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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 popular Netflix show "Wednesday" is a fun, morbid extension of the classic spooky film series, "The Addams Family".

Review: I prefer to be vilified

Kennedy Tetour, Managing Editor December 22, 2022

Netflix’s new spin on “The Addams Family” was released on Wednesday Nov 23 and was met with marvel and excitement from audiences across the world. “Wednesday” is the talk of the town, sharing...

A memorial statue of John Lennon sits in a park in Cuba, showing the wide-reaching influence of the former Beatle on the world.

Lennon’s legacy

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor October 20, 2022

John Lennon, who’s birthday was Oct. 8, would’ve been 82 if he was still alive today. He is one of, if not the most impactful musicians and songwriters of all time, being a founding member of The Beatles,...

Bruno Mars's 2010 debut combines elements of pop, funk, R&B, rock and other styles to create music both familiar and unlike any other artist before him.

Throwback Review: “Doo Wops And Hooligans” by Bruno Mars

Gabe Santos, Staff Writer October 7, 2022

Bruno Mars has been an iconic figure in pop culture for some time now, having released some of the biggest songs of the past decade, and is one of the loudest voices in pop music, neo soul, and R&B.  However,...

Though the popularity of HBO's "Euphoria" is due to its dramatic portrayal of teenage addiction, much of its mood is created by its equally dramatic soundrack.

Throwback Review: “Euphoria” by Labrinth

Gabe Santos, Staff Writer October 6, 2022

HBO’s “Euphoria” has been one of the most popular TV shows for the past year. It offers a dramatic interpretation of high school life — but what really sets it apart is the imagery. Gorgeous...

Trends from the 1980s and '90s have become popular again this year — including some trends that have been deemed unfashionable for decades, like mullets and socks with sandals.

Back in style

Freedom Tomasello, Staff Writer May 6, 2022

It's not uncommon for fashion trends taking a nostalgic turn. Recently, trends from the 1980s and '90s are reappearing in pop culture as current generations reclaim these looks. Throwback trends...

The word puzzle game Wordle has taken the world by storm. Players have only six chances to pick the right word.

Six chances

Paulina Borowski, Staff Writer March 8, 2022

With just two letters highlighted green, and only one more guess, they had to make this count. Running through every possible combination of the available letters, they type in their final guess to see...

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.

Commentary: Controversial couple

Bee Myers, Staff Writer February 9, 2022

As people complete  their daily routine of scrolling on their Instagram feed, they all one way or another came across a post by Machine Gun Kelly — and possibly a video of him finally proposing to Megan...

Ciara Duncan poses with her collection of Squishmallows, which have become rarer as they've become more and more collectable.

Essay: Searching for Squishmallows

Ciara Duncan, Features Editor May 3, 2021

Squishmallows; what are these cute, fuzzy, squishy stuffed animals we’ve let into our hearts and homes? For me, my newfound love for Squishmallows has raised a lot of questions from my friends and family....

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.

Opinion: Stop bullying actors for doing their jobs

Emma Westermeier, Staff Writer April 29, 2021

With the recent release of the show “Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” a new Captain America is introduced as a more corporate version of Steve Rogers. Played by actor Wyatt Russel, the character is...

Although it was never officially confirmed, most assume that Olivia Rodrigo's hit "drivers license" was about "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" co-star Josh Bassett, who taught her how to drive.

License revoked

Kiera Loewe, Social Media Director February 2, 2021

Record-breaking, dramatic, emotional — all these words fit Olivia Rodrigo’s new song, “drivers license” that was released on January 8. With tons of new development surrounding the song there’s...


“Mario Kart Tour” was released to Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store on September 25. The game has been a big hit with students at East and West.

Mario Kart mayhem

Chase Creech, Staff Writer October 11, 2019

Mario runs, flies, jumps, and plays sports, but one of his best adaptation characteristics is irrefutably him racing against his beloved friends or enemies, while collecting his power up items to help...

Teenager Marty McFly’s school dance was life-changing. But can real life live up to the magic on display in films like “Back to the Future” or “High School Musical”?

Opinion: Does Homecoming live up to its hype?

Michelene Havard, Staff Writer October 9, 2019

I had unrealistic expectations for the Homecoming dance.  As a child, my illusion for Homecoming developed from watching multiple high school films. “High School Musical” made me believe that I...

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