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McCallum High School / 5600 Sunshine Drive / Austin, TX 78756 / Oct. 20, 2023 / Volume 71 / Issue 1

CAN TEXAS BEAT THE HEAT?

Extreme weather intensifies

Experts warn about the state’s rising wildfire risk page 3 EDITORIAL: We need to plan ahead for climate crises page 31

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save the date

october

Oct. 21 Homecoming Dance @ Zilker Lounge, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 Volleyball vs. Ann Richards @ Ann Richards, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 Mac Youth Dance Co. Adjudicated Works Showcase @ AISD PAC, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 Fine Arts Academy Showcase @ Mac, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 13 Staff Developement/Student Holiday Nov. 18 Region Orchestra Clinic/Concert @ AISD PAC, 4 p.m. Nov. 20 Fall Break begins

Autumn enthusiast argues that the flavors of the season are best served when the weather calls for them

Lucente legacy built to last Senior’s Eagle Scout project continues family tradition of making campus a better place for feathered friends

Fresh blood in the front office Three first-year assistant principals and one new counselor usher in a new era of Mac leadership

Athletes adjust amid heatwave

New district guidelines force athletics classes to cancel or move indoors to escape dangerous temperatures

Saving the Earth by proxy

Invasive parrot species’ untapped potential could mean major ecological benefit for Texas and beyond

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Too soon to fall for fall

Hispanic Heritage Month photo essay on macshieldonline.com Sophomore Chim Becker and Cozbi Sims pose while manning a table with Lou Davidson at the Hispanic Heritage Month treat day during lunch on Sept 28. Photo by Beatrix Lozach.

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a&e people center sports opinion

Various outages bleed from summer into school year as custodial, maintenance staff scramble for solutions

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Air conditioning dysfunction persists

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pg. 23 FROM SWIM CAPS TO SOCCER BALLS: Former UC Berkeley swimmer Cat O’Neal, shown here with freshman Katie Hyzak, brings sunny outlook to Mac athletics. Photo by Dave Winter.

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oct. 20, 2023

Central Texas wildfire risk increases due to high heat Firefighters, environmentalists urge individuals, lawmakers to take action

Mira Patel staff reporter

for the vast majority of wildfires — nearly 90%, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association. “This activity includes direct causes Texas has seen its fair share of extreme such as malfunctioning equipment, weather: droughts, tornadoes and even burning brush during burn bans, ice storms. Now one more can be added fireworks and to the list: abandoned a growing campfires,” Hudson risk of severe said.“The indirect wildfires, The fire hazard is still with us. activity brought on by includes this summer’s Fires are easy to start, and power persistent heat and low very difficult to contain. precipitation. Firefighter —firefighter Leon Hudson, Leon Hudson director of the LBJ Fire Academy, is an expert in wildfire management. According to Hudson, Texas wildfires aren’t unprecedented, but recent environmental factors are cause for increased concern. “Texas has always dealt with wild-land fire risk,” Hudson said. “The past several years Graphic have increased the hazard.” by Mira The two most important factors contributing to wildPatel land fires are Texas’ long, severely hot months coupled with little to no rain. “This [combination] causes vegetation to dry out and damages infrastructure, which leads to power lines breaking and roads becoming dangerous to drive on, resulting in automobile accidents, driving vehicles onto fields of tall grass, etc.” Hudson said. “Just add wind, and it’s the perfect storm.” A fire’s danger level is largely determined by the speed at which it’s able to grow. “The fire spreads rapidly, consuming the fuel that was created by the extreme heat and lack of rain,” Hudson said. “Once a fire starts, it requires resources the homeowner doesn’t have to contain it and extinguish it.” Human activity is responsible

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lines, building in remote areas and allowing vegetation to grow unattended.” AP Environmental Science teacher Elaine Bohls-Graham explained how urban sprawl also contributes to wildfire risk. “We can see this happening here in Austin as we built houses east of us, as we built homes and apartments west of us and as we built additional roads and parking lots,” Bohls-Graham said. “It’s created drier areas where we don’t have creeks running like they used to. We are starting to see the

To read about co-editor-in-chief Ingrid Smith’s firsthand experience with wildfires, scan the QR code or visit macshieldonline.com environmental effects of Austin’s economic development.” Gov. Greg Abbott issued a wildfire disaster declaration for three-fourths of all Texas counties on Aug. 14. Since Aug. 1, at least 85,000 acres of Texas land have burned, according to a report by the Texas A&M Forest Service. Fin Kirsch, McCallum Environmental Knights vice president, works to raise awareness about important environmental issues facing the local community, including how to reduce wildfire risk. “One of the things we can do is be aware of our surroundings, like being careful about throwing cigarette butts out,” Kirsch said. “We also need to be aware of burn bans.” Hudson suggests collecting and safely disposing of dead vegetation. “Trimming the trees around our homes and buildings creates defensible space in the event a fire does break out,” Hudson said. “Trimming trees away from power lines helps prevent energized power lines being knocked down from wind.” Even as the Texas heat begins to let up, Hudson believes vigilance is still crucial in preventing fires. “Although the temperatures are tolerable, the dry conditions still exist,” Hudson said. “The fire hazard is still with us. Fires are easy to start, and very difficult to contain.”

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Hitting landmark in role, principal reflects on his progress, goals Alice Scott co-editor-in-chief Oct. 18 marks Andy Baxa’s 100th day as principal. In the same way that a president is evaluated at the beginning of a term, Baxa reflected on his progress in the four main categories of principal performance: instructional leadership, talent and development, communication and relationships and culture building. Instructional Leadership: B-minus The first category examines a principal’s ability to innovate learning to the school. Examples of success include researching best practices for instruction and cultural responsiveness, looking at data to maximize student growth and providing relevant and professional learning. According to Baxa, this area had to take a backseat until beginningof-year needs were addressed. “It’s an important part of the job, but right now, we’ve been focused so much on the logistical aspects, the scheduling and trying to get everything running the way it should,” Baxa said. Baxa’s focus for instructional leadership centers around not only raising the percentage of students passing their STAAR EOC tests but also raising students reaching the mastery level. “A lot of

times in instruction, you see teachers that teach to the middle,” Baxa said. “I want to challenge them to teach to the edges—the low and the high. Switching the mindset will push them to achieve at the higher levels.” Talent and development: A-minus The second category addresses the principal’s ability to encourage student and staff progress. Examples of success include building an environment to develop school goals and vision, ongoing teacher development and promoting student growth. “I think McCallum is in really good hands,” former Mac principal Nicole Griffith said. “I felt a lot better about the decision for me to step down from McCallum when they did end up choosing Mr. Baxa. [Students and staff] know and love him and have always been so supported by Mr. Baxa.” Currently, improvement in this area has centered around training the APs, three of which are new to McCallum and two of which are new to AISD. This process includes weekly meetings to discuss their individual responsibilities and get them up to speed on school-specific procedures. “[They] bring a fresh set of eyes to look at some things that maybe we were unaware of. ”

Communication and relationships: A The third category measures the principal’s ability to connect with the school community. Examples of success include creating positive professional relationships with colleagues and families and making an environment where all staff feel welcome. Communication comes naturally to Baxa. Throughout the day, he gets out of his office to interact with students and teachers. Every 30 minutes or so, he makes it a point to go around the school to walk into classrooms and observe different classes. Student body president Olivia Hexsel finds this aspect of Baxa’s leadership most helpful in his transition into the principal position. “He is very strict but always welcoming,” Hexsel said. “At McCallum, we are a very diverse community. [Mr. Baxa’s] been so welcoming to new students and everyone.” Baxa has also incorporated a weekly newsletter that goes out to parents in an email on the weekend. “My communication strategy is that you can’t over-communicate,” Baxa said. “There’s going to be somebody in that chain who appreciates the fact that that information is coming and appreciates the fact that we’re keeping them informed.” Culture building: A-minus The final category considers the principal’s ability to create and facilitate a school identity. Examples of success might include efforts for embracing all voices in the school community, promoting systems that encourage outreach with the

At the 2020 Back to Mac pep rally, Zach Napier, Colby Jones, Andrea Paredes and Janael Copeland wrap then assistant principal Andy Baxa in streamers. Photo by Bella Russo.

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REPORT CARD

Btalent & development Acommunications and A relationships culture building Aoverall performance B instructional leadership

“I’m learning I can’t give myself an A until I know everything about the job. And I think that’s OK.” —principal Andy Baxa

community, having high expectations and empowering students and staff. After 20 years working at the school, Baxa understands the importance of its culture. For students, this awareness has helped facilitate a smooth transition between principals. “He really tries to encourage the student body to go to events, go to homecoming and go to games,” Hexsel said. “It’s really important to build that school spirit because I think that is what makes Mac whole.” Baxa agrees. He has no intention of making sweeping changes that would impact the culture of the school. This commitment starts with a freshman seminar, led by current students, to discuss norms and explain how the school works. “Our students are doing a good job on educating [the freshmen],” Baxa said. “Hearing from us is one thing, but hearing from students is completely different.” Overall performance: B The combination of these four categories makes up the criteria for overall performance, taking into account both timing and progress. “I’m learning,” Baxa said. “I can’t give myself an A until I know everything about the job. And I think that’s OK.” But a B for Baxa, earned after only 100 days, is alright by him because he’s playing the long game and is committed to the success of McCallum over time. “The school itself is a unique place,” Baxa said. “It’s someplace that I’ve been able to grow and learn and develop as an educator. It’s taken care of me over the years, so I want to take care of it.”

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volume 71

Air conditioning dysfunction persists

Custodians, teachers remain on high alert to address outages around campus amid heatwave concerns, overcrowding concerns Francie Wilhelm co-editor-in-chief

warm bodies in Room 130 exacerbated the know they’re not connected at all,” Sena said. uncomfortable temperatures. On Sept. 8, the MAC AC failed again and Thirty minutes before doors opened on the “I remember it not only being hot but the building reached an internal temperature first day of school, head custodian Daniel also very sticky and humid,” said senior of 90 degrees. Art and theater classes were Sena had a problem. And it left him sweating. Lila Juenger, who attended one of the forced to relocate to the cafeteria. “Around 7 o’clock it started feeling very workshops. “Mix “It [the MAC] humid,” Sena said. “That’s a sign that the cold that with no air is nice and water that makes the AC cold is not working.” conditioning and toasty,” senior During the last two weeks of summer, it was pretty hard technical When the cafeteria isn’t cold, the air conditioning in the main building to focus.” theater student experienced outages, largely because of the Now, Nix’s room Maggie to me that’s like an alarm. record-breaking heat wave sweeping through is cooled by a small Coulbourn Central Texas. portable unit. said. Like OK, there’s something Sena and the rest of the custodial staff are “There was a Coulbourn wrong with the whole unit. on the frontlines in this ongoing climate solution after and several of battle, as they are the middlemen between that because we her fellow tech teachers experiencing an outage and the lost our minds,” students are on —head custodian maintenance team responsible for fixing it. Nix said. “And so crew for Sweet Daniel Sena On the first day, Sena texted maintenance they brought that Charity, the fall as soon as he realized the campus wasn’t [unit] in over the musical. AC cooling down. weekend.” outages made “They’re constantly checking the AC, but I Sena feels that rehearsing and guess anything that could’ve gone wrong did overcrowding creates more strain on the holding crew calls difficult. go wrong,” Sena said. system. This year, McCallum has surpassed “If it continues to be super hot it could The main air conditioning is fed by cold 1,900 students, up from 1,824 last school year. be a problem,” Coulbourn said. “And water, which runs through the system and “With more people it makes the AC work if it doesn’t get fixed people can’t be in cools the air. even harder to cool down,” Sena said. the catwalks. It’s already so hot up there The issues with The portable units because you’re above the AC anyway. the central AC seen in Nix’s room are Without the AC it’s not safe.” were resolved only viable solutions As of Sept. 11, the AC was restored in early on in the on a small-scale. the MAC, but just the next day, the AC day, but that According to Sena, was out in the fieldhouse. Large fans were I remember it not only didn’t prevent should an entire brought in to keep athletes, dancers and being hot but also very students and building lose AC for cheerleaders cool. In the long term, these teachers from an extended period, kinds of malfunctions will be addressed by sticky and humid. Mix that feeling the heat. maintenance brings general facility improvements, like those Knights who funded by the 2022 AISD bond. with no air conditioning and in much larger came back to equipment. Sena remains on high alert for signs of it was pretty hard to focus. campus earlier “It has happened a dead unit, like humidity or a less-thanin the summer before, and they arctic cafeteria. experienced —senior Lila Juenger bring what is called a “The cafeteria, for some reason the AC weeks of spotty temporary unit,” Sena works real good,” Sena said. “It’s always cold. climate control. said. “And it’s in like a When the cafeteria isn’t cold, to me that’s like “I tried to small 18-wheeler, and an alarm. Like OK there’s something wrong [work in Room it sits out there in the with the whole unit.” 130] at the beginning and then I gave up and courtyard. They reconnect the AC and make If the McCallum campus experiences went to a tiny little office in the main office the whole thing work.” an outage again, Sena urges students and area,” said college and career counselor Classrooms outside the main building aren’t teachers not to project their frustrations with Camille Nix, who reported back to school spared from the outages either. The MAC’s air the heat onto the people trying to fix it. on July 17. conditioning failed around the same time as “There are a lot of people doing their best The University Boulevard hallway was the main building’s over the summer. to keep them cool,” Sena said. “Understand majorly impacted by the summer outages. “Usually when the building goes down the that we’re as frustrated as they are and that Nix hosted two college-application people in the MAC don’t feel it, but it went we take their concerns seriously and just to workshops in August and the dozens of down all at the same time, and from what I be a little bit more understanding.”

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The portable air conditioning unit in Room 130, college and career counselor Camille Nix’s classroom. Nix’s room first experienced an outage over the summer when she reported back to work. Photo by Francie Wilhelm.

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597 days later, Austin Ukrainians keep fighting

volume 71

oct. 20, 2023

Despite dwindling coverage, opposition, a community remains resolute in mission Lanie Sepehri co-editor-in-chief

When Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine first began, Americans across the political aisle were united in lending support to Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, America has given over $75 billion in humanitarian, financial and military support. After the war has stretched on for a year and a half and shows no signs of ending soon, however, things have changed. There have been calls — most notably by Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy — to decrease or stop aid to Ukraine altogether. Media outlets, which used to regularly cover the Austin Ukrainian community’s rallies outside the state Capitol, rarely come anymore. According to Darya Ledesma, a prominent member of the Austin Ukrainian community who immigrated to the United States in 2011, the last time a news outlet covered their rallies was in February at the first anniversary of the war. Though American attitudes about the war have changed, one thing has not: the Austin Ukrainian community’s dedication to supporting their home country from afar. “We are doing this, and we plan to do this for the foreseeable future,” Ledesma said. At the war’s outbreak, the community staged daily rallies outside the Capitol to draw awareness but decreased them to once a week after about three months. Ledesma, whom the Shield first interviewed in the spring of 2022, doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. “Hopefully, until Ukraine wins, God gives us strength and energy to continue coming to rallies,” Ledesma said.

Austin Ukrainians’ efforts also expanded “You cheer up when you understand that into new areas. In March of last year, Tonya you can do at least something,” Voinova said. Levchuk established the Liberty Ukraine “When you’re doing something, when you’re Foundation, an Austin-based nonprofit staying close to Ukraine and Ukrainian dedicated to raising funds for Ukrainian people, it helps [us] a lot to keep going, keep servicemen, first-aid workers and citizens. believing, keep waiting for victory to come.” Liberty Ukraine is the reincarnation of a Both Ledesma and Voinova participated nonprofit Levchuk in trips arranged started in 2014 by Ukrainian when Russia forcibly organizations to annexed Ukraine’s Capitol Hill in It’s like the world keeps Crimean peninsula. Washington, D.C., While Levchuk, who Ukraine on life support. where they advocate came to the United for continued —Liberty Ukraine co-founder American aid States in 2007, is normally dedicated to Tonya Levchuk to Ukraine by her career, she said she speaking with U.S. has twice switched her representatives and priorities and vision senators, including for her life: once in 2014, and a second time Texas senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn. when Russia invaded in 2022. “We’re very busy on those trips,” Ledesma “Helping Ukraine is my top priority in life said. “Same time as the former president of right now,” Levchuk said. “I don’t care about Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko. I got to talk to anything else. I do it 24/7. If somebody calls him and we sang the [Ukrainian] national me at two in the morning, that’s a call I’m anthem together.” going to pick up. The rest can wait.” Ledesma says that the representatives, Kate Voinova, who emigrated from Ukraine senators and staffers she has met with over four years is a prominent member of have been generally supportive of their both Liberty Ukraine and the larger Austin mission and of Ukraine. One Ukrainian community. Like Ledesma, she has congressional staffer, family members back in Ukraine — Voinova’s however, told her in April family lives in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, that for America to an area that has suffered significant damage continue providing due to the war. aid to Ukraine, the Although Voinova is separated from Ukrainian summer both her family and her country, she says offensive would have to that volunteering with Liberty Ukraine, be “spectacular.” organizing rallies and even voyaging to “It’s like the world Ukraine to bring supplies to the front lines keeps Ukraine on life keep her from feeling powerless. support,” Levchuk said.

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“They give enough to stay alive, but they do not give enough to get [the war] to move forward.” According to Ledesma, the change in American attitudes towards Ukraine stems from desensitization to the conflict after a year and a half. “I think at first there was a shock,” Ledesma said. “But then naturally, it’s just human nature, the shock passes. You’re just getting used to, ‘OK, another day of war, another 20 people died.’ It becomes the new norm.” While Ledesma understands that the conflict isn’t personal to Americans in the same way it is for her, she says the continued international aid and attention is essential to ending the war. “The way Americans can help is not to have that attitude,” Ledesma said. “If we all bring back our focus or the energy that we had a year ago, we can win this war together. It can be over quickly and soon. But for that, Ukrainians cannot do the job alone. We’re just not enough people.” Ledesma is grateful for Americans’ support, but she said that being surrounded by fellow Ukrainians gives her the strength to continue fighting for her country. “I am so grateful that during this horrible time in Ukrainian history, I’m actually in Austin, where we have an amazing Ukrainian community,” Ledesma said. “Having all those people, sticking together and being true friends — it helps us all to go through this horrible time. This collective energy energizes you, it gives you hope. And it helps you continue doing what we’re doing, right? Because if we sit and cry and do nothing, how does that help? It does nothing. Never did.”

Protesters sit outside the Texas state Capitol to show their support for Ukraine. Austin Ukrainians initially held rallies outside the Capitol every day at the war’s outbreak, but decreased them to once a week on Saturdays after about three months. Photo courtesy of Kate Voinova.

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news briefs PALS’ Pink Week breaks previous years’ record for funds raised

Longtime PALS adviser Richard Cowles remembers when Pink Week was a young Mac tradition and would bring in around $200. On the first day of this year’s Pink Week, Cowles said he expected Pink Week to bring in 10 times that amount for the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Texas. The final result exceeded Cowles’ admittedly lofty projection. The 2023 total of $2,721 as of Oct. 7 is closer to $3,000, the highest total the PALS have raised since Pink Week’s inception. While Pink Week raises money for a good cause, Cowles is also quick to observe that it has a noble secondary purpose: to stage activities that are fun and bring the campus together. “[The activities] provide an excuse for us to do things in common—wearing pink and enjoying the lunchtime carnival,” Cowles said. “They highlight our similarities.” Cowles became the PALS sponsor in 2011, and regarding its metamorphosis over the years, noted, “People are more generous when they realize their donations are having a direct impact.” —Beatrix Lozach

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calendar Oct. 21-23, 2023

CapMetro rail services suspended Nov. 8, 2023

End of Texas special legislative session Nov. 13, 2023

Staff development day Student holiday

Senior Jude Masoni turns fellow PAL David Herring a stationary target for water balloons during the PAL-lery on Tuesday Oct. 3. Photo by Beatrix Lozach.

U.S. News ranks University of Texas ninth in public universities, 32nd overall The University of Texas at Austin has been ranked No. 9 in only public and No. 32 in both public and private universities in the U.S., while still remaining the No. 1 university in Texas, according to the 2024 U.S. News National University Rankings. UT Austin gained six places from its 2023 spot at No. 38. Within the university itself, the McCombs Business School was ranked fifth in the country, tied with New York University, up two places from its previous ranking. The McCombs Business School has the No. 1 ranked accounting program across all schools ranked nationally. UT Austin also was named No. 2 in petroleum engineering, No. 4 in management information systems, No. 8 in computer engineering and No. 10 in artificial intelligence. —Chloe Lewcock

Texas attorney general Ken Paxton acquitted The Texas House of Representatives voted to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton on May 27 — automatically suspending him from office until his trial — after being accused of misusing the power he holds to help real estate investor Nate Paul, who is currently under investigation. On June 21, Texas’s Republican-dominated Senate tried Paxton on 16 The floor of the out of 20 impeachment charges. The trial started on Sept. 5 and Texas House of ended on Sept. 16. After 13 witnesses and hours of trial, Paxton Representatives. Image was acquitted on all 16 articles of impeachment. Twenty-one votes sourced under Creative would be needed to convict and permanently force Paxton to leave Commons license. office, but in the end, the votes came up short. Paxton’s lawyers were able to successfully convince Texas senators that the claims against Paxton were full of holes and misleading information. Despite the verdict, unrest has occurred between those who thought the whole trial needed to be questioned and others who felt like it was the verdict that needed to be questioned. —Shila Gill

California Sen. Dianne Feinstein dead at 90 California Sen. Dianne Feinstein died at age 90 in her Washington, D.C. home on Sept. 28 according to a press release made by her chief of staff, James Sauls. Reigning as the longest term for a woman in the Senate, Feinstein was known by many as the first female top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee and for her 31 years of Congressional service. She helped spearhead a variety of major congressional movements, such as those addressing gun control, climate change, cancer research and more. Prior to her work in Washington, she Feinstein in November 2014. Image worked as San Francisco’s mayor from 1983-1993, the first woman sourced under Creative to hold the office in the city’s history, and was lauded as among the Commons license. best in the country at the time. Feinstein cast her last vote on the Congressional floor on the morning of Sept. 28 on a short-term spending bill, the Senate reports. Her final social media post was a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, regarding the recently reignited ethnic cleansing of the Armenian people at the hands of the Azeri government. While no cause of death has been officially disclosed, it should be noted that the late senator began to suffer from shingles earlier this year, and was absent from the public eye from February to May. Even upon her return to Congress, her poor physical condition was apparent. While she reassured the press that she was improving, she was in fact revealed to still have been enduring side effects that were more severe than had been previously acknowledged. With Feinstein’s passing, California Governor Gavin Newsom was left to determine her successor, and chose Democrat Laphoza Butler. —Noah Braun

Tickets for first homecoming dance since 2019 sell out during advance sales

McCallum’s Student Council will host the first homecoming dance since 2019 on Saturday night. The casino-themed dance will be held at the Zilker Lodge Outdoor Pavilion from 7:3010:30 p.m.. Tickets were sold for $25 to seniors on Oct. 10, juniors on Oct. 12, sophomores on Oct. 13, freshmen on Oct. 16 and to all grades from Oct. 17 to 19 during lunch. The Student Council originally planned to sell remaining tickets at the door, but they confirmed with the Shield today that all tickets for the dance have been sold and there are no additional tickets available for purchase. A sum of the profits made from the dance will go towards the 2024 senior prom, according to senior student body president Olivia Hexsel, as the funding for the venue came out of the senior budget. —Morgan Eye

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Sorry Starbucks, it’s still too soon to fall in love with fall

Sofia Saucedo staff reporter For local Texans, the second we feel a slight breeze in the air, everyone knows: it’s the spooky season. But for Starbucks, the holiday season began on Aug. 24 when the company released its would improved fall menu, including pastries and mean more drinks both new and old. if I could drink Some of the newest members of the fall my fall-flavored coffee lineup include the Iced Pumpkin Cream when the weather has Chai Tea Latte and the Apple Crisp Oat Milk dropped to maybe 75 degrees Shaken Espresso, along with the new sweet (which, here in Texas, is sweater treat, the Baked Apple Croissant. All of these weather). follow in the footsteps of the OG Pumpkin I am a fall girl at heart, and I love all Spice Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and things pumpkin and cardigan. Any mention the dreamy Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffin. of fall gets me excited to get out of this While some say these flavors couldn’t have muggy heat, but in come sooner, I’d argue reality, it is just too hot that Aug. 24 is too soon to release fall drinks for a seasonal menu when Texas will still shift when autumn I have no desire to experience summer doesn’t start until a heat for another month later on Sept. 23. sip on a hot drink month and a half. The drinks may be With the addition delicious and packed when the weather still of the Pumpkin Chai with all those sweet allows me to take a and the Apple Crisp pumpkin-y artificial Shaken Espresso, flavors that the world dip in Barton Springs. Starbucks fanatics seems to go feral for, have wasted no time but I don’t think it’s jumping into the the best time to release Starbucks holiday these iconic beverages. season with this early release of the fall My major issue with this early release is drinks. What is going to happen when that drinking a hot latte while the forecast they leave the menu to make room for the still calls for melting heat with a side of Christmas-flavored drinks? excruciating dryness is just not enjoyable. I’m worried that with the early release of Similar to how I wouldn’t want to chug the fall drinks, the drinks won’t stay on the ramen when it’s 110 degrees Fahrenheit menu for all of fall, which runs through Dec. outside — which was the record-breaking 11. Starbucks has already announced that it temperature on Aug. 27, just three days after will release its Christmas drinks on Nov. 7, the drinks were released, I have no desire which means that we likely will have to say to sip on a hot drink when the weather still goodbye to the delicious seasonal fall drinks allows me to take a dip in Barton Springs. way before the season ends. I have to admit that I adore these drinks As a pumpkin connoisseur, with general and jumped at the opportunity to enjoy knowledge of the holiday season, I think them the second they came out. Still, it

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Releasing pumpkin drinks and treats on Aug. 24, before summer ended, will inevitably lead to less time for the autumn season, overlap with winter holidays

that midto-late September is the perfect time to introduce pumpkin to every local Starbucks. This alternative timing allows for the summer and winter seasons to run their course. As the heat dwindles, we will be able to get excited, thus filling everyone with anticipation for the upcoming season filled with pumpkin sugar, spice and everything nice.

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Hendrickse and her stepdad Richard Kriese pose at Pont Du Gard, the tallest Roman aqueduct bridge. Photo courtesy of Hendrickse.

C’est la viola

As a freshman, Hendrickse sits concertmaster for the nonvarsity full orchestra concert on Feb. 7. Photo by Paige Massengale.

Studying with old teacher deepens lifelong love of music, expands horizons Maya Tackett staff reporter Sitting down at the piano at 4 years old, mesmerized by the realization that she could make her own music, sophomore Imogen Hendrickse realized that this instrument was going to be a big part of her life. Having the same realization, her mom took a seat next to her and taught little Hendrickse to play “Ode to Joy.” At the same time, Hendrickse’s older sister, Cosette, was learning to play the violin. Awestruck by her sister’s ability, Hendrickse asked her mom if she could start taking lessons as well. Fast forward to this August when Hendrickse spent the second week of school studying and becoming more connected to the viola in the south of France. A few months ago, when Hendrickse was presented with the opportunity to play in front of her old teacher’s teacher, PierreHenri Xuereb, in a masterclass, there wasn’t a doubt in her mind that she would say yes. For her masterclass song, Hendrickse selected a violin piece she’d been polishing for weeks, from an Italian opera called “Nina.” “It’s really quite a lovely piece and rather melancholic,” Hendrickse said. “This particular scene involves a man who is dreading the loss of his beloved Nina and desperately wants her back. It’s meant to convey the heartbreak he is feeling.

Therefore, ‘Nina’ was a slower piece and an rehearsal and watching professionals play easier one that really forced me to focus on both solo and chamber music. my intonation and the style of play.” “I learned a lot about what music is like in After the masterclass, Hendrickse got Europe and France especially,” Hendrickse feedback on her piece from Xuereb. He asked said. “The people and the teachers there Hendrickse to were incredible. play an additional And of course, piece and had her the scenery in the try some different South of France styles. Then, was just gorgeous.” Xuereb offered McCallum I improved as a musician both Hendrickse Orchestra and got a whole new and her sister a assistant director, full scholarship Erika Elder, felt perspective on how music to study the viola Hendrickse’s with him for a scholarship was brings us together. week in France. well-deserved “I felt really after watching —sophomore accomplished her develop as a Imogen Hendrickse in all my work musician in the and practice,” past year. Hendrickse said. “We don’t have “I was extremely many students grateful to my go abroad to mom for always supporting me in this study, so I thought it was really neat that she passion.” had the opportunities and connections to While the viola isn’t Hendrickse’s main do that,” Elder said. “She’s very dedicated, instrument, the viola and violin are similar she’s very talented and she’s committed to in size and technique. This trip would her instrument. She works really hard for allow Hendrickse to learn more about the everything that she has and it shows.” viola specifically. Elder thinks that Hendrickse has what it During her trip, Hendrickse’s schedule fully takes to bring her talents to the next level. revolved around music. Her day consisted of “I really just want to see her become the a lesson in the morning, individual practice best violinist she can,” Elder said. “She has time, a chamber group rehearsal, another all the talent in the world, and I know she

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has big goals for her future. I’d love to see her accomplish those.” While traveling abroad provided Hendrickse with a rare opportunity, she has plenty of opportunities to advance as a musician right here at home through UIL. “She will get a lot of practice here at McCallum with All-Region, All-State orchestra auditions and solo and ensemble competitions,” Elder said. “There are a lot of competitions that she participates and does very well in, and I think she learns a lot from those.” Senior concertmaster Georgia Halverson, who plays in the same quartet as Hendrickse, has also seen how Hendrickse has contributed to the McCallum orchestra program. “Imogen is truly such an amazing person and musician,” Halverson said. “She’s such a talented second violinist because she offers a vast range of different sounds, which adds to the overall orchestra.” Even as she continues to prove her abilities as a violist and violinist, Hedrickse remains humble in her belief that what she’s been given is a product of good fortune, not just her talents. “All in all, I think I improved as a musician and got a whole new perspective on how music brings us together,” Hendrickse said. “I just feel truly grateful that I got to be a part of this incredible opportunity and that the dominoes fell in the right places to lead me to such an experience.”

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D-minus for Disney+

issue 1 volume 71

Streaming service suffers from lack of classic fan favorites, Marvel media decline Gaby Esquivel staff reporter

If you and your friends are debating the best streaming service, you might hear the name Disney+ thrown around. The concept was teased back in 2017 to an overwhelmingly positive fan base, and on its launch date in November 2019, it gained over 10 million subscribers, soon spreading to more countries. Disney+ became the main source for any Disney-owned content such as Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic, 20th Century Fox and various other properties. What seemed to draw the most excitement around Disney+, besides its library of Disney classic films, were original series like The Mandalorian (which became a smashing success), and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Despite its initial promise, the streaming service ran into a few problems in the years following its successful launch. An extensive supply of nostalgic movies can only keep audiences satisfied for so long, and anticipating this, Disney+ dropped projects such as a liveaction remake of Lady and the Tramp and Forky Asks a Question, a mini-series spinoff of Toy Story 4. Over the last four years, Disney+ has continued to release original content, but a few months ago, fans noticed that Disney was removing some of its own original content like the reboot Turner & Hooch, Diary of a Future President, Timmy Failure: Mistakes and many more. According to Christine Chiney, Disney’s financial officer, the removals were intended to make room for Disney+ to revisit

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its strategy and maintain a new budget. The biggest cause of this reversal, however, was a loss of subscribers as it’s reported that about 3.8 million people canceled their Disney+ subscriptions between October 2022 and January 2023. One of the biggest issues with Disney+ is that it has been blamed for the decline of Marvel Entertainment Studios. Over the years, a big chunk of Marvel content has been put on Disney+, but in series form. Though this initially sounded like a great idea, it has since turned out to be a disaster. Besides removal of original works from a few years ago, viewers have noticed rushed and unfinished CGI in shows like Moon Knight, She-Hulk and I am Groot,

possibly due to the absurdly short production schedule required of the visual effects artists. Another common complaint is that the newer original shows do not add substance to the Marvel cinematic universe or timeline; some don’t even match up with the initial timeline that comics and filmmakers have worked so hard to perfect. Compared to projects like all three of the Marvel’s Phases movies, where each film contributed and led more into Avengers: Infinity War, these new shows and movies feel random and, at times, desperate. Despite its flaws, Disney+ still has the chance to regain the momentum it had upon its release four years ago. The streaming service’s main challenge seems to be understanding what audiences want to see and producing content that caters to that. And of course, Disney+ should always find room for content that’s already been adored for generations.

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Is the film industry (block) busted?

Summer film slate suffers from corporate greed, lack of creativity

Noah Braun staff reporter In 1977, Star Wars debuted to the world, racking up what would today be $1.5 billion in the domestic box office alone and cementing it as the most important pop culture development of the second half of the 20th century. Cinema then opened Pandora’s Box. The franchise would usher in a new age of technology and screenplay in a movie industry that, at the time, was in desperate need of excitement and new blood to pave the way for the future of the craft. Welcome to the age of the blockbuster. Now imagine that brilliant formula being squeezed into its most basic components,

Graphic by Sophie Leung-Lieu

rearranged in uncreative sequels and spinoffs of the movies you adored as a child in a vain attempt to recapture your attention. Welcome to the age of the modern blockbuster. Out of the 10 highest-grossing movies at the domestic box office in 2023, seven were either sequels or spinoffs. Still, that’s nothing new. What is very interesting, however, is how the 2023 summer box office’s goliaths, save for a couple particular titles, were crippled by their incredible underperformance. Titans of old such as Indiana Jones and Mission Impossible as well as highly publicized installments in ongoing cinematic universes such as The Flash and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts have all been mired in financial failure. During the ’00s and ’10s, big studios could approve basically any atrocious or downright generic concept they wanted. As long as they slapped on a full-size orchestra, expensive digital effects and a couple epic trailers, they’d likely see a big return on their investment. Just take the aforementioned Transformers projects as a case in point. The unstoppable success of the blockbuster was simply a fact of life. That is, until COVID-19 hit, and everything changed. After two years of being locked in their homes, deprived of social interaction and left with nowhere to turn but streaming services for relief of their boredom, movie viewers fundamentally shifted their habits. Netflix’s consumer data shows the company gained nearly 70 million subscribers from 2019 to 2021, while almost every movie theater in that same time span was out of commission. During this time, many discovered the serenity and effortlessness of being able to

access thousands of movies from the comfort the “big event” movie. This is a trend that of their own homes. began with Star Wars but was most recently Once quarantine was over and the popularized by the success of the Marvel populace returned to their normal lives, Cinematic Universe. Take for example, The many remained firm in their preference Avengers movies’ culminations of storylines of streaming over the traditional theater carefully laid out years ahead of time, experience, and it shows: according to Nash painstakingly designed to achieve the most Information satisfying and Services, annual exciting climaxes. ticket sales are Martin Scorsese lower than they spoke during a ever were from panel following 1995 to 2019. the release of The The unstoppable success of While sales Irishman about the blockbuster was simply are climbing the importance back up again, of protecting a fact of life to most. major studios narrative-driven have been hard movies in at work trying to theaters from make it look like being completely - grade/faculty position there was never overtaken by any diminished “amusement First, Last name period in the first place, throwing out highpark” films. Judging by this year’s movie budget movies one after another, as if they lineup, it’s clear the latter genre has heavily can simply will away the decreased market if overshadowed the former in volume. they put out enough blockbusters. Interestingly enough, the lack of narrativeAnd boy, is the volume of big-budget driven films has allowed the exceptions to movies absolutely unsustainable. In 1977, prosper. The three highest-grossing movies of only three other movies outside of Star Wars the year so far, Barbie, The Super Mario Bros. were present in the summer box office. This Movie and Oppenheimer, are not sequels, and year, there were dozens. Your average person excluding Mario they are all mainly carried will most likely only go to the theater three to by their writing and themes. Although they five times a year, so it’s no wonder genuinely handle their plots very differently, they intriguing flicks like Barbie, Oppenheimer and portray an inverse of the situation in which Across the Spiderverse triumphed in revenue Star Wars found itself. while the stagnant, unimaginative pictures In a drought of mainstream maturity and suffered. With everything getting more sincerity in storytelling, true creatives wield expensive, our average Joe just doesn’t have their passion as a way to subvert, not enable, the budget to keep up with every new release. the blockbuster. And oh, the irony of that The ineffectiveness of the modern term. Big movies like Star Wars and Jaws blockbuster can also be attributed to were called “blockbusters” because people audiences’ collective desensitization of would form lines at movie theaters that would extend outside and down city blocks just to wait hours to see these films. Now you’ll be lucky to find even a few dozen other people in the lobby.

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Carson finds new spotlight

oct. 20, 2023

New co-dance director returns to alma mater to spread passion, experience

Chloe Lewcock people editor The school Terrance Carson graduated from nearly seven years ago has barely changed. Except this time, Carson isn’t walking in as a student. He never thought that he would be back at McCallum, especially not to teach. Seven years later, however, he’s found himself in his dream position of dance co-director. “Being on this side, as a teacher, there’s a lot of memories,” Carson said. “[I’m] able to come to the classrooms that I was in, but now I’m the teacher. It’s completely different.” Before McCallum and the position ever came into play, Carson was still struggling to find the thing that made him, him. Middle school led Carson to find his love, his escape and his place of belonging: dance. Carson describes that dance helped him find a part of himself he had never discovered before. “Dance is a metaphor for life; you never know what’s going to happen,” Carson said. “Being in the right environment, you experience emotions and discover things in dance about yourself and the world.” After middle school, Carson made his way to McCallum as a dance major to continue pursuing the thing he loved. “This is really the only Fine Arts Academy high school in Central Texas, so it was a nobrainer for me to come here,” Carson said. “It felt like I was already a dance major in college at McCallum.” During his time at the school, he got to learn under Rachel Murray, the previous co-director. “She was serious about trying to teach us about everything,” Carson said. “She had her own professional career, so she tried to expose us to a lot of things, and we had a really good time.” Besides Murray, his senior dance class also shaped Carson’s love for the art. “The dance majors started out as a normal class, and then we went down to eight by the end of our senior year,” Carson said. “We were really close, so it was a journey for sure. I loved coming to school specifically because I got to be around those people.” Even after graduation and parting ways with his beloved teacher and friends, Carson decided to continue exploring dance as a modern dance major at Texas Christian University School for Classical and Contemporary

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Carson works with Dance I students in their cultural dance unit of salsa, flamenco and other unique styles. Photo by Chloe Lewcock.

Dance. After college, Carson joined Ballet Afrique Contemporary Dance Company as its associate artistic director. “I was a dancer there even throughout high school,” Carson said. “You can discover a whole bunch of things in dance about yourself, about the world, and that was really interesting for me. Carson will continue with Ballet Afrique while beginning a new role at McCallum. His work with the company will lend itself to his duties at McCallum, and vice versa. “It’s sort of the same [at Ballet Afrique] as what I’m doing here, just not at a high school-only level,” Carson said. Carson got to teach several master classes at McCallum before accepting a fulltime position. This new journey and opportunity, however, is a full-circle moment for him.

Carson as a modern dance major during his time at Texas Christian University. Photo courtesy of Carson.

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“This position just came out of nowhere,” dance in college.” Carson said. “Honestly, I wouldn’t want to In the eyes of his students, his role goes teach dance anywhere far beyond that else at any other school. of a typical dance This was the only place teacher. that could come and “Having a mentor Being on this side now, persuade me because it’s who is coming just a very special place.” from the presentas a teacher, there’s a lot High school is the place day college dance where Carson’s love for experience is what I of memories. dance blossomed. For most look forward Carson, it’s special to be —co-director of Mac Dance to working with able to evoke that same ” Maxwell Terrance Carson him, passion in others. said. “Getting “Regardless of what training that [the students’] includes both great aspirations technique and great are, even if they don’t know choreography.” what their aspirations are, His co-director Natalie Uehara shares the while you’re here, let’s students’ excitement to work alongside him. make the most of it,” “He has a very distinctive style, which is Carson said. “I want completely different from my style,” Uehara to prepare them for said. “We complement each other really well, being choreographers, and just letting the students kind of explore teachers or dance all the range of styles is really cool.” professionally for 20Despite thinking he would never come plus years, whatever I back to the school, McCallum turned out can offer them.” to be his dream come true. To Carson, His mission for McCallum is a home, a new adventure and a McCallum is already place to help students find passion just like sticking with students. he found his. Junior Zoe Maxwell “There’s a lot of memories being able to already feels that Carson is a come back to the same classrooms that I was perfect fit for the program. in.” Carson said. “It’s amazing how you really “He knows what the company’s goals don’t know what’s happening later on in your area is, as well as us as dancers,” Maxwell life, but just be prepared for everything, let’s said. “He’s just so talented, kind and a great be everything that you want to be and let’s do resource for people who want to pursue it, just make the most out of everything.”

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fine arts briefs

Out of this world: Band debuts ‘Starsurfer’ at Jamboree The McCallum Band and colorguard performed its show “Starsurfer” in the AISD 50th annual Band Jamboree on Tuesday, Sept. 19. According to band director Carol Nelson, the Jamboree helps the band prepare for future competitions. “The [Band Jamboree] gives you an opportunity to perform in front of a large Junior color guard member Aubrey Eberly performs at the 50th annual 2023 Band Jamboree in MacBand’s “Starsurfer.” Photo by Lillian Gray.

audience,” Nelson said. “It’s a big performance, which always prepares you for competition season.” While Nelson has become less strict over the years, her expectations have continued to rise.“I think that I have gotten to know my students better, I am a little bit more relaxed,” Nelson said. “When I first came to McCallum I was pretty strict, but I have become more empathetic. I love helping individual students and getting to know them. My musicianship has matured so my expectations are maybe even loftier than they used to be.” The band and color guard have been preparing since summer. They practice before school from 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. and sometimes after school. Senior color guard member Isa Aleman Ward, feels the guard and the band worked well together. “I think we did well in complementing the band and enhancing the music with the visual effects,” Aleman Ward said. “I really liked the music this year.” Ward believes, however, there is room for improvement. “Something we do need to work on a bit is making sure each performance is more consistent than the last,” she said Aleman Ward stressed that the value of being in color guard goes beyond the performances. “I have made friends and learned so much,” Aleman Ward said. ‘I’ve definitely gotten better with my time management.” According to Aleman Ward, incoming freshmen should enjoy and appreciate it before it’s over. “My advice to incoming freshmen is to enjoy every moment,” Aleman Ward said. “It’s kind of sad to know that this is my last year, but it makes me appreciate it even more.” —Shila Gill

Starting on a high note The choir program held its first concert of the year, “Of Earth and Sky” on Oct. 10 in the MAC. The show consisted of 15 songs sung by five choirs with several accompanied by band percussionists. The program also welcomed the addition of new choral director Nathan Thompson, and according to senior alto Alex Thomason, Thompson has been welcomed with open arms. “Mr. Thompson is really great,” Thomason said. “He keeps us focused and he’s not too tough. He always tries to put a story behind the songs we are singing and pull some emotion out of us.” As the school year continues, Thomason looks forward to Cabaret in November and UIL in the spring. “I’m hoping that Cabaret and UIL is a success, and I am really glad Mr. Thompson is fitting in and everyone is liking him,” Thomason said. Bass and tenor choir student Ansel Harlan sings his solo in —Naomi Di-Capua “Lunar Lullaby” at the Oct. 10 concert Photo by Riley Pita.

Dancing into character

Junior Zalie Mann and the ensemble of ‘Sweet Charity’ perform a Fosse routine set in the Pompeii Club. Photo by Eliza Jensen.

Junior Zalie Mann takes center stage during the opening night of Sweet Charity as the ponytail girl, a dancer in the New York nightclub, the Pompeii Club. Mann said the cast and crew were able to make the show an optimistic place. “I think we did a great job of pulling together and providing encouragement to each other,” Mann said. “We had a great tradition that we call ‘good show’ where we stand outside in a circle as the audience is getting settled in their seats and we do a bunch of weird theater kid things.” She thinks this helps the group center themselves and focus on the show. —Chloe Lewcock

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calendar Oct. 28, 2023

MAC Band Area D Marching Contest @The Pfield, Pflugerville Nov. 2, 2023

Mac Dance Co. Adjudicated Works showcase @AISD PAC Black Box Nov. 6, 2023

Battle of the Bands @FAB Theater — 7 p.m.

Peter Bay conducts the McCallum chamber orchestra on Sept. 26, 2023. Photo by Dave Winter.

From orchestra to orchestra

Peter Bay, conductor of the Austin Symphony Orchestra guest conducted the McCallum chamber orchestra on Sept. 26, as it prepared for upcoming performances. Bay came in and offered feedback on how to improve the playing individually for the musicians, and orchestra as a whole. Junior Kate Talley said that the experience brought new light upon the pieces, improving them so they would be ready for an audience. “Working with someone who has experience with so many people was great,” Talley said. “He just brought a different environment into our orchestra room.” Talley added that it was an honor to work with someone so renowned as the Austin Symphony conductor and that the experience brought a different perspective to the orchestra that helped further their musical careers. “He had new ideas we hadn’t seen before,” Talley said. “It was just a really great experience and I’m really grateful.” —Chloe Lewcock Scan the QR code to MacJournalism’s Instagram to view a video of Peter Bay’s time conducting

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Austin takes on Appalachia Knights spend summer building houses, finding community in flooded Kentucky

Ingrid Smith co-editor-in-chief

Life isn’t just about building yourself up. It’s also about giving yourself and working hard for something that isn’t going to impact your community necessarily, but it is going to give Senior Adele Boerner comes to school you something to bring back home.” each day with two silver washers on a chain Following record-breaking flooding in the around her neck. The washers, engraved with area, ASP volunteers were largely focused “ASP,” are a reminder of the three summers on repairing affected homes. Greene and she has volunteered with Appalachia Hamre’s work site was Service Project, an so damaged that ASP organization that nearly canceled the focuses on making project. homes warmer, safer It’s made me change my According to and drier for families Greene, the family that below the poverty line. perception on how I treat previously occupied This summer, the house was forced Boerner, senior other people and my to evacuate after the Olive Greene, junior government deemed general position in life. Townes Hamre and the conditions sophomores Rocket —senior “unlivable.” MonthsHoff and Owen Adele Boerner old food was left in Tachovsky spent two the fridge, and there weeks volunteering were piles of garbage with the Appalachia so large that Greene Service Project in couldn’t see the front of the house. Kentucky’s Breathitt County. “Everyone that I talked to said it was the “The work that they do is really amazing,” most difficult project they’d ever seen,” Boerner said. “It’s a really transformative Greene said. “It was in dire need of repair.” experience for both volunteers and the Greene woke up at 6:45 a.m. every morning families that the volunteers serve. Being and remained at her work site until 4 p.m. As in Kentucky is just such a beautiful and Greene peeled back the layers of the walls, wonderful experience. It’s so green there, and she discovered that the house was living it is completely different from the city.” history. She uncovered a child’s handwriting Volunteering with their First United on walls that dated from the 1940s and glowMethodist Church youth group, the Knights in-the-dark stars that once decorated the traveled by bus on the two-day journey and ceiling of a little girl’s bedroom. slept at nearby churches. When they reached “I could tell that this was a house that really Breathitt County’s elementary school, their needed people to love it and care for it,” home base for the next week, they said Greene said. “It’s really cool because you see goodbye to electronic devices and hello to there’s a reason why they don’t completely shared sleeping quarters, the school gym. demolish these houses and start from the Boerner said the forced detox allowed her foundation. They have so much history; to engage with people around her. From gym generations of this family have lived there.” floor photoshoots to construction candids, Boerner, on the other hand, interacted she captured experiences on a digital camera. frequently with the occupants of the house “Though it is a little bit challenging at first, she worked on, chatting with the mother it is very cleansing because you get away from around the kitchen table and playing with the distractions and get to connect with the land children in the yard. and the people that you’re with,” Boerner According to Boerner, connecting with said. “Our inside jokes and things don’t really homeowners is not always easy, so each make sense anywhere else but Kentucky.” volunteer is trained on how to be respectful Director of youth ministry Devon Bailey to locals and receptive to questions. said the Knights were the most artistic and “The communities that we serve are very curious members of the volunteer group, aware of why we are there, and they can have often harmonizing while working and asking mixed reactions,” Boerner said. “Sometimes insightful questions. From finding puppies people are very thankful, but other times in piles of rubble to moving through mold in they can see us and where we come from hazmat suits, Bailey watched the volunteers as well-off city people and they’re just more transform into service-minded individuals. judgmental of why we’re there, which is “You’re sending teenagers to encounter extremely understandable.” people who are very different from them After a week of volunteering, the Knights and give them the opportunity to learn from returned to Austin, leaving their houses and love them,” Bailey said. “You’re also for other groups to finish throughout the teaching teenagers what service looks like.

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summer. Greene said that by end of her service, her work site once again looked like a home. When she went to the ASP Facebook page at the end of the summer to see the finished product, she was proud of all the volunteers who came together to conquer the difficult project. “I was super glad to see that other teams persevered on the house,” Greene said. “It wasn’t a typical project for ASP, and I wasn’t sure if they’d be able to wrap it up.” Next summer, Greene and Boerner will be team leaders with ASP, helping younger volunteers learn the ropes of construction. Boerner said this summer made her realize that working with organizations like ASP is her passion. In college, she hopes to serve on ASP’s county staff, organizing projects and living in Kentucky for entire summers. But Boerner said the mission of ASP and the lessons she learned extend beyond Kentucky and into her life in Austin. “It’s made me change my perception on how I treat other people and my general position in life,” Boerner said. “I think being in Kentucky, where life is a little slower and people are more gracious, has given me a different perspective and has helped me be more patient and kind.” Greene and another volunteer repair a flood-damaged window in Kentucky. Photo courtesy of Devon Bailey.

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Lucente builds a Mac legacy to last

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Senior Eagle Scout gathers volunteers to install bird real estate across campus

Camilla Vandegrift sports editor

Senior Owen Lucente installs a bird house. Photo courtesy of Lucente.

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oct. 20, 2023 learn about birds, help birds around school and make it a safer place for them.” Gillian, now studying animal science at Texas State University, was her brother’s inspiration for his birdhouse project. “I helped him get an understanding about where each bird normally goes around the school,” Gillian said. Besides improving the quality of life of McCallum’s bird population, one of the project’s mains goals was to bring an appreciation for birds to the McCallum community. “I hope people respect the birds and the signs, and I hope it brings some awareness to the bird club,” Owen said. “I hope it brings something different to the courtyards.” Lucente’s hope for the future is that the birdhouses will live on and be appreciated long after he graduates. “We built them to last, so I hope that I can come back and see them still here.” the

If you haven’t noticed the birdhouses around McCallum yet, it may be time to go outside and look up. By the time Boy Scouts reach their 18th birthday, they are required to have completed a community service project to rise to the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle project, senior Owen Lucente of Troop 9 decided to lead a group in building birdhouses and distributing them amongst McCallum’s trees. “It was my first idea,” Owen said. “I thought it was not enough for an Eagle project, but when it was all said and done, I tied it into McCallum, the bird club and nature.” On a sunny Sunday afternoon in August, Owen and a group of about 25 volunteers, Scouts and bird lovers came together to construct the birdhouses, including sophomore Miles Dreher, a Boy Scout himself. “He asked a ton of people to come help out,” Dreher said. “We all showed up, and he had all the materials; all we had to do was build and paint them.” Dreher felt that the gesture, although seemingly small, could truly improve McCallum’s environment. “There was a lot of people helping out, which was kind of cool,” he said. “Maybe it won’t have a big, significant impact, but I think it’ll make campus a little bit nicer and bring some birds in.” After the birdhouses were put together and decorated, the last step was to disperse them around the school. The houses are stationed throughout McCallum’s courtyards, waiting in the trees for their new inhabitants to move in. Owen isn’t the first in his family to magnify the bird and bird-lover presence at McCallum. His older sister Gillian, class of 2023, is the founder of McCallum’s Feathered Friends club. “I formed it to get other bird lovers to see that they weren’t alone,” Gillian said. “To

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Teri Kirby’s office

Nicolette Mueller’s office Nicolette Mueller is one of McCallum’s brand new counselors after previously working at Kiker Elementary School. She is excited to work as a high school counselor helping students solve academic and personal issues. She first discovered that she enjoyed working in a high school during her internship to become a counselor. She described transitioning from an elementary counselor to a high school counselor as a big transition. “[In elementary schools] the counselors actually come into your classroom, and do different guidance lessons on social emotional health,” Mueller said. “Whereas at the high school, I feel like it’s more so scheduling and academics.” Even though she started out as an elementary counselor, Mueller knew all along that she wanted to end up at a high school. “Before [working in elementary education], I had done my internship at a high school, so I knew I eventually wanted to come back to the high school,” she said.

Photo by Sofia Saucedo.

Mueller said she enjoyed the fast-paced environment of high school administration. “It’s definitely busy, but I like that,” she said. At the end of the day, Mueller’s favorite part of the job is helping students navigate all of their issues and different aspects of life. “I like helping [students’ with graduation stuff,” Mueller said, “and I also like helping support [them] like anytime [they] need help or someone to talk to, because I like how it’s kind of all intertwined.” McCallum was very appealing to Mueller because of its Fine Arts Academy and the large number of creative and diverse students it attracts. “All the students are so talented, and I just wanted to be part of it,” Mueller said. —Josie Mullan

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also inspired her to start studying at ACC. “I did the nursing program for about a year and a half and at that point, I was able to pay my own way through school,” Ballard said. At this point in Ballard’s career, however, she decided it was time to pursue her dream of being a teacher. “I decided to go to Texas State, and I paid my own way through school,” Ballard said. Ballard has had diverse opportunities in the education system. She spent much of her previous career working with elementary students; this is her first experience working with secondary students full-time. Her new role represents the fulfillment of a dream. “Originally I was going to be a secondary teacher, then I met my husband and we started dating, and he was a coach,” Ballard said. “I knew I wanted to have a family, and I wanted to be there for my kids, and I knew it would be really hard for us to be there for our kids.” Now that her husband is retired and her children have their own lives, Ballard finally felt like it was time to prioritize her dream. “Now it is time to do what I wanted to,” Ballard said. “I chose McCallum because I was starting to follow my dreams [too]. —Gaby Esquivel

McCallum welcomed a new addition to its leadership team, Teri Kirby, as the one of the school’s new assistant principals. Kirby, a seasoned educator with 19 years of experience in the field and five as an assistant principal, brings both knowledge and passion to her new job. Kirby’s journey to McCallum started outside of Austin. “I haven’t always been part of AISD; this is my first year.” Kirby said.“Before this, [job], I was in Round Rock ISD at Cedar Ridge High School.” While Kirby’s career journey didn’t begin in high school, it’s the level of education that has left a lasting impression “I was a middle school teacher for almost 10 years, but I prefer high school,” Kirby said. “I think high school students are a lot of fun because they have matured more, and you can have conversations with them that aren’t so driven towards rule-following.” Kirby’s decision to become an assistant principal was motivated by her personal

experiences and a commitment to advocacy. One of the things she hopes to bring forth at McCallum is to be a part of the growth toward an inclusive educational environment. “The reason I’m an AP is because my daughter is Hispanic, and she had some experiences in high school that I had not seen from a bigger perspective before,” Kirby said. “At that point, it was really important to me to make sure that I help advocate for all kids so that [they] have the best possible education.” Kirby expressed her admiration for the school communit and admitted that it has already left a strong impression on her. “I love the kids at McCallum,” she said. “They are all so accepting of one another; it’s such a kind environment, and those are the things that drew me to McCallum.” Kirby looks forward to working with her team towards improving McCallum. “My team is great,” Kirby said. “I love my team.” —Violeta Dimova

To meet more of the 27 new members of the McCallum faculty scan the QR code below or visit macshieldonline.com

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Photo by Winnie Roberts.

Tami Ballard’s office Most kids after school loved to play jump rope or tag, but not Tami Ballard. What she loved to play after a long day at school was school, meaning that she would set up a chalkboard and pull out books to read to her “students” while she would play the role of the teacher. “I would get all the neighborhood kids and my sister be my students,” Ballard said “I would always set up [my own] school, so I always [knew] I wanted to teach.” Shortly after starting high school, Ballard realized her love for teaching was real, and that she wanted to attend college to pursue it. Ballard told her father that he should start saving money for her to be able to attend college, which he agreed to, but not without a catch. “He told me that’s fine, but I was not going to pay for you to go to Texas State or pay for you to be a teacher,” Ballard said “I went to school and he paid, but it was for a different school and I studied psychology [instead], ‘cause I wanted to work with kids, but it did not work out.” A year later she would move to Austin to be closer to friends, because at Texas State she felt isolated without her close friends. This decision

volume 71

Sam Parrott’s office

Fresh blood in the front office

When former Fine Arts Academy director Gabe Reyes left at the beginning of last year to accept a job in AISD’s Student Services department, it was unclear what would come of the empty position. After many months of searching, Dr. Sam Parrott was hired to fill the position. Parrott’s role as fine arts director comes after a lifetime of passion for the arts. In middle school, he played saxophone and clarinet. Parrott was also a drum major for the San Marcos High School marching band during his junior and senior years. He even joined the choir later in high school and “absolutely loved singing with others.” His interest in cooking led him to consider a career in culinary arts, but after some prodding from his mentors, Parrott chose the music education path. He hasn’t looked back since. “I was planning on attending college in Rhode Island for pastry arts,” Parrott said, “but I wasn’t going to be able to afford school out of state, and my band and choir directors really pushed for me to pursue music education as a career path. I still cook often, but after 11 years in the classroom teaching music, I know I made the right choice.” Parrott has lots of experience in education

Meet the new faces of the Mac adminstration

Photo by Gaby Esquivel.

under his belt. He has worked as an educator with all three levels of public education and has taught a very wide range of classes from robotics to cheerleading. Parrott is also experienced in working in leadership positions. He directed the Austin Children’s Choir for nine years, the AJ Briesemeister Middle School choir for six years and the Seguin High School choir for two years. Parrott initially heard about McCallum from two of his former choir directors when he was in high school. While looking for potential fine arts administrative positions at the end of 2021, Parrott stumbled across an open post at McCallum. He knew he needed to take a chance on it. “I knew the culture and climate at McCallum was something that was the best fit for me, and the appreciation for the arts here was what really stood out to me,” Parrott said. Parrott appreciates the support given to him by McCallum students and hopes he can give the same to them. “I’m here as a support mechanism for all students and staff, not only in the [fine arts] programs but across the entire campus,” Parrott said. “My door is always open to help.” —Lucas Walker

Photo by JoJo Barnard.

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Teri Kirby’s office

Photo by Sofia Saucedo.

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To meet more of the 27 new members of the McCallum faculty scan the QR code below or visit macshieldonline.com

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Photo by Winnie Roberts.

volume 71

Sam Parrott’s office

Fresh blood in the front office

Meet the new faces of the Mac adminstration

Photo by Gaby Esquivel.

Photo by JoJo Barnard.

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Coming up Klein

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Science teacher on career, perfect happiness and his ‘scrambled eggs’ brain Naomi Di-Capua social media managing editor According to Vanity Fair, the Proust Questionnaire was originally made as a parlor game popularized, but not made by, Marcel Proust, a French essayist and novelist. Proust believed that answering the 35 questions reveals the true nature and values of a person. In this shortened edition of The Proust Questionnaire, Shield social media managing editor Naomi Di-Capua interviews science teacher and cheer head coach Jace Klein. The Shield: What is your perfect idea of happiness? Klein: My perfect idea of happiness? That one is tough. I guess freedom? Freedom to explore and meet people and go places. To get to know the world. TS: What is your greatest fear? Klein: I know I thought about it this weekend. Wasted potential, wasted time? I don’t think I am scared of anything tangible. Well… I’m pretty sure I’m scared of something tangible. I guess my biggest fear is FOMO, at its core. The fear of missing out. TS: What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Klein: For me, the very first thing that comes to mind, the one thing I have always kind of struggled with, is that I am so indecisive. I will go back and forth, and I am like, “No! Make a darn decision.” It definitely is problematic in every single area of my life, like work and coaching. TS: What is the trait you most deplore in others? Klein: Walking slow. No, I think probably a lack of empathy. I don’t know if empathy is the right word, but a lack of just thinking, “What is that person going through?”... But making judgments without knowing at all what’s going on or assuming that there could be something else. TS: Which living person do you most admire? Klein: Ugh. Admire is a hard word. Well, it’s honestly kinda cliché, but it’s definitely my mom, my dad and my little brother. They all have their own traits, they have their strengths and they have their weaknesses, and I think a combination of all of them leads to a lot of admiration. My dad’s a hard worker, my mom has grit and my little brother is… OK, that’s it! They all have grit. That’s what it is. They will pull themselves up by their bootstraps, and I’m like, “I am gonna be the same way. I am gonna do what I gotta do.” TS: What is your current state of mind? Klein: Ms. Schriever said this a few weeks ago and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it but scrambled eggs. “My brain is

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Jace Klein prepares to be pied by PALS Hana Diamond and Ariana Mendez at the 2022 Pink Week pep rally. Photo by Gergő Major. scrambled eggs.” That is a quote from her. I think my state of mind is chaotic early 20s. I don’t know what I’m doing! My life is so crazy. Or maybe I could also say that my state of mind is the record scratch where everything stops and it’s like, “You might be wondering how I got here.” That’s my state of mind. TS: What is the most overrated virtue? Klein: Maturity. One hundred percent. That’s so stupid. Yeah, you should be mature and you should get through life, but I think —[maybe] it’s me, I’m not super mature— sometimes you can’t have fun. Sometimes people want you to be so mature it prevents you from having fun. I think also working with kids makes me think that too because [people are] like, “Maturity, maturity, maturity!” but I’m all like, “Let them be kids!” Y’all are not 18 yet. So I think if I have gotten anything out of being a teacher, it’s an appreciation for immaturity. TS: What or who is your greatest love in life? Klein: I think it’s learning. I feel like if I ever stop learning then I’ve died, at least on the inside, which is partially why I like teaching. I like being able to learn something new. What I have really enjoyed with the past couple of years of my chaotic 20s is learning less about science and more about people, especially kids. You know, immaturity is great. Also learning more about not just kids but everyone and learning how everyone views the world, especially coming out of college, where I am around a bunch of people my age, and now I am kind of thrown into a place

where everyone is in such different parts of their life. I’m learning about how different people respond to different challenges and eras in their life. That is kinda crazy but also kinda inspirational. TS: When or where were you happiest? Klein: That’s tough. Hopefully in the future. I have always tried to focus on the now. I am like, “What makes me the happiest now, in this part of my life?” But I got to say, I loved college. I think I am happiest when I am around a group

of people or friends who know me well. TS: Which talent would you most like to have? Klein: I kinda wanna be on American Ninja Warrior. I don’t know if that’s a talent, but I have thought about that a lot. I’m like, “What if I could fly across these obstacle courses?” That would be pretty neat. That’s not a talent, but I’m trying to think. I wish I practiced the piano more. My little brother is way better than me. See, that goes back to grit, right? My little brother plays piano. Do I? No. ‘Cause I’m dead. TS: What do you consider your greatest talent? Klein: I feel like maybe this is more like a skill, but generating ideas. Ninety-five percent of them are bad, but I feel like I can generally come up with ideas. If I say “I need help. I am out of ideas,” I am out of ideas. Please help me. TS: If you were to die and come back as a person or thing who or what would it be? Klein: I am trying to think of some animal. Honestly, given how much I understand biology, it’s rough out there for most things. People are like, “Oh I want to be a bear,” and I’m like, “Most bears are starving out there.” Crud. I feel like I would probably want to come back as a human, I just don’t know which one. I feel like we pretty much have it made.

ABOVE: Klein bird watches during a meeting of the Feathered Friends Club. FAR LEFT: Klein verifies scores during the 2023 UIL district academic meet at LBJ High School. Photos by Dave Winter.

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A group participates in an escape room activity at The Escape Game Austin, where sophomore Hazel Johnson works as a game host. Photo courtesy of Johnson.

Knights find balance between work, school lives For three students, job experience worth more than the pay checks

Evelyn Jenkins staff reporter Balancing school, sports, clubs and social lives is a tall order for many high schoolers. Add a few shifts at work, whether it be in retail, in food service or at a family business, and today’s students might seem overwhelmed, but for three Knights, working a paying job brings benefits beyond just a paycheck. For sophomore Riley Norris, working at The Keyless Shop, a key programming and repair shop owned by her stepfather, during the school year has become second nature. But any time she isn’t helping customers or tinkering with keys must be used wisely. “I balance my work life and school life by staying on top of my assignments at all times,” Norris said. “Whenever I have breaks at work, I take that time to do my school work.” The pace of Norris’ workday at The Keyless Shop can be unpredictable, so Norris has to

show up ready for anything. Sometimes she “It can definitely be tricky working nights can make time to do her schoolwork while during the school year,” Johnson said. “I on the clock, but sometimes the shop has to started this semester working four days a come first. week, and I’ve “If it’s slow, I already had to just make sure cut down a day the shop is clean because those Success and school should and I use the free nights were a lot.” time to get work While it’s a come before doing all the done,” Norris struggle to work said. “On busy weeknights, extra activities. So don’t stress days, I’m running Johnson’s passion and just find a good schedule back and forth to for what she does different cars.” keeps her going. for yourself. Like Norris, “It’s tiring going —sophomore Riley Norris junior Hazel straight from Johnson’s job school to work an can get hectic. eight-hour shift,” Johnson works at Johnson said. The Escape Game “But it’s definitely Austin. She runs rounds of people through doable, and I love my job, so that helps.” escape rooms, both cleaning up after each Despite being in Blue Brigade and Student group and setting up for the next. Council, senior Gabriella Smith still finds the

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time to pick up shifts at a boutique. At Lilla and Beth in Mueller, she spends her work days cleaning the shop and fixing clothing and jewelry displays. Luckily for Smith, the work is fittingly peaceful for someone with her busy schedule. “I really enjoy keeping everything clean and organized,” Smith said. “I steam clothes, check people out at the register, manage the dressing rooms and keep all of the clothes in order.” For Smith, keeping her hours and shifts in check is crucial to her work-life balance. “I never work both Saturday and Sunday, so I can manage homework and my school life,” she said. For employed students, the name of the game is to alleviate the presssure of their job with reasonable hours and a sustainable mindset around work. “Success and school should come before doing all the extra activities,” Norris said. “[It’s important to] not stress and just find a good schedule for you.”

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Back to the basics with

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Jewish youth organization provides Knights with community, leadership, faith Maggie Mass staff reporter In a world where Christian youth groups are prevalent, Jewish teens have found their own space to thrive and celebrate their heritage with their Jewish peers. B’nei B’rith Youth Organization is a Jewish youth organization that has created a strong community for more than 75,000 teens worldwide. Jewish teens at McCallum have found a place in BBYO and as the new school year starts, so does the excitement for a new term. Among the 750 worldwide chapters of BBG (B’nai B’rith Girls) and AZA (Aleph Zadik Aleph) are four local Austin chapters: Ra’naan, Capital, Litzor and Rubin. Students at McCallum are a part of each of these chapters. They attend events outside of school with their chapters and even travel to conventions. While the Jewish population in Austin is smaller than those of Dallas and Houston, BBYO has connected the youth — the future of the Jewish community — and turned them into leaders. Sophomore Nadia Tissembaum, who is part of Litzor BBG, not only partakes in events and conventions led by the organization but is also Gizboreet, or treasurer, of her chapter. Gizboreet is just one example of a chapter Asher Kay sits with his chapter members at a spring convention. Photo courtesy of Kay. board position that can transform students into powerful young leaders. it’s something special I get to do that not for that becuse there’s so many people with “It feels really good to be a leader,” everyone else can.” different outlooks on Judaism to help you Tissenbaum said. “I BBYO provides a find your own.” feel like it’s one way I’m platform for Jewish Asher Kay, a senior in his second year of making a difference. teens to connect, learn BBYO, feels that the program makes the Similar to Christian and grow together small Jewish presence at McCallum feel youth groups in the I think of it as a safe through engaging much greater. Austin area such as activities, educational “I’ve met so many more people and space where I just Young Life, BBYO programs and gained so many friends just from going fosters a sense of hang out with people meaningful discussions. to events within my chapter and regional affinity and support These young individuals events,” Kay said. “It’s just cool to interact among its members. who have the same are empowered to with people who you usually wouldn’t It goes beyond that, create their own outside of school.” religion as me. however, by tailoring Jewish identity and Many members feel that as the world its programs to the develop leadership becomes more polarized, it’s crucial to —freshman Tzuri Patrick unique experiences and skills all while making a have spaces where young people can traditions of the Jewish positive impact on their come together and celebrate who they community. From community. are. BBYO stands as a example of the celebrating Shabbat After being a part power of community and empowerment to fostering discussions of ethnicity, BBYO of Ra’naan BBG for only a year, freshman and the cruciality of Jewish youth in offers a space where teens can fully embrace Tzuri Patrick deepened her understanding of today’s society. their heritage. herself through her involvement in BBYO. “I think of it as a safe space,” Patrick said, “In BBYO, the main thing that we can “Connecting with other Jewish people “where I just hang out with people who all relate to is being Jewish,” Tissembaum helped me form my own opinions on have the same religion as me to just share said. “It’s important to me because I feel like Judaism,” Patrick said. “I feel like it’s the best an experience.”

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In addition to participating in events like this painting activity, sophomore Nadia Tissembaum is Gizboreet (treasurer) of the Litzor BBG chapter. Photo courtesy of Tissembaum.

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Monday Knights are best

McCallum students foster friendship, find fun through Christian youth group Tristen Diaz staff reporter

Mondays are often seen as nothing more than the start of the school week, which for many students, makes them dreaded days. For those involved with McCallum Young Life, however, Monday nights are special because Monday nights mean Young Life meetings. These gatherings provide members with a positive and fun start to the week, even something to look forward to on the other six days. Ally Galipp, a senior at the University of Texas, is one of the leaders of McCallum Young Life. She cherishes her time with the organization and said her favorite part about being a leader for the past three years has been meeting all the students and providing them with a community to connect with. “The coolest part about Monday nights is that Mac Young Life is a place for anyone and everyone,” Galipp said. “We want every single student to feel welcomed.” Growing up, Galipp didn’t feel she had something to belong to outside of school. This experience led her to become involved with Young Life. “I want Monday nights to be unifying members with a cathartic experience, and for everyone because we love and accept for many McCallum kids, it did. everyone,” Galipp said. “I love being able “One of my favorite memories was the to provide that for Mac students.” Crooked Creek trip,” Medina said. “I made The group’s goal is to create an so many new friendships and created such inclusive environment for students close bonds with the Young Life leaders.” regardless of their beliefs, backgrounds For Medina, or circumstances. Young Life Sophomore Selene isn’t just Medina has been a part an extraof Young Life since “[Young Life is] such a joy curricular freshman year and activity — it’s said she feels at home for me. I love being able to a source of with the people she celebrate and walk through joy, support has met through the lasting orgaization. hard things. I want the students and relationships. “I love Young Life She says because it’s more to know they are so loved.” Young Life than just a club or has made an organization, it’s like —Young Life leader undeniable a second family,” Emma Isenhart impact on her Medina said. “I life because of have formed some the nurturing amazing connections and loving that wouldn’t have group of people she has found in it. happened without Young Life, and now I Their weekly meetings, she continued, get to spend my Monday nights having fun give everyone in Young Life a chance to with them.” connect and mentally prepare for the week Monday night festivities range from ahead. The Young Life leaders aim to create silent disco to bowling to scavenger a supportive and fun environment. hunts, and much more. Over the summer, “I really enjoy those nights and hanging members took a trip to a Young Life out with my friends and leaders,” Medina overnight camp sitauated in the mountains said. “It’s always a nice way to start my of Fraser, Colo. The camp aims to provide

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Senior Madi Briggs, sophomores Vivian Medina, Stella Little, Selene Medina, Lilia Williams, Julia Copas, senior Stella Shepard and Mac Young Life leaders Ally Galipp and Emma Isenhart pose at Crooked Creek Ranch on “Christmas in July” day. The week-long Colorado camp has a different theme each day. Photo courtesy of Isenhart. week. Everyone is super welcoming, and it’s an amazing place to be.” While the members of Young Life have connected with each other during their time spent as a group, their college leaders are just as much a part of the experience. “The Young Life leaders are so fun,” Medina said. “I love hanging out with them.” Emma Isenhart is new to McCallum Young Life, having recently transferred to UT from Texas A&M. She hopes to contribute to the warm, inviting environment she has found that her fellow leaders have created. Monday nights aren’t the only times Isenhart spends with Mac students. Every Friday at 8 a.m., she meets the girls of Young Life for coffee at Central Market. This time allows them to get to know each other better while chatting about their week. “Morning coffee started as a fun event before school on Fridays, and it has

become a tradition,” Isenhart said. Members say that Young Life’s combination of engaging activities, an inclusive atmosphere, caring leaders and positive relationships keep them coming back week after week. “I love being a leader because I care so much about the Mac community and being able to just be a friend and step into students’ lives,” Isenhart said. “It is such a joy for me, being able to celebrate with them and walk through the hard things. I just want the students to know they are so loved and cared for.”

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Athletes adjust to heat

New AISD game, practice protocols focus on student safety, well-being Maya Tackett staff reporter Southern temperatures may leave your face dripping with sweat, your cheeks rosy and your legs tired. For athletes, these are signs of a good workout. But when the bottoms of your feet start to burn and your shoes start to melt away, it’s a sign to move things indoors. Rather than writing off the uncomfortable heat as a natural part of fall sports in Austin, AISD athletic coordinators and coaches have started to ask themselves if it’s even safe to go outside. When temperatures reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit, teams are not permitted to go outdoors at all. Even when teams are cleared to head to the fields for practice, they must adhere to strict district protocols. According to AISD’s health guidelines, the type of practice student athletes can have depends on the heat index and wet-bulb temperature, which uses the temperature, humidity, wind and solar radiation from the sun to get a measurement that is used to monitor practice conditions. When it is 100 degrees Fahrenheit, athletes have a maximum two-hour practice with a five-minute water break every 30 minutes. When it’s 105 degrees Fahrenheit, there can be a maximum of an hour and a half practice with a five-minute water break every 20 minutes. Trainer Marissa Rios said that if these guidelines aren’t followed the high temperatures could threaten athletes’ wellbeing not only in the moment, but also long-term. “If they have existing medical conditions, it can exacerbate them,” Rios said. “It can also affect their recovery, making that a little bit harder.” According to Rios, dehydration makes Junior athletic trainer Brianna Miller carries water bottles to players during the varsity football game against Crockett on Sept. 14. Photo by Chloe Lewcock.

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Senior football player Finn Callaway hydrates at the varsity football game vs. Connally on Sept. 8. Photo by Ingrid Smith. practicing in the heat even more dangerous. “If they go in dehydrated, they come out even more dehydrated,” Rios said. “It can cause a number of issues ranging from serious, life-threatening injuries to some mild exhaustion, to cramps. It’s one of the body’s first signs of, ‘Hey you need to take care of yourself a little bit better before you come out here.’” According to athletic director and head football coach Thomas Gammerdinger, the football program has deemed it unecessary to ask permission before stepping off the field for water and says the football program takes the AISD protocols very seriously. When the temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit, football players are strongly encouraged to remove helmets and shoulder pads when possible. As it increases to 105 degrees, players may only practice in shells which include shorts, shoulder pads and helmets. Gammerdinger also moved freshman and JV football practices to 7:15 a.m. instead of after school, allowing players to work out in more reasonable temperatures. Additionally, Gammerdinger has implemented a system to minimize the number of minutes players spend in the sun during training. “Player safety always comes first,” Gammerdinger said. “When we were in camp practicing in the afternoon, what we would do is take some time and do part of the practice, like a walk-through type practice inside to do all the teaching. Then we go outside and do all

the physical work.” According to Gammerdinger, some players are worried that less realistic practices won’t help them perform on gamedays. “It can be frustrating when you’re in camp and you need all the practice time, but at the same time, there’s a limit to what the human body can do,” Gammerdinger said. “One of the concerns is that if you’re not practicing in that heat, then you’re not going to get ready for the games which [are] outside.” Some players, on the other hand, welcome the changes. Freshman football player Hugo Smith feels that the new protocols have made practice more manageable. “The walkthroughs, water breaks and spending time inside before we come out onto the field have been helpful and give us time out of the sun,” Smith said. After practicing on a grass field, however, Smith said the adjustment to turf on game days is hard. The freshman football team plays its home games on House Park’s turf field. The black rubber pellets in the turf attract the sun, increasing the chances of heat-related illnesses. On Aug. 23, the freshman football team played Anderson on turf when it was 106 degrees out. To Smith, the ground felt 30 degrees hotter than the air outside. “I started to feel dizzy, and it was difficult to see anything due to the heat,” Smith said. “I told my coaches, and they told me to sit out and just hydrate for the next few plays.”

Like all outdoor sports, girls soccer has been affected by the soaring temperatures. Junior soccer player Sofia Thatcher felt the heat from the very first outdoor practice. “As practice went on, I became more dizzy, and it got harder because of the heat, dust and just being tired,” Thatcher said. “[The heat] definitely wore me down more than usual.” Head coach Barney Guerra keeps his practice agendas flexible to accomodate the new rules. “The trainers have to measure the weather every day, which makes it tough for me to plan,” Guerra said. “We’re just trying to make do with what we can.” According to Guerra, the limited indoor space has made it difficult for outside sports to remain active when outdoor practices aren’t an option. “Because we’re sharing an athletics period with basketball who has a big program, trying to find space to work out inside sometimes is an issue,” Guerra said. According to Guerra, while it’s essential to practice as much as possible in the fall to prepare for the spring season, the safety of the athletes comes first. “The sports side of me is like, ‘Oh my goodness, we need to practice, we need to get better, we need to compete’; however, we can’t put our competitiveness above the players’ health,” Guerra said. “As a coach, you always have to err on the side of caution.”

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Caroline Owen print managing editor

Oct. 20, 2023

O’Neal conquers new career with fearlessness, versatility

Christmastime 2021. Cat O’Neal travels from Austin to Thailand for a vacation with a close friend. Of course, they’ll both be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival but figure they’ll report a clean bill of health and be released to enjoy their travels. Unfortunately for O’Neal, the two lines on her friend’s COVID test strip had other plans. O’Neal found herself quarantined, alone in a hotel room for 14 days and 14 nights. And although she was thousands of miles away, she couldn’t help but think of her life back home. “I was working service-industry jobs,” O’Neal said. “I was teaching yoga, teaching swimming, and kind of just working odd jobs.” But being alone for 336 hours made O’Neal question her career choices. “I was like, ‘What am I doing?’” O’Neal said. “I kind of always had it in my head that I wanted to be a teacher, but I had a hard time actually taking the first step. In that room, I decided, ‘I’m quitting those jobs and I’m gonna figure out how to be a teacher. When I get back, I’m telling my bosses.’” While she’d planned to bounce around different schools as a substitute while working toward her teaching certificate, a perfect opportunity fell into O’Neal’s lap instead. She found out that Nicole Griffith, a childhood friend from summer camp, was the principal at McCallum. “I emailed Ms. Griffith, and I was like, ‘I’m trying to go down this teaching path, and I’d like to sub at McCallum,’” O’Neal said. “She called me a week later and was like, ‘This teacher just quit. If you could take over this class, it’d be a really good opportunity for you.’” After spending the last three

O’Neal at Port Aransas Beach, circa 1988. Photo courtesy of O’Neal.

months of the 2021-22 school year as they met at the freshman volleyball clinic. a longterm substitute and getting her “She was so outgoing and kind to emergency teaching certificate, O’Neal everyone,” Cross said. “No matter what, she was ready to take a permanent position stays positive and understanding.” as a psychology and world history teacher The volleyball program isn’t the only one the following year. Because of her time that’s been graced with O’Neal’s energy and as a sub, O’Neal felt so enthusiasm. She’s coached settled at McCallum basketball, and her latest that she offered to coach. sport to coach—soccer—is Wherever I can be one that she didn’t even Having swam at UC Berkeley among decorated in during her middle of most service, just dabble Olympians like Natalie school years. She’s confident, Coughlin and Jessica however, that her coaching put me there. Hardy, O’Neal knows her outlook as well as her own — history teacher athletic experience will way around the lap pool, but she didn’t become Cat O’Neal make the season a success. the swim coach. Instead, “I hope I’ll be able to she turned her attention watch [soccer] in a totally to another sport, one she different light after I had only dabbled in about 25 years earlier. coach,” O’Neal said. “I understand the As soon as she learned that the volleyball mechanics of the human body, I understand team was in need of a coach, she didn’t athleticism, so although I’m not technically hesitate to offer up her services. soccer trained, there’s things that I can apply “I told them, ‘I retired in middle school, and weave in.” but, bump set spike?’” O’Neal said. “I She’ll also have head coach Barney Guerra always have this sense that, wherever I can to help her learn the game. be of most service, just put me there. If “To me, the energy is more important than they need me as the swim coach, I’ll be the the level of experience,” Guerra said. “I can swim coach. If they want me to coach cross fill that in. I can teach her. She said she country, I’ll do that. If they want me to stick was willing to learn, and she was super with volleyball, I can do that.” pumped about soccer. That was the Natalie Cross, a setter and most important thing.” O’Neal libero on the freshman A Guerra sought poses with team, felt right teammates out O’Neal at home with Erin Reilly and in part Coach O’Neal Nadia Staubitz because as soon as at a meet on April 7, 2005.

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he recognized her willingness to be of service wherever needed. “One thing I love about her is that she looks at the situation and says, ‘What can I do to help the most?’” Guerra said. “The kind-hearted person she is, being in a sport where she was the third or fourth coach while I needed a second coach, she knew she’d be most useful for soccer. She went where she was needed.” Guerra most looks forward to watching the JV team thrive under O’Neal’s leadership. And with so many experienced players in the soccer program to teach her the nuances of the sport, the relationship will be mutually beneficial. “I know that the girls are gonna take ownership of the team,” Guerra said. “It’s a really special experience for kids and teachers to get to learn and grow together, as opposed to having a coach just order players around.” O’Neal’s disposition while coaching is due to her own athletic career. From swimming in the local summer league at 8 years old, O’Neal’s sport was at the center of her world. “I was super hard on myself, and I was super competitive,” she said. “It was all about being an elite athlete, not about having a sustainable athletic practice in your life that you can enjoy and take with you anywhere.” “Sports are a microcosm for life. They’re a metaphor for everything you do,” she said. “You should be competitive, push yourself, and also know that there’s a quality of longevity and sustainability, and you can use this activity to influence the rest of your life.” O’Neal breaks the freshman B team out during the Knight Freshman Volleyball Tournament on Aug. 27, 2022.

O’Neal (right) stands beside teammate Genevieve Patterson at a swim meet on Jan. 24, 2006.

O’Neal at UC Berkley. Photo courtesy of O’Neal.

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Junior Ben Polega and the cheer team appear in front of Taco Shack with meterologist Sean Kelly during the KXAN live broadcast announcement of the spirit contest winner. Anderson won the contest by a margin of 314 votes out of the 28,640 votes cast. Photo by Julia Copas. To learn more about Ben Polega and his mascot journey, scan the QR code below or visit macshieldonline.

The key equals confidence

Hoping to break barriers, entertain crowds, junior Ben Polega steps into new role

Alice Scott co-editor-in-chief

Polega said. “They just look at your creative side. It’s just about how hard you can yell and how hard you can cheer.” Junior Ben Polega knows his mascot story is Polega uses these skills to his advantage. not the traditional one. With original skits and flashy knight “There is a stereotype that cheerleaders armor, Polega brings all his energy to hype have to be not in a wheelchair,” Polega said. up the fans. “But I’m excited for the season and breaking “The mascot’s role is a lot more engaging to that barrier.” the crowd,” Zeifman Having been said. “It gets the born with younger audiences quadriplegia, more excited. It’s just about how hard you Polega knew that There’s something finding a place very exciting about can yell and how hard you on the cheer somebody being in a team might be can cheer. costume representing challenging. But your school.” —junior Ben Polega when junior According to cocheerleader cheer director Jace Avi Zeifman Klein, the cheerleaders encouraged and the mascot are him to try out for the open mascot position, both integral parts of the team who work in Polega decided to take a chance. tandem to raise the crowd’s spirits. “I think Ben has a lot of school spirit, which “What they do have in common is is really something that you don’t find a lot supporting the crowd and getting them all these days,” Zeifman said. “He also just has a amped up,” Klein said. “With the cheerleaders lot of passion for everything that he does, and it’s more athletic, throwing people in the I think that’s really important for somebody air, making big loud cheers. And with the who wants to be a cheerleader or a mascot.” mascot, it’s more, doing something funny or Polega’s spirit and passion are what won silly to keep everyone in a good mood.” over the panel of judges who select the school Despite having different roles on the field, mascot each year. Polega said he feels welcomed by the team, “[The judges] don’t look at the physicality,” who have gone so far as to teach him some of

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their own cheers. “[The best part about being the mascot is] the camaraderie between the cheerleaders and their willingness to help me in any way possible,” Polega said. According to Klein, Polega helps the cheerleaders, too. “He’s got so much confidence,” Klein said. “He has his skits ready, and he’s excited. Even in our cheer group chat, I put at the very top in the group title, ‘The key equals confidence’ because that is the key to cheerleading. And Ben has that. So hopefully, he inspires the others to have as much confidence as well.” In fact, Klein believes that Polega’s confidence has been the reason for his early success as the mascot. Over the summer, when the cheer team attended the Universal Cheerleaders Association camp at the University of Texas, Polega was named AllAmerican Mascot, All-Star Mascot, and won the spirit competition. “When we were winning all the awards at summer camp, I literally had a pile of awards on my tray,” Polega said. Polega’s goal for the future is to continue cheering in college. For now, though, he’s focused on using his talents to improve the school. “I really want to have an imprint on McCallum bigger than myself,” Polega said. “And this is how I’ll do it.”

Polega at the Taco Shack pep rally on Aug. 25. Photo by Dave Winter.

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Carlson answers call for new leadership

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Junior captain sets team up for success with consistency, reliability Josie Mullan staff reporter Following her team’s undefeated district season in 2022, junior Greta Carlson was announced as varsity volleyball captain last spring at the volleyball banquet. As she settles into her new role, Carlson and the team hope to repeat their district success. Carlson was introduced to volleyball by her older sister, whose games and tournaments she grew up watching. Insistent on continuing to play her own sports, soccer and basketball, Carlson didn’t join volleyball until fifth grade. But luckily for her, she took to it right away. Her passion grew, and by middle school, it was all she did. “I was like, ‘I just love volleyball so much, I’m just gonna give up everything else,’” Carlson said. According to head coach Amy Brodbeck, Carlson’s talent speaks for itself. “She’s just phenomenal,” Brodbeck said. Carlson has been playing at a high level for her entire high school career. Her kill percentage peaked at 48.6 percent her sophomore year, and on top of that, she’s

racked up hundreds of points on serves and earned 132 total varsity blocks. The only freshman to make varsity that year, Carlson immedietely caught Brodbeck’s eye. “There was a maturity that I’ve never seen before for a freshman player,” she said. Carlson’s captain title was not is only earned by experience and talent, but also her constant encouragement of other players. Junior Kai Talebi, Carlson’s teammate, described her as an inspiring leader. “She likes to pump everyone up,” Talebi said. “She’s just never negative.” According to Carlson, being a captain is a lot of responsibility. If Brodbeck sees an improvement to be made within the team, it’s up to the captains to sort it out. “I feel like we’re the people the team comes to with problems,” Carlson said. Luckily for the team, Carlson is good at turning a negative situation positive. She considers it part of her job to

keep spirits high during games, no matter Society, Carleson priotitizes her studies and the score. hopes to major in engineering in college. “As captain, you just always have to be “I want to be an engineer, so I really want confident, because if they see their captains to have a good education and not have my being like college life be volleyball ‘Oh gosh,’ 24/7,” Carlson said. that makes As she approaches everybody the college reruiting worry about process, Carleson is There was a maturity [in what’s gonna by endless Carlson] that I’ve not ever seen surrounded happen,” support from the Carlson said. McCallum volleyball before for a freshman player. Carlson program, especially enjoys the her coach. — varsity volleyball coach responsibility “I think she has Amy Brodbeck of being the great potential to captain, play at the next level,” especially Brodbeck said. when she sees her teammates succeed. “If I see somebody else get a Carlson follows through kill, that’s the same feeling as if on a serve during the I got a kill,” Carlson said. Knights’ 3-0 sweep of While Carlson is considering Crockett on Sept. 19. extending her volleyball career Photo by Luella Smith. into college, she plans on playing at the Division II or Division III level so she can remain focused on academics. Part of the National Honor

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Carlson spikes the ball at the varsity game against Navarro on Sept. 5. Photo by Julia Copas.

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A game of musical chairs NCAA realignments harm fan experience as much as the players’

Callen Romell staff reporter Texas to the SEC. USC to the Big Ten. Stanford to the ACC. Pac-12 down to two schools. Following a landslide of conference realignment announcements by the NCAA, all of this will be true in the next couple of years. Most of these changes are happening to the Power Five conferences: the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and Southeastern Conference. While some of the changes, such as BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF joining the Big 12, have been applied to the 2023 season, most of the realignments will go into effect in 2024. Schools are moving to conferences that are geographically centered thousands of miles from them, increasing travel time for both players and fans. From a fan perspective, it will be much less feasible to attend away games if it means a four- or five-hour flight instead of a oneto-two-hour one, like how Stanford’s furthest games will now be 3,126 miles away instead of the 1,284 miles it currently is. In a setting where having a fanbase present is important, this will impact the atmosphere of games. Sophomore Julia Copas is an avid college football fan. She said that changes to the conference alignments aren’t a good idea because of the

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strain it puts on fans who want to experience away games. “There will definitely be less people who are there for those away teams,” Copas said. “It’s like, ‘I did buy season tickets, but I’m not going to travel all the way across the country for a weekend just for a football game, like I have work tomorrow.’” Students participating in NCAA sports have a course load to balance on top of going to practice and games. To stay eligible, they must earn at least six credit hours each term and meet the minimum grade-point average requirements for their school’s graduation standards, as per NCAA regulations. Since games will soon be played on the opposite side of the country, travel times will be higher and the athletes will miss more school. Principal Andy Baxa, a passionate fan of his alma mater, Texas Tech, sees the added travel as being an issue for students. A longtime educator, he has first-hand experience with schedules affecting students. With volleyball having around 30 games a season

and baseball having over 50, athletes are constantly going to and from games. Baxa does not believe an even tighter schedule as being conducive to student-athletes’ learning. “Now you’re going to have baseball games that are played in the middle of the week or basketball games played in the middle of the week where a student has to go to the West Coast [from the East Coast],” Baxa said. “That’s a lot of travel, a lot of time away, and if the main thing is that they’re student-athletes, when do they get time to be a student if they’re missing half their classes during the season?” Profit is a major motive for colleges to make moves since some conferences are able to provide more lucrative payouts. “It’s hard to say you should stay put where you are whenever you’re going to turn down 30, 40 extra million dollars a year,” Baxa said. When fans go to games, they want to be able to cheer on their teams, participate in decades-old traditions and play in longstanding rivalries. The addition of schools to conferences

could potentially eliminate some of these aspects of college sports. “It just makes me sad whenever you start seeing the loss of some of your traditional rivalries and your traditions that have really made college football so much more fun to watch than pro football,” Baxa said. Some of the rivalries lost include the UCLA vs. Cal game, known as the “Bear Bowl,” and the Washington vs. Washington State game, also called the “Apple Cup.” There is also a headline rivalry that will resume: The University of Texas at Austin vs. Texas A&M. But shaking up conferences means that teams that aren’t normally in the limelight could get more publicity by being in a higher profile conference or playing bigger opponents. Freshman Fletcher Vandegrift sees the changes as an opportunity for smaller schools to get more recognition. He said that with lesser-known colleges moving to bigger conferences they will have a better chance to compete for titles. “Some schools are now gonna have the opportunity to go to the college football playoffs that we just haven’t been paying attention to,” Vandegrift said. “I think that it’s great for [smaller teams] now that they’re finally getting a chance to play some better teams and starting to beat them.” Next time you plan to watch your team play or are looking at stats compared to the rest of their conference, make sure you know which conference that actually is.

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sports briefs Knights double up Raptors to bring district record to 3-1 The varsity football team has rebounded since its non-district losses to the Anderson Trojans in the annual Taco Shack Bowl and to the Connally Cougars. After a 45-21 doubling up of LASA last Friday at Nelson, the team is 3-1 in district play and seems certain of a second-place finish in district behind LBJ, who defeated the Knights, 32-14 on Sept. 29. According to senior fullback Owen Price, the Knights’ 42-0 loss Junior Mark Sanchez runs the ball at the varsity football game vs. LBJ on Sept. 29 at House Park. Photo by Julia Copas.

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against the Trojans has been the team’s primary motivation. “Getting shut out in Taco Shack was an extreme wake-up call for everyone on the team,” Price said. “We’ve been practicing and preparing harder for our games and started to become more serious about our goals for this season because of it.” Picking up the momentum after the Knight’s 56-42 loss against the Connally Cougars on Sept. 8, the varsity team turned its attention to another pack of Cougars for their game the district opener the following week against Crockett. After an hour-long rain delay and a slow first half, ending with the Knights down 16-14, juniors Mitchell Butler and Luke Dunham found the end zone en route to a 37-22 win. “We responded well by beating Crockett where we weren’t picked to win,” Price said. Following a bye week, the Knights dropped a competitive game to the LBJ Jaguars, a game was tied late in the first half but ended in a 32-14 Knight loss. After a 49-3 beat down of Northeast on Oct. 6, the Knights beat the LASA Raptors 45-21 on Oct. 13. “I think we have a lot of good momentum to finish up district,” Price said. “[I’m] looking forward to having fun the rest of district.” The Knights play Navarro on Thursday at House Park. Games against Eastside and Travis will bring the district season to a close. —Naomi Di-Capua

calendar Oct. 23, 2023

UIL 5A Region III Cross Country Championships Kate Barr Ross Park, Hunstville girls- 8:15 a.m. boys- 9 a.m. Oct. 26, 2023

Varsity football at Travis @ House Park- 7:30p.m. Oct. 27, 2023

Volleyball at Ann Richards freshman A- 5:30p.m. JV- 6:30p.m. varsity- 7:30p.m. Senior Rylee Hissey serves the ball at the varsity volleyball game vs. Ann Richards on Sept. 22. Photo by Dave WInter.

Knights edge Raptors in five sets . . again

Senior Gabe Scheibal scans the Anderson defense for an opening during a water polo match on Sept. 15. Photo by David Herring.

In tough season, water polo team builds community The boys water polo season ended on Sept. 30 with the team’s tournament at the Round Rock Aquatics Center. To extend their season, the Knights needed to beat LASA. McCallum lost to the Raptors 10-7, however, and to Austin High 8-6 in tournament play. Ultimately, the Knights lost every district and non-district game, but according to senior co-captain Andrew Wong, this season was about helping new players get accustomed to playing water polo. “Even though it was my last season playing for McCallum, I still had a great time with everyone on the team,” Wong said. Senior co-captain Will Perkins said he is happy that the water polo team has grown in players, even if it is his last year as captain. “[Water polo] is a very good exercise, and the community is awesome,” Perkins said. Wong agrees that the community is one of the best parts. “When I started I didn’t know anything about the sport and was nervous at first, but the community helped me learn and feel more comfortable playing it,” Wong said. —Ephraim Paprock-Schue

The Knights had a lot on the line when they traveled to LASA on Oct. 10. Win and the Knights would sweep the season series and return to first place atop the district standing. Lose and they would find themselves in third place looking up at the Raptors and the Ann Richards Stars. The Raptors won the first set, 30-28. After the Knights claimed the second set 25-17 and the third set 2725 to take the lead. The Raptors dug deep to win the fourth set 25-17 and force a tiebreaker fifth set. It was the second time the teams played five sets this season, and luckily for McCallum, the result was the same. After falling behind 6-2 early in the fifth set, the Knights won four of the next six points to trail 8-6. The Raptors never scored again after that as the Knights reeled off nine consecutive points to win the set 15-8 and the match 3-2. Greta Carlson led the Knights with 22 kills, but it was senor Rylee Hissey that head coach Amy Brodbeck

said was the player of the game. Not only did Hissey have 19 kills but she was in Brodbeck’s word “a beast” who dove all over the court to keep points alive that the Knights would eventually win. When the Knights look back on this season, they will undoubtedly point to this match as a pivot point. After subsequent victories over Navarro, Eastside and Travis, the Knights are in the district driver’s seat. If the Knights can beat Crockett at home tonight and at Ann Richards on Tuesday, the Knights will repeat as district champs. Brodbeck said that to meet the team’s goal of enjoying a long playoff run they must minimize errors and learn to bounce back from them. “I think that’s one thing this team has done a really good job with,” Brodbeck said. “They don’t get down and out and just give up. They keep fighting.”—Julia Copas and Lanie Sepehri

Boys team, Jones advance to cross-county regionals The boys and girls cross country teams competed in the district meet on Oct. 12, with the varsity boys team and individual junior varsity runner Tate Jones qualifying for regionals. Senior David Herring placed first in the 5A varsity boys race with a time of 17:02 and sophomore Julia Lentz placed first in the 5A JV girls race with a time of 21:02. “This is my third year running cross country, but just first year at our school,” Lentz said. “The team is really fun so far, and it’s been really great to get to know everyone as the season goes on.” The regional meet will be held on Oct. 23 in Huntsville. “This season has been going pretty well for us,” Lentz said. “Everyone has been working really hard, and I think it will pay off in our later performances.” —Camilla Vandegrift and Francie Wilhelm Senior David Herring runs at the district meet on Oct. 12 Photo by Lillian Gray.

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Swinging into the future As the city of Austin grows, so too should its major league sports teams

Nate Williams opinion editor With the arrival of Austin FC in 2021, the myth that Austin was just a college sports town was shattered. Q2 Stadium is consistently sold out during home matches, and restaurants and bars across the city are became packed with fans watching from afar. With the success of the Major League Soccer team, you might believe other major league franchises have been interested in bringing a team to the Lone Star state, but doing so requires more than just coming up with a name for a new team. In order for a major league team to come to Austin, the franchise would either have to relocate an existing team or add an expansion team. Major League Baseball is currently looking to expand to 32 teams, allowing two more cities to propose a new dynasty in their town. This is why I believe the best option for our growing metropolis is an MLB team. Major League teams, like the San Antonio Spurs have been interested in Austin for many years. Earlier this year, the Spurs made a stop at Austin’s Moody Center during their “I-35 Series” tour. The games they played at Moody with sell-out crowds and huge advertisements for

months leading up to the two-night event raised the important question of why the city doesn’t have an MLB, NFL or NBA team. The Spurs have made appearances at SXSW and Austin City Limits. They also have a shuttle taking Austin residents straight to AT&T Center for their games. It is no surprise that the Spurs have already announced and begun selling tickets for another event at Moody in 2024. The NBA is not the only major league franchise that has had rumors surrounding a new Austin-based team. There was a glimpse of hope when the NFL’s Buffalo Bills threatened to move to Austin after negotiations with the upstate New York city for a new, modernized stadium stalled. Gov. Greg Abbott even played along, retweeting a KXAN News story about the Bills with a blinking eye emoji. Former Austin mayor Steve Adler also shared support. It is not rare for a team to threaten to move when looking for an updated stadium. The Oakland Raiders moved to Las Vegas in the newer Allegiant Stadium after their lease on the OaklandAlameda County Colosseum ended and efforts to move to a

new fan base that would come along with new facility were unsuccessful. a new major league team, there is a huge It is clear, however, that a baseball team economic impact. The Astros gained $407 would be perfect for Austin as there is proof million in revenue in 2022 with a large of baseball’s popularity in Central Texas share of that going back into the local and it could easily take the place of a precommunity. With Austin becoming more existing team. Since the NFL is currently urbanized, that funding could be used for more focused on expanding to Europe and new infrastructure and community projects Mexico and the NBA is considering other benefiting all residents. markets like Ultimately, it may be Seattle and Las a few too many more Vegas, the MLB years until we hear could easily I believe they are missing official word about a start another new major league sports Texas team. The out on what could be the franchise moving to support that Austin, but I believe the Houston biggest sports team in the they are missing out Astros have in nation, and they won’t even on what could be the nation Central Texas is biggest sports team in telling enough take a swing at. the nation, and they that an Austin won’t even take a swing baseball team at it. And one day in the would be wellfuture, sports historians received. There will look back on the time when a place are multiple teams, including the Tampa Bay called Austin was the 11th largest city in Rays, with very low attendance and outdated America (soon to be 10th) and did not have stadiums in their current locations that a major league sports team from one of the would be perfect for relocating to Austin. The “Big Three” franchises. But there is always MLB could also shock fans and combine two time to rewrite the history of our city and add two large cities and break another major league team, with economic ground between San growth and a boom in Austinite spirit Antonio and Austin. following suit. It isn’t only a

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volume 71

Saving the Earth by proxy Invasive monk parakeet does good for local ecosystem, other bird species

Kyan Adams staff reporter Within Austin lies (or flies) a large population of monk parakeets. Many Austinites are aware of them and value these little, green parrots for their energetic behavior and colorful appearance. But their natural habitat is southern South America, so why are they here? Well, a small number of them were released in the 1980s near Zilker Park, and since then, their population has boomed, spreading their wings across all corners of the city. In fact, monk parakeets are now known to be in Houston, San Antonio and even across state lines. While they have a pretty basic origin story, I believe these little parrots could be useful to the United States and fill a role that’s been vacant for 104 years in the American Midwest, Northeast and South. Because monk parakeets are an invasive species, it is imperative that we determine whether these parakeets are a threat to our ecosystems or way of life. Gathering information from European countries, we know monk parakeets can be agricultural pests at times. We also know from experience and reports in neighboring cities that their nests are hazards to electrical structures. Like little apartments, monk parakeets make 400-pound stick nests housing multiple birds and eggs at the same time. This is something completely unique to monk parakeets, but as cool as it is, it’s still a threat to infrastructure, causing power outages and even fires. This is rare, however, and it seems to be an issue that’s either unrecognized within Austin or just so infrequent that it’s not worth discussion. Besides this uncommon phenomenon and occasional damage to crop fields, which should not be of concern in an urban area like Austin, Monk parakeets have been a largely

Thick-billed parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha). Photo by Joe Mazzola. Reprinted here with permission under a creative commons license.

unproblematic addition to the community. With our understanding of the known negatives, we can safely say that they do not bring any dangers to our native wildlife and way of life, so we can focus on the positive contributions of these feathered friends instead. The role of parrots is to spread forests, and while many bird species do this, parrots have proven much more efficient at it. Additionally, the exceptional strength of their beaks allows them to crack open a wide variety of seeds when they eat, including those native to Austin. Timothy Keitt, a UT ornithology professor, has observed monk parakeets eating the crucial and native mesquite tree seed pods. This observation is important as it shows that monk parakeets can be a reliable seed distributor and that they can survive off of native plants. They’ve also been observed foraging off the ground, further illustrating their unflinching adaptability. Another illustration of the monk parakeet’s unflinching adaptability is their skill of ecosystem engineering, of which their aforementioned giant nests are an example. An ecosystem engineer is a species that can modify habitats, which can be done in several different ways. Monk parakeets fall into the allogeneic engineering category. This is when a species modifies its ecosystem physically, The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) Photographer unknown. Reprinted under a creative commons license.

building structures such as beaver dams, leaf our living species. But this is the reason we shelters or in the monk parakeet’s case, their should be in favor of the monk parakeet, which massive nests. proxies for a species known as the Carolina Many different animals have been observed parakeet. This was the only widespread North taking residence within the monk parakeet’s American parrot species we know of since the nest, but primarily birds. And a great Miocene era. Yes, other parrot species have diversity of birds there are, even including lived in America, namely the thick-billed parrot birds of prey. that used to roam Mammals, reptiles today’s Western and invertebrates United States, or the can also be found green parakeet that Too many species have in their nests, but resided in a small they probably would region of Texas, been lost in our wake and not cooperate quite but no other parrot as well if met with species had spread each loss has tipped us the monk parakeet its wings as far and further toward our own whose home they wide as the Carolina were invading. parakeet. The extinction. The only drawback Carolina parakeet to the monk parakeet was a small, brightly sharing its nest with colored parrot other bird species is whose green, yellow that invasive species can also seek refuge in and orange feathers made it unable to hide the roomy nest. Luckily, strategic placement of among the trees, and thus its extinction in 1918 monk parakeet populations in locations free of was traced to both mass hunting and the major invasive species can prevent this outcome. deforestation of the 18th and 19th centuries. So what is a proxy species, anyway? Proxy While deforestation was a contributing is a term commonly used when a species factor to the Carolina parakeet’s extinction, has gone extinct and a closely related species the Carolina parakeet’s extinction also played with a similar ecological role is introduced a role in increased deforestation. Because into an area to fill the hole in the ecosystem. they were a seed-dispersing species, their One example besides the monk parakeet is absence slowed the spread of new seedlings, the Bolson tortoise. From fossil records, we leaving ecosystems unable to replace the lost know that these tortoises used to be in large tree cover. numbers around the United States in the While de-extinction isn’t impossible, it is Pleistocene and Holocene eras but decreased difficult. This is where the monk parakeet substantially later on. These tortoises help comes in. The monk parakeet’s role and support grassland and shrubland simply by behavior are similar to the Carolina their way of life, which in turn creates soil parakeet’s, making it the best candidate for a humidity needed for said biomes. proxy. Additionally, their large nests can act This method of rewilding can be an extremely as a substitute habitat for other bird species in positive way to restore the health of ecosystems, areas where there aren’t enough trees to meet but the reason this is necessary is quite the demand for homes. unfortunate. We are at a point on Earth where If this idea were to be taken into full effect, we have to resort to using the extinct to save and monk parakeets were to be introduced in high volume to regions where Carolina parakeets once roamed, the best start would be to pinpoint an adequate area, most likely a state in the Central Southern area of the United States. The next step would The Carolina be chipping the monk parakeets so that if parakeet (Conuropsis anything doesn’t go according to plan the carolinesis) species’ location is tracked for recapture, as Photographer well as monitoring of the individual birds to see how they interact with the ecosystem. unknown. Reprinted We have the ability to rejuvenate here with permission our dying planet, but this can only be under a creative accomplished if the human race can commons license. cooperate. Too many species have been lost in our wake, and each loss has tipped us further into our own extinction. But there is hope thanks to proxy species.

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oct. 20, 2023

Billionaires have mastered the art of self-sabotage Earth’s wealthiest people are also the most clueless

Noah Braun staff reporter On Sept. 27, 2021, prominent entrepreneur Elon Musk surpassed Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to claim the title of world’s richest man. By November of that same year, his net worth touched the $320 billion mark. Imagine the things you could achieve with a mere hundredth of Musk’s money: secure a future for your children and grandchildren, fund charities for years to come, endorse cutting-edge medical technology that could save lives. But, of course, Musk isn’t known for doing any of that. Six months after securing this title, he began the process of acquiring the colossal social media site known as Twitter, in a deal that would ultimately lose Musk an inconceivable $44 billion. For perspective, that’s more money than the gross domestic product of Bahrain or Paraguay, or about 49 Samoas.

30 opinion

You might ask why; well, after doing some digging, the answer is simple: Musk, and modern moguls like him, collectively have the ego of a middle schooler and the social awareness to match. Musk has his detractors, people who pop up in the comments sections of his posts to ridicule him in front of all his followers. The natural next step, to a sensitive man like him, was then to capture the entire platform. After all, when he becomes the main character of the site, all those naysayers seem a lot less important. Musk can continue whatever pseudo-intellectual drivel he wants. His conflicting statements themselves from various areas of the political compass raise another confounding question: does Elon Musk believe in anything? If his history is anything to go by, it would seem as though he believes in whatever will make him more popular. From eye-rollingly pretentious remarks on social media about how “The Iliad is meant to be spoken,” to making all of the Tesla car models spell out “S3XY” when put together, he routinely rockets back-and-

forth between these extremes of maturity. All the more baffling is that this is a 52-year-old man and father of 11. He has ample money to better the world, more resources than most countries do, but he’s too busy playing with toys. Instead, he’s infected by delusions of grandeur, pouring his millions into rocket ships, gaudy cars, AI and failed public projects like the Hyperloop. SpaceX alone proves he’d rather leave Earth behind than help repair it. From where I’m standing, Musk looks like someone doing everything they can to distract us from our issues rather than helping fix them. Somehow, it seems like the image Musk proliferates of himself was fed back to him by his fanboys in social-media echo chambers, and now he’s part of the con he started. Whether or not he realizes it, I cannot say. Either way, it doesn’t change the fact that Elon Musk is a master of publicity stunts and self-promotion, and not much else. The worst part of all of this is no matter Graphic by Mira Patel.

what he does, he’s too big to fail. Musk embodies everything I despise about the modern super-celebrity: he has the ego of Kanye West, the feral supporters of Donald Trump, the far-too-grand visions of Bezos and the social ineptitude of Mark Zuckerberg. A dreary picture this information does indeed paint, but we can explain it all with an amusingly pathetic truth: deep down, Musk desperately cares what everyone else thinks about him. Musk’s self-worth is dependent on our interest in him, and if the latter dies, so does the former. So to him and to all these short-sighted billionaires and their trend-chasing, I say whatever. Sometimes there’s something to be said for playing small ball. Musk and his buddies can have all the Martian wasteland they want. I’ve got work tomorrow.

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issue 1

shield

oct. 20, 2023

volume 71

Our planet needs a plan

With rising temperatures, policy-makers need to prioritize climate relief Shield staff This year, Austin experienced its hottest summer on record, reaching triple digits for 45 days in a row. With only 1.31 inches of rainfall, the season was also the driest the city has been in 113 years. Throughout the 78 100-plus degree days in 2023, Austinites have been forced to accept the unfortunate truth: Texas is only going to get hotter. As we adjust to life in a triple-digit dystopia, it’s clear that reversing the effects of climate change isn’t a realistic goal. Instead, policymakers should assume the worst about climate when deciding infrastructure and spending by planning for and expecting extreme weather conditions. In an investigative report done by KXAN, it was found that the Lower Colorado River Authority, which manages the water supply of at least 1 million residents, does not have a management plan that considers climate change. The LCRA is using Texas’ worst drought in history as a benchmark, not on predictions of future (and worse) drought conditions expected by climatologists. Instead of using readily available statistics that map out the future of Texas weather,

the LRCA is relying on years-old data that has become obsolete in the face of climate change. As cities issue severe water restrictions and Senate Bill 28 becomes a law, putting more than $1 billion toward updating water infrastructure, Texas is moving in the right direction. But for life in a radar red zone to be tolerable, proactivity is needed far beyond water infrastructure. McCallum students arrived on the first day of school to a building with a broken airconditioning system. Whether sweating buckets during a lecture or feeling frozen during a test, classroom temperatures have an undeniable impact on learning. Although the district has funded short-term fixes like the temporary units placed in rooms that face frequent outages, this is not enough to keep students safe in recordbreaking climate conditions. Further, due to AISD heat guidelines, athletes were forced to cancel outdoor practices due to unsafe heat conditions well into September. Many schools, including McCallum, have limited space for athletics indoors, often leaving teams with nowhere to practice and giving schools with better facilities a game-time advantage. Although turf fields are allocated for in the 2022 AISD Bond modernizations, they attract heat

cartoon by Sophie Leung-Lieu and can be dangerous, occasionally melting cleats or causing burns. Instead, districts should build more indoor practice and game facilities that will be necessary for the inevitable future of fall sports. From water shortages to indoor facilities to power security, it is clear that Texas does

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

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Caroline Owen JoJo Barnard

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not currently have in place the policy or infrastructure to adequately protect residents in the face of increasing climate threats. Legislators and policymakers need to heed the warnings of experts and plan for worstcase weather scenarios before they come knocking on our door.

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

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editorial 31

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issue 1, volume 71

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32 back cover

Across

3. McCallum principal (pg. 4) 5. “_______ that’s our (class) battle cry!” 8. Room # where you can find seniors during the day, working on college applications 9. Street on the northwest side of McCallum

Down 1. MacTheatre’s production: Sweet _______ 2. The spice of the season (pg. 8) 4. Mr. Klein’s biggest fear (pg. 18) 6. Volleyball term for when player sets the ball in play by sending it over the net 7. Mac Band show theme Graphics by Sophie Leung-Lieu.

1. charity 2. pumpkin 3. baxa 4. fomo 5. victory 6. serve 7. starsurfer 8. one-thirty 9. grover

Advertising in The Shield—in our print edition or on this 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. Our most 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’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 dave.winter@austinisd.org.