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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

With the ACT just around the corner, students are extra stressed trying to get a better score than the person next to them.

Opinion: Students shouldn’t compare grades

Aubrey Butler, Staff Writer January 16, 2025

There is a nervous buzz in the air as AIM teachers begin passing out PreACT scores at MCHS. After students have a chance to analyze their scores, classrooms become full of talk about the test. By the end...

The Yellowjackets has been set to have their 3rd season soon.

Review: Second-guessing

Maggie Demski, Copy Editor January 9, 2025

Someone sits down to watch “Yellow Jackets,” they know it is a horror show with some gore in it, but they are going to be in for a surprise when they find out what they are really in for. “Yellow...

The phone ban that the school recently got put into place has students more unattached to the lessons in class than we thought.

Opinion | Phone bans in schools works

Brooklyn Kuhl, Freshmen Contributor December 13, 2024

Summer school 2024 was when MCHS was starting to experiment with the phone ban. When my summer school teacher said to us that no phones were allowed in class, even when we finished our work, I got really...

The internet is full of hot takes about no longer wanting to talk to the other side of the political spectrum — especially as  the holidays approach. But cutting ties because of politics is a mistake that could only divide the country further.

Opinion | Politics shouldn’t tarnish relationships

Michalina Sotka, Print Managing Editor December 6, 2024

As of this year’s election, the issue of whether or not political opinions should affect relationships has come into question for lots of people. Whether people had voted red or blue on Nov. 5, people...

“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

Made by the same people who filmed the incredibly popular 2020 Netflix show “Tiger King,” “Chimp Crazy” follows the story of people who own chimpanzees and other types of monkeys. Airing on...

Haliey Welch also known as the "Hawk tuah" girl countines her fame by creating the Talk Tuah podcast.

Review | Why ‘Talk Tuah’ struggles to engage listeners

Dominic Burnett, Puzzle Master November 13, 2024

The podcast “Talk Tuah” isn't living up to the hype. When you tune in on the podcast for the first 5-10 minutes you'll be listening but then after that it just turns into background noise. Who is...

Singer JoJo Siwa performs at Honda Center on August 13, 2019, in Anaheim, California.

You’ve got to be Jo-Joking!

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor November 13, 2024

As the stage lights dim and the crowds anticipation increases, the media celebrity Jojo Siwa emerges in her extravagant and sparkly performance costume, embodying both adoration and outrage from her fans...

Scores of law enforcement personnel from various agencies gather at UC Irvine to displace hundreds of demonstrating students, faculty and supporters protesting the treatment of Palestinians and the UC system's investments in Isreali interests, On May 15, 2924.

Opinion | Tragedy, not trend

Gabe Santos, Opinions Editor November 8, 2024

Injustices and tragedies are occurring every day. Another school shooting, another hate crime; the genocide in Palestine, the invasion in Ukraine; the battle for abortion rights and the fight for LGBTQ+...

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

It’s a big year for fans of the L. Frank Baum book series about the Wizard of Oz. Not only is it the 85th anniversary of the 1939 film but the stage show Wicked has been worked into a film set to release...

High schools have been quick to judge others for making mistakes even if they are easily fixable.

Opinion | Judge, jury, and drama

Gabe Santos, Opinions Editor November 6, 2024

The gossip culture of high school is brutal to say the least. A first time offender can quickly turn into a junkie or a drunk in the game of telephone and while certainly not okay, it is not so uncommon...

The Upper Campus's Center for Science, Technology and Industry was designed to be a beautfiul learning place with walls of windows. But with new issues arising many people have questions on if these walls can keep student safe.

Opinion | No place to hide

Maggie Demski, Copy Editor November 5, 2024

Throughout the country active threats in schools have become a growing fear in all students, including MCHS and the greater community. Specifically, students who have classes in the Center for Science,...

Students and teachers at MCHS must first complete their Flex Certification before partaking in blended learning.

Opinion | Blended is beneficial

Michalina Sotka, Print Managing Editor November 30, 2023

A student walks into their math class, excited because it is now labeled as "blended." They expect that they will be able to set their own pace in the class, making it easier for them to learn. They know...

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