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 Harriet Zettner
SPIRIT OF THE FOX: Last Friday, freshman Sabine English brought a piece of Japanese mythology to the halloween contest, dressing up as a kitsune – a legendary fox spirit known for its multiple tails and mischievous behavior. “I made the mask and everything,” English said. “Kitsune are Japanese folkloric creatures with multiple tails and they even go as far as eating people.” English’s costume came together with the help of her family, her creativity and resourcefulness. She borrowed pieces from her aunt, who had previously worn the kimono for a Renaissance fair, and reimagined them for her Halloween costume. However, the mask she wore was entirely her own work. “I painted it and added all the decorations and everything. I love the way it turned out,” English said. “It took me about three days to make it, it was definitely a long process, but it was worth it.” Her inspiration for the look came from a mix of stories she had heard and nostalgia. In her childhood she had gone to the library and remembered reading Japanese folklore books and thought Halloween would be the perfect opportunity to bring these characters to life. “We used to read folklore books when I was younger from the library,” English said. “But mostly, I just thought I have the stuff for it - why don’t I just do this for Halloween. ” During the contest, English expressed that she enjoyed being able to see everyone else's costumes and celebrate Halloween along with her peers. “I wasn't nervous going up,” said English. “I was honestly having a lot of fun, and I loved seeing everyone's costumes and how creative everyone was.” Caption by Isa Truan. Photo by Harriet Zettner.

[Photo] Creative costumes take center stage

Arwen Pelletier, Carlo Hinsdale, Isadora Truan, Magnolia Smith, Riley Pita, Sylvia Hurtado, and Zanna Allen
November 6, 2025

SPIRIT OF THE FOX: Last Friday, freshman Sabine English brought a piece of Japanese mythology to the halloween contest, dressing up as a kitsune – a legendary fox spirit known for its multiple tails...

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

Harriet Zettner, Mac photojournalism
June 12, 2025

During a class game, photojournalism teacher Dave Winter’s students frantically searched issues of The Shield to find the right page before anyone else in the room beats them to the punch. The page had...

Carol Nelson raises the laurels she received from district officials after they invaded the band hall during sixth period to inform her that she had won the inaugural Austin ISD Icon Award

[Photo] Nelson tapped for first Austin ISD Icon Award

Emerson Merritt, Knight editor in chief
April 29, 2025

Darla Caughey, Austin ISD director of recruitment and employee retention, greets the iconic Nelson with a celebratory hug.

FINDING A WAY: Freshman Vaughn Shields models a look at the McCallum Fashion Show this past Sunday. Fashion designers and models have been working hard to create a show since October, and their diligence paid off. The theme of the show was “Celestial Wilderness: Beyond The Horizon,” and Shields’s look reflected that theme. “I really liked my outfit,” Shields said. “It was really comfortable and I think it fit the theme well.” As a freshman, this show was Shields’s first year in modeling, but he plans to continue as part of the show next year. The question is whether to continue as a model or try designing. “I enjoyed modeling a ton,” He said. “But I also think that designing a few outfits could be really cool. I love art and creating things, so I think the fashion show could be a fun way to express that.” Shields currently does art in Printmaking 1 and chose Sculpture 1 as his art class for next year. Most models only planned to show one outfit, but for Sunday’s show, Shields had to quickly improvise in a second one due to another model not being able to make it. “I didn’t really get a chance to try the outfit on so I had to figure it out in a few minutes,” Shields said. “I barely had any time between when I did my first outfit and when I went back out so I’m glad the other outfit was pretty simple.” Shields’s second outfit featured a blue jacket with orange accents and black pants, along with an orange shirt underneath and a loose, white tie. As he walked on to the stage, he successfully posed and showed off the outfits design and the craftsmanship put into it. “I’m in theater so I’d say I can improvise pretty well,” he said. “At least, I know the audience doesn’t know I’m not the original model so it’s not like its a big deal if I messed up some.” Shields’s involvement in art, fashion, and theater at McCallum will only continue as he goes into sophomore year and he learns even more about the fine arts. Caption by Harriet Zettner.

Braving the ‘Wilderness’ together

JoJo Barnard, Delaney Lavelle, Sienna Martens, Sophia Manos, Maggie Mass, Elizabeth Nation, Callen Romell, Maya Tackett, Priya Thoppil, Isa Truan, Camilla Vandegrift, Nate Williams, and Harriet Zettner
March 18, 2025

FINDING A WAY: Freshman Vaughn Shields models a look at the McCallum Fashion Show this past Sunday. Fashion designers and models have been working hard to create a show since October, and their diligence...

Load More Stories
Donate to The Shield Online
$150
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal

Menu
Activate Search
Home
Harriet Zettner