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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

Beth Brackmann

Beth Brackmann, Staff Writer

Beth Brackmann is a senior at McHenry High School's Upper Campus. She enjoys drawing and watching movies. Being a member of the 2024-2025 Thespian Board, she loves being part of the drama club and helping create the props for the shows the club produces. This will be her fourth year helping with the Messenger and her second year of officially being apart of the staff.

Recognition:

2023 IHSA Sectionals (fifth in Advertising)

2022 IHSA Sectionals (third in Advertising)

All content by Beth Brackmann
This year for Homecoming’s dance, MCHS’s students are looking for a mix of both the upbeat slow-dance worthy, along with some throwbacks and some recent chart-toppers.

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Students struggle to find the balance between good grades and committing to their sports.

[Photo] A stressful balance

May 22, 2024
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Editorial Cartoon | Ditching for what?

Editorial Cartoon | Ditching for what?

Beth Brackmann, Staff Writer
May 7, 2024
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Members of the Writers Guild of America picket in front of CBS Television City in Los Angeles on Sept. 24, 2023.

Ripples through Hollywood 

Beth Brackmann, Staff Writer
May 3, 2024
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When the new FAFSA was released in October, it was supposed to make recieving federal student aid easier. Instead, this year’s FAFSA has made applying for and deciding on college even more stressful for seniors.

[Photo] Waiting on the next step

May 7, 2024
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Artificial Intelligence has changed the way people complete their work or conduct research. Though many worry about its application in the classroom, many students and teachers have found a way to use it that encourages thinking rather than replacing it.

[Photo] The white coats are coming

Zach Benton, Staff Writer
April 25, 2024
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"Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" is a documentary series recounting behind-the-scenes details from working with producer Dan Schneider.

An open secret 

Beth Brackmann, Staff Writer
April 15, 2024
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Coyote vs. Acme, a comedy adventure film directed by Dave Green, is a combination live action/animation movie whose release was shelved by Warner Bros at the end of last year.

Analysis | Another failed attempt 

Beth Brackmann, Staff Writer
April 2, 2024
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Editorial Cartoon: What a pain

Editorial Cartoon: What a pain

Beth Brackmann, Staff Writer
February 23, 2024
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Editorial Cartoon: One bad grade

Editorial Cartoon: One bad grade

Beth Brackmann, Staff Writer
February 6, 2024
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Disney's Steamboat Willie rendition of Mickey Mouse has officially become public domain as its copyright protection has expired after over 95 years.

In the public’s hands

Beth Brackmann, Staff Writer
February 5, 2024
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HBO's new spin on the Scooby Doo franchise is a messy misrepresentation of the classic characters

Review: Jinkies! Another bad reboot

Beth Brackmann, Contributing Writer
March 13, 2023
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Disney has a habit of making hit-or-miss sequels and prequels, and "Disenchanted," released in November on Disney+, just doesn't live up to the film that inspired it.

Review: Less than “Enchanted”

Beth Brackmann, Contributing Writer
December 5, 2022
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic taught in many public high schools around the U.S., but some schools have pulled it from its curriculum after concerns of a "white savior narrative" and made room for more diverse voices.

Opinion: Replacing a classic is a mistake

Beth Brackmann, Contributing Writer
November 15, 2022
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True crime can make for good TV, and it’s no wonder shows like Netflix’s “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” attracts viewers with its gruesome tale. Put defending these killers and idolizing their murders misses the point of these shows.

[Photo] Opinion: Idolizing serial killers is wrong

Alayna Majkrzak, Features Editor
November 10, 2022
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"Hocus Pocus 2" is a disappinting cash grab that does not live up to the original movie.

Review: They’re back!

Beth Brackmann, Staff Writer
October 13, 2022
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Though digital apps like My Homework and Minga are designed to help students and staff, many have found the transition confusing and unhelpful — and a possible breach of privacy.

[Photo] Opinion: Mingapocolypse

Gabe Santos, Staff Writer
September 9, 2022
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AP tests always happen as the school prepares final projects, graduation and final exams, adding stress to a stressful time of year. But for many students, AP tests are worth it.

[Photo] Advanced pressure

May 17, 2022
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Community stakeholders — including students, parents and teachers —  have been invited to complete the Portrait of a Graduate survey in order to define the sort of student who graduates from MCHS.

[Photo] MCHS develops Portrait of a Graduate

Grace Hunt, Freshman Campus Bureau Chief
May 10, 2022
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People may have all kinds of reasons for sharing their traumas on social media. For example, it might help them process the trauma or find support. Still, the habit can be unhealthy and lead to unexpected consequences.

[Photo] Opinion: Stop making trauma trendy

Lydia Lawrence, Staff Writer
May 10, 2022
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Inventing Anna tells the story of one of America's biggest frauds, Anna Delvey.

Review: A flawless fraud

Beth Brackmann, Freshman Correspondant
April 18, 2022
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"Cuphead" uses a unique vintage style of animation to portray the tale of two brothers off to find adventure.

Review: Owe the devil your soul

Beth Brackmann, Freshman Correspondant
March 11, 2022
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Valentine's Day can be one of the most fun days of the school year for high schoolers, especially those in relationships. But how seriously should people take adolescent relationships?

Opinion: “Sweethearts” don’t last forever

Beth Brackmann, Staff Writer
February 14, 2022
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Cosplay is a way that people interact with their favorite fandoms and other fans. What some many consider nerdy has enjoyed an enormous subculture all its own.

[Photo] Creative community

Alayna Majkrzak, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 1, 2022
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As MCHS returned for the semester to new classes and schedules, many discovered that some classes were stuffed too full. Studies show that students don't learn as well in overloaded classes.

[Photo] Opinion: Keep class sizes small

Nikki Sisson, Marketing Director
January 27, 2022
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The holidays are usually a joyful time of year, they also can cause stress to people who don't celebrate, have lost family or that are struggling financially.

Opinion: We take the holidays too seriously

Beth Brackmann, Contributing Writer
December 9, 2021
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As the COVID-19 pandemic wanes, more and more people have turned to Twitch for social connection — including many at MCHS.

[Photo] Streaming connections

Alayna Majkrzak, Features Editor
November 22, 2021
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MCHS has a history with protesting the dress code, and administration has made adjustments to the policy in response to these complaints. So why is the dress code still such a controversy at our school?

[Photo] Point-counterpoint: Dress-coded

October 28, 2021
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On September 11, 2001, many of MCHS's teachers were in the classroom—some as teachers, others as students. Each one of them still remembers that fateful day.

[Photo] A turning point

Alayna Majkrzak, Staff Writer
September 11, 2021
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