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
Naomi Di-Capua

Naomi Di-Capua, social media managing editor

All content by Naomi Di-Capua
FROM THE TRAVIS COUNTY JAIL: Seniors Marshall Clifton, Danielle Todd-Harris and August Krosta perform “Cell Block Tango” from “Chicago.” “Cell Block Tango” is the behind-bars ballad of six women accused of killing their significant others. After singing “Cell Block Tango” with choir friends, Krosta felt inspired to bring the song to Cabaret auditions. “Last year me and a couple of my friends would reenact it because we do a bunch of karaoke stuff in choir,” Krosta said. “I wanted to get all of them together because I thought itd be really fun. We didn’t actually think that wed be able to get in but kind of just wanted to put it all together and see what happens, but he really liked the idea.” Krosta said “Cell Block Tango” stood out in the setlist because of mood and murder. “The mood was different than a lot of the other numbers,” Krosta said. “It just had a different energy because were killing people on stage. My character actually didnt kill anyone on stage, but it was fun watching everyone else do it. Because the looks on peoples faces are like, ‘What in the world is going on right now?’” Junior Sam Kruck was one of the three male dancers “killed” during the performance. During a choreographed fall on the third night, he accidentally broke a chair. Kruck said faking his death was an “interesting” experience. “Ive never had to do it before, but I think Im an expert on it now,” Kruck said. Kruck’s second scene was a ballet number that occurred during Krosta’s French monologue. Krosta worked with a French teacher to learn the lines describing the male character’s disappearance. Krosta said the highlight of performing “Cell Block Tango” was the audience’s enthusiastic reaction. “As we finished they [the audience] started like screaming,” Krosta said. “It was super cool to have everyone cheer like that.” Caption by Ingrid Smith.

Choir harmonizes new changes into Cabaret

JoJo Barnard, Naomi Di-Capua, Gaby Esquivel, Shila Gill, Chloe Lewcock, Callen Romell, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, and Francie Wilhelm
December 5, 2023
Wiseman dribbles the ball away from an opposing player during a club team game.

Shooting for the Stars and Stripes

Naomi Di-Capua, social media managing editor
November 17, 2023
CLEAN WINNERS: For senior William Viner and junior Isa Perez, finding the perfect group costume was an important feat. The duo contemplated a few different options for costumes until finally landing on soap and loofah. Viner took on the loofah role, while Perez dressed as soap, creating the duo costume. “We went to Spirit Halloween to find inspiration for our costume,” Viner said. “We fell in love with soap and loofah instantly.” The two dominated the hallways taking the opportunity to show off their costume to passersby. “We got bubbles to blow while we walked around,” Viner said. “And that tied it all together.” While it wasn’t the original intent to join the costume contest, Viner decided it was a no-brainer to enter. “I loved getting together the little accessories to go along with the costume,” Viner said. “We got matching earrings and headbands.” By entering the contest, the two not only got to show off their custom costumes, but won the award for best group costume. Caption by Chloe Lewcock.

McCallum embraces spooky season traditions

JoJo Barnard, Noah Braun, Naomi Di-Capua, Evelyn Jenkins, Eliza Jensen, Chloe Lewcock, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Maya Tackett, and Francie Wilhelm
November 7, 2023
On April 22, Taylor Swift sings Blank Space during the 1989 era at her Eras Tour. The first leg of the tour stretched from March to August and ended with the announcement of 1989 (Taylors Version) at the last show in Los Angeles.

[Photo] ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ fell short of my wildest dreams, but never goes out of style

October 30, 2023
Jace Klein prepares to be pied by PALS Hana Diamond and Ariana Mendez at the 2022 Pink Week pep rally.

Coming up Klein

Naomi Di-Capua, social media managing editor
October 18, 2023
CHEERS AND CHESTS: Freshmen cheer on the Knights with “McCallum” written across their chests in blue paint. Freshman Hugo Smith said the shirtless display of spirit was a spur-of-the-moment decision. “Everyone in our row that we were sitting with participated,” Smith said. “We just told everyone ‘Take your shirt off. Write your letter.’” Smith said he knew the Knights needed some spirit to get through the game. “It says that I care about my team,” Smith said. Caption by Julia Copas with reporting by Ingrid Smith.

Some things borrowed, some things new, but all things Taco Shack still McCallum blue

JoJo Barnard, Julia Copas, Naomi Di-Capua, Chloe Lewcock, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, and Maya Tackett
August 29, 2023
ONE FINAL HURRAH BEFORE THE TORCH IS PASSED DOWN: With the upcoming football season nearing a fast approach, the marching band is preparing its halftime segment for the games. While the first game isn’t until Thursday, the band took the opportunity to put on its annual Bandapalooza for family and friends. The events goal is simply to show off what the band has been working on and to give the community an early peek at whats to come. For senior Frank Montesinos, Bandapalooza is not only a fun experience but also a beneficial one.  “The showcase gives a perspective of how our rehearsals are run,” Montesinos said.  While the show itself is a whole marching band production, Montesinos is part of a saxophone quartet with a feature in the second movement of the show along with William Viner, Elliot Taylor and Aubrey Mitchell.  “It’s nice being able to show off our individual talent in such an exposed section,” Montesinos said.   One of Montesinos fellow quartet members, senior William Viner said it was worth all the hours of work he and his bandmates put in. “Bandapalooza is always the first performance we do for people,” Viner said. “It’s satisfying to finally get to put together a months work of heat and hard work.”  But given that he’s a senior, it also means that this was Viners last Bandapalooza.  “I thought I would be very sad in my last year,” Viner said, “but it’s honestly more sweet than bitter. I feel much stronger and more confident as a senior and a leader. It’s fun to pass the band torch down to new underclassmen.”  Viner said he is excited to pass the tradition on to younger high schoolers just as early band members passed it on to him. Caption by Chloe Lewcock.

MacBand reaches for the stars

JoJo Barnard, Julia Copas, Naomi Di-Capua, Chloe Lewcock, Maggie Mass, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Lucas Walker, and Francie Wilhelm
August 22, 2023
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
Senior co-captain Sydney Suarez-Wallace battles a LASA opponent for possession during the second half of the Raptors 1-0 win over McCallum in District 24-5A play Saturday morning at House Park. After enjoying a hat trick the Saturday before against LBJ, Suarez-Wallace—like her Knight teammates—were unable to find the net against the Raptors despite creating numerous scoring opportunities in the game.

[Photo] Class of 2023 Shield stalwarts finish strong

July 29, 2023
HOT WHEELS: Blowing a bubble while riding a motorized skateboard, Austin firefighter Cameron Anguiano takes center stage while turning Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard into his own private skate park during Saturday’s Juneteenth parade. When he wasn’t advancing down MLK on his ride, he sprayed bystanders in the crowd with water to extinguish the oppressive heat at least for a moment anyway.

Commemorating Juneteenth the old Austin way

Naomi Di-Capua and Lillian Gray
June 20, 2023
TIGERS TALE OF THE TAPE: Clemson junior Tarees Rhoden reacts to the Tigers’ victory in the finals of men’s 1600 sprint medley on Friday March 31 at Mike A. Myers Stadium. The Tigers won the race in 3:14.02, less than a second of a second faster than Yusuf Bizimana and Texas (3:14.81). Clayborn Pender ran the anchor leg for Georgia, which finished fourth in 3:17.11, just behind third-place Arizona State in 3:15.17. The Longhorns led at the halfway point by a half-second, but the Tigers caught them in the final 800 meters.

MacJ sports photographers place third in ATPI Top Program contest

Julia Copas, Naomi Di-Capua, Lillian Gray, Amira Habib Weymouth, Charlie Partheymuller, Camilla Vandegrift, and Macjournalism sports team
May 30, 2023
Leah Gordon

Leah Gordon

Naomi Di-Capua, co-sports editor & co-social media managing editor
May 1, 2023
‘ONE TWO’ THREE GO: Seniors Nia Wayman, Sophia Kramer and Olivia Falcon lead the team’s formation in hip hop number ‘One Two Step,’ choreographed by Caroline Cullers. Wayman enjoyed conveying the intensity of the number to the audience.  “My favorite part would have to be the headspring whackpack kip-up,” Wayman said. Overall, though, Wayman found this year’s spring show to be bittersweet as she said goodbye to the people and program that had been a part of her life for so many years.  “I was excited throughout but I was also sad that it was the last time I would dancing as part of Blue Brigade,” she said.  Caption by Francie Wilhelm.

A Knight of glitz and ‘glamour’

Kate Boyle, Naomi Di-Capua, Chloe Lewcock, Caroline Owen, Charlie Partheymuller, Ingrid Smith, Priya Thoppil, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
April 18, 2023
Junior co-captain Sarah Hauck finds some open space to dribble past two LASA opponents during the second half of the Knights 1-0 district loss to the Raptors at House Park Saturday morning. While the shutout loss was disappointing, Hauck found the Knights overall effort encouraging given what she deemed a lackluster effort in another big rivalry game at Ann Richards earlier in the season. “We are not the team we were last year,” Hauck said. “Our game against Ann Richards has pushed us to be more aggressive. We all have to learn to put in 100%.”

Now entering the rivalry portal … the LASA Raptors

Naomi Di-Capua and Dave Winter
February 26, 2023
Senior co-captain Sydney Suarez-Wallace battles a LASA opponent for possession during the second half of the Raptors 1-0 win over McCallum in District 24-5A play Saturday morning at House Park. After enjoying a hat trick the Saturday before against LBJ, Suarez-Wallace—like her Knight teammates—were unable to find the net against the Raptors despite creating numerous scoring opportunities in the game.

RAPTORS 1, KNIGHTS 0 — Varsity ends season series with win, draw and loss

Naomi Di-Capua, co-sports editor, co-social media managing editor
February 26, 2023
As he overlooks the rest of his fellow actors, sophomore Ivy Speight, the understudy actor for Pippin, also finds at his feet a wagon of actual fire, the first pyrotechnical set piece ever utilized in a MacTheatre production.

[Photo] Playing with fire

February 8, 2023
Seniors Genesis Ritchardson and Ximena de la Garza link pinkies during McCallum homecoming game. Both are members of the color guard while also balancing a second football season extracurricular: Ritchardson is a member of the cheer team and de la Garza is an athletic trainer.

Seeing these stars

Naomi Di-Capua and Sophie Leung-Lieu
January 5, 2023
Genesis Ritcherson performs at the McCallum vs. Navarro halftime show with colorguard flags while in her cheerleading uniform. After gaining colorguard experience as a freshman at Anderson, Ritcherson decided to stick with it even after transferring to McCallum and joining the cheer squad. “I have to start preparing the night before and to make sure I have everything I need for the whole day.” Ritcherson said. “Sometimes, I have to bring three pairs of shoes for cheer, color guard and regular school.

[Photo] Genesis Ritcherson

August 5, 2022
Ramiro Hinojosa performs during the homecoming pregame show, playing his euphonium while in his football gear. With years of experience with both athletics and marching band, Hinojosa made the choice to not make a choice between the two. While the experience is rewarding, it has its ups and downs. There are some bad days, and the time management gets tough, Hinojosa said.

[Photo] Ramiro Hinojosa

August 5, 2022
Lili Escamilla performing at the McCallum homecoming halftime show, playing the saxophone in her Blue Brigade uniform. Escamillas passion for the musical and dance aspects of the halftime performance motivates her to work around the two activities conflicting practice schedules. “It does get stressful, there are so many things I have to remember,” Escamilla said, “but I have learned to manage it, and now I dont have to stress about it.

[Photo] Lili Escamilla

August 5, 2022
The Knights huddle after a 42-10 win against the Navarro Vikings. After some hard work put into the game, head coach Thomas Gammerdinger recaps the night.

[Photo] For these young Knights, experience the best teacher

November 9, 2022
COOKING UP SOMETHING SPECIAL: She may not have earned the title of Statesman Girls Athlete of the Week, but the way the school rallied to champion her cause had to feel like a big win for senior setter Teasia Cooks (shown here leading her team out for an eventual home sweep of Eastside on Sept. 13). After averaging nearly a double-double with assists and digs in leading the Knights to a five-game win streak and an early perch atop the district standings, the Statesman named the affable senior setter as one of four girls volleyball players to earn Player of the Week honors. After a PR blitz that included social media promotion, QR Code leaflets throughout the school and even a rally cry on the morning announcements, Cooks received 9,440 votes, 41 percent of the total. “I didn’t know that I was nominated until my moms friend told us,” Cooks said. “Once we found out we were shocked and were like, ‘We are fixing to have a lot of people vote.’ On the last day of the vote we posted flyers around the school saying to vote for Teasia, and the teachers let me say my speech at the pep rally. It was a really good experience.” Photo by Naomi Di-Capua.

Volleyball program savors its championship season

November 8, 2022

‘Midnights’ proves Taylor Swift is a true ‘Mastermind’

Lanie Sepehri and Naomi Di-Capua
October 26, 2022
Senior quarterback David Houston proved why he wears the number one jersey for the Knights as he helped beat the Crockett Cougars with his seven touchdown performance.

[Photo] Houston’s seven touchdowns help tame the Cougars after Knights yield 28 points in first quarter

September 23, 2022
During the first faculty meeting of the school year, principal Nicole Griffith welcomes new social studies teachers Jennifer Richter and Catherine ONeal.

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
New choral director Shannon Carter conducts the chamber choir class.

Shannon Carter

Naomi Di-Capua, co-sports editor
September 2, 2022
Theater director Bonnie Brookby poses for a photo. After years of experience leading middle and high school theater programs, Brookby is proud to direct the actors and tech crews of McCallum.

Bonnie Brookby

Naomi Di-Capua, co-sports editor
September 1, 2022
A LEARNING EXPERIENCE: For senior Jack Stites, walking across the field as one of four captains during Thursdays game couldnt be more rewarding. “It feels like a lot of hard work paid off,” Stites said. “Ive spent a lot of time over the past three years preparing for this.” Before every football game, the chosen team captains for that game participate in the coin toss. The toss determines who kicks off and which side of the field the Knights will take first. Despite Thursdays loss,  Stites says there is nothing to do but learn from it. “We’re a young team,” Stites said. “We knew we would have to take this as a learning experience.”

Taco Shack 2022 offers a full range of emotions

Evie Barnard, JoJo Barnard , Isley Cameron , Naomi Di-Capua , Julia Husted, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Sofia Thatcher, Francie Wilhelm , and Dave Winter
August 30, 2022
UNDER THE UMBRELLA: Junior Wilson Corbitt heads toward his dad’s car near the portables during Monday afternoon’s rainstorm. Corbitt faired better than some students, having the forethought to bring an umbrella to school. “In that moment I thought ‘I bet you all thought I was crazy for bringing an umbrella on a sunny day,’” Corbitt said. His intuition proved right, but Corbitt connects this occurrence to a larger issue facing Austin and the planet. “Every year the weather in Texas gets more and more unpredictable and severe due to climate change,” Corbitt said. “And that’s coming off the back of one of the hottest summers on record where today was the first day since May under 90 degrees, which is making it progressively difficult to tell what might happen.” Reporting by Alice Scott.

Flash flood strikes Austin as school dismisses Monday

Isley Cameron, Naomi Di-Capua, Meredith Grotevant, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Oliver Harrington, Helen Martin, Caroline Owen, Alice Scott, Ingrid Smith, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
August 23, 2022
SENIOR SEASON: Decked out in their jerseys, senior Parker Mitchell takes a photo of senior Sophia Kramer and friends before the first day of school in the senior parking lot. The night before, the class of ‘23 decorated their cars to show their senior pride going into their last year of high school. “It’s tradition for seniors to come and take [pictures] the morning before the first day of school,” Kramer said. “Being able to share that memory together is definitely bittersweet. I’m super excited for this year but I am anticipating all the lasts.” Reporting by Alice Scott.

Welcome back to Mac

Naomi Di-Capua, Morgan Eye, Astrea Hagood , Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
August 16, 2022
Returning varsity players Allie Roshalt, Saraih Taylor, Vaughn Vandegrift and Rachel Nabhan enjoy a light moment during tryouts after Nabhan attempted a dig and ended up in a split during a scrimmage point.

For volleyball program, building a winner starts with building a family

Naomi Di-Capua, co-sports editor
August 6, 2022
Pitching for the Franklin Duelers of the Ohio Valley League, former Mac pitcher Ethan Vandament delivers a pitch to Henry Moseley of the Full Count Rhythm on July 6 at South Warren High School in Kentucky. Vandament responded from being cut from the roster at Bossier Parish Community College in Louisiana with strong summer and will continue his college career at the NCAA Division I level at the University of Memphis. Photo by Grace Ramey, Bowling Green Daily News. Republished here with the permission of the photographer.

Mac baseball alum bound for the mound in Memphis

Naomi Di-Capua, co-sports editor
July 23, 2022
Only a few weeks after a raccoon was discovered on McCallum campus, a squirrel was found as well.

[Photo] Outdated Mac should be included in bond proposals

July 18, 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
Junior midfielder Liam Plum looks with anticipation as Weiss goalie Tobias Reyes saves a Mac shot attempt late in the second half of Weiss 2-1 victory of host McCallum at House Park. After Weiss scored two second-half goals to take the lead, Mac scrambled for the equalizer but could not produce it.

Wolves rely on second-half rally to slip past Knights

Naomi Di-Capua, staff reporter
March 27, 2022
Senior Michael Alverson advances the ball by outflanking a Bowie defender during the Knights 2-1 loss in non-district play. Alverson set up sophomore Dash Levy with a beautiful pass that Levy converted into an early 1-0 lead, four minutes into the first half.

[Photo] Resilience in the face of disappointment

March 24, 2022

‘Licorice Pizza’ subverts genre

Naomi Di-Capua, staff reporter
March 9, 2022
Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde began the discussion of the budget with the announcement that the board was committed to balancing the budget in order to protect its AAA bond rating but that it would not seek to balance the budget by reducing the number of teachers throughout the district. Instead, the district will eliminate approximately 250 central-office positions.

AISD abandons proposed seven-of-eight schedule

Naomi Di-Capua, staff reporter
February 11, 2022
Student greet security officer Bob Bedard to say their farewells and thank-yous at the end of seventh period today. Bedard is taking medical leave from Mac in order to return home to Chicago to care of his 94-year-old mother, who is ill.

Bob Bedard’s little acts of kindness made a big impact

Sophie Leung-Lieu and Naomi Di-Capua
February 8, 2022
Dancers in the Pre-Professional dance class perform the piece SHEEN, choreographed by Mac and Texas Christian University dance alumnus Terrance L. Carson, Jr., during the winter dance concert on Friday at the AISD Performing Arts Center. The McCallum dance  directors brought in professional dancers to teach the choreography to the majors and the result was a beautifully crafted performance. “The show went amazingly well, especially because of the challenges of the current COVID situation,” said McCallum’s dance director Natalie Uehara. “The dancers overcame many obstacles and together with the technical staff of the AISD PAC, put on a beautiful performance.” Caption by Grace Vitale.

This time the ‘Breaking’ news is good news

Alysa Bijl-Spiro, Naomi Di-Capua, Julia Husted, Cassidy Levin, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Lucy Marco, Madelynn Niles, Grace Nugent, Samantha Powers, Alice Scott, and Grace Vitale
January 11, 2022
Hundreds of students walked out of their third-period classes on Monday Nov. 15 in a show of support for students who have been victims of sexual abuse or sexual assault. The group met in the band parking lot and then marched around the perimeter of the school, stopping often to hear personal stories of assault and survival. Each story elicited embraces and statements of support from members of the crowd.

Standing up and walking out

Evie Barnard, Amaya Collier, Naomi Di-Capua, Emma Hagood, Julia Husted, Eliza Jensen, Cassidy Levin, Lucy Marco, Helen Martin, Kaela Martin, Lexi Ramos, Elisha Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Alysa Spiro, Francie Wilhelm, Nate Williams, and Bo Witzel
December 7, 2021

‘No Time To Die’ a sad send-off for Daniel Craig

Naomi Di-Capua, staff reporter
November 15, 2021

When setting a Pink Week fundraising record is secondary

Evie Barnard, Anna Bausman, Sophi Beardslee, Lukas Bednar, Smith Bohls, Naomi Di-Capua, Cassidy Levin, Chloe Lewcock, Lucy Marco, Helen Martin, Kaela Martin, Gaby Maydozian, Madelynn Niles, Grace Nugent, Charlie Partheymuller, Samantha Powers, Sofia Ramon, Elly Schottman, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Alysa Spiro, Francie Wilhelm, Nate Williams, and Dave Winter
October 17, 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
Three neighbors sit on self-painted benches in the street, after a community art event. This moment is an example of place-making to create a more comforting outdoor environment.

For one Austin neighborhood, community during a pandemic began with a song … or two

Naomi Di-Capua, Mac photojournalism
April 10, 2021

Dear Mr. President and Madam Vice President,

Alice Scott, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Poppy Grimsley-Ridenour, Grace Vitale, Shea Wiedenmeyer, Naomi Di-Capua, Mary Ellen Sanders, and more future McCallum voters
January 26, 2021
FESTIVE FACETIME- After reciting the Hanukkah prayers and lighting her menorah the first night of Hanukkah, Carolyn Schwarz talks with her parents, John and Rhoda Schwarz over Facetime. Usually the Schwarzes would gather in-person to celebrate Hanukkah, but due to the safety concerns of coronavirus they decided to take part in the festivities virtually this year. “Having older parents and knowing the health risks the virus could have on them made our holiday plans very clear” Carolyn said. “We knew that physically getting together would not be a safe option this year.” Carolyn celebrated the holiday at home with her husband and children while her parents celebrated with their dog, Winston. “So much is different this year,” Rhoda said. “It is a blessing that we can still celebrate with each other in some way.”

Celebrating the season despite COVID-19

Sophi Beardslee, Josie Bradsby, Lissa Castro, Amaya Collier, Maggie Coulbourn, Naomi Di-Capua, Meredith Grotevant, Ari Miller-Fortman, Madelynn Niles, Lanie Sepehri, and Dave Winter
December 22, 2020
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