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Over the years, finals have only caused more stress — and damaged final grades that students worked so hard for. Thankfully, MCHS cancelled this years' final — but will they eliminate them for good?

Opinion: The final straw

Josie Cable, Opinions Editor • May 21, 2021

After a hard year of work, the last week of school should be for students to relax and enjoy the end of the year. However, the reality for most students will be cramming information late into the night...

Weight gain over quarantine should be something that is celebrated rather than shamed because everyone needs to be a little nicer to themselves during such a rough and confusing time in the world.

Opinion: The quarantine 15

Ciara Duncan, Features Editor • May 19, 2021

The human body naturally reacts to the environment it’s in. When we’re relaxed, our muscles untighten, our breathing slows, and we emotionally feel like we can take on the world. When we’re stressed,...

Before the pandemic, wearing a mask when you are sick was already normal in many countries, especially in Asia. As mask restrictions ease up for vaccinated people, it's time to make mask wearing normal in the United States as well.

Editorial: Normalize masks

Editorial Board • May 18, 2021

Everyone gets sick at one point or another. But, not everyone can deal with it the same way. In East Asia, when a person gets sick, they take care of themselves and cover their mouth and nose with a mask...

The 2020-21 school year will forever be remembered for remote learning, wearing masks to school, and dramatic changes to school traditions, such as dances and athletic events. But this school year provided more memories to students than they might think — for better or worse.

Opinion: The silver lining of a weird year

Kiera Loewe, Social Media Director • May 13, 2021

Zoom calls during senior year — it’s not quite the last year of high school that so many MCHS students dreamed of. However, most students are now back in the building to catch the end-of-the-year events...

For two years, newspaper photographers have used the corner of in room 233 at West Campus, with its broken ring light and rickety backdrop, to take portraits for the McHenry Messenger. This year’s seniors will be the last to crete the newspaper in this space.

Saying goodbye

Senior Staff • May 10, 2021

The Class of 2021 of MCHS have conquered the unexpected, and the senior staff of the McHenry Messenger has had the responsibility of covering it all. Through interviewing, photographing, illustrating,...

The bleachers at West Campus were crammed full of screaming students a decade ago. So what happened to pep assemblies — and why aren't West students excited for the spirit shout any more?

Opinion: Let’s rep the pep

Josie Cable, Opinions Editor • May 7, 2021

Excitement runs through the roaring crowd as each class does a chant to close out the assembly. However, on the other side of town, the bleachers in the gym have  been quiet and empty for 4 years. To...

Since the pandemic started, many adolescents have spent more time on social media — and more time looking at images of unrealistic and unhealthy body sizes.

Opinion: Don’t fall for social media’s unrealistic body expectations

Alayna Trimingham, Copy Editor • May 6, 2021

A student sits in their room alone with their phone lighting their face. They see all these very thin people looking stunning. The student automatically feels very insecure about themself. They don’t...

Elle is MCHS’s advice columnist. Email her at mchs.ask.elle@gmail.com.

Ask Elle: Senior sorrow

Elle Smith, Staff Writer • May 3, 2021

Dear Elle: I'm a Senior feeling quite sad and worried about my friends leaving for college. I haven't been able to see them very much because of COVID; now that I'm back in school, I finally can again....

As people have come forward to share their trauma, many immediately blame the victim. But it is never the victim's fault that they survived an assault — and society should start placing the blame on the perpetrator of the crime instead.

Opinion: It is never the victim’s fault

Alayna Majkrzak, Staff Writer • April 30, 2021

“What were you wearing?” “You shouldn’t have had that much to drink.” “Obviously they asked for it.” “Men can’t be assaulted.” This is what many survivors, especially of sexual assault,...

Social media can connect people together, but it can also tear people apart. In addition to bullying and aggression, social media can sow doubt, anxiety, and low-self esteem if users choose to spread negativity instead of positivity.

Opinion: Spread positivity on social media, not shame

Kiera Loewe, Social Media Director • April 29, 2021

Social media is one of the best ways to show creativity and interact with friends and family. While that is the intention, it can be more harmful than good.  As kids gain access at a younger age every...

The four minutes that students have between passing periods are meant to keep kids from congregating in the halls, but that missing minute has also made it more difficult to get to class on time.

Opinion: Shortened passing periods interfere with in-person learning

Josie Cable, Opinion Editor • April 27, 2021

Before, when we were fully online, the short passing periods were not a problem considering we just needed to hop on another Zoom. However, now since most students have returned full time shortened passing...

School spirit has been one key factor in the perfect high school experience that has been missing from west campus for some time now. Though STU-CO is trying to bring it back, students are still unenthusiastic about school as a whole.

Opinion: We’ve got spirit, how about you?

Kennedy Tetour, Art Director • April 23, 2021

Fluorescent lights glowing, speakers blaring, the cheers of students and staff alike fill the gym with excitement. Cheerleaders cheering and jumping with joy give energy and courage to their team right...

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