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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

Children are escorted from a church next to the Abundant Life Christian School on Dec. 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. According to reports, a student and teacher were shot and killed at the school earlier today, and the suspected shooter was found dead at the scene.

Opinion | Common crime, uncommon criminal

Gabe Santos, Opinions editor December 20, 2024

In a country where school shootings are much too common, it is likewise far too common to see another one, like December 16ths shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, pop up in the news and then quickly get swept...

Christmas spirit seems to be lower than usually here at MCHS

Opinion | How MCHS stole Christmas

Brynn Kostelnik, Copy Editor December 18, 2024

A junior sits in the silence of their classroom during her third final exam of the day, already burned out, she starts to reminisce about a time when the week before winter break meant cozy pjs, candy...

Two Peas in a Problem | Never enough time

Two Peas in a Problem | Never enough time

Olivia Smith and Brynn Kostelnik December 17, 2024

“I’m feeling really overwhelmed with my schoolwork and extracurricular activities. It seems like there’s never enough time in the day to get everything done, and I’m starting to feel really stressed...

The phone ban that the school recently got put into place has students more unattached to the lessons in class than we thought.

Opinion | Phone bans in schools works

Brooklyn Kuhl, Freshmen Contributor December 13, 2024

Summer school 2024 was when MCHS was starting to experiment with the phone ban. When my summer school teacher said to us that no phones were allowed in class, even when we finished our work, I got really...

Students have had a hard time getting on time and prepared for school during this 2024-2025 school year.

Opinion | Just show up

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor December 11, 2024

A student wakes up on a dreaded Monday morning and decides they're too tired to go to school. They tell their parents and promptly go back to sleep. That same student wakes up to police cars outside talking...

The internet is full of hot takes about no longer wanting to talk to the other side of the political spectrum — especially as  the holidays approach. But cutting ties because of politics is a mistake that could only divide the country further.

Opinion | Politics shouldn’t tarnish relationships

Michalina Sotka, Print Managing Editor December 6, 2024

As of this year’s election, the issue of whether or not political opinions should affect relationships has come into question for lots of people. Whether people had voted red or blue on Nov. 5, people...

Bandanas have been a fashion piece to many people. Some use it as an accessory, others may use it to hold their hair back.

Opinion | Students should be able to wear bandanas at school

Grace Bellavia, Staff Writer December 3, 2024

Wearing bandanas is becoming a trend with the rise of "street wear" in the mainstream media. It is a fun way to style yourself if you don't want to wear a hat but also don't want your hair in your face,...

Shoppers pick up televisions and other Black Friday deals at a Wal-Mart on Nov. 25, 2022, in Dunwoody, Georgia. Walmart opened at 6am on Black Friday for shoppers with discounts on some high priced items.

Black Friday comes to McHenry

Grace Crockett, News Editor November 22, 2024

Many MCHS students make preparations for this year's Black Friday as they work at our classic town shops. Stores all over town get ready for the upcoming, and infamous Black Friday that takes place...

One Piece anime will be part of Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Real revolution

Travis Norberg, Staff Writer November 22, 2024

The beloved anime series, “One Piece,” has been around on TV since October 20, 1999, making the series 25 years old. However, it’s still going strong and rapidly gaining fans. In the last couple...

Students walk to class at the University of Chicago. Though many students get good grades in high school, they're surprised to realize how unprepared they are for college — and sometimes wonder if their grades were inflated all along.

Opinion l Grade inflation is not a victimless crime

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer November 21, 2024

Many have made the claim that it is getting harder and harder for students to meet college standards. The most selective universities used to admit 25 to 30% of their applicants, while many reputable places...

A student rushes out to the Upper Campus parking lot after school to beat the traffic that, in some ways, is caused by seniors who are required to stay in the building until the end of the school day.

Opinion | Beat the rush — re-introduce Senior Incentive

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer November 14, 2024

After four long and difficult years of high school, the end is now in sight for the class of 2025. They have worked tirelessly to graduate and deserve every bit of special treatment they can get. This...

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris departs the stage after conceding the election during a speech at Howard University on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

Opinion | The U.S. failed Kamala Harris on Election Day

Grace Bellavia, Staff Writer November 13, 2024

The current Vice President of The United States, Kamala Harris, ran for President and lost. 139 million votes were counted, and as of Nov. 7, there are still some left to be counted, however it is clear...

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