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
Sophie Leung-Lieu

Sophie Leung-Lieu, design and visuals editor

All content by Sophie Leung-Lieu
Alice Chambers (Florence Pugh) kisses her husband Jack (Harry Styles) goodbye as he heads for work at the Victory Project.

[Photo] ‘Don’t Worry Darling,’ at least there’s Florence Pugh

November 25, 2022
Members of the Hershey production crew, intern Tuana Allen and man-of-the-moment Bob Bedard watch the sequence filmed during eighth period on Thursday. The clip shows Bedard standing still in the main hallway as the traffic rushes behind him as if they are apparitions.

Bob to hit the big screen

November 19, 2022
According to KUTXs Rick McNulty, burying Rick Daddy will be the toughest part about leaving Uptown Saturday Night, a segment he ran for six consecutive years.

[Photo] Rick Daddy departs — take it easy, tiger

November 28, 2022
ORourke and Abbott faced off in the gubernatorial debate in preparation for the November election.

[Photo] A post-debate fact check of Abbott, O’Rourke

November 3, 2022
Midnights was, fittingly, released at 12 a.m. EST. The album is Swifts first new all-original album since the release of Evermore in Dec. 2020.

[Photo] ‘Midnights’ proves Taylor Swift is a true ‘Mastermind’

October 26, 2022
Gilmore girls Rory and Lorelai Gilmore are the central mother-daughter duo to the iconic early 2000s TV show.

[Photo] Thoughts upon returning to Stars Hollow this autumn

November 14, 2022
Drum majors junior Sofia Hamlet and sophomore Bea Saffer help lead the marching band during warm-ups before the Connally game on Sept. 8.

Conducting with confidence

October 19, 2022
Harry Styles wears a burnt orange outfit, the school color of The University of Texas, on the first night of his residency in Austin.

[Photo] Harry Styles is ‘Golden’ during Austin residency

October 17, 2022
Total student loan debt held by age group. Collectively, Americans owe $1.75 trillion in student loans. Source: Federal Student Aid cited on Forbes.com.

[Photo] Student loan debt relief would make impact at Mac

September 28, 2022
Pinocchio (2022) has been panned by multiple critics with many calling it an insult and asking Disney to stop making live action films all together.

[Photo] ‘Pinocchio’: A cursed live action

September 24, 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

September 20, 2022
Kerren Campa

Kerren Campa

September 2, 2022
Catherine ONeal

Catherine O’Neal

September 2, 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

August 23, 2022
In part 2 of our Feeback Loop conversation, Red River Trucking Company prime movers Joaquin Frazier and King Perez Cude talk about the benefits of adding a bass player, of having divergent musical tastes and of performing without a complicated agenda.

[Photo] Frazier: ‘He brings the energy. I bring the countriness.’

July 20, 2022
Senior staff leaders Alysa Spiro (co-EIC), Lucy Marco (co-online EIC) and Madelynn NIles (co-EIC) proudly display the recently arrived fourth issue o 2021-2022 prior to heading out into the hallways to distribute it.

On Wednesdays we go to print

July 6, 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

May 3, 2022
While freshman Fin Kirsch has enjoyed the New York Times version of Wordle more because he finds the words more challenging, English teacher Amy Smith said she misses the storyline of the game being something its creator made for his partner.

Five letters. Six guesses. One shared obsession.

April 13, 2022
The McCallum archery team walks with head coach Nick Kalakanis toward the venue where it competed at the National Archery in Schools Program state archery tournament in Belton on March 22. The high school venue was a converted equestrian arena with a dirt floor. “We all ended up a few grams heavier after shooting for an hour from the dirt in our shoes, Coach Kalakanis said, but it was still way better than I had initially thought [it would be].”

Mac archers post season-best score at State

March 30, 2022
President Bidens policies have been more of a continuation of existing policies than a departure. His State of the Union address comments about policing are the clearest indication yet that he wont fight for the agenda of the progressives who voted for him.

[Photo] The lighter of two evils

March 27, 2022
Available on Naviance, admissions Scattergrams offer McCallum students a resource to compare their GPA and standardized test scores with those of other students previously accepted or denied to universities—red Xs indicating denials, and green check marks, acceptances. The Scattergrams are coupled with a scale indicating where ones GPA falls among the national average for each school, providing another basis for admissions comparison. Depending on the school its either very disheartening or a confidence boost, senior Braeden Roeder said. Its an added layer of stress for sure.

It’s not all about that GPA

March 23, 2022
Director Ridley Scott and his team’s choice to use a muted, gray color vividly represents the difference between how Marguerite views her assault compared to the men in her life.

[Photo] Period piece proves powerful

March 14, 2022
Licorice Pizzas Alana Kane is the protagonist who characterizes a token, spunky coming of age character.

[Photo] ‘Licorice Pizza’ subverts genre

March 9, 2022
THEY ARE THE OVERALL GRAND CHAMPIONS: The Blue Brigade officers celebrate after winning the Overall Grand Champion Award as the top officer group at the Crowd Pleasers Dance Hill Country MS/HS Showcase on Feb. 19. For junior lieutenant Sophia Kramer, the teams success was more than just a good competition day; it was a redemption story. After a disappointing awards showing at Westwood High the week before, the haul of awards at Seguin was a rejuvenating relief. “There was a huge difference between both contests, and I feel like the whole team being there improved the energy of the dances overall,” Kramer said. “We were really cracking down on time and the day of the contest everyone stepped it up and played their part.” The Blue Brigade won a team Grand Champion Award in the large school category after all of their team dances placed first and earned platinum ratings. The three Blue Brigade duets swept first, second and third places with Kramer and senior caption Charli Cevallos bringing home first place for their duet Because of you. While Kramer is excited about her personal success, she found more joy in the teams result. “We were all so excited! she said. It felt so good having all of our hard work pay off, especially having to choreograph team dances and not necessarily having much time on our own.” Caption by Grace Nugent.

Not throwing away their shot at redemption

February 24, 2022
A Texas A&M Aggie and the top U.S qualifier at the World Archery Field Championships, Nick Kalakanis has taken over for Jim DeLine as head coach of McCallum Archery. The hire allows DeLine to focus his effort on coaching younger archers at Lamar, Brentwood and Highland Park. Mac archers say they appreciate Kalakanis for his expertise and his approach to coaching.

Kalakanis sees eye to bulls-eye

February 22, 2022
When asked about what their favorite part of the school day was, Hazel and Leo had the same answer: lunchtime. Ridgetop has implemented outdoor seating with rows of picnic tables in the school’s breezeway area. “During lunch, we get to eat outside, I like that part,” Leo said. “Nothing else, really.”

[Photo] After year and a half of online school, young students face whole new normal back on campus

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

February 8, 2022
JUMPING AROUND : As sophomore Finn Griffith (Joseph) performs “Joseph’s Coat,” Marshall Clifton (front and center) plays Gad, one of Joseph’s brothers. who holds up the coat during the song. Clifton’s role as a swing was to step in to perform if any actors were missing. “Getting this opportunity to hop in and out of different roles was amazing,” Clifton said. Joseph was his third musical. “I’m pretty new to musical theatre,” they said. ”While this was definitely a lot of work, I am so glad I [had] this opportunity.” Reporting by Cassidy Levin.

‘Joseph’ brings color, intrigue, absurdity to Mac stage

February 1, 2022
Social studies teacher Vaughn Stockton shows his spirit for his new school.

[Photo] New social studies teacher finds home at Mac

January 22, 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

January 11, 2022
CROWDSOURCING: Arwen Frederiksen (far left) walks down the hallway before school starts to re-familiarize themselves with the campus. “[The hallways] were definitely busier than I expected,” Frederiksen said. After almost a year and a half of virtual learning, Frederiksen expresses how they are simply happy to be around other people once again. “I haven’t seen a bunch of my just school friends in forever,” Frederiksen said. “It was great.” Reporting by Alysa Spiro.

You got a minute?

December 24, 2021
SINGING FOR SCROOGE: To preface the choir concert, a group of choir members sang Christmas carols in a “Dickens-esque” fashion. Senior chamber choralist, Evelyn Griffin (second from the left), told Macjournalsim that the group stuck to classic Christmas songs. “[We sang] We Wish You a Merry Christmas, some Latin thing, Silent Night, that kind of thing,” Griffin said. “My wardrobe situation was a bit stressful, but I enjoy singing with tenors and basses.” Caption by Lucy Marco.

Mac music programs ring in the the holiday season with return of December concert series

December 14, 2021
The young Tony Soprano (Michael Gandolfini) drifts in and out of the periphery of the narrative, lingering on the edge of a story that should inarguably belong to him.

[Photo] At least we’ll always have ‘The Sopranos’

December 5, 2021
Classrooms at Mac havent been empty because of virtual learning but rather because when teachers are out, many times students have to report to the cafeteria because there is no substitute available to cover the class.

Sub shortage impedes learning

November 6, 2021
Sophomore Adrian Recar played Olaf at the MacTheatres annual Princess Tea Party fundraiser on Saturday in the cafeteria. Since he missed the audition for The SpongeBob Musical and was unable to participate, Saturdays tea party offered a chance for Recar to get back in the act. “I went to see SpongeBob and realized how much I missed doing theater,” Recar said, “The experience was absolutely amazing.” Reporting by Cassidy Levin.

[Photo] Mac reconnects with its love for costumed community

November 2, 2021
During her seventh-period Drawing 1 class on Aug. 31, art teacher Sarah Massey demonstrates to her students (including Olivia Ballard shown here) how to create the portfolio that they will use to hold all their drawings they create in the class.

Massey known for creativity, versatility, green thumb

October 4, 2021
CAPTAINS AT TWILIGHT: Seniors Ez Guenther, Jake Hissey, Jaxon Rosales and Johan Holmes lineup for the coin toss before their last non-district game against the Kerrville Tivy Antlers. For Hissey, it was his first game back after suffering a wrist injury before the team’s marquee matchup against the Anderson Trojans. Despite wearing a cast that prompted the opposing coaches to urge their offensive skill players to run at the one-armed safety, Hissey held his own, nearly making an interception to seal the victory on the play before Guenther succeeded in doing the same. The Knights went on to beat Tivy 23-15 in a game that despite Tivy’s 0-4 record, they were not favored to win. Caption by Thomas Melina Raab.

Long bus ride to Kerrville proves to be fruitful

September 21, 2021
ONE DAY MORE: Seniors Jessie Lucas and Amethyst Mellberg-Smith make a final stand to save Bikini Bottom in the Act I finale, “Tomorrow Is.” Lucas, who played the titular role of SpongeBob, was touched by the song, which takes place with only one day left to save the town from an imminent volcano apocalypse. “It kind of reminded me of how I interacted with friends at the beginning of the pandemic,” Lucas said, “before we really knew what was going on. Having that experience myself really helps me play that scene as honestly as I can.” Caption by Lanie Sepehri.

MacTheatre dives deep into ‘The SpongeBob Musical’

September 14, 2021
Facility nursing manager Candice Pleasant works as a supervisor to faculty, nursing staff and more. At the start of COVID, emergency facilities had to adapt to the lack of access to ICU. “We have to transfer them or we have to do a video consultation,” Pleasant said. “Not only do we not have those resources, we don’t even have them at our disposal anymore. It’s hard to even get in touch with those doctors. It’s hard to transfer patients. We are left to not only be their advocate, but to be every single persons specialty for that patient.”

Pandemic provides no rest for the weary

September 9, 2021
SENIOR SALUTE: In the marching band’s first performance back from a virtual year, senior Kaden Davis leads a diagonal line in one of the marching band’s sets. The change from online to in-person was real for Davis, as he describes his emotions leading up to the show: “My nerves definitely kicked in at first,” he said. “But once I got to my set position and the show began, my confidence went through the roof and I felt so proud.” Despite it being different from previous year’s Bandapaloozas, Davis felt it was a great way to start the season. He shares, “Not having a marching season last year really took a toll on all of us, especially the class of ‘21. So I know that all the class of ‘22 seniors are extremely grateful to even have a show this year.” Reporting by Lydia Reedy.

Band is back with Bandapalooza

August 24, 2021
CROWDSOURCING: Arwen Frederiksen (far left) walks down the hallway before school starts to re-familiarize themselves with the campus. “[The hallways] were definitely busier than I expected,” Frederiksen said. After almost a year and a half of virtual learning, Frederiksen expresses how they are simply happy to be around other people once again. “I haven’t seen a bunch of my just school friends in forever,” Frederiksen said. “It was great.” Reporting by Alysa Spiro.

Knights fill the campus on first day of school

August 17, 2021
Hands down, the best photo essay weve published

Hands down, the best photo essay we’ve published

May 25, 2021
ONE LAST TOURNAMENT: With freshman teammate steading to shoot his arrow, senior captain Marianna Torres DeLine releases her arrow during a 15-meter round at the 2021 National Archery in Schools Program National Archery Tournament. The tournament was Torres-DeLines last NASP tournament.  “The fact that I was able to compete at that level was insane.” After four years of working to get the McCallum archery program, Torres-DeLine finished her senior year competing in her first national competition with her team. In her debut at nationals, Torres-DeLine scored 270 points to finish second among McCallum archers. She recorded eight bullseyes. Reporting by Sophie Leung-Lieu.

Archers compete at Nationals without leaving home gym

May 11, 2021
Jim DeLine surveys the crowd of admiring parents after doing a final cheer with his archers, who surprised him after practice today with the news that they had nominated him and he had won recognition as the 2021 National Archery in the Schools Program Coach of the Year.

Archery team surprises founder with national Coach of the Year Award for his work to build, sustain team

April 25, 2021
WEE THE PEOPLE: Junior Amethyst Mellberg-Smith holds up a sign during a Urinetown scene involving a protest for the right to “pee for free.” Mellberg-Smith thinks that the show is a commentary on the current political climate. “It’s totally political satire,” Mellberg-Smith said. “It’s making fun of serious situations that are somewhat similar to things happening now, but in such a comedic and absurd way it really shows how messy politics and fighting for what’s right can be.” Mellberg-Smith said that while being on stage for the first time in a year was a rewarding experience, her favorite part of the production was spending time with her friends. “Finally seeing people every day made all of the hard work feel effortless,” Mellberg-Smith said, “and I can’t wait to do it again!” Reporting by Samantha Powers.

One last visit to ‘Urinetown’

March 30, 2021

Dear Mr. President and Madam Vice President,

January 26, 2021
THE PROCESS OF COVID TESTING: The routine process of testing for COVID is a technique that the ER technician has perfected. “After scanning in the patient’s information into the Sofia, you get reagent tubes and use a bit of solution inside and mix it with your swab, she said. You need to leave it sitting in the solution for one minute. Then you insert the sample onto the machine and wait.” The last step is shown in the image of her inserting the sample into the Sofia. This COVID testing site has two Sofia machines that have an 80% accuracy rate. If a patient shows symptoms and tests negative, the medics will treat them as if they were positive.

How COVID testing works in a free-standing ER

January 19, 2021
LISTENING IN: Freshman Sophie Leung-Lieu and her shaggy dog, Sun Tzu lay on the floor with their headphones in. Moments after this photo was taken, Sun Tzu rolled over and was not in the mood to be posing. “It was difficult to get a good photo where he was sitting up straight,” Leung-Lieu said. “He looked grumpy in every other picture we took.” In the end, Sophie and her pet companion got the right shot.

A Tuesday Top 10 throwback to the first week of school

September 29, 2020
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