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
Katie Martin

Katie Martin, staff reporter

Katie Martin is a junior and this is her second year on staff. She is a choir major and a social media officer for the choir program. She enjoys reading, theatre and spending time with friends and family. This summer, she worked in KidsActing summer camps teaching kids theatre. She is very excited to continue growing as a journalist this year.

All content by Katie Martin
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

Beatrix Lozach, Maya Tackett, Wren Vanderford, Priya Thoppil, Riley Pita, Daniela Di-Capua, Sienna Martens, Katie Martin, and Carson Duncan
August 28, 2025
Softball standout Lila Brotherton evades a Crockett defender in the Knights' victory over the Cougars in their quarterfinal matchup. The Knights would defeat Travis in the semifinal game to reach the championship where they lost to Bowie.

Flag football unfurled at district tournament

Julia Copas, Josie Linton, Sienna Martens, Katie Martin, and Sofia Saucedo
May 27, 2025
COMING TOGETHER: Sophomore Camilla Miculek performs a small solo during the group performance of “American Idiot” by Green Day for the dress rehearsal on Saturday. Miculek was in two other performances along with “American Idiot,”  “Jolene” by Dolly Parton  and “Looking On the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python.  Miculek said she loves seeing the show progress over time in rehearsals to become the grand production that it is.  “I love seeing all the other classes dancing and singing and coming together during rehearsals,” Miculek said.  Despite her practice, Miculek admitted that she did feel a bit nervous on stage, but overall said the show went great.  “I had a small solo, and I’m not super experienced in performing,” Miculek said, "but I had a lot of fun in the end, and I was really happy that I stuck it out with my friends.” Since Miculek has been in choir for two years now, this year’s Cabaret performance was another choir memory added to her book. Caption by Carlo Hinsdale. Photo by Katie Martin. 

[Photo] 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
FRIDAY NIGHT (STAGE) LIGHTS: Sophomore Emma Simon helps to perform a lift during  Friday night’s performance of Mac Dances’ spring show,  ‘The Art of Being.’  Simon said that her favorite part of the student-directed show is the new people she gets to work with.  “I love getting to work with different choreographers who each have different styles,” Simon said. “I really love seeing everything come together to make a really great show.” Although the show brings the dance community together, it is also a bittersweet goodbye to the seniors.  “I’m really sad to see them go,” Simon said. “I’ve gotten really close with so many of them and I can’t believe they’re leaving, but I know they’ll do great things.”  Simon said that her favorite piece to perform was the evolving class piece choreographed by Senior Zalie Mann. “The choreography is just so beautiful,” Simon said. “I love performing with the evolving class, our bond is so special.” Simon said that she hopes the show’s themes of human experience resonate with audiences.  “The directors and choreographers did a really amazing job portraying the theme of human experience,” Simon said. “A lot of the pieces made me emotional and I hope the audience had that connection too.” Photo and caption by Katie Martin.

[Photo] 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
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
SHAPING MEDIA, STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY: NEW YORK CITY—the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, celebrating its centennial, began its convention on the Wednesday of spring break on the Columbia University campus. The opening keynote, titled “The Evolution of Media & Democracy: How We Got Here, How We Might Move Forward,” featured Richard Gingras, strategic adviser and former global vice president of Google News. Gingras addressed the challenges of fragmented media on democracy, the importance of rebuilding trust in journalism, and the role of media in strengthening communities.

Knights spring about

Beatrix Lozach, Katie Martin, Josie Mullan, Elizabeth Nation, Mira Patel, Eva Sanchez, Sofia Saucedo, and Maya Tackett
April 1, 2025
Senior Austin Pain and Sophomore Delilah Grad pose after "Partner in Crime" during 'Tuck Everlasting' performance in September.

[Photo] ‘Everlasting’ Bonds

Riley Pita, staff reporter
April 1, 2025
Junior Paige Mitchell leaps during group performance for Blue Brigade's annual show-off held last Wednesday commencing the contest season.

Twirl, leap and spin into contest season

Daniela Di-Capua, Evelyn Jenkins, Josie Linton, Sienna Martens, Harper Maxwell, Katie Martin, Piper Norfolk, Elizabeth Nation, and Mira Patel
February 4, 2025
FOSSE STYLE: Senior Julia Rasp performs alongside fellow senior dance majors during McCallum Dance’s ‘Movement’ at Austin ISD’s Performing Arts Center as part of a two-night showcase last Thursday and Friday, Rasp said her favorite part of the show was the fosse-style piece at the very beginning of the show choreographed by dance director Natalie Uehara. “[This piece was significant to me] because of the intention behind why it was choreographed,” Rasp said. “Ms. Nat wanted to give us a special Fosse-style piece for the seniors because us as a class really held a special place in her heart, and we want to leave our legacy on Mac Dance which is kind of what the song is about.” Caption by Josie Mullan. Photo by Katie Martin.

[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
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
ONE LAST BATTLE CRY: Seniors Joe Colaleo and Theo Northcutt dressed as Mario and Waluigi cheer hard as they win their last senior battle cry. “I was very excited and happy because we had just won,” Colaleo said. “Now that I look back on it, it feels a little sad knowing I can’t go to another one.” Colaleo said although the moment was bittersweet, it’s also nice to know other things in life are coming up. Colaleo and his two friends said they dressed as Mario characters because it was a simple and fun costume idea. “I decided on the costume because it’s so iconic and recognizable,” Colaleo said. Caption by Josie Linton.

Students, faculty convene campus costume party

Julia Copas, Josie Linton, Sienna Martens, Katie Martin, Harper Maxwell, Elizabeth Nation, Mira Patel, Eva Sanchez, and Wren Vanderford
November 6, 2024
FRIENDS, FUN AND TUCK: For junior Zane Shieh (second from the left), being a part of Tuck Everlasting has not only brought him closer to his castmates and crew, but has also brought up some mixed emotions seeing that this was the last performance together for many senior classmates.  “I did have to do Tuck because of my major, but I also knew lots of friends that were auditioning and I wanted to work with the seniors that will not be here for long,” Shieh said.  Because it's the last performance for a lot of seniors, Shieh says it is a bittersweet feeling when experiencing someone's last show at McCallum.  “I feel very sad because all the seniors are so cool, and kind and funny and I think I'm gonna miss them,” Shieh said. Caption by Sofia Saucedo.

‘You don’t need to live forever; you need to just live’

Sofia Saucedo, Mira Patel, Camilla Vandegrift, Katie Martin, Tallulah McAuliffe, Sienna Martens, Aubrey Macedo, Priya Thoppil, Chloe Lewcock, and Harper Maxwell
October 1, 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
Sophomore Chim Becker and retiring math teacher Paul Pew pose in front of the library mural Becker created in Pew’s honor.

To honor retiring Pew, Becker creates mural about Euler’s Identity

Katie Martin, Mac photojournalism
July 2, 2024
MAKING THE ROLE HIS OWN: With senior Sydney Safarik (The Cat in the Hat), sophomore Milo Slimi (JoJo) performs "It’s Possible (In McElligot’s Pool)," a musical number where the Cat in the Hat encourages JoJo’s powerful imagination after his parents shut down his wild “Thinks.”

‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.’

JoJo Barnard, Campbell Epperly, Evelyn Jenkins, Chloe Lewcock, Katie Martin, Maya Tackett, Priya Thoppil, Francie Wilhelm, and Naomi Di-Capua
April 16, 2024
WILLING WILL: Tegan Hahn and Will Bowman perform in the one act play, She Stoops To Conquer during the third of three community performances on Sunday March 3 in the MAC Theater. The plays offered a story filled with laughs and love onstage. Offstage, however, there was a little bit of nerves from an understudy, Will Bowman. About a week before opening night, Bowman had to quickly learn the role of Tony Lumpkin. “For the first couple of days it was horribly nerve-racking,” he said. Caption and photo by Katie Hyzak.

MacTheatre is all over the place these days

Katie Hyzak, Campbell Epperly, Beatrix Lozach, Maya Tackett, Katie Martin, Vivian Moore, Elli Grace Hodges, and Alice Scott
March 19, 2024
FOOTLOOSE AT LAST: Senior Asher Kay rocks out on the dance floor at the homecoming dance, put on by Student Council. Since the tradition of a homecoming dance fell out of practice after 2019 due to low attendance rates, this was Kay’s first time attending one in all of his four years. Kay felt that the mystery surrounding what the dance would be like added to his experience. “As a senior it was fun to have at least one homecoming,” Kay said. “Since we had never had one before, and since I haven’t really been to any school dances, I didn’t know what to expect, but when I got there it was cool to see everyone having fun. Hopefully it was a success so they keep doing it and start a new sort of tradition at McCallum.” Though his first and last homecoming dance has passed, Kay hopes the future classes will continue to put on the dance. “I think they should keep doing it because it’s a good opportunity for people who may not be super social to talk to new people and have a fun experience outside of school,” Kay said. “But also, it’s good to keep [doing] it because it seemed to be a fun time for everyone.” Kay enjoyed the dance floor and seeing his peers dressed up in HOCO finery, but noted his favorite part was the photo booth.  “It was fun with my friends to get photos since it was the only HOCO we’ve been to, so we might as well have something to remember it by,” Kay said. Caption by Lanie Sepehri.

Mac marks homecoming with old, new traditions

JoJo Barnard, Chloe Lewcock, Callen Romell, Lanie Sepehri, Francie Wilhelm, Gaby Esquivel, Olivia Dungan, Aubrey Macedo, Katie Martin, Helen Martin, and Evelyn Jenkins
October 24, 2023
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Katie Martin