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
Afton Ingraffia

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor

Afton Ingraffia is a sophomore at McHenry High School. This is Afton’s second year playing volleyball for MCHS and volunteering with Key Club. When she’s not busy, she loves to spend her free time hanging out with her friends and family. This is Afton’s first year with The McHenry Messenger.

All content by Afton Ingraffia
Recently, the official White House social media accounts have posted videos and images that blur the line between politics and communication.

[Photo] The White House is being criticized for offensive social media posts

March 17, 2025
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First responders after a plane was reported to have crashed near Roosevelt Mall on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, in Philadelphia.

Recent plane crashes worry public

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
March 14, 2025
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With the end of the year creeping by, students have been finding themselves in a mess of homework.

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In high school, students spread gossip without even thinking. But rumors can become a serious problem if students take them to the next level.

[Photo] Opinion | The power of a lie

Eliot Raymond, Staff Writer
February 27, 2025
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As more and more kids are being given “screen time,” people are able to see the effects of it as these children grow up having to rely on screens for everything

Digital playgrounds

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
February 21, 2025
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Tesla, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk gestures while speaking during an inauguration event at Capital One Arena on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States.

Opinion | Heil Tesla

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
February 4, 2025
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Listening to music can be beneficial for students if used correctly.

[Photo] Opinion | Music doesn't help you focus

March 5, 2025
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Officer Martinez talks to a student at the Freshman Campus on Jan. 27 during his routine patrol through the hallways during lunch periods.

New beginnings

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
January 28, 2025
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Throughout the month of January, LASO is a food drive competition for all of the MCHS AIM classes to compete in. Donations will help the Youth and Family Center in McHenry.

LASO collects food in AIM classes

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
January 22, 2025
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Counselor Kate Schak meets with a student about his schedule in her office at the College and Career Center at the Upper Campus during the first week back after winter break.

[Photo] Course selection starting this week

January 31, 2025
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With the ACT just around the corner, students are extra stressed trying to get a better score than the person next to them.

[Photo] Opinion: Students shouldn’t compare grades

January 16, 2025
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Student Council has been working hard at MCHS to host the it's first ever Snow Ball, which will take place on Feb. 1 at the Freshman Campus.

[Photo] Sweetheart Snowball

January 22, 2025
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Students stress keeping up with the classes they were recommended to take.

[Photo] Open doors

January 10, 2025
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Key Club students wrapped 700 presents for community members in need on Dec. 11 in the Upper Campus cafeteria.

Spreading cheer

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
December 19, 2024
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MCHS's Strength and Powerlifting programs hosted their annual Liftmas event earlier this week in the Upper Campus weight room to celebrate fitness before the end of the semester.

[Photo] Heavy lifting

Hunter Blake, Sports Editor
December 20, 2024
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Christmas spirit seems to be lower than usually here at MCHS

[Photo] Opinion | How MCHS stole Christmas

December 18, 2024
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The phone ban that the school recently got put into place has students more unattached to the lessons in class than we thought.

[Photo] Opinion | Phone bans in schools works

December 13, 2024
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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
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Citizens from the McHenry area gathered to see both the tree lighting and the holiday festivities in town during the weekend before Thanksgiving.

McHenry lights the night during holiday event

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
December 4, 2024
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On Nov. 11, MCHS opened its doors to U.S. veterans to celebrate their sacrifices with the students on Veteran's Day.

Honored today and always

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
November 18, 2024
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Singer JoJo Siwa performs at Honda Center on August 13, 2019, in Anaheim, California.

You’ve got to be Jo-Joking!

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
November 13, 2024
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Cases of Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, has been identified at MCHS. The extremely contagious respiratory tract infection can spread quickly through communities that are not vaccinated.

Whooping cough cases emerge at MCHS

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
November 12, 2024
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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.

[Photo] Opinion | Beat the rush — re-introduce Senior Incentive

November 14, 2024
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Passing out candy has always been a Halloween Tradition, some of the candies that most kids will find in their bags are Twix, Snickers, Nerds and more

Opinion | Trick or TRASH

Grace Crockett and Afton Ingraffia
October 31, 2024
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The Upper Campus's Center for Science, Technology and Industry was designed to be a beautfiul learning place with walls of windows. But with new issues arising many people have questions on if these walls can keep student safe.

[Photo] Opinion | No place to hide

November 5, 2024
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On Wednesday, Oct. 9th, MCHS had their annual powder puff game. Parents, students, and staff filled the bleachers to watch the seniors take home the trophy.

Powderpuff showdown

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
October 18, 2024
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Yearbooks from previous decades show the Homecoming themes from the past 70 years. MCHS’s first Homecoming theme, “The Wizard of Oz,” was chosen in 1967.

Way back when

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor
October 9, 2024
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McGinnis signs books the edge of the Upper Campus auditorium's stage on Sep. 17. The award-winning author spoke to MCHS students earlier this month.

Award-winning insight

Afton Ingraffia, Staff Writer
September 30, 2024
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RISE up signs were seen around McHenry before the concert to interest possible ticket buyers

RISE Up for a good cause

Afton Ingraffia, Staff Writer
September 24, 2024
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On Friday September 2nd, McHenry hosted their Nike Kick off. Featuring JV and Varsity football as well as for the first time Girls Varsity Football.

Gallery | Nike Classic Kickoff

Afton Ingraffia, Staff Writer
September 6, 2024
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Girls Volleyball plays against Hampshire for their first game

Taking the court

Afton Ingraffia, Staff Writer
September 3, 2024
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Students walk into the Upper Campus Wednesday, the first day of school, while Warrior activities welcome them back.

Gallery | First Week of School

Afton Ingraffia, Staff Writer
August 20, 2024
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Landmark Elementary School demolition was discussed in April and May school board meetings. Though parents have made their case to the board, the fate of Landmark is still up in the air.

Opinion | Landmark Elementary School should not be demolished

Afton Ingraffia, Freshman Contributer
May 21, 2024
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Local vendors and businesses gathered at the Pearl Street Market at Veteran's Park on May 16 during the first event of the season.

Pearl Street Market returned last week

Afton Ingraffia, Contributing Writer
May 20, 2024
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