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

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,...

By the time students finally reach the second semester of the school year, many find themselves burnt-out and unmotivated.

Second semester blues

Alexis Januk, Staff Writer February 6, 2024

Second semester, the final stretch before summer break. It goes from dark and dreary to tulips in the spring. Although many finish out strong, there are students that get lost in that darkness. With...

The students in AP Psychology are entrusted to care for sock babies to symbolize looking after a newborn baby.

Some socks required

Maggie Demski, Copy Editor January 30, 2024

A student gets to school on Wednesday morning realizing that they forgot their sock baby. They text their dad to bring the sock baby to school. This shows that this student is a bad sock parent, they will...

The Winter Formal dance was planned and executed for the first time, and was enjoyed by staff and students

A new tradition 

Ethan Rasmussen, Staff Writer January 25, 2024

The lights inside Freshman campus are dimmed, the only light being the soft glow of blue Christmas lights illuminating the gymnasium and the cafeteria. It is only hours before the dance, and preparation...

Shortly after her release from prison, Munchhausen syndrome by proxy victim Gypsy Rose Blanchard tells her story in The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard docuseries.

In her own words

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor January 16, 2024

In the summer of 2015, a young woman and her boyfriend orchestrated the brutal murder of her mother. Eight years after the crime, the daughter is the one gaining the sympathy and support from the people.  The...

Christmas lights hang across Sogo, a Japanese department store. Christmas may be a Christian holiday, but its celebrated by religious and non-religious people all over the world.

Culture, Christmas, and core memories

Alexis Januk, Staff Writer December 20, 2023

It is the night of Christmas Eve; snow falls lightly to the ground as a family is gathered in their warm home putting together their sweets and gifts for the days to come. The children try to sneak kolaczkis...

McHenry Riverwalk District is decorated and prepared to host many events for the holiday season.

Seasonal shoppes

Paulina Borowski, Social Media Manager December 18, 2023

Tinsel shines off the glistening Christmas lights on the Riverwalk, people walk around the shops with hot cocoa in their hands, children and adults alike glide across the ice rink. There is plenty to do...

Members and supporters of SAG-AFTRA picket outside Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

End of the strike

Grace Crockett, News Editor December 15, 2023

Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) reached an agreement with Hollywood studio executives, which effectively ended the 118 day actors strike on November...

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