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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

Though McHenry is lucky to have several downtown areas, none of these provide a "third space" for teenagers to hang out outside of school or their homes.

Editorial | McHenry needs more third spaces

Editorial Board May 20, 2026

In McHenry, there is a lot to do for adults. There are bars and restaurants that span across town and parks, but it seems as if there is nothing to do for teenagers. There are few third spaces or small...

Certainly, every generation has experienced its share of trauma. But Generation Z has perhaps endured a more complex word, especially more complex than Generation X and Millennials.

Opinion: Trauma? Generation Z is used to it

Alayna Majkrzak, Opinions Editor March 22, 2022

Coming home from school to the news being turned on by a parent. This is one of the worst feelings for Generation Z, they never really know what to expect. The flickering of the screen could be about yet...

Euphoria depicts the most extreme versions of the teen experience, but is it too extreme?

Euphoric or horrific?

Bri Quast, Staff Writer February 16, 2022

“Euphoria”’s dazzling makeup, dark drama, alluring characters, eye opening cinematography, unsettling scenes, and soul wrenching music by Labyrinth has captured the fascination of this new generation,...

Jesse Andrews published "The Haters," about three misfit musicians who ditch jazz camp to tour with their slapped-together band, was published b Amulet Books in 2016.

Review: “The Haters”

Alayna Majkrzak, Staff Writer May 21, 2021

A bassist, drummer, and lead-singer/guitar player — all of them with a vendetta against being told what to do with their lives and with their music. These three misfit, rookie musicians meet at a jazz...

Though the vaccine hasn't received official approval for people under the age of 18, several teenagers, including MCHS students, have received vaccines as essential workers or because they are at-risk.

Next in line

Kyla Henige, Managing Editor April 23, 2021

With the vaccination of essential workers and seniors in the works, states have moved on to vaccinating children and adolescents. Many students all over the country have been vaccinated, in hopes that...

Whether at restaurants like Starbucks or McDonald's or retailers like Meiger and JCPenney, students sometimes have to put up with abuse from customers — often following an already overwhelming school day

Customer servants

Stacy Correra, Copy Editor February 7, 2020

A teenager clocks into her job, dreading the next six hours of her life. She puts her uniform over her head, and tops it off with the mandatory hat that always makes her hair look unwashed after she wears...

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