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
Olivia Smith

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer

Olivia Smith is a junior at McHenry High School’s Upper Campus. She enjoys tanning, strawberry acai refreshers from Starbucks, and hanging out with her friends. She also loves anything related to music, especially country. Her favorite artist however, is Lana Del Rey. On days she’s not working at McDonald’s or playing tennis, she’s probably writing poetry. This is Olivia’s second year writing for the Messenger.

All content by Olivia Smith
With the ever changing fashion trends, it can be hard for some people to stay up to date with what is considered fashionable. This summer, a more traditional and conservative look will be more common.

Opinion | What will be trendy this summer?

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer
May 14, 2025
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Danielle Bregoli, known professionally as Bhad Bhabie, performs onstage during TBT Magazine Social Media Edition Powered By Berman Law at Sway Nightclub on Aug. 26, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Opinion | All bark, no bite

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer
April 8, 2025
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Opinion l The reason for the season: Valentines Day

Opinion l The reason for the season: Valentines Day

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer
March 3, 2025
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Two Peas in a Problem | Never enough time

Two Peas in a Problem | Never enough time

Olivia Smith and Brynn Kostelnik
December 17, 2024
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Students walk to class at the University of Chicago. Though many students get good grades in high school, they're surprised to realize how unprepared they are for college — and sometimes wonder if their grades were inflated all along.

Opinion l Grade inflation is not a victimless crime

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer
November 21, 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.

Opinion | Beat the rush — re-introduce Senior Incentive

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer
November 14, 2024
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Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2019 in Los Angeles. He is currently jailed at Brooklyn’s notorious Metropolitan Detention Center.

Diddy do it?

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer
October 22, 2024
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Students can only ride their assigned buses, but this does not fit for every student and every situation.

Opinion | Students should be able to ride their friend’s buses

Olivia Smith, Social Media Manager
May 23, 2024
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Students would have to wak up as early as 5 am to get their day started.

Opinion | The start time for MCHS should be pushed back

Olivia Smith, Social Media Manager
May 21, 2024
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Twenty One Pilot's newest album, Clancy, comes out May 24th. Old fans are crazing over more music from their favorite band.

No need to overcompensate

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer
May 20, 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.

AI-right

Olivia Smith, Social Media Manager
April 30, 2024
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During the winter, when the sun sets earlier, the winter "blahs" can make students less motivated and less interested in learning. For some of these students, Seasonal Affective Disorder might be making a tough time of year even worse.

Feeling SAD

Olivia Smith, Social Media Manager
February 26, 2024
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MCHS's Winter Formal took place on Jan. 20, where there was a glam-bot to capture the memories, along with many other activities within the event.

Students dance the night away at Winter Formal

Olivia Smith, Social Media Manager
January 24, 2024
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U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold a joint press conference after their meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.

As winter arrives, the Russia-Ukrainian war trudges on

Olivia Smith, Social Media Manager
December 19, 2023
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If President Biden and former President Trump go head to head during the 2024 election, the winner will be the oldest American president ever, begging the question: Are politicians too old?

Opinion | American politicians are too old

Olivia Smith, Social Media Manager
December 8, 2023
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Not all stars are visible above populated areas because of light pollution. Far above the surface away from the light, cities like Rosinli, Switzerland see stars in the night sky.

What happened to our sky full of stars?

Olivia Smith, Social Media Manager
November 15, 2023
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Raymond Wilkinson stands before military flags after enlisting into the U.S. Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program on Sept. 12.

Future fighters

Olivia Smith, Social Media Manager
November 10, 2023
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Part of The Nightmare Before Christmas's audience claims that the film represents the Christmas spirit more.

Countdown to Halloween | Opinion: “Nightmare Before Christmas” is a Christmas movie  

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer
October 30, 2023
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McHenry Riverside Shoppes have opened for business for local, small businesses to utilize.

McHenry’s Riverwalk Shoppes are open for business

Olivia Smith, Staff Writer
September 13, 2023
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Designs for the Nature's Way playground posted on the City of Woodstock's Recreation Department's website include areas for all people "ages eight to 80."

Inclusive playground coming to Woodstock this summer

Olivia Smith, Contributing Writer
May 1, 2023
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