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, A&E Editor

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
In one snippet of Coca-Cola’s recent holiday ad, detail-less monkeys sit in cold water and watch trucks with distorted wheels roll into a sweet, holiday town. But it isn’t AI’s quality that’s so disturbing about this ad, which has become a kind of holiday tradition.

Analysis | It’s just an ad

Beth Brackmann, A&E Editor
December 10, 2024
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“Chimp Crazy” is a docuseries on Max following the story of Tonia Haddix, an exotic animal breeder, and her chimpanzee Tonka

Analysis | Chimp on the run

Beth Brackmann, A&E Editor
November 20, 2024
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Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo speak about the movie "Wicked" during the Universal Pictures and Focus Features presentation at CinemaCon 2024 in Las Vegas on April 10, 2024.

Analysis | The wonderful land of Oz

Beth Brackmann, A&E Editor
November 7, 2024
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Editorial Cartoon | Right or left?

Editorial Cartoon | Right or left?

Beth Brackmann, Arts and Entertainment Editor
November 4, 2024
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Cartoon Network shows like "Regular Show" are leaving Max. These and other shows are owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, who have made a statement about the removal stating licensing expiration.

Analysis | What about animation?

Beth Brackmann, A&E Editor
October 29, 2024
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Teachers often don't choose the education path as their first option, many of them have an interesting first carrer.

[Photo] Blast from the past

October 24, 2024
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Homecoming is one of the most exciting weeks of the school year—but not necessarily because of football or dances. MCHS should work harder as a school celebrate all that high school has to offer during Homecoming—and all of its groups.

Opinion | Outshined by the ball

Beth Brackmann, A&E Editor
October 8, 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.

[Photo] Playlist | Dancing for a century

October 11, 2024
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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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Between fees, parking passes and “senior experiences,” it costs a lot of money to be a senior. While some expenses are easy for some to cover, they can make senior year much more stressful and less fun for others.

[Photo] Opinion | Being a senior is expensive

May 8, 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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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.

[Photo] Opinion | Miss McHenry misses the mark

April 11, 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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Artificial Intelligence has become an increasingly utilized tool as its skills become more and more advanced.

Opinion | AI poses serious risks to the entertainment industry

Beth Brackmann, Staff Writer
March 14, 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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All grade levels have to study for second semester finals, while seniors that have met the requirements have not had to take their finals.

[Photo] Opinion: All grade levels should have the option for final exemptions

Hunter Blake, Staff Writer
May 24, 2023
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Bad behavior throughout the Upper Campus has forced security and administration to take unpopular measures, like closing bathrooms. But should all students be punished because of the bad behavior of a few?

[Photo] Opinion: Bad behavior of a few shouldn’t trigger consequences for all

April 24, 2023
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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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A lot of people assume that, if an artist's music is on Spotify, then they must be a rockstar making a million dollars. The truth is that many artists, especially those in independent and underground music, probably aren't making much money off of their music at all.

[Photo] Opinion: Indie musicians deserve to be paid better

March 22, 2023
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In January, a new school policy limiting late work suprised many students — and teachers. But the policy gets in the way of students who need the support the most.

[Photo] Opinion: The new late work policy is flawed

February 16, 2023
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Young actors are often sexualized and harassed at a young age, which adds extra pressure onto their lives

[Photo] Opinion: Young actors are subject to too much pressure

January 27, 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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Summer comes along with a ton of insecurities for some, so having good summer ettiquette is imperative for everyone to have a safe happy summer.

[Photo] Editorial: Be kind this summer

May 23, 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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Certainly, every generation has experienced its share of trauma. But Generation Z has perhaps endured a more complex word, especially more complex than Generation X and Millennials.

[Photo] Opinion: Trauma? Generation Z is used to it

Alayna Majkrzak, Opinions Editor
March 22, 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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Cowering in a corner during a lockdown drill can feel like the end of the world, especially when students don't know it's a drill.

[Photo] Opinion: Lockdown drills can be just as harmful as they are helpful

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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