McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

On March 1, MCHS rocked out at the annual Battle of the Bands event in the Freshmen Campus theater. After many performances, judges crowned Happy Accident as the winning musician.

Taking the stage 

Dominic Burnett, Freshman Correspondent March 18, 2024

On Friday, March 1, 2024 Freshman Campus hosted Battle of the Bands. There were seven bands that played in the auditorium. The school staff team “The Staff Infection” played a couple of songs there...

Something fishy

Leylah Moreno, Artistic Director March 13, 2024

Last school year, Tim Beagle, science division chair and environmental science teacher, introduced an innovative and unique method of farming to MCHS’s greenhouse: aquaponics.  Aquaponics is a sustainable...

First year english teacher Mr. John Aubert has created an atmosphere where students feel at home and welcomed inside the classroom.

First steps

Paulina Borowski, Marketing Director March 7, 2024

In the hushed hallways of McHenry High School, a new presence emerges, fresh-faced and eager to teach the stream of students coming into his classroom. Meet John Aubert, a first-year teacher whose every...

The McHenry County Honors Band plays at Huntley High School on January 20. The band was comprised on members from high schools all across the county, including 11 from MCHS.

An honor to play

Jennifer Landa-Tolentino, Staff Writer March 5, 2024

Eleven students are getting ready in their all black outfits to perform at Huntley High School. Performing an amazing song after only two days of rehearsal. Faith Negele’s fingers glide down her clarinet. Eleven...

Author Matt de la Pena addresses students at the Upper Campus on Feb. 8 in the auditorium during MCHSs Writers Week hosted by the English Department.

Creating a legacy

Lily Adams, Feature Editor March 1, 2024

Everyone is seated and quiet as author Matt De La Peña walks onto the auditorium stage. The bright lights hit his eyes as he greets everyone. He is excited to be at MCHS telling his story. He has done...

During the winter, when the sun sets earlier, the winter blahs can make students less motivated and less interested in learning. For some of these students, Seasonal Affective Disorder might be making a tough time of year even worse.

Feeling SAD

Olivia Smith, Social Media Manager February 26, 2024

Highschoolers everywhere dread the winter. For some, it is because of the long school days and lack of holidays. But for others, it can actually be reduced down to a chemical imbalance. This is called...

A lot goes on behind the scenes of MCHSs school newspaper before the print and online editions are released. Each round of stories, the section editors lead a pitch day to brainstorm ideas for new articles.

Pen behind the paper 

Lily Adams, Feature Editor February 22, 2024

A student sits in the newspaper class 287 at the Upper Campus. They are lost in the confusion. It is their first day in the newspaper and they have no idea what's going on. They take a seat in the back...

Noah Etten, who plays Lord Farquaad, rehearses with other  for Shrek: The Musical in February in the Upper Campus auditorium.

Welcome to the swamp

Michalina Sotka, Print Managing Editor February 21, 2024

A crew member walks into the auditorium at MCHS for rehearsals. Since he is playing a main role, he has a lot of work cut out for him. But with production going smoothly and efficiently so far, he remains...

Though migrants crossing the Mexican border are being bussed from Texas to cities all around the U.S. without much choice or warning, the ones who end up in McHenry County have found more supports than they might expect.

People are people

Mackenzie Sroka, Editor In Chief February 13, 2024

Change can be difficult for a lot of people, whether that change is necessary or just happens. Moving to a new country, new school, new community, and meeting new people due to hardships can be an even...

At the end of year, a local political group sent a new policy proposal to Huntley’s District 158 school board that could impact support for trans students. Though there are no such policies being proposed at MCHS, some wonder what could happen if more outside political groups influence school rules elsewhere in the county.

Parental control

Lily Adams, Features Editor February 12, 2024

Old, faded signs on the doors to the Upper Campus that restrict firearms at the school would do little to stop a school shooting, but MCHS has put measures in place to protect students.

Triggered

Eli Frommes, Host and Audio Producer February 12, 2024

A student is sitting in their English class and suddenly they hear footsteps and police officers banging on doors. They start freaking out, not knowing what is happening or if they are safe. Gun Violence,...

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