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
Beatrix Lozach

Beatrix Lozach, online editor-in-chief

Beatrix Lozach is excited to return to newspaper as one of the online editors-in-chief. Last year, she won the UIL Ready Writing state contest for division 5A, and this summer she was commended for a history essay in the John Locke Global Essay Contest. She speaks English, Spanish and French. She looks forward to reporting on politics, education and fine arts, and to continue pursuing both photography and podcasting in depth.

All content by Beatrix Lozach
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
An unidentified protester holds an American flag aloft during the No Kings protest.

No Kings protest draws 20,000 in protest of Trump-era policies

Beatrix Lozach and Elizabeth Nation
June 15, 2025
Unidentified protesters outside the Texas Capitol hold up signs advocating the abolition of ICE at an Austin protest rally against recent ICE actions in Los Angeles.

Austin activists convene downtown to show solidarity with ICE protesters in Los Angeles

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
June 10, 2025
London Pagnini

[Photo] 25 for ’25—Who’s Who Class of 2025 edition

June 10, 2025
Beatrix Lozach- 2025 NSPA Writer of the Year portfolio

Beatrix Lozach- 2025 NSPA Writer of the Year portfolio

Beatrix Lozach, staff writer
June 2, 2025
Junior Iris LaRue reviews for her rescheduled AP Psychology exam on Friday, May 23.

Nationwide glitch delays AP Psychology exams

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
May 16, 2025
PAINTING POINTS: Junior Joseph Blackwood performs painting skit for Mr. McCallum pageant on Saturday night. Blackwood came in third for the entire competition after several wins throughout the week's challenges including his second place win for raising the most money in the ice bucket challenge. As a fellow actor, sophomore Hallie Cooper was assigned to be Blackwood's guide througout the week, orienting him where to go and what to do for the various challenges. At the end of the week, Blackwood was awarded third place after all his hard work earning points throughout the week from supporters and sponsors through all the various challenges as well as his final culminating performance on Saturday.  Caption by Josie Mullan. Photo by Lillian Gray.

From knight to king

Carlo Hinsdale, Evelyn Jenkins, Beatrix Lozach, Sophia Manos, Josie Mullan, Piper Norfolk, Callen Romell, and Adele Seeboth
May 13, 2025
ONE LAST TIME: Senior Zalie Mann and junior Ronan Henson dance at prom, the last McCallum dance both of them will ever attend. Despite not being a senior, Henson was able to attend with the invitation from his senior friend Gabrielle Rodriquez. Attending Zach Academy for theater next year, this is Henson’s last year at McCallum, and so in that sense, attending prom for him felt like a senior experience. Henson enjoyed how the night went, and felt that it was a big improvement from the prom he had attended at the same venue a week before. “I went to Bowie prom, and it was really boring,” he said. “This one was much more fun, everyone was dancing, and it had a much better vibe. I think the environment was super nice, like how it was set up with the lights and music, but everyone dancing and having a good time together made it really fun. We definitely utilized the space much better.” One thing Henson won’t forget about prom was getting to enjoy being around his senior friends for one of the last times and making memories with them. “Dancing and getting to reconnect with friends I've been making throughout the past three years in one spot was just amazing,” he said. “It felt like a super good ending to the year, and a nice sign off for sure.” Caption by Priya Thoppil.

Prom provides seniors a moment to savor, celebrate

Josie Linton, Beatrix Lozach, Sophia Manos, Sienna Martens, Josie Mullan, Riley Pita, Maya Tackett, Priya Thoppil, and Fletcher Vandegrift
May 1, 2025

[Video] Stepping up to the plate

Beatrix Lozach, staff writer
May 1, 2025

Shaw honored as 2025 teacher of year

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
April 26, 2025
We have covered a lot of Mac moments here. To celebrate post No. 10,000, we take a look back at some of the moments that made a significant impact in our collective life at Mac.

10,000 posts and counting

Shayla Allen, Evie Barnard, Elin Campana Wadman, Ian Clennan, Amaya Collier, Julia Copas, Kylie Elkow, Gaby Esquivel, Morgan Eye, Lillian Gray, Gregory James, Sophie Kessler, Delaney Lavelle, Chloe Lewcock, Beatrix Lozach, Emerson Merritt, Olin Michalovic, Esme Moreno, Grace Nugent, Mads Olsen, Charlie Partheymuller, Adrian Peña, Lexi Ramos, Bella Russo, Sofia Saucedo, Alice Scott, Chloe Seckar-Martinez, Stella Shenkman, Bela Tapperson, Isabela Tellez, Camilla Vandegrift, Lucas Walker, Kennedy Weatherby, Francie Wilhelm, Dave Winter, and many more
April 22, 2025
Graphic illustrating actions undertaken by the current administration, by Beatrix Lozach.

Trump’s second turn

Beatrix Lozach, staff writer
April 12, 2025
Graphic depicting the duality of female pop stardom, ranging from countercultural subversion to conservatism.

Modern female pop stardom necessitates conformity

Beatrix Lozach, staff writer
April 11, 2025
Quinceañeras Alexis Jimenez, Yami Salas, Sofia Arredondo, Valeria Barrientos, Sadie Mason and Evelyn Martinez Mercado pose for a photo outside the school. The image captures their grand entrance to their collective quinceañera. This Saturday, McCallum held the quinceañera in the cafeteria allowing students to partake in the traditional Hispanic coming of age celebration without the expenses associated. Señora Altamirano-Cancino and the Ballet Folklorico Club came together to organize the event and with help from the local community were able to cover all aspects of the celebration from the lowrider cars for the students to arrive in to the DJ and dresses and suits that students were able to rent out or have donated. Caption by Josie Mullan.

Agradecida por la oportunidad

Shila Gill, Lillian Gray, Evelyn Jenkins, Beatrix Lozach, Sophia Manos, Maggie Mass, Josie Mullan, Adele Seeboth, and Fletcher Vandegrift
April 9, 2025
Michael Reeves, Ava Weaver, Erick Garcia, Faye Zayed, Charlotte Schwarte, Elizabeth Yowell and David Doerr represented New Voices Texas at the Capitol on March 17, lobbying with state legislative offices for passage of HB 4821.

Austin-area student journalists seek legislative support for student press freedom

Beatrix Lozach, student reporter
April 5, 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
Graphic depicting a common slogan of the Free Palestine movement, "existence is resistance".

An ephemeral ceasefire

Beatrix Lozach, staff writer
March 20, 2025
SETTING THE STAGE: Senior London Holtz, who served as a model, steps on the stage for her first walk of the night, wearing a shimmering outfit designed by junior Maddie O’Connor. This was Holtz’s second year taking part in the fashion show, and she enjoyed getting to do what she loves. “My experience with the fashion show these past two years has been amazing,” Holtz said. Holtz also designed four of her own looks for the show. To continue pursuit of her love for fashion, Holtz plans on attending Parsons School of Design next year. Holtz said that modeling for her friends and designing her own outfits has been her favorite part about the fashion show. “I love being able to model for my friends and bond over my love for fashion,” Holtz said. “That was what intrigued me to take part in the fashion show.” Caption by Sienna Martens.

[Photo] 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
Sophomore Paityn Jones sings "Lift Every Voice and Sing" for the Black History Month assembly on Feb. 10. Written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was originally a poem but became the official song of the NAACP in 1919 and became even more prominent during the Civil Rights Movement. In the wake of George Floyd's murder in 2020, the NFL made the song a fixture at its championship game. Caption by Wren Vanderford. Photo by Jasmine Aung.

Acknowledging and celebrating Black history, culture and expression

Daniela Di-Capua, Tegan Hahn, Beatrix Lozach, Josie Mullan, Piper Norfolk, Riley Pita, Callen Romell, Maya Tackett, Wren Vanderford, Fletcher Vandegrift, and Nate Williams
March 11, 2025
A national park ranger for a couple of days before being let go, Kristen Jenn said she felt compelled to speak out against the recent firing of federal workers.

For second time this month, 50501 supporters rally at Texas Capitol

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
February 23, 2025
THE FINAL SHOT: For senior Jaiden Booe Senior Knight was the single best moment of the entire district season. After nearly finishing undefeated the win against LASA, and the secured spot in the first round of UIL playoffs summed up Booe’s love for basketball all in one game. “[My favorite thing about playing] is making memories with the team because we are all about to graduate,” Booe said. “Just playing, having fun with the guys knowing it's the last home game at McCallum.” For Booe the pre-game ritual to the teams' basketball games was another highlight during his years on the team. “My favorite thing about playing is the pre-game shooting with my teammates in the back gym,” Booe said. “We practiced hard and made sure to have fun.” For Booe basketball ends in high school, however he plans on continuing his athletic endeavors at Kilgore College for football. Caption by Chloe Lewcock. Photo by Julia Copas

Senior Knights get royal sendoff

Shila Gill, Chloe Lewcock, Beatrix Lozach, Arwen Pelletier, Maya Tackett, Callen Romell, Fletcher Vandegrift, Nate Williams, and Josie Mullan
February 19, 2025

Beatrix Lozach—Beginning Writer portfolio

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
February 5, 2025
Graphic of 3 highly populated districts ranked by average high school teacher salary per data from Dallas ISD and teacher.org. Graphic by Beatrix Lozach.

Mac faculty on Prop A

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
February 5, 2025
Failure of Democrats to appeal to immigrant voters cost them the election

Failure of Democrats to appeal to immigrant voters cost them the election

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
January 29, 2025
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: Senior Sasha Grapko is highlighted on stage by a spotlight during the McCallum Youth Dance Company show this past Thursday and Friday at the AISD PAC. The company put in tireless efforts to make the show a reality with late rehearsals and all-day preparations at the PAC in the days leading up to the show. The show was unique with multiple ensembles performing throughout the night. Since the company consists of students ranging from their freshmen to senior years, the dances vary in complexity which created a balance throughout the program over the two days. Overall, the efforts of the dancers and choreographers paid off, and the show was a success. As Grapko is shining above, every McCallum dancer was able to highlight their commitment to the program with their performances. Caption by Arwen Petellier. Photo by Adele Seeboth

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
With a wide range of performers from current students to alums to professional to even a few guest performers from other Austin ISD campus, McCallum’s Cinco de Mayo celebration united the past and the present and students from all over the city all of the purpose of celebrating the contribution of Mexican culture to the world. McCallum’s longtime expert on Cinco de Mayo and all things Latine returned to campus to Senora A emcee the show. Leading up to Friday’s eighth-period performance, Ballet Folklórico students manned a ticket sales table at lunch in the main hallway. The booth was located in the main hall near the front office. The $2 ticket price did not dissuade math teacher and PALS adviser Richard Cowles from stepping up to the booth on Wednesday and buying a class set of tickets so his entire eighth-period class could take in the show. When Friday finally arrived, students left eighth period and headed to the Mac to enjoy the show, and we believe the photos that follow will confirm that those paying customers got a terrific show for the price. The wide range of performers included the Ballet Folklórico troupe, live musical performances including a mariachi band. Caption by JoJo Barnard. Photo by Beatrix Lozach.

[Photo] Photos of the week

November 11, 2014
Anti-undocumented immigration policies undermine the American Dream.

Innocent until proven undocumented

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
January 18, 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
The turnout rate among youth voters and Texas voters for the 2020 and 2024 elections. Voter turnout has decreased from 50% of youth voters turnout in 2020, to a 42% turn out in 2024. Overall, the Texas election in 2020 led to a 9.6% turnout decrease indicating a trend in lowering voter turnout rates especially among youths.

2024 election sees decline in younger voters

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
December 28, 2024
SPENDING THANKSGIVING IN NATURE: Junior Elizabeth Falkin feeds deer who wander around her grandfather’s lakehouse on Lake Buchanan during Thanksgiving break. Falkin travels to her lakehouse during long breaks and spent six days there during this break. One thing that makes Falkin’s lakehouse special for her is the ability to feed the deer. “There are a ton of deer up there, and we always keep tins of deer food so that we can feed them and see them more up close,” Falkin said. This trip also allowed Falkin the opportunity to see her cousins, who showed up to her family’s lakehouse on Thanksgiving without her knowing they were coming beforehand. “I never get to see my baby cousins, so I loved going to the beach with them and sitting by the fire at night,” Falkin said. “I love the fire because I feel like I don’t have to worry about anything else like school for just a little while.” Falkin has been going to the house for as long as she can remember and always enjoys the sense of serenity it brings. “It is an amazing, isolated place that allows me to calm down and spend time with the people I care about as well as with nature,” Falkin said. Caption by Maya Tackett. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Falkin.

All over for autumn

Noah Braun, Carlo Hinsdale, Delaney Lavelle, Beatrix Lozach, Chloe Lewcock, Riley Pita, Maya Tackett, Priya Thoppil, Nate Williams, and Josie Mullan
December 4, 2024
A PLACE FOR PIANO: Junior Maggie Brown (far left) stands with Dr. Parrot (right) and other fine arts major ambassadors, as he gives out instructions to middle schoolers about where to go if they are interested in attending an information session about fine arts majors offered at McCallum on Nov. 7.  While Brown is an ambassador for the piano program, she was not in the showcase to perform, she was there to facilitate and make sure everything went smoothly, as well as inform future students about the piano program if they had any questions.  “I helped by assembling the stage setups between each performance, and answering the attendees' questions about the program after the event,” Brown said.  Between each event, Dr. Parrot would give a brief description of each fine arts academy, and what future students could expect should they major in it. Brown became a piano ambassador after Kate Wiley, the piano teacher, nominated her candidate last year. “Being an ambassador is something I really love because I had no idea how accessible the Mac Piano program was when I was an eighth grader applying to MAC,” Brown said. “Since I'm also a theater major, it is easy to see how such a small and selective program could get overlooked.” Brown believes that the students in the program have created a unique space for all levels of pianists to learn and celebrate each other. Brown said she looks up to the other two student ambassadors, Maverick Larson, a fellow piano ambassador, and Senior Bea Schaffer, a band ambassador.  “I really look up to them as artists and leaders, since they both use their skill as musicians to create a community within their respective majors,” Brown said. Brown hopes that future students who attended this showcase were inspired by performances they saw, and feel encouraged by these students' confidence.  “I hope the pianists in the crowd recognized and admired how piano students at MAC are pushed to try new things and learn challenging pieces,” Brown said. Caption by Priya Thoppil.

[Photo] Inspiring aspiring artists

JoJo Barnard, Tristen Diaz, Daniela Di-Capua, Carson Duncan, Shila Gill, Delaney Lavelle, Josie Mullan, Riley Pita, Chloe Seckar-Martinez, Adele Seeboth, Priya Thoppil, and Fletcher Vandegrift
November 19, 2024
Sixteen of the AP exams will be fully digital in 2025. These exams fall into the arts and humanities category, with exceptions being AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles and AP Environmental Science. Twelve will be hybrid exams—virtually all math or science—ranging from AP Calculus classes to AP Biology. For arts, language and music AP tests, the audio components of the tests will remain unchanged.

AP goes digital

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
October 26, 2024
A BROADER PERSPECTIVE: Last Tuesday, seniors Grace Valdez and Ben Martinez spoke at The Student of Color Alliance’s Lunch and Learn for Hispanic Heritage Month. Valdez talked about her experience fitting into the McCallum community as a Hispanic student. The Lunch and Learn was organized to help others gain a better understanding of Hispanic students' experiences and the importance of learning about and celebrating Hispanic culture. “I personally spoke about a large variety of topics,” Valdez said. “I mentioned my personal experiences with learning English. I also spoke about passing as a white person, and my feelings of at times trying to prove myself Mexican enough for certain people.” The panelists spoke about how their culture is important to themselves and their families. Valdez shared how her Mexican heritage has always been important to her and how it reflects in her family life. “My Mexican culture is portrayed within my family in the food we eat and my dad's music taste as well as hearing the stories of my parents' experiences when they were growing up,” Valdez said. Regarding the discussion of the importance of Hispanic heritage and celebrating it at McCallum, Valdez said it is especially important because of the lack of representation of Hispanic heritage at McCallum in the past. “It used to be that people of color couldn’t be in any extracurriculars besides the Hispanic Heritage Club, and it wasn’t until the '80s or so that it was changed,” Valdez said. “Now whenever I see the huge poster with all the names of Hispanic people of importance it makes me happy, and makes me feel like McCallum had come a long way.” Caption by Tallulah McAuliffe.

[Photo] From the 15th to the 15th, nothing but food, festivities, fun, family, fellowship

Noah Braun, Carlo Hinsdale, Evelyn Jenkins, Sophia Manos, Maggie Mass, Tallulah McAuliffe, Piper Norfolk, Sofia Saucedo, Priya Thoppil, and Camilla Vandegrift
October 22, 2024
Setting a new Pink Week precedent, puppies were introduced into the Pink Week festivities this year. Two 6-week-old puppies-Mae and Millie were brought from Austin Pets Alive, and students, including Mariana Silva shown here, were able to pay to cuddle and play with the puppies. The event turned out to be extremely popular at McCallum with a huge line twisting around the courtyard, and the PALS program reported that just on Tuesday alone, the group raised $700 dollars for the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Texas. Not only did the puppies help to raise money for the BCRC, but the event also served as an adoption event for Austin Pets Alive, as students and their families were given the puppies' information about how to adopt puppies in the future. Caption by Josie Mullan.

[Photo] PALS work to fight breast cancer, bring campus together

JoJo Barnard, Daniela Di-Capua, Carson Duncan, Josie Mullan, Elizabeth Nation, Chloe Seckar-Martinez, Adele Seeboth, and Fletcher Vandegrift
October 15, 2024

Day of Dance debuts at Austin ISD PAC

Shayla Allen, Shila Gill, Lillian Gray, Josie Linton, Beatrix Lozach, Elizabeth Nation, Josie Linton, Beatrix Lozach, Vera Petrosky, Callen Romell, Eva Sanchez, Maya Tackett, David Winter, and Abigail Wood
October 8, 2024
TAKING ACTION: The photo above was from the 2023 statewide gun control walkout. Now alumni, Zephan Mayeda leans against a tree during the walkout holding a sign reading “Bullets aren’t school supplies.” He participated in the walkout to protest against the lack of gun protection in the U.S. and to draw attention to the statewide protest. “Children are dying due to government’s apathy and corporate lobbying against any action of any kind,” Mayeda said. Mayeda was disappointed in the lack of organization that came with the protest but still participated. “Better something than nothing,” he said. Mayeda offered what he would love to see at the walkout. “I would have loved to see marching, chants, speeches, lists of phone numbers to call senators, names pictures and birthdays of the victims, flyers promoting the protest days weeks or months even in advance, mass absences, an actual walkout for those who can’t not go to school that isn’t just 20 minutes of sitting,” Mayeda said. Although he was underwhelmed, Mayeda appreciated the symbolism. “I think it held some importance in regards to symbolic gestures,” Mayeda said. Reporting by Kate Boyle.

Gun violence ravages American youth

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
September 27, 2024
COLALEO IN THE YELLOW SUIT: Senior Joe Colaleo rehearses ferociously confronts the Tuck family about the water that turns people immortal as the cast of McCallum Theater’s fall production Tuck Everlasting blocks a scene. The rehearsal is for the actors to know where to be placed and stand throughout the show. “I am feeling great about the process and creation of the show as a whole,” Colaleo said. “We are working really fast, we are super prepared. Everyone is working really hard, and we are just finishing up learning set traffic, cleaning and perfecting the show.” In the show, Colaleo plays The Man in the Yellow Suit, a character he was hoping to get when auditioning. The character is greedy and selfish and his goal is to become wealthy by selling water from the spring in the woods. “I want the water to sell for money and they are stopping me,” Colaleo said. For Colaleo, Tuck Everlasting represents the start of his senior year and the final season with McCallum Theater. “Playing this role as a senior is very fulfilling and fun,” Colaleo said. “Everyone looks up to you and you get a sense of accomplishment and pride when you see others doing well.” Looking back on his four years in theater production, Colaleo said he wants to do everything he can this year to support the underclassmen and have fun in the rest of the shows this year. “I really appreciate the process a lot more this year, knowing it will be one of the last times I’m doing something like this at McCallum and I won’t see a lot of these people for a long time,” Colaleo said. Caption by Nate Williams.

‘Everlasting’ rehearsal process nears its end

JoJo Barnard, Sunday Cardinal, Tegan Hahn, Delaney Lavelle, Lilah Lavigne, Beatrix Lozach, Sophia Manos, Tallulah McAuliffe, Josie Mullan, Riley Pita, Adele Seeboth, Nico Williamson, and Nate Williams
September 10, 2024
READY FOR THE CHALLENGE: Junior defensive end Nehemiah Trejo listens intently to head coach Thomas Gammerdinger's instructions for the team's next offensive possession against Anderson. Trejo praised the coaching staff for its work leading up to game. “Our coaches did an excellent job preparing us for this game,” Trejo said. “They spent a lot of time game planning and reviewing our strategies. We saw many of the things we expected, and we came into the game focused and ready to give it our all.” Trejo praised Coach Gammerdinger for his role in adapting during the game. “Coach G was great at addressing what was working for us, correcting mistakes and improving communication,” Trejo said. “He reminded us that our defense had the capability to hold them back and make crucial stops.” As for the game’s outcome, Trejo noted it was an intense fight but did not come as a surprise. “It went exactly as we anticipated,” Trejo said. “Anderson came out with a strong offense, and it turned into a shootout between who could score more and who could get the most stops. We showed in the third quarter that we weren’t giving up and fought hard throughout [the game].” Caption by Tristen Diaz. Photo by TC Brosnan.

Old rivalry creates crowd fun at 2024 Taco Shack

Chloe Lewcock, Fletcher Vandegrift, Tristen Diaz, Carson Duncan, Chloe Seckar-Martinez, Beatrix Lozach, Josie Mullan, Mira Patel, Lillian Gray, Daniela Di-Capua, Camilla Vandegrift, Maya Tackett, and Shila Gill
September 3, 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
EDUCATING FRESHMEN: Principal Andy Baxa gives a speech at freshman orientation in the MAC this morning to welcome the class of ‘28. Baxa came up with the idea for a Freshman Orientation last year after discovering that some freshmen didn’t understand the nuances of McCallum’s culture. ”Freshman Orientation accomplished what I wanted to accomplish: introduce the kids to McCallum’s culture and ease them into the transition to high school. We wanted to show them that this is a safe place and that this is a place that celebrates your individuality,” Baxa said. Caption by Beatrix Lozach.

Mac abuzz with first-day festivities

Shila Gill, Lillian Gray, Chloe Lewcock, Beatrix Lozach, Callen Romell, Sofia Saucedo, and Maya Tackett
August 20, 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
DANCING QUEEN ONLY 15: The Mccallum quinceañera took place Saturday May 18 in the cafeteria. Students who danced at the quinceañera practiced for weeks during lunch and after school with the help of Señora A to perfect this special moment. “I signed up for fun and for the dress originally, but I actually made a lot of friends, and it helped me want to come back to practice,” said Elizabeth Peables, a freshman quinceñeara. “It’s been stressful, but it always works. We stayed very late yesterday [the day before the event], but today it feels like everything came together.” Caption by Nellie Eschberger with reporting by Beatrix Lozach. LA REINA DE BAILE, SOLAMENTE TIENE 15 AÑOS DE EDAD: La Quinceñera de McCallum fue el 18 de Mayo en la cafetería.  Estudiantes que bailaron en la quinceañera practicaron por semanas durante el almuerzo y después de la escuela con la ayuda de la Sra. A para perfeccionar este momento especial. “Originalmente me inscribí para divertirme, y por el vestido,  pero actualmente hice muchos amigos y me ayudó a querer regresar a la práctica.” Dijo la estudiante de primer año Elizabeth Peables. “Ha sido muy estresante, pero siempre funciona.” “Nos quedamos muy tarde ayer el día antes del evento pero hoy se siente que todo está cayendo en forma.” Leyenda por Nellie Eschberger con reportaje de Beatrix Lozach. Traducción por Maverick Palacios.

Quince fotos durante quince años

Lily Castellow, Nellie Eschberger, Daniel Fuentes, Beatrix Lozach, Maverick Palacios, and Dave Winter
June 11, 2024
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