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
Grace Bellavia

Grace Bellavia, Opinions Editor

Grace Bellavia is a junior at McHenry High School’s Upper Campus. She enjoys music such as Adele, Taylor Swift, the kid LAROI, and Harry Styles. She’s also into photography and cinematography! She enjoys going to Friday Night Lights and taking photos. This is Grace’s second year on the Messenger’s staff.

Recognition:

2024 IHSA Sectionals (third in Photo Storytelling)

“Gallery: Homecoming parade” (IJEA)

All content by Grace Bellavia
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[Photo] Toast and Roast hosts Never Eat Alone

April 23, 2025
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More and more graffiti has appeared on the bathrooms at the Upper Campus, including this graffiti in the third floor girls bathroom.

[Photo] Destruction mania

April 14, 2025
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Even five years later, repercussions of the pandemic can be seen at MCHS.

Five years on

Grace Bellavia, Opinions Editor
April 7, 2025
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Bands MCHS rocked out at the annual Battle of the Bands last year on March 1 at the Freshman Campus. This year's battle will take place Friday.

[Photo] MCHS bands to rock Battle of the Bands Friday

DeAnna Traharne, Contributing Writer
April 4, 2025
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Listening to music can be beneficial for students if used correctly.

Opinion | Music doesn’t help you focus

Grace Bellavia, Opinions Editor
March 5, 2025
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Billie Eilish performs at the Kia Forum on Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, California. Eilish's album Hit Me Hard & Soft" should have recieved the highest honor at the Grammys instead of Beyonce.

Opinion | Billie Eilish should’ve won the Grammy

Grace Bellavia, Opinions Editor
February 26, 2025
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At MCHS students have been picking out their classes for the 2025-2026 school year.

Read Story
Each year, Americans swarm local their Starbucks to sample special holiday drinks and to pick up their own red cup. But which drinks are actually worth it?

Review | Which Starbucks holiday drink is best?

Grace Bellavia, Staff Writer
December 20, 2024
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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
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People celebrate the time honored tradition of Thanksgiving differently then others

How we celebrate

Grace Bellavia, Staff Writer
November 21, 2024
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A recent TikTok trend has made Coscto internet-famous because of a schtick that gained popularity on "The Jimmy Fallon Show."

[Photo] Bringing the boom to MCHS

November 18, 2024
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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
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According to the Illinois Assessment of Readiness show that MCHS's test scores dropped around 25% on both math and reading tests.

[Photo] Ready or not

December 4, 2024
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[Photo] Talking the talk

January 10, 2025
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Recently, restaurant Happy Jack’s announced it would close for the winter and re-open in the spring. Happy Jack’s is a local staple beloved by many in the McHenry area.

[Photo] Seasons change

November 6, 2024
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The parade is MCHS’s most visible Homecoming tradition. Moving from Veterans Memorial Park to the Freshman Campus on Oct. 6, Green Street will be lined by members of the Warrior Community young and old.

[Photo] Marching along Green Street

October 10, 2024
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This year’s Homecoming celebration will feature some new events along with some old traditions, including the parade, Powder Puff football, the dance and Paint the Town.

[Photo] MCHS to celebrate centennial during Homecoming week

September 30, 2024
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McHenry celebrated the end of the summer during the Rotary Club's Bands, Brews and BBQ festival on August 16-18 at Peterson Park.

Galley | Bands, Brews and BBQ

Grace Bellavia, Staff Writer
August 29, 2024
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Students would have to wak up as early as 5 am to get their day started.

[Photo] Opinion | The start time for MCHS should be pushed back

May 21, 2024
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MCHS 2024 graduates celebrate as all their hard work through the year finally pays off.

[Photo] Gallery | MCHS graduation

Lily Adams, Features Editor
May 21, 2024
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Caleb Williams, left, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected first overall by the Chicago Bears during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on Thursday, April 25, 2024 in Detroit.

The Bears’ first pick

Grace Bellavia, Staff Writer
May 16, 2024
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Seniors were able to walk the halls of their old elementary school before entering adulthood.

Gallery | Senior graduation walk

Grace Bellavia, Staff Writer
May 15, 2024
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Toast & Roast, located on Green St. in downtown McHenry, is a coffee shop that opened up in early March.

[Photo] Brewing connections

April 18, 2024
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Students played teachers at two different volleyball matches during the spring spirit rally on April 5 in the Upper Campus main gym. The frosh-soph team beat the Freshman Campus teachers, but the upperclassmen lost to the Upper Campus teachers.

[Photo] Some assembly required

Aika Villa, Page Designer
April 8, 2024
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Learning about angles in Jason Myhre's College Algebra class, students participate in spirit by wearing black during Thursday "Black Out" spirit day at the Upper Campus.

[Photo] MCHS celebrates final pep rally of the year with a spirit week

April 4, 2024
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MCHS's drama students perform "Shrek: The Musical" in the Upper Campus auditorium on March 10.

[Photo] This is how a dream comes true

Mackenzie Sroka, Editor In Chief
March 22, 2024
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On March 1, MCHS rocked out at the annual Battle of the Bands event in the Freshmen Campus theater. After many performances, judges crowned "Happy Accident" as the winning musician.

[Photo] Taking the stage 

Dominic Burnett, Freshman Reporter
March 18, 2024
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Author Matt de la Pena addresses students at the Upper Campus on Feb. 8 in the auditorium during MCHS's Writer's Week hosted by the English Department.

[Photo] Creating a legacy

Lily Adams, Feature Editor
March 1, 2024
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Noah Etten, who plays Lord Farquaad, rehearses with other for "Shrek: The Musical" in February in the Upper Campus auditorium.

[Photo] Welcome to the swamp

Michalina Sotka, Print Managing Editor
February 21, 2024
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Old, faded signs on the doors to the Upper Campus that restrict firearms at the school would do little to stop a school shooting, but MCHS has put measures in place to protect students.

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Old, faded signs on the doors to the Upper Campus that restrict firearms at the school would do little to stop a school shooting, but MCHS has put measures in place to protect students.

[Photo] Triggered

February 12, 2024
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The week before Winter Formal, students participate in spirit week. Friday's theme was Anything But A Backpack Day, where students use unconventional methods to carry their school supplies from class to class for the day.

MCHS shows spirit during winter sprit week 

Grace Bellavia, Social Media Manager
January 19, 2024
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dele on opening night of "Weekends With Adele" at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Nov. 18, 2022. She and other musicians have decided not to do encores at the end of concerts.

Review: Weekends with Adele

Grace Bellavia, Social Media Manager
November 16, 2023
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MCHS students work and interact with preschool students to benefit both of their learning.

[Photo] Kids teaching kids

November 13, 2023
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Taylor Swift attends "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" concert movie world premiere at AMC The Grove 14 on Oct. 11, 2023, in Los Angeles.

Review | This night is flawless

Grace Bellavia, Social Media Manager
November 6, 2023
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A stack of AP World History books represents the amount of work required of students in Advanced Placement classes. But just because the class is difficult doesn't mean it isn't worth the work.

[Photo] Opinion | AP classes are worth it

Michalina Sotka, Staff Writer
October 18, 2023
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MCHS's Homecoming parade took place on Sunday, Sept. 24. The route started at the Freshman Campus, followed Green Street, and ended at Veteran's Park where the Homecoming King and Queen were crowned.

[Photo] Gallery: Homecoming parade

Lily Adams, Staff Writer
September 27, 2023
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MCHS cheer team performs a stunt during the varsity football game against Huntley on Sept. 1 at McCracken Field.

[Photo] Back to McCracken

Hunter Blake, Sports Editor
September 6, 2023
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