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
All content by Gergo Major
I will write this caption later.

[Photo] ACC unveils free tuition program

Shayla Allen, Mac photojournalism
May 5, 2024
AIN’T NO SUNSHINE: Gliding through the air, junior Ellie Loudermilk (Fastrada) performs the number “Spread a Little Sunshine,” in which her character’s true motives are revealed. “​​That specific move is to show off all of Fastrata’s assets that allow her to manipulate the king and Pippin,” Loudermilk said. In the song, Fastrada, stepmother to Pippin and wife to King Charles, facilitates events that will allow for her son, Lewis, to become next in line for the throne. “Spread a little sunshine is a number where you get to truly see the mastermind at work,” Loudermilk said. “In the song, she convinces Pippin to kill his father so her darling son can become king. I like the number because I feel like I’m letting the audience into the secret, or rather to the master plan.” For Loudermilk, this number is the pinnacle of Fastrada’s storyline and allows the audience to understand what makes her character tick. “Fastrata is the calculated stepmother that uses her body to get what she wants, mostly from King Charles,” Loudermilk said. “The only people she cares about are her son Lewis and, above all, herself.” Reporting by Alice Scott.

[Photo] A new queen of ‘The Prom’

Chloe Seckar-Martinez, staff reporter
July 4, 2024

ILPC Photo Portfolio

Gergő Major, Mac photojournalism
February 16, 2024
UT booklets on display during college showcase at McCallum last spring. In the wake of the Supreme Court decision effectively ending affirmative action and a state law banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on campus, the University has pledged to make its campus welcome to all, but it has also made changes to comply with the new, more restrictive laws.

[Photo] Class of 2024 adjusts college applications in wake of Supreme Court ruling eliminating affirmative action

Priya Thoppil, staff reporter
March 13, 2024
JULY 28—Blue Brigade wrapped up its annual Kiddie Clinic with a performance in the cafeteria on Friday July 28. Split into age groups from kindergarten to eighth grade, campers performed the choreography they learned from their Blue Brigade counselors throughout the week. According to junior lieutenant and former camper Smith Bohls, Kiddie Clinic allows kids of all ages to learn about drill teams, make new friends and learn fun dances. “Watching all of the kids do the dances they learned all week brings me so much happiness because they are all so excited and nervous,” Bohls said. “Their love for dancing is so energizing, and all of the kids look up to us and tell us how much they want to be like us in the future.” While Bohls said Kiddie Clinic was an exercise of patience, she found it rewarding to watch campers fall in love with dancing and make new friends. “The best part of Kiddie Clinic is watching the kids love the dances and tell you that they practiced at home the night before,” Bohls said. “It makes me happy when kids love to dance so much and are so excited to perform for all their parents.” Blue Brigade finished the Friday show with its first performance of “Blue Gray” as the 2023-2024 team. Watching her campers perform with confidence and smiles, Bohls felt inspired to bring all of her energy into the “Blue Gray” performance. “I look forward to it every year and so do the kids,” Bohls said. “Watching them look up to us gives me the motivation to do better on the team.” Caption by Ingrid Smith.

2023: A year in review in photos

JoJo Barnard, Noah Braun, Amaya Collier, Chloe Lewcock, Gergő Major, Maggie Mass, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
January 9, 2024
A sign advertises the annual college fair in the cafeteria on April 12.

[Photo] The CommonApp cold

Caroline Owen, print managing editor
December 4, 2023
Jace Klein prepares to be pied by PALS Hana Diamond and Ariana Mendez at the 2022 Pink Week pep rally.

[Photo] Coming up Klein

Naomi Di-Capua, social media managing editor
October 18, 2023
SCOTTS FREE: At the Fourth Annual McCallum Quinceañera on Saturday in the cafeteria, freshman Adrina Scott dances with her family and friends. “At quinceañeras they have a dance for you with your dad, and then a dance for you and your mom,” Scott said. With two daughters participating, Scott’s parents had to figure out how to split their time between their daughters. “My friend’s parents also have two girls,” Scott said. “Obviously you can’t dance with your dad at the same time as your sister. So, we all kind of just got together and all danced together.” For Scott, the quinceañera was a result of lots of preparation at hard work. “There was a lot of practice that we had to do during lunches and during fit,” Scott said. “Sometimes that would get a little stressful because you know, it’s lunch. You kind of want to hand with friends, but I think it all worked out really well.” Part of the preparations that Scott loved was getting to try on the dresses. “Basically all the dresses that we had were rentals,” Scott said. “We had to go try on the dresses, and it was fun to have that experience to go get the dress and try it on. You just felt so special.” The McCallum Quinceañera is an important memory of Scott’s life. “I think it’s just such a fun tradition in the Hispanic culture,” Scott said. “I got to dance with my family which was special.” Caption by Kate Boyle.

Shield staff nominated for 20 NSPA awards

Evie Barnard, JoJo Barnard, Gergő Major, Caroline Owen, Charlie Partheymuller, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, and Nate Williams
September 19, 2023
TAKING CHARGE: Senior Miles McCollum leads the Knights onto the same field where he suffered a season-ending injury a year ago. Although he and his teammates were unable to turn the final score the Knights' way, McCollum made an impact on the game, often drawing multiple Lehman blockers when he lined up on defense.

MacJ’s ATPI Top Program thematic portfolio wins … nada, but we thought you might like to see pictures, read captions anyway

Evie Barnard, JoJo Barnard, Isley Cameron, Julia Copas, Tristen Diaz, Jolie Gabriel, Lillian Gray, Gergő Major, Charlie Partheymuller, Alice Scott, and Francie Wilhelm
June 6, 2023

Gergő Major: NSPA Photojournalist of the Year portfolio

Gergő Major, Mac photojournalism
June 1, 2023
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[Photo] Gia Ruedas

Ingrid Smith, co-news editor & co-online managing editor
May 1, 2023
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[Photo] Atticus Adair

Alice Scott, co-editor-in-chief
May 1, 2023
During his captivating concert in Austin, Texas on May 8, Lewis Capaldi delighted the audience with an unexpected interaction. As the music filled the air, Capaldi spotted a group of enthusiastic fans watching the show from a nearby parking lot. With a mischievous grin, he playfully exclaimed, "F*cking freeloading bastards!" The crowd erupted in laughter, understanding the lighthearted nature of his comment. In a heartwarming twist, the concert-goers shouted "f*ck you" back to the fans in the parking lot, fostering a unique sense of camaraderie and shared joy. This memorable moment exemplified the inclusive and playful spirit of a Lewis Capaldi concert, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

Austin concert confirms Capaldi’s rare ability to captivate audiences

Gergő Major, Mac photojournalism
May 22, 2023
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[Photo] Thea Krische

JoJo Barnard, staff reporter
May 1, 2023
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[Photo] Rhett Shields

Amaya Collier and Francie Wilhelm
May 1, 2023
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[Photo] Oliver Harrington

Elena Ulack and Francie Wilhelm
May 1, 2023
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[Photo] Lily DaMommio

Francie Wilhelm, co-news editor & co-online managing editor
May 1, 2023
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[Photo] Leah Gordon

Naomi Di-Capua, co-sports editor & co-social media managing editor
May 1, 2023
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[Photo] Julia Wallace

Sophie Leung-Lieu, design & visuals editor
May 1, 2023
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[Photo] Jolie Gabriel

Lanie Sepehri, co-people editor & co-print managing editor
May 1, 2023
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[Photo] Genesis Ritcherson

Francie Wilhelm, co-news editor & co-online managing editor
May 1, 2023
TAKING ACTION: Junior Zephan Mayeda leans against a tree during the walkout holding a sign reading “bullets aren’t school supplies.” He participated in the walkout to protest against the lack of gun protection in the US and draw attention to the statewide protest.  “Children are dying due to government’s apathy and corporate lobbying against any action of any kind,” Mayeda said.  Mayeda was disappointed in the lack of organization that came with the protest, but still participated.  “Better something than nothing,” he said.  Mayeda offered what he would love to see at the walkout.   “I would have loved to see marching, chants, speeches, lists of phone numbers to call senators, names pictures and birthdays of the victims, flyers promoting the protest days weeks or months even in advance, mass absences, an actual walkout for those who can’t not go to school that isn’t just 20 mins of sitting,” Mayeda said. Although he was underwhelmed, Mayeda appreciated the symbolism.  “I think it held some importance in regards to symbolic gestures,” Mayeda said.  Reporting by Kate Boyle. Photo by Gergő Major.

At least 100 Knights walk out for gun control

Kate Boyle, JoJo Barnard, Noah Braun, Gergő Major, Lucas Walker, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
May 16, 2023

Pride of Mexico shines in the MAC

Sofia Arredondo, JoJo Barnard, Kate Boyle, Isley Cameron, Amaya Collier, Chloe Lewcock, Gergő Major, Caroline Owen, Alice Scott, Ingrid Smith, Tóth Tamás Vitold, and Dave Winter
May 9, 2023
PINK FOR PROM: Seniors Vaughn Vandegrift, Peter Wiseman, Max Yehaskel and Alex Gold sing and dance their hearts out at Saturday’s “Under the Knight Sky” prom. Yehaskel and Wiseman stood out in the sea of black and navy suits as the pair opted for bright pink with contrasting, yet coordinating, shirts and ties. While the style decision seemed big to onlookers, for Yehaskel it was a simple choice. “I like pink, it’s a solid color,” he said. “It almost melted when I ironed it actually. It’s 100% polyester, and I got it from Kohl’s.” Yehaskel enjoyed prom overall, except when it came to the royalty announcement. “Someone stole prom queen from me,” he joked. “It was very tragic. But other than that, it was fun.” As prom marks another milestone at the end of senior year, Yehaskel is ready to sit back, relax and enjoy his last few weeks as a Knight. “My grades don’t matter anymore [and] after AP tests I’m done,” Yehaskel said. “I’m going to go nuts, and I’m going to start cooking more.” Caption by Francie Wilhelm.

Students shine like stars ‘Under the Knight Sky’

Kate Boyle, Morgan Eye, Meredith Grotevant, Chloe Lewcock, Sophie Kessler, Gergő Major, Helen Martin, Caroline Owen, Alice Scott, Ingrid Smith, Grace Vitale, J. Frank Webster, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
April 25, 2023
LOVE AND JOY: As she dances in her beautiful dress, sophomore Amy Love reflects on the joy it brings to see her father so happy during the McCallum Quinceañera. "I think that this event was really beautiful and fun to experience especially for my dad, seeing him so happy and having my family experience this," Love said. "My family isn’t big on doing huge celebrations so me and my sister weren’t able to have a quinceañera, but we loved being able to share this day with all the other quinceañeras and their families." Despite the stress of daily meetings and practices leading up to the event, Love found it all worth it for the fun and memories made on the quinceañera day. "It was really stressful doing the whole entire meetings and practice because it was every single day, but whenever it was the actual day of it, it was actually really fun," Love said. Overall, Love found the quinceañera event to be a very meaningful experience, which could not have happened without the hard work of Spanish teacher Juana Gun. "I want to give a huge thank you to Ms. Gun for making it all possible and being such a sweet person to all of us," Love said. Caption by Gergő Major.

McCallum Quinceañera celebrates comeback

Kate Boyle, Tristen Diaz, Chloe Lewcock, Gergő Major, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Priya Thoppil, Camilla Vandegrift, Grace Vitale, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
April 11, 2023
In his introduction of the Black History Month assembly on March 3, assistant principal Larry Featherstone said that the assembly intended to address the truth that “we need to learn more about people who do not look like us.” To move the conversation in that direction before turning the program over to a teen panel of Black students, Students of Color Alliance sponsor Tonya Moore answered “three questions you've always wanted to ask a Black friend.” To the question “Can I touch your hair?” Moore said she answered yes to a close friend but felt the question was strange and inappropriate when coming from strangers. She responded to the second question—“Do black people get sunburn?”—with an emphatic “Yes.” The answer to the third question—“Do you prefer to be called Black or African American?”—Moore said, “It’s a preference. I prefer to be called Black. and I don’t like African-American, but my daughters would give different answers to the question.” Caption by Gergő Major.

Student, faculty organizers overcome obstacles to observe Black History Month in its entirety

Ava Bernitz, Amaya Collier, Charlotte Cross, Logan Davis, Gaby Esquivel, Morgan Eye, Stella Little, Ellie Loudermilk, Gergő Major, Merrill Price, Ingrid Smith, and Tristen Wright
March 21, 2023
A scene from the opening night performance of "Antigone" on Nov. 10 in the Fine Arts Building Theater.

[Photo] ‘Antigone’ is two for two in UIL competition

Alice Scott, co-editor in chief
March 16, 2023
FIREFIGHTERS FEEL THE HEAT: Kessler performs another car extraction while the sun beats down and reflects off exposed metal car pieces. As the skill day, which started at 7:30 a.m., progressed into the afternoon, the temperatures rose. “Once we were like six hours in, holding tools got really hard because the ‘Jaws of Life’ are super heavy,” Kessler said. “I got calluses on my hands even though I was wearing gloves. By the end of it, I could feel my arms and I thought they were going to fall off.” As tough as the work was, Kessler felt accomplished at the end of the long skill day. “Getting physical confirmation that you did it right from the actual firefighters, and they congratulate you and say you did a good job, it feels good because it's a hard skill,” Kessler said. Caption by Maggie Mass.

Fire Academy gets heated with ‘Jaws of Life’ exercise

Gergő Major, Maggie Mass, and Ingrid Smith
March 7, 2023
SETTING THE STAGE: Senior Lauren Ryan-Holt (Leading Player) welcomes the audience in the show’s opening number, 'Magic to Do.'  As a play within a play, Pippin has many layers to it, including the opening number which is performed as if the cast members were arriving at rehearsal and setting up for the top of the show “It’s the cast's musical bait to the audience,” Ryan-Holt said. “We’re luring them into the production we’re about to put on. We describe the journey and all the magical, fantastic things that will take place along the way. We literally set the stage for both the show and the audience’s expectations.” Ryan-Holt opens the number and leads the other ensemble members until the song turns into a fully choreographed number. However, for Ryan-Holt, the opening seductive chords are her favorite part. “There’s just something so mystical and enticing about how it sounds,” Ryan-Holt said. “It’s the one part where you can feel the full focus of the audience.” Reporting by Alice Scott. Photo by Gergo Major.  

Like its title character, ‘Pippin’ evolving with each act

JoJo Barnard, Chloe Lewcock, Gergő Major, Alice Scott, Ingrid Smith, and Francie Wilhelm
January 31, 2023
Gergő Major, “One in a million” first place, open advanced

Mac photographers make lasting impression in ATPI Fall Contest

JoJo Barnard, Julia Copas, Jolie Gabriel, Lillian Gray, Chloe Lewcock, Gergő Major, Charlie Partheymuller, Lexi Ramos, and Clara Williams
January 4, 2023
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[Photo] A Major adjustment

Caroline Owen, co-people, co-sports, co-photo editor
October 24, 2022
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

PALS pie the Maculty at Pink Week pep rally

Tristen Diaz, Lily Hobbs, Gergo Major, and Charlie Partheymuller
October 2, 2022
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