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

Lydia Lawrence

Lydia Lawrence, Opinions Editor

Lydia Lawrence is a senior at McHenry High School’s Upper Campus. She loves to sit with her pets after school, as well as hanging with friends when she’s free. Baking, taking pictures, and exploring are passions of hers when she’s not working at Fair Oaks, a nursing home. She hopes her third and last year on the Messenger’s staff is as enlightening.

Recognition:

2024 IHSA Sectionals (first in Editorial Writing)

NSPA Leadership Award in Student Journalism (2024)

“A step further” (IWPA)

"Opinion: It's time to confront racism at MCHS" (Best of SNO, IWPA)

"Opinion: Choose safety over comfort" (DePaul Blue Book)

“The Scraps: Golden Apple, the Queen and food trucks” (JEA)

All content by Lydia Lawrence
A mysterious and potentially fatal respiratory illness affecting canines across the United States begins as a cough that can last for weeks, Today first reported. If antibiotics don’t help, your pet can develop severe pneumonia and struggle to breathe. Some dogs have died from the disease.

Mystery illness spikes within canines

Lydia Lawrence, Opinions Editor
December 21, 2023
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For the second year in a row, MCHS hosted a trip to Washington D.C. for veterans as part of Honor Flight. The trip entailed veterans viewing memorials in the nations capital and being recognized for their service.

Found family

Lydia Lawrence, Staff Writer
September 8, 2023
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When a student needs extra help with homework or someone to vent to, MCHSs teacher often make the time and give support as needed.

A step further

Lydia Lawrence, Staff Writer
May 24, 2023
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When students at MCHS hear racist comments, many ignore it — or, worse laugh at it. When students are approached about their behavior, their quick response is, “I didn’t know.” It’s time MCHS does better at confronting and taking responsibility for this behavior.

Opinion: It’s time to confront racism at MCHS

Lydia Lawrence, Business Director
April 20, 2023
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MCHS introduces Jeffrey Schroeder as the head football coach for the 2023-24 school year

MCHS welcomes new head football coach

Lydia Lawrence, Business Director
April 4, 2023
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Many teachers at MCHS are married to each other. Some even met each other while working at the school — and, in some cases, the same department.

Love is in the classroom

Lydia Lawrence, Business Director
February 15, 2023
Read Story
Next week, MCHS will celebrate the end of the semester and the holiday season with a spirit week culminating in a spirit rally. Next semester, StuCo plans to introduce new winter events.

StuCo plans new school spirit activities this winter

Lydia Lawrence, Business Director
December 8, 2022
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Students handed out brochures and pamphlets during the Upper Campus Activities Fair during lunch on Sep. 21. Two new clubs are piloting this year, and several have been promoted from pilot to extracurricular.

MCHS introduces new extracurriculars

Lydia Lawrence, Staff Writer
September 22, 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.

Opinion: Stop making trauma trendy

Lydia Lawrence, Staff Writer
May 10, 2022
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Though COVID numbers are currently decreasing, the recent Omicron surge had students asking whether or not prom would be at risk if cases continued to climb.

Ready to dance

Lydia Lawrence, Staff Writer
February 24, 2022
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Though masks became optional at MCHS and other schools in the state on Feb. 7, this decision puts students, staff and the larger community at risk as the school continues to face COVID-19.

Opinion: Choose safety over comfort

Lydia Lawrence, Staff Writer
February 22, 2022
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Students climb and repel down the climbing wall during their Adventure Ed class in Buckner Gym on Jan. 17 at the Upper Campus.

Exploring new heights

Lydia Lawrence, Staff Writer
February 2, 2022
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Cross country runners Rayaan Ahmed and Joe Hissem push toward the finish line during a meet at Veteran Acres in Crystal Lake, IL on September 4.

One mile at a time

Lydia Lawrence, Staff Writer
November 12, 2021
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Students prepare at their final dress rehersals for the Upper Campus fall play, The Man Who Came to Dinner

Falling into success

Lydia Lawrence, Staff Writer
November 10, 2021
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