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
Sophia Manos

Sophia Manos, staff reporter

Manos is a first year staffer and is excited to be part of The Shield staff. She adored sports photography and covered basketball, volleyball, football, and soccer during her time in digital media, and hopes to continue covering sports while on staff.  Outside of newspaper, Manos is a part of NHS, Link Crew and designs annually for the McCallum Fashion Show.  She is also fluent in Russian. Manos’s objectives for this year are to attain straight A’s, improve her interviewing skills, and meet new people.

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

[Photo] Students, faculty convene campus costume party

Julia Copas, Josie Linton, Sienna Martens, Katie Martin, Harper Maxwell, Elizabeth Nation, Mira Patel, Eva Sanchez, and Wren Vanderford
November 5, 2024
A CELEBRATION OF HISPANIC HERITAGE: Ballet Folklórico dancers Valeria Alcauter Robles (red), Carley Castro-Seiler (turquoise), Abi Peacock (black), Shirel Behar (green) and Mailyn Gil (periwinkle) perform this past weekend at the AISD Performing Arts Center, competing in AISD’s Fiesta for Hispanic Heritage Month. Gil has been a part of the club since her freshman year. Upon joining the group she had no idea what it was, but was inclined to join due to influences of her grandfather. “I joined because my grandfather loved the traditional dances and that it showcased all regions,” Gil said. “I wanted to honor him in a way, as well as learn more about my culture.” Competing in a small group ensemble during the Fiesta, Gil felt that the members as well as herself were very composed and performed their routine smoothly. “We were very comfortable in our pieces, enough to just get on stage and do what we did, and have fun,” Gil said. “The only difference between this performance and the past was that we had judges this time, so it was a little nerve wrecking since it was a competition.” Groups from different schools competed in a variety of categories, some being soloists, music groups, and bands. The groups each performed their pieces, and then the judges took 15 minutes at the end to go over scoring before they announced the winners. Gil said that even though the club did not win, they felt proud of their performance. “We were very positive and respectful, and even though we didn’t win we felt proud of our accomplishments,” Gil said. “I was proud of our newcomers because they learned everything so quickly and got the hang of it.” Caption by Priya Thoppil.

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
FIGHTING AGAINST VOUCHERS: Texas State Representative James Talarico, a Democrat who represents Round Rock, Taylor, Hutto and Georgetown in Williamson County, spoke to Austin ISD journalism students at the Capitol about school vouchers on Thursday, Sept. 12. Talarico said that he is against school vouchers and when asked if he sees any benefits he stated that he did not. “I often can see the other argument and I can be sympathetic even when I may come down on one side,” Talarico said. “This is one of those areas where I just think it’s a bad idea all around.” School vouchers allow parents to choose where to send their children by diverting funds from pubic schools to private schools. This bill is soon to be voted on in Texas, if it is passed it would mean that every student attending private school will receive additional funding if parents chose. Legislators from both parties voted against vouchers in the last session, but with the change in makeup of the legislature, supporters of vouchers believe it stands a better chance to pass in the upcoming session, but Talarico remains an adamant opponent of school vouchers. “If you see my public statements I’ve called it scams,” Talarico said. “Scams are those things that sound good on the outside, but when you read the fine print you realize they’re screwing you over and ripping you off. I really do feel like vouchers are the same deal.” Caption by Maddie O’Connor.

[Photo] Debates over education persist as legislators, districts consider budgets, vouchers

JoJo Barnard, Lillian Gray, Josie Linton, Tallulah McAuliffe, Elizabeth Nation, Maddie O'Connor, Callen Romell, Eva Sanchez, Sofia Saucedo, Priya Thoppil, Camilla Vandegrift, and Zev Zent
September 17, 2024
Julia and Trinitiy MCS at pink week pep rally

[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
54058074769_3550ea5713_o

[Photo] High kicks and high notes

JoJo Barnard, print managing editor
November 7, 2024
Kevin Abstract preforming his ACL set on Sunday during ACL's first weekend

ACL setlist disappoints

Sophia Manos and Adele Seeboth
October 9, 2024
Paul Pew beams with students next to mural dedicated to him. At the end of the school year last year, students and faculty decided that they needed to dedicate something to him for his career at McCallum. According to Pew, the thing he will miss most about teaching here is the students, and teachers. “I worked with amazing, kind, and talented people at both ends of the building, math and music,” Pew said. “I was lucky enough to have Ms. Seckar as a department head and all the math teachers as friends.

[Photo] At Mac, Pew found perfect mix of math, music

Riley Pita, staff reporter
October 16, 2024
The freshman A players who were on the court celebrate the last point of the Knights victory over Connally to start the Knight Freshman Tournament. After winning the first set, the Knights fell behind by 11 points in the second set before roaring back to complete the sweep of the Cougars. The Knights would go on to run the table defeating Manor Tech, St. Andrew's, LASA and Bowie to win the freshman tournament that McCallum Volleyball hosts for the first time ever.

Freshman A wins campus tournament, makes history

Daniela Di-Capua, Carson Duncan, Josie Linton, Sophia Manos, Sienna Martens, Josie Mullan, Elizabeth Nation, Sofia Saucedo, Maya Tackett, Priya Thoppil, Jasper Williams, and Dave Winter
October 5, 2024
A DELIGHTFUL DANCE: Freshman Gideon Adair performs in the ensemble in Tuck Everlasting and as Angus Tuck on his alternate night. While reflecting upon the show as the performance comes to an end, Adair said it strengthened his connection with the theater community and his confidence on stage.  Throughout rehearsals the cast remained very close-knit, all working tremendously hard to put on a beautiful show. Adair loved the process of learning the choreography and felt this was due to how good of a teacher, Academy Director Natalie Uehara was. “My favorite part of producing the show was my castmates, it was just such a wonderful cast, we were all really close to each other,” Adair said. Adair loved every part of the musical but his absolute favorite was the fair scene. During this scene, Adair performed a duet dance with senior Sophia Rayas. “My favorite part of the show had to be the fair scene, during which I had a dance part that I thought was super fun,” Adair said. On his alternate night, Adair got the chance to perform the role of Angus Tuck which he worked tirelessly for as an understudy. Over the rehearsals, Adair enjoyed spending his time working with Joseph Blackwood who played Angus Tuck. “I was understudying Joseph Blackwood, and he was always so helpful,” Adair said. “I had such a fun and awesome time during my alternate night, I loved getting to perform as Angus Tuck.” In the end, the musical expressed an important message, which was to appreciate life and all it's experiences.  “I feel like the best way to explain the message of Tuck Everlasting is when Angus is talking to Winne and he says, you don’t need to live forever you need to just live,” Adair said. Caption by Tallulah McAuliffe.

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

Sofia Saucedo, Mira Patel, Camilla Vandegrift, Katie Martin, Tallulah McAuliffe, Sienna Martens, Aubrey Macedo, Priya Thoppil, Chloe Lewcock, and Harper Maxwell
October 1, 2024
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
AN EARLY HOMECOMING: Newly appointed assistant principal Gabriel Adame returned to McCallum this year after spending a year obtaining his master’s of education with the UT Texas Principals Leadership Academy. During his studies, Adame acted as an assistant principal at a middle school and an elementary school in order to gain more experience. Nevertheless, Adame felt compelled to return to Mac. “There are three main reasons I came back to McCallum,” Adame said. “Besides the students, who have been incredibly kind, supportive and funny, my colleagues and the friendships I developed here have been a huge part of the reason I came back.” Adame also said the community within the faculty was one of the main reasons he chose to return. “I felt so supported as an AP Biology teacher and coach,” Adame said. “And I can never repay them for the help I received, whether it was in the form of an email that made me feel good about what I was doing as a teacher or whether it was a kind remark as we were cheering on a kiddo in the stands.” Moving forward, Adame plans to take his role as an assistant principal seriously. He’s committed to leading by example when it comes to establishing a work ethic and a positive mindset. “The biggest value I want to embody is integrity,” Adame said. “I really hope that by the time I’m done here, people can really see me for the work that I did and the people I helped. Because really, this job is not about me. This job is about how I can get students to the place they want to be and how can I get teachers to be the best versions of themselves.” Fellow assistant principal Larry Featherstone believes that Adame continuously embodies that integrity. “I feel great about him being back here at McCallum,” Featherstone said. “He’s doing a phenomenal job. He’s training teachers, supporting students, and the best part is that he does it all with a smile on his face. He has a great spirit about him.” No matter how beloved he is on campus, however, Adame takes a humble approach to his work. “I’m a servant of the public, and it’s something I take great pride in, helping people accomplish the goals, the aspirations, the endeavors they set out for themselves,” Adame said. “If I can be a guide for them to navigate that, that’s what I want to do. Those are things I really try to live by, integrity and servitude.”

Fresh faces across the faculty

Daniela Di-Capua, Carson Duncan, Nellie Eschberger, Delaney Lavelle, Josie Linton, Beatrix Lozach, Katie Martin, Sophia Manos, Aubrey Macedo, Harper Binfield Maxwell, Tallulah McAuliffe, Elizabeth Nation, Maddie O'Connor, Arwen Pelletier, Riley Pita, Eva Sanchez, Adele Seeboth, Fletcher Vandegrift, and Nico Williamson
August 27, 2024
Photo by Harper Binfield Maxwell.

PhotoJ students spark creativity through emulation

Harper Binfield Maxwell, Carson Duncan, Olivia Dungan, David Herring, Carlo Hinsdale, Elli Grace Hodges, Katie Hyzak, Sophia Lopez, Beatrix Lozach, Aubrey Macedo, Sophia Manos, Katie Martin, Vivian Moore, Riley Pita, Adele Seeboth, and Cash Sims
July 16, 2024
Sophomore Chim Becker and retiring math teacher Paul Pew pose in front of the library mural Becker created in Pew’s honor.

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

Katie Martin, Mac photojournalism
July 2, 2024
BESTIES TAKE ON PROM: Senior Bella Gonzales dances with junior Helen Rodgers during prom last weekend.  “At dinner before I told my friends they better dance with me and they told me ‘no,’” Gonzales said. “But Helen said, ‘Of course I’ll dance with you,’ so Helen was the first friend that started dancing.”  Instead of taking a traditional date, Gonzales invited various junior friends to join her at prom.  “Instead of having a guy date, I invited a bunch of my junior friends,” she said. “I actually am so happy with that decision because it was just so fun having all my girls with me.”  While the day of prom provided many fun events besides just the dance, Gonzales still enjoyed the dance itself the most.  “The whole day of prom there are so many fun things to do,” Gonzales said. “We made bouquets together and got ready, but I was most excited to be at prom and see everyone I knew, and to see everyone dressed up.”  Gonzales especially appreciated the vibe stablished at prom.  “It was such a positive environment where everyone was hyping each other up, and we were all so high energy,” Gonzales said. “It's just such a positive environment at prom where everyone is so happy and having a good time.”  Besides the welcoming atmosphere, Gonzales especially looked forward to the dancing. “My friend Ellie and I were getting into the song ‘Beauty and the Beat’ together, and also ‘Cupid Shuffle,'” she said. “They are just such classics.”  When looking back on the dance and her senior year as a whole, Gonzales says she will forever remember how kind the class of 2024 is.  “I will always remember how close and how kind every single person in our class is,” Gonzales said. “I feel like we have no mean girls, no enemies, and we all love each other and love being together.” Caption by Naomi Di-Capua.

[Photo] Students enjoy an ‘enchanted’ night at prom

JoJo Barnard, Naomi Di-Capua, Gaby Esquivel, Shila Gill, August Gleason, Eliza Jensen, Chloe Lewcock, Josie Mullan, Alice Scott, and Priya Thoppil
April 23, 2024
AMAYZING MAYZE: Freshman Izzy Stern performs as one of the bird girls, singing the song “Amayzing Mayze.” For Stern, the long process behind Suessical was fun, as this was her second musical she performed in. “It was a great learning experience for me,” Stern said. “It is always so amazing to see the whole show come together during tech week when you run it with everyone together for the first time.” Stern auditioned for the roles of Mayze, Gertrude, and bird girl, and ultimately was cast as one of the bird girls. “You sign up for the audition and prepare a one minute cut of any song that you like and feel fits the musical,” she said. “I sang ‘There's a fine, fine line’ from Avenue Q. After you audition, the directors decide if you are called back for any roles or not.” Working hard on opening night, Stern felt the cast did a stellar job. “Everyone worked together surprisingly well, but I think we all really came together through the last weekend.” Lasting eight shows, Stern was ready for the end. “My favorite part was the finale,” she said. “Because there was so much energy from the show, and it is such a fun dance.” Caption by Priya Thoppil.

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

JoJo Barnard, Campbell Epperly, Evelyn Jenkins, Chloe Lewcock, Katie Martin, Maya Tackett, Priya Thoppil, Francie Wilhelm, and Naomi Di-Capua
April 16, 2024
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.

At MAC, the eclipse really was Knight Time

JoJo Barnard, Shila Gill, Eliza Jensen, Chloe Lewcock, Sophia Manos, Josie Mullan, Alice Scott, Chloe Seckar-Martinez, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Maya Tackett, and Priya Thoppil
April 9, 2024
DRACULA’S VERSION OF COFFEEHOUSE: Each year as part of the Coffeehouse experience, Excalibur picks a theme to tie into their show, decorations and food that is served. Traditionally the theme follows along with an old storybook, and this year, the Excalibur staff members chose one they could really sink their teeth into… Dracula. Coffeehouse offers McCallum artists an opportunity to perform a poem, rap, original song or group act. The talent show-type environment sets the stage for these up-and-coming artists to present their material to a live audience, and gain more exposure. According to senior Ayden Lee, getting to be a part of Coffeehouse was memorable because it expanded his musical horizons in a way connected to McCallum. “I prepared for the show mainly by repeating my lyrics throughout the day and hopefully remembering them,” Lee said. “I played an original song titled ‘Palo Santo Splinters’ and it was a fairly new song that I had written, so it was a bit difficult.” Lee notes that while performing an original song was something of a daunting challenge, the Coffeehouse environment made him feel comfortable and at home while performing, and made it “worth it in the end.” “Right after I finished I heard everyone applaud,” Lee said. “It was super special to hear that.” Caption by Chloe Lewcock.

Annual coffeehouse incorporates Dracula theme

Morgan Eye, Chloe Lewcock, Sophia Manos, Caroline Owen, Alice Scott, Maya Tackett, and Priya Thoppil
February 14, 2024
ALL ABOUT THAT BASS: Performing with his band Nest, senior Jack Dover finishes off the last song in their set with a bass solo. “I was really trying to focus in on my playing,” Dover said. Battle of the Bands was the first time Nest has performed, which made the experience especially meaningful for Dover. “We’ve been practicing for about a month and a half,” Dover said. “I really enjoyed sharing my own music that my band and I have been working on. I’d say I’m pretty happy with how we’re doing now, and I think it’s nice to bring some other sounds to the McCallum band scene.” Dover also just appreciated the chance to be surrounded by other students with similar interests as him. “It was really a lot of fun,” He said. “It was great to see a lot of people who were so passionate about music all together in one space and being able to share their love for music.” Caption by Alice Scott.

[Photo] Battle of the Bands offers mosh to be proud of

JoJo Barnard, Julia Copas, Gaby Esquivel, Shila Gill, Evelyn Jenkins, Chloe Lewcock, Helen Martin, Maggie Mass, Caroline Owen, Alice Scott, and Lanie Sepehri
January 23, 2024
Load More Stories
Menu
Activate Search
Home
Sophia Manos