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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

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...

At the Upper Campus, when the clock hits 1:46 on Wednesdays, students get to leave early. However, the schedule has drawbacks.

Opinion | Early release Wednesdays prevent students from getting work done

Lola Cassidy, Online Managing Editor November 7, 2023

For some students early release Wednesdays are the best part of the week, but for others, it is the dreaded day with no AIM and less time to get the much needed help from teachers. With no AIM, there is...

"Minecraft" has received lots of continuous updates, but the most recent mob vote in the game has riled up the internet. Players voted the armadillo mob to be added to the game last week.

The vote that took over the internet

Sam Bodden, Staff Writer October 25, 2023

The open-world sandbox game "Minecraft" was earlier this month when the game's developer Mojang Studios asked fans to choose a new mob to be added to the game. Players have gone crazy trying to get other...

The state of Illinois requires students to undergo fitness testing in their P.E. classes. Though the idea is to keep students physically healthy, some students may feel it takes a toll on them socially and emotionally.

Opinion: Fitness testing is unnecessary

Freedom Tomasello, Opinions Editor January 31, 2023

The fitnessgram pacer test is a test most students dread, and it's only one of the 4 required assessments in the physical education curriculum. The tests consist of a 60 second curl up test, a pushup test,...

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