2019-2020

IJEA All-State Journalism Team:

IJEA began the All-State Journalism Team as a way to recognize those students who are “most valuable players” — those students whose leadership, energy, dedication and expertise make their publications possible but whose main contributions often occur behind the scenes.

Stacy Correra

IJEA Newspaper & Digital News Media Contest:

Each year, the IJEA hosts a newspaper and digital news media contest to recognize the best stories and content published by student journalists in the state of Illinois. The competition recognizes individual writers and stories in addition to the best print, digital, and hybrid publications.

Best Website

1st: The McHenry Messenger, McHenry H.S.

Best Hybrid Publication

3rd: The McHenry Messenger

Best Overall Publication

Honorable Mention: The McHenry Messenger

Best News Story

3rd: “West Campus senior helps save brother’s life” by Oliver Simpson

Honorable Mention: “Symphonic band performs at All-State” by Emma Snyder

Best In-Depth News Story

3rd: “Hidden Pearl moves out to accommodate Booster Club” by Michelene Havard

Best Feature Story

2nd: “Seeing Color” by Ciara Duncan

Best Personality Profile

3rd: “Passion for fashion” by Jared Biseyek

Best Sports Story

2nd: “Boys cross-country team steps it up at State” by Zach Brown

Best Serious Commentary

Honorable Mention: “Your offensive language may hurt someone else” by Kyla Henige

Best Sports Photo

3rd: “Logan LaRose stretches” by Madison Wise

Best Illustration

2nd: “Say What?” by Bella Alexander

Best Use of Social Media

3rd: Facebook @mchenrymessengr by Becky Arendarczyk

Honorable Mention: Instagram @mchenrymessengr by Becky Arendarczyk

Best Headline

3rd: “Glow all out” by Jared Bysiek

Best Photo Gallery or Photo Slideshow

Honorable Mention: “MCHS spreads the love on Valentine’s Day” by Madison Wise

Best Multimedia Story:

Honorable Mention: “Fresh Ink” by Stacy Correra & Madison Wise

Recognition for Outstanding Coronavirus Coverage:

Three major journalism organizations — the National Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Society for News Design — have joined forces to recognize outstanding COVID-19 coverage by high school media. These articles have earned such recognition.

“Essential” by Stacy Correra

Best of School Newspapers Online:

School Newspapers Online (also known as SNO) is the platform that the McHenry Messenger uses to publish its online newspaper. They acknowledge best stories being published on the SNO Sites network by labelling it as “Best of SNO” and republishing it on their website. These articles have earned such designation this year.

“Seeing color” by Ciara Duncan

“Taking one for the team” by Oliver Simpson

“Battling student homelessness” by Michelene Havard

“West Campus senior helps save brother’s life” by Oliver Simpson

“Fresh ink” by Stacy Correra

“Essential” by Stacy Correra

“Lifting spirits one care package at a time” by Jared Bysiek