, staff reporter
March 4, 2025
Hart performs during 2024 graduation entrance.

Hart hearts her music

Adele Seeboth, staff reporter
February 28, 2025

Adele Seeboth—Beginning Writer portfolio

Adele Seeboth, staff reporter
February 5, 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

[Photo] 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
A future Knight and her mom take a look at elective options at the annual Expo Knight on Jan. 15. The Expo Knight for current students took place during fourth period, and took place for future and prospective students and parents after school. Photo by Adele Seeboth.

[Photo] Photos of the week

November 11, 2014
Graphic shows students’ options during a pep rally period. While many choose to attend the rally in the gym, others go to the cafeteria or, per new administration rules, teacher pods. Photo by Dave Winter. Graphic by Nate Williams

Once roaring, now boring

Adele Seeboth, staff reporter
January 8, 2025
EXCLAIMING FOR THE ECLIPSE: Freshmen Jack Wood, Arwen Pelletier and Cole Truong watch the eclipse from the softball field with their digital media class. Pelletier said she was glad she chose to experience the eclipse with friends at school. “So many kids were exclaiming whenever the clouds broke and you could actually see it,” Pelletier said. “I live really close, and my mom was at home and she was outside. She said that she could hear everyone yelling.” For Pelletier, the highlight of the eclipse was the few seconds when the clouds parted and the eclipse was visible in totality. “I'll always be able to remember what it looks like in my mind,” Pelletier said. “Some things I think about, but I can't remember what they looked like. But this was memorable enough and incredible enough that I'll be able to picture it forever.” Caption by Ingrid Smith.

2024: A year in review in photos

Julia Copas, Morgan Eye, Lillian Gray, Chloe Lewcock, Beatrix Lozach, Sophia Manos, Katie Martin, Emerson Merritt, Josie Mullan, Elizabeth Nation, Callen Romell, Eva Sanchez, Chloe Seckar-Martinez, Adele Seeboth, Ingrid Smith, Priya Thoppil, Camilla Vandegrift, Wren Vanderford, Nate Williams, and Dave Winter
December 31, 2024
This tree was ripped out of the front yard of a residential home in Asheville, N.C.

Twin hurricanes wreak havoc on East Coast

Adele Seeboth, staff reporter
November 25, 2024
AN ABUNDANCE OF OPPORTUNITIES: Senior Harper Freach, a cello player in the chamber orchestra, plays the first movement of “Triptyque” by Yasushi Akutagawa, which they began practicing in August. Freach said she was nervous going into the concert, having recently focused on other pieces. “I was feeling pretty nervous because we hadn't played it for a while because we had been focused on pieces for another concert, so everyone was a little rusty,” Freach said. After the performances, the fine arts majors separated into smaller groups so that the audience could interact with whatever fine arts they were most interested in learning about. Freach’s younger sister is interested in the dance department, so they went into that group. “We went to the dance building and got to watch a bunch of different types of solos of all different dance types to show what you could audition with for your audition and got to talk to the dance teachers,” Freach said. Freach said she had a very different experience with orchestra before high school. “I went to a private school, and we had a very different way of playing, we would have to audition for actual seatings and chairs,” Freach said. “It's different because now you walk into orchestra, and you don't know what to expect. Pringle will either have you play for the class or play with a different section; it's just a very broad range, and you never know what you're going to get. I like it because it tests my abilities and tells me what I need to work on and sometimes shows that I can pick up on things faster than I thought I would be able to.” Freach’s advice for any new Knights is to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. “Any opportunity that you are presented with you should take it,” Freach said. “I couldn't do that my freshman year because we were still pretty shut down due to COVID. I was scared to try other things besides orchestra, but I regret not involving myself in other areas at McCallum where I could have possibly found my passion.” Caption by Shila Gill.

Inspiring aspiring artists

JoJo Barnard, Tristen Diaz, Daniela Di-Capua, Carson Duncan, Shila Gill, Delaney Lavelle, Josie Mullan, Riley Pita, Chloe Seckar-Martinez, Adele Seeboth, Priya Thoppil, and Fletcher Vandegrift
November 19, 2024
JV soccer players scrimmage during eighth period practice on Nov. 15.

First-year math teacher Jada Stewart dances at the Teacher Pep Rally on Sept. 20.

From student teacher to teacher of students

Adele Seeboth, staff reporter
November 14, 2024
Julia Lentz races the five-kilometer course at the UIL District 24-5A Championship on Oct. 11 at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park.

[Photo] Lentz reflects on successful season, looks forward

November 8, 2024
A TRADITION PASSING ON: Senior Daira Benitez twirls her dress, preparing for a spin during the Ballet Folklórico performance in the cafeteria on Oct. 11. Benitez has been in the club for all four years of high school, but joined originally because her sister and cousins had participated in Ballet Folklórico. “It’s basically family tradition,” Benitez said. “And it was my freshman year, so I was scared, I wanted to make friends. And I was like, ‘This is a great opportunity, I’m gonna join.’” Since entering the club, Benitez said she thinks Ballet Folklórico has come a long way. “I really appreciate what we’ve done so far,” Benitez said. “I feel like we’ve really grown as a community, especially within the Hispanic community.” During her freshman year when everyone came back to school from quarantine, Benitez said the Ballet Folklórico club was in disarray. “Everything was messed up,” Benitez said. “Our costumes were not organized, we barely had any money, we couldn’t find any support. It was just chaotic.” Benitez also said losing their previous sponsor, former McCallum Spanish teacher Juana Gun, put pressure on the club to prepare for the new sponsor. But despite these obstacles, Ballet Folklórico has only become more successful. Benitez said the club’s membership was low during her freshman year, at around three people, but now there are closer to 20. “I’m so glad that so many people are hearing about us now,” Benitez said. “And that we get to share our culture, and anybody can join. We just want to share this moment, our pretty costumes, our dances. We want everyone to enjoy it.” Benitez’s favorite part of being in Ballet Folklórico is dressing up and going on trips for performances. “Especially when we go to elementaries or just the festivals we attend,” she said. “I personally like performing, making everyone smile and showing off all the dances.” As a senior, Benitez said she’s sad her time in Ballet Folklórico is coming to an end, because there aren’t many colleges who offer the club. “I’m trying to look around Austin to see if there are any free opportunities for me to keep doing it,” Benitez said. “I guess even if I had to pay, it would still be pretty great. This is something I want to continue doing, because I really enjoy dancing.” Even when Benitez is graduated and long gone, she said she hopes the club will continue to thrive. “I hope after I leave, it’s still as strong,” Benitez said. “I want people to join, and just to see that we’re here.” Caption by Camilla Vandegrift.

[Photo] From the 15th to the 15th, nothing but food, festivities, fun, family, fellowship

Noah Braun, Carlo Hinsdale, Evelyn Jenkins, Sophia Manos, Maggie Mass, Tallulah McAuliffe, Piper Norfolk, Sofia Saucedo, Priya Thoppil, and Camilla Vandegrift
October 22, 2024
Setting a new Pink Week precedent, puppies were introduced into the Pink Week festivities this year. Two 6-week-old puppies-Mae and Millie were brought from Austin Pets Alive, and students, including Mariana Silva shown here, were able to pay to cuddle and play with the puppies. The event turned out to be extremely popular at McCallum with a huge line twisting around the courtyard, and the PALS program reported that just on Tuesday alone, the group raised $700 dollars for the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Texas. Not only did the puppies help to raise money for the BCRC, but the event also served as an adoption event for Austin Pets Alive, as students and their families were given the puppies' information about how to adopt puppies in the future. Caption by Josie Mullan.

PALS work to fight breast cancer, bring campus together

JoJo Barnard, Daniela Di-Capua, Carson Duncan, Josie Mullan, Elizabeth Nation, Chloe Seckar-Martinez, Adele Seeboth, and Fletcher Vandegrift
October 15, 2024
Junior Julia Lentz races the five-kilometer course at the UIL District 24-5A Championship, Oct. 11.

[Photo] Season almost complete

Nate Williams, co-editor in chief
October 11, 2024
Kevin Abstract preforming his ACL set on Sunday during ACL's first weekend

ACL setlist disappoints

Sophia Manos and Adele Seeboth
October 10, 2024
COLALEO IN THE YELLOW SUIT: Senior Joe Colaleo rehearses ferociously confronts the Tuck family about the water that turns people immortal as the cast of McCallum Theater’s fall production Tuck Everlasting blocks a scene. The rehearsal is for the actors to know where to be placed and stand throughout the show. “I am feeling great about the process and creation of the show as a whole,” Colaleo said. “We are working really fast, we are super prepared. Everyone is working really hard, and we are just finishing up learning set traffic, cleaning and perfecting the show.” In the show, Colaleo plays The Man in the Yellow Suit, a character he was hoping to get when auditioning. The character is greedy and selfish and his goal is to become wealthy by selling water from the spring in the woods. “I want the water to sell for money and they are stopping me,” Colaleo said. For Colaleo, Tuck Everlasting represents the start of his senior year and the final season with McCallum Theater. “Playing this role as a senior is very fulfilling and fun,” Colaleo said. “Everyone looks up to you and you get a sense of accomplishment and pride when you see others doing well.” Looking back on his four years in theater production, Colaleo said he wants to do everything he can this year to support the underclassmen and have fun in the rest of the shows this year. “I really appreciate the process a lot more this year, knowing it will be one of the last times I’m doing something like this at McCallum and I won’t see a lot of these people for a long time,” Colaleo said. Caption by Nate Williams.

‘Everlasting’ rehearsal process nears its end

JoJo Barnard, Sunday Cardinal, Tegan Hahn, Delaney Lavelle, Lilah Lavigne, Beatrix Lozach, Sophia Manos, Tallulah McAuliffe, Josie Mullan, Riley Pita, Adele Seeboth, Nico Williamson, and Nate Williams
September 10, 2024
AN EARLY HOMECOMING: Newly appointed assistant principal Gabriel Adame returned to McCallum this year after spending a year obtaining his master’s of education with the UT Texas Principals Leadership Academy. During his studies, Adame acted as an assistant principal at a middle school and an elementary school in order to gain more experience. Nevertheless, Adame felt compelled to return to Mac. “There are three main reasons I came back to McCallum,” Adame said. “Besides the students, who have been incredibly kind, supportive and funny, my colleagues and the friendships I developed here have been a huge part of the reason I came back.” Adame also said the community within the faculty was one of the main reasons he chose to return. “I felt so supported as an AP Biology teacher and coach,” Adame said. “And I can never repay them for the help I received, whether it was in the form of an email that made me feel good about what I was doing as a teacher or whether it was a kind remark as we were cheering on a kiddo in the stands.” Moving forward, Adame plans to take his role as an assistant principal seriously. He’s committed to leading by example when it comes to establishing a work ethic and a positive mindset. “The biggest value I want to embody is integrity,” Adame said. “I really hope that by the time I’m done here, people can really see me for the work that I did and the people I helped. Because really, this job is not about me. This job is about how I can get students to the place they want to be and how can I get teachers to be the best versions of themselves.” Fellow assistant principal Larry Featherstone believes that Adame continuously embodies that integrity. “I feel great about him being back here at McCallum,” Featherstone said. “He’s doing a phenomenal job. He’s training teachers, supporting students, and the best part is that he does it all with a smile on his face. He has a great spirit about him.” No matter how beloved he is on campus, however, Adame takes a humble approach to his work. “I’m a servant of the public, and it’s something I take great pride in, helping people accomplish the goals, the aspirations, the endeavors they set out for themselves,” Adame said. “If I can be a guide for them to navigate that, that’s what I want to do. Those are things I really try to live by, integrity and servitude.”

Fresh faces across the faculty

Daniela Di-Capua, Carson Duncan, Nellie Eschberger, Delaney Lavelle, Josie Linton, Beatrix Lozach, Katie Martin, Sophia Manos, Aubrey Macedo, Harper Binfield Maxwell, Tallulah McAuliffe, Elizabeth Nation, Maddie O’Connor, Arwen Pelletier, Riley Pita, Eva Sanchez, Adele Seeboth, Fletcher Vandegrift, and Nico Williamson
August 27, 2024
Photo by Harper Binfield Maxwell.

PhotoJ students spark creativity through emulation

Harper Binfield Maxwell, Carson Duncan, Olivia Dungan, David Herring, Carlo Hinsdale, Elli Grace Hodges, Katie Hyzak, Sophia Lopez, Beatrix Lozach, Aubrey Macedo, Sophia Manos, Katie Martin, Vivian Moore, Riley Pita, Adele Seeboth, and Cash Sims
July 16, 2024
Natalie Seeboth, 5, stands in her Mardi Gras mask and costume, prepared with a plastic bag to hold all the throws that she catches. Photo courtesy of Seeboth.

Home and perfectly complete

Adele Seeboth, Mac photojournalism
July 3, 2024
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