The Shield: Volume 63, Number 2

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McCallum High School / 5600 Sunshine / Austin, TX 78756 / Dec. 11 2015 Issue 2/ Volume 63

WHAT’S INSIDE Brother duo takes court as varsity basketball season opens

page 26 Students respond to governor’s call to reject Syrian refugees

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RUNNING DOWN THE CLOCK

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More colleges enact “test optional” policies in an attempt to emphasize academic performance in the classrom over test scores.

Math teacher Paul Pew points out flaws in new study that cites bacon as a cause of cancer.

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Students spend their evenings, weekends scooping, doing tricks with ice cream at Amy’s Ice Cream.

Sophomores Ori Green, Joshua Tsang plan to send cameras to children in South Sudan as a part of their project, ‘A Youth Mind.’

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‘The Man Who Came to Dinner’ @ 7 p.m. in the FAT

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School operates on a C-day schedule with students going to all of their classes

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Finals begin; school is dismissed at 1:10 p.m.

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Boys basketball game @ Reagan, freshman 5:30 p.m., JV 6:30 p.m., varsity 8 p.m.

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Last day of fall semester

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First day of holiday break; classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 5

Above: Sophomore Tristan Tierney and junior Ellie Zamborano perform in the winter play, The Man Who Came to Dinner.

Photo by Charlie Holden.

Right: Director Mr. Ricky Pringle led the orchestra during Tuesday’s class concert, which started at 7 p.m. in the MAC Theatre.

Photo by Camille Selis.

Cover: Senior Jesse Levy-Rubinett takes shot against Anderson defense. The varsity boys kicked off the begining of their season with 1 district game against Eastside Memorial just before the close of the semester. Photo by Maya Coplin.

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Brothers Michael and Destin Watson play same position for the varsity basketball team.

Students discuss what it’s like to play on school-affiliated ultimate Frisbee team.

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Adding a splash of color

Creative Learning Initiative aims to create arts centered district in 10 years MEENA ANDERSON staff reporter

The Creative Learning Initiative was introduced to AISD from directors in the Kennedy Center as a 10 year program in the beginning of the 2010-11 school year. It’s purpose: to have arts rich schools across the district. Studies conducted by MINDPOP show that graduation rates are 20 percent higher for arts-engaged high school students and that creative learning provides students with an opportunity to express their experiences, and to address the affective needs of students.

“The Creative Learning Initiative is something that AISD was chosen as one of the public schools in the United States to participate in,” dance teacher Rachel Murray said. “The support comes from the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. which is one of the major arts organizations in the country. They help supports schools, teachers, students, school districts, to infuse the arts in education.”

The CLI’s mission includes seeking to provide professional development and ongoing support for teachers in arts-based instruction strategies.

“The fine arts and academic teachers are starting to work on what we’re calling ‘interdisciplinary integration,’” dance teacher Brazie Adamez said. “We pair one fine arts department with one academic department, and we’re going to be adapting lesson plans and finding common concepts and terminology and skills.”

One of the initiative’s goals is to provide a quality arts-rich education for every child in Austin ISD. In order to meet this objective, the district has set a goal of creating a community network that supports and sustains the arts‐rich life of every child.

“I think it’s every child’s right to have arts education,” Murray said. “That’s why this is an important project because the arts are a way that we all can make connections in our lives. It creates the opportunity to synthesize our experiences in life, to synthesize our learning experiences.”

When the CLI was introduced instruc-

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Photo illustration by David Winter. tions in different classes, like science and visual arts, or English and photography started teaming up to work on certain projects to make students’ learning experience more arts-rich. English teacher Diana Adamson worked with photography teacher Carey West on an interdisciplinary integration project in the 2014-15 school year.

“We worked with my period 1 class and her Art History class, we were reading the Odyssey, and my class provided passages for her class to look at, and then they found pieces of art that went with the passages,” Adamson said. “Then my students and her student paired up and discussed how they all went together, and then they presented the art piece and the passages to each other in the class.”

The key, Adamson said, is that the connections are automatic and driven by the classroom teachers.

“I think the important part with this initiative is that it’s authentic and genuine to the classes that are doing it,” Adamson said.

“It can’t be something driven from the top down. It has to come from the teachers and do things that we’re already working with so that it means something to everybody.”

Adamson said that she found the collaboration difficult to coordinate but that it was well worth the effort.

“Part of the problem was that I am on a time frame, and she was on a time frame so we could only do so much, and I would’ve liked to have more interaction, but it was just the way schedules are it’s hard to do,”

Adamson said. “It was good, I’d love to be able to do more of it, that kind of stuff with other teachers. And one of the things I think was cool was that both of us were working on something we were already doing in class, we weren’t trying to invent some kind of disingenuous thing to check off a box, we were both doing things that were important to our classes, and so we combined that.”

Working together as Adamson and West did produced benefits for both academic students and fine arts students.

“Fine arts skills can be integrated into the academic classes, but also the academic skills and vocabulary can be integrated into the fine arts classes,” Adamez said. “[It’s about] trying to find places where students can make connections.”

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Not your brother’s SAT Significant revisions in store for spring 2016

JOSEPHINE CLARKE staff reporter

SAT: the acronym that tends to strike fear into the hearts of any high school student who hears it. Debuting in March, the new SAT, however, will be a vastly different test due to changes intended to make it more connected to what the student learns in the classroom.

First and foremost, the SAT is now working with Khan Academy, a direct partner of the College Board. The educational website allows students to take practice tests for free. This makes studying easier and allows students to get a good grasp on what the actual test will be like.

“I think practice tests are the best way to study, mostly timing-wise, because you do have to work so quickly to read four passages and answer 40 questions or to get through an entire math section without running out of time,” math and SAT teacher Stephanie Stanley said. “That’s not something we’re used to just churning out and so a lot of it is almost like beating the clock.”

The format of the test is also changing.

There will now be only three large sections (Evidence-Based Reading , Writing and Math) and only four answer options instead of five.

“Instead of there being small 25-minute sections like math and critical reading and then writing skills, now we have one large math section, one large reading and a writing and language section,” Stanley said.

Guessing is no longer penalized, and students can opt out of writing the essay, which was once a mandatory part of the test and a component of the writing score.

There are no longer any questions about crazy words never used in the English language or “finish the sentence” in the reading section. Such questions are being replaced with common words that have different

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meanings, depending on context. An example published in the New York Times illustrated the change:

“As used in line 23, ‘channeled’ most nearly means: a. worn b. sent c. constrained d. siphoned” The test is supposed to focus more on curriculum, or what students are learning in school, and not on a student’s innate aptitude. Because the test is more connected to a known curriculum, studying is more important than ever. A way to prepare, besides taking pretests, is practicing math without a calculator and reading as much as possible.

That may sound like a joke (or worse, something a teacher would say), but being able to read extensively and well is an important skill for the new SAT because another fundamental change to the exam is now there is a LOT more reading.

This increased focus on reading is one of the major controversies about the new test format. Those who struggle with reading in a timed setting or do not speak English as their first language will find this new test format much more challenging.

College Board’s website says the reading section will now consist of “one passage from a classic or contemporary work of U.S. or world literature, one passage or a pair of passages from either a U.S. founding document or a text in the great global conversation they inspired. The U.S. Constitution or a speech by Nelson Mandela, for example, a selection about economics, psychology,

sociology, or some other social science, and two science passages (or one passage and one passage pair) that examine foundational concepts and developments in Earth science, biology, chemistry or physics.”

The writing section is no longer made of individual sentences to fix. Instead, the sentences that need to be edited are part of a larger passage. This style of editing is much more like the kind of editing students do in school and everyday life, the College Board said.

A major change to the test came in the essay section. Students are no longer asked to take a position on a question and support it.

Instead, they are given a passage of text, and asked to analyze how the author persuades his or her intended audience. In addition, students will have 50 minutes to complete the essay, which is twice the amount of the 25 minutes given previously. The scorers of the essays the will now score the essay on a 1-4 scale, instead of the 1-6 scale used before.

The math section has undergone some major changes as well. In an effort to cover more material, the SAT now has more algebra and advanced math. There are also more questions about graphs and statistics, requiring students to draw information from the data given.

“It’s going to make it a lot more competitive with the ACT because the ACT math was a lot less logic-based and with fewer word problems,” Stanley said. “People who felt they were strong in math were taking the ACT because they’d rather just demonstrate their content knowledge than do critical thinking.” A pattern throughout all the changes is clear: evidence is important.

The new test is trying to eliminate questions that can be solved with simple “test tricks” and flashcard answers. They’re using questions that require more analysis and attention to evidence and context. Also, by paying more attention to curriculum and reflecting it in the questions, they are moving toward measuring more clearly what each student has learned in school.

Many people involved in the new test have confirmed that the test is not harder, just different in important ways and crafted to reflect a student’s time in school. There is much more reading and analyzing than before. That is enough to chase students toward the ACT. There is also the uncertainty of taking a test that no one has taken before.

And for the amount of changes that were made, the tests are still similar in spirit. One is not astronomically different from the other: it just has a slightly different shell.

Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved.

In your essay, analyze how Bogard uses one or more of the features in the directions that precede the passage (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his argument. source: College Board 11 dec. 2015

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RACHEL WOLLEBEN assistant editor

mance in the classroom is the most important factor in our review of your application.

We also consider qualitative factors, such as your essay, letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities.”

The influence of standardized test scores such as the SAT and ACT has been a topic of fierce debate for decades. Supporters argue that test scores accurately reflect a student’s college-readiness, test-taking ability and drive to succeed academically. Critics, meanwhile say the test only reveals which students have the advantage over others due to socioeconomic and geographical privilege.

The testing gap discourages a large number of potential college applicants from taking the exam or submitting their scores.

“I think the tests are important,” Hammer said. “The issue isn’t the testing, I guess,

but rather how colleges interpret the scores.

Grades don’t say a lot about a person. Test scores don’t say a lot either. But I think combined they can give someone viewing them a better idea of the student as a whole.”

Though Clark says her college-application process has been stressful and long, she said that ultimately the schools’ admissions policies are not a primary factor in deciding where she wants to go.

“I don’t see any problems with the current overall application processes to colleges and universities - everything we have to do is necessary,” Clark said. “Really I think that finding what you want to do and what kind of college you want to go to is important, not what’s in the application. You need to think of things like what state you would like to go to school in, the school’s atmosphere, the types of students who go there, and even whether or not the school is affiliated with a religion.

Most college applications are similar in structure too, so I wouldn’t focus on them when looking.”

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When senior Isabel Clark discovered that she didn’t have to submit an SAT or ACT test score to a college she was applying to, she had no hesitation in taking the opportunity.

“My test scores were average, so it wasn’t like I hated them,” Clark said, “but for me, the school that I was applying to, American University in Washington D.C., seemed to be getting a lot of test scores in a higher average range than mine. And the school said that not submitting my scores wouldn’t have any effect on my application, so I said, ‘OK! Less for me to worry about!’”

For many years, the number of colleges with test-optional policies, meaning that they no longer require SAT and ACT test scores for applications, has swelled to more than 815 as of January 2015. Yet as the number of schools adopting test-optional application policies, the number of students taking the SAT exam continues to increase; this year 1.7 million seniors took it. A recent graduate from McCallum and freshman at Austin Community College, Xanthe Hammer, is sending an application to a testoptional university this year but decided to submit her scores anyway.

“I’m sending an application to Earlham, which is test-optional,” Hammer said. “I think it’s great that so many universities are moving towards test-optional policies. It’s making the application process more subjective and shows that schools are starting to look at students more as humans and less as numbers. For my case, I have good test scores and an am really smart but have terrible grades.

I can’t motivate myself to waste my time doing work I don’t care about, so I spent the latter half of my high school career taking computer science courses at ACC, so now I could drop out of school and get a job as a programmer if I wanted to. But I want to learn more, and the issue is that there’s not a place on most applications to offer an explanation as to what I spend most of my time doing if it’s not homework.”

The policies vary from university to university; some require applicants who don’t supply test scores to submit other mate- Illustration by rials, such as scores Rachel Wolleben.

from AP or IB exams; others limit their testoptional alternative applications to students with specific GPA scores; some schools are even completely “test-blind.”

“I applied to 12 colleges, and American University was the only one where I didn’t have to submit my test scores,” Clark said.

“There was nothing supplemental that I had to submit instead. I just had to click a button. You had to select that if you weren’t submitting your test score, and that was it.”

Though each university has a different reason for turning to test-optional policies, the major argument for instituting them is to give potential applicants with poor scores, especially minorities and those in poor socioeconomic circumstances, a better chance for acceptance.

According to its website, American University in Washington D.C’s decision to institute a test-optional admission policy came down to what they believe matters most on a college application, “While tests help to predict your potential for success in college, your ac ad e m i c perfor-

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Living history Brentwood, Crestview history preserved through interviews

Photo by Tobin Holden

Violet Crown Project Initiatives • Festival featuring local bands, artists, MAC students and kids’ activities • Mosaic wall (above) of welcome that depicts the history of neighborhood buildings and residents • Voice of the Violet Crown: oral history project consisting of interviews diseminated through booklets, short films and website

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PAUL GOLD

staff reporter The Brentwood and Crestview neighborhoods have had a long history, dating back from World War II and continuing as thriving neighborhoods up to today. That history is what drove Susan Burneson, a creator of the Voices of the Violet Crown Project.

“I don’t know if you know about the mosaic wall down here on Woodrow Avenue,” Burneson said. “I was part of the group that got the Violet Crown Festival started, and we were going to raise money for the wall.”

That mosaic wall, the Wall of Welcome, was the catalyst for the Violet Crown Festival, which has quickly become a neighborhood tradition.

Every springtime, the entire neighborhood gathers near the wall for a celebration of Brentwood and Crestview. The festival features everything from local bands to artists to our own McCallum students. In 2003, many of the same elements were present.

“As part of the festival, there were, of course, lots of kids’ activities,” Burneson said. “There were also a lot of more older people back then in the neighborhood, so we wanted to have a space for them. So me and my friend Sandra decided to do a community tent. So as part of that, we wanted to have some neighborhood history up.”

The festival was a hit with the neighborhood and raised a lot of money for the mosaic, with the community tent playing a large part.

“We all worked together to collect history,” Burneson said, “and we had displays in the community tent. And then, as time went on, and Jean [Graham, main artist for the mosaic wall] got the wall done, I was curious about the stories on the wall. You know, there are buildings, and there are people, and I wanted to know the stories behind that. So Rob [Burneson, Susan’s husband] and I decided to do some oral history

interviews in the neighborhood.”

Those interviews became the Voices of the Violet Crown Project, an effort to gather and maintain the tradition and history of Brentwood through interviews with residents. The project has released many history booklets and short films over the years detailing the history of Brentwood and Crestview, and has a website, www.violetcrownvoices.com, which contains many of the interviews that were done during the project.

“Most of Brentwood and Crestview were started after World War II, so about 60 years ago,” Burneson said. “And a lot of the people that started it were veterans from World War II that were starting families. Around the time we were raising money for the wall, younger families were moving in, and they were raising their families. So there was kind of a thread.”

Many of those baby boomers that were born in Crestview and Brentwood after the war ended up becoming subjects of the interviews that the Burnesons did.

“They were all pretty down-to-earth people,” Burneson said. “A lot of them were blue-collar; nobody was really wealthy; they had multiple jobs.”

Even though there was a lack of affluence in the community, that didn’t mean that people couldn’t thrive in he neighborhood.

“There’s a couple that lives over on Aggie [Street],” Burneson said, “and they raised four kids of their own. And I found out that they had fostered more than 400 [children]. And they were mostly special needs children, which just amazed me. And one time when I was talking to Wanda, the wife, I said ‘You know, I have the feeling that when I talk to you about fostering, you could have fostered 1,000 or more.’ And she said ‘Absolutely.’ It was like she had no limit, and it was amazing.”

Susan was even able to get in touch with someone whose work is one of the most well-

known pieces in Austin.

“The first [interview] we did was with Bill Williamson,” Burneson said. “And he’s the man who created the star at the top of the Capitol rotunda. And he was a sheet-metal worker, which meant that he made depth work that nobody ever saw or heard about. And he was on Burnet Road, in a place called the Cottage Cafe, and a guy who was working at the Capitol said, ‘Could you make something out of sheet metal that’s a star that’s about eight feet wide?’ And he said ‘Sure, I can do that no problem.’ So for 150 bucks, he made the star, and it’s been up there since 1958.”

These types of stories really indicate how the neighborhood has changed in 50-60 years, in more ways than one.

“One thing I learned was that there were basically no trees in this neighborhood. People came out and did dove hunting and stuff. So the people who moved here planted the trees and kept them going, so now, it’s like a forest. You wouldn’t even think that there were no trees.”

This care for the environment is a hallmark of the community, and it’s continued up to this day.

“I’ve been really impressed by the integrity of the people who want to keep the sense of community going,” Burneson said. “I think it definitely makes a difference [in the community].”

The entire community has been able to work together on all of these projects, from keeping Brentwood Park clean to the Violet Crown Festival to the oral history interviews, and it’s great to see that. The oral history interviews are almost all on the website.

“What was interesting was that all of these down-to-earth people really wanted to share their stories,” Burneson said. “And they don’t seem remarkable, I don’t even know if anybody cares about them, but to me, they’re worth preserving.”

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Sorry, we’re closed Governor Abbott tries to refuse Syrian refugees, students make video response getting a fresh start?”

Following Abbott’s announcement, a group of students decided to respond.

“I was really concerned with the number of politicians who were speaking out against welcoming refugees to the United States,” Senior Natalie Murphy said. “I just think that that’s not what our country stands

and utilize multiple types of media.” Murphy said she hopes the video inspires others around Texas to support refugees coming to Texas.

“The video is very specific about how Texas should welcome refugees just because of what our state stands for, so I’m hoping that when people watch it, they’re encouraged as

more and more violent and my dad’s life was on the line. He saught refuge by walking to assistant editor Djbouti. He moved to the US after being granted a visa and college acceptance in LA.” Texas Governor Greg Abbott has anAlwan said that the current refugee crinounced that he will try to refuse Syrian refusis reminds her of what her fawther went gees from entering Texas. This is in response through and hopes these people can the to President Obama announcing that he wants same chance her father got. to admit 10,000 refugees into the country.

“The current crisis in Syria affects how I “I don’t think it’s in [Abbott’s] political feel because it always reminds me that authority,” World geography teacher Kathey are not just numbers and statisCurrently: 98,700 tie Carrasco said. “We’re a really big state tics, that these people have families Currently: 6,700 FRANCE GERMANY Expected: 800,000 [and] we’re one of the few states that has and children,” Alwan said. “My father Expected: 24,000 CNN.com had economic growth so of any state, I feel has came so far in his life, and the obCNN.com like we would have a lot to offer. Instead stacle of being a refugee is truly one of of looking at this as such a negative, why the more depressing times of life and not focus on all the ways that these people I think everybody deserves the chance could contribute to our economy and conmy father got. “ tribute to our communities. If we’re such a Alwan said she participated in Murbig business, fast growth kind of state, then phy’s video because she thought it was a [why not?]” good platform to express her beliefs.

2,000 everyday Currently: 30,000 Carrasco said she Alwan said she believes Syrians GREECE Rescue.com Expected: 170,000 SWEDEN believes one of the should be allowed to come to the SYRIA TheGuardian.com biggest misconcepUnited States. tions people think “Refugees are people,” Alwan about refugees seeksaid. “ America’s history was entirely built ing asylum in America is that they’re just on bringing those from foreign places. SyrTe x - ians hold no threat to the citizens that reside trying to find a free ride here. ans and it makes them feel here.”

“I think that some people look at [the prideful and that turns into refugee crisis] like this is [the refugees] tick- for, and I was surprised by how U.S.A. them realizing that we should et out, their shortcut into the country and many people were saying negawelcome refugees,” Murphy I don’t feel that that is accurate,” Carrasco tive things about refugees.”

Murphy decided to create said. “ [I hope for] kind of said. “From what I’ve read, most of them a change of mindset for would prefer staying in their country, they’re a video starring other McCalCurrently: 1,500 people who watch even if proud of who they are, they’re proud of their lum students. The video, titles Expected: 10,000 its just people from Austin heritage [and] they’re not looking to get out #RefugeesWelcome, features CNN.com and that they would choose of that. They are in a war torn country and 16 students sharing research to add their voice to our so they want to keep their family save and so conducted on the refugee resettlement process and sharcause.” who could blame them for that.”

Junior Hanan Alwan, one of the students Carrasco said a lot of people don’t under- ing thoughts on why Texas should welcome in the video, was inspired to be a part of the stand how economic and climate crises fuel Syrian refugees. passionate about the issue as she was. video by her personal experiences. political instability. Syria was experiencing a “I wanted to do something creative that “My dad is from Harar, Ethiopia [and] drought before the war and some of the people there were already in desperate situations. would stand out amid all of the posts and ar- moved to Los Angeles in 1980,” Alwan said.

“I feel like we can’t forget that for many ticles that were already being spread around “My dad was graduating high school and of us, someone had to let our ancestors im- online,” Murphy said. “I thought a video supported democracy and helped produce For more on the story , or to migrate [here] because they were leaving a would be more effective than just writing documents that were pro-democracy which situation,” Carrasco said. “Who am I to close my thoughts because it would open up the threatened the effective dictatorship that watch Murphy’s video, scan the the door on someone else’s ancestry from opportunity to get multiple voices involved was in place. Eventually, the military became QR here.

MARA VANDEGRIFT

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May contain traces of

A recent study lists meat as a carcinogen, but what is to blame: bad meat, or bad math?

CHARLIE HOLDEN staff reporter

Paul Pew has been teaching math for the past 21 years, and over that time has had many “math moments” as he likes to call them.

“Math moments are something I that I do on Facebook,” Pew said. “I never offer opinions on politics or anything else because I just don’t think Facebook posts change anyone’s minds about politics, it just gets people mad. But when I see math being abused to further someone’s argument, I will point out where their math is complete bogus” When a report was released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Pew couldn’t pass up the opportunity for one of his moments. In late October, Pew updated his status with a rant on the find-

Source: Center for Disease Control

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ings, which drew in 62 likes and 6 shares as of Nov. 12.

“A new, much publicized study is showing that eating red meat increases your chance of colorectal cancer by 18 percent,” Pew wrote. “Here’s what that means: Your chance of getting colorectal cancer is about 4.8 percent if you’re a guy, slightly less for women. An 18 percent increase does not make that 22 percent. It’s 18 percent of the 4.8 percent, which is 0.864 percent. So if the study is perfectly true then eating a hotdog every day of your life will increase your chance of disease by almost, not quite, one percent.”

Although the chances that you’ll develop cancer over a bacon burger are slim, according to nutrition and wellness teacher Grace Odu, meat is still something to be eaten in moderation, especially when it comes to extremely processed products like

bacon or hotdogs.

“Anything that’s fatty you’re supposed to eat in small amounts,” Odu said. “It wouldn’t be good on a regular basis. The Food and Drug Administration suggests that we eat no more than three ounces of meat with our meals. I try not to eat meat real frequently, especially the bacon and the hotdogs and the sausage. I think everybody should eat that in moderation.”

While moderation works for some, others opt for no meat at all.

“I’ve been a vegetarian my whole life,” sophomore Nickie Cohen said. “I love animals a lot, and that’s how it started. All the health benefits have made it really easy for me to keep going.”

The Vegetarian Times published a study finding that 3.2 percent of adult Americans are vegetarians, and 53 percent of them are vegetarians because they want to improve

their overall health.

“I don’t eat meat and I’m super healthy,” Cohen said. “If you’re going to eat meat I don’t think the benefits outweigh the bad things.”

The bad things Cohen refers to aren’t just limited to potential cancer risks or even the intake of too many fat calories, but something much more recent to hit the meat industry.

“Some meat, the animals are fed antibiotics and stuff, which who knows what that does?” Pew said. “I don’t think we’ve been doing it long enough to know yet. Little risky. But life is a risk. Coming to school is a risk, and yet I keep doing it.

“Of course I have many friends who don’t eat bacon or don’t eat meat at all for their own reasons, and that’s great. I want everyone to do what they do, I just don’t want people basing their decisions about what to eat or not to eat on bad math.”

Source: United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Center

Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Source: Center for Disease Control

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MARA VANDEGRIFT assistant editor

Trail of Lights opens Dec. 8 The Trail of Lights is a local event occurring in Zilker Park starting early December every year. The event is home to millions of Christmas lights that people attending can walk through with their friends or family.

Each year students from McCallum attend this event. Sophomore Nina Buford thinks that it is a great place for people of all ages to go for fun during the holidays.

“I think the trail of lights is an amazing place to go look at Christmas lights with your friend, date, or family,” Buford said. “It makes me feel alive and happy because all of the Christmas spirit,” The Trail of Lights has a holiday tradition for Austin families for years. Opening in the 1960’s as a small event under the name of ‘Yule Fest’, the attraction has done nothing but grow since. Each year, new parts of the display are added into the 1.25-mile trail.

Freshman Georgia Boutot predicts what the trail will be like in the future.

“I can imagine the trail of lights becoming more technology based and having more projections and less actual Christmas lights,” Boutot said.

Last year a 90 foot Ferris wheel was added to the event and it received both a positive and negative reaction. Some people were happy to see this new activity however many more people didn’t like the addition because they felt it was a distraction to the other lights and the 155 foot Christmas tree.

Freshman Sofia Martinez also hopes the event doesn’t change too much from how it has always been in past years.

“I went when I was little and I remember liking it when there were sets set up to look like my favorite TV show characters,” Martinez said.

In 2010 the Trail of Lights closed down for two years because the city no longer provided funding. Now the trail is run on donations and sponsors. This year they are charging $3 a person on the last 7 days of

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the trail and kids are free. Boutot feels that more people will just come during one of the first eight days to avoid the fee.

“I think that it costing money is going to make a lot fewer people go because free entertainment is probably one of the reasons people have been going all of these years,” Boutot said. “But it is a good idea so they can keep on doing the trail of lights later on,”

Over 400,000 people are expected to attend this year. The Trail of Lights will be open December 8th through the 22th from 7 to 10 p.m. every night.

“I would recommend the trail of lights to anyone who hasn’t been and tourists because it’s a big part of Austin’s culture,” said Boutot.

-by Zoe Hocker

Theater department attends Texas Thespians Festival The theater department attended the Texas Thespians State Festival from Dec. 3-5.

This was the first time the department went.

“The Texas Thespians Festival is a state wide gathering of all the international thespian society troops, which are theater departments at schools that have been recognized by the international thespian society as an outstanding theater troop or just a theater troop in general,” Junior Alana Raper said.

The entire department went, including musical theater majors, performance theater majors and technical theater majors.

“We all go there and there are tons of workshops, different schools bring plays to perform, there’s main stage musicals, and you can expand your knowledge of different aspects of theater and learn new things and be around people who enjoy the same things you do.”

The purpose of going was to decide if the department would want to go again in the future.

“Since this was our first year, the purpose was to get a feel [for it] and see if this would be something that we would want to continue to do since lots of other theater departments already do it,” Raper said. “For the seniors especially, there were some col-

lege auditions [there] and they could audition for colleges there. There were some competitions and you could get feedback about your performance. Just to grow as a performer overall.”

Raper said the festival helped her evaluate what she wanted to do with her life.

“Before going to the festival, I wasn’t really completely sure if I wanted to have theater be apart of my life,” Raper said. “After going to the festival I realized I can’t lose touch with theater. It also opened my eyes to a bunch of new things I had never learned before. I think overall I just learned a lot that I can implement in how we work in our theater here.”

NHS holds annual sock drive

The socks are tied with a ribbon and attached with a note and candy cane. Photo by Mara Vandegrift.

National Honor Society is holding their second annual sock drive. They are asking for white tube socks to be donated.

“We collect socks for Mobile Loaves and Fishes, which is a group that everyday drives trucks out and gives food to people who are experiencing homelessness,” National Hon-

or Society sponsor Jane Farmer said. “They indicated that a high need in the homeless community is warmth in the winter and so socks is a way that people can layer them up [or] use them as gloves. They’re one of the first things to go off the trucks when people travel around [delivering them].”

The drive is from Nov. 16 through Dec. 11. People can bring the socks to the library or to Integrated Physics and Chemistry teacher Mary Noack’s room, room 141.

“We have a goal of 500 pairs of socks,” Farmer said. “Right now we have 157, as of today [Dec. 2], to actually give to [Mobile Loaves and Fishes]. We probably have 50 or 60 more pair to prepare so we have more time in the drive and I’m hoping we can reach it, I think so.”

Senior Ashley Brackett was the person who came up with the idea last year. She has been volunteering at Mobile Loaves and Fishes since she was four with her aunt and uncle.

“Last winter I was volunteering at Mobile Loaves [and Fishes] and I was putting socks on the truck,” Brackett said. “Someone told me that we always run out of socks on the runs, so I decided to ask Ms. Farmer if we could collect socks to donate because the homeless always need more socks during the winter because it’s colder.”

Brackett sais she hopes the sock drive continues to grow each year, even after she graduates.

“I’ve talked to Ms. Farmer about this and she has control of it this year and she knows who to contact,” Brackett said. “She wants to keep doing it so I think it will continue and this year we want to increase the amount of socks that we donate so hopefully we keep increasing the goal each year.”

Brackett reminded people that you can donate anytime of the year and it doesn’t have to be for something special.

“I think [the sock drive] brings social awareness and cultural awareness to people at McCallum that there are homeless [people] and you can do something very small and have a very big change,” Brackett said.

Farmer said that NHS ties a ribbon around the socks and attaches a note about them being from McCallum High School with a candy cane.

“The more socks that we can collect, the more warmth we can provide,” Farmer said.

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By the numbers

A look into how Austin schools compare in racial diversity MADDIE DORAN staff reporter

McCallum High School is constantly compared to its rivals for football, other sports and academics, but what about the people who make up each campus? Four other nearby schools are compared to McCallum and its diverse campus. Other AISD schools weren’t included because accurate information could not be found at press time.

McCallum High School Source: 2014-2015 School Profile 45% Anglo 35% Hispanic 14% African-American 6% Other

Anderson High School Source: 2015-2016 School Profile 51% Anglo 6% African-American 33% Hispanic 4% multi-ethnic 7% Asian 1% American Insdian

AISD FACTS AND FIGURES 55.8% Hispanic 26.6% Anglo 7.8% African-American 6.8% Anglo Austin High School Source: 2015-2016 School Profile 45.72% Anglo 44.38% Hispanic 4.83% African American

87% of AISD’s budget goes towards operations 3.5% goes towards food services 9.5% towards debt service Source: AISD 2015-2016 facts and figures sheet

LASA Source: 2015-2016 School Profile 55.8% Anglo 21% Hispanic 1.7% African-American 17.3% Asian 0.1% American Indian

LBJ Source: Teacher Education Association 2014-2015 1.42% Anglo 58% HIspanic 38.44% African-American 2.24% other

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Bettering yourself by helping others Holiday volunteering can build community, encourage humility LAUREN CROSBY staff reporter

During winter break, most students have plenty of free time. Some might hang out with friends, and some might stay bundled up at home, watching Netflix, while others go out and do something to help those in need. It’s not all that hard to get out into the community and help those who need it.

“As winter break comes along, sitting in your house can become dreary. I believe that having something on your schedule, something to plan, can keep your mind at ease during the holidays,” said Luke Whitefield, the president of McCallums Key Club, who’s spend more time volunteering than the average Knight, “We’re not saying you should volunteer every over day over break, but spend some time helping your community during the holiday season.”

According to the 2012 U.S. Census, there are more than 2,300 Austin residents without a stable place to live, meaning they live either on the street, in shelters or in their cars. Out of that 2,300,900 of those are labeled as chronically homeless, meaning they’ve been homeless for more than a year, or they’ve been homeless four times over the past three years.

Almost half of those who are chronically homeless are at high risks of imminent mortality, meaning they’re near death.

As of 2014, Austin’s population estimate was at 912,791 with 19.1 percent of those people living at or below the poverty line.

While the numbers are disturbing, they can also motivate people to volunteer so they can help them.

Senior Amelia Meinbresse has volunteered in our community and around the city. The time she participated in volunteer work was during the floods earlier this year when the city of Wimberley suffered great damages and residents there needed outside help in cleaning up their town. The

11 dec. 2015

Cameron Knetig, Lindsey Wiley helping out at the Austin Film Festival with the Key Club. Photo provided by the Key Club. experience was so positive, Meinbresse said that she hopes to find a way to volunteer for a good cause over the holidays. “[Volunteering] can influence those to consider the situations other people live in and become humble towards those who struggle and are less fortunate,” Meinbresse said.

“It is never a bad time to help out your community,” Whitefield said.

Finding the right place to volunteer isn’t as hard as some might think either.

Mobile Loaves and Fishes makes sandwiches and gives out pastries, juices and fruit, they also accept donated clothes and give them to those in need. During winter months they provide socks and coats to keep people who need them warm. “[Contact] a local church. They usually have charity work or volunteer work scheduled,” Whitefield said, “Other than that, you can contact local soup kitchens and animal shelters to get started.”

Some donors prefer to give a child presents that their parents can’t afford and there are plenty of organizations out there that do just that. Project Santa, Blue Santa, Brown Santa and Family Giving Tree have opportunities to wrap gifts for children, donate, and give out those gifts. Others like Any Baby Can, Adopta-Family and Giving City let out “adopt” a family and buy the gifts the children in that family want for the parents who are unable to afford such things now. While some charities are focused on helping families celebrate the holiday season, others are focues more on survival needs.

“I would suggest going to a soup kitchen or helping with a homeless food drive,” Whitefield said, “A good place to start would be Angel House Soup Kitchen on Cesar Chavez, or helping out with a food drive hosted by Caritas.”

When there’s nothing to bring, being company for someone who doesn’t often

get visitors is always a very nice thing to do. A lot of people don’t want to be around people though and that’s understandable; it doesn’t mean volunteering is out of the question during this winter break. Spending some time with Keep Austin Beautiful, helping to clean up parks and creeks is a great way to help the community and the environment. Places like Austin Pets Alive also accept volunteers to help with dog training and keeping the place nice and clean. Any helping is better than none.

“I gained a lot of confidence from that experience,” Meinbresse said, “and in my opinion it can definitely better a person by opening them up to new situations. It was eye-opening.”

“There is always a need for volunteers in a city like Austin,” Whitefield said, “There are multiple ways to serve our community. As high schoolers, it is our duty to start contributing to society, and volunteer work is a great way to get started.”

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Worth a thousand words

Students gather to discuss, make art on campus and throughout the city SOPHIE RYLAND staff reporter

Community service is often seen as something boring, a required duty that every student must perform in order to graduate. Every Thursday, however, some of the most talented students McCallum has to offer gather at lunch to combine both community service and their life calling.

“Arts Society is an organization of students who are passionate about art, not just visual arts majors, who come together to talk about art and unify our artistic community through projects that benefit the school and the general Austin artistic community,” junior officer Emma Ryan said.

The National Art Honor Society is much like National Honor Society, except that it focuses on the visual arts. According to its parent group, the National Arts Education association, the purpose of the society is “to inspire and recognize students who have shown outstanding abilities in art,” and it “strives to support members in their goal of attaining the highest standards in art areas, and to bring visual arts education to the attention of the school and community.”

Students are given options to explore and take advantage of all that the artistic opportunities Austin has to offer.

“Last year I went to EAST [or East Austin Studio Tour] with a group of Arts Society students,” senior officer Clarissa Thompson said. “We just went around, and we talked with local artists. We looked at a lot of really great art, and it was so much fun.”

There’s a myriad of opportunities for members to expand their portfolios and gain experience as artists.

“We’ve held gallery openings within the school, using student art,” Ryan said. “Last year, we did a project where we did this big chalk drawing in front of the sidewalk of a public library; we’ve worked with local artists to help support their own projects: an upcoming project we are going to do is with a local artist; she’s doing an installation in some park, and we’ve helped her make a bunch of these origami balloon things that she’s going to use, and we’re going to help her install them.”

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Seniors Clarissa Thompson, Sarafina Fabris-Green and Mia Battle speak during a National Art Honor Society meeting. “It’s meant to promote service hours that are related to art activities,” Fabris-Green said.

Art by students is displayed in Mr. Martinez’s room. Photos by sophomore Ruby Dietz.

In addition to studying art all around the city, Ryan said that the NAHS also brings art to the school campus.

“This year we did the Dia de los Muertos altar out in the front hallway, where students from all over the school could bring pictures of people who have passed.”

This Dia de los Muertos altar is not just the most recent school installment of the Arts Society; it’s also one of art teacher and co-sponsor of the Arts Society Jeff SeckarMartinez’s favorite works by his students.

“I really had fun building the altar,” Seckar-Martinez said. “I like any time that people come together and get really excited about something, so it’s always nice to see students in a different context, where they’re not thinking about grades, and they’re not thinking about meeting deadlines. It’s more about having fun and doing something to have a common cause.”

The National Art Honor Society builds a community of artists within a school by having them collaborate on art-related public service.

Martinez, now in his second year of leading the honors society, strongly believes in the importance of having a gathering place for artists within the school.

“I really like that it builds a sense of community within the student body,” SeckarMartinez said. “I have students that are diverse and part of every life, and they all come together and meet, and art seems to be the common bond that everybody works around.”

“It makes you more aware of the artistic community in Austin,” Ryan said. “If you’re interested in art, it can be really easy to isolate yourself. [Art]’s something you do on your own. It’s not like theater, where you’re forced to work with others, so it opens you up to this whole community, not only at McCallum, but within Austin.”

Attending meetings doesn’t require a huge commitment; participation is up to each individual member.

“There’s a good amount of people inside the art room, and we have a giant gavel,” junior officer Liv Young said. “Everyone gets quiet, and we discuss what’s happening and what you can do and how you can participate in community hours.”

The organization has gained momentum, mostly due to the change in leadership, according to many of its officers.

“We became a lot more active, because Mr. Martinez came in and got it a lot more structured,” Thompson said. “It was a lot more casual before, and we have a lot more opportunities right now.”

If you’re interested in art, it can be really easy to isolate yourself.

[Art]’s something you do on your own. It’s not like theater, where you’re forced to work with others, so [National Art Society] opens you up to this whole community, not only at McCallum, but within Austin.

-junior Emma Ryan

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Putting the ‘art’ back in fine arts

Sophomore founds club with ambitions to make the school more thoughtful, beautiful CHARLIE HOLDEN staff reporter

It’s lunchtime, and students push past one another in the hallway, ducking into the cafeteria or shuffling off to find their friends. It’s the most congested part of the hallway, wedged between the office and the case of dusty trophies. And right in the middle of it all, a sign is tacked to the wall. It reads, “What are you waiting for?” It makes a handful of students stop, curious. One or two of them may even scribble their answers on an index card and tack them up under the humble question. What are you waiting for?

For sophomore Marielle Glasse, this is more than a question. Putting up this interactive poster is the beginning of something more.

“I think people like to ask questions, and especially if you’re walking around campus, it’s just a cool thing to see, and I want people to see it and then ask about it,” Glasse said. “I want them to question things. I want things that are thought-provoking.”

This search for questions paired with a love of art prompted Glasse to launch her own student-run after-school club, Public Art Club.

Public Art Club, which had its first meeting earlier this year, has flown under the radar so far, but Glasse and other club members like sophomore Ruby Dietz are working to change that.

Sophomore Marielle Glasse presents ideas to her student run club, Public Art Club. It meets Wednesdays in room 116 from 4:30 to 5:30. Photo by Ruby Dietz.

“We’re trying to get bigger and bigger and just bring awareness to the club,” Dietz said. “A lot of people don’t take it seriously, like the stuff we put up, so we want people to know about the club and what our purpose is.”

The club aims to to promote interactive art and the change that it’s capable of bringing about.

“I’ve seen a whole bunch of articles about public art, especially in countries where there’s a lot of oppression,” Glasse said.

“There’s a specific [public art piece] where there were ropes hanging from the center of a square, and since there was a dictator in that government, people were so angry, but there was no way to express that anger be-

cause they were so oppressed, and then they started knotting the ropes.”

Although Public Art wouldn’t tackle issues so serious as the oppression of a dictatorship, they’re planning art that will still make a statement.

“We’re planning to do our next public art project: it could either be a garden or a recycled art piece talking about pollution,” Glasse said. “We’ll see.”

Provoking thought and inciting change are major goals for the club, but beautifying the school and promoting lesser known art strands are just as important.

“McCallum is known as the art school, but if you’re just walking around it, I don’t think that you can always see that it is a fine arts school,” Dietz said. “I think that what we’re trying to do is have every fine arts program get on the same level of awareness. I think when those people think about McCallum, it’s like theater, and maybe a little bit of visual arts, but no one really knows that there’s a dance program and a guitar program and a film program. Using Public Art, we can raise awareness to every type of fine art you can major in or be doing.”

Glasse and Dietz encourage everyone to come to the club, which is open to anyone, no matter their experience with the arts.

“Public Art Club meets on Wednesdays, until 5:30 after school,” Dietz said. “It’s just a really accepting environment, and there’s so no judging and you can have any ideas that you want.”

Local artist includes students in interactive art piece Earlier this year Generous Art, a local nonprofit organization, brought artists to speak with McCallum viusal arts students during special workshop sessions. Among the visiting artists was Teruko Nimura, a local artist who specializes in public and interactive arts. She informed students about her career as an artist and involved them in her own upcoming installation. This Feburary Nimura will be installing more than 3,000 oragami lanterns on a bridge in Sheffield Park in an effort to create a public art space that will serve as a gathering space and sanctuary for thought.

Beyond providing a space for personal reflection,

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Nimura believes public and interactive art can contribute to a greater awareness in communities.

“I think [public art] is one of those tools that we can use to speak about issues that we’re concerned about in a way that isn’t super preachy but more approachable,” Nimura said.

The installation of Nimura’s lantern project is set for Feburary 2016. On the day of the installation there will be a lighting ceremony that is open to the public. Nimura invites anyone who wishes to participate in the event to contact her for volunteer opportunities.

Artist Teruko Nimuro folding origami cranes for one of her art installations. Photo from Nimuro’s website gallery.

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The Brownie Breakdown

Student store provides valuable real-life experience and a little profit, too SOPHIE RYLAND staff reporter

Loud rap music playing overhead and the sweet, gooey smell of chocolate and freshlybaked goods permeate the hallway during lunch as six or seven students stand in a line, chattering excitedly while waiting for the moment when they can get a satiating bite of the brownies, Rice Krispy treats, crackers or pickles the School Store has to offer.

“It started when a couple of teachers got the idea about seven years ago,” said teaching assistant Eddie Harris, the man who sells the products. “They heard about the idea from another school, and then they started doing it here, and we’ve been running it ever since.”

The store is incredibly popular with students, and lines can stretch out the doors on good sale days.

“It’s accessible, it’s consistently open, and just [has] really good brownies,” senior Gemma Moore said. “I think the pricing is really good. You can use spare change you have in your pocket…or just a buck you found on the ground, or something.”

Between the brownie mix, the vegetable oil, and the eggs, it costs about 10 cents to make each brownie, not accounting for taxes or other factors. Each brownie is sold for $1, whereas a brownie from Starbucks will set you back around $2.35.

“We actually don’t make too much profit,” Life Skills teacher Kimberly Hanna said. “We make enough money to sustain the store. It’s good experience for the kids: shopping, having to make a shopping list, and following recipe, handling and counting money, so that’s the goal of it, to sustain itself, and then the little money we do have left over we tend to spend on things we need

Eddie Harris sells brownies, other goods during lunch, passing periods.

Photo by Maya Coplin. around the classroom because we kind of function like a household. We buy laundry detergent or disinfectant, things like that.

We may use the money to go out to eat if we have extra money one month. It doesn’t turn a huge profit or anything.”

According to the National Education Association, it costs around $16,921 to provide for one student in a special-education program, over double the amount for an average student. Despite the high cost, the government provides less than 20 percent of its commitment under IDEA, the Individual Disabilities Education Act. As there are

around 5.69 million students under IDEA’s jurisdiction, schools need to find ways to provide for these students.

“It’s a constant fundraiser,” Hanna said.

“It goes to a really good cause; it gives the kids some real-world life experience in the community, things they’ll be able to do after they graduate, and it’s a great way to support your fellow students,” Lately there’s been a change in the operation of the store, which has drawn mixed reactions from consumers.

“We made one major change in the last couple of weeks,” Harris said. “We raised the

prices up from 75 cents to a dollar, because of the increase in products we buy. Eggs went up, the brownie mix went up, everything went up. We’ve been about the same price for the last seven years, and we’ve tried to stay the same, but we weren’t making any money because of everything we had to buy,” Some frequent customers don’t mind the price change.

“If it supports the program, then it’s cool,” freshman Miranda Hynes said. “I mean, it’s 25 cents more. Come on.”

Others aren’t as happy with the increase.

“I don’t blame them if stuff is more expensive, but I am so upset about the prices,” freshman Trinity Gonzalez said. “I’m a poor person. I don’t have the money to spend an entire buck.”

The teachers who help manage the store have more to manage than the price point of the products. The continuation of the store has become a major component of the program’s support of each student.

“One of the main challenges is that the nature of our classroom is that we have students of all ability levels, and so we’re constantly having to modify things,” Hanna said. “They’re all very different: different abilities, interests. They understand that we’re going shopping for the school store; it’s not just something futile, and there’s a purpose in it. They know what the money go towards; they really understand it.”

One of the best ways McCallum students can support the program? Just continue buying from the store.

“We love how excited everyone gets for the school store,” Hanna said. “It really helps keep our classroom going, helps us not to have to pay for supplies out of our pockets, and it helps support the kids.”

A Pretty Sweet Deal Brownie Store

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$1.00

Russell’s Bakery

$2.00

Upper Crust Bakery $1.95

Tiff’s Treats

$2.50

Quack’s Bakery

Ghirardhelli brownie mix

$0.30

$2.25

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SENIOR IN SERVICE Eliamar Ramirez plans to join the U.S. Military after college

Ramirez (center) with other army recruits at UT Veteran’s Day ceremony Nov. 5. The ceremony was held outside of the UT stadium by a statue of a soldier. Photo provided by Ramirez.

JOSEPHINE CLARKE staff reporter

Seniors thinking about their futures are faced with many decisions. Between college applications, making future choices and the work that is associated with their final year in high school, there’s a lot to think about. This is no different for senior Eliamar Ramirez; however, she does have one future decision that puts her apart from her peers.

“I knew that I wanted to serve,” Ramirez said. “At first I was looking at the Coast Guard, and I wanted to go to their academy, but I didn’t like any of their majors. And then the Army called me.”

That’s right, she’s going into the Army.

According to Defense Manpower Data Center, only 0.4 percent of Americans are active military personnel. Ramirez said she is proud to be among the few who choose to serve in the military.

“I’m so excited about what is to come.”

Ramirez said. “I met my unit so I suppose

11 dec. 2015

that will start a new journey. I’m pretty MOS (military occupational specialty) and young compared to all the other people then I will be allowed to attend college.”

Even her job in who join or are the Army is refleccurrently in the tive of the type of military, but so far degree she can get.

I’m so excited about they’ve all still reThere are many spected me.” what is to come. I met options available Still, she says my unit so I suppose under her MOS, that there are not although within a many others her that will start a new specific category. age that she knows. journey.

“My MOS is There is a rea68R, which is vetson for that too.

-senior Eliamar Ramirez erinary food inHer Army training spector specialist will often happen and within that I on top of her studcan do a multitude ies. She’s already of things,” Ramirez starting doing exsaid. “I will hopecercises and has fully get a degree in nursing. Being in the met her unit.

“July 25 I ship off to basic training which Army Reserves, I will in the Army while also is the same thing as boot camp; it’s basic being a nurse.”

Being an Army nurse is just as important combat skills.” Ramirez said. “That lasts for nine weeks and then after that I go to AIT, as field work. Not only do you heal wounded which is advanced training for your specific soldiers, but you also participate in research

“

”

and provide care for the families of soldiers.

“I want to be a nurse in a nursing home because I want to be able to help the elderly and give them the proper care they need,” Ramirez said. “A lot of elderly in the nursing homes are depressed, and I want to be able to change that.”

Joining the Army is no small step. It’s a huge commitment, a huge responsibility and huge decision. The average recruitment age is 21, even though the minimum age for recruitment is 17.

Ramirez, however, seems ready for the challenge: “I think I’m more scared of getting injured and not being able to participate more than anything. I’m pretty excited about everything.”

Maybe she hasn’t stopped a bullet from hitting the president, or even fought in a war. But, she is joining the same Army that’ has been protecting America for years.

It’s a responsibility that Ramirez takes very seriously.

“I want to have pride and honor and serve my country.”

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p o o c s e h t Amy’s Ice Cream isn’t just a great place to eat: it’s a great place to work.

MILES HANSEN staff reporter

Amy’s Ice Cream is undoubtedly an Austin institution, from its iconic painted cows to the famous Mexican Vanilla that Austinites have gone bonkers for over the past three decades. Those who grew up in the Allandale area have been blessed with having a family-friendly ice cream place where they can go and make memories. Senior Sierra Moore has been going to the Allandale Amy’s for as long as she can remember.

“It’s in the neighborhood, so I always went with my friends after school to play on the playground,” Moore said.

“It was a part of my childhood, and it’s still a part of my life today.”

For Moore and other McCallum students like junior Seth Birell and senior James Sipowicz, Amy’s isn’t just a great place to eat; it’s a great place to work.

“You get to see kids faces light up when you hand them their ice cream,” Birell said. “It’s really fantastic.”

Birrell has been working at Amy’s location on Burnet Road for 11 months now. His job, “pit boss,” requires that he manage the people making the ice cream as well as make it himself.

“It’s hard work, having to lift the heavy ice cream and keep it the right temperature, as well as [keep an eye on] noisy children running all around,” Birell said.

The job mostly entails scooping and moving ice cream, but you’d be surprised how often Amy’s employees have to sit outside and watch the children on the playground, making sure there aren’t any accidents or liability issues.

Moore, who is also a pit boss at the Burnet Road location, said that her job is good because it is possible to bal-

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“I would say my favorite part is how easy the job is. It’s easy to give good customer service when the customer is already in love with the product.”

-James Sipowicz

Photos by Maya Coplin. ance the demands of the job with demands for school.

“The bosses are very lenient about the hours I am available, so I work mostly weekends,” Moore said. “If I work late week nights, it forces me to time manage, but that’s the only time I am pressured with working and school.”

Moore has been working at Amy’s longer than any cur-

rent McCallum student, almost a year and a half.

“I love working there,” Moore said. “There is just such a great, energetic atmosphere all the time, something I really thrive on.”

When a woman walked into Amy’s where Moore works, she thought nothing of it. She soon found out that this was the woman’s first time eating ice cream in many years.

“She was just so pumped about trying the ice cream so we crafted up this perfect ice cream for her and she was so excited,” Moore said. “She tried it, and we gave it to her for free and it just made her whole day I’m pretty sure.”

The spontaneity and creativity of that moment is something encourages on its employees from day one.

In order to screen prospective employees before they are interviewed, management hands prospective employees a brown paper bag with the mission to “go be creative.” The premise is, if you make something exciting or interesting out of the paper bag, they will call back for an interview.

“I collaged the outside and did a bunch of photography all over it,” Moore said. “Then I turned it into a flowerpot, so I planted flowers inside of it and turned it in.

For Sipowicz, the bag design enabled him to express his love for music and his hometown “For mine, I made designs about things that interest me, such as a guitar,” Sipowicz said. “And I drew a picture of South Congress looking down at the Capitol.”

Birell also displayed his love for music In addition, the fun creative environment and the flexible hours, employees also had their first opportunity to try new flavors.

“My personal favorite is dark chocolate with Oreos,” Moore said. “It’s the bomb!”

“My favorite by far is the Bee Cave Crunch,” Birell said.

Ice cream. Flexible management. Creativity.

There’s a lot to like about a job at Amy’s Ice Cream.

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Anybody’s game

Democrats “Abortion is a women’s unrestricted right.”

Approve samesex marriage

Republicans

Bernie Sanders Hillary Clinton U.S. senator, Vermont

Former Secretary of State

Ben Carson

Donald Trump

Agrees

Agrees

Disagrees

Disagrees

Yes

Yes

Neutral

No

EPA is too restrictive.

Disagrees

Disagrees

Agrees

Agrees

Thoughts on gun control

Believes we need to find more common ground regarding gun control

Certain guns need to be banned and enforce more background checks.

Your right to own a gun should depend on where you live.

Pro Second Amendment, against gun control

Thoughts on climate change

-Update inefficient buildings -Install over 9,500 solar panels in buildings

-We need to figure out the science more to enforce change.

-Supports offshore drilling

-Not at the top of Ben Carson’s priority list

-Believes that climate change is a hoax

Campaign slogan

“A political revolution is coming.”

-Bernie Sanders

“Everyday Americans need a champion.

I want to be that champion.”

-Hillary Clinton

“Heal. Inspire. Revive.”

-Ben Carson

“Let’s make America great again!”

-Donald Trump

Presidential candidate front-runners respond to key campain issues Reporting and graphic by Julie Robertson

11 dec. 2015

All general information found on: • Inside Gov.com Presidential candidate • On the Issues potentials canidates

American neurosurgeon

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All photos printed with permission.

people 17

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the

EMPOWERING

individual

Students from around Austin come together to create a project in order to draw attention to young lives around the globe, starting in South Sudan

diverse

vision

sincere youth

brave

awareness compassion genuine hope kindness real soul creativity equality freedom inspiring open personal joy infinite purpose

South Sudan, where the cameras are being sent.

Image designed by Orian Medeiros-Green and linoleum print by Joshua Tsang

18 people

W

eeks before the school year even began, a group of six high school students from all around Austin sit around a crowded coffee house table filled with caffeinated drinks, laptops and notebooks. Dozens of emails are sent, ideas are brought up and then shot down one after the other and students scramble about trying to figure out solutions to problems most students never have to solve.

At the end of a long day filled with lots of trips to the barista and many bathroom breaks, the six students have completed their ultimate task: defining and explaining a concept called A Youth Mind.

“It was a lot of just grunt work getting the idea to paper,” said Westlake junior Campbell Erickson, the founder of A Youth Mind. “When you have an idea like A Youth Mind where the goal isn’t as physical as it is existential, it’s like in the clouds and we’re working to make the sun shine through the clouds a little bit. When you have something like that, it’s a lot of sitting there trying to figure out how you can bring that down to earth and put it on paper. And that was about $30 worth of coffee right there.”

Created, based and centered around the importance of young opinions and stories, A Youth Mind is an international project based in Austin for the purpose of shedding light on how people really live around the world. Starting in South Sudan, the creators of A Youth Mind said they will send disposable cameras to schools in certain areas where they have set up connections with teachers in order to enable young kids to tell their stories and break down the stereotypes of poverty through the act of photography.

“I think [corporate and professional photography] puts people in a box,” said McCallum sophomore Orian MedeirosGreen, an active member of A Youth Mind. “Even saying ‘the people’ [classifies a certain group of people as one]. A lot of times Africa gets referred to as a [whole] just because of the

11 dec. 2015

stereotype that [corporate] photography has put on it. So I think that with the youth taking their own pictures, and allowing them to express whatever they want, rather than someone capturing them, [this project] will be able to open a lot of people’s eyes to the reality of living wherever this project is being done, rather than having the misconception or stereotype that has been put there.”

While the high school students are adamant about keeping control of the project in the hands of the young people in their home countries, A Youth Mind wouldn’t be possible without the help of sponsors and companies who will buy and ship all of the cameras and make the necessary connections in South Sudan.

“I got approached by a guy named Christopher Douglass from Lone Star- Africa Works, which is an NGO (an organization that is neither run by the government nor a traditional business working for a profit) operating outside of South Sudan that helps entrepreneurs basically export things to the U.S,” Erickson said. “He asked me to come to South Sudan with him and do the project [there], but I can’t go to South Sudan. It’s got an awful civil war [so] it’s super dangerous.

But I was interested in kind of keeping on the track of using photography to tell a story so I posted something on Instagram saying, ‘Hey anyone want to help me do this project?’

And then 36 hours later we had a project plan and a business plan and it was A Youth Mind-East Africa, specifically South Sudan.”

The ultimate goal of the project is to get as many clear photos as possible in order to tell as many students’ stories as possible. According to Erickson, if 50 percent of the cameras come back and around 10 percent of the photos are usable, A Youth Mind will be left with about 100 photos to publish. From those 100 photos, 50 will be chosen to be incorporated into a larger book that will one day hold a vast collection of original photos and stories depicting young people’s lives around the world. “[The photos will] probably be informal, everyday life

knowledge

global

beauty

compelling intriguing art respect quality unity culture fair voicealive acceptance connection unique innovative

kind of things instead of perfect, professional portraits that National Geographic photographers do or something,” said McCallum sophomore Joshua Tsang, one of the original six students. “It’s all gonna be other kids’ photos so there are probably going to be some mishaps; however, I think it’s going to be able to show the poverty and living conditions out there, but I think what we were trying to focus on more is the beauty you don’t actually see from other photographers and pictures from there.”

The project is still young in nature, yet all of the members are confident that A Youth Mind is a strong idea that is here to stay. While they are in the middle of sending cameras to South Sudan, the program hopes to expand its ideas around the globe, incorporating as many kids’ lives as possible. After asking Erickson what he will do when he graduates in two years, he acknowledged that he and his partners will have to trust their replacements with this idea that is near and dear to all of the students’ hearts. Once they graduate, they will pass the project down to the other high school students who will be charged with the mission to keep the project going.

Erickson said that when he graduates, Medeiros-Green will take over as the head director and then it will be his turn to lead the group and continue the program in a way that allows it to be passed down for years to come.

“It’s an interesting project because it can expand infinitely,” Medeiros-Green said. “You know you can’t go to too many places. The whole point of it is to learn how people live and experience life without stereotypes, and people experience it differently all over the world. Like people in North Austin live differently than people in East Austin and South Austin might. So we can expand infinitely, and it’s definitely something that our team has understood and dedicated their time to and they understand that it can go for as long as it could.

You know it could be a lifelong thing. But the idea is to be global. We want to give a fair opportunity to every country and every place to show how they live.”

Hannah Ilan

people 19

shield

the

EMPOWERING

individual

Students from around Austin come together to create a project in order to draw attention to young lives around the globe, starting in South Sudan

diverse

vision

sincere youth

brave

awareness compassion genuine hope kindness real soul creativity equality freedom inspiring open personal joy infinite purpose

South Sudan, where the cameras are being sent.

Image designed by Orian Medeiros-Green and linoleum print by Joshua Tsang

18 people

W

eeks before the school year even began, a group of six high school students from all around Austin sit around a crowded coffee house table filled with caffeinated drinks, laptops and notebooks. Dozens of emails are sent, ideas are brought up and then shot down one after the other and students scramble about trying to figure out solutions to problems most students never have to solve.

At the end of a long day filled with lots of trips to the barista and many bathroom breaks, the six students have completed their ultimate task: defining and explaining a concept called A Youth Mind.

“It was a lot of just grunt work getting the idea to paper,” said Westlake junior Campbell Erickson, the founder of A Youth Mind. “When you have an idea like A Youth Mind where the goal isn’t as physical as it is existential, it’s like in the clouds and we’re working to make the sun shine through the clouds a little bit. When you have something like that, it’s a lot of sitting there trying to figure out how you can bring that down to earth and put it on paper. And that was about $30 worth of coffee right there.”

Created, based and centered around the importance of young opinions and stories, A Youth Mind is an international project based in Austin for the purpose of shedding light on how people really live around the world. Starting in South Sudan, the creators of A Youth Mind said they will send disposable cameras to schools in certain areas where they have set up connections with teachers in order to enable young kids to tell their stories and break down the stereotypes of poverty through the act of photography.

“I think [corporate and professional photography] puts people in a box,” said McCallum sophomore Orian MedeirosGreen, an active member of A Youth Mind. “Even saying ‘the people’ [classifies a certain group of people as one]. A lot of times Africa gets referred to as a [whole] just because of the

11 dec. 2015

stereotype that [corporate] photography has put on it. So I think that with the youth taking their own pictures, and allowing them to express whatever they want, rather than someone capturing them, [this project] will be able to open a lot of people’s eyes to the reality of living wherever this project is being done, rather than having the misconception or stereotype that has been put there.”

While the high school students are adamant about keeping control of the project in the hands of the young people in their home countries, A Youth Mind wouldn’t be possible without the help of sponsors and companies who will buy and ship all of the cameras and make the necessary connections in South Sudan.

“I got approached by a guy named Christopher Douglass from Lone Star- Africa Works, which is an NGO (an organization that is neither run by the government nor a traditional business working for a profit) operating outside of South Sudan that helps entrepreneurs basically export things to the U.S,” Erickson said. “He asked me to come to South Sudan with him and do the project [there], but I can’t go to South Sudan. It’s got an awful civil war [so] it’s super dangerous.

But I was interested in kind of keeping on the track of using photography to tell a story so I posted something on Instagram saying, ‘Hey anyone want to help me do this project?’

And then 36 hours later we had a project plan and a business plan and it was A Youth Mind-East Africa, specifically South Sudan.”

The ultimate goal of the project is to get as many clear photos as possible in order to tell as many students’ stories as possible. According to Erickson, if 50 percent of the cameras come back and around 10 percent of the photos are usable, A Youth Mind will be left with about 100 photos to publish. From those 100 photos, 50 will be chosen to be incorporated into a larger book that will one day hold a vast collection of original photos and stories depicting young people’s lives around the world. “[The photos will] probably be informal, everyday life

knowledge

global

beauty

compelling intriguing art respect quality unity culture fair voicealive acceptance connection unique innovative

kind of things instead of perfect, professional portraits that National Geographic photographers do or something,” said McCallum sophomore Joshua Tsang, one of the original six students. “It’s all gonna be other kids’ photos so there are probably going to be some mishaps; however, I think it’s going to be able to show the poverty and living conditions out there, but I think what we were trying to focus on more is the beauty you don’t actually see from other photographers and pictures from there.”

The project is still young in nature, yet all of the members are confident that A Youth Mind is a strong idea that is here to stay. While they are in the middle of sending cameras to South Sudan, the program hopes to expand its ideas around the globe, incorporating as many kids’ lives as possible. After asking Erickson what he will do when he graduates in two years, he acknowledged that he and his partners will have to trust their replacements with this idea that is near and dear to all of the students’ hearts. Once they graduate, they will pass the project down to the other high school students who will be charged with the mission to keep the project going.

Erickson said that when he graduates, Medeiros-Green will take over as the head director and then it will be his turn to lead the group and continue the program in a way that allows it to be passed down for years to come.

“It’s an interesting project because it can expand infinitely,” Medeiros-Green said. “You know you can’t go to too many places. The whole point of it is to learn how people live and experience life without stereotypes, and people experience it differently all over the world. Like people in North Austin live differently than people in East Austin and South Austin might. So we can expand infinitely, and it’s definitely something that our team has understood and dedicated their time to and they understand that it can go for as long as it could.

You know it could be a lifelong thing. But the idea is to be global. We want to give a fair opportunity to every country and every place to show how they live.”

Hannah Ilan

people 19

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The train tracks that pass over Town Lake can be viewed from the pedestrian bridge.

Off the page How do you feel about graffiti?

“Art is something that Austin is known for and the street art only adds to the city’s beauty.”

—junior Ella Whitaker

“Graffiti used as an art form is good and should be praised, but graffiti used as vandalism is bad.”

—freshman Emily Horan

“I like how people express themselves through [graffiti], and I like how it gives our city a great vibe.”

—freshman Jojo Jones

“It’s ok to do [graffiti] where it is allowed and as long as it’s not direspecful to others.”

—freshman Rosa Marchione Jones

Above: Castle Hill is a large concrete structure where many people go to spray paint whatever they want.

From quotes to miscellaneous art pieces (such as this skull), you can find anything and everything here.

Above: Behind the busy street of South Congress, ‘The Annex,’ a small vintage shop, boasts head-totoe artwork.

20 A & E

Right: On a garage at Capital City Automotive on South Congress and Mary, this group of letters is found along other artwork decorating the shop.

Reporting and photos by Zoe Hocker.

11 dec. 2015

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The Netflix Effect:

Online TV is turning students into binge-watchers one click at a time

SYDNEY AMELL staff reporter

When students go home they have the option to do their schoolwork or to watch Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Instant Video. With online TV providers just a few keystrokes away, homework often doesn’t stand a chance.

“I watch online TV because it’s a lot more convenient,” freshman Sasha Wald said. “It’s just there, and you don’t have to worry about missing shows or anything.

You can watch whatever you want whenever you want.”

More than half of American households subscribe to online TV, even though they have to pay, because it is really simple and, if you have a smart TV like more than half of Americans do, you can watch it on a much bigger screen.

“I watch Netflix because it has no commercials, and it’s easier to get the whole season,” sophomore Octoria Cathey said.

Online TV has become so popular that Netflix is now a TV creator instead of just a provider. Many Netflix subscribers watch Netflix Originals, Orange is the New Black and House of Cards, among others.

“Netflix Original Shows would be helpful to some people who don’t want to watch the same things over and over again,” said freshman Shay Ashley, who has no subscriptions to online TV providers. “If [the original show] grows big, a bunch of people are going to get Netflix and watch it, though personally I think it could cost Netflix more money. They would have to do a bunch more casting and pay their actors.”

Whatever the cause, Netflix has grown in popularity. According to Expanded Ramblings, an online tech and statistics website, in 2010 88 percent of people who had Net-

11 dec. 2015

flix also had cable TV. In 2014, the numbers had dropped to 80 percent.

“I think Netflix will dominate, because it’s already, practically in the millions, and actors prefer to be Netflix and Hulu actors because they get binge-watched and get paid over and over for being watched,” Cathey said. “I think cable will one day fall through. Blockbuster is already gone. I cried when that happened.”

Only some people seem worried that online TV will dominate cable. Other people maintain that cable, at least some parts of it, will

remain strong.

“To some extent, I think Netflix will replace cable, but there are some things I believe can’t be replaced,” said Ashley, who said she would miss Animal Planet if it went away.

The growth of Netflix, however, is not without negative consequences. One is the emergence of binge-watching, watching three 45-minute episodes, or six 25-minute episodes of the same show in one sitting.

“I saw someone literally watching a Law and Order marathon in

social studies class and not taking notes or paying attention.” Cathey said. “[He was] facing the back and rarely taking notes, and I’m like ‘Bro how’d you make it this far?’”

According to Corrie Pikul of The Huffington Post, sitting down for long periods of time slows circulation and metabolism, so sitting or laying down and watching TV can make anyone feel sluggish. On the other hand, paying that much attention and focusing on the complex plot and intriguing characters can be cognitively and emotionally draining.

“I guess if you’re bored and have nothing to do, binge watching can be very entertaining.” Wald said.

“I personally love binge-watching shows because you get very into it.

I think I love it, but it’s not really good because it’s just sort of like waking up from a coma afterwards.”

The great debate really boils down to whether a student prefers to watch a show once a week or all at once. Some viewers say they can appreciate the plot better when they binge watch, and don’t have to pause to remember what happened in the previous episode.

Some just plain hate waiting.

“I think watching it all at once is healthier than trying to wait a week with the suspense, like that need to know,” Cathey said. “It has been proven someone can die of suspense; it has happened. People don’t know this, but it happens. I would change the fact that Netflix takes so long to update.”

Others say that the suspense, anticipation and excitement before each episode makes the ending better. Others, however, would rather just start a new show in the meantime.

“I have hundreds of shows and anime on my list, so I just distract myself,” Cathey said, “but when I run out, I go a little crazy, and then I binge-read, and then I go crazy.”

Psychologists told Techradar, a technology news website, that Netflix is turning people into addicts. Because some people become so emotionally tied into a show, that they feel physically sad when a show/episode is over. They then watch more and more for a fix.

“I would ditch homework in a second to watch the show Supernatural.” Cathey said. “Absolutely it has affected my social studies grade because I rarely do my social studies homework, because they always assign it when I’m trying to watch Superwnatural, or any Netflix.”

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DECEMBER IS A MONTH WITH

Light director Miles Johnson and emcee David Zarzoza improvise a song to keep the audience entertained during technical difficulties before the start of the second annual McCallum Radio Talent Show. Jennifer Rivera won first place in the competition with her rendition of Rihanna’s “Stay.” Photo by Jennifer Rivera.

Blue Tongue performed Saturday Dec. 5 and the second annual McCallum Radio Talent Show. Led by senior lead guitarist Tre Pham, the band closed the show, performing three songs. Although they didn’t win, they did bring down the house.

Photo by Jennifer Rivera.

Riley Simpson dances to “Hello” in the Field House Dec. 2. “I like that informal dance concerts are low-pressure, and offer opportunity for everyone to shine.”

Photo by Madison Olsen.

The jazz band waits as Ms. Nelson introduces them to the audience before the band holiday concert Monday night in the MAC Theatre. To add to the jazzy atmosphere, the band members decided to bring in guitar and bass guitar players.

Photo by Gabi Williams.

Sophomore Matan Bos Orent plays the violin at the orchestra class concert Tuesday night in the MAC Theatre. The orchestra playing a slate of holiday favorites.

Photo by Camille Selis.

Junior Ta’tyana Jammer plays guitar and sings an original song at McCallum Battle of the Bands last Thursday. “It was nerve-racking at first, but I felt really pumped to be there,” Jammer said after the performance. She was even more pumped after she found out she received more votes from the audience than anyone else. Photo by Ellie Blankenship.

David Soto (above) and his Pantheon bandmates received the most paid votes at the Battle of the Bands Thursday in the MAC Theatre. “The student performers were very impressive,” guitar teacher Andrew Clark said. “Some students could easily be mistaken for pro session musicians.” The event raised more than $1,100.

Photo by Ruby Dietz.

KNIGHTS ON STAGE EVERY NIGHT.

22 A&E

11 dec. 2015

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Professor Metz (Corney) reveals a surprise to the injured Sheridan Whiteside (Tierney).

Whiteside’s secretary, Maggie Cutler (junior Ellie Zambarano), lights Whiteside’s cigarette.

Guess who?

Photos by Charlie Holden.

Theater performs fall play, The Man Who Came to Dinner HALEY HEGEFELD co-editor-in-chief

The Man Who Came to Dinner is not a show about love. At least, that’s what junior Max Corney, who plays two parts in the upcoming production, said. The play, which premiered last night in the Fine Arts Theatre, is written by the same person who wrote last year’s fall play, You Can’t Take It With You, and is a fresh take on a kooky family’s troubles.

Sophomore Tristan Tierney has his first starring role in the play as the radio personality, Sheridan Whiteside. “[The show is] about this family called the Stanleys and this man who I play, Sheridan Whiteside,” sophomore Tristan Tierney said. “He’s this famous radio personality and critic. He falls on their steps while visiting somewhere. He falls on their steps, he breaks his hip and he has to stay at their home for 10 days because he can’t get anywhere else.”

Whiteside goes on to take over the house, which does not sit well with the Stanleys. Eventually, he finds himself in some trouble, and has to figure out the best way to get out of it. “[The show is] really slapstick so we can kind of play around on stage,” Tierney said.

11 dec. 2015

“That’s what I like about performing in comedies. You have the opportunity to let yourself free on stage and maybe surprise people and your cast mates every show.”

You Can’t Take It With You guest director Lara Wright joined the cast again this year to direct The Man Who Came to Dinner.

“I love Lara,” Corney said. “We call her Law because she is the law. She’s great. It’s good to work with Denning, but it’s refreshing to have a new director to get different experiences in the high school level, which we usually don’t get. She’s just a great director.”

Tierney was surprised that he was chosen for the lead, because he is only in his second year in the program. “[Getting a lead] kind of came up on me,” Tierney said. I was nervous at first, but I got used to it. I’m not arrogant about it. I haven’t really felt like a lead yet, and I want to keep it that way. I want to feel like a team player.”

Tierney isn’t the only underclassman that is being featured in this production.

“Usually for straight plays we have a small cast of like five to 10, but we have a bigger cast than usual with a lot of freshmen,” Corney said. “Usually, it’s like the upperclassmen, but with this show, we’re giving freshmen a chance to get a lead and that’s really cool. We’re not just using the same people over and over and over again.”

Sheridan Whiteside, the character Tierney is portraying, is based on a real radio

announcer from the early 1900s named Alexander Woollcott.

“I’ve actually heard [the real-life Woollcott] announce stuff before, so I kind of based [my character] on him a little bit,” Tierney said. “I made sure I had a really booming voice that could be on the radio. I made sure I was very personable and very proper, but also I feel like I have different personalities for every person I meet [in the play].”

Corney, on the other hand, is playing both Professor Metz and Beverly Carlton in the play, each with only one scene.

“It’s fun because I don’t have to memo-

rize a lot of lines, but I get to play around with the different characters,” Corney said.

“They’re complete polar opposites of each other. One of them is a crazy, introvert, weird guy, the other is an extrovert, and that’s fun to play around with.”

While the roles they play are different, both hope that audiences laugh and have a good time while watching the show.

“It’s a really entertaining show,” Tierney said. “It has something in it for everyone, and it is for all ages really. It’s hilarious. It’ll make people laugh. It’ll make people feel things. It’ll be a good experience for everyone.”

Go 1-on-1 with ACC today!

Ask questions and get in-person help with college at your high school.

Call (512) 223-7747 for details.

A&E 23

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from:

MARA VANDEGRIF assistant editor

T

Skating rink

Light show

Living in Austin, you don’t get many opportunities for true winter traditions. Chances are we won’t get any snow, and our “ice days” probably won’t leave a trace of ice on the ground. You can, however, still participate in the holiday fun thanks to “Ice Skating on the Plaza” at Whole Foods.

That’s right, the Lamar location’s annual ice-skating rink is back and better than ever. It’s open from Nov. 29-Jan. 9 and is open for everyone. It costs $10 per person (including skate rentals) and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. What better way to enjoy the holiday than by skating on frozen water in the heart of downtown Austin? So grab your friends and family and head down to Whole Foods for a true holiday tradition.

Everyone knows Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, the coffee shop on Lake Austin, but not everyone knows about its holiday light show. It features designs in lights playing to holiday music and a few surprises (last year it featured ‘Texas Fight’ accompanied by burnt orange lights in the background). The show begins at the top of every hour and last approximately 10 minutes. The light show a pretty popular event so make sure to get there a few minutes early to grab a seat on the outdoor deck. Because it’s free, make sure to bundle up in your warmest clothes or else you’ll have to sit inside and not be able to see the show. The show itself is free, but you might want to spend a few bucks on their famous hot chocolate while you soak in the holiday lights, music and spirit.

Location: 525 N Lamar Blvd.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Dates: Nov. 29-Jan. 9

Location: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.

Hours: Begins at 6 p.m., at the top of every hour Dates: N/A

The Knight before Christmas House lights

Christmas tree farm

The Christmas lights on 37th Street are something that many true Austinites know well. Located on 37th Street right by the UT campus, the whole neighborhood gets into the festive spirit by decorating the entire street in lights and holiday decorations; that’s right, just think about your neighborhood lights and multiply them by 50. This is a tradition that began two decades ago and has only grown since then. It’s fun for all ages so you can take your family or friends. An added bonus to this event is that it’s free so don’t have to worry about breaking the bank this holiday season.

If you’re going for a rustic DIY holiday season, look no further than the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm. Open from Nov. 27-Dec. 20, this familyrun business allows you to pick out, and cut, your own Christmas tree.

It also has handmade wreaths, animals to visit, a crazy maze and a playground. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Tree sizes vary from under four feet tall to 14 feet tall, and pricing depends on the size of the tree. This activity is fun for you and your entire family, so grab a saw and head over to the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm to get into the holiday spirit.

Location: 37th Street, starting at Guadalupe Street Hours: Sunset to sunrise (but around 8 p.m. is probably prime time)

Location: 120 Natures Way Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday Dates: Nov. 27-Dec. 20

24 A&E

11 dec. 2015

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Artistically Speaking: Io Hickman Q&A with sophomore art major and creator of Blue Moon Fashion show

MAYA COPLIN

photo editor

What is your major?

I am an art major.

Which type of art do you prefer to do?

Visual art or drawing How did you become interested in this?

Both my parents and my sister are artists, and I’m interested in fashion, so I’ve always been drawing Can you tell me about your fashion designs and how you became involved in Fashion Show?

I’ve been dressing myself since I was little, and I’ve always loved clothes and think it’s really interesting, the culture. And I actually came to McCallum for the Fashion Show, like I decided to come to McCallum.

You mean come to the school?

Yeah. I saw the Fashion Show then decided that I had to come to McCallum so then freshman year I joined the team and ended up winning second runner up. Both people who won runner up and first place were

seniors, so they left, so this year I am the head designer person.

What went through your head the first time you saw the fashion show here, when you were in seventh grade?

I saw it in seventh grade, actually. And then I was like, gotta go here. I saw this girl named Ramona Beady who graduated early, I think, and she was a freshman, and it just blew me away that a freshman can do that and so I was like, I can do that.

Can you tell me about the fashion show that you created yourself outside of school?

Yes. It’s called “Blue Moon” Volume 1. It was a show that I directed with pieces that I designed. It also featured a woman named Casey Wheatley who is a really amazing designer.

Is she a student here?

No. She is outside of McCallum. But all of the crew and models were 18 and under, and the money all went to Austin Pets Alive and we raised $1,000 for them, and we’re having Volume 2 in August.

What was the process that you went through to find the clothes and then

get the models and everything?

I basically, for this show, looked through my sketches which are mainly inspired by music that I listen to. Then to get the models I just posted a thing on Facebook on Instagram and all the different medias that people are using, and just said “Hey, if anybody is 18 or under and is looking to be a model for this show, feel free to come audition.” People were really interested and we picked six models, and it was awesome.

What art classes are you currently in?

I am in drawing and fibers.

How does your interest in fashion affect your art?

I would say that there is a lot of resemblance between my fashion designs and my art, and I’m actually looking into getting things that I have drawn or designed printed onto fabric to incorporate into my fashion. So there are color schemes and patterns. Last year I used a lot of triangles in both my art and my fashion, so they kind of connect and if you looked at both of them, you would see a resemblance.

What awards have you won?

I have won not a lot of awards, actually.

Or anything, it doesn’t have to be a specific award.

Second runner up in Fashion Show. I don’t know. I went to VASE and got all 4’s, but didn’t continue on. I don’t know why. In middle school, I got Most Likely to Be a Rock Star.

What would you say your greatest accomplishment is? Art or fashionrelated.

My biggest accomplishment is putting on a show that went well. People want to sponsor my next one.

Tell me about that.

We are doing “Blue Moon” Volume 2 in August and a lot of really important fashion people came to the Volume 1 because my mom knows a lot of those people so they were really impressed by it and said that they would be super excited to help us out on Volume 2 by giving us money if we just advertise that they are going to be there and put up posters and stuff. So we are trying to actually pay the models and crew this year. So, it’s all thanks to the sponsors because I don’t have enough money to pay everybody.

Io’s Art

Photos provided by Io Hickman.

11 dec. 2015

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Super splash bros

Michael and Destin Watson storm the court as brother duo on varsity

TS: What’s going to be the most difficult part playing with Destin?

MW: Probably watching him mess up because I get really mad when he messes up because I know he’s better than what he shows sometimes.

TS: Will any of the competition transfer home?

MW: No. I mean we don’t even see it as a competition really. I mean we’re out there to play.

He’s really young, so it makes sense that he’s not starting. Next year, he definitely will, but at home both of our goals is to get each other better so we have a successful school season.

TS: How does your family feel about y’all playing on the same team?

MW: My dad is super excited and won’t stop talking about it. He sends us texts every day. It’s pretty annoying. But yeah both of my parents are excited. They want our family to come watch and stuff.

TS: What does your coach expect of y’all this year?

MW: Well for me, I know he expects me to get the offense going and make sure everyone is doing what they’re supposed to do. And for Destin and his group, I’m sure he expects the same thing. But brother-wise he probably wants me to teach him and get him ready for next year because he’ll probably be starting next year and eventually he’ll be a senior and the future of the team. So he probably wants me to get him ready for that.

TS: Do you ever feel overshadowed by your brother?

MW: Not in the basketball aspect, but he’s definitely a nerd and brainiac, so he’s definitely much smarter than me, which is

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TS: What do you expect this year to be like?

MW: I think it’s going to be super fun. It’ll be really our only year of playing organized basketball together, unless we go play at the same college, but I’m looking forward to this once-in-alifetime experience.

The Shield: What got you into basketball?

Sophomore Destin Watson: Honestly, my dad. He introduced us to a lot of different sports when we were young, but basketball is what stuck. It’s just our favorite sport. I like basketball because it’s fun but it also teaches me a lot of things as far as teamwork and working with other people. I feel connected [to my] squad you know.

on

TS: What do you like about playing point guard?

MW: You’re like the second coach on the floor. You really call the plays; you control most of the game. So I really like that leadership role.

good. I don’t know, I don’t see anything as a competition with him. I mean of course I always want him to be better than me so I just want whatever’s good for him.

D

The Shield: What got you into basketball?

Senior Michael Watson: Just watching basketball on TV. Allen Iverson has been one of my influences. And really my dad pushed it on me when I was little. He played sports and him playing sports made me want to play too, so it was kind of passed down. For me basketball is a stress reliever. It gets me through a lot, and it’s very fun. So now I practice at least twice a day. I usually go practice really late, like at 11, at the gym after we have practice at school to be successful and for the team- so that we’re all better.

TS: Describe the feeling you get right before a game’s about to start.

DW: I’m usually pretty nervous. And I think of everything that could go wrong and then when I’m in the game I try to make them not go wrong. But once I get on the court, I have a lot of energy. I usually try to be mad at the other team, so that we get some heart into the game and win.

TS: Are you excited for the season?

DW: Yes it’s my first year on varsity, and I’m really excited. One, because I’m playing with my brother, but also I’ve been waiting to play on varsity for a while. I feel like it’ll be a great experience. I’m expecting it to be a really fun time. It’s going to mean a lot more to me because it’s his last year playing here, so I want to go out with a bang.

TS: Did y’all learn anything about how to play together over the summer?

DW: Yeah, we played for Texas Thunder this past summer. I mean I’ve played with him so long I know what he likes to do; I mean, we’ve played basketball together since we could dribble the ball, so I know what he likes, what he doesn’t like. We’ve got a lot of good chemistry.

TS: Michael said he feels no competition towards you.

Do you feel the same way?

DW: Yeah I don’t really think it’s a competition at all, I think it’s more of a duo. It could be our last time playing together, so we want to make the most of it.

TS: Do you think you would go to the same school as Michael if both of y’all were offered?

DW: Probably, cause you don’t get many opportunities like this to play with your brother, especially not at this high level. So it would be really special to stay with him.

TS: Is there gonna be anything difficult playing with him this year?

DW: The most difficult thing I can think of is probably just him getting tough on me because he knows what I can provide, so if I mess up he has no holding back on getting on me because we’re brothers, and he expects a lot out of me.

TS: Do you look up to him?

DW: I do look up to him because he has a lot of heart, he’s played for so long, and I’ve always watched him since I was little. He started playing on actual AAU teams before I did so I did a lot of watching, and it helps me learn from him, like all his mistakes that he’s made and what he does good, so I try to work that into my own game.

HANNAH ILAN

design editor

11 dec. 2015

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Most sports fans don’t know disc Ultimate Frisbee athletes play for love of game not fan adoration BRYNACH HOGAN staff reporter

Ultimate Frisbee has been around since 1968, but when people think of sports very rarely do they conjour up ultimate Frisbee.

It’s very rare to see an ultimate Frisbee game in session when driving past a field, but students can be seen playing soccer on any given day. Newspapers and school announcements will advertise every football game; however, an ultimate game seldom makes it onto the morning intercom.

But Mac students who play ultimate don’t play it for notoriety.

“I got into ultimate Frisbee after my friends told me that I would be good at it,” senior James Sullivan said. “I like throwing Frisbees with my friends, so I thought I would give it a try. At tryouts I found I had a talent for it, so I just stuck with it.”

Some people think that the only reason

“

It’s a lot of fun just to play the game; I never worry about how many people are watching.

”

-senior Sebastian Morquecho

athletes play ultimate is because they are not good at any other sports. Like any other stereotype, this idea is very demeaning to its target. And like any stereotype, it is partially true but also misleading.

“You don’t have to be athletic to be good at ultimate Frisbee,” Sullivan said. “You can be short, tall, fast or slow, it doesn’t matter.”

Sullivan said.

Sullivan says he enjoys the small things in the game.

“My favorite part in the game is when

somebody throws the Frisbee really far, and I have to outsprint and outjump somebody to go up and get it,” Sullivan said.

It feels good to make a good catch or score a point for your team, but oftentimes, players don’t get much applause.

“Only five or six people come to watch our games on average,” senior Sebastian Morquecho said.

But ultimate athletes aren’t playing for the adoration of their fans. They are playing because they love the game.

“It doesn’t bother me that our crowds are thin,” Morquecho said. “It’s a lot of fun just to play the game; I never worry about how many people are watching.”

What matters for Morquecho is getting better and discovering ways to improve through practice and hard work.

Ultimate Frisbee is becoming an increasingly popular sport. School programs and clubs are popping up all around the United States for ultimate Frisbee.

Tough girls season builds mettle

Wrestling: where it’s Mat

On Nov. 24, before the Thanksgiving break, the girls basketball team lost at home to Lanier, 51-24. While the team has struggled on the scoreboard since its season started, they celebrate the small victories that occur each game: “Once a teammate scores, it gives us hope ... and raises our spirits,” sophomore Micaela Ramacciotti said.

The wrestling team competed in the Georgtown Tournament on Saturday.

Junior Christian Amaro led the team’s effort, winning all four of his matches. The team finished third at the meet.

nament, etown Tour At the Georg signal that he has .: O N IC AG 3 IS THE M e referee to twice, the e looks to th ing denied Ransom Clok and arm pin. After be by Isak Contreras. ad oto earned a he a charm for Cloke. Ph as third time w

Sports snapshots

11 dec. 2015

Senior James Sullivan jumps in vain for the oncomng Frisbee.

Photo by Mary Stites.

to Lanier on NO. 24 ON NOV. 24: During a 51-24 loss r layup. powe a rts conve i cciott Rama la Micae Nov. 24, ence confid large a is it , game the g “When I score durin

by Karel Tinkler. booster for me,” Ramacciotti said. Photo

UPHILL BA some ad TTLE: A frustra ted vic Georgeto e to help win h Coach Amaro giv is w opponen n Tournament. match last Satu es Elec Hill Althoug rday at t, he wo h th n on po ints. Pho Hill did not pin e to by Isa h k Contre is ras.

SMOOTH LYRI C: Sophomor e Lyric Middl free throw du eton sinks a ring McCallu m’s Nov. 24 ho Lanier. While me loss to the team ende d scoreboard, th up on the sh ort end of the ey gained va luab is dream,” Mid dleton said. Ph le experience. “Teamwork oto by Karel Tinkler.

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AUSTIN ACES World Team Tennis ARENA: Gregory Gym FOUNDED: 2014 (moved from Orange County, California) AFFILIATED WITH: N/A BIGGEST STAR: Andy Roddick SEASON: July

AUSTIN AZTEX

AUSTIN SPURS

United Soccer League ARENA: none currently (team won’t play in 2016 because it has no home stadium) FOUNDED: 2011 AFFILIATED WITH: Columbus Crew (MLS) BIGGEST STAR: Devin Perales SEASON: March-Sept.

NBA Developmental League ARENA: Cedar Park Center FOUNDED: 2001 AFFILIATED WITH: San Antonio Spurs BIGGEST STAR: Danny Green SEASON: November-April

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS Pacific Coast League ARENA: Dell Diamond FOUNDED: 2000 AFFILIATED WITH: Texas Rangers BIGGEST STAR: Hunter Pence SEASON: April-September

TEXAS STARS American Hockey League ARENA: Cedar Park Center FOUNDED: 1999 AFFILIATED WITH: Dallas Stars BIGGEST STAR: Trani Morin SEASON: October-April

Is Austin a major league sports town?

STEPHEN TIBBETS guest reporter

Most sports fans in Austin have found themselves in the difficult position of choosing where their loyalty lies: Houston or Dallas. An Austin option, even though it would be welcomed, has never seemed like a real possibility.

Austin is the largest city in the United States without a major professional sports team, and that will not change in the foreseeable future. According to Lance Aldridge, executive director of the Austin Sports Commission, no talk of expanding or relocating to Austin has been made within the major four leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL).

The continuous growth in Austin the past years is a good sign for future teams coming here, but the effects of our growth won’t kick in until further down the road.

“While we are now the 11th largest city in the country, so much of our growth has been so recent,” Aldridge said. “This means we’ve missed out on larger growth opportunities for most leagues.”

One growth opportunity that Austin hasn’t missed out on, though, is Major League Soccer (MLS). “There is a lot of talk behind the scenes regarding a MLS franchise launching here in town,” Aldridge said. “This will only happen if we first are able to build a new multi-purpose facility to accommodate a potential team. This

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facility would need to seat a minimum of 18,000 and will also be used for high school football and several other sports.”

A current soccer team in Austin is the Austin Aztex, a member of the United Soccer League, a less popular league than the MLS. In a USL News Release on Oct. 2, the USL announced that the Austin Aztex have gained permission to skip the 2016 season because they don’t have a stadium that meets the USL’s standards. The flooding of House Park, the Aztex’s old stadium, has slowed the team’s search for a new location.

The development of a new stadium will take place in 2016, and the Aztex are expected to return in 2017.

How the city goes about finding a new stadium may affect whether or not an MLS team in Austin will happen. If a new stadium is built, and it follows the MLS protocol as well as the USL’s, Austin would be a step closer to hosting a MLS team. So while Austin most likely won’t be one of the teams in the ‘24 by 2020’ goal the MLS has set, it could be a viable option for further MLS expansion.

Other reasons why Austin appears to be out of the picture for a major professional sports team are because of proximity to other sports franchises and UT. Since DFW, which has a team in all of the four major leagues, Houston, which has a team in three, and San Antonio, home of the Spurs, are all so close to Austin, supporting a team would be difficult. UT gives another problem for

any pro sports thinking about Austin. “We have also been fortunate to have the largest and arguably most successful collegiate program in the country,” Aldridge said.

“Therefore we’ve been labeled as a college town for better or worse.”

So, for now, fans in Austin will still be wearing Cowboys or Texans jerseys. But there are still many other sporting events in Austin people may be interested in. In addition to UT athletics, Austin is home to some minor professional teams. The Texas Stars, the Austin Spurs, and the Round Rock Express are all minor league teams. The Austin Aztex, and the Austin Aces, a team in World Team Tennis, a league where tennis players play in a team format, are a couple of teams in less popular leagues. Austin is also a home to auto racing and the X-games is big for many in Austin. “There’s a big community of people that do that stuff,” said Trent Huffaker about the X-games. A freshman at McCallum, Huffaker said he likes seeing the X-games in Austin rather than a major professional sport.

Despite there not being a MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL team in Austin, we still have many sporting events the people of Austin can enjoy. Lance Aldridge agrees. “While I wish we were fortunate enough to have a major league pro franchise, we all need to be proud of what we have as the Round Rock Express are arguably the most successful MLB franchise in the country and the Austin Spurs are very successful as well!”

LARGEST U.S. CITIES WITHOUT A MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS TEAM 1. AUSTIN Population: 820,000 2. El Paso Population: 665,000 3. Louisville, Ky. Population: 600,000 4. Las Vegas Population: 595,000 5. Albuquerque, N.M. Population: 555,000

SMALLEST U.S. CITIES WITH A MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS TEAM 1. Green Bay, Wisc.

Population: 105,000 2. Salt Lake City, Utah Population: 190,000 3. Orlando, Fla. Population: 240,000 4. Buffalo, N.Y. Population: 260,000 5. New Orleans Population: 370,000 Source: FinishLine.com, 2013

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Boys basketball builds chemistry through first 10 games BEN BROWN sports editor

The Knights basketball team has had a very up-and-down start to the 2016 basketball season. The team is 5-5 through 10 games after playing some very tough competition.

Junior shooting guard Roman Zamora helped secure a quality nondistrict win on Dec. 1 when he hit a clutch three late in the game to send the game to overtime against Lehman. Zamora says that while the team is not completely happy with its record, they are happy with the improvement they have shown on the court.

“So far this season we have really

improved a lot, but I’d say what’s most improved is our team chemistry,” Zamora said. “We have really worked on becoming a family, we know everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.”

Zamora describes the team as his second family.

“We’re all friends off the court, and I think that really helps us during tough in games situations,” Zamora said. “It really helped us against Lehman where we had to stay composed down the stretch.”

Zamora says the team has gotten much tougher from playing such hard competition.

“Tough nondistrict play will really prepare us for district competition because of all the different styles of play we have had to prepare for and compete against,” Zamora

said. “It also gives us a good idea of our capabilities and what we have to improve on.”

Zamora says the team still has a great deal of work to do if they want to take the next step in becoming a great team.

“We’re a really undersized team,” Zamora said. “I think we can really use that to our advantage sometimes, but we really need to work on defending and boxing out taller teams. If we can do that we will win a lot of games.”

The Knights next home game and second district game will be tonight against the Bastrop Bears at 8 p.m.

The basketball team huddles and gets ready before the opening game of the season against Del Valle. Photo by Ben Brown.

The French disconnection

Juniors Liam, Vincent McKenna petition to play varsity soccer, UIL rules them ineligible BEN BROWN sports editor

Twins Liam and Vincent McKenna have been playing soccer as long as they can remember.

“I’ve been playing a long time since I was very little, maybe I was 3 or 4 years old,” Vincent McKenna said. His brother Liam gave almost the exact same answer.

Both of them are new to America so they are adapting to the way soccer is being played here in the states “Soccer in America is way more physical,” Vincent said. “There’s a lot more contact; to be honest I prefer the way it is played in France.” “In Europe we’re more technical, but here it’s played a little bit faster, but overall they’re pretty similar,” Liam McKenna said.

Both play midfield, but describe their skill sets on the pitch in different ways.

“I don’t know exactly the levels of everybody yet, but I know my qualities are that I have a lot of stamina and that I am a well-rounded player and can play almost

11 dec. 2015

anywhere on the field,” Vincent said.

While Vincent stressed his versatility and endurance, Liam stressed his ability to see the field and his speed.

“I bring some good passing ability and definitely some good physical ability as well with my speed and running,” Liam said.

The problem is that neither Liam or Vincent are able to participate at the varsity level because the UIL has ruled them ineligible.

They are currently on hold, waiting for their appeal to be heard. Both are having tough times dealing with the news.

“It’s really hard, because soccer is a simple game,” Vincent said. You just need a ball, and you just play. This is hard for us, because we are just like everybody: we are American like everybody.”

Liam echoed the same sentiment.

“We are super disappointed; soccer is my passion, and I just want to play for McCallum. I am only here for a year, so I just want to have fun and represent McCallum.”

The UIL ruled them ineligible because they aren’t staying with a host family but rather with their aunt. They have the ability to participate at the junior varsity level but

are barred from participating in any varsity activities. The reasoning behind the rule is that the UIL doesn’t want people coming from other countries or states just for the sports aspect of the school rather than the education. They have some different policies to discourage players from moving. One makes the student sit out a year from varsity activity, which means the player can only participate in junior varsity. The other is an appeal process where the student goes down to the AISD headquarters and argues his case.

The committee that makes the decisions on eligibility meets only once every few

months, so there is no set date for the hearing.

“I am going to say that I am only here for a year, “Liam said. “I am not taking advantage of this opportunity because I have worked hard to become the player I am today. I just want to play soccer. Isn’t that the value of America? If you work hard, you deserve it.”

Vincent said he will point out that he and his brother didn’t come to the United States to play soccer, but for an education.

“I am going to say that I am here to learn the English language and not to play soccer, I actually discovered the first day at school there is soccer here, so I thought to myself, ‘Hey, that’s a good idea, I should play,’” Vincent said.

The exact date of the hearing has yet to be determined but regardless the Knights will kickoff their season on Jan. 2 against at Anderson.

Senior twins Liam and Vincent McKenna pass the ball back and forth to eachother during practice. Photo by Ben Brown.

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Hiding behind a cybercurtain The real problem behind anonymous apps available to kids is potential for bullying JULIA ROBERTSON photo editor

All over the country, schools have to invest time in understanding anonymous apps. There are many apps that students will use that only operate within a specific location.

Students wonder what the problem is with these apps. All you’re doing is presumably venting anonymously, right? But there is more to it than just venting. There are many cases of bullying and harassment with the popular apps like Yik Yak and After School.

The app Yik Yak combines the use of GPS location and instant messaging to create campus chat rooms. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re bound in one area.

There is a special feature in the app called, “Peeking.” This feature was introduced to the app in 2014. “Peeking” lets you anonymously view other Yik Yak community feeds throughout the country. The Yik Yak app has created major controversy regarding cyberbullying. Because of the vast amount of cyberbullying and harassment, many high school and college campuses across the country have banned it from students being able to post and access it.

Right now at McCallum, it seems as if the app everyone is talking about is After School. Do not take this name literally; we aren’t just talking about what’s happening after school.

We are talking about feelings and what happens at school. So what’s the real difference between Yik Yak and After School?

After School has recently been re-launched with many more safety measurements in place. An After School staff member reviews each post before it goes up, making sure that it is appropriate and there is no bullying or harassment happening. They also use geo-fencing technology that pulls up a list of the schools around you, making sure you are an actual student of the school whose chat room you are trying to join. After School also uses Facebook verification to make sure that only real members of a school can post in a school’s After School feed.

In each of these apps, it is as if people think that what we put on these apps will just be an unidentified footprint that no one will be able to track back to whoever originally posted.

Why do people in society enjoy this? We make the decision to go into the App Store on our phones and download one of these apps, which, by the way, are completely free. Then we scroll through them for hours, getting enjoyment out

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Peeking allows you to look into other Yik Yak feeds.

See your own profile and what’s happening.

of other people’s putdowns and failures. It’s pretty messed up, if you really think about it. We often will try to convince ourselves that it is OK to do this, but it’s not. Every time anyone posts something to these apps, a cause and effect influence sets in. A hurtful post or a post that makes someone uncomfortable negatively influences someone in the course of his or her regular life. Simply, it’s not fair to be rude or harassing to other students behind a cybercurtain.

You can post anonymously to the McCallum High School feed.

But every post must be approved

by After School staff members.

You can make a shoutout to someone that has an After School app and say something about them.

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Study central HALEY HEGEFELD co-editor-in-chief

Seniors advise underclassmen on the best spots to go to look over notes for finals

1 Flightpath

If you’re looking for: a quiet place to study alone “It’s cheap and the lighting is dim but not too dim and I need that,” senior Olivia Hardick said. “It’s really quiet because it’s just for studying mostly. People don’t really hang out there like Epoch.”

Tip: “You get a refill for a dollar on your coffee,” Hardick said. “And you should go early or at times when people wouldn’t be studying because if you go at popular studying times, then you’re not going to get a table.”

2 Russell’s

If you’re looking for: a setting for a group study session

“I also will go to Russell’s and that’s good for if you’re discussing with people because they have good food and it has a nice atmosphere,” senior Sarafina Fabris-Green said, “but it’s also not too loud.”

Tip: “There are a lot of senior citizens that eat lunch there so try to avoid the most obvious lunch hours, so that you’re more likely to get a table,” FabrisGreen said. “I like to sit at one of the bigger tables so I can lay all of my stuff out, and I have more space to work.”

3 Pacha’s

If you’re looking for: a nice environment and good food

“They have really good coffee and food too,” senior Sierra Moore said. “They have a lot of windows and it’s very Austin-y. Everything’s not all uniform. It’s a very creative space, so it’s a good space to be in.”

Tip: “You have to get the Pacha latte and the pear pancake,” Moore said. “I know it sounds weird, but they’re delicious. I always sit by the windows. Also, it doesn’t have a lot of parking but it’s kind of nice to get your exercise too, because you can park in the neighborhood and walk.”

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Female aggression isn’t new, but it’s getting old.

When it comes to relating to each other, girls need more High School Musical and less Mean Girls.

MEENA ANDERSON staff reporter

Whether they reach the “Mean Girls” level or not, cliques exist at McCallum as they do at most schools. Not to the extent of those cheesy high school movies showing complete separation of people by their interests - I think in real life the boundaries of each clique are a little more malleable. I have no idea if people are aware of them or not, but if you were to look hard enough, it’s clear that they’re present in our high school environment.

Observe groups of friends: you’ll see that a lot of the time people in the same friendship circle dress very similarly, sometimes even to the extent of looking similar. I notice a lot of people being around the same size who have similar hairstyles and clothing styles walking around together. There’s obviously nothing wrong with people looking similar to one another, but I do believe that the aesthetic that each friend group has can create boundaries that push friends who look different in some way outside of the main clique.

Girls tend to be super nice to each other and being incredibly close with each other.

There’s a darker side of girl culture, however, that people know is just under the surface. It is often glamorized in the media, but it’s not really broken down by anyone. I feel like us girls have heard it at least once, another girl commenting on something about you, or someone else, in a really mean way. Half of the time the comment is not even intended to be mean: it’s just casual meanness. You know “Did you see what so and so is going to wear to homecoming? I mean I love her, but it makes her look really weird,” or, “That girl that so and so is dating isn’t pretty at all, I don’t understand why they’re together.”

That kind of stuff.

I used to live in London, and there were definitely mean girls, but they seemed to be more straight up about it than they are here in the U.S. The meanness there was really more about dislike for specific people, as op-

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Did you see her outfit today? It was definitely not a good one.

Comic by sophomore Caki Rebeiz. posed to being mean to most girls, regardless of friend status. There was a girl who used to be so mean to me, just because a boy she liked liked me. She would call me names, make fun of my body, laugh at me, and at the time it was really terrible; I remember going home crying to my mom and telling her about this girl who was being so mean, and my parents told me to use either words or my strength to “put her in her place.” I didn’t really do much, except for the occasional side comment at her. Back then, I was too shy to roast someone on the spot, so it seemed like a larger situation than it actually was. Her comments were really irrelevant to what I was doing, and they’ve had zero effect on me today, except for having some interesting stories to tell people. This experience, however, illustrates how the cycle of meanness starts. Someone says something mean to you, you usually will say something back.

All of the sudden, these hateful words are accepted as normal and OK.

One thing I’ve noticed is that around nine times out of 10, when girls here are being mean to each other, it’s vicious comments about another girl’s looks and very rarely about their personality: like I said before, “Did you see what x, y and z were wearing today?” or “So and so was really mean to me, she’s fat and ugly anyway.” Tracy Vaillancourt, a professor at the University of Ottawa who specializes in indirect/relational aggression (and many other subjects), conducted a study in 2013 showing that a lot of women’s aggression is indirect, so they put other women down while lifting themselves up. It’s been argued that it’s human nature, that women do this to find a mate, but it’s also been argued by modern feminist thinkers that such behavior only internalizes the patriarchy, and that by engaging in mean behavior, women misdirect their energies toward bringing each other down. I think it’s a little bit of both of those things. Of course our instincts play a part in this, just like they play a part almost

constantly in our daily lives; however, I think there’s definitely a part of our society that’s taught girls to be mean to each other from a very young age. My sister, who’s 9 years old, comes home every day from school, and without fail has some story to tell me about one of her third-grader friends being mean about another one.

This kind of stuff really bothers me. Aren’t girls supposed to be (you know like High School Musical) all in this together? I don’t want to sound like I’m being too extreme, I’m just being real: the patriarchy exists, and this fighting between girls isn’t really helping us see the bigger picture of hopefully getting equal rights and opportunities.

Another thing that bothers me about this whole mean girls situation is that half the time the girl who’s being mean doesn’t realize that what she’s saying is actually pretty hurtful. It’s almost as if we’re immune to this vicious cycle of putting other people down to feel better about ourselves.

And it’s the casual meanness that gets me, because it’s completely unnecessary. It’s one thing to be mean because someone roasted you or because she genuinely hurt your feelings, but just being mean in a casual way, just because of something someone wore or because of who she’s dating, or any other (quite frankly stupid) reason isn’t necessary at all. The way we’re all so nice to each other, but also really cutthroat is toxic: it’s not a healthy attitude to have toward other girls, or to anyone really.

Raising awareness in yourself is key; the next time you feel yourself wanting to say something mean about a girl (or anyone), think if the meanness is necessary and relevant to the situation you’re in. Is commenting on how a girl looked that one time in the hallway really going to help you with what you’re doing? Is it going to improve your life drastically? Or is it irrelevant to that girl and to you too? And call other people out on it! If you hear someone being mean for no good reason, let them know that they’re being unreasonable.

If we want for people to all have equal rights and opportunities, then this is a way to get one step closer to making that happen.

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Black Lives Matter, Too

Recent Black victims of police brutality

Disturing wave of police brutality of the black community has entered schools MYA NAJOMO staff reporter

Students at Spring Valley High School in the Columbia County School District recently witnessed police brutality in the classroom firsthand. A young 16-year-old female student refused to hand her cellphone over to the administration and in return got flipped backwards out of her desk, dragged through the classroom and restrained by Deputy Ben Fields.

The student is not entirely innocent.

The whole situation could have been avoided if she had acted differently, but her actions do not change the fact that this officer assaulted her or the fact that she is an African-American female disrespected and violated. Students across the nation should be aware that failure to comply with the system could result in a broken arm or worse.

One brave student, Niya Kenny took a stand against the officer during the incident by screaming and crying in protest.

Kenny, as well as the assaulted Jane Doe, are both facing charges for creating a disturbance in school. According to The New Yorker, Kenny is due to appear in court this month for a misdemeanor offense. All students should feel that school is a safe environment, but now the risk of assault is something to be worried about.

Even though Fields has since been fired, there is still something wrong with the aftermath of what went down in Columbia County. The student body’s reaction to the situation was unexpected. Many students were appalled at the actions of Fields while others staged a walk out in support of Fields getting his job back. Not only was a student assaulted to the point where she suffered injuries, but also a student faces charges for having a voice and the courage to stand up and say that what the office did wasn’t right.

The public expressed its anger through a recent rally at the South Carolina State House where protestors issued a list of demands, one of them being the dismissal of all charges on the two students.

The incident is one more chapter in a police crisis that has swept over America,

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Michael Brown, 18 Unarmed teenager shot and killed, on Aug. 9, in Michael Mo. Brown, Age 18 Ferguson,

Deputy Ben Fields detains Jane Doe, 16. Screen shot of student video. and the severity of the issue will only increase if the world doesn’t wake up and pay attention. Police brutality is a reality that is extremely relevant in the Black community and not as relevant in the White community.

According to a statistical analysis conducted by The Guardian, an unarmed Black male or female is twice as likely to be killed by police than a White male or female, and that disparity enough should be enough to incite a change.

The police are a civil force intended to protect and serve the people. The incompetency and corruption of some within the police system has invoked fear in the Black community, and everybody should be concerned for their lives. Unnecessary deaths are occurring all over the nation and those responsible are the people we look to serve and protect us.

Black Lives Matter is not an organization created to take away value from any other racial community, but rather one that aims to restore to the Black community lost value that has been oppressed. This organization was founded in response to the rage the Black community felt after Travyon Martin’s killer George Zimmer-

man was not held accountable for his murder, and the Anti-Black racism prevalent throughout that time. Black Lives Matter’s purpose is to celebrate all life, which includes Trans, disabled, and undocumented black women and men. This movement’s purpose is to shed light that Black lives matter TOO; this movement does not have an anti-people or anti-police mindset.

According to 2013 report by the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, every 28 hours a Black male, women, or child is killed by a police officer, a security guard or vigilantes claiming self defense. According to the NAACP, African-Americans are incarcerated at a rate six times the White rate. According to the Center of American Progress, black women are incarcerated at a rate three times that of White women, and the National Coalition of Anti-Violence reported in 2013 that the average life expectancy of a Black transgender woman is only 35 years old.

If these statistics don’t scream oppression, injustice, inequality and incite a change what will? The suffering of the Black community won’t change with the sole efforts of its own people but with the combined support of everyone.

Tamir Rice, 12 Killed by Cleveland police last November with his hands in his pockets

Sandra Bland, 28 Pulled over and violently arrested for a traffic stop violation on July 13. Found dead in her cell three days later.

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Leave the lights on

Gov. Abbott should welcome refugees into state due to large scale humanitarian crisis On Nov. 16 Texas governor Greg Abbott announced via Twitter that under his instruction the state would not be accepting any refugees fleeing conflict in Syria or Iraq. The governor explained that due to the terrorist attacks in Paris earlier in the month, the risk of terrorists entering the country through the refugee resettlement program is too high.

Abbott joined 30 other governors, including those from Louisiana, Georgia and Alabama, n proclaiming that Syrian refugees were not welcome.

The Governor’s plans to reject those people whose lives ISIS has virtually destroyed isn’t only morally wrong, it is not his right. It is not under a Governor’s jurisdiction to make such a wide declaration about a national issue. It’s an issue of national security and foreign relations, neither of which Gov. Abbott has any control over. To make a declaration that represents an entire state full of people without their consent is not only arrogant, but unconstitutional. The freedom of Texas voters to open their own homes to refugees and use their own resources to support others is a right that is being dangerously infringed upon.

Perhaps the biggest flaw in Gov. Abbott’s idea of homeland security is the isolation of the thousands refugees al-

assistant editors MARA VANDEGRIFT RACHEL WOLLEBEN

sports editor BEN BROWN

Graphic by Natalie Murphy.

A.N. McCallum High School 5600 Sunshine Dr. Austin, TX 78756 (512) 414-7539 fax (512) 453-2599 contact.macshield@gmail.om

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ready living in Texas, many of whom are not only being persecuted for their country of origin but their religion as well. The intolerance of the rhetoric used in Gov. Abbott’s comments about refugees has put refugees and other immigrants who are legal residents in a position of segregation that is against everything the state, and the nation, is built upon. If any other group citizens in Texas was persecuted for their background and beliefs or robbed of a sense of liberty, there would be riots in the street. If everything really is bigger in Texas, then it makes no sense for our government to insist on extinguishing the vibrant and significant presence of culture and diversity.

While the tragic attacks in Paris and Beirut are a legitimate concern, especially after ISIS has made open declara-

tions of violence against the United States. It is reasonable for the governor to be concerned about the potential threat against his state, but targeting those who are fleeing that same evil is counterproductive. The creation of ISIS was founded on extreme jihadist beliefs that violence should be used to enforce superiority over other people groups. When we cower in fear and refuse to support those most directly effected by this cruelty, we are handing ISIS their victory on a silver platter. If we stand strong in our belief that every man is created equal and deserves basic human rights, if we look the Islamic state directly in the eyes and say we will not back down from who we are and what we believe, then we have won this battle like so many of the other fights we have conquered as a nation. For a state that continuously shouts “come and take it” at the top of our lungs, we have done quite a job waving our white flag to ISIS.

editors-in-chief HALEY HEGEFELD AND NATALIE MURPHY design editor HANNAH ILAN

reporters

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MAYA COPLIN JULIA ROBERTSON

adviser

DAVID WINTER

SYDNEY AMELL, MEENA ANDERSON, JOSEPHINE CLARKE, LAUREN CROSBY, MADDIE DORAN, PAUL GOLD, MILES HANSEN, ZOE HOCKER, BRYNACH HOGAN, CHARLIE HOLDEN, MYA NAJOMO, SOPHIE RYLAND The Shield is published by journalism students in the Newspaper production class.

Although students work under the guidance of a professional faculty member, the student staff ultimitely determines the content.

Students may not publish material that is obscene, libelous, or that which

34 opinion

will cause a “substantial disruption to the educational process.” Content that may stimulate heated debate is not included in this definition.

The Shield operates as an open forum for exchange of ideas. Opinions expressed in editorials are the ideas of the staff. Opinions expressed in the columns are that of the writer’s alone.

Letters to the editor are encouraged and must be signed. Positive identification may be required when a letter is submitted. Letters may be edited. Letters that are critical of the newspaper staff’s coverage of events or that present information that may stimulate heated debate will be published.

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Gallery: Choir performs annual cabaret Easier said than done: As school shootings increase, so do safety measures within district #RefugeesWelcome studentproduced video Tea time: Royal Court Players fundraiser dazzles

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BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE

Photo by Charlie Holden

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November Madness

McCallum’s varsity basketball team kicks off its season

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VISITOR

1. Senior Jesse Levy-Rubinett drives to the hoop against Anderson. The game ended with a total of 39 points.

2. Senior Cedric Sanders posts up against an Anderson player.

3. Senior James Sullivan looks down court for teammate Roman Zamora.

4. Senior Cedric Sanders reaches for the ball to avoid out-of-bounds penalty.

5. Sophomore Destin Watson looks to take it to the hoop.

6. Senior Michael Watson pulls up for a three in the face of an Anderson player.

Photos by Maya Coplin.

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