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
Gabe Santos

Gabe Santos, Opinions Editor

Gabe Santos is a senior at McHenry High School’s Upper Campus. He has been a staff writer and editor for The McHenry Messenger for three years. He plays guitar, writes music, and participates in MCHS’ theater department, and hopes to go to college SOMEWHERE after his quickly approaching graduation.

Recognition:

NSPA Leadership Award in Student Journalism (2024)

“Opinion | Miss McHenry misses the mark” (Best of SNO)

“Opinion | Let’s make this house a Homecoming” (IWPA)

“More than just a victim” (Best of SNO, IJEA)

“Have you seen the signs?” (Best of SNO)

“Review: Fighting high expectations” (IJEA)

All content by Gabe Santos
On their way out of the Upper Campus, the Class of 2025 has learned a lot. Here's some of their advice, along with some advice from other graduates, for the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen they leave behind.

Essay | The honest truth about surviving high school

Gabe Santos, Opinions Editor
May 5, 2025
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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
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Suspected shooter Luigi Mangione is led into the Blair County Courthouse for an extradition hearing Dec. 10, 2024, in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Mangione has been arraigned on weapons and false identification charges related to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Mangione is incarcerated in the State Correctional Institution in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania awaiting extradition to New York.

Luigi Mangione — scholar, radicalist, killer

Gabe Santos, Opinions Editor
December 13, 2024
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A view of the Heisman Memorial Trophy won by LSU quarterback Joe Burrow at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. (Brian Ciancio/TNS)

Opinion | HEI2MAN, not HE12MAN

Gabe Santos, Opinions Editor
December 11, 2024
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Juniors in the course American Studies participated in Chautauqua and spent the day dressed in character and voting on different policies.

The sincerest form of flattery

Gabe Santos, Opinions Editor
December 9, 2024
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Scores of law enforcement personnel from various agencies gather at UC Irvine to displace hundreds of demonstrating students, faculty and supporters protesting the treatment of Palestinians and the UC system's investments in Isreali interests, On May 15, 2924.

Opinion | Tragedy, not trend

Gabe Santos, Opinions Editor
November 8, 2024
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High schools have been quick to judge others for making mistakes even if they are easily fixable.

Opinion | Judge, jury, and drama

Gabe Santos, Opinions Editor
November 6, 2024
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A flag hangs outside of the Upper Campus the day before the Election Day in the United States, a reminder of citizens' civic duty to cast their ballot for the President of the United States on Tuesday.

Opinion | An open letter to Donald Trump and voters of the 2024 election

Gabe Santos, Opinions Editor
November 4, 2024
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Universal Studios Hollywood will celebrate John Carpenter's classic 1978 slasher, "Halloween" and bring Michael Myers back to Halloween Horror Nights in an all-new attraction.

Opinion | A horrific reflection

Gabe Santos, Opinions editor
October 31, 2024
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[Photo] A new challenge

November 11, 2024
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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.

Playlist | Dancing for a century

Gabe Santos, Staff Writer
October 11, 2024
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Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Opinion | Winners and losers of the Presidential debate

Gabe Santos, Opinions editor
September 26, 2024
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The Laurel County, Kentucky, Sheriff’s Office said “numerous” people were shot near Interstate 75 Saturday night, Sept. 7, 2024.

Accident central

Gabe Santos, Opinions editor
September 19, 2024
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Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on the fourth and final day of the event on July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.

Opinion | Are you tired of living through major historical events?

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
July 28, 2024
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Some senior members of the Messenger staff are new to Newspaper this year - even this semester. Others have been writing for the Messenger for four years. All of them have helped tell the story of the MCHS that readers will appreciate for years to come.

The Messenger Class Of 2024

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 9, 2024
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Music plays an important role in defining how we feel about the world around us. The music seniors listened to their senior year will not only determine their taste for the rest of their lives; it’ll also capture a special moment in their lives.

Playlist | Play it one more time

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 3, 2024
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The Miss McHenry Pageant is a community tradition that provides scholarships for young women in McHenry. However, some believe that the pageant is not inclusive.

Opinion | Miss McHenry misses the mark

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
April 11, 2024
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Usher performs during halftime of Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Usher at the Super Bowl

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 28, 2024
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A student may walk through the halls of MCHS never knowing that the person walking past them is a victim of sexual assault — but those victims need to know they aren’t alone.

More than just a victim

Leylah Moreno and Gabe Santos
February 14, 2024
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Sophomore class of 2026 sits in the auditorium for a mandatory AIM meeting discussing new attendance policy for the spring semester

Opinion | The new attendance policy could be more harmful than helpful

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
January 23, 2024
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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
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2023 was filled with many albums and music. Each month had their own best releases, but there are a few artists and songs that have stood out over the year as a whole.

2023: A year in review

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
January 11, 2024
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Messenger Mixtape Volume 2, Track 4: "Sunflower" by Rex Orange County

Messenger Mixtape Volume 2, Track 4: “Sunflower” by Rex Orange County

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
December 13, 2023
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MCHS's top songs of the year have been recognized and wrapped up for this year.

MCHS Wrapped

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
December 7, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Volume 2, Track 3: “Movin Out (Anthony’s Song) by Billy Joel”

Messenger Mixtape Volume 2, Track 3: “Movin Out (Anthony’s Song) by Billy Joel”

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 17, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Volume 2, Track 2: “Valerie” by Amy Whinehouse

Messenger Mixtape Volume 2, Track 2: “Valerie” by Amy Whinehouse

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 9, 2023
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This past Wednesday, the Columbia College Faculty Union took to South Wabash Avenue with picket signs to fight against an administration that "does not value its students."

Columbia on strike

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 3, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Volume 2: Track 1 - “Meet Me In The Hallway” by Harry Styles

Messenger Mixtape Volume 2: Track 1 – “Meet Me In The Hallway” by Harry Styles

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 23, 2023
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There's a reason why Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and "The Monster Mash" are staples at Halloween parties — they are spooky, catchy, and fun. But there are plenty of other songs that fall into these categories that should become household Halloween hits as well (album artwork courtesy of Arista Records, Epic Records, Motown Records, Walt Disney Records, Decca Music, Sony Music Entertainment, Darkroom/Interscope Records, and Caroline Records)

[Photo] Countdown to Halloween | The best Halloween costumes from childhood

Sam Bodden, Staff Writer
October 24, 2023
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There's a reason why Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and "The Monster Mash" are staples at Halloween parties — they are spooky, catchy and fun. But there are plenty of other songs that fall into these categories that should become Halloween staples as well.

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Drake performs in concert at the Staples Center on Friday, October 12, 2018.

Review | Nothing is the same

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 17, 2023
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"Friday the 13th" is one of the most famous horror franchises, but the quality of the movies has varied over the years in some dramatic ways.

[Photo] Countdown to Halloween | Watching “Friday the 13th” feels like being stuck in a time loop that gets progressively worse

October 13, 2023
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Halloween is not just a time to drink pumpkin spice lattes and pick out costumes for trick-or-treating; it's also a time to watch scary movies — and these five movies are essential viewing this time of year.

Countdown to Halloween | The 5 best horror movies 

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 6, 2023
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Homecoming of 1963 saw flowwy, flared dresses as the main trend, along with bow ties and casual suits for the boys. Hair on the shorter to medium side, and lots of white. Not super colorful looks, but still classic.

Looking sharp

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
September 29, 2023
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Students dance and cheer each other on at last year's Homecoming dance on Oct. 8, 2022 in the Upper Campus main gym.

Playlist: A Messenger Homecoming

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
September 25, 2023
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Football players wait for the float to leave before last year’s Homecoming parade on Oct. 2, 2022 at the Freshman Campus. Each year, school spirit seems to get bigger and bigger during Homecoming because the organizations leading it put students first.

Opinion: Let’s make this house a Homecoming

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
September 25, 2023
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Comedians Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla pose for the Streamy Awards in 2010. After 12 years, the Smosh brand is back in Hecox and Padilla's hands

Friendship always wins

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
September 12, 2023
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"No McHenry Pit" signs have been appearing in front of houses all over McHenry. There have been many city council meetings to discuss whether or not there will be a gravel pit behind the McHenry Outdoor Theater.

Have you seen the signs?

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
September 11, 2023
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From left, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg perform during halftime of Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 13 2022, in Inglewood, California.

Review: 50 years, 50 rappers

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
August 31, 2023
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Both "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" would have made an impact on their own, but combined they became an absolute powerhouse in Hollywood this summer, debuting at $162 million and $82.4 million respectively in box office sales.

The two-headed monster that destroyed box office

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
August 30, 2023
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Summer is one of the best times to listen to music since the songs we listen to most get tied to the memories we make and adventures we take.

Playlist: Summer sunshine sounds

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 25, 2023
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The Class of 2023 throws their caps at the end of the graduation ceremony at McCracken Field on May 20 — the first combined graduation held on the newly-renovated football field.

Defining the Class of 2023

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 23, 2023
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All musicians create demos, but most of those demos aren't meant for fans to enjoy. Streaming, though, has made it easier for for fans to find demos — and sites like Soundcloud have made it easier for leakers to share demos widely.

Demos, leaks and lost tracks

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 22, 2023
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On May 16 and 17, students from MCHS's choirs performed at the annual Pops Concert at the Upper Campus auditorium.

Gallery: Spring Pops Concert

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 22, 2023
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MCHS band Robot Man won the 2023 Battle of the Bands, played at the spring spirit rally and has become popular. The band will be releasing original music soon.

Robotman to drop first release

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 18, 2023
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Dominik Mysterio prepares to take on his opponent during “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood” at the Sofi Stadium on April 1-2.

Wrestlemania goes Hollywood

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 17, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Track 12: "I Know The End" by Phoebe Bridgers

Messenger Mixtape Track 12: “I Know The End” by Phoebe Bridgers

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 16, 2023
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A person's high school experience is defined in some ways by the music they listen to. Here's a playlist of the songs that defined the experience of the Class of 2023

Playlist: Class Of 2023 Playlist

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 15, 2023
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Music has always been an important aspect in the culture of the world, but how has music influenced changes in that culture?

Cultural resets: Moments that changed the focus of popular music

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 2, 2023
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Tyler, The Creator performs on the Frank Stage on the final day of the three-day Day N Vegas hip-hop music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021.

Review: Everything must remain

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
April 18, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Track 11: “Waterfalls” by TLC

Messenger Mixtape Track 11: “Waterfalls” by TLC

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
April 13, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Track 10: “The Great Gig In The Sky” by Pink Floyd

Messenger Mixtape Track 10: “The Great Gig In The Sky” by Pink Floyd

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
April 6, 2023
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As MCHS is winding down for spring break, The Messenger has put together our top picks for the perfect spring break playlist.

Playlist: Blooming beats

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
March 24, 2023
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MTV Unplugged defines a generation with acoustic performances from the worlds biggest artists.

Unplugging a generation

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
March 17, 2023
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Though MCHS offers creative students a number of opportunities to express themselves, more would allow these students to earn the recognition they deserve — and would enrich MCHS in other ways.

Opinion: MCHS should showcase student talent more often

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
March 15, 2023
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Robotman | The Right Brains Ep.1 with Gabe Santos

Gabe Santos
March 10, 2023
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The cast of MCHS's "SpongeBob: The Musical" sing on stage during a rehearsal on March 6 in the Upper Campus Auditorium.

Review: I am not a simple sponge

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
March 10, 2023
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Throwback Review: "The Slim Shady LP" by Eminem

Throwback Review: “The Slim Shady LP” by Eminem

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
March 3, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Track 09: "Blind" by Korn

Messenger Mixtape Track 09: “Blind” by Korn

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 28, 2023
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Throwback Review: “The Score” by The Fugees

Throwback Review: “The Score” by The Fugees

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 21, 2023
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Celebrating Mac Miller

Celebrating Mac Miller

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 15, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Track 08: "Void" by Ronen

Messenger Mixtape Track 08: “Void” by Ronen

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 10, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Track 07: "Alien Blues" by Vundabar

Messenger Mixtape Track 07: “Alien Blues” by Vundabar

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
January 31, 2023
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David Bowie's "Blackstar," released at the end of his life in 2016, endures as one of his powerful — even in a particularly popular and influential catalog.

Throwback Review: “Blackstar” by David Bowie

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
January 26, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Track 06: "Hey Lover!" by Wabie

Messenger Mixtape Track 06: “Hey Lover!” by Wabie

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
January 23, 2023
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2022 was an incredible year for music, and The Messenger has compiled a list of the best, and worst, albums of the year.

The best music of 2022 (and the rest)

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
January 20, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Track 05: “In The Light” by Led Zeppelin

Messenger Mixtape Track 05: “In The Light” by Led Zeppelin

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
January 17, 2023
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Messenger Mixtape Track 04: "Skeleton" by The Front Bottoms

Messenger Mixtape Track 04: “Skeleton” by The Front Bottoms

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
December 21, 2022
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Though some teenagers might not be informed enough to vote, the right should not be denied to those young people who work hard to stay in the know.

Opinion: The legal voting age should be lowered

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
December 20, 2022
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While "King's Disease III" is a good album, it brings up the question, is Nas's legacy better left untouched?

Review: Is a legendary career better left untouched?

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
December 19, 2022
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Messenger Mixtape, Track 03: "Cashout" by Fugazi

Messenger Mixtape, Track 03: “Cashout” by Fugazi

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
December 14, 2022
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Messenger Mixtape, Track 02: “When Ur Gone” by 916frosty

Messenger Mixtape, Track 02: “When Ur Gone” by 916frosty

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
December 8, 2022
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Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak teamed up last year to release the surprise album "An Evening With Silk Sonic" which is still impressive a year later.

Throwback Review: “Spend the Evening With Silk Sonic” by Silk Sonic

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
December 6, 2022
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Messenger Mixtape, Track 01: "Sunset" by Nayeon

Messenger Mixtape, Track 01: “Sunset” by Nayeon

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 29, 2022
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Kendrick's Lamar's second studio album "good kid, m.A.A.d. city" was released on Oct. 22, 2012 by Top Dawg Entertainment.

Throwback Review: “good kid, m.A.A.D. city” by Kendrick Lamar

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 21, 2022
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Last week, rappers Drake and 21 Savage collaboratively released "Her Loss" through OVO Sound, Republic Records, Slaughter Gang Entertainment and Epic Records.

Review: “Her Loss” might be his loss

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 14, 2022
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Last week, 88rising and Warner Records released "Smithereens," the third studio album by Japanese singer-songwriter Joji.

Review: Had to learn to let go

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 11, 2022
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NSAI Songwriter-Artist of the Decade honoree Taylor Swift performs onstage during NSAI 2022 Nashville Songwriter Awards at Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 20, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Review: Fighting high expectations

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 10, 2022
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Just Stop Oil protesters glued themselves to the wall and then threw tomato soup at Vincent Van Gogh's iconic 1888-9 art work 'Sunflowers,' at the National Gallery on Oct. 14, 2022, in London.

Opinion: Art should not be destroyed to make a point

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 1, 2022
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A memorial statue of John Lennon sits in a park in Cuba, showing the wide-reaching influence of the former Beatle on the world.

Lennon’s legacy

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 20, 2022
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Though Green Day's "Dookie" rocketed them into the mainstream — dragging pop-punk from the underground with them — "Insomniac" showed that there was more to the band than snotty punk-rock stereotypes.

Throwback Review: “Insomniac” by Green Day

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 18, 2022
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Bruno Mars's 2010 debut combines elements of pop, funk, R&B, rock and other styles to create music both familiar and unlike any other artist before him.

Throwback Review: “Doo Wops And Hooligans” by Bruno Mars

Gabe Santos, Staff Writer
October 7, 2022
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Though the popularity of HBO's "Euphoria" is due to its dramatic portrayal of teenage addiction, much of its mood is created by its equally dramatic soundrack.

Throwback Review: “Euphoria” by Labrinth

Gabe Santos, Staff Writer
October 6, 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.

Opinion: Mingapocolypse

Gabe Santos, Staff Writer
September 9, 2022
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