The Shield (McCallum HS), Volume 71, Issue 2 (Dec. 12, 2023)

the

shield

McCallum High School / 5600 Sunshine Drive / Austin, TX 78756 Dec. 12, 2023 / Volume 71 / Issue 2

PSAT goes digital ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ falls short Drone club reaches new heights Formula 1 races for America’s heart CommonApp ‘cold’ intensifies New school policies patronize Digital PSAT does damage

page 6 page 12 page 19 page 20 page 26 page 28 page 30

the

shield

issue 2 volume 71

dec. 12. 2023

only

a&e center people sports opinion

online

Following Oct. 7 attack, global conflict leaves Austinites seeking to take action, evaluating cultural ties

Stepping into McCallum New step team finds footing, growth in accepting community space, welcomes all Knights to participate

Ballet folklórico: a historical and educational club*

For over two decades, folkloric dance club has shared rich traditions of Mexico through colorful performance

The chosen Onewheel Senior Ayden Lee steps into leadership role as the titular ‘Starsurfer’ upon his one-of-a-kind vehicle in Mac band marching show

Soccer team aims for unity with new combined branding

Coaches, players from boys, girls teams hope combined logo will lead to increased collaboration

Change for the long haul

McCallum’s unfortunate combination of limited space and constant construction forces students to park blocks away, but it doesn’t have to stay this way

macshieldonline.com

FOOTBALL FILMERS FIND FRIENDSHIP ON THE FIELD: Film crew members freshman Shyla Manhart and junior Ivy Christie record a play at the LASA game on Oct. 13. The crew puts in the same hours as players to strengthen the program. Photo by Winnie Roberts.

02 table of contents

the issue

03 08 16 18 21 27

table of

news

Israel-Hamas war the latest chapter in a conflict with a long history

contents

december

inside

save the date

Winter orchestra concert Dec. 13 5th/6th period finals Dec. 16 1st/2nd period finals Dec. 19 Dec. 20 7th/8th period finals Dec. 21 3rd/4th period finals Dec. 21-Jan 8 Winter Break

*El artículo de la página 16 aparece en español e inglés. *Article on page 16 is appear in Spanish and English

pg. 09

AZARIAN AWAKENS ARTISTRY: Father-son musical duo Francis and Ethan Azarian record for Marfa Public Radio’s “Old’s Cool.” The Azarians often spend quality time together on stage, performing and discussing music. Photo courtesy of the Azarians.

news

dec. 12, 2023

dec. 15, 2023

A history of conflict

Protesters participate in a pro-Palestine rally in downtown Austin. Photo by Beatrix Lozach.

Protesters participate in a pro-Isreal rally in downtown Austin. Photo by Beatrix Lozach.

Following Oct. 7 attacks, Austinites seek to take action, evaluate cultural ties Beatrix Lozach Mac photojournalism On Oct. 7, Palestinian militant group Hamas launched 5,000 rockets into Israeli territory. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was retaliation for generations of Palestinian subjugation under Israel through Operation Al Aqsa Flood and for recent assaults by Israeli soldiers on penitents at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. On Dec. 11, The Committee to Protect Journalists said its investigations revealed that more than 19,000 people had been killed since the war began, including 18,000 Palestinian deaths and 1,200 deaths in Israel.

In response to Hamas’ assault, Israel initiated Operation Phoenix on Oct. 8, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration formally declared war against Hamas. Israeli forces then deluged the Gaza Strip with 6,000 bombs in six days, which deprived the Gaza region of accessible, clean water. It also resulted in the deaths of 4,600 Gazans and left 14,200 injured, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. On Dec. 12, the United Nations voted 153-10 (with the United States being one of the 10 member states against) to demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Since this was a resolution by the General Assembly and not the Security Council, it is non-binding for the Israeli government, but it indicates widespread global political support for a ceasefire in the region.

The war is the latest manifestation of a centuries-long conflict between Abrahamic faiths of all ethnic groups for control of what is, to some, a holy land, and to others, a homeland. In the current conflict, Hamas seeks control of all of historic Palestine, from

the Palestinian territories to modern Israel, while Israel wants to oust Hamas from its position as the acting government of Gaza, which it has occupied since 2007 following a coup d’etat on Palestinian authority.

AP World History teacher Ashley Friedman, who is Jewish, feels that only people who are somehow directly related to the conflict understand its significance.

“I think Jews and Palestinians [in Texas] understand it differently [than others do],” Friedman said. “I think anybody with a connection is going to understand it, not more accurately, but through a blur of emotion.”

Friedman, who visited Israel on a birthright trip before the war, still grapples with the cognitive dissonance of her experience. This is one reason why she seeks to foster historical literacy, or the ability to identify the causes and effects of historical events, in her students.

“Having Holocaust survivors as grandparents, I think it’s important to be in tune with your culture,” Friedman said.

“I think Jews have a unique opportunity, because it’s an ethnic religion, to have that cultural connection and to empower ourselves through culture.”

Efforts to segregate Palestinians and sabras — the term for now-Israelis who have lived in the land for generations — have been present throughout the land’s history.

“Israel and Hamas have caused a lot of death, a lot of violence,” said sophomore Magnolia Mass, whose relatives emigrated from Israel. “My family – they’re definitely liberal, they don’t like the [Israeli] Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. They’ve been mad at the [Israeli] government for a while. They’ve rarely agreed with what the government’s been doing. [But] They do believe — as I believe — that Israel has a right to defend itself.”

Equivocations of the conflict’s brutality are a frequent occurrence in the United States, where 61% of respondents to the Oct. 17 Quinnipiac University poll said they sympathize with Israel. Though Israel spends $23.4 billion on its military, and the United States has funneled tens of billions of dollars into Israel, 74% of Americans in an Oct. 18 CNBC survey believe the United States should pledge troops to Israel. Despite this result, only 39% of respondents to the CNBC poll avow that the United States should favor Israel in the conflict.

According to The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, 62% of Palestinians desired a continuation of the 2014-2023 ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Per the Palestinian Center for Survey and Public Policy Research, 69% of Palestinians believe in a likelihood of future attacks from Israelis.

But the recent murders of Wadea alFayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy from Illinois, and Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist whose 2022 death was investigated by the United States Security Coordinator for the Department of Defense, illustrate how the conflict has affected Americans directly.

Sophomore Knox Williams, frontman of punk band No Association, is firmly proPalestine. He attended the pro-Palestine rally at the Texas Capitol on Nov. 13, which garnered a crowd of thousands. Williams is not Palestinian but believes it is important to distinguish supporting Palestine from supporting antisemitism, which has been on the rise since the war’s outbreak.

“There has been a grand misrepresentation of people standing in solidarity with the Palestinians online,” Williams said. “We do not stand with hate; we stand with the oppressed.”

According to Williams, social media has

both proactively galvanized awareness of Gaza’s genocide and obscured some crucial elements of the conflict.

“The internet has been one of the only outlets to get educated as mainstream media refuses to cover [Palestine],” Williams said.

“It’s a blessing and a curse.”

Williams expressed contentment at the advocacy for Palestine within Austin’s punk scene, from the arrangement of benefit concerts to simple acknowledgment of the tragedy.

“I have been generally impressed with the response by the Austin punk/hardcore community on this,” Williams said. “I have seen a couple of venues and zines in the Texas hardcore community [outside Austin] that now refuse to host bands who promote Palestinian liberation.”

In Williams’ eyes, the refusal to host proPalestinian bands is “inherently anti-punk.”

“In the ‘80s, several prominent bands such as Dead Kennedys, Reagan Youth and Bad Brains spoke up in support of genocided peoples,” Williams said. “Punk is about standing up for the unheard and having alternative perspectives.”

For students reflecting on the reality of the war, Friedman offers advice.

“I think that understanding how deeply rooted these conflicts are, how far they go back in time, and knowing that it’s based off power dynamics and struggles between religions is important,” Friedman said.

“When I was working at a summer camp, I always used to say, ‘Stay curious, not furious.’ For every aspect of life, that can serve you.”

We reached out to several potential sources at the University of Texas in an effort to provide a Palestinian perspective in this story, but we were not able to secure an interview by press time.

news 03

the

shield

issue 2 volume 71

dec. 12, 2023

College Board alters rubric AP history teachers, students adapt to revised essay scoring guidelines

RUBRIC

Priya Thoppil staff reporter

Advanced Placement history classes are preparing for the AP exam ahead of them, but this year, students will have their essays scored on a different rubric. Coming out with a change in rubric for the DBQ section How students earned points on the free response rubric for all AP history exams, College Board has in previous years versus how they can earn them on the 2024 exam provided more specificity and more ways to earn certain points on the free-response portion of the exam. To earn the full seven points on the Document-Based Question, or DBQ, students previously had to establish a complex argument to earn what’s called the complexity point, but it was not entirely clear to students or their teachers what constituted complexity. As a result, very few students historically have been able to earn this final point. It’s been so elusive in the past that it’s often referred to as “the unicorn point.”

Under the new policy, College Board has revised the rubric to provide more ways for a student to earn the complexity point and a more concrete explanation of what is required. Beginning with the 2024 exam, students can earn the point by using all seven documents effectively in the essay, and they can also earn it by using HIPP Surprised that the College Board announced rubric changes after the analysis (historical situation, intended school year started, AP World History teacher Maria Priebe said she audience, purpose, point of view) on four of the provided documents. Students can plans to teach to the new DBQ rubric. Photo by Priya Thoppil. also earn it simply by using the documents and “evidence beyond the documents” to because of how they approach the test.

“You work really hard in the AP show “a sophisticated understanding of class,” Thatcher said. “Learning “What’s typical of a student that’s interested different perspectives relevant to the prompt.” how to deal with a lot of different in history, is they lack the willingness to The original way to earn it, “a complex documents and different style earn the extra points by following rubrics,” understanding through sophisticated questions is important.”

Stanchos said. understanding,” is still On the other hand, Thatcher “They’ll know all a part of the rubric and understands why the College the material, but is not changed.

Board is trying to help current struggle by the AP World History AP students. rubric, but still student and sophomore I can keep the higher “AP tests are really hard for pass the test.”

Sara Hamlet fully everyone,” Thatcher said. “It’s Stanchos supports the changes to standard and more of my not like I can go back, so I’m said he plans the rubric and hopes it kids will do well on the not mad they’re making it to continue to can lighten her load in Source: College Board easier for the younger kids.” teach based on the class.

AP exam come May. Graphic by Priya Thoppil.

While it is not unusual for College Board the old rubric “I feel like it gives to make changes to its rubrics, some have this school year students more of a AP U.S. History teacher questioned why College Board implemented because doing chance to succeed released it like a month into the school year.”

Clifford Stanchos the change after the start of the school year. so will prepare and show that they Unlike Stanchos, Priebe plans to adjust her First-year AP World History teacher Maria students to do have understood the teaching to address the new rubric.

Priebe understands the changes College Board well on the less material,” Hamlet said.

“In the past I did say if you’re still worried has made, but like many teachers, she says difficult rubric.

“I think it will bring about being able to analyze all the documents she has been given little explanation as to why “I can keep up the confidence of or source them by using point of view, or this change has been made a month into the the higher standard, and more of my kids the students who have worked really hard to historical situation, maybe don’t worry as school year. will do well on the AP exam come May,” accomplish [a good score on] this hard test.” much about the complexity point because I “That was a question I had when I received Stanchos said.

According to AP U.S. History teacher didn’t want to discourage students,” Priebe this news too,” Priebe said. “Why didn’t they Junior Sofia Thatcher is currently in AP U.S. Clifford Stanchos, AP history exams are said. “In reality so few people got it whereas do this over the summer because so many History and knows her way around the DBQ notorious for being difficult tests. He adds now I find myself definitely encouraging teachers have already started teaching this due to her prior experience in AP World History. that students may struggle on the exam, even more students to shoot for that [point] content? [So] It came as a surprise that they Thatcher does not support the rubric changes. though they know the material covered on it because it’s a lot more attainable.”

Old vs. New OLD

“

”

04 news

NEW

shield

issue 2 volume 71

dec. 12, 2023

Seniors cast their first votes Texas voters passed 13 of the 14 proposed amendments, rejecting only Proposition 13, which would have raised the mandatory retirement age for judges to age 79. Graphics by Maya Tackett.

In first election, 18-year-olds help determine fate of 14 proposed amendments

Maya Tackett staff reporter On Nov. 7, Texans voted on 14 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. The election was the first ballot cast by some McCallum students, and voting for the first time elicited many different emotions, including excitement and nervousness.

Growing up helping their grandma campaign for Barak Obama in 2012 and watching the news almost every night, senior Teddy Ibsen was ready for the moment when they could vote. Along with voting for the first time this

year, Ibsen helped out at the voting polls.

“I was a clerk, so I set up the voting place with around four other people, and I mainly checked people in to vote,” Ibsen said. “It was a great turnout and a super fun atmosphere. I hadn’t had time to do it in past elections, but I know from here on out, I’m going to do it.”

Ibsen was just as thrilled to participate in the voting process themself.

“I can finally have my voice heard, which is something that I’ve wanted for so long and was advocating for so long,” Ibsen said.

Economics and AP Human Geography teacher Joe Carcione emphasized to his students the importance of voting. To Carcione, there’s no election that doesn’t matter.

“It is always important for people to vote,” Carcione said. “I was just talking about this in my economics class the other day, and [AP Human Geography] too. We only have 40 to 50% of people voting. And if not everyone’s voting, the politicians do not have to address the needs of the population as a whole. They will just take care of the people that get them elected. If more people were voting, they would have to respond to it.”

Carcione said turnout might be low because voters feel discouraged by candidates’ platforms

and actions.

“It does seem very dysfunctional when we have a senator wanting to fight on the Senate floor, and I think that discourages people from voting,” Carcione said. “I also think negative ads discourage people from voting. They just hear negative ads that this opponent is awful, this human’s awful, this person’s bad, and it just seems so ugly and negative.”

To help combat the stress or nervousness that comes with voting, Carcione sometimes shows PBS early voting videos where they talk about the candidates in class.

Looking toward the future, Carcione hopes that students at McCallum and worldwide realize the impact their vote can have.

“I just hope they embrace voting and realize it’s important,” Carcione said. “One vote matters because when everyone thinks their one vote matters, more people turn out to vote, and in effect, it does matter.”

Combining both the Austin Chronicle’s review of all the propositions and his parents’ printed information, senior Nick Colimon felt ready to vote. Even with all the information, he was still nervous walking up to the voting booth for the first time.

“I was nervous because I had no idea what

to do,” Colimon said. “The scariest part was wondering if what I voted for was what I really supported. Like, did I understand everything enough? And then other than that, I was nervous that I would do something wrong and embarrass myself because there were a lot of steps: standing in line, giving all my information, voting, submitting the ballot and leaving.”

But the atmosphere in the polling room helped to quell Colimon’s nerves.

“Once I got to the polling room, it was a much more vibrant and active atmosphere,” Colimon said.

Senior Malena Linse had a similar experience with some of her nerves being settled by the election clerks.

“Since it was my first time voting, one of the poll workers helped me with the ballot process, but it was a lot easier than I had imagined,” Linse said. “She explained how to use the ballot with the voting machine and how to cast my votes.”

Linse said voting for the first time gave her a sense of belonging and empowerment.

“I was excited to be able to have a voice and participate in the democratic process,” Linse said. “I think voting is a very important duty given to citizens and it’s a responsibility that should be taken seriously.”

news 05

the

shield

issue 2

“

volume 71

dec. 12, 2023

While the transition to digital will bring a number of student and educator friendly changes, many important features of the SAT and PSAT-related assessments have stayed the same. That said, we’re not simply creating a digital version of the current paper and pencil tests—we’re taking full advantage of what digital testing makes possible. The digital PSAT/NMSQT will be easier to take, more secure, and more relevant.

PSAT goes digital ”

—College Board

New online format causes some issues, more efficient test administration PSAT by the numbers old/paper

new/online

Length

three hours two hours, 15 minutes

number of questions 139

98

four sections: one reading, one writing/language, two reading/writing one no-calculator math, and two math one calculator math

reading

reading/writing

60 minutes 47 questions

32 minutes 27 questions

writing

reading/writing

35 minutes 44 questions

32 minutes 27 questions

math- no calculator

math

25 minutes 17 questions

35 minutes 22 questions

math- calculator

math

45 minutes 31 questions

35 minutes 22 questions

06 news

Maya Tackett staff reporter Project specialist Lisa Gorzell used to have to count, organize and ship off all ninth-, 10thand 11th-grade students’ bubble documents in 16 boxes to UPS to ship the paper PSAT, a process that could take longer than two days.

With the new digital PSAT, however, she can skip the mail run because she only has to report any irregularities, whether that be technical difficulties or a test that didn’t get fully submitted, to College Board and shred all the students’ sign-in tickets.

“And that was it,” Gorzell said. “I enjoyed [administering the digital PSAT] because it was much easier. I mean don’t get me wrong, it took me a long time to plan and learn it all, but I think it was efficient. I also think the kids enjoyed it better too.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 11, McCallum students took their first digital Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, which is a National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. On its website the College Board explains that the digital version, like the paper version, measures the knowledge and skills students need to have for college, but the digital version also gives them more time to answer each question than they had when taking the paper version.

According to College Board, the main reasons the PSAT is now online is that the digital version is easier to take, more secure and more relevant. It also uses a system called “adaptive testing” that determines the This login screen greets test takers as they sign in to take the digital PSAT. Graphic

by Sophie Leung-Lieu.

difficulty of the next questions depending on a student’s proficiency on the previous questions. There are also more resources available for students taking the test like color highlighters, annotation boxes, a timer and breaks that students can schedule themselves.

“I don’t know if students noticed that you could control when to take breaks and basically pause your test,” Gorzell said.

Overall junior George Brode liked the way the digital PSAT was set up, but there was just one thing that he didn’t like about it.

“I thought it was pretty efficient, easy to manage and less stressful, especially without worrying about a bubble sheet,” Brode said.

“The only thing that I didn’t like was that you had to wait for the time to run out before you could move on to the next part even if you finished 20 minutes early.”

Many students also enjoy that submitting your answers doesn’t involve bubbling, which gives them more time to focus on completing their work. It eliminates the chance of getting answers wrong due to incorrect bubbling on their Scantron.

The test being online also reduces the amount of paper teachers have to handle.

“It definitely made it easier for teachers because they don’t have to worry about bubble sheets, counting bubble sheets, and passing everything out,” Gorzell said.

“There’s no test booklet. I mean [with the paper PSAT] there was a test booklet, a bubble sheet, and there were answer sheet instructions. So, there was a lot of paper.

Now, [with the digital test], it was just scratch paper and the sign-in ticket, so it definitely reduced the amount of paper we were handling and using.”

Another change College Board made was that students could use a graphing calculator for the entire math section. On the old test, there was one part of the math section that prohibited using calculators and another part where you could use calculators.

Upon hearing that students could now use calculators for the whole math test, senior National Merit Commended Scholar Keegan Sarwate thought the change was unfair for students who previously didn’t get to use calculators on the test.

“I definitely wish we’d been allowed that,” Sarwate said. “That’s a huge advantage and takes out a lot of the errors that cause

people to miss questions. I would have done better if we’d had that [option].”

When hearing that the PSAT was going virtual, however, Sarwate wasn’t surprised considering many tests are moving toward online versions. To them, it was only a matter of time before the PSAT became virtual too.

“I feel like doing the PSAT digitally makes sense since the STAAR test is digital too,” Sarwate said, “but it does seem a lot more prone to things like crashing and technical delays that can affect how well people do.”

To limit the amount of technical delays students reported to their PSAT testing room with their proctor during F.I.T., a week before the test in order to go over the Bluebook testing site.

“Something that helped us [get used to the new test] was doing the digital readiness check,” Gorzell said. “It gave the students an opportunity to see what the Bluebook app was going to look like, get in there, go through all the questions they may have, and we could figure out what problems we were going to have on test day.”

There were still some problems teachers ran into. Some of those included the Bluebook application blinking, the test day tool-kits in College Board lagging, and tests that wouldn’t fully submit. Because of all these issues, librarian Jain Orr designed a troubleshooting list that addressed any issues teachers might encounter.

“Anyone who has issues who wasn’t able to do everything as we expected, came [to the library],” Orr said. “We had around 80 kids, which was a lot. As people were coming in, we were figuring it out as we did it. I was basically separating people and started attacking the issues. I was powerwashing [the computers] which is a forced reset. It was sorta like building the plane as we flew it. But based on all of that, it was sorta like a rapid research project. Based on different screens, we could tell how to help each student.”

In the past, it took weeks or even months for the PSAT scores to come back, but with the test being online, students should receive their score sometime from Nov. 6 through Nov. 16 according to the College Board, a little less than a month before when students received their scores in 2022.

“I want to thank the kids and our teachers for being so patient since it was just a lot to learn in a short amount of time,” Gorzell said.

“Overall I think it’s a lot better for everybody.”

the

issue 2

dec. 12, 2023

volume 71

news briefs

New guidelines limit FIT options; clubs meet on Fridays

Students will now only be able to schedule FIT sessions with their classroom teachers, or teachers who teach subjects that they are enrolled in, according to new FIT guidelines that McCallum adopted in the last week of October. These guidelines also include FIT restrictions on clubs, which will now only meet on Fridays.

According to Baxa, these adjustments to FIT policy have been created to restore the “original intention of FIT.” “Over the years we have gotten away from the original intention of FIT which was focused on providing students with an opportunity to get extra help,” Baxa wrote in an email to MacJournalism. “Our original plan for FIT was to have clubs and fun activities at the end of the week. However, it seems like FIT has morphed into clubs three days a week, which does not leave much time for academic support.”

Baxa said that attendance issues were another factor that contributed to the shift to the new policy.

“Some teachers were spending 5-10 minutes on taking roll, which only left a limited amount of time to help students,” Baxa said. “By restricting FIT to teachers on your schedule, teachers

shield

calendar Dec. 14, 2023

Last day of classes Dec. 15, 2023

fifth/sixth period finals Dec. 18, 2023

first/second period finals Dec. 19, 2023

seventh/eighth period finals The Nap-Time club, founded by senior William Perkins, meets in Sydney Schriever’s room on Friday, Nov. 10. will get more time to help students.”

Baxa noted that under the new policy will still have access to college and career counselor Camille Nix during FIT hours.

—Morgan Eye

Dec. 20, 2023

third/fourth period finals Jan. 8, 2024

first day of spring semester

While school waits for clarity on new hotspot policy, some students lack home web access The board of trustees moves into a private session to discuss “pending legal issues” involving the TEA during their meeting on Sept. 21. Photo from AISD TV.

AISD board approves new special education operations TEA plan After weeks of delay and deliberation, the Austin ISD board of trustees voted on Sept. 26 in an 8-1 vote to approve a plan for the Texas Education Agency to monitor and report back the way the district handles special education services.

The plan is being hailed as a win for both parties as the district will maintain control of its special education operations but will have to meet several requirements, including changing its school board policy, in order to avoid the agency putting in place Scan the QR code to a conservator who would have the power to make read opinion editor Nate decisions in the special education departments.

Williams’ full story.

While McCallum will not see any immediate effects of this new agreement, principal Andy Baxa said there are steps Mac will take over the next few years.

“The impact [of the plan] will be seen over the next year,” Baxa said. “The first step for our campus is to complete the required training with our staff.”

Baxa said that all campus-based staff will have to complete between 15 and 40 hours of training, focusing on various topics affecting special education services.

Baxa does believe that the campus has done a good job in the past meeting the needs of every student but does see the opportunity for change and improvement.

“There are always issues to work on in any program, and McCallum is working to make adjustments to our structures to better meet our students’ accommodations,” Baxa said.

—Nate Williams

AISD gave librarian Jane Orr about 30 Wi-Fi hotspots last year to give to students who did not have Wi-Fi access at home. Students had to give back their school-owned devices at the end of last year, which included hotspots and Chromebooks that they had been loaned. This year, when AISD reissued the Chromebooks to the students, the hotspots were not included.

“It was like, every day I had a kid asking when the hotspots would get in,” Orr said. “It was really frustrating not having an answer for them.”

Orr has been reaching out to AISD about the hotspots since August. She found out that other schools in the district were facing the same issue. In late October she got her first response from the district.

“If the answer was that AISD was no longer providing hotspots it would have been an easier conversation for me to have with students where we could think about another solution,” Orr said. “I had to keep telling them I didn’t know because AISD told me that they didn’t know when they would be coming and why they don’t have them.”

After she continued to send emails, AISD started suggesting that she look elsewhere to get hotspots for students. She reached out to several organizations The district provided students with T-mobile looking for a solution, but could not find an organization that could support all hotspots last year. of the students in need.

Graphic by Mira Patel.

“This hotspot issue is affecting economically disadvantaged students. What I worry about is the equity concern of assigning homework that requires access when a student doesn’t have internet access,” Orr said.

Orr is still waiting for the hotspots and is trying to give students an explanation on why AISD has not been able to provide students with the materials they need to keep up with our technology-based curriculum.

—Mira Patel

Swatting threats at eight campuses prompts district-wide investigation into cybersecurity On Oct. 25, eight AISD schools received swatting threats, the criminal act of reporting a false emergency to garner response from authorities, prompting “secure” protocol for the affected campuses, which were Austin High School, Garza High School, O. Henry Middle School, Kealing Middle School, Small Middle School, Rosedale School, Hill Elementary

School and Casis Elementary School. AISD police conducted an investigation but concluded that all schools were safe to continue normal operations. The swatting threat is another instance of attacks of district cybersecurity, which is fortified by the AISD internet network and district-issued technology.

—Francie Wilhelm

news 07

a&e

dec. 12, 2023

Stepping into McCallum New step team finds footing, growth in accepting community space

Chloe Seckar-Martinez staff reporter

bonds with the students of the Knight Steppers. She hopes that the club will continue to grow, promoting more cultural The new step team, the Knight Steppers, diversity within the McCallum community. is marching its way into the hearts of “I love to build relationships with students,” McCallum High School.

Moore said. “That’s why I’m here, isn’t it?”

Founder and faculty sponsor Tonya Moore She said the Knight Steppers also promote always dreamed that there would be a step a sense of inclusivity, accepting any student team at McCallum. When she saw the who has the passion for stepping, whether students stepping in the hallways and asking they have prior experience or not. for her help to start the club, she knew this “Anything that McCallum does is open to dream was ready to become a reality. every person,” Moore said, “so anything that “It was inspired by I do is open to the kids,” Moore said. everybody as Stepping is a lively well.” art form that produces Moore said polyrhythms through the Knight If you’re blue, green or percussive movements.

Steppers purple, you can still step.

Beginning in Africa, perform for stepping has now the members —senior captain become a global of the Kyranise Hose phenomenon and is community performed throughout in hopes of the world. engaging “They use their more hands, they use their people and feet,” Moore said. “They also use their voices fascinating them with the art of stepping. to make sounds.”

They aim to promote African-American Ever since Moore was little, she has always culture through their performances outside been fascinated by stepping. In college, her of McCallum as well as having possible husband was a stepper in a fraternity, which performances for the various months of exposed her to the vibrant community. celebration that take place at McCallum.

“I love to watch it,” Moore said.

“I think by letting people see it, it may make On the first day of practice, the Knight them want to join,” Steppers had 30 students in attendance, Moore said. showing their interest in this dance form.

To Moore, Moore strives for building these special stepping represents a

“

”

community that is able to come together and celebrate their culture. She also believes that it shows a sense of self within her students.

“I feel like stepping builds confidence and self-esteem,” Moore said. “I hope that that’s what they get out of doing this club.”

When Moore started the stepping club, she knew she wanted faculty member Naomi Jack to be the coach for this team.

In high school, Jack was on the dance and step team, which grew her knowledge of the form. When Jack went to Huston-Tillotson University, she was still engaged in the stepping community.

“Stepping has always been in me,” Jack said.

Coaching the step club is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for Jack.

“I’ve always wanted to coach,” Jack said. “I knew I had to be a part of this team.”

After coaching for only a couple of weeks, Jack has already seen enormous growth from her students. They have gone from being timid about stepping to being confident with their movements and expressing their personalities.

“On the first day of practice, everyone was a little bit unsure and a little shy,” Jack said. “But now they are stepping, stomping and shouting.”

Jack believes stepping is an expression of culture, family and heritage. She now loves that stepping has been adopted by many people of different cultures, despite originating when universities wouldn’t allow African-Americans to join fraternities

Knight Steppers (right to left) Kyranise Hose, Paityn Jones, AJ Brown, Brooklin Fisher, Bailee Fisher and Jendayi Innocent, at the Steppers’ debut performance at the Nov. 3 pep rally. Photo

by Emerson Merritt.

08 a&e

or sororities. Jack has noticed that its popularity has grown through elementary, middle and high schools, as well as in different universities.

“Stepping has never been excluded,” Jack said. “It’s always been open.”

One student who had been pushing for there to be a step team at McCallum is the team captain, senior Kyranise Hose. She has loved how the club has allowed her come together with a group of students who are passionate about stepping.

“I love that we’re able to come together and have fun,” Hose said. “We are also able to learn together and be one.”

When Moore finally went to her and said she would start step club, Hose knew that this was going to be a memorable last year at McCallum.

“I finally got the opportunity,” Hose said, “so I took it and ran with it.”

Even though Hose had no prior experience in stepping, she is excited to be a part of the step community—which has been her dream for a long time—and give back to the community.

“I’m excited to be able to give back to others and just have fun with my people,” Hose said.

This year Hose hopes to be able to leave her legacy and leave steppers with skills and knowledge they can use for the rest of their lives.

“I hope I’m able to leave them with something fun, beautiful and fantastic for them to do,” Hose said.

One of her favorite parts about the team is that she can challenge herself with hard and complicated steps and add her own style into her movements, making stepping unique and joyous.

“It starts off a little complicated,” Hose said. “But once you start to figure it out, you can put your own little rhythm and style into it.”

To Hose, stepping represents loyalty, honor and pride. The rhythms and beats of stepping have allowed her to find herself as a stepper.

Hose believes it’s important for the club to be inclusive and accepting of everyone. She said at McCallum, diversity allows everyone to find what they love and are passionate about.

“If you’re blue, green or purple, you can still step,” Hose said.

the

issue 2

shield

dec. 12, 2023

volume 71

Azarian awakens artistry

Father and son spend quality time on stage, bond over music, performance Evelyn Jenkins staff reporter Freshman Francis Azarian can often be found performing live music on the stage.

But he’s not alone. His dad, professional musician and artist Ethan Azarian, is right by his side. His dad plays guitar and sings while Francis plays keyboard. This father-son duo has found a way to combine their talents and spend time together while also bringing joy to others.

Francis grew up in a musical household.

His mother, Melissa Knight, played cello and his father played guitar. When he was 6 years old, he performed with his dad for the first time at the Cactus Cafe.

“I grew up around a lot of music,” Francis said. “My whole family on both sides is very musical in general, and I always liked and enjoyed playing music and listening to it.”

When Ethan was younger, he played music and performed with his father as well. His father, Tom Azarian, a.k.a. Tom Banjo, is a professional banjo player who has performed with notable bands such as the Grateful Dead. Tom was even mentioned in one of their songs, Francis and Ethan Azarian record a performance “Mountains of the Moon.”

“I started playing when I was about 6 for the show “Old’s Cool,” with Marfa Public Radio too,” Ethan said. “My dad and his friends host Julie Barnal. Photo courtesy of the Azarians. all played music, so I played with them.

Instrument images sourced under Creative Commons license.

It was more just “I like just having the accompaniment, there and be sitting around and I’m really happy that he gets to get the part of the jamming, but experience,” Ethan said. “That’s probably the performance occasionally I think it’s nice to make an most important thing to me, that he has an program,” there would be about that.” experience playing live.”

Knight said, dances, and I Even though Francis loves to perform and impression on people’s “which is would be in the be on stage, he has to balance his free time Francis doesn’t just perform with his great, because band. That’s kind with music, school and baseball. dad. He has also found a stage of his own memory and evoke feelings, they get of when I started where he can play by himself and perform “Sometimes he’s so busy with school whether that be happiness, introduced performing.” original music. and stuff that he doesn’t do a show, and to different I just play by myself or with my other Francis’ own “He also likes to write some songs,” Knight sadness or anything styles of rock friends.” Ethan said. “When he can play musical interest said. “Occasionally, when schedules allow, he music and lots and there’s no conflict of interest, he increased when he goes to the open mic at the Cactus Cafe with in between. of different almost always does.” joined School Of Ethan, and sometimes he gets to perform his —freshman genres.”

Rock almost five own songs.”

At the end of the day, performing with his years ago. School of Playing live in front of people might seem dad is a way for Francis to inspire others Francis’ time Francis Azarian Rock is a nationwide intimidating, but for Francis, it comes and to get more experience with music. As with School of music program naturally. He said that confidence comes with Francis continues his own musical journey, Rock prepared where students making sure he’s prepared for shows, so his the memories he has performing with his him to perform practice and perform at shows. Different talent translates when he’s on stage. father will prepare him to build his own style with his father on a semi-regular basis. Ethan members of the program get together and and make his own mark. performs weekly on Wednesdays at the Hole “We practice a lot, so I’m usually pretty perform as a band with guitarists, singers, “I think it’s nice to make an impression on in the Wall, a bar and local music venue confident,” Francis said. “It does depend on drummers and keyboard players. people’s memory and evoke feelings,” Francis on Guadalupe Street. On average, Francis the gig and the setting of the show, though. said, “whether that be happiness, sadness, or performs with him about once or twice a I played a pretty big show one time. It was “A friend had told us about School of anything in between.” month, depending on the time of the year. like 200 people, and I was really nervous Rock, so [Francis] started to get lessons

“

”

people 09

the

shield

issue 2 volume 71

dec. 12, 2023

Mayagoitia takes center stage MacTheatre alum returns to campus after making Broadway debut in SIX

Maggie Mass & Sofia Saucedo staff reporters

astonished at Mayagoitia’s work ethic and ability to perform the same intense show Evita, one of the many shows put on night after night.

by MacTheatre, was performed 13 years “I’m so proud of her and proud to be a part ago, and captured of her life, and one of the the attention of little people she can thank international when she gets her Tony,” audiences as the Pew said. program traveled We see amazing Mayagoitia returned to all the way to Costa McCallum in early October talent come through Rica. The cast to share stories and insight performed at the on being an actor at a McCallum, as youve Municipal Theatre professional level. She with accompaniment spoke about everything, seen on our stage, but of the local Costa from auditioning for she was different.

Rican orchestra.

Broadway to directing While the show - teacher Paul Pew cinematography. She featured many even said that she carried thespians, one her musical theatre actress, class of experiences at McCallum 2013 alum Aline with her to every audition.

Mayagoitia, took One the lead role as Eva Perón and has been student took her words dominating the theatrical world since. especially to heart, Mayagoitia’s time at McCallum was well hoping to follow in her spent, through her lasting friendships footsteps. Senior Sydney with peers, like-minded thespians and her Safarik, who played teachers. She learned lots from her time with Charity in MacTheatre’s fall the MacTheatre department, especially from musical, Sweet Charity, her musical director at the time, Paul Pew. was particularly “He taught us that score, and I learned so grateful to have the much about music,” Mayagoitia said. “He opportunity to taught me everything I know, and even hear Mayagoitia introduced me to Ragtime, which is one of speak about her my favorite shows.” experiences.

Pew, now a math and private piano teacher, “I loved what she had described his student as a triple threat: a to say,” Safarik said. “She was so full of talented singer, dancer and actor. knowledge about the industry and the After McCallum, Mayagoitia pursued process I am going through right now. musical theatre at the University of Michigan.

She was so grounded and comfortable There she founded and participated in a with everyone, and it made me feel diverse theatre company, and also worked like if someone else can come from with different theatre programs throughout McCallum and do it, then so can I.” her college experience.

Safarik said that after listening Mayagoitia most recently took the role of to Mayagoitia’s speech, she Catherine Howard in the Broadway musical feels even more committed to SIX, a production based on the lives of the pursuing her own musical six wives of King Henry VIII, that has toured theatre dreams. internationally in countries from Asia to “[Mayagoitia] is such Europe. Mayagoitia performs in the U.S. leg an inspiration to of the tour and with five to seven shows a me, and I feel more week, Mayagoitia has performed in more affirmed in my own than 400 shows with the cast so far. aspirations now that Pew sat in the audience of her show I have seen [the on Oct. 8 at the Bass Concert Hall, career] carried observing the high energy and passionate out successfully performance she delivered. He said he was from someone

“

”

Mayagoitia poses at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, where she starred in the musical SIX in early October.

Photo by Zach Brube, courtesy of Mayagoitia.

10 a&e

from Mac,” Safarik said.

Mayagoitia’s memorable visit and the lessons she taught left Safarik with another career ambition: to make her own triumphant return to McCallum and follow in Mayagoitia’s footsteps.

“Hopefully one day I can come back just like she did,” Safarik said.

As for Mayagoitia, she will continue her performances in SIX and is working around the clock to deliver her best performance each night for everyone who walks into the theater. While the tour dates for SIX can extend as far as 2026, Mayagoitia will not be a part of the cast for that long.

“With SIX and British producers, they love cleaning house every 12 months, meaning every 12 months it’s a new cast,” Mayagoitia said. “I will stay in SIX as long as I am offered it, and as long as my body can keep up.”

With excruciating hours and little time in between performances, the work can not only be tiring, but also make it harder for Mayagoitia to maintain relationships.

“At a certain point, all of your friends tend to leave the business to pursue other careers, which is partially because of how hard it is to stay in contact with friends and family because of the schedule,” Mayagoitia said. “It’s the opposite of a normal career, so whenever I’m available to call, they’re about to go to bed or they call and I have to be on stage in three minutes.

It’s definitely difficult.”

Through the ups and downs of show business, Mayagoitia has continued to thrive in her career and carve out time to share her experience and her expertise with others.

As a freshman in 2010, Mayagoitia not only starred in Evita, but as a native Spanish speaker, she helped her cast mates learn their lines in Spanish. Photo by Rachel Harris.

Q&A

On Oct. 3, Aline Mayagoitia returned to McCallum to share some professional actress anecdotes and answer questions from MacTheatre thespians.

When you transitioned from university to New York City, did you ever feel rushed to grow up so suddenly?

ALINE MAYAGOITIA I think people are really gracious in New York about stuff like that.

If anything they infantalized me a lot.

I’m 28 now and I still get the sense that people are like “you’re a baby,” but really that’s what happens every year, it’s like the new crop of kids coming straight from college. So no one really holds it against you if you don’t know how to conduct yourself, but there is a learning curve for sure.

What’s your dream role?

ALINE MAYAGOITIA I would love to play Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd).

the

issue 2 volume 71

A quest for the best

shield

dec. 12, 2023

One hungry reporter seeks out the most flavorful, best-value margherita pizza

E L Y T S

TAS TE

1

The margherita classica VPN from DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana on Burnet Road. Photo by Lillian Gray.

2

The definitive ranking of

MARGHERITA pizzas is right here.

1. DeSanos - 9.3/10 2. Bufalina - 9/10 3. The Backspace 8.8/10 4. Love Supreme - 8.8/10 5. Pizzeria Grata - 8/10 6. Sammataro - 7.8/10 7. Noccos Napoletana - 8/10 8. Whole Foods - 7.5/10 9. Pinthouse - 7/10 10. HEB - 7/10 11. East Side Pies - 7/10 12. Little Deli - 6.2/10 13. Alamo Drafthouse - 6/10 14. True Food - 6/10 15. Home Slice - 6/10 16. Cuchina - 6/10 17. Tony C’s - 5.5/10 18. Central Market - 4/10

P R IC

With hundreds of pizza restaurants, Austin has a lot of pizza options to offer, but only one restaurant can claim to have the best margherita pizza in town. Two years ago, I decided it was my civic duty to determine what restaurant serves the best margherita pizza, and I have been eating pizza all over town ever since. It’s a tough job of course, but someone had to do it.

Before I share my list of the top 18 margherita pizzas in Austin, however, let me share my ranking criteria. When I rated restaurants’ margherita pizzas, I considered taste obviously but also a few other important guidelines.

First, the pie had to be a traditional Neapolitan pizza with a soft, moist crust and a lighter sauce with mozzarella cheese placed in clusters throughout the pizza. Many people think of margherita pizzas as the more New York-style pizza—primarily just cheese and pieces of tomatoes spread around the pizza— but since we are in Austin not New York, I rewarded pizza that stuck with Neapolitan tradition. I also wanted to find a pizza that was worth the price. Many pizzas these days are incredibly overpriced and end up not being worth it since they are not a good size or don’t live up to flavor expectations.

The third-place winner in my ranking was a restaurant called The Backspace, which scored a 8.8/10. The Backspace has two locations in Austin, one on West

to get a taste of Italy or two or three or eight.

The lower-ranked pizzas landed further down the list for a variety of reasons. Many were not traditional Neoplotana or they just didn’t taste as good. The higher-priced pizzas often did not meet the expectations created by their higher cost. It’s not that they were bad pizzas, but they just didn’t compare to the highest-ranked pizzas.

a solid margherita pizza. I would definitely recommend Bufalina if you’re looking for a reliable and delicious margherita that costs less than $10 if you time it right. It’s one of the best pizza deals in town, a fact that made my appreciate its superior taste even more.

For the last couple of years I’ve stumbled across some of the best margherita pizzas in town and ones that didn’t quite hit the mark.

One restaurant, though, goes above and beyond, perfecting their recipe and sticking to a strict traditional approach to pizza. DeSanos Pizzeria Napoletana, which has two locations in Austin, took first place on my list. Their pizza ranges from $16 to $27 depending on the size. One of the main reason I love their pizza is that they create authentic Nepoletana pizzas.

According to their website they follow “strict guidelines of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, preserving the centuries old craft of making authentic Neapolitan pizza.”

This delectable dedication to authenticity is apparent as soon as you bite into the pizza. The light and fresh taste is a step up from all of the other pizzas on the list. It has a unique airiness to it and an irresistibly delicious crust. I thought the sauce-andcheese ratio was also well done.

On many pizzas the sauce was too overpowering for my palate and detracted from the overall taste of the pizza.

It felt like you were eating sauce and bread. Overall, however, the ingredients on their pizzas work really well Our critic asked three questions as she together, perhaps because they reviewed each pizza: Was it delicious? are all imported straight from Italy.

Was it authentic? Was it affordable?

Simply put DeSanos has by far the best Graphic by Sophie Leung-Lieu. margherita pizza in Austin. It’s worth a stop

Anderson Lane and the other on San Jacinto Boulevard. The pizza was $16 and worth every penny since it’s a 12-inch pizza and pretty filling. The cheese, sauce, basil and dough also worked really well together.

The second-place winner was a pizza that was the best in terms of price. The margherita pizza from Bufalina is $15, but during happy hour from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., all pizzas are half price. The pizza isn’t just affordable; it’s also delicious. The cheese-to-sauce ratio is perfect and enough to be filling and tasty. It was definitely traditional and is all-together

E

Lillian Gray staff reporter

The margherita pizza from Bufalina Due on Burnet Road. Photo by Lillian Gray.

3

The margherita pizza from The Backspace on Anderson Lane. Photo by Lillian Gray.

a&e 11

the

shield

issue 2 volume 71

dec. 12, 2023

fell just short of my wildest dreams

Rerecorded album stirs up nostalgia but strays from original magic Lanie Sepehri co-editor-in-chief In elementary school, my friends and I formed a band. Actually, “band” is a strong word — at our various playdates, we would craft ridiculous parodies of pre-existing songs. Really, about 99% of our discography as an up-and-coming musical act was based on a single album: 1989 by Taylor Swift.

Unfortunately, as proud as we were of our parodies, we definitely disgraced Swift’s original genius. But the fact remains that we knew every word of every song on that album. 1989 was the first Taylor Swift CD I owned. It was the album of my childhood, but the deep love I have for it has only intensified over the years. As I revisit it just under a decade later, upon the release of the rerecorded “Taylor’s Version,” it is impossible for me to ignore the nostalgia tied to this album. The stakes for a “Taylor’s Version” had never been higher.

But when I put on my headphones and let the cool synth notes of “Welcome To New York (Taylor’s Version)” wash over me, I was also overwhelmed by a wave of disappointment. The songs I have known and loved since I was 8 sounded strikingly different. Overall, while 1989 (Taylor’s Version) offers the same iconic poppy sound, it ultimately strays from the essence of the original album.

Part of my dislike can be attributed to the initial shock and instinct to compare after the first listen. Since that initial letdown, however, I have since listened to the album several

(thousand) more times. While I have grown more accustomed to the updated versions of my favorite songs, it is still clear that many differ from the originals significantly. “Blank Space (Taylor’s Version)” and “Style (Taylor’s Version)”—songs I consider to be two of the most iconic pop songs of all time— particularly exemplify my issues with the new recordings: production and vocal style.

The original version of “Style” is one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs ever. That iconic guitar riff in the introduction is hairraising; it’s raw, electric, rough and smooth at

the same time. Swift’s angry vocals lend the song a mysterious quality—it feels like headlights flashing past your windowpane at midnight. But in the new version, that same introduction fell flat. It was emptier. The rest of the song felt similarly bare; in addition to the production being less full, the pacing felt rushed and the vocals were devoid of the same emotion.

Likewise, “Blank Space (Taylor’s Version)” felt hollow. “Blank Space” is a song known for its sassiness, a cheeky nod to the media’s overblown perception of Swift as a boyfriend-hopper, but the new version lacks the same brashness.

As with many songs on the rerecord, it sounded like they were being sung

by AI. While I admittedly don’t like change, I do think an artist should be allowed to

experiment, especially with their own work.

The purpose of Swift’s rerecording project, however, is not to play around with her discography, but rather to allow fans to listen to the songs they love that actually belong to her. One could argue that the songs sound different simply because her 25-year-old voice and 33-year-old voice are just inherently distinct. To that, I’d say it’s not her voice that’s jarring, but the way she sings the songs.

Part of the fun of “Taylor’s Version” albums is hearing her maturity come through on songs she wrote in her youth, like hearing 30-something vocals on “Never Grow Up” or “Fifteen.” While the vocals seem technically improved on 1989 (Taylor’s Version), many tracks lack the rawness of the originals.

1989 conveyed the angst Swift felt in going through the heartbreak and chaos of her 20s, and that made the songs better. I think she can balance showcasing her maturity as both a person and an artist while retaining the original emotion of the songs.

That isn’t to say the album is all bad. “Out of the Woods” and “I Know Places” hit the high bar that the originals set, and “Bad Blood” is even better than the original. I also loved the “From The Vault” tracks that were left off the original album. “‘Sl*t!’” and “Is It Over Now?” have to be my favorites, but I’ve been streaming all five nonstop since their release.

1989 is a perfect album — what could be better than more of it?

All in all, while I am disappointed with some elements of the album (“Style (Taylor’s Version)” will never be forgiven), it was fun to relive my childhood nostalgia. I only picked apart the new versions because I love them so dearly. Indeed, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) made me appreciate yet again how incredibly talented and smart Swift is. She truly never goes out of style, and I doubt 1989 ever will either.

Taylor Swift as pictured on the cover of 1989 (Taylor’s Version). Image sourced under Creative Commons license.

12 a&e

the

issue 2 volume 71

dec. 12, 2023

fine arts briefs

Dance majors put on first performance at adjudicated works showcase on Nov. 2 with European ballet, so she kind of created her own [genre]. It was really interesting because I’ve never done anything like that before,” Hampton said.

Co-director Terrance Carson said he was extremely pleased with his students’ performance.

“I’m really proud of them for putting together such high-quality pieces in a short amount of time,” Carson said. “I can’t wait to see what happens next year.”

Hampton said this program is an essential part of the dance program: “It’s a really good learning experience too,” she said.

— Josie Mullan Sophomore Corinne Hampton performs her piece at the McCallum Youth Dance Co. adjudicated works showcase. Photo

by Chloe Seckar-Martinez.

On Nov. 2, the McCallum Youth Dance Company performed its adjudicated works at its first performance of the year. In this performance, students studied and choreographed solos based on a specific choreographer they were assigned to earlier in the semester.

Sophomore Corinne Hampton said that the artist she studied offered her a chance to grow as a dancer by exploring a fusion of dance genres.

“My artist was Catherine Donna and she had [a genre] of Caribbean and West African

After putting in long hours, MacTheatre ends fall semester with four productions of Rhinoceros MacTheatre presented its fall play, Rhinoceros which opened Dec. 7 on the Fine Arts Building Theatre stage. The show centers around Berenger (Wylie Reat), an average man who must prepare for the worst when his neighbors turn into rhinoceroses.

“Berenger is a complex character with a lot of lines, so it can be challenging at times to make the correct acting choices,” Reat said. “Playing a character that’s always on stage is a lot of work, but I enjoy being able to contribute so much to the play.”

The cast of 19 began working on the show in October.

Because the play was originally written in three acts, much of the rehearsal process involved creating a twist on the classic absurdist play.

“The rehearsal process can seem long and exhausting, but in time you look back on it and realize how much fun it was,” Reat said.

For Reat one of the most valuable aspects of the rehearsal process was the chance to explore and experiment with his own ideas.

“When rehearsing with Ms. Brookby, I feel that I can definitely put a good amount of my own input into the play,” Reat said. “She makes my ideas feel heard.”

MacTheatre’s first show of 2024 is She Stooops to Conquer. It opens Feb. 29 and will run on the stage through March 3.

— Alice Scott Juniors Joe Cololeo and Wylie Reat rehearse act 2, scene 1 of Rhinoceros.

Photo by Alice Scott.

shield

calendar Jan. 20, 2024

Deadline for eighth-graders to schedule FAA auditions Jan. 27, 2024

Orchestra: UIL Strings/Solo and Ensemble Feb. 8-9, 2024

Mac Dance Winter Concert 2-4 p.m. @the FABT Feb. 28, 2024

UIL Full Orchestra Concert

Steeling the show On Nov. 15, the steel drum classes held their first concert of the year at the Bowie High School Performing Arts Center. The show featured steel drum player and composer Liam Teague from Trinidad and Tobago, the instrument’s country of origin, as well as the Bowie steel drum band and another club band called Inside Out. Junior Finley Dixon, a new steel drum player this year, said her first concert performance was educational.

“I was very nervous when I was playing because I was hearing a lot of mistakes and so I thought it went horribly,” Dixon said.

“Then I looked back on the videos and I was like, ‘Wait, this is actually beautiful,’ and it was just so much fun to see all our hard work pay off.”

This year was Dixon’s third attempt at joining the steel drums class, and when she finally got in, she only had a few months to prepare for her first live performance.

“I was super impressed with everyone in the class because I feel like there are definitely a few people, myself included, who know nothing about music,” Dixon said. “But here we are.

We’ve made it so far.”

—Camilla Vandegrift

Fine Arts Showcase displays variety of programs, majors to prospective students

The chamber orchestra performs Shostakovich’s “String Quartet No. 8” on Nov. 8. Photo by Sophie Leung-Lieu.

As a new way to give incoming McCallum students or those thinking of applying a way to see what being in the Fine Arts Academy is like, academy leaders developed a showcase.

The showcase on Nov. 8 provided small performances from each of the performing Fine Arts Academy majors including performances from theatre, art, choir, orchestra, dance, band and piano, as well as individual ambassador presentations from each discipline and galleries in the MAC for the visual arts majors.

For junior Ivy Speight, being a part of the theatre department’s performance was a small part of a big collective impact. They performed a section of Sweet Charity, and later a mock audition to give an idea of what that process will look like for incoming students.

“Getting to see all the kids’ reactions to the theatre number was my favorite part,” Speight said. “There were so many kids, and they were all so excited to see us and to get to see the school, which was really heartwarming.”

Speight used the opportunity to show the incoming students the multiple aspects of the theatre department, and how a

Scan the QR code to see more detailed coverage of and exclusive photos from the Nov. 8 fine arts showcase in our Tuesday Top 10 photo essay available on our website, macshieldonline.com finished product would typically be presented on stage.

Overall the showcase provided a multitude of opportunities for students to see the different fine arts majors, the audition process, and ways the Fine Arts Academy shows off its works in hopes of taking pressure off the application process as well as the process of joining the Academy and picking a major.

“The combination of the show and the individual ambassador presentations was able to do that in an effective way,” Speight said. “It’s a nice family event that helps these eighth-graders see all the different programs and choose one that interests them.

—Chloe Lewcock

a&e 13

dec. 12, 2023

people

Sisters by chance, teachers by choice

Julie Petersen, Erin Summerville find themselves on same campus after years in academia; connect over shared passion, profession Helen Martin staff reporter Every morning, around 8:30, you can find teachers Julie Petersen and Erin Summerville on the phone with each other. This short call, about five minutes, allows the sisters to catch up on all the happenings in their lives, along with sharing their plans for what is to come.

With Summerville teaching social studies and Petersen teaching math, they spend most of their time on opposite sides of the school, making routines like an early morning check in necessary.

“We’re both in our own little caves so we don’t cross paths,” Summerville said, “But if I park out on the other side of the school, I’ll stop by her room and chat.”

Both Petersen and Summerville said they enjoy working alongside each other. Having a sibling gives them someone to relate to on a more personal level, as well as making them seem more like real people to students.

“I love it because it means someone else really understands my day in a way that no one else does,” Petersen said, “I found it to be really humanizing because students, once they realize you have a sibling on campus, they remember that you’re a person. I think it’s just one more reminder that we’re all people, and we’re all trying to get through our days.”

Though both have ended up at McCallum, only one knew what she was doing right from the start. Summerville knew she wanted to teach from a young age, but the subject matter changed as she grew.

“I knew pretty early on, I think in high school,” she said. “I always thought I would do math or science, because when I was younger, I was a more of that person to be honest.”

After loving her own government teacher, though, Summerville knew teaching was her destiny. While Petersen’s inspiration to teach differed from her sister’s, both found that education was the path they were meant to follow.

“I think what’s interesting is who she’ll tell you is her influence and who was mine,”

14 people

she said, “Mine was an elementary school teacher, [Summerville’s] was a high school government teacher.”

Just as Summerville found teaching first, she also found a home at McCallum before her sister. As soon as her career began, Summerville found McCallum, and hasn’t left since. Though she too had an influential teacher, Petersen didn’t realize his impact until much later. Instead, she tried her hand at a few different options before landing on teaching.

“I initially followed a path to law school,” Petersen said. “I spent some time working after college at a law firm, but it didn’t feel fulfilling in the way I had hoped, so I ended up changing paths and moving to teaching.”

Following in her younger sister’s footsteps, Petersen made her way to McCallum as soon as she got her teaching certification.

decision. We’re really close.” “[Summerville] had told me how great Both sisters appreciate getting to work McCallum was, so when I was looking to with each other, knowing that isn’t teach, I really didn’t want to be anywhere but something available to most siblings. here,” she said.

In addition to being colleagues, they’re As soon as a spot in the math department also able unwind opened up, together, talk Summerville knew through their days she had to let her and gripe about sister know, problems only they “When I think it’s just one more understand.

McCallum had an “We’re both pretty reminder that we’re all opening and she big on having structure said she wanted to people, and we’re all trying and boundaries, but teach, there was we can let our guards no choice, [it was] to get through our days. down at home in a way clearly perfect for —math teacher that we just can’t in us,” she said, “It school,” Petersen said.

Julie Petersen was barely a “It’s nice that we can connect and talk about things going on.”

“

”

Petersen and Summerville lay on the couch in their childhood home. Photo courtesy of Summerville.

the

issue 2

shield

dec. 12, 2023

volume 71

Getting personal

Graphic by Evelyn Jenkins.

Analysis of inner qualities through psychological tests proves useful but broad Evelyn Jenkins staff reporter

Senior Elena Ulack didn’t know that taking a six-question quiz in fifth grade would turn into a passion of hers later in life. That day in elementary school, the school counselor was supposed to come in and do a personality test activity with the class. As the counselor read out questions, the students would stand up if they agreed with the statement. Ulack found herself entranced by the mini-test.

This introduction to personality tests would progress for Ulack into an interest that she continues to develop to this day.

“When I first learned about [the MBTI test], I was in fifth grade,” Ulack said. “I got really into it and it kind of all spiraled from there.”

Personality tests have been around for decades. Two of the most popular of these personality tests are the Myers-Briggs and Enneagram tests. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI, is a psychological test that asks how someone perceives the world, makes decisions and interacts with other people. Depending on the participant’s answers, they are given one of 16 different personalities. While some people don’t believe the test provides an accurate assessment, others believe it can provide interesting and enlightening information about someone’s character.

The test asks questions such as, “Do you prefer to completely finish one project before starting another or are you more inclined to follow your head than your heart?” The participant is asked how much they agree or disagree with the given statement.

After answering 93 questions, the test-taker is presented with their personality type.

Each type has a four-letter combination in which each letter represents a different aspect of their personality. They are also given a name that goes along with their four-letter personality type. Examples of these names include “the Architect,” “the Logician,” “the Mediator” and more.

The beginning of the four-letter combination is either an I or an E, which stand for introverted and extroverted, respectively. The next letter is either an N or an S. These represent intuition and sensing, or whether the participant enjoys processing facts or deeper meanings. The second to last letter is either a T or an F. These letters represent if the test-taker makes decisions based on thinking or feeling. The final letter of the four-letter combination is either a J or a P. These show if the participant interacts with others and the outside world in a judging or perceiving way.

Many McCallum students find excitement in taking these personality tests and learning about different aspects of themselves.

“I really value understanding other people,” Ulack said. “I think that having sort of a guideline can really help you connect and understand others.”

The Enneagram personality test is another common assessment that groups participants into nine different categories. The Enneagram test groups the nine personality types into three groups called “centers.” These are the thinking, feeling and instinctive centers.

“I’m a big Enneagram person,” Ulack said.

“I think that Myers-Briggs doesn’t do as good of a job with making it as specific to each person. I think [Enneagram] provides a little bit more variety for each personality.”

Opinions vary on which of these two

all of the truth of who you are.” tests is more accurate in defining someone’s Greene also agrees that it’s difficult to personality. Both, however, isolate separate, classify everyone into only 16 different specific information about someone’s categories. character as a whole. While the Myers“Not everybody can be put into 16 different Briggs test gives insight into participants’ labels,” Greene said. “It’s not one size fits all.” interior characteristics, it also shows how One reason that Greene and Ulack are they interact with others. The Enneagram test mainly focuses on someone’s strengths, drawn to these personality tests is that they weaknesses, goals and other attributes. believe they can give them more insight into “Myers-Briggs focuses on how you the way other people live their lives. solve things,” senior Olive Greene said.

“I think it helps you be more empathetic “Enneagram has a to other people grittier side, where it and to yourself,” focuses more on not Ulack said. necessarily your flaws “It’s important but areas where you need to have selfHaving these very specific to improve.” awareness and categories of personality Like Ulack, Greene to know a little has gained an interest in bit more about can be troubling these personality tests who you are and over the years. how you act in because nobody fits “I got into it when the world.” into any kind of box.

I was in sixth grade,” Personality Greene said, “and I read tests like the —psychology teacher MBTI and a whole book on it.”

Catherine O’Neal Enneagram Although many people enjoy taking these help people tests and believe they understand are accurate to their themselves and personalities, many don’t the people in the trust the accuracy and believe that grouping world around them. Whether the accuracy people into specific categories can cause of these tests is precise or not, learning more problems. One such issue could be receiving about aspects of one’s personality can provide inaccurate results, leading to participants’ comfort for people trying to understand how disappointment. they function, and what different aspects of “Having these very specific categories of themselves mean. personality can be troubling because nobody “Anything that exposes more of an fits into any kind of box,” psychology teacher understanding of who you are and why you Catherine O’Neal said. “I think they can be behave the way you do is helpful for the helpful, but they should never be the end of condition of living,” O’Neal said.

“

”

people 15

the

issue 2 volume 71

shield

dec. 12, 2023

Ballet folklórico: un club historico y educacional Un experiencia única y cultural que ofrece nuevas oportunidades por estudiantes

Julissa Ayala Bonilla, Azul Cepero Cortes, Maggie Coulbourn and Maverick Palacios El Escudo staff reporters El club de ballet folklórico, ha existido 21 años a pesar de cambios en liderazgo y dificultades de COVID-19 para mantener membresía.

Una de las metas del club ballet folklórico es de educar sobre los bailes tradicionales. Los bailes son una manifestación y expresión artística que representan creencias, costumbres y cultura de diferentes estados de México y Latino America.

Ballet Folklórico es la mezcla de cultura Europea y de los nativos Mexicanos. El club de ballet folklórico en McCallum empezó hace 21 años con la maestra Señora Gun. Aunque la membresía cayó a solamente tres bailarines en 2021-2022 debido a COVID, han crecido ahora a 17 miembros.

Señora Altamirano, quien tomó su posición este año, dijo “para mí es una forma de compartir mi cultura con otros que a lo mejor no tienen acceso a ese tipo de experiencia cultural.”

Ella ha participado en el club detrás de las escenas en el pasado, y ahora toma un rol más público como la nueva patrocinadora.

Como ha existido por tanto tiempo, el club es

16

una parte esencial en la historia de McCallum. Muestra su importancia a la escuela patrocinando eventos como la celebración de Cinco de Mayo y La Quinceañera de McCallum, entre otros. Eventos como estos muestran el valor del club a los estudiantes de McCallum.

El programa de ballet folklórico tiene un impacto positivo en los miembros de la comunidad y del club. Miembro Yesenia Sajuan, dijo “todos ayudan mutuamente y la maestra es muy comprensiva y muy buena enseñando.” El club es educacional para estudiantes aquí en McCallum y los estudiantes

“

de primaria. Ofrece a niños la oportunidad éxito. Algunos miembros del club han formado de aprender sobre parte desde que estaban la cultura Latino en su primer año y Americana, y ver una otros se han unido forma de arte única. recientemente. Una Todos ayudan Cada presentación, de las integrantes con mutuamente y la maestra más tiempo en el club los estudiantes de McCallum explican la es la alumna de tercer es muy comprensiva y historia y los orígenes año Daira Benitez de los bailes quien ha formado muy buena enseñando. a los parte desde su primer —miembro Yesenia Sajuan niños año en McCallum. jóvenes, Daira es una de las y en pocas integrantes el fin que tiene experiencia invitan a los niños a bailar previa en ballet folklórico, “Tengo el chance juntos con ellos. de bailar y expresarme en esa forma”. Una de Durante los años que las ex-integrantes más importantes es Valeria ha existido el club de Elizondo, quien bailó para el club de Ballet Ballet Folklórico Folklórico en McCallum para la maestra Gun en McCallum, y posteriormente se convirtió en la instructora distintos actual del club. Gracias a ella y a su ayuda es integrantes posible que nuestra escuela tenga un grupo tan han sido rico en cultura hispana. parte vital El ballet folklórico es más que un baile y una de su sonrisa para los bailarines y la audiencia. Bailar en un escenario no es fácil, pero representar la cultura de un país es la celebración de la vida que ayuda a fortalecer nuestro sentido de comunidad. Toma mucho esfuerzo para mantener viva esta tradición importante. Es una forma de expresión cultural ya que es una manera de conectar raíces culturales que expresa emociones y sentimientos.

”

LEFT: Junior Maverick Palacios and sophomore Abigail Peacock and perform the Cinco de Mayo show last spring.

Photo by Gergõ Major.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

The Ballet Folklorico club has existed It offers students the opportunity to learn for 21 years despite changes in leadership about Latin American culture and experience and COVID-19 difficulties to maintain its a unique art form. At every performance, membership. One of the goals of the folkloric McCallum students explain the history and the ballet club is to educate people about traditional origins of the dances to the kids and at the end dances. The dances are a manifestation and they invite the kids to dance with them. artistic expression that represent beliefs, Throughout the years of the Ballet customs and culture of Folklorico club’s existence, different states of Mexico different members have and Latin America. been an important part of Ballet Folklorico is a mix its success. Some members I have the chance of European culture and of the club have been part of native Mexican culture. it since they were freshmen to dance and The McCallum ballet and others have joined only express myself. folklorico club started over recently.

21 years ago, with former One of the members —junior Diara Benitez Spanish teacher Juana with the most time in the Gun. Although numbers club is junior Daira Benitez dwindled to a three dancers who has been a part of it in the 2021-2022 school since her freshman year at year due to COVID, they McCallum. Benitez is one of have now grown to 15 dancers. Following the few members who has previous experience Gun’s retirement, Spanish teacher Telvi in ballet folklorico.

Altamirano-Cancino took over this year.

“I have the chance to dance and express “For me the club is a way to share my myself in that way,” Benitez said. culture with people who maybe don’t have One of the most important former members access to that type of cultural experience,” is Valeria Elizondo, who danced with the Altamirano-Cancino said.

McCallum Ballet Folklorico club with Gun She has participated in the club before and later returned to become the present-day behind the scenes, only now taking her more coach of the club. Thanks to her and her help, public position as sponsor. As it has existed it is possible for the school to have a group so for so long, the club is an essential part of rich in Hispanic culture.

McCallum history. It shows its importance to Ballet Folklorico is more than a dance and the school by hosting events like the Cinco a smile for the dancers and audience. It takes de Mayo celebration and the McCallum a lot of effort to keep this important tradition Quinceañera, among others. Events like these alive. It is a form of cultural expression that demonstrate the value of the club to students. connects cultural roots that express emotions.

The Ballet Folklorico program has a positive impact on the members of the community and Sophomore Abigail Peacock (top), senior the club.

Mika Ponce (middle) and instructor Valeria “Everyone helps each other and the teacher Elizondo (bottom) perform in the McCallum is very comprehensive and good at showing cafeteria on Oct. 6. Photos by Lillian Gray. things,” club member Yesenia Sajuan said.

Today the club presents traditional Latin American dances to kids all around Austin.

“

”

The club after performing at an elementary school. Photo courtesy of El Escudo.

17

the

issue 2 volume 71

shield

dec. 8, 2023

Ballet folklórico: un club historico y educacional Un experiencia única y cultural que ofrece nuevas oportunidades por estudiantes

Julissa Ayala Bonilla, Azul Cepero Cortes, Maggie Coulbourn and Maverick Palacios El Escudo staff reporters El club de ballet folklórico, ha existido 21 años a pesar de cambios en liderazgo y dificultades de COVID-19 para mantener membresía.

Una de las metas del club ballet folklórico es de educar sobre los bailes tradicionales. Los bailes son una manifestación y expresión artística que representan creencias, costumbres y cultura de diferentes estados de México y Latino America.

Ballet Folklórico es la mezcla de cultura Europea y de los nativos Mexicanos. El club de ballet folklórico en McCallum empezó hace 21 años con la maestra Señora Gun. Aunque la membresía cayó a solamente tres bailarines en 2021-2022 debido a COVID, han crecido ahora a 17 miembros.

Señora Altamirano, quien tomó su posición este año, dijo “para mí es una forma de compartir mi cultura con otros que a lo mejor no tienen acceso a ese tipo de experiencia cultural.”

Ella ha participado en el club detrás de las escenas en el pasado, y ahora toma un rol más público como la nueva patrocinadora.

Como ha existido por tanto tiempo, el club es

16

una parte esencial en la historia de McCallum. Muestra su importancia a la escuela patrocinando eventos como la celebración de Cinco de Mayo y La Quinceañera de McCallum, entre otros. Eventos como estos muestran el valor del club a los estudiantes de McCallum.

El programa de ballet folklórico tiene un impacto positivo en los miembros de la comunidad y del club. Miembro Yesenia Sajuan, dijo “todos ayudan mutuamente y la maestra es muy comprensiva y muy buena enseñando.” El club es educacional para estudiantes aquí en McCallum y los estudiantes

“

de primaria. Ofrece a niños la oportunidad éxito. Algunos miembros del club han formado de aprender sobre parte desde que estaban la cultura Latino en su primer año y Americana, y ver una otros se han unido forma de arte única. recientemente. Una Todos ayudan Cada presentación, de las integrantes con mutuamente y la maestra más tiempo en el club los estudiantes de McCallum explican la es la alumna de tercer es muy comprensiva y historia y los orígenes año Daira Benitez de los bailes quien ha formado muy buena enseñando. a los parte desde su primer —miembro Yesenia Sajuan niños año en McCallum. jóvenes, Daira es una de las y en pocas integrantes el fin que tiene experiencia invitan a los niños a bailar previa en ballet folklórico, “Tengo el chance juntos con ellos. de bailar y expresarme en esa forma”. Una de Durante los años que las ex-integrantes más importantes es Valeria ha existido el club de Elizondo, quien bailó para el club de Ballet Ballet Folklórico Folklórico en McCallum para la maestra Gun en McCallum, y posteriormente se convirtió en la instructora distintos actual del club. Gracias a ella y a su ayuda es integrantes posible que nuestra escuela tenga un grupo tan han sido rico en cultura hispana. parte vital El ballet folklórico es más que un baile y una de su sonrisa para los bailarines y la audiencia. Bailar en un escenario no es fácil, pero representar la cultura de un país es la celebración de la vida que ayuda a fortalecer nuestro sentido de comunidad. Toma mucho esfuerzo para mantener viva esta tradición importante. Es una forma de expresión cultural ya que es una manera de conectar raíces culturales que expresa emociones y sentimientos.

”

LEFT: Junior Maverick Palacios and sophomore Abigail Peacock and perform the Cinco de Mayo show last spring.

Photo by Gergõ Major.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

The Ballet Folklorico club has existed It offers students the opportunity to learn for 21 years despite changes in leadership about Latin American culture and experience and COVID-19 difficulties to maintain its a unique art form. At every performance, membership. One of the goals of the folkloric McCallum students explain the history and the ballet club is to educate people about traditional origins of the dances to the kids and at the end dances. The dances are a manifestation and they invite the kids to dance with them. artistic expression that represent beliefs, Throughout the years of the Ballet customs and culture of Folklorico club’s existence, different states of Mexico different members have and Latin America. been an important part of Ballet Folklorico is a mix its success. Some members I have the chance of European culture and of the club have been part of native Mexican culture. it since they were freshmen to dance and The McCallum ballet and others have joined only express myself. folklorico club started over recently.

21 years ago, with former One of the members —junior Diara Benitez Spanish teacher Juana with the most time in the Gun. Although numbers club is junior Daira Benitez dwindled to a three dancers who has been a part of it in the 2021-2022 school since her freshman year at year due to COVID, they McCallum. Benitez is one of have now grown to 15 dancers. Following the few members who has previous experience Gun’s retirement, Spanish teacher Telvi in ballet folklorico.

Altamirano-Cancino took over this year.

“I have the chance to dance and express “For me the club is a way to share my myself in that way,” Benitez said. culture with people who maybe don’t have One of the most important former members access to that type of cultural experience,” is Valeria Elizondo, who danced with the Altamirano-Cancino said.

McCallum Ballet Folklorico club with Gun She has participated in the club before and later returned to become the present-day behind the scenes, only now taking her more coach of the club. Thanks to her and her help, public position as sponsor. As it has existed it is possible for the school to have a group so for so long, the club is an essential part of rich in Hispanic culture.

McCallum history. It shows its importance to Ballet Folklorico is more than a dance and the school by hosting events like the Cinco a smile for the dancers and audience. It takes de Mayo celebration and the McCallum a lot of effort to keep this important tradition Quinceañera, among others. Events like these alive. It is a form of cultural expression that demonstrate the value of the club to students. connects cultural roots that express emotions.

The Ballet Folklorico program has a positive impact on the members of the community and Sophomore Abigail Peacock (top), senior the club.

Mika Ponce (middle) and instructor Valeria “Everyone helps each other and the teacher Elizondo (bottom) perform in the McCallum is very comprehensive and good at showing cafeteria on Oct. 6. Photos by Lillian Gray. things,” club member Yesenia Sajuan said.

Today the club presents traditional Latin American dances to kids all around Austin.

“

”

The club after performing at an elementary school. Photo courtesy of El Escudo.

17

the

shield

issue 2

dec. 12, 2023

The chosen Onewheel

volume 71

Ayden Lee embraces band leadership role as ‘Starsurfer,’ woodwind captain Lucas Walker staff reporter

From the moment senior Ayden Lee’s Onewheel electric skateboard rolled onto the field during the first movement of McCallum Band’s 2023 marching show “Starsurfer,” he was hard to miss.

Flying across the field in a cosmiccolored costume, Lee lowered into a surfer stance.

“For those eight minutes, I am the ‘starsurfer,’” Lee said.

The horn line crescendoed as he stepped triumphantly off his Onewheel, shielded from the crowd by the drumline in front of him. As the show continued, Lee ran frontfield, picked up his clarinet and took some of the biggest marching steps of the show, sneaking into the woodwind forms without skipping a beat.

After returning to his Onewheel, Lee rode between two lanes of marchers, colorguard in tow, finishing movement two surrounded by his fellow musicians with his gaze and hands pointing to the stars.

Lee’s shining moment came during the fourth and final movement when he executed an exaggerated fall onto the turf before triumphantly getting up and celebrating with the band.

Lee said that while he was on the Onewheel, he felt both nervous and excited.

“It’s nerve-racking going out there, especially on the field because I feel like all eyes are on me,” Lee said. “At the same time, it’s also exciting because I get to be a crucial part of the show.”

According to head band director Carol Nelson, “Starsurfer” followed the journey of a surfer traveling through the cosmos as if it were an ocean. Early on in the development of “Starsurfer,” Brett Kuhn, the drumline arranger, suggested that a musician perform as an actual

“starsurfer,” bringing the plot to life. After some consideration, Nelson chose Lee. Nelson said Lee, a “leader in our band,” had the Mac Band star power to fit the “starsurfer” role.

“We just thought that Ayden was someone who we could count on,” Nelson said.

After hearing for the first time that he was selected to be the “starsurfer,” Lee rode the Onewheel he borrowed from his friend to a nearby parking lot where he practiced for hours, figuring out the basics of what his role would involve. Before “Starsurfer,’’ he had never ridden an electric skateboard.

But according to Lee, the use of motorized vehicles was just as new to the marching band world.

“I like the uniqueness of my role since the past shows of McCallum or any other marching band that I can think of haven’t had any visual elements that the Onewheel provides,” Lee said.

In addition to his role as “starsurfer,” Lee was chosen to be a woodwind captain and clarinet section leader, putting him in charge of conducting warmups for the band, tuning players and correcting marchers during rehearsals.

“It’s my first and last season as someone in leadership, and it really made me feel like more of a part of the band than I already was,” Lee said. “I just feel like I have this deeper connection.”

A large part of Lee’s responsibility was making sure freshmen and new marchers had someone to talk to, as well as someone they could turn to if they had any questions about marching band.

“It’s very important that I can provide [underclassmen] with the necessary resources to be set up for success, especially in marching band,” Lee said.

“In terms of less experienced students, I always want to come across just about the same way, but much more of a teacher, since I have the experience that they can learn from.”

Later in the season, Lee helped the band during rehearsals as an unofficial marching tech, correcting mistakes in technique and fixing incorrect forms he saw on the blacktop.

“It helped me with my leadership capabilities because I was able to apply myself better,” Lee said. “I felt like I was contributing more in my leadership position.”

Dillon Junkin, the head marching director, was impressed with Lee’s versatility as a performer.

“Ayden was nothing short of exemplary in his role as the ‘starsurfer,’” Junkin said.

“His willingness to take on this unique role where he had very limited ability to march and play, as a senior, was an awesome gesture.”

Stepping on board for six different contests and showcases, Lee and the band placed third at the Capital City Marching Festival behind two 6A high schools and second in finals at the USBands Austin regional in Buda. To end the season, Mac Band placed seventh in Area D finals, two places away from making it to the state UIL

marching contest.

Junkin remembers seeing other competing bands “watch in awe” as Lee rode past them before warmups or performances.

“He was definitely the coolest kid in Texas marching band this year,” Junkin said.

Lee believes his visual moments were elevated by music and marching forms that drew attention to his movement and choreography.

“In past years it’s always just been marching, no solos or anything,” Lee said.

“Moving props was the furthest extent where I did anything ‘extra.’ This year was very different, as I was a recurring visual soloist throughout the show. I started out on the Onewheel in the beginning, I marched for the first half of the second movement and then I was back on it.”

Lee said that although the judges didn’t always have much to say about his performances, he left an impact on crowds at every competition the band attended.

“The audience, especially at home games, loved me,” Lee said. “There’s certain moments, like when I popped up after my fall, that the crowd always cheered.”

During McCallum Band’s last run at the Area D finals in Pflugerville, Lee said he performed easily his “best run of the season.” Lee knew his run had gone well because he was so in the zone that he couldn’t remember many details.

“I remember getting on and getting off at finals,” Lee said. “I performed well and did everything I needed to do,” Lee said. “I don’t even exactly remember my choreographed fall, which I know is good because I usually always had something to critique.”

After the end of the marching season, Lee said his final season marching with Mac Band was full of ups and downs and unexpected obstacles.

“It’s great to be in this community, and it’s the best extracurricular I could have asked for,” Lee said. “I’m sad that it’s going away, but I’m glad to have experienced all this. Through thick and thin I’ve always had people there. It’s made my high school experience so much better than it would have been.”

Senior Ayden Lee performs in the “Starsurfer” marching show during halftime of the varsity football game against LASA. Photo by Lanie Sepehri.

18 people

the

issue 2 volume 71

Flying to new heights

shield

dec. 12, 2023

Drone Club opens oppurtunities, builds community over shared passion Lillian Gray staff reporter Animation class isn’t a likely birthplace for a drone club, but that’s exactly what happened.

The idea all began last spring when Peter Brancaccio would take out his personal drone and fly it with some students in class. He would let them fly it over McCallum and film aerial videos of the campus.

After a few months of Brancaccio letting students fly his drone every few classes, some students wanted more time to fly the drones, and the club was born.

“It wasn’t my idea,” Brancaccio said. “It was the students that came to me when we were using the drone back in the spring, and I think some of the students realized they wanted to have a drone club because there was a lot of interest in it.”

With his years of experience with drones, Brancaccio was eager to seize the opportunity for the club.

“I’ve had drones for probably about 10 years,” Brancaccio said. “We have two ideas:

one thing we want to do is race other high schools, and the other is we are going to make movies with drones.”

Junior Hazel Trominski was ultimately the student who asked Brancaccio to help make the club official.

“We would fly the drone in class, but we wanted to have more time to fly and make videos with it,” Trominski said. “So I thought it would be fun to have time to do that after school.”

Trominski is now the president of the club and helped Brancaccio spread the word.

Just like Brancaccio, Trominski has a lot of ideas and goals she hopes to accomplish.

“The goal with drone club is to teach people how to fly drones and let them fly the drones that we have,” Trominski said. “We are trying to raise funds to buy a new drone right now. It has a better camera than we currently have and it’s crash proof.”

A new drone would allow more members to fly at a time, and the crash proof feature will help new members learn how to fly one.

The creation of the drone club led to students like junior Kai Gregg to join once the club was fully in action.

Gregg has some prior experience with drones but says he

wants to learn more about them and be able to fly them more frequently.

“My dad has been flying drones since I was really young, and I sometimes fly those around,” Gregg said. ¨My dad was super into them, and it was really fun flying with him.¨ Not only is it a fun experience, but Gregg is also learning new things about drones from Brancaccio and the rest of the club. ¨It’s really fun to fly drones and get better at it,¨ Gregg said. ¨I hope we will be able to raise enough money to buy more drones and maybe even compete with other high schools in races or competitions.¨ LEFT: Brancaccio shows sophomore Theo Northcutt one of the drones flown in a club meeting. Photo by Lillian Gray.

YOU ARE GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL…

Now What?

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE. STRENGTHEN YOUR COMMUNITY. Through AmeriCorps, you can:

    

Get paid for giving back Receive an educational award Learn valuable skills Explore career options Create your professional network

APPLY TODAY! No Experience Required A STRONGER CENTRAL TEXAS STARTS WITH YOU. More information at AmeriCorpsCTX.org/pathways | (512) 270-8345 | Act@AmeriCorpsCTX.org

@AmeriCorpsCTX

people 19

sports

dec. 12, 2023

Charles Leclerc drove this car to victory in the first F1 race that I watched. F1 cars have distinct front and rear wings that are specific to the sport and to each team. The rear wing in particular has a flap that can open and reduce the drag to increase the car’s speed by up to 7.5 mph. The advanced aerodynamics on the cars make them drive like upside down airplanes.

Graphic by Julia Copas.

Racing for America’s heart Formula 1 takes nation by storm in efforts to fast track viewership, popularity Callen Romell staff reporter

free. Streaming offers fans a better viewing experience since the races are uninterrupted, and there is coverage of the entire weekend, Fast cars on a race track going over including the practice sessions and 200 mph. Hundreds of millions of fans qualifying rounds. worldwide Instead of screaming at the paying for F1TV, top of their lungs I can watch in support of their on platforms I favorite teams and already have. drivers. Formula Since most of [F1] has significantly One is a global the races take gained American viewership hit and unlike any place continents other motor sport away, race days in the past few years. in the world, F1 can occur at all boasts the fastest times of the day road-course and night, but regulated cars that no matter the create enough hour, my race day downforce they could drive upside down. routine consists of waking up early to watch They race on a different track, also known the pre-race coverage and then making a cup as a circuit, every weekend. Each circuit’s of coffee to help me stay awake during the unique layout brings new challenges, like race. There have been times when I have had changes in track surface, race conditions and to wake up at 4 or 5 a.m. for races, so it’s nice types of turns. F1 can be traced back to 1901 to be able to turn on my TV to ESPN and in Europe beginning racing in 1950, with the not have to worry about having technical first Grand Prix not taking place outside of difficulties during races.

Europe until 1953.

Another key factor in the rise of F1 in F1 has been racing in the U.S. since 1959, America is the hit Netflix series Formula 1: but it has significantly gained American Drive to Survive. First airing in 2019, the show viewership in the past few years due to many goes behind the scenes of F1 teams to show factors including more popular broadcasting, parts of the sport that a growth in mainstream exposure and more aren’t as widely races taking place in the States. There are known, other racing series in the United States such as including NASCAR and IndyCar, but F1 drivers’ stands out due to its distinctive cars and weird specialized tracks. quirks and In 2018, F1 returned to ESPN, making how teams races more easily accessible to people plan going into rather than having to watch on F1-specific race weekends. Over 6.8 platforms like F1TV. Viewership of races million people have watched went up 39% from 2019 to 2021 and another the show, and the number of 28% from 2021 to 2022. F1 then signed a U.S. fans have grown around 10% three-year contract in 2022 which included since the show was released. Several an agreement to stream races commercialother documentaries have also been released

“

20 sports

”

on Netflix such as Schumacher, giving more exposure to the sport.

When I first got into racing and F1, I occasionally checked results but didn’t invest a lot of time in watching races. One day, Drive to Survive popped up on my recommended list on Netflix, and I put it on, not knowing what I was getting into.

There were three seasons out when I started watching, and it took me three weeks to get through the first season alone. It then took me about three days to get through the next two. When seasons four and five were released I watched each of them in a night. The show and other documentaries grew my love for the sport and were a big part of my exposure to racing. I went from only knowing the most popular drivers to following all of them and their teams on social media. I memorized all the world champions. I started a stats spreadsheet to keep track of the drivers throughout the season. In the span of a few months, I was

The Circuit of the Americas circuit shown here takes inspiration from Silverstone in England, Hockenheim in Germany, Istanbul Park in Turkey and Interlagos in Brazil. It also has a unique turn one that rises 133 feet before turning sharply left. COTA is also one of the few tracks that runs counterclockwise. Graphic

by Callen Romell.

completely enthralled in the world of racing.

While the U.S. Grand Prix has been taking place off and on for over 60 years, it jumped around to different circuits not having a true home until 2012 when it was held in Austin at Circuit of the Americas.

In 2022, a race was added in Miami, and this season the third U.S. race was added in Las Vegas.

Having three races in the States makes it easier for fans to attend and gives the sport more coverage that is localized to fans here.

I always knew that COTA was a race track in town, and had gone to many concerts and rugby games there before ever realizing that a major race took place less than 20 miles from my house.

This year, even though I didn’t attend the race, I kept track of all the affiliated events going on during the race weekend and even went to a pop-up shop for my favorite driver’s merch line. All of the teams center their content around the location of the race which helps fans relate more to the races like having city-specific merch or wearing jerseys of the local teams.

Teams rely heavily on social media to get messages to fans and use it as a marketing tool instead of just for fun. I have noticed that teams’ content has recently gotten much more engaging; for example, I have seen drivers doing TikTok trends or posting non-F1 things on their social media platforms.

As a whole, the sport has had an exponential gain in America. I hope that coverage and prevalence continue to grow here so that F1 will stick around for many years to come as it races to win America’s heart.

the

issue 2

shield

dec. 12, 2023

volume 71

Soccer teams aim for unity with new shared branding

Coaches, players hope single logo will lead to more collaboration between boys, girls Sofia Saucedo and Tristen Diaz staff reporters

While McCallum’s boys and girls soccer teams have enjoyed much success in recent year both on the pitch and in terms of increased participation, boys soccer head coach Nick Martin and girls soccer head coach Barney Guerra felt that something was missing from their separate soccer programs. After further review, the coaches realized that the missing component was unity between the two programs.

In the past, the boys and girls soccer teams have been seen as separate entities with little to no collaboration. In an attempt to present a more unified front, Martin and NEW LOGO Guerra decided to unite the boys and girls takes inspiration soccer programs visually through a shared from the McCallum team logo. family crest, “Previously we pretty much did our featuring a bold blue own thing,” Martin said. “Paper-wise and cross and tower. according to district things, yes we are still two separate entities, but we wanted the new logo to be more symbolic of how we are now together.”

The After both coaches agreed to move new forward with a combined logo, they wasted no time in getting the ball rolling. brand was “After the idea sparked, I met with [Mac designed by soccer parent and graphic designer] Mr. Butler Design [Marty] Butler, the designer of the logo, Services. and Coach Martin at a coffeeshop so we since only the varsity could discuss the process of creating it” teams will receive new kits Guerra said. next season, the subvarsity teams Martin has been coaching at McCallum will have to wait another 3-4 years for the for over two decades. He said the idea of next ordering cycles so that the jerseys will updating the logo has been on his mind for the new logo quite a while. can work their “We both agreed way through the that we shouldn’t system. have this artificial Varsity girls divide between boys and girls We agreed that we shouldn’t soccer player Katarina Klein soccer,” Martin have this articificial divide thinks that the said. uniforms Guerra added between boys and girls soccer. new are a good place that “unifying the teams under one —boys soccer coach to start with combining the brand identity Nick Martin programs. helps convey “We had been more clearly how pretty separated successful the in the past,” Klein school has been in said. “I think going forward we can try the sport.” to support each other more and grow as While the enthusiasm for the shared logo McCallum Soccer together.” has been immediate, the implementation Martin said that the timing for the new of it throughout the soccer teams will be logo couldn’t have been better. anything but. The coaches cannot order new “The timing worked out with the design uniform kits until the 2024-25 season. And

“

”

from each other and support by attending a game or two if possible” said Klein In the next year or two, for example, both teams will sell new merchandise with their new logo to Mac students and families.

“We’re going to start to sell merchandise and get people used to seeing that crest, and once that’s out there people will know the McCallum name,” Guerra said.

Along with the new crest on the jersey, Guerra said that the focus and progression of the soccer collaboration will lead to a substantial rise in advertising on social media to highlight the soccer program and grow an audience.

“I’ve noticed from other teams and schools that their social media presence represents them NEW MOTTO as a whole, so this year I am working really also inspired by family hard to get more presence on apps like Twitter, crest, translates to Instagram and maybe TikTok,” Guerra said. “do hard things.”

With the initiation of the programs’ social media presence, both coaches hope to find more support in the stands from the McCallum community.

“I would like for everyone to recognize our team, and there’s so much I want to do to get people involved like putting stuff on the Jumbotrons and creating chants that supporters can yell in support of our team,” Guerra said.

Sophomore boys player Ben Pitts says that the marketing push behind the new logo and social media presence will getting finished hopefully bring more people to the stands and varsity getting new for the games. uniforms for the next academic “I think that fundraisers and more stuff on season, so sadly it will take many years to social media, would bring in more people get all teams the same logo,” Martin said. to the stands, and hopefully bring more Guerra said the awareness to the rebranding of teams because right McCallum soccer now there aren’t isn’t just stopping many people at the at the logo. He games,” Pitts said Going forward we can plans to bring “So maybe if we the boys and girls have pep rallies or try and support each teams together spirit days for the other more and grow as to collaborate on teams more people future projects. come.”

McCallum Soccer together. would Working together, Guerra said that he says, can only the long-term goal —senior Katarina Klein for McCallum benefit both teams moving forward.

Soccer is for one Klein thinks single program to that with the have a stronger addition of jerseys between the teams, it voice in communicating team successes to would be beneficial to have the boys and the larger community. girls teams collaborate not only in spirit but “The logo will incorporate everything also on the field. that McCallum stands for, and will continue “It would be great if we help each other to show the hard work and dedication that grow maybe one combined practice to learn follows the title.”

“

”

sports 21

the

shield

dec. 12, 2023

Once a swimmer, always a swimmer

issue 2 volume 71

After years as an aquatic athlete, summer spent coaching, senior William Perkins enters leadership role for both the water polo and swim teams Gaby Esquivel staff reporter Before water polo and swim captain and senior William Perkins gets ready to jump in the pool, he reflects on how he wants to represent the swim team, and he doesn’t just want to perform the best for the points but to be a good role model for his teammates. “[I want] to help uplift and inspire others and use what I have learned over my four years of swimming in order to better myself and everyone around me,” Perkins said “At the end of the day what I care about the most is representing the team as a whole”.

Being in the pool is something that has been a part of Perkins’ life since middle school, but he did not start competitively swimming until his freshman year and became captain of the swim team senior year.

“Being able to have this position where I can lead activities and try to inspire them through cheers and chants, that is my favorite part of this year” Perkins said.“I love swimming and would never quit it, but this year I want to feel completed.”

Last summer Perkins was a swim coach and he feels that the job prepared him well for the role of captain. “[Coaching swimming] allowed me to apply my skills in teaching swimming to a wide range of skills to help develop people quickly and make sure everyone feels included in the sport,” Perkins said.

One way he works to that end is to schedule weekly dinners where he and his swim teammates share a meal out, discuss upcoming team events and celebrate any victories, among other funny experiences.

“A couple of weeks ago we went to the duck pond, and it was a lot of fun,” Perkins said. “I hopped in, swam around and practiced my lap.”

In addition to leading the swim team, he also was a key player on the Knight water polo team.

During his sophomore year, when a roster spot on the team opened up, Perkins was unsure if he should join the team, but his good friend— Class of 2022 alum William Wheeler—and his father insisted that he join the team “They didn’t even give me a choice really,” Perkins said. “The next thing I knew I was picked up at my house, and I was in the pool doing laps for water polo. Initially [I was forced to join], but [now]I love the community and I am more than happy to be a part of it.”

Fast forward to senior year, Perkins is now captain of the water polo team, which

22 sports

Senior water polo captain William Perkins plays in McCallum’s match against Anderson on Sept. 15 at the Round Rock ISD Aquatic Center. The Knights lost to the Trojans, 27-5. Photos by David Herring. is another thing he did not plan; however last season’s water polo captains, Wheeler and fellow 2022 alum Spencer Mcnelis and encouraged him to assume the role.

“I got it passed down to me by my close friends Spencer Mcnelis and William Wheeler,” Perkins said. “They both were super adamant about me taking over the position. I love the sport, and I would do anything for those boys. Anything to keep water polo going at Mac is my goal.”

Mcnelis saw great potential in Perkins to lead the team because in both swimming and water polo he showed persistence and a strong desire to improve.

“I knew he would be a great captain [by]

seeing how he put so much effort [he put in when he was] playing and communicating to everyone on what we can do better at,” Mcnelis said.

While his initial motivation to play water polo might have come from others, Perkins has gradually developed an intrinsic love for it, thanks to the close-knit bond between the players on the team.

“Everyone that is committed to water polo is just so invested in the sport and more so they are invested in each other and being able to have these strong connections with one another,” Perkins said “It really feels like a brotherhood, like an understanding how we are united.”

As captain, Perkins’ main priority is

to make sure everyone on the team was enjoying their time being a part of the team.

“I am trying to keep that same camaraderie strong for the players [and it] is the way that we can keep water polo going for the foreseeable future.”

Though Perkins loves being a part of both swimming and water polo, he admits that it has put a strain on his school work and personal life because he has to balance out his many commitments.

“As soon as I get home from school, I would do my homework and then go straight to swim practice,” Perkins said. “And the second the swim practice would end, I would go straight to water polo, so from 7 to 10:30 at night I’d be at the pool.”

Being a part of water polo and swimming has not only made Perkins a better swimmer in the pool but also a better person out of it. “[Being] around different people as well as getting a sense of team spirit and camaraderie, these kinds of ideas helped me develop my social skills and become a more confident leader in my abilities and instill in people what I [have] learned.”

Head coach Jeff Rudy adds that Perkins has done a great job as captain so far this year due to how he is able to bring the team together and work harder.

“He is able to improve team spirit, and he does a lot of things behind the scenes to make sure everyone feels like they are a part of the [team],” Rudy said. “He works hard in the pool, and he is a great role model for everyone.”

Perkins has also been trying to convince more people to join water polo and swim because he believes that they both afford team members an opportunity to grow as athletes and as people.

“They take time, but there is nothing more valuable than being able to grow, learn and better yourself,” Perkins said. “I think both sports will accomplish a thousand times more than [anyone] could expect.”

As much as Perkins has enjoyed his experience being on both teams, he does not plan to continue them in university. Instead, he plans to focus on his studies, but the lessons he has learned will stick with him for a long time.

“Anyone who knows me, knows I am on the swim team, but being able to get those skills of working with other people helped develop my sense of character,” Perkins said. “Those are [lessons] I am never going to forget even though I might end swimming after [graduating], but those lessons will always stick with me.”

the

issue 2

shield

dec. 12, 2023

volume 71

Freshman shoots for the Stars and Stripes

Soccer player takes athletic commitment, passion to under-15 U.S. national team Naomi Di-Capua social media managing editor

couldn’t even believe it.”

Wiseman’s soccer career began much earlier, when her parents stuck her in as many sports as they could. But soccer stood When freshman Ellie Wiseman first got a out to 5-year-old Wiseman, and to this day message from her club soccer coach that a continues to stand out.

United States national team scout would be “Soccer is the [sport] that I just stuck watching her game, she blew it off. with,” Wiseman said.

“I didn’t really think “I liked just running much of it,” Wiseman around and being said. “I didn’t think outside. Also, it’s a that was a possibility team sport, so I can to be in the U.S. “When I got invited, it make new friends. soccer system.”

I’ve known some of Wiseman has been started to become a real the girls since I was playing with her same around 8, and I don’t club team for eight thing to me it applied know if I would’ve years and numerous more pressure.” met them if I hadn’t opportunities to play played soccer.” outside of it have —freshman Ellie Wiseman One of those presented themselves friends is freshman since. This past Maya Garwood, who summer, Wiseman admired Wiseman was chosen by her from a young age.

Lone Star Soccer Club “I had heard of in Austin to travel to Ellie when I was younger, but didn’t meet New Zealand to watch Women’s World Cup her till 6th grade,” Garwood said. “She was and to play in a tournament with youth teams very good from a young age, so I remember in the area. being intimidated by her.”

“It was really cool, soccer.com flew all of Garwood says that as the two got older us out to New Zealand, and we were there she was given more opportunities for two weeks watching group stage World to interact with Wiseman, Cup games and playing in a tournament,” revealing many qualities Wiseman said.

Garwood admires.

Despite getting invited to New Zealand “I think getting to know her more, Wiseman still didn’t think the national I realized she was a kind and nice team was a possibility for her. That person as well as a wonderful soccer quickly changed after that same coach player,” Garwood said. “She is very invited her to a regional soccer camp humble for the skill she has, the nearly a year ago. opportunities she has gotten and her “When I got invited, it started to become ability to be a good sport.” a real thing to me,” Wiseman said. “It Even those who do not know applied more pressure but was also really Wiseman on the pitch are proud exciting. It was like a one-day camp where of her. Wiseman’s cousin, senior we scrimmage all day, and I probably went to around four of those.”

After four camps, Wiseman was moved Freshman Ellie Wiseman at a club up to yet another regional camp at a more game for her Lonestar SC Team. competitive level.

Photo courtesy of Wiseman.

“I went and there were so many girls, around 400,” Wiseman said. “From there, To read the complete story by, scan they narrowed it down from 400 to 36, who the QR code below. met in California in late May 2023.”

From those 36, Wiseman was one of 24 girls selected for the under-15 women’s youth national team.

“I was at school when I found out I made the team, in my principal of arts animation class,” Wiseman said. “My coach texted me and I was so overwhelmed and excited, I

“

”

Daisy Wiseman, was also overjoyed to hear the news. “[Wiseman] told us a month before the news came out,” Daisy said. “It was right after she had just gone to the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, so that was cool, too.”

Daisy feels that many of her cousin’s best qualities as a person are transferred to her actions on the field.

“She’s a big team player who always looks out for her people,” Daisy said. “My sister is also a freshman, and they are always helping each other with their homework.

She is genuinely a kind and helping person.

As a defender, she is always backing up and helping them out, making sure that the other team doesn’t score.”

In October, Wiseman traveled to Portland, Ore., with the other 24 girls, to officially join the U.S. A U15 team.

“It was a lot of training, and then two scrimmages,” Wiseman said. “I knew it was going to be a high level, so it was very fast-paced and the coaching was excellent.”

Wiseman said that despite making it to the top camp, there is a possibility that she won’t be invited back.

“I think I did well, but it’s hard to stand out because everyone is so good,” Wiseman said. “I won’t do anything for U.S. Soccer until April, if I get invited back. They keep watching you at tournaments and games to invite you back. Oregon was just to see how we worked with the environment—the team and coaches.”

Wiseman feels that a lot of her success as a player can be attributed to her coach.

“She shows all of her players how much she cares about them and that she believes in them, but when she needs to be she can be strict and serious,” Wiseman said. “She keeps it fun but also competitive. I think her believing in me and showing me that these opportunities are possible has pushed me to keep working for them.”

If Wiseman doesn’t return this April, the freshman defender still feels like there were many lessons to take away from her time playing for the U.S. team.

This experience ultimately inspired Wiseman’s dream of continuing soccer at the college level.

“The speed of play and how quick you have to play really showed me what college soccer is going to be like,” Wiseman said. “I would love to play college soccer and that goal is very motivating for me.”

sports 23

the

shield

issue 2 volume 71

dec. 12, 2023

Knights cause a Marble Fall Girls basketball team redeems last year’s loss, edges out win in last minutes

BELOW: Less than two minutes remained and visiting Marble Falls held a six-point lead and high hopes of spoiling the host Knights’ home opener. Junior point and shooting guard Miranda DiGiovanni stole the ball once and converted a layup to cut the Mustang lead to four. With 1:17 remaining, she stole the ball again and secured two foul shots when she was hacked trying to make a second short shot. That possession cut the lead to two. “We pressed at the end, which led to defensive stops and quick shots,” she said. What started with DiGiovanni’s thievery and ended with junior Emy Chen’s clutch foul shooting gave the Knights an exhilarating victory to christen their home gym for the start of the season. Caption by Nate Williams. Photo by Veronica Jones.

RIGHT: Senior shooting guard Claudia Chu moves the ball down the court with a Marble Falls Mustang hot on her heels at the Nov. 7 varsity girls basketball game. It was not only a close game—the Knights won narrowly by a score of 47-46—but a violent one: one player received a concussion and another a black eye. Chu said seeing her teammates get injured provided motivation for the team. “After that, we kind of came back a little bit for vengeance,” she said. Chu noted that their thirst to avenge their teammates combined with a push from their coaches drove the Knights to secure the win. “We put in double the effort because we were like, ‘OK, we need to win this game.’” Caption by Lanie Sepehri. Photo by Francie Wilhelm.

ABOVE: Freshman team player Naomi Wallace cheers in the stands while the varsity team battles Marble Falls on the court. Wallace said emotions ran high during the game because it was such a closely contested game. “It was really exciting to see them win after [a player] got hurt,” she said. “It was just very emotional to see her cry. And the girls were very big, on the other team, so it was a scary game.” Wallace, a member of the freshman team, respected the varsity players’ ability to handle the heat against a team that has historically been hard for the Knights to beat. “I was like, ‘Oh, it’s a good thing I’m not on varsity, because I could never do that,” she said. “But I really look up to the varsity players. I think they’re very cool and hardworking, and I appreciate their effort.” Caption by Lanie Sepehri. Photo

by Francie Wilhelm.

24 sports

LEFT: Surrounded by a pair of Mustangs, senior shooting guard Esme Barraz attempts a layup. After the Knights won the game, Barraz couldn’t help but be reminded of last year’s matchup against Marble Falls, which the Knights lost 51-13. “It’s nice to see that progression and to see us beat them now,” Barraz said. “It felt like a collective win, and it was one where we literally put our bodies on the line.” Caption by Lanie Sepehri. Photo by Francie Wilhelm.

ABOVE: Sophomore Mary Briceño (No. 2) celebrates the Knights’ victory against Marble Falls with the rest of the girls basketball team.

The Knights started shakily, but Briceño said a halftime pep talk helped them come back stronger. “We talked about what we did wrong,” Briceño said. “Everybody was upset, but Coach [Carly Kehn] said some inspirational words. Two players got injured, but I think that motivated us.” Caption by Lanie Sepehri. Photo

by Francie Wilhelm.

the

shield

issue 2 volume 71

sports briefs

Varsity boys basketball starts district play with emphatic road victory over top rival

On Dec. 5, the McCallum boys varsity basketball team beat the LBJ Panthers 56-28.

While senior Henry Mayes knew the game against LBJ would be challenging, beating the Panthers by double their point total wasn’t expected.

“We started off with nerves,” Mayes said. “We put up some strange shots to start the game, but once we got into the flow and played what we practiced, it all worked out.”

According to Mayes, past matchups between the Jaguars and the Knights have been intense.

“LBJ has always been a big rival for us,” Mayes said. “When we can’t root against Anderson, we root against LBJ.” Mayes says that team consistency was a major contributor to the game’s outcome.

“We’ve been working hard all offseason,” Mayes said. “And we certainly came in with energy and lots of pressure on defense and that got us the win.”

The game, while a victory for the whole team, was also a personal success for Mayes who scored 13 points to lead the team in scoring for the game.

“Making a better connection with the coach and with my teammates, building that trust, helps with opportunities to score more,” Mayes said.

Scan the QR Mayes is looking forward to continuing district play. code to see “The season has gone great so far, we are undefeated,” Mayes video coverage said. “We are feeling really confident as we’ve been blowing out of the Mac vs. teams doubling or tripling their scores.”

LBJ game by —Naomi Di-Capua Julia Copas.

dec. 12, 2023

calendar Dec. 15, 2023

Girls basketball @ Eastside JV–5:30 p.m., varsity–7 p.m.

Boys basketball vs. Eastside Fr–5:15; JV–6:30; varsity–8 Dec. 20, 2023

Girls basketball Alumni Knight Game vs. Travis, JV–4:30 p.m.

Jamie Smith (Class of 1980) jersey retirement–5:30 p.m.

Varsity–6 p.m.

Celebration–7:30 p.m.

Boys basketball at Travis Fr–5:15; JV–6:30; varsity–8 Senior Finn Corrigan dribbles during McCallum’s 56-28 win at LBJ on Dec. 5. After the game, Corrigan tried to research the last time Mac won a varsity boys basketball game at LBJ. The internet had no answer. Photo by Emily Spigner.

Varsity football finishes season with 55-27 loss against Rouse

Senior WIlliam Perkins, shown here at the AISD invitational meet on Nov. 7, placed first in the 100 free at the Buda meet Photo by Riley Pita.

Swim team begins meets

From September to February, the Mac swim team practices at Great Hills County from 7:15 to 8:45 Monday through Thursday. London Holtz, a junior on swim team, says that a typical swim practice starts with 15 minutes to stretch and get ready for practice, then a different set every day to work on different skills. At the end of practice the team either has a cool down or works on starts.

“The season has gone well so far.” Holtz said. One of the team’s most recent events was the AISD Invitational at the UT campus pool. “It’s one of my favorite meets because of how many schools that compete,” Holtz said.

Another recent meet, from Nov. 3 at Buda’s YMCA pool, resulted in Mac placing first in several events, including senior William Perkins in the boys 100-yard freestyle, junior Liliana Hollinger in the girls 50yard and 100-yard freestyle, senior Andrew Wong in the boys 50-yard freestyle, freshman Viggo Gonzales in the boys 100-yard butterfly, senior Maggie Coulbourn in the girls 500-yard freestyle and freshman Kiyomi Rathnasingham in the 100-yard breaststroke.

These individual results, along with many other high placements in several events and with wins from relay teams in the girls 200-yard medley (senior Clara Hopkins, junior Brayden Olivier, Rathnasingham, Hollinger), the girls 200-yard freestyle (Hopkins, Rathnasingham, Hollinger, sophomore Ramona Considine) and the boys 200-yard freestyle (Wong, Gonzales, Perkins, senior Anderson Friday) powered McCallum to a first-place overall in the meet for both girls and boys.

—Mira Patel

The varsity football team’s season ended Nov. 10 after a 55-27 loss against the Rouse Raiders. After a scoreless first quarter, the Knights were unable to keep up with the Raiders in the second quarter, ending the first half down 21-7. That deficit grew to a 41-14 score to end the third quarter.

The Raiders outscored the Knighs 24-13 in a high-scoring fourth quarter that ultimately brought the Knights’ season to a close with a first-round playoff loss. Despite losing the bi-district title game, the Knights still came in second in the district with a 6-1 record.

Wide receiver and cornerback Mark Sanchez feels the team has improved in fundamental ways despite the result against Rouse.

“I feel like our team chemistry and trust in one another improved the most,” Sanchez said. “Coming into the season we would question Junior Luke each other, but the coaching staff brought us together, and we began Dunham runs the to play as a team.” ball at the varsity Prior to the game against Rouse, the Knights played and beat football playoff Navarro on Oct. 20 by a score of 38-0, Travis on Oct. 26 by a score of game vs. Rouse on 35-21 (in the Battle of the Bell rivalry game) and finally Eastside on Nov. 10. Photo by Nov. 4 by a 63-0 final score.

Julia Copas.

—Naomi Di-Capua

Boys and girls golf tee off fall tournaments

Junior Nate Miller hits a tee shot at the tournament at Jimmy Clay on Sept. 7.

Photo by Tegan Rutherford.

The golf team has kicked off its season with three tournaments on the girls side and four on the boys side. Both teams have gained new players who have shown much improvement in the first months of the season. The first tournament that both teams played was a scramble at Jimmy Clay on Sept. 7, with the girls team shooting a 77, the boys first team shooting a 75 and their second team shooting a 71. Both teams then took place in a trifecta tournament at ShadowGlen on the Sept. 26, where they played six holes best ball, six scramble, and six alternate shot. The girls first team shot an 85 which earned them a fourth-place finish.

Their second team shot a 110. On the boys side, the first team shot a 75, and their second team shot a 77. In the boys tournament on Oct. 9 and 10 at Morris Williams, the team finished last out of 22 teams, with the low score for the team being an 87, shot by senior John Hyde. The boys and girls also played in a tournament on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 respectively at Lions Municipal. The boys had a varsity and a JV team playing with varsity shooting a 382 and JV shooting a 447. The girls finished with a team score of 451. Callen Romell placed fifth, shooting a 98.

—Callen Romell

sports 25

opinion

dec. 12, 2023

The CommonApp cold

While the early action and early decision college application options offer real advantages, they also have negative consequences to seniors, colleges Caroline Owen print managing editor

of the bright spots of the college application season, the road to these moments is a stressful one.

As someone with infamously poor time If a patient is experiencing symptoms management skills, I didn’t make things like compulsive class skipping, constant any easier on myself by cramming most of exhaustion and non-stop daydreaming my application checklist into the span of a about life beyond high school, the doctor month. The only thing that did make October may diagnose a severe case of senioritis. In easier was pitching a tent and campfire in many cases, this affliction makes the college Nix’s room. application process even more stressful I planned to submit applications to four than it already is. But for the Mac class colleges before the early action deadline. On of 2024, a collective Halloween, just case of senioritis has one day before, presented itself in a I still had two different way: kicking incomplete things into full gear. applications. I I had poured in my blood, Anyone who takes wasn’t all that a trip over to the @ worried; all I had sweat, and tears to get to this maccollegecareer left to do was Instagram will be point, doing basically nothing write two brief greeted by an array of supplementals in school or at home besides before smiling faces posing next to CommonApp’s submitting. my applications. famed “Submitted!”

I had poured in screen. This has my blood, sweat been the case since and tears to get the second day of to this point, school, when the first doing little in application for the class of ‘24 was submitted school or at home besides my applications. in college counselor Camille Nix’s room. This I was behind in my classes, sleep deprived just goes to show how ahead of the game this and hadn’t really spent much time with my group of seniors has been. friends and family for the past month—so Finishing applications by January or when Halloween rolled around, I was excited February is an accomplishment. Submitting to finally call it quits. I got home from school, through the early action deadline, Nov. 1 finished those two final supplementals, (and in some cases as early as mid-October) pressed submit and breathed a sigh of relief is honestly another level of impressive. that I was through with early action at last.

While seeing the congratulatory confetti and But of course, the stress and lack of self care satisfying check mark on CommonApp is one of my month of CommonApp cramming finally caught up to me. After going to sleep a little before midnight on Halloween, I woke up a few hours later with possibly the worst throat ache I’ve ever experienced. Not only was I sick, but my neck was suddenly decorated with a gazillion little red dots. In the following five days, a few visits to the doctor revealed that I did not have strep throat, the flu or COVID. Whatever mysterious virus I had, as well as the hives that spread to my arms, legs and chest, were a product of stress.

And if one thing’s for sure, it’s that my immune system was just as illequipped for the CommonApp cold as it is against senioritis.

“

26 opinion

”

Helen Martin staff reporter As college admission season kicks into gear, many students wonder which application deadline to follow. The options are endless, depending on each school. Some schools are rolling admission, meaning you hear back mere days or weeks after you apply.

Other schools have only regular decision, the standard deadline that usually falls in January. Others also have the early action option, a non-binding early admission program that allows you to apply and hear back a couple of months ahead of time.

Many schools also have the option for early decision, a process that binds students to their top choice school and generally increases the chances of admission. Of course, if an admitted student is required to attend the school if accepted, the financial aid office has no reason to offer said student any money. While the compulsion to go to a certain school may outweigh factors like financial aid for some students, the majority of the applicant pool isn’t as lucky.

Early decision admissions leads to a disproportionate number of affluent students at many of the country’s most prestigious schools. Not only does early decision bind them to a price tag many others cannot pay, it forces them into a decision they may not be ready to make so early in the school year — usually the early decision deadline is Nov. 1, and applicants hear back in December.

By applying ED, students make the choice to accept admission to their top school regardless of financial aid and regardless of the admission decision at any of their other schools. Students are expected to enroll even if they aren’t offered any financial aid, and while this isn’t a problem for some, the majority of applicants may not be able to afford the full price of tuition.

Universities know that students applying ED are applying because it’s their top school, meaning they’re highly unlikely to turn down an acceptance.

Of course, schools don’t have to give out as much money, because if a student will

enroll regardless, so why not make an extra buck by charging the full price? Because of this outcome, only the wealthiest prospective students are able to apply early decision.

At schools like Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., the early decision admission rate is almost 24%, over three times greater than their regular decision rate of 7%. In addition, almost half of the first year class is admitted early. This only leaves around 1,000 spots for the tens of thousands of applicants who may not have been able to afford the early decision process, many of whom could be just as, if not more than qualified than ED applicants.

Though the early decision applicant pool gives colleges a guaranteed student body committed to attending, the concept locks any student without 100% financial stability out of a majority of the country’s most prestigious schools. As a result, these most prestigious schools are left lacking socioeconomic diversity and carrying a pretentious culture that many colleges have claimed they want to shed.

Graphic by Caroline Owen.

the

issue 2

shield

dec. 12, 2023

volume 71

Change for the long haul

With parking limited at Mac, student’s shouldn’t be forced to park blocks away The STUDENT take on PARKING at MAC

“ “ “ “

responses from a recent @macjournalism poll

[Parking is] terrible. The senior lot is cluttered with pot holes and parking spots that are too small.

—senior Ben Zacharias

We need way more space.

—junior Sam Kruck

Parking is an absolute crisis. It makes me 10 minutes late to class.

—senior Gabi Alfarache

Nate Williams opinion editor It’s almost nine o’clock. You’re driving to school, but as you drive down Sunshine Drive, there’s no parking. As the clock strikes 9, with five minutes until the bell, you drive down Houston, but once again, no parking.

Your last resort: hope there are spaces available in the band lot off of Koenig. There are spaces, luckily, but now there are only two minutes left until you’re tardy. You still have to walk almost 10 minutes to get to your class in the main building. Another day, another parking-induced tardy. So, what can we do to fix this common problem for students?

While many schools have multiple parking lots or assigned parking spaces for students, McCallum has neither. Parking is generally a free-for-all, and those who are unable to park in the one usually full parking lot at Mac or on the school’s side streets end up having to park on the residential blocks further away from the school.

With construction on the west side of campus, parking on Grover Avenue is further limited as large trucks and construction equipment lay across both sides of the road. These blockades and limited parking cause further issues, as some students take creative measures to be able to

Mac could (and should) recreate what Bowie park near Mac, including parking illegally or did to solve its parking woes: build a parking in no parking zones. lot or garage on the west side of campus that It is no surprise that those living in the could also provide another space for school surrounding neighborhoods or tenants of sports or other activities. the apartments across the street have reached There are other out to the options that Mac administration, needs to consider explaining their if building a large frustration with concrete structure the parking that While many schools behind the school is floods their not possible. LASA streets and have multiple parking lots High School, as well parking lots, as other schools in but it doesn’t or assigned parking spaces Austin ISD, have have to be this for students, McCallum adopted a permit way, if Mac structure, where can to provide has neither. students that drive to more parking school are required and stricter to have a permit to guidelines. park in designated Bowie High areas on campus.

School has built Since a a multi-level construction solution would take a while parking garage on its limited-size campus. to implement, the administration should The garage also serves as a multi-use facility, adopt a solution that would have immediate with tennis courts paved onto the top story. impact, like a permit system, to better Since the band lot on the north side of the handle the large influx of cars on campus Mac campus is used in the mornings and every day and improve the parking at Mac evenings regularly by the marching band, that for the long haul. location is unsuitable for a large garage, but

“

”

Parking issues on the Mac campus have been particularly vexing this school year. Possible solutions to the problem implemented at other AISD campus have included a multi-use parking garage (Bowie) or a parking permit system (LASA). Graphic by Nate Williams.

Not enough provided, leads to tickets.

—senior Owen Price

opinion 27

the

shield

issue 2 volume 71

dec. 12, 2023

New policies patronize Updates to school, district deal more damage than defense

Displayed is the icon students see on their seach engine when an image is blocked under school wifi. Graphic by Sophie Leung-Lieu.

Noah Braun staff reporter

unique threat of trespassing. What was so pressing about that single stretch of campus that drove such an urgent, premature security update? Even if it was able to be done without The notion that our school has become interfering with future construction, that’s increasingly more crowded is a wellhardly a reason to split what would have been documented one; student population records one job into two. Without a formal heads-up, and the observable discomfort of navigating the this peculiar placement has created confusion halls during the passing period are indicative of that could easily have been avoided with more this issue. What seems to have gone less noticed intuitive planning. by the majority of the campus’ population, If vandals and other dour individuals were however, is how intent on getting claustrophobic onto the campus, things are there are still getting in other readily visible ways, outside areas where they Had this been an actual of the main can do so. Also, thoroughfare. approving a tall, emergency, dozens could These lurking imposing, pseudohave been injured, or worse. concerns follow Gothic fence such two avenues for as the one we now inspection, namely find ourselves with the restrictions makes our school, imposed by the which I believe recently installed intends to present fence on the southern side of campus and the itself as a positive, welcoming, environment, image censorship implemented on school appear to be much more menacing than many computers. While they provide the illusion of would like. servicing the student body, their true effects The fence’s existence is additionally somewhat lie with their unintended deception, their of a silent admission of defeat, as it is effectively proverbial tentacles slowly coiling around our a monument to the failure of whatever security collective throats with our knowing consent. precautions were in place previously, as they Presumably, the motive behind the clearly were not deemed sufficient. What’s development was to prevent intruders from more, this security addition may, contrary to its entering school grounds, but this explanation purpose, be more likely to harm the people it raises more questions than answers. has been designed to protect.

Given the fence project is to be expanded Those who participated in November’s upon following the collective campus evacuation drill on the southern end of campus modernization effort included on the may have noticed a concerning detail regarding famous AISD bond, then why not hold the new so-called “security measure”—the off on implementing the entire fence until aforementioned gap in the gate that serves as this change is finished? The area where the an access point to the campus creates a physical fencing is mainly concentrated is under no bottleneck, where it took somewhere between

“

28 opinion

”

five and 10 minutes for the cluster of several hundred students, which I was a part of, to reach the gate, let alone exit through it. Had this been an actual emergency, such as a fire, dozens could have been injured or killed in the blockage, that is, if a stampede doesn’t arise, in which case the potential casualties could be even higher.

Currently this issue only exists on one end of the school, but considering administrative plans to soon create more fencing of this type, I must strongly recommend that they reconsider their campus defense strategy.

Mockeries of student freedom don’t end there; since about the beginning of the school year, it would appear as though school computers’ software has been updated to include online security measures regarding images. If you look up a topic, pictures that fall into certain blacklisted categories will be censored by a circular “no” sign superimposed over a dreary gray rectangle.

While the implementation of the new fencing around campus contains several notable contradictions to the school’s goals, they are fairly intangible; it’s not like a fire or other threat is constantly bearing down our necks.

But in a learning environment, which over the past couple decades has been slowly becoming more and more reliant on the internet for both research and general workplace function, having free access to information is paramount.

Now sure, most forms of social media have always been blocked, even when on one’s own personal device, when connected to the school Wi-Fi network. While this is no doubt considered an unfair policy by some, it is rarely a hindrance to learning and can be circumvented with a cellular connection.

Images, on the other hand, if normally available on Google, are posted with the intent to be freely provided to all internet users, or at least as a preview with some sites. The district’s

censorship, inversely, shows a distrust of students, that they do not believe we are suited to view certain things they deem inappropriate for the school environment, even if the search engine’s official moderators say otherwise. As someone who will be of age to vote in the next election, I find this especially insulting.

Say I want to research a contentious topic that will play a key role in my decision of political candidates in 2024, and I just happen to only have access to a device that is property of AISD. Inevitably, I’m met with a picture that people who I’ve never met have decided is unsuitable for me. It’s ridiculous, not quite a violation of my civil liberties, but insulting to my maturity nonetheless.

If I’m old enough to be tried as an adult in court, I’d like to be treated like one.

It’s understandable to censor obscene or controversial images to elementary and middle schoolers, but I’d like to think I’ve been around long enough to determine my own limits. It makes no sense at all why computers provided to high schools cannot have separate rules regarding censorship than those offered to lower levels of education. And circling back to the fence, a less perilous and subtle one, or perhaps even upgrades to the building entrances, would have sufficed, but it seems this is a ship that has sailed already anyway.

It’s difficult to argue against restrictions based on our age without coming off with an irksomely angsty “I’m not a kid, anymore, Mom,” vibe, but there is an awfully condescending tone to all of this. Having some figure or group of figures spontaneously decide what I can and cannot see or do is beyond uncalled for, and such regulations should be left to the actual children, who would benefit from such a thing.

As it stands right now, though, I’ve got to make a request: administrators, if you’re going to be difficult, at least be discrete about it.

the

issue 2

shield

dec. 12, 2023

volume 71

No thanks to Thanksgiving Fall holiday is overrated, has strayed from its original message Shila Gill staff reporter

thanking those who started us off on the foot of bloodshed and backstabbing?

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a day when we gather with our loved ones and eat the same Imagine having a day dedicated to stress foods as the Pilgrims once did, but even this and wasted money with the product of what description is inaccurate. The foods are not can be defined as, at best, mediocre food. the same and the main staple of Thanksgiving Surprise, we do: it’s known as Thanksgiving. is the turkey, which the Pilgrims likely didn’t Thanksgiving was a day in 1621 when the even eat. It has evolved from a harvest festival Pilgrims of Plymouth and the Wampanoag to a religious gathering, to nothing more than a Native Americans shared a feast that saved holiday that has lost its true meaning. the Pilgrims from starvation, marking this People go to crowded and chaotic stores day as a day to give thanks. But after this to spend ridiculous amounts of money on feast, the Pilgrims began to grow in numbers. one meal, only to then have to go home to So what better way to show their gratitude cook said meal, spending hours in the to the Wampanoag Native Americans than kitchen so that by the time it’s done and to wipe them out? they are ready This holiday is just to sit and another instance eat they’re of Americans exhausted. idolizing The core of Thanksgiving A month themselves as later is heroes by covering has just turned into angles, Christmas the blood they other have spilled and likes and views. And that’s no and winter villainizing those holiday I will give thanks to. holidays, who helped them. so why This turn of events not was disgusting wait for much like the these far current holiday. superior holidays that are not America has a history of squashing others’ solely based on one meal meant to voices and Thanksgiving is no different. It represent “unity” for those who have celebrates Pilgrims with no mind to enough time and money to celebrate the sacrifices made by Native a holiday that will all be over within a Americans. We supposedly matter of hours? gathered around to Some obsess over this holiday. Social give thanks to the media has run with it, turning it into Pilgrims who something that is meant for nothing allowed our more than to be seen as “aesthetic”. It has modern diverted from its main purpose of giving lifestyle thanks and being grateful. Now it’s only to be important aspect is how visually pleasing possible. each of the dishes look so they can be added But to a Pinterest board and posted online. The should core of Thanksgiving has just turned into we angles, likes and views. And that’s no holiday really I will give thanks to. be Photos of Thanksgiving dishes by Shila Gill.

“

”

opinion 29

the

shield

dec. 12, 2023

issue 2

Digital does damage

volume 71

New online PSAT format compromises standardization, security, tradition Camilla Vandegrift sports editor

during the exam, computers open up the opportunity for cheating because computers have upright surfaces where a person’s test can be easily seen by anyone behind them, On Oct. 11, McCallum joined other as opposed to paper which is flat to a desk. schools around the country in the Another problem with the new PSAT administration of the first-ever online is the loss of standardization. Where PSAT. This day marked a new event in previously every student in the nation had the inexorable trend toward full digital the exact same questions on the test, the integration of education system. Not new format includes questions and modules only was this the first time the test was that change in difficulty based on how a on computers, but also the first time that student performs on the first part of the College Board (the organization that runs test. While this flexibility might make more the PSAT) ran a trial run of its new format sense for a state-administered test, it is less of adaptive testing, in which the difficulty of effective for a test that is designed to see test modules changes based on results from how all students around the country stack previous modules. up against each other, especially since the These dramatic changes and others, while test varies so greatly from person to person. intended to accommodate the modern If students get different questions, it will be era, are a significant shift that will have harder to tell which students know content a negative impact on the nation’s high that other students do not. For example, one schoolers. student could get a question correct, and The first harm that arises from this another student could get a question that is alteration is that not all students have equal deemed to be the same difficulty incorrect, access to devices with which they can take possibly reflecting poorly on the second the test. While traditional tools such as student, even if hypothetically they knew paper and pencils have been around the answer to the first student’s question. for the entirety of American public In addition to these troubling concerns, education, computers have not and there is also the sheer newness of the test, are simply not which will cause as completely complications, widespread. some of which This reliance on we have yet to Although digitalization is technology would see. When I especially affect took the first supposed to make the test poorer school digital PSAT districts that secure, there is always some on Oct. 11, my already must testing room possibility of academic overcome the experienced a fact that wealthier great number dishonesty. students and school of technical systems have greater difficulties access to test prep associated and tutoring as with the new well as other assets digital PSAT, that are expensive. Even if the students and the proctor did not know fully how to without computers are still able to take administer the test simply because they had the test on paper, they wouldn’t be able to never done it before, which slowed down utilize the adaptive testing feature of the the process overall. new PSAT, which would be the equivalent Though it’s true that this PSAT should of taking a nearly completely different test prepare students for the digital SAT to follow from the rest of the country. In addition in the spring, there are too many dramatic to this inequity, technology creates a great changes at once, and College Board should likelihood of foul play. have eased us into their new testing system Although digitalization is supposed to more gradually. This PSAT that our school make the test more secure, there is always and many others took this October will the possibility of academic dishonesty count toward National Merit and other where computers are involved because academic opportunities, especially for juniors of the vast capabilities that electronics such as myself, and it is unfair to have to take have, while paper completely eliminates this new test for the first time with no prior the possibility of using the internet or knowledge or practice since it holds such a other outside sources to cheat. Other than bearing on the future of possible scholarships the possibility of the internet being used or recognition.

“

Graphic by Nate Williams.

30 opinion

”

the

issue 2 volume 71

shield

dec. 12, 2023

Don’t avoid discussion

School should serve as safe space to educate on complex, emotional conflict Shield staff On Oct. 7, a surprise attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on southern Israel killed more than 1,200 people, including 35 Americans, according to an Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson. Hamas kidnapped approximately 200 hostages, including elderly people and children, and while some have been released following a multiple-day pause in fighting, many remain in Gaza. Israel responded to the attack with overwhelming force. In the next six days, Israel dropped nearly 6,000 bombs on Gaza, according to an Israeli Air Force post on X (formerly Twitter) on Oct. 12. Over the course of the last month and a half, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed more than 17,000 people, two-thirds of whom are women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

But this war did not begin on Oct. 7. It is the latest manifestation of a 70-year dispute between Israelis and Palestinians, spurred by the 1948 creation of Israel as a Jewish homeland at the end of World War II. The United States has both attempted to resolve the conflict through diplomacy and served as one of Israel’s strongest supporters. In 2022,

Israel received $3.3 billion in U.S. military and economic aid, according to the website ForeignAssistance.gov, more than twice the amount given to any other country.

Although the battlegrounds are across the world, this war generates profound emotions for many Jewish, Muslim and Arab Americans. Both the Council for American-Islamic Relations and the AntiDefamation League report that polarizing public discussion has created a climate of intensifying Islamophobia and antisemitism, which has left many of Austin’s Jews and Muslims residents feeling vulnerable.

And despite the United Nations’ recently adopted resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, the fighting will not stop immediately. Given that the United States cast one of 10 votes against the resolution, we as Americans must continue to speak out against the violence.

As fighting continues and the death toll rises, McCallum community members need to ask themselves how we play a role in this decades long war. Our unique and diverse environment should be a place where Muslim and Jewish students can feel supported and all of us can learn about the conflict in a safe space.

McCallum administrators and teachers

Cartoon by Stella Proctor. need to create a forum where students can come together to learn about a conflict that, at least as a humanitarian crisis, affects us all. We’ve done this, during Black History Month, when McCallum invited Dr. Leonard Moore to speak about African-American history and how understanding others’ cultures is essential for us all to succeed. We can and should

shield staff

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

the

print managing editor

a&e editor

web managing editor

people editor

Caroline Owen JoJo Barnard

social media managing editor Naomi Di-Capua

design editor

Sophie Leung-Lieu

news editor Morgan Eye

Eliza Jensen

Chloe Lewcock

sports editor

Camilla Vandegrift

opinion editor Nate Williams

staff reporters Kyan Adams Noah Braun

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 ultimately determines the content.

Students may not publish material that is obscene, libelous or that which will cause a “substantial disruption to the educational process.”

Content that may stimulate heated debate is not included in this definition.

do it again. While administrators may be concerned about raising such a sensitive topic, it is crucial that students understand the reality.

While it is impossible for education to replace the urgent need for diplomatic solutions, empathetic discussions are one of the most productive steps to be taken within our communities.

editors-in-chief Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Francie Wilhelm Dylan Bryl Julia Copas Tristen Diaz Gaby Esquivel Shila Gill August Gleason Lillian Gray Evelyn Jenkins Helen Martin

Maggie Mass Emerson Merritt Josie Mullan Ephraim Paprock-Schue Mira Patel Winnifred Roberts Raul Rivas Jr. Callen Romell Tito Ruetz

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

Sofia Saucedo Chloe Seckar-Martinez Maya Tackett Priya Thoppil Elena Ulack Hadlee Varela Lucas Walker adviser Dave Winter

may stimulate heated debate will be published.

Letters that contain malicious attacks on individual reporters, the adviser or the principal will be rejected.

Anyone interested in purchasing an advertisement should contact Shield adviser Dave Winter by phone at (512) 906-5407.

Advertisements published in The Shield do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff.

editorial 31

issue 2, volume 71 dec. 12, 2023

4000 S Interstate 35 Austin, TX 78704-7420

See our socials: @macjournalism

Issue 2 crossword

Across 3. Last name of the real identity of the count 6. McCallum’s newest performing art group, known for body percussion (pg. 8) 8. A holiday about graditude (pg. 29)

@macjournalism @macstudentmedia Down @macjournalism Interested in advertising in The Shield?

Advertising in The Shield—in our print edition or on our website—gives you a chance to give your business wide exposure while at the same time showing to your customers that you support McCallum High School and the community we serve with our publications.

Analytics reveal that advertising in The Shield Online makes a big splash. A recent website ad (a sidebar and in-story ad) received a total of 139,621 views and 105 clicks.

Advertising in The Shield is affordable. It’s effective. It’s altruistic. And it’s a good investment.

Please consider advertising in the Shield now and during the 2023-2024 school year.

If you are interested in advertising in The Shield or The Shield Online, please contact adviser David Winter at david.winter@austinisd.org.

To find more exclusive stories from MacJournalism, visit our website at macshieldonline.com.

Subscribe to our reporters by installing the Student News Source App available in iOS and Android app stores.

32 back cover

1. _____ space (Taylor’s Version) (pg. 12) 2. The standardized test given before the SAT (pg. 6 and pg. 30) 4. The Shield’s website: macshield_____.com 5. Ms. Petersen’s sister (pg. 14) 6. Street that runs along the frontside of McCallum 7. A central place at Mac where you can borrow books Graphics by Sophie Leung-Lieu.

1 3

2

4

5

6

7 8

1. blank 2. PSAT 3. Cowles 4. online 5. Summerville 6. (across) Steppers 6. (down) Sunshine 7. Library 8. Thanksgiving

the

shield