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
Protesters march along a street during a rally for the victims of a deadly fire as well as a protest against China's harsh COVID-19 restrictions in Beijing on Nov. 28, 2022.

Chinese citizens protest government’s strict ‘Zero COVID’ policies

Claire Guzman, Staff Writer • December 21, 2022

Starting in November, China’s strict zero COVID-19 policies started to cause a disturbance in citizen’s lives. The push for protests and having their voices heard started to become more popular.  Beijing...

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

A student gets ready for a magical night with friends, excited to see all of the dresses sparkling and all of the suits pressed, the decorations in the ballroom and the tasty food abreast. Stepping onto...

Even though the CDC changed their quarantine guidance from 10 to five days, walking back into school only five days after testing positive for COVID puts students and staff at risk.

Opinion: The five-day quarantine is too short

Campbell Bitterman, Freshman Correspondent • February 4, 2022

A student walks through the halls after being isolated for five days, their mind racing, wondering if they’re still contagious or if they’re infecting someone else. Their nose is stuffy, their eyes...

Residents receive COVID test kits at the City of Boca Raton Administration Complex on Jan. 7, 2022.

Omicron devastates schools and businesses, including in McHenry County

Vanessa Moreno, Staff Writer • January 18, 2022

Despite vaccination efforts, as of Jan. 18, the United States has 66.5 million COVID-19 cases. Omicron, a COVID-19 variant, accounts for over 98% of those cases. As of Jan 1, the CDC’s Nowcast Model...

After a long and hard process, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has been approved by the FDA for use in people aged 16 or older, though is still available to kids 12-15 through emergency use authroization.

Pfizer vaccine fully approved by FDA

Alayna Majkrzak, Staff Writer • August 23, 2021

This morning, the Food and Drug Administration fully approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 16 years of age and older.  When the vaccine was first rolled out in December of 2020, it was...

This year, between balancing remote and hybrid learning and dealing with a global pandemic, AP students are under more stress than ever. The Collage Board has the power to relieve the pressure that's on them — and they should.

Opinion: The College Board should restructure the AP Exam

Alayna Majkrzak, Staff Writer • March 22, 2021

Tears wet the sleeves of a student as they try to cover up their crying face. Their homework is overwhelming, and they feel as if they barely have time for anything beside their AP classes. Their friends’...

Though in-person students will attend classes "full-time" five days a week, they will still be required to wear masks and adhere to social distancing where possible.

MCHS expands in-person learning

Emma Westermeier, Staff Writer • March 18, 2021

After spring break, District 156 will expand its in-person learning to five days a week. All students currently participating in the hybrid learning schedule will attend every class each day in-person....

A row of desks sits empty in a West Campus classroom, every other featuring a sticker with a Warrior head that says, "Social distancing required. Please don't sit here." Now that ISBE and IDPH have issued new guidance, these stickers may become obsolete

Opinion: Bring students back

Kyla Henige, Managing Editor • March 16, 2021

Students all over the country have been waiting for school to go back to normal, where they can see their friends, acquaintances, and teachers, on a regular, normal basis. But, due to COVID and social...

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.

Opinion: Rethink your spring break plans

Josie Cable, Opinions Editor • March 15, 2021

Spring break is around the corner, and normally families would be planning their trips and vacations. However, similar to last year, COVID is still infecting the country, and traveling for spring break...

Empty, socially distant desks wait in the West Campus south foyer for students to sit and eat their lunches — one of many ways the past year felt different to students.

One year later

Emma Snyder, Madison Harvey, and Mackenzie Sroka • March 12, 2021

SARS-CoV-2, more commonly known as coronavirus or COVID-19, has completely turned the world upside down. What started as a distant virus spreading through China quickly became a global pandemic. The world...

The CDC has begun to recommend double masking as the pandemic rages on. The dual layers offer more protection against Covid-19.

CDC recommends continued mask use, double-masking

Joe Ndu, Staff Writer • March 9, 2021

The CDC authorized new recommendations regarding the use of masks and how people should use shift to double masking in order to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. These recommendations have come as part...

The girls basketball team practices in Buckner Gym at West Campus on March 3 while other athletes train in the weight room. Two- and three-season athletes have had to make tough decisions about which sports to play — and which not to play — during overlapping seasons.

Wild ride

Madison Harvey, Staff Writer • March 8, 2021

The weight room slowly fills up with athletes who stretch and prepare for practice. The coach comes in and begins the training, requesting that they focus in and work hard. This seems like a simple task,...

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