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
Elena Ulack

Elena Ulack, staff reporter

All content by Elena Ulack
YEAR TWO: Sophomores Luciana Ramirez and Sofia Saucedo walk through the busy halls before the start of classes. For Saucedo the start of sophomore year was easy and straightforward. “I was expecting almost the same thing as last year,” Saucedo said. “I am expecting more challenging classes than last year and new people.” According to Saucedo the first day provided many highlights. “Seeing all my friends and seeing what classes I have was fun,” Saucedo said. “And also what the year is going to look like” Saucedo has two main things she is looking forward to. “I am looking forward to soccer and my classes,” Saucedo said. Caption by Naomi Di-Capua.

A first day filled with firsts

JoJo Barnard, Julia Copas, Naomi Di-Capua, Gaby Esquivel, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Chloe Lewcock, Helen Martin, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Elena Ulack, and Francie Wilhelm
August 15, 2023
Aasja Wren poses in between her parents as the sole honoree of the basketball team on Senior Night on Feb. 13.

Throw hard or go home

Elena Ulack, staff reporter
May 29, 2023
MAKING MOO-VES IN THE ENSEMBLE: Sophomores Zoe Maxwell and Robin Kulhanek, senior Atticus Adair, juniors Addie Knight and Henry Mayes and sophomore Zalie Mann perform "Notice Me" on the opening night of Cows: the Moosical. Maxwell, who was a member of the three-person ensemble, found dancing on Cows to be an especially intimate experience compared to their past experiences with MacTheater. “I had worked with everyone in the cast before, and it was really refreshing to have fun with something that was so homemade,” Maxwell said. Not only was Cows a smaller-scale production but also a faster-paced one. According to Maxwell, rehearsals were hectic but still fun. “There were probably only a few rehearsals where everybody in the cast was there,” Maxwell said. “[Mann] and I spent the week before and of the show running back and forth between Cows rehearsal and Mac Dance rehearsals. It was very much ‘down to the last minute’ kind of rehearsal, but once the adrenaline kicked in, everything came together.” During this frenzied pre-show period, Maxwell worked closely with director, choreographer and writer senior Anderson Zoll to perfect her performances of the many dance numbers throughout the show. “I had some prior experience working with Anderson as the choreographer for both Pippin and Descendants, but it was really incredible seeing him work not just for choreo, but writing, staging and managing all together,” Maxwell said. “I think he’s a great choreographer, and he’s super open to suggestions and collaboration.” Once the lights were on and the stage was set, Maxwell saw the fruits of their, and the rest of cast and crew’s, labor reflected in the audience’s reactions. “[I loved] watching the cast from the sides and hearing the crowd laugh at all the parts I love in the show,” Maxwell said. “I think also getting to perform in the FABT for the first time was a great experience.” Caption by Francie Wilhelm.

‘Cows’ a graze show with mooving performances

JoJo Barnard, Kate Boyle, Julia Copas, Lanie Sepehri, Alice Scott, Elena Ulack, Lucas Walker, and Francie Wilhelm
May 2, 2023
Oliver Harrington

Oliver Harrington

Elena Ulack and Francie Wilhelm
May 1, 2023

Banned Book Club fights censorship, fosters community, conversation … one book at a time

Ingrid Smith and Elena Ulack
April 12, 2023
Sophomore Callen Romell poses with her district team championship medal. Romell also placed second individually at the 5A district meet.

Callen on the course

Elena Ulack, staff reporter
April 9, 2023
Birkholz created a self portrait titled "Slumped in Grandma's coat and chair" in 2020.

Everything Edie

Elena Ulack, staff reporter
April 2, 2023
LET THEM EAT CAKE: Senior Scarlett Bowmen (left) and junior Edie Birkholz (right) walk down the runway holding two cakes in outfits designed by seniors Jaoquin Godines, Clarrisa Villarreal and Esme Moreno. After directing the fashion show last year, Birkholz decided to get involved in a new way. Modeling was nerve-racking, but with her previous knowledge of the fashion show Birkholz was ready for the challenge.  “I was like third to go on so I was definitely nervous about messing up,” Birkholz said. “But I thought it was fun to be pampered and put on an outfit that I didn’t have to choose. I was initially going to change during half-time and put on a different thing, but I was like I don’t feel like doing that. I felt awesome and beautiful in Joaquin, Clarrisa and Esme’s stuff.” Birkholz enjoyed every part of the show and the outfit she wore, but her favorite part was the hoopskirt.  “I felt like a cake. I felt like I was the cake, and I think everyone should wear hoopskirts to school,” Birkholz said. “ I was like walking around backstage and telling everyone to move because I was taking up so much space. I don’t know, it was just awesome and I felt fancy.” Caption by Eliza Jensen. Photo by Morgan Eye.

Fashion show ‘reflects’ artistic identities

JoJo Barnard, Morgan Eye, Chloe Lewcock, Helen Martin, Ingrid Smith, Elena Ulack, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
February 21, 2023

Knights vanquish Jaguars in second faceoff to stay unbeaten in district play, crack 5A state Top 25

JoJo Barnard, Isley Cameron, Lillian Gray, Amira Habib Weymouth, Stella Little, Helen Martin, Elena Ulack, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
January 24, 2023
To Lucente, bird-watching can be as simple as gazing out the window and walking around or seeking out different bird noises or sightings and trying to identify them.

Bringing birding to Mac

Elena Ulack, staff reporter
January 13, 2023
BACK TOGETHER AGAIN: Former McCallum soccer players pose for a group photo at the annual varsity vs. alumni match. The teams of graduated Knights consisted of students as recent as the Class of ‘22 all the way back to 2003. After two years of COVID delays, coach Nick Martin was finally able to hold the match on Dec. 28.  “[The alumni game] provides like a continuity for the program. It doesn’t matter what year you are,” Martin said. While some organizational changes were made to the event this year, with matches being held tournament style rather than a free-for-all, Martin maintained the spirit of community that the match holds for his past and current players.  “Getting the chance to come back and see each other whilst also playing some soccer is something me and my friends have a hard time turning down,” class of 2021 alumn Aiden Golliher said. “I’d predict and hope that as the years continue, the close-knit community the boys varsity had will continue [and] that will allow this program to grow.” Caption by Francie Wilhelm. Photo by Morgan Eye.

First alumni ‘game’ since 2019 morphs into ‘everything, everywhere, all at once’ scrimmages

JoJo Barnard, Julia Copas, Morgan Eye, Chloe Lewcock, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Elena Ulack, Francie Wilhelm, and David Winter
January 10, 2023
NSPA Photo of the Year winner Elena Ulack, news photo, honorable mention "PARENTS OF TRANS YOUTH PROTEST AT CAPITOL" Trans youth parent Susan Mack attended the Trans Youth Rally at the Capitol on March 1. “My trans kid is beautiful,” Mack said. “From the time that they came out, they've really helped me change and grow my perspective and be more empathetic to everyone who is trans.” Mack gave a powerful speech about when she first became aware of the legislation and how she wanted to hide her head in the sand like an “ostrich.” She didn't want to accept the reality for her child. After doing some reflection, Mack realized that the only way to protect her child and other trans children is to fight for them and try to vote out of office the people currently attacking them. “What I found is that kids need help, not just my kid, but all trans kids, because trans kids are kids,” Mack said. “Hopefully [people showing up today] will help them know that there are a lot of Texans who do actually support them.”

[Photo] A gallery of MacJ’s national award winners

The Knight and Shield staffs
November 22, 2022
NSPA Photo of the Year winner Elena Ulack, news photo, honorable mention "PARENTS OF TRANS YOUTH PROTEST AT CAPITOL" Trans youth parent Susan Mack attended the Trans Youth Rally at the Capitol on March 1. “My trans kid is beautiful,” Mack said. “From the time that they came out, they've really helped me change and grow my perspective and be more empathetic to everyone who is trans.” Mack gave a powerful speech about when she first became aware of the legislation and how she wanted to hide her head in the sand like an “ostrich.” She didn't want to accept the reality for her child. After doing some reflection, Mack realized that the only way to protect her child and other trans children is to fight for them and try to vote out of office the people currently attacking them. “What I found is that kids need help, not just my kid, but all trans kids, because trans kids are kids,” Mack said. “Hopefully [people showing up today] will help them know that there are a lot of Texans who do actually support them.”

FUN WITH FRIENDS: Sophomores Hazel Trominski, Julia Rasp and Zalie Mann pose for the camera during Pink Week’s lunch festivities. Students in the science courtyard throughout the week enjoyed the activities while spending time with friends and sporting their best pink wear. Rasp went all-out during Pink Week, pink being her favorite color. “I think it’s awesome that they’re raising money for breast cancer awareness and doing fun stuff and that a lot of it is student-organized,” Rasp said. Caption by Camilla Vandegrift.

Pink Week 2022 sets standard for fun, fundraising

Evie Barnard, JoJo Bernard, Isley Cameron, Jolie Gabriel, Chloe Lewcock, Gergo Major, Helen Martin, Emerson Merritt, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Rio Sotelo, Sofia Thatcher, Elena Ulack, Camilla Vandegrift, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
October 4, 2022
ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES: Seniors Mira Wagner and Tyler Mankinen duke it out during the first moments of the final round at the Cap City Marching Competition. The 2022 marching show “Seeing Stars” gets its name from its boxing theme, and according to Wagner, who represents the woodwinds section, the early fight scene “definitely sets the tone.” “Right off the bat you see two people fighting so you know that this show is full of energy,” Wagner said.”  “Even throughout the show the woodwinds and brass are ‘competing’ against each other which goes with the boxing theme.” Mankinen, who represents the brass section, believes the fight scene is a crucial element in the marching show.  “[The fight scene] usually gets the crowd pumped up and draws the attention of the audience into the show,” Mankinen said. “The show is super unique and seeing the crowd react to an unconventional element of a marching show is really exciting.”  Caption and photo by Morgan Eye.

Band shines bright at Cap City

JoJo Barnard, Gaby Esquivel, Morgan Eye, Helen Martin, Devin Neal, Alice Scott, Ingrid Smith, Elena Ulack, and Francie Wilhelm
September 27, 2022
During the first faculty meeting of the school year, principal Nicole Griffith welcomes new social studies teachers Jennifer Richter and Catherine O'Neal.

New school year brings mix of young, veteran teachers

Sophie Leung-Lieu, Kate Boyle, Alice Scott, Chloe Lewcock, Elena Ulack, Naomi Di-Capua, Sofia Thatcher, and JoJo Barnard
September 20, 2022
FIVE-STAR CAPTAIN: In "One Night Only," the opening number of the spring show on Saturday night, Blue Brigade captain Charli Cevallos is front and center setting the mood and tempo for the number and entire show. Cevallos said the opening number of the spring show is always upbeat and fun and this year’s edition was no exception. Cevallos said she remembers the moment as one of pure adrenaline. “Since opener is the first dance, the excitement is running high and it’s such a great feeling to be performing our hard work for an audience.” As the photo suggests, the team was able to perform the number in sync even though it was a new dance choreographed exclusively for the spring show by first lieutenant Annabel Winter (left) and senior lieutenant Emily Garza. “Opener was our first spring show dance we learned,” Cevallos said, “and it came together super well. … [It was] definitely a team favorite.” Cevallos said her favorite part of the number was the very beginning when Winter (left) woke her up stage left from a deep sleep to start the show. “It’s so fun,” she said, “and the audience loved it.” For the first time in three years, that audience was in the MAC and at full capacity without pandemic restrictions.

‘Starry Knights’ return to their proper alignment

Zahraa Alogaili, Naomi Di-Capua, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Helen Martin, Madelynn Niles, Charlie Partheymuller, Alice Scott, Elena Ulack, Kennedy Weatherby, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
May 3, 2022
Senior Kyla Murphy embraces Mia Gomez as part of a team celebration after Gomez scored her 130th goal this season. The milestone was a goal that Gomez set at the beginning of the season. “It was really exciting,” she said, “It was a playoff game, so going into it I knew I really wanted to score for the team, but also I had in the back of my head that I was at 129.” Gomez’s goal was the third and final goal of the game. “It was nice to seal the game,” she said, “but overall I was really excited that I was able to score in the playoff game.” Caption by Cassidy Levin. Photo by Dave Winter.

Knights tame Panthers to repeat as bi-district champs

Meliah Arias, Oliver Boyd, Chris Ferina, Cassidy Levin, Grace Vitale, Elena Ulack, and Kennedy Weatherby
March 29, 2022
Coach Kehn instructs the girls basketball players from the sidelines at the team's playoff game against the Pflugerville Panthers. The Knights closed the season with their first 5A state playoff appearance since 2014. In fifth place with a week remaining in the regular season, the Knights beat the two teams ahead of them in the standings to finish third and make the playoffs.

Kehn committed to ‘her kids’

Elena Ulack, staff reporter
February 17, 2022
Social studies teacher Vaughn Stockton shows his spirit for his new school.

New social studies teacher finds home at Mac

Elena Ulack, staff reporter
January 22, 2022
SINGING FOR SCROOGE: To preface the choir concert, a group of choir members sang Christmas carols in a “Dickens-esque” fashion. Senior chamber choralist, Evelyn Griffin (second from the left), told Macjournalsim that the group stuck to classic Christmas songs. “[We sang] 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas,' some Latin thing, 'Silent Night,' that kind of thing,” Griffin said. “My wardrobe situation was a bit stressful, but I enjoy singing with tenors and basses.” Caption by Lucy Marco.

Mac music programs ring in the the holiday season with return of December concert series

Evelyn Griffin, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Julian Magee, Lucy Marco, Caroline Owen, Samantha Powers, Elena Ulack, and Francie Wilhelm
December 14, 2021
Mr. Mills shows a group of Board Game Club students the different character classes they can be in a game of Dungeons and Dragons, helping the first-time players set up their characters the way they want them. “I love sponsoring the club because I get to share my love for tabletop board games,” Mills said. “If we’re doing DnD I get kids who are really more in their shells, and this is their social outlet. Naturally, they’re really shy, but they get to open up through the experience of role-playing games. They get to be whoever they want.¨

Board of video games?

Ingrid Smith and Elena Ulack
December 11, 2021
Sophomore Gabi Alfarache (left) mid-bout. Having a good coach is important to success, and Alfrache has just that. Coming from Yale University to central Texas, Michael Kim became another father figure for Alfarache, “My ultimate role model is my coach [Kim]. He came from Korea to the United States when he was a teenager, and didn’t start fencing until college. He’s coached world champions, olympians, and even left his coaching position at Yale University to come coach in Texas. I really do think of him as my second father.”

The extra extracurriculars of McCallum

Helen Martin and Elena Ulack
November 29, 2021
Driven by an aspiration to play for USC, Andrew has already begun traveling to play for out-of-state tournaments, nationals and college team camps in Texas, Florida and California.

Andrew aims for collegiate future in the sand

Elena Ulack, staff reporter
October 26, 2021
AND CUT: Members of the color guard eagerly motion their hands towards their captain, Natalie Nagy, in the closing moments of “Mirage.” During the Capital City Marching Festival, the guard earned a second place title in the preliminary round. “We crushed it,” color guard member Ella Jones said. Reporting by Grace Vitale.

Band named Cap City grand champions

Terra Balentine, Noah Braun, Naomi Di-Capua, Morgan Eye, Patrice Jones, Cassidy Levin, Julian Magee, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Maya Thompson, Elena Ulack, Grace Vitale, and Francie Wilhelm
September 28, 2021
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