“All Over October”
By the TMI Journalism Club
Meet Our Leaders!
(From Left to Right: Maria Alvarez, Margo Delmer, Sofia Kock, Madeline Donnelly, Elliott Stead)
Editorials
Sage Dining Gets a Glow-Up
By Sofia Kock
Let’s talk about how much the TMI dining experience has changed—and improved. We all remember how frustrating lunch could be last year: long lines, crowded tables, fork shortages, and limited menu options. Safe to say, many of us spent our money at the café just to avoid the cafeteria.
This year, though, it’s been quite the opposite. Although we’re still adjusting to the fact that seniors and freshmen go up at the same time, lunch couldn’t be better. Sure, long lines and necessary refills are inevitable when half the school rushes to eat in the first 15 minutes of flex, but the Sage team has truly stepped up.
With plenty of options and four different lines, lunch moves much faster. The variety of meals provides all the nutritious macros students need, and fan favorites seem to be the pasta and pizza bars. To anyone who isn’t in the mood for the main entrée of the day, the sandwich and salad bars never disappoint. Craving something sweet? Stop by the freezers, dessert table, or café for a cookie or two.
If our biggest complaints are running out of ketchup and mustard on hot dog day, waiting for water refills, or struggling to separate the salad bowls, I’d say we’re doing pretty well. A big thank you to the Sage Dining team for all the hard work they put in to keep us fed, organized, and happy.
The Homecoming Carnival
By Victoria Katselnik
On Friday the 17th of October, TMI had its Homecoming Carnival, a fun and festive tradition that closes out Homecoming week at school. Through purchasing and spending tickets at different booths, clubs around school are able to raise money. Students could purchase various foods and drinks from different club booths; the Spanish club sold tacos, the Latin club sold cookies, and many other clubs also offered delicious food. Student councils of different grades were also responsible for running games. The middle school student council managed jousting, which inspired lighthearted competition between many friends. The 10th grade student council was in charge of the dunk tank, which contained Mr. Kountz, Mrs. Wynn, Ms. Love, and Coach Stringer this year. Anneliese Alvarado, the 10th grade class treasurer, worked the dunk tank and expressed that “even though it was really hot outside, [she] had lots of fun working with [her] friends and seeing the expressions on the faces of the staff as they were being dunked.” Overall, the TMI student body had a great time at this year’s Homecoming carnival. Thank you to everyone who came together and worked tirelessly to make the carnival such a memorable and enjoyable experience!
Mental Illness Awareness Week
By Marissa Nunez and Mads Gonzales
For those who are not aware, Mental Illness Awareness Week was October 5-11. Mental Illness Awareness Week is an annual event that encourages people to learn about the challenges that others may face when living with mental illnesses. It encourages open conversations, understanding, and compassion toward those who struggle with conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and many others. During this week, communities share information about recognizing symptoms, getting help, and supporting loved ones. The goal is to reduce stigma and remind everyone that having a mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of because mental health affects everything, how we think, how we feel, and most especially- how we connect with others. For students, the pressure to perform, fit in, and plan for the future can take a serious toll. By recognizing Mental Illness Awareness Week, schools and communities have the ability to send a clear message: it’s okay to not be okay. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but one of immense strength.
History of Halloween
By Madeline Donnelly
In the United States, Halloween is celebrated as a spooky night filled with elaborate costumes and bags filled to the brim with candy, but where did this tradition originally come from?
The tradition of Halloween dates back to a Celtic festival of Samhain which celebrated the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter. This was considered to be a time where the boundary between the living and dead was thinner with spirits roaming the earth. This led to people dressing in costume to ward off these spirits they believed came alive on the night of October 31st.
This festival later transformed into a Christian holiday in the 18th century deeming November 1st as All Saints’ Day and Halloween as All Hallow’s Eve. The name “All Hallows” refers to the word “hallowed” which means holy.
Halloween later spread in the U.S. in the 19th century as a result of immigrants escaping the Irish Potato Famine. This brought a mix of Celtic and Christian customs, giving way to many Halloween traditions recognizable today. The practice of the Irish carving faces into beets and turnips to fend off evil spirits evolved into carving pumpkins in America today.
Halloween may look very different in today’s world but it is deeply rooted in ancient traditions still including scary costumes and carved pumpkins. What began as a holiday to ward off evil spirits now celebrates fun costumes, collecting candy, and building community.
Homecoming
By Caroline Stidham
This year’s Homecoming was more than just a dance; it was a celebration of community, school spirit, and Panther pride. From the pep rally and carnival booths to the football game and the long-awaited dance, the week brought students, teachers, and alumni together for an unforgettable experience. The halls buzzed with excitement as students participated in themed spirit days, showing off creativity and enthusiasm that built up to Friday’s pep rally.
The pep rally featured the cheerleaders, energetic student sections, and a fun sibling game that had the crowd laughing and cheering. It was a lighthearted moment that captured the spirit of TMI, filled with friendly competition and school pride.
Friday afternoon’s Homecoming Carnival was another highlight of the week. Clubs set up booths filled with games, food, and creative activities. The carnival gave students a chance to relax and enjoy the afternoon before the evening’s excitement.
As the sun set, students and families gathered at the football field to cheer on the Panthers as they played under the bright lights. The stands were packed with students and families waving signs and wearing school colors. The crowd’s energy reflected the unity and pride that Homecoming represents.
The week concluded with Saturday night’s dance, themed “Enchanted Garden.” Everyone arrived dressed to impress, filling the night with dancing, laughter, and photos that captured the joy of the evening. As the music faded and the night came to a close, one thing was clear: this year’s Homecoming was not just about the decorations or the game. It was about connection, celebration, and the shared moments that remind every Panther what makes TMI feel like home.
Pop Culture
Austin City Limits
By Margo Delmer
Photo Credit: Margo Delmer
Crowds buzzing, music blaring, and electronic fans blowing: this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) was truly a time to be had! Attending the festival during the second weekend, October tenth to twelfth, I reveled in listening to concerts performed by headliners Sabrina Carpenter, John Summit, and Hozier. Though not one of the six explicit headliners, Empire of the Sun endured as my favorite concert-partially due to my proximity to the stage, but also due to the upbeat melodies of all of their songs, which I had been listening to since the setlist was released. Notably, the on-stage performance of Empire of the Sun was complex yet captivating, as was Sabrina Carpenter’s performance, owing to her history of professional acting.
Many other artists, including Olivia Dean, Good Neighbors, Marina, the Favors, Disco Lines, and T-Pain, had incredible shows as well, and I recommend any concert-lovers to consider visiting Austin City Limits, or even Austin in general. Outside of ACL, many bands play in various venues during the evenings, offering opportunities to listen to good music without the sometimes troublesome masses of crowds that gather at Zilker Park for ACL during the day. Despite the densely packed hoards around stages, there is still plenty of room to have a good time with friends and family, whether that be at ACL Eats or the long merchandise lines. I am looking forward to next October! When the lineup is released in the spring, make sure to buy your wristband and make time to have some fun with friends and good music!
Sports
TMI Cross Country Teams Shine at State
By Sofia Kock
Photo Credit: Coach Davis
With an incredible end to the season, the TMI Varsity Cross Country teams competed at the TAPPS State Meet on October 27th in Waco. The varsity boys earned an impressive third-place finish, led by standout runner Ethan Garza ‘27, who placed second overall.
On the girls’ side, Dani Shelfo ‘27 and Natalia Sandoval ‘27 delivered strong performances, finishing fourth and eighth overall, respectively.
The team’s success reflects months of hard work, from early morning practices to long weekend runs and unwavering discipline. We are incredibly proud of what our runners have accomplished this season and grateful for all the support from families, coaches, and fans who cheered them on.
Congratulations, Panthers!
Chicago Marathon
By Maria Alvarez
Photo Credit: MarathonFoto
On October 12, 2025, the 47th Chicago Marathon took place. Known for its flat and fast course, the race is considered one of the world’s most ideal marathons, with this year’s event setting a record of 54,351 finishers. The 26.2-mile race begins in Grant Park, winds through popular neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, West Loop, Pilsen, and Chinatown, before looping back to finish in Grant Park. As an Abbott World Marathon Major, Chicago attracts elite athletes and amateur runners from around the world.
The morning started with ideal conditions, with cool air and a light breeze that made it perfect for race day. As the hours passed, the sun came out and temperatures began to rise, making the run more challenging. The first 19 miles felt steady and comfortable, but by mile 20 fatigue began to set in, a point many runners describe as “hitting the wall.” While it was challenging, Chicago was the perfect race to complete my first marathon. I am now looking forward to tackling my next World Marathon Major in New York next year, carrying forward all the lessons and positive experiences from this race and working hard to improve my performance.
Alongside thousands of amateur runners, the elite athletes delivered remarkable performances. Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda was crowned winner of the elite men’s division, clocking an impressive 2:02:23. In the elite women’s division, Hawi Feysa of Ethiopia claimed victory with a time of 2:14:56. True to Chicago Marathon tradition, a new American record was set as Conner Mantz finished as the top American in the elite men’s division, placing fourth overall with a time of 2:04:43.
Could Wemby be the GOAT?
By Elliott Stead
Photo Credit: Stephen Lew / Imagn Images
Could Victor Wembanyama be the greatest basketball player of all time? As a diehard Spurs and NBA fan, I’ve watched a lot of incredible talent, but nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to what Wemby is doing right now. A 7’5” center with the handles of a point guard and the reach of a skyscraper, he is literally redefining what a basketball player can be.
Wemby was already showing signs of being a super star caliber player just last year, averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game, leading the league in blocks and ranking among the top rebounders. Then disaster struck, just after making his first-ever All-Star Game. Wembanyama suffered a freak medical injury called deep-vein thrombosis, the same condition that ended Hall of Famer Chris Bosh’s career. That scare seems to have ignited a fire under him. “I saw what it’s like to be confronted with potentially losing a lot … I’m not taking this for granted anymore,” Wembanyama said in a post game interview.
This past summer, he went all in. He traveled to China for a monastic retreat at the Shaolin Temple, where he embraced meditation, kung-fu training, and brutal body conditioning. He also added serious muscle, going from roughly 215 pounds to 245 pounds. Moreover he worked with some of the best to ever play the game, including Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett. And the results are already visible: he looks stronger, quicker, and more confident on every possession.
Through five games, Wembanyama is averaging roughly 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 4.8 blocks, leading the Spurs to a franchise best 5 ‑ 0 start. Step-back threes, chase down blocks, putback dunks without jumping, it feels like every night he’s rewriting the limits of what’s possible.
Because of this sudden jump, I can’t help but wonder if we’re watching the beginnings of the GOAT. He’s the first player who can block a shot, grab the rebound, push the ball up the floor, and hit a step-back three, all in one possession. If he stays healthy and continues improving at this pace, Victor Wembanyama isn’t just a future MVP. He might just be better than Kareem. Better than LeBron. Better than Jordan. Victor Wembanyama might just be the greatest to ever pick up a basketball, and as a Spurs fan, it’s thrilling to watch it happen in real time.
Track Trials
By Marissa Nunez
Recent standout track performances have captured global attention, highlighting both speed and spectacle, with multiple athletes showcasing their talent and breaking long-standing records. Sydney McLaughlin‑Levrone dominated the women’s 400 meter dash at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, winning gold in 47.78 seconds, breaking a 42‑year-old championship record, and recording the second-fastest time ever in the event. Sydney also set a new American women’s 400 meter dash record, with her time of 47.78, breaking the Sanya Richards-Ross’s record of 48.70 which stood for 21 years. For those who are not familiar with the two, Sanya Richards-Ross is a retired American sprinter who specialized in the 400 meters, winning multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medals, she is widely regarded as one of the greatest 400 meter runners of all time; Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is an American track and field athlete specializing in the 400 m hurdles and 400 m sprint. She is a multiple Olympic and World Champion, holding world records in the 400 m hurdles and known for her historic performances after transitioning successfully to the flat 400 m.
Meanwhile, Tara Davis‑Woodhall made headlines in Times Square during the Athlos NYC meet, leading the long jump qualifiers with 6.81 m and later equaling her world-leading mark of 7.13 m, showcasing her dominance in field events. Other athletes, like Brittany Brown, impressed with sprint victories in the 100 m and 200 m, demonstrating the depth of talent emerging in women’s track. Together, these performances highlight both historic achievements and innovative approaches to presenting the sport in urban, high-visibility venues.