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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

Students play hacky sack after senior decision day  in the Upper Campus main gym on May 1. More and more students have taken to the halls in the past month to play a game that most teachers played when they were in high school.

Kickin’ it old school

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor May 12, 2026

As the passing period bell rings, an MCHS senior leaves strength and heads to their culinary class. Making their way out of the locker room, they are met with a circle of students kicking around a little...

As finals week is approaching, teachers are assigning study guides to prepare students for their tests.

MCHS students prepare for finals

Dominic Burnett, Puzzle Master May 8, 2026

On May 11, Seniors at MCHS are taking their finals on their final day of school. Students at MCHS are taking their finals for their classes on May 19 and May 20. Their first four classes will be on...

Students often have to work on homework until absurd hours in order to keep up, and it's more common than some may think.

Sleep unscheduled

Michalina Sotka, Editor-in-Chief May 7, 2026

A student stares at her blank doc. It’s three in the morning, and she’s left the essay due for her AP Literature class at the end of her checklist. After doing AP Government notes, a calculus FRQ and...

Ayden Hirsch (lead singer of Tone Deaf) celebrating their Battle of the Bands win.

Surviving the Battle

Bri Lucansky, Business Manager May 7, 2026

Listen to this audio story by clicking the play button below. There was a very small point difference between first and second place during the 2026 Battle of the Bands. Tone Deaf ended on top. There...

Senior Camille Cohn signs her letter of intent for the University of Iowa for cheerleading int he fall during the signing day ceremony on Wednesday in the Upper Campus main gym.

Pen to paper

Mason Sites, Sports Editor May 6, 2026

While many senior athletes look back on their experiences in athletics knowing they won’t ever play an organized school sport again, those who have earned the right to refer to themselves as future college...

The Classs of 2026 has gone through so much — from Covid to war, principal swaps to the rise of AI. This year’s senior playlist reflects the changes they’ve endured as well as the ones that they’ll face in the future.

Playlist | Play it one more time

Grace Bellavia, Arts and Entertainment Editor May 5, 2026

The Class of 2026 had an interesting experience of school, especially during middle school. After COVID-19 and devious licks, the Class of 2026 was the, “leftovers.” In sixth grade, we thought,...

Seniors at MCHS pin point where they are heading to next after high school on May 1, 2026.

Decisions, decisions…

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor May 5, 2026

As the seniors walk into the main gym of Upper Campus and find their seats, they're filled with a sense of accomplishment. Their years upon years of education have led up to this moment. They were once...

Construction workers inspect the curbs in the Freshman Campus parking lot on April 29. Until the parking lot has been completed, parents will continue to pick-up students along an alternate route.

Freshman Campus rennovates parking lot

Joseph Bohne, Contributing Writer May 1, 2026

Construction underway as new plans for MCHS’s Freshman Campus parking system have closed Waukegan street. All traffic now enters and exits through John Street. Recently, over the school’s March...

For the first time since elementary school, students are able to count down to summer using the alphabet, highlighting a nostalgic childhood tradition.

ABC, senior superiority

Lena Curfman, Social Media Manager April 28, 2026

To celebrate the seniors’ last 26 days of school, warrior activities made one last ABC countdown to tick down the days to their final day as high schoolers. Warrior activities decided to give the...

Teachers lead busy lives. Somehow, though, between planning and grading, they find time to take on other jobs both inside and outside of education to make ends meet.

Matching the cost of living

Aika Villa, Print Managing Editor April 9, 2026

After the final bell, Derek Poci packed his bags and checked to make sure he had everything so he could go to his second job at MCC, looking over slides and checking what the lecture would be about for...

Many MCHS students participate in sports all year-round, and it isn't easy, but they make the most of it.

Jacks of all trades

Mason Sites, Sports Editor March 31, 2026

High school athletics are extremely beneficial for students, regardless of the sport they decide to play. They help students build collaborative skills, develop coordination and strengthen their mental...

E-learning looks like this for most students: mic and camera off, laying in bed.

DIML: e-learning edition

Michalina Sotka, Editor-in-Chief March 18, 2026

A student winces as her alarm goes off at 8:25, alerting her to school starting in five minutes. So, she rubs her eyes and grabs her chromebook, clicking the Google Meet link for her first period class....

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