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
Wren Vanderford

Wren Vanderford, staff reporter

Sophomore Wren Vanderford is a first year staff reporter who spent time last year as a photojournalism contributor, covering marching band and other fine arts events. This led her to getting a spot on the UIL All-State journalism staff as a freshman. This year, she hopes to continue making great photo essays and tell stories about the Austin music scene. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, collecting records and going to concerts. 

All content by Wren Vanderford
Cartoon by copy editor Carlo Hinsdale.

The decline of Spotify, the rise of physical media

Wren Vanderford, staff reporter
September 23, 2025
Copy editor junior Carlo Hinsdale, former staffer Lillian Gray and I take a Polaroid at the 2025 SXSW EDU conference.

More than a mentor

Wren Vanderford, staff reporter
September 17, 2025
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
Marty catches the breeze on his grandfather's pontoon boat on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia-South Carolina border. Photo courtesy of Henry Winter.

The story of Marty, the family dog

Lillian Gray and Wren Vanderford
April 21, 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
Among the attendees at the PTA rally on Monday there were lots of proud parents, advocating for their students' schools and giving their children a voice. Two parents and PTA members, Jenny Rasco and Ashley Baker, were fighting for Timbercreek Elementary in Lewisville ISD.  “We wanted to advocate for our kids because they deserve better,” Rasco said. “We’re pushing for raising the basic allotment for students, and to make sure that Gov. Abbott knows that we don’t want the vouchers.”  Lots of parents view the vouchers to be harmful, not just within their inner circles but across the state.  “For me personally I don’t think my kids will be affected directly; however, vouchers don’t work for all the kids in Texas,” Rasco said. “Not every parent can come out here and advocate for that, and someone should, which is why we’re here. This shouldn’t be a political issue, it should be about the kids. It shouldn't be a right side or left side issue, just wanting the best for the future of our Texas kids.”  Baker and Rasco were both proud of how many people showed up to spread the word, just like them, and seeing government officials alongside them.  “The speakers were great, especially here in front of the Capitol,” Rasco said. “I’m happily relieved that all of the government isn’t supporting these vouchers we’re fighting against. It’s very comforting to know that there are people fighting with us. There’s a lot of people here, and it was a great turnout.”  Caption by Wren Vanderford. Reporting by Mira Patel and Sofia Saucedo.

Public school advocates descend on Capitol demanding more funding and assailing proposed vouchers

Lillian Gray and Wren Vanderford
February 28, 2025

[Video] A true home

Wren Vanderford, Mac photojournalism
February 22, 2025
REACHING FOR THE STARS: Junior Zane Shieh sings an original song while playing the guitar with his band, Spiral Maze, at the Battle of the Bands last Thursday. He sings the long note of his band’s original song entitled “Reach,” a part of a new album coming soon. “This is my second year doing Battle of the Bands and with Spiral Maze,” Shieh said. “We had a pretty tight set, but I think it went really well, and the crowd liked us a good bit.” Shieh said his excitement toward playing at the Battle of the Bands this year was being able to showcase his band’s new music. “My favorite part was performing our new song, and playing for a bunch of my friends was super sick,” Shieh said. “It was stressful at first—like a little nervous—but it all cleared up right after the first song, and the atmosphere was very chill.” While it was not his band’s first time performing in front of a crowd, Shieh said he loves playing music at his own school and performing original music. “We’ve played at the Austin Rodeo two times and a few restaurants like Tamale House and Freddo’s ATX,” Shieh said. Shieh and his band will be back performing at school at the upcoming first annual McCallum Art Party fundraiser on Feb. 22. Caption by Nate Williams.

Battle of the Bands brings Mac musicians together

Shila Gill, Lillian Gray, Maggie Mass, Sophia Manos, Josie Mullan, Callen Romell, Sofia Saucedo, Priya Thoppil, Camilla Vandegrift, Wren Vanderford, and Nate Williams
February 12, 2025
Junior Amara Raab hit the game-winning shot in overtime, but she said was just trying to play solid basketball and avoid turnovers during the overtime period. But when she saw a smaller player guarding her, she went on the offensive and won the game for her team.

[Photo] JV-A girls go out a winner in overtime

Evelyn Jenkins, a&e editor
February 10, 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 ANGRIEST JUROR: Junior McCallum student Angelica Heikkala lashes out at her fellow jurors in opening night of 12 Angry Jurors. Heikkala said that it was enjoyable for her to play the role of Juror No. 3. “There’s not another role I would’ve rather played because I liked figuring out this one,” Heikkala said. 12 Angry Jurors was rehearsed mostly in the Theater 3 and 4 class. “It was new to me to have rehearsals mostly in class, but it ultimately was helpful,” she said. Heikkala’s role required a strong actor because her character has multiple big angry monologues as seen here where she flings herself violently towards another juror. Caption by Etta Fannin.

Extraordinary performances in the court

Sunday Cardinal, Etta Fannin, Anais Long, and Wren Vanderford
December 24, 2024
NEW CHALLENGE, NEW TEAM MEMBERS: Every season, VEX creates a new game that robotics team members are faced with and have to build a robot to compete in. This year’s game forces students to create a robot that is able to stack rings onto mobile goals in order to score points. The change in games each season is something that robotics teacher Audrea Moyers appreciates. “One of the things that I like about VEX is that they have a new problem to solve every year,” she said. ¨Even though the equipment’s the same, they have to analyze the game, and they have to come up with solutions that are unique that year. They are using their knowledge from prior years, but they have to kind of redesign a problem.” As returning teams were faced a new game, some new teams and members had to adapt to a uncommon playing field and game. “Three of our four teams were competing for the first time this year, and they had very different experiences match to match, so I think they learned a lot,¨ she said. ¨It’s hard just watching a video online to know how it’s actually going to be in person, so they all learned a lot about what gameplay is like, how to work with an alliance partner [and] how to adapt during the day to changes.”

Robotics hosts VEX tournament

Lillian Gray and Wren Vanderford
December 17, 2024
WISHFUL WINDOW SHOPPING: Senior Mia Plemons observes the displays in the MAC during the 5x7 gallery night. Although not a member herself, Plemons feels a connection to the program through her friends and peers. “I have a lot of friends in art,” Plemons said. “And I’ve seen a lot of their work and it’s all really nice and beautiful, and I really enjoy seeing some of the nice pieces people have made.” Plemons didn’t manage to secure a piece of her own, but left impressed by all the ones she saw. “I didn’t [have a favorite], every piece of art I saw was just absolutely breathtaking,” Plemons said. “I think they should definitely do more things like this in the future. I think it’s definitely great for people in the art program to get their art out there and getting experience with making things that people buy.” Caption by Noah Braun. Photo by Lilah Lavigne.

Limited size, unlimited possibilities

Noah Braun, Shila Gill, Carlo Hinsdale, Evelyn Jenkins, Lilah Lavigne, Sophia Manos, Tallulah McAuliffe, Mira Patel, Priya Thoppil, Camilla Vandegrift, and Wren Vanderford
December 11, 2024
VERTICAL VIRTUOSOS: The McCallum Orchestra performed at its Fall Vertical Team Concert on Wednesday afternoon. The concert featured performances from all ensembles, and the Lamar Middle School orchestra. The program began with a performance by the Lamar Middle School’s philharmonic orchestra and symphony orchestra, followed by Mac’s ninth-grade orchestra, Mac’s concert orchestra, Mac’s chamber orchestra, and ended with all the musicians coming on stage for a few final songs. A new member of the orchestra family, freshman violinist Sophia Davis, shared how the freshman orchestra has been preparing for this concert. “I’ve been practicing a lot, both outside of school and in class during third period,” she said. “It’s been an up-and-down roller coaster some days, but I feel that today’s performance went pretty well.” The orchestra will continue to work hard in preparation for future concerts and the upcoming UIL season. Caption by Wren Vanderford.

Photoj classes capture essence of McCallum

Zanna Allen, Carson Bray Nunez, Kaylee Breecker, John Robert Crouch, Edie Davidson, Saskia Dhont, Luella Finch McConnell, Olive Glenn, Eli Gold, Sylvia Hurtado, Hannah Kahn, Lilah Lavigne, Ryan Latsha, Will Swan, Wren Vanderford, and Jasper Williams
November 26, 2024
LISTEN FOR THE BALL: Junior Maggie Brown prepares to capture the ball during a game of goalball, predicting where the ball will end up. While in their groups, the PALS each got to try their hands at goalball while blindfolded. The ball contains two bells inside, and without their vision, the PALS had to intensively listen to grab the ball and throw it into the other team's goal. Despite the difficulty of being blindfolded, Brown still enjoyed trying goalball and learning new techniques. “Playing goalball was fun but challenging at the same time,” she said. “That day was my first time playing the sport, and it was pretty disorienting to be blindfolded, but it encouraged my team to be more communicative and use our other senses to make up for the lack of vision. It was also so cool to see the students who play goalball competitively since they were all so good at the game.” According to Brown, the visit in its entirety was incredibly educational and enjoyable. “The day was super fun and informative,” she said. “Every PAL had a great time because we were able to collaborate as a team while we tried new things. We also met some cool people who were all very invested in answering our questions and helping us better understand how blind and visually impaired people interact with the world. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to visit TSBVI and meet the awesome people who volunteered their time to teach the PALS,” Brown said. “It was such a great time and a really impactful event.” Caption by Wren Vanderford.

Learning to see without sight

Lillian Gray and Wren Vanderford
November 12, 2024
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.

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 6, 2024
Junior Lucas Walker, plays the bass clarinet during the finals performance Saturday night at the USBands Austin Regional Competition at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Kyle. This performance led to a third place finish and the band to be awarded best overall music.

Band takes third in finals, plus Best Overall Music

Lillian Gray and Wren Vanderford
September 29, 2024
STOCKTON SLAYS: Vaughn Stockton puts his hands up and shimmies at Friday’s pep rally, where a group of teachers performed a dance routine.  The yearly teacher pep rally and dance took place before the game against Elgin. In preparation for the performance, the teachers were invited to join by cheerleaders and rehearsed the routine after school. Stockton, a history and debate teacher, decided to take part and join the practices. “The cheerleaders led us through small parts of the dance and then gradually we built up the entire dance with the cheerleaders demonstrating and then correcting our mistakes,” Stockton said.   The teachers' hard work paid off as they were able to perform their moves in front of the McCallum student body. Stockton enjoyed the entire experience, but his favorite part was interacting with the other teachers in the dance.  “My favorite was getting to bump hips with Ms. Sorto,” Stockton said. Caption by Arwen Pelletier.

[Photo] Teacher feels the love thrice on Friday

Noah Braun, August Gleason, Hudson Hensley, Carlo Hinsdale, Evelyn Jenkins, Maggie Mass, Piper Norfolk, V Overstreet, Arwen Pelletier, Priya Thoppil, and Zev Zent
September 24, 2024
ALL ABOUT ALTOS: In the midst of the prelims performance of “Fury Road,” movement captain and alto section leader junior Liliana Escamilla, makes her way through the music and choreography with other members of the alto section by her side. This being her third year as a member of the band, Escamilla has played in the Bands of America Regional competition before and knew what to expect. “It went pretty well and most people were pretty proud of how they performed,” she said. “The competition has always been an extremely hard one as most of the bands are 6A, so we do it as more of an experience to improve, but I feel like it definitely benefited us to see what we can do better for the next competition next Saturday.”

Band sharpens its craft at first competition of season

Lillian Gray and Wren Vanderford
September 22, 2024
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