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
