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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

Mia Terminella

Mia Terminella, design editor, opinion editor

This is senior Mia Terminella’s third year in the MacJournalism program, and second year on the newspaper staff. Mia is the design editor, and the opinion section editor, as well as a writer for The Shield, and a dance major at McCallum. Her primary interests as a reporter and staff member are opinion stories, features, and page design. She hopes to continue in journalism and design next year wherever her next step is. She would also like to thank Mr. Winter for everything he does for the program.

All content by Mia Terminella
While still practicing social distancing, the neighbors of the author's aunt, Nella Pirruccio, sing "Happy Birthday" to the family's youngest and newest cousin, Roberto Pirruccio. “It was so special that they took the time to sing to Roberto,” Pirruccio said. “We have become very close with our neighbors.” Photo courtesy of Nella Pirruccio.

Instead of learning from Italy’s coronavirus experience, the United States has replicated it

Mia Terminella, design editor
May 4, 2020

In the first of a two-part series, senior Mia Terminella writes about how her international relatives are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in their home nations.  “Only one time before have I saw...

A sign at baggage claim at the LaGuardia Airport in Queens illustrates the common symptons of coronavirus so that customers can be aware of them while travelling. Photo by Mia Terminella.

[Photo] Coronavirus fears affect Mac community

Ellen Fox, operations manager
March 11, 2020

An unidentified traveller wears a mask to limit exposure to possible contaminants. Photo by Mia Terminella.

TEXAS BLUES: Now more than ever, Congressman Chris Bell believes that the influx of new residents in Texas will help to make the longstanding Republican state a swing state. He also believes that the current direction of the country will inspire Democrats to show up to vote in much higher numbers. “I can’t stand the direction of this country,” he said, “but Donald Trump has been incredibly influential for the Democratic Party.” Photo by Alex Dowd.

Will Texas Democrats be saved by Bell?

Alex Dowd and Mia Terminella
January 16, 2020

During an election, politicians find wisdom and inspiration in many places. Congressman Chris Bell shared that he found his political guidance in an usual place: a cartoon. In his conversation with...

McCallum seniors and "Influenced" fashion show designers Sydney Buford, Shaine Rozman, Julia Kay Smith and Anna Nasi pose for a picture after the fashion show. Photo by Kate Davern.

Senior makes a huge ‘Influence’

Mia Terminella, design editor
November 18, 2019
Jk smith stages benefit fashion show, which raises $4,300 for Girls Empowerment Network
Michael Urick speaks to the faculty at his retirement luncheon on May 29. Urick passed away this March. He taught English at McCallum for more than 30 years. His obituary post elicited a long list of fond memories from his former students and colleagues.

Remembering Michael Urick

Mia Terminella, staff reporter
April 27, 2019

Sometimes the simplest gestures have the most profound impact. Ezra Ferrell learned this in her senior English class when turning in a poetry project. For the final assignment, students were required...

The dirty truth about recycling

The dirty truth about recycling

Mia Terminella, staff reporter
April 4, 2019

Picture yourself out for lunch at Central Market; you just finished drinking your coffee. There is a recycling bin across the outdoor patio, or there is a trash can a few feet away: which do you choose?...

Batteries wait to be sorted and recycled at Austin Resource Recovery. "We can put [these materials] in a hole somewhere, or we can actually reuse and re-purpose them," said Memi Cardenas, a senior public information specialist with the waste-management company.

New law supports zero-waste goal

Mia Terminella, staff reporter
March 27, 2019

All Austin business with a permit to sell food are now required to redirect organic waste away from landfills. Businesses now have to provide employees with an outlet to properly dispose of these leftover...

Arora performs on national stage

Mia Terminella
January 9, 2019

Junior Tosh Arora performs “L’Ultima Canzone” by Paolo Tosti at YoungArts Miami. YoungArts is an application based award program for emerging artists. YoungArts winners can receive up to $10,000,...

Mariko Deloach poses at school with her classmates in Japan.  Deloach attended school throughout her overseas summer program because school was still in session there.

Junior enjoys summer study in Japan

Mia Terminella, staff reporter
January 2, 2019

Junior Mariko Deloach spent the summer of 2018 across the globe in Japan. Deloach stayed with a host family, attended school and lived the everyday life of a teen in a different culture. Deloach went to...

 MOUSE POWER: The full cast of Cabaret strike a pose as the opening number “Mickey Mouse Club “ from the show “Mickey Mouse Club”

‘You WISH’ you had seen Choir Cabaret …

Mia Terminella, Staff reporter
December 11, 2018

Junior Duval Bingham is a soccer player and a musical theatre major, but when Choir Cabaret rolls around each year, he adopts another role: muppet. Along with fellow muppet by night and choir major...

THE PEP IN HER STEP:  Lewis cheers on the Knights football team as it defeated Anderson in the Taco Shack Bowl at House Park on Aug. 30.  “It was a long but fun day,” Lewis said. Photo by Stella Shenkman.

Artistically Speaking: Sophie Lewis

Mia Terminella, staff reporter
November 24, 2018

The Shield: When did you decide to start participating in pageants? SL : When I was 4 years old I got a flyer in the mail for a scholarship pageant called National American Miss and of course,...

Nick Bottom (junior Eliza Dean-Polacheck) has been transformed to have a donkey’s head but Titania the fairy queen (junior Sophie Knifton) immediately falls in love with him in spite of his strange looks because she is under a love spell. Photo by Risa Darlington-Horta.

A Midsummer in mid-autumn

Mia Terminella, staff reporter
November 8, 2018

As fall began, so did rehearsals for Mac Theatre’s fall straight play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Mac Theatre held auditions for the Shakespearean comedy immediately following the close of the fall...

Senior Vivian Williams shows off her clear bag she bought specifically for McCallum football games to comply with the new AISD Athletics regulations. Clear bags can be purchased from the football booster club.

Texas schools tighten security policies

Mia Terminella, staff reporter
October 24, 2018

In response to the fatal shootings last semester in both Florida and Texas, schools across the country are updating and improving security features on campuses to ensure student safety. AISD is no...

Senior Austen-Juul Hansen poses during a photo shoot featuring fashion designs by Senior Gaby Fagelman. “She had
me model her handmade designs,” Juul-Hansen said. “They were featured 
in the Icons Only show this year.” 
The designs are displayed
on Fagelman’s website:
designsbygaby.com.

Artistically Speaking: Austen Juul-Hansen

Mia Terminella, Mac Photojournalism
July 9, 2018

Senior Austen Juul-Hansen is leaving her mark on McCallum through art, theatre and her passion for individuality and self love. “She’s always willing to learn and grow as a person and betters herself...

Actress Helena Laing (Anita, center stage in the red dress) commanded the audience's attention during West Side Story's historic run. On Tuesday, Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Award officials took notice too, nominating her for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The ensemble, the choreography and the entire production also earned nominations. Photo by Dave Winter.

West Side Story nabs 8 GAHSMTA nominations

Mia Terminella, Mac Photojournalism
March 7, 2018

MacTheatre´s spring production, West Side Story, received eight Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Award (GAHSMTA) nominations early Tuesday morning. Cast members and seniors Jack Switzer,...

A YES vote would make us want to dance

A YES vote would make us want to dance

Mia Terminella
November 4, 2017

 [masterslider id="22"] The fall dance concert was held in the multipurpose McCallum Arts Center, which was opened in 2011 and built with $9.4 million approved by a 2008 bond vote. Photos by Annabel...

Junior dance major Chloe Shields stands backstage at the fall dance show "Traditions Innovating" waiting to perform. “I love watching all the different dances” Chloe says “It's cool how all the choreography is so different.” Chloe performed her self choreographed solo for the first time during the fall dance show “Traditions Innovating” “I will definitely miss this show” Chloe says.

Junior dance major Chloe Shields stands backstage at the fall dance show "Traditions Innovating" waiting to perform. “I love watching all the different dances” Chloe says “It's cool how all the choreography...

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Mia Terminella