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
Rachel Kaminski

Rachel Kaminski, Contributing Illustrator

Rachel Kaminski is a senior at McHenry High School’s Upper Campus. She likes dressing up, crocheting, and has a burning passion for the stage. This is her fourth year being a contributing illustrator for the Mchenry Messenger and she has taken so much joy in doing so over the years. She loves going on adventures and getting herself as involved in her passions as she can.

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Recognition:

2024 IHSA Sectionals (first in Editorial Cartooning, first in Advertising)

“Editorial Cartoon: Why replace the magic?” (IJEA)

2023 IHSA Sectionals (first in Editorial Cartooning)

“Six chances” (IJEA)

“Behind the curtain” (IJEA)

2022 IHSA Sectionals (first in Editorial Cartooning)

2021 IHSA Sectionals (second in Editorial Cartooning, fourth in Advertising)

“Should be fine” (IJEA)

 

All content by Rachel Kaminski
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.

[Photo] Playlist | Play it one more time

May 3, 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.

[Photo] In the public's hands

February 5, 2024
Read Story
Editorial Cartoon: Rallying together?

Editorial Cartoon: Rallying together?

Rachel Kaminski, Contributing Illustrator
April 3, 2023
Read Story
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.

[Photo] Opinion: MCHS should showcase student talent more often

March 15, 2023
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Editorial Cartoon: Why replace the magic?

Editorial Cartoon: Why replace the magic?

Rachel Kaminski, Contributing Illustrator
February 27, 2023
Read Story
2023_01_17_108_Kleki

Read Story
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.

[Photo] Opinion: The legal voting age should be lowered

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor
December 20, 2022
Read Story
When the highest grade students can receive is a 95%, it discourages those students who are pushing their skills — the opposite effect of what most teachers want from their students.

[Photo] Opinion: Full effort deserves full credit

December 7, 2022
Read Story
The voting age in the United States is 18 and, though many believe it should be lowered to 17 or even 16, teenagers under the current voting age aren't mature or informed enough to be trusted with this civic responsibility.

[Photo] Opinion: The legal voting age should not be lowered

Claire Guzman, Staff Writer
November 22, 2022
Read Story
October was Breast Cancer Awareness month, and both students and staff found ways to show their support beyond simply wearing pink — from running and raising money at 5Ks to staying at the side of loved ones fighting their diagnosis.

[Photo] The fight for survival

Eli Frommes, Staff Writer
November 7, 2022
Read Story
Summer isn't summer until a proper playlist has been put together. Thankfully, we've done the work for you.

[Photo] Playlist: The songs of summer

Alayna Majkrzak, Opinions Editor
May 23, 2022
Read Story
2022_05_18_0ew_Kleki

Read Story
Editorial Cartoon: Behind the curtain

Editorial Cartoon: Behind the curtain

Rachel Kaminski, Contributing Illustrator
March 25, 2022
Read Story
The word puzzle game Wordle has taken the world by storm. Players have only six chances to pick the right word.

[Photo] Six chances

Paulina Borowski, Staff Writer
March 8, 2022
Read Story
Censoring books has a historical precident, usually to keep a population of people ignorant and control knowledge. So why is book banning making such a resurgence in states like such as Tennessee, Wyoming and Florida?

[Photo] Opinion: Banning books bans education

Alayna Majkrzak, Opinions Editor
March 3, 2022
Read Story
Megan Fox's engagement ring, given to her by her fiancé Machine Gun Kelly, reportedly has thorns on the bands so it would hurt to take off — which is only one part of their engagement that feels strange.

[Photo] Commentary: Controversial couple

February 9, 2022
Read Story
MCHS's spring musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” will premiere in March. Students have already auditioned for the play, a process that can be nerve-wracking and empowering for young actors.

[Photo] Spring musical has sprung

January 20, 2022
Read Story
Though blended learning has been successful in many ways, MCHS has also struggled with this new class structure. Blending more frequently and offering blended in different classes might remedy many issues.

[Photo] Opinion: The solution to blended learning’s problems? Blend more.

Josie Cable, Opinions Editor
December 15, 2021
Read Story
There are many reasons why it is good for parents to have access to their student's grades and progress. But watching too closely doesn't provide students with opportunities to learn from their mistakes before consequences are handed down.

[Photo] Opinion: Daily grade reminders to parents cause unnecessary stress

Nikki Sisson, Marketing Manager
November 23, 2021
Read Story
Social media has made speaking one’s mind easier than ever. But to make a real difference, activists must do more than retweet, post, or rant on their favorite social media platform.

[Photo] Opinion: Social media activism is not enough

Vanessa Moreno, Staff Writer
November 11, 2021
Read Story
After an unprecedented school year in 2020-21, many students were hoping to ditch mask-wearing this year. Though a September protest planned at MCHS was poorly attended, others might be planned later in the school year.

[Photo] The protest that wasn’t

Vanessa Moreno, Staff Writer
September 29, 2021
Read Story
Over the years, finals have only caused more stress — and damaged final grades that students worked so hard for. Thankfully, MCHS cancelled this years' final — but will they eliminate them for good?

[Photo] Opinion: The final straw

Josie Cable, Opinions Editor
May 21, 2021
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The 2020-21 school year will forever be remembered for remote learning, wearing masks to school, and dramatic changes to school traditions, such as dances and athletic events. But this school year provided more memories to students than they might think — for better or worse.

[Photo] Opinion: The silver lining of a weird year

Kiera Loewe, Social Media Director
May 13, 2021
Read Story
Passionate fans play an important role in making a franchise popular and successful, but they also have the power to tear down franchises that they disagree with.

[Photo] Opinion: Stop bullying actors for doing their jobs

Emma Westermeier, Staff Writer
April 29, 2021
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Many students are feeling a little extra anxious returning to school after spending th last year hiding behind a camera.

[Photo] Behind the mute button

Kiera Loewe, Social Media Director
April 22, 2021
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Editorial Cartoon: Should be fine

Editorial Cartoon: Should be fine

Rachel Kaminski, Contributing Illustrator
March 19, 2021
Read Story
Now that adults are receiving vaccinations and states are opening up across the country, it may seem like the time is right to start traveling. If we hold off during spring break, though, the likelihood we can enjoy this summer safely will be much higher.

[Photo] Opinion: Rethink your spring break plans

March 15, 2021
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When life gets heavy and things feel out of control, mental health professionals recommend putting time in to that which you can control — such as creating a clean, organized living space.

[Photo] Opinion: A clean room can improve your life

Josie Cable, Opinions Editor
February 16, 2021
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Popularized on the TV show "Parks and Recreation," Galentine's Day honors friendships between women more than romantic relationships and become an affirming alternative to Valentine's Day.

[Photo] A day for the girls

Emma Westermeier, Staff Writer
February 25, 2021
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For some reason, there is debate about mask wearing in the United States, but the science is clear (even if it hasn’t always been consistent): wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.

[Photo] Opinion: Wearing your mask is the right thing to do

January 21, 2021
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