Volume 5, Homecoming Issue

In This Issue

National Honor Society celebrated newly nominated students during a ceremony in Upper Campus auditorium on Wednesday

Despite occasional complaints, Homecoming is one of the events MCHS gets right because it puts students first

At the beginning of the school year, some administrators were shuffled between buildings while others were added to the ranks

Arts and

On the Cover

Taking that photo was exciting and also nerve wracking because it was one of the first few photos I took with a real camera. The photo shows what I was focusing on at that moment. I’ve always found photos like this with pom-poms up in the air very cool. The excitement for Friday Night Light, the school colors and fall. Everyone is waiting for what’s to come this football season.

Grace Bellavia

This month’s cover photographer

The upcoming sports season at MCHS will put many new coaches to the test, including a new Athletic Director

A peek through Warrior yearbooks shows how much high school fashion has changed in the past 60 years

McHenry Community High School

The McHenry Messenger

Mission Statement

Student journalists have the right to exercise freedom of speech and the press in high school media. The McHenry Messenger is a byproduct of these rights. We hope to use this platform to inform and engage the students and staff of McHenry High School as well as its broader community.

As a student-driven publication, it is important to us that we represent every group within both campuses and provide a platform for them to speak their truth. We intend to provide access to objective, relevant information that they need to know during these unprecedented times.

The McHenry Messenger hopes to maintain editorial independence while continuing to nurture our connections to the community.

As we strive to fulfill our journalistic mission, we recognize that learning and growing through our experiences as reporters, writers and editors is a core aspect of what makes this a student publication. When we make mistakes, our organization is prepared to take responsibility for the stories we publish and hold ourselves accountable.

Editorial Staff

Mackenzie Sroka, Editor-In-Chief

Leylah Moreno, Artistic Director

Brooke Danz, Copy Editor

Paulina Borowski, Marketing Director

Lydia Lawrence, Business Director

Staff Writers

Lily Adams, Grace Bellavia, Zach Benton, Hunter Blake, Sam Bodden, Lola Cassidy, Grace Crockett, Maggie Demski, Eli Frommes, Trevor Gutierrez, Ellie Henry, Lexi Januk, Elijah Latronica, Breiton Mackey, Kiera Miller, Parker Mackellagn, Oliva Smith, Michalina Sotka, Morgan Storer, and Aika Villa

Illustrators and Photographers

Special Thanks to Advisor

Annapatricia Cruz, Ary Juarez, Rachel Kaminski, and Kennedy Tetour

Cary Byer, Matt Connor, Greg Eiserman, Betsy Goy, Vanessa Kirk, Gina Nomikoudis, Jeff Prickett, Jamie Rosinski, Mitch Stengel, Tribune Content Agency and VIP

Dane Erbach

Both the McHenry Messenger’s print and digital editions have been established as designated forums for student editors to inform and educate their readers as well as for the discussion of issues related to their audience. Though the student media advisor is responsible for teaching students sound journalism skills and judgment, this paper does not engage in prior review and, thus, all content published by both editions of the McHenry Messenger reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself (unless attributed accordingly).

If you would like to get in contact with the McHenry Messenger, please email the advisor at erbachdane@dist156.org or call (815) 385-1145 and leave a message on his voicemail.

Visit TheMcHenryMessenger.com for more news, features, and opinions

Raising spirits during Homecoming

The first days of the school year are over, and Homecoming has been quickly approaching. School spirit is expected to rise as Homecoming season begins, and different clubs are doing their best to make this year’s spirit week as exciting as possible. There have been many changes to the school staff and rules, but it is important to keep school spirit high during these transitions.

Athletics and activities, students and staff — everyone has been preparing for this Homecoming and will be participating in the festivities in many different ways. Each Homecoming events is designed to welcome all students to participate — including some for those who have graduated.

In this issue, we cover the Homecoming involvement of students and athletics, the Homecoming fashions through the years and Powder Puff football. Not only are we covering the Homecoming events, but we are also covering the changes in administration, shifts in the athletic department, the new school store, changes in the rules of the school and NHS induction.

The changes to our magazine style print edition this year represent our ever growing staff and new leaders of the class. We are proud to have more staff than ever, and we are hoping the print more issues this year than ever before. We are also proud to give our community this special Homecoming issue, which required hard work of a few determined staff members to help write and piece together this print edition on the side of all of their other class work.

We now introduce to you our first print edition of the 2023-24 school year, and thank you for reading The Editor-In-Chief

McHenry Community High School in McHenry, IL

Warrior Shack store to open at Homecoming game

Eli Frommes Staff Writer

A mobile version of the new Warrior Shack will open on Sept. 29 at the Homecoming football game.

The shack will be run by MCHS business students and will sell school apparel and more. T-shirts will be priced at $15, long sleeves at $20 and hoodies at $25.

“So, our new shop is called the Warrior Shack,” says business teacher Vanessa Kirk. “There’s two types of functions for it. Starting the second semester, we’re going to have a space in the cafeteria. And then starting at the home football game. We’re going to have our mobile trailer.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Warrior Shack will take place at 5:45 p.m. before the football game to celebrate its grand opening.

“Basically, it’s designed for the community and for students to get apparel that’s designed by our students and made by our students,” Kirk says. “With eventually us getting some other apparel items that might be a little bit more expensive from an outside vendor.”

The mobile shop has two managers — Michael Os and Emma Blanken — who will help keep track of inventory and money.

“The goal is to have [the mobile shop] there for every home opener game moving forward,” Kirk says. “I have soccer, swim tennis, volleyball, wrestling, baseball, softball, track, water polo, band, and choir..”

The Orange and Black Shack at the Freshman Campus and the Warrior Warehouse at the Upper Campus will be renamed and the Warrior Shack will re -

place both spaces at each campus.

The shack profits will go towards the pilot activity Business Professionals of America for them to go to competitions and pay other expenses.

“It’s called BPA … and that club consists of over 90 different competitions that you could compete in, that focuses on careers and let me get this up,” says Kirk.

“Most of the profits will just be used to buy our new inventory,” Kirk continues, “ because we’re constantly going to try to replant like replenish our inventory. But anything that we can do to support our students when it

comes to these travel expenses [for BPA competitions], that’s why we have that school store.

Students in BPA can compete in a number of different events including finance, business administration, management information systems, digital communication and design, management, marketing and communication and health administration.

The Warrior Shack also has received support from a number of local businesses, Kirk says, including Knapheide, Black Diamond, Buss Ford, The Bremer Team and from the Class of 2023.

A mobile version of new school store will sell school apparel and more during school and athletic events

More than 60 students attended the first meeting of the Business Professionals of America in the Warrior Room on Sept. 12. This new pilot activity will help sell school merchandise from a school store at the Upper Campus and newly purchase trailer starting during the Homecoming football game on Sept. 29.

Photo By: Vanessa Kirk

NHS inducts new members

Honor Society celebrated newly nominated students during a ceremony in Upper Campus auditorium on Wednesday

On Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m., the National Honors Society had their induction ceremony for newly nominated MCHS students in the Upper Campus auditorium.

NHS was founded in 1921, and its history spans decades at MCHS.

The purpose of the NHS is to elevate students’ academics, leadership and community engagement. NHS offers a scholarship only offered to NHS members, limiting the amount of competition students may face. It is usually a positive addition to any college application.

Juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA are invited, and a number of MCHS students are admitted each year, whether a student chooses to apply or not.

These students who apply must write an essay about each of the four pillars and share some of their accomplishments. Only then will a few anonymous staff judges use a score sheet to “score” each essay. Depending on the score will determine if a student becomes a member. When inducted at a ceremony, one will become a member of the society and serve their community.

“As a member of the NHS, the biggest thing is service hours,” says NHS President Madison Harvey. “One of the main purposes of the NHS is to get well-rounded students involved in the community through various service opportunities.”

Members are admitted through an

induction ceremony and must maintain certain attributes while being a member.

“I would encourage others to join because this is a great opportunity for colleges to see you from multiple aspects,” says NHS Vice President Kaitlyn Willis. “NHS is all about the four pillars Scholarship, Leadership, Character and Service.”

The society is primarily student-run as much as possible. The board members do most of the work as far as holding meetings, logging hours, etc.

“Leadership is a huge component of the NHS,says NHS advisor Jamie Rosinski. “ I try to have it student-run as much as possible. Our board members do most of the work. I am here for their guidance, but also to help find volunteer opportunities, help organize our big events, etc.”

The board members themselves are the ones that overlook the society and organize events and create service opportunities.

“Speaking for myself as President,” explains Harvey, “I have a variety of responsibilities. One of the most important things is communicating with the entire group about service opportunities and community events.”

New inductees have joined the society to help the community and stand out toward post-secondary plans.

“The reason I joined,” says new inductee into the NHS Dominik Plancon, “was because I’m trying to give myself as many op-

Paulina Borowski Marketing Director

tions as possible for college to get potential scholarships if I want to get into a school with a big price tag. But, it is actually because I like helping people. I find it enjoyable. I think people in this world are beautiful and helping them is one of my biggest joys in life. Even if I am a bit anxious about getting inducted at a big social event, I look forward to making it official.” Service hours toward the community is recognized with a stole on graduation day if one keeps up 20 service hours in each year of membership.

“As a member of the NHS,” Harvey says, “the biggest thing is service hours. One of the main purposes of NHS is to get well-rounded students involved in the community through various service opportunities. They are also a big part of our annual event, which has not been announced yet for this year.”.

NHS gives students ways to give back to the community while being honored and recognized as a high-achieving student within the district.

“At this time,” Harvey says, “it is too late for upperclassmen to join since they had to be invited, but underclassmen can keep their grades up. For now, they should focus on being involved in things at school and getting mostly A’s in their classes.”

Generally, being a part of the NHS demonstrates academic prowess, good character and a dedication to service, which are all positives to most admissions committees.

National Honor Society students celebrated its new members during last year’s induction ceremony on Sept. 21, 2022 in the Upper Campus auditorium. This year’s inductees were celebrated in a similar ceremony.

Photo By: Carly Byers

National

Let’s make this house a Homecoming

Gabe Santos Arts & Entertainment Editor

I started this article as a critique of Homecoming at MCHS.

I wanted to argue that Homecoming did not have enough student involvement, and that the thoughts of the general student body were not taken into consideration when planning the event. Homecoming is meant to be a welcome back to the current students and alumni, and it should put students first.

After some research, however, I have concluded that Homecoming might be one of the few student events that are done right, and uncovered a more interesting (and far more pressing) issue.

School spirit and pride in MCHS is a debatable topic to say the least. While plenty of students may tell you that they feel no school pride at all, some would say that they love MCHS. Some see spirit rallies as just a ticket out of class while others look forward to them.

Staff members like English teacher and Activities Director Mitchell Stengel feel that MCHS pride is at a high.

“I actually believe that school spirit has been on the rise over the past few years,” said Stengel. “The 2020-2021 school year was one of the hardest school years that MCHS had ever experienced, and there has only been more and more school-spirited events happening throughout the campus, in my opinion, over the past three years.”

However, students like junior Lily Adams feel the contrary.

“I feel like our school spirit during Homecoming is big and widespread, but when that ends it all comes down with it.”

This sentiment is shared by many students.

“I think that football and Homecoming season is definitely a high point of the school

year,” said junior student Jia Shah. “It gives something for students to look forward to every week, the weather is nice, and it is something that the majority of our school shows up for. As soon as Homecoming and football season ends, there is not anything major that takes place in the winter for students to look forward to.”

Even with better attitudes in this part of the year, students continue to have their gripes about homecoming. In particular, mixed feelings stirred in 2021 over the theme “construction”, and choice to hold the event outside.

“The Hoco theme of 2021 was definitely not one of my favorites,” said Junior Emma Enslow. “The themes during the week didn’t really have anything to it because it really wasn’t the most interesting theme to be a part of at all.” However, some were positive about the theme.

“I actually loved it,” said Shah. “I know there was some controversy over it, but I think it was really unique.”

This is the catalyst of what this article was going to be. Students’ voices should be taken more into consideration when picking the theme of Homecoming, the music of Homecoming and the location to avoid a bad reception — worsening the school spirit that I believe is already low.

While I do still think that there could be improvements, I think that the Student Council does a good job at keeping the common MCHS student in the loop. For example, a form to suggest music to be played at the event was sent out on the Council’s Instagram soon after the event theme “Lights, Camera, Action” was announced.

I initially thought there was something wrong with the events planning process, and I believe I felt this way because students at MCHS seem to show a unique adversarial attitude to-

wards anything that has an administrative signature on it.

“There’s a lot of disrespect between both students and faculty so almost every time there’s some decision made by the school, the students are usually against it,” said Enslow. “They usually rebel against anything the faculty decides.”

I feel now that I was swept up in the rebellious attitude that the majority of students have. While there are plenty of things MCHS does get wrong communication wise with its students, Homecoming feels like an enigma. It’s position at the beginning of the year, and the student led nature of the event through the Student Council makes the event work. It does it’s job as a welcome back and makes students feel connected to the school.

Student Council Organizer, Charlotte Alexander, said ticket sales have been on the rise. “They have been exponentially increasing since 2020. Last year’s dance sold 1,5001,600 tickets, and the projected sales for this year are hundreds higher.”

This was corroborated by Stengel who claimed that Homecoming has broken its ticket sales record for the past 3 years in a row.

While I began this article as a piece on how Homecoming needs to be more student involved, I found the opposite. This exposed an important factor in the student-administrative relationship at MCHS. There is a disconnect that’s making the faculty unaware of how the students really feel, and making students feel opposed to anything as long as it’s signed off by administrators.

With that being said, I think it is important that we recognize when something is done right, and I think Homecoming is one of those things.

Football players wait for the float to leave before last year’s Homecoming parade on Oct. 2, 2022 at the Freshman Campus. Each year, school spirit seems to get bigger and bigger during Homecoming because the organizations leading it put students first.

Photo By: Kennedy Tetour

Despite occasional complaints, Homecoming is one of the events MCHS gets right because it puts students first

MCHS should allow off-campus blending

Leylah Moreno Artistic Director

In previous years, students who met requirements were allowed to leave the classroom and even school property during the period on designated blending days. However, it has now been limited to strictly on-campus learning, and that’s too bad. Students should be able to blend and leave campus.

This change has sparked differing opinions, and some students feel as though the new rule takes away part of their independence and their control over their daily schedule. With the exception of those who have off-campus lunch privileges, students no longer have the option to leave the premises during free periods.

Seating areas are provided throughout the building for students who are able to blend. The reformations to the rules about blending also include taking a short certification course to ensure students understand the expectations that come with taking flexible classes.

The experimental approach to this year’s rule on blending stems from the many behavioral problems that arose due to last year’s freedoms. Issues in attendance and cutting class skyrocketed the past couple school years.

“Kids were abusing it,” Upper Campus Principal Dr. Jeff Prickett said. “If they were not doing well in classes, they would just leave for half the day, and who could stop them?

Even kids who were not supposed to be out for blended.”

A lot of students feel it is unfair to revoke being able to go off-campus during their flexible periods if they meet blending requirements. But, administrators recognize that the liberties granted to blended classes have been taken advantage of in the past and are trying to diminish what they believe is the source of the problem.

“We don’t want to lock things down so much that it feels like you have no freedom and no control because people do not learn if they feel like they are being forced,” Prickett said. “But, there has to be some philosophical basis first and then we can allow people to free up a little bit.”

Although there were behavioral issues among some, not all students used their blending time unwisely. Some students did adhere to the rules of blending and appreciated the convenience and being able to manage their time, yet they still had the incentive taken away. It disappointed many who were looking forward to the freedoms of blended learning.

“I do understand that they did it for our safety,” said senior Isis Flores, who has taken multiple blended classes, “and we did get it taken away because of things in the past, but that should not be a punishment on us, that should be monitored by administration or security guards. I think that they took away a

privilege that I could have had during my senior year.”

Losing off-campus blended learning is creating frustration for those who do not work as well within the four walls of a classroom and prefer to find a more comfortable place to do their work at their own pace.

“I liked being able to work at my own pace,” junior Thomas Moore said, “and having the ability to work on something other than just that one class. I feel like the rule is a step in the right direction but I feel as though you should have the option.”

With the new rule, teachers hope to see a boost in attendance and be able to account for the whereabouts of their students more, but do acknowledge how off-campus blended learning helped their students in many ways.

“My students last year really benefited from having periods 1-2 and 7-8 blended,” explained social science teacher, Kathryn Frey. “It allowed them to catch up on sleep, have time to do homework before sports or work, or work at a coffee shop. I do, however, know that students are less likely to be working when off campus, so having the students in school should ensure that they are using their time more effectively.”

Keeping students on campus during blended periods does not completely mitigate behavioral issues or guarantee that kids will be working on academic material during the flex time. The change in rules unfairly takes away the independence and flexibility of students who followed the rules and were able to stay on top of their classes.

“I think there are definite pros and cons,” Frey said. “I completely understand the changes the school made. There were days where students were not in school for half the day. I think the biggest downside is the adjustment. I have had a ton of former students complain, arguing it defeats the purpose and joy of blending.”

The flexibility that off-campus blending gave students was something to look forward to about school and allowed them to have control over their own schedules. Getting rid of it is upsetting to many students at MCHS who relied on the freedom to run errands, finish homework, or relax.

Among the many changes to the school this year, the privilege to leave school property during blended periods has been revoked

Blended learning is supposed to empower students to work at the pace and place that best suits them. So why is MCHS denying the flexibility that some students need to thrive?

Illustration By: Annapatricia Cruz

Seniors celebrate their victory during last year’s Powder Puff football game on Oct. 5 at McCracken Field. This year’s game will take place on Sept. 27 on the field.

Photo By: Kennedy Tetour

Lights on

Since MCHS split into the Upper and Freshman Campuses, the Powder Puff game pits juniors against seniors

The ball is snapped and set into play. The sound of gym shoes swoosh on the turf. The flapping of the flags in the wind can be heard for miles. The Powder Puff players dash across the field, the screams of the fans drowning everything else out. They run, pass the ball, and end up within the end zone. It all goes silent. Suddenly, the lights flicker. Announcing that the juniors just scored a touchdown.

Powder Puff is a game of flag football played by junior and senior girls on the week of Homecoming. Since 2013, the annual Powder Puff game has become a staple at MCHS.

This year’s game will be played on the Wednesday before Homecoming at McCracken Field. The students are given about six practices after school before the big game.

“We have got a record number of people who have signed up this year,” exclaimed Upper Campus’s Principal Dr. Jeff Prickett.

The teams will be much bigger this year than before because of the amount of students signing up this year. Seniors tend to come back because of how much they love to play the game.

“It is a very cool experience to be on the football field under the lights and have people watching you play from

the stands,” said senior player Maddie Hoffman.

But for the juniors, this is a brand new experience.

In the past, East Campus competed against West Campus before the campus changes. During those times, both juniors and seniors played together, so it was school against school.

Since seniors started playing juniors, the seniors have continued to dominate and have won every game.

Junior Jenna Harris says that she’s most excited about doing something with the junior class as a whole, along with bonding with her fellow classmates for a common goal.

“It seems to be a trend that the seniors win every year, but maybe this could be the juniors comeback year,” said Harris.

“For the most part,” said Hoffman, “I think seniors always seem to win because they have already experienced Powder Puff their junior year, so by senior year they know the rules and how to play … I also think there might be a little bias sometimes to the seniors by the refs.”

While the seniors have more experience, most people feel the game is rigged, or favored towards seniors. Se -

Lily Adams Staff Writer

niority is a common argument among the school.

Some feel seniors win because of the experience they have, others believe that it’s fixed for the seniors to win. “Matter of fact, I know the game is not fixed,” Prickett said. “It honestly is how the cookie crumbles.”

Communication is found to be one of the most important things for the Powder Puff.

“If [the Juniors] are able to have really good communication skills while playing, everything will go more smoothly for them,” expressed Hoffman.

With the high number of players this year, there is sure to be some hidden talent on both teams, making it a game no one wants to miss.

Furthermore, with both teams being more than eager to win, the competition will be relentless.

“It’s gonna be pretty equally matched … The juniors are a scrappy group, eager to win. I think it would be a shock to the system if they were to win,” said Prickett.

Students and teachers alike are eager for the game this year. These teams seem to be pretty well matched. The lights are on, and the players are excited to watch them flicker.

Familiar faces

At the beginning of the school year, some administrators were shuffled between buildings while others were added to the ranks

Michalina Sotka Staff Writer

Senior dean Jordan Deener works at his desk in the main office after a year at the Freshman Campus. Deener is one of several administrators who changed positions at the beginning of the school year.

Photo By: Mackenzie Sroka

As of the new school year, there have been some changes in the administrative staff. These changes are believed to be leaving positive impacts on the student and staff atmosphere so far, as they were intended.

For example, Dr. Jeff Prickett is now the principal only at Upper Campus, and Gregory Eiserman is principal of Freshman Campus.

Kyle Hobson is the Associate Principal of Building Operations at Upper Campus, and Jordan Deener is now Senior Dean. Terry Fitzgibbons is associate principal at Freshman Campus

Prickett said, “There has been some movement on the administrative side of things here in the district due simply to wanting to ensure we have the right people in the right places, but also because it was very challenging to meet the needs of all of our people - staff, students, parents.”

The goals of these changes are meant to help students and staff.

“These changes will bring about

more efficiency in terms of responding to people’s needs, and a stronger sense of community,” Prickett adds.

In addition to simple movement of staff between campuses, there have been new faces welcomed to administration and staff this year.

Junior Dean, Jeffrey Schroeder, is one of the new faces of MCHS’s administrative staff.

“My experience at UC has been great,” states Schroeder. “The staff and students have been very welcoming.”

In addition to being a dean and head football coach, Schroeder was in a full time classroom for PE and health for 12 years. This is his 16th year as a Dean, and he has been in education for a total of 28 years.

“I took the job initially as our head football coach,” says Schroeder, “then the Dean’s position came open. I felt it was a natural fit to work where I coach and get an opportunity to learn more about our kids not only in the program but in the school

as a whole.”

In regards to changes in general, Deener has returned to Upper Campus as Senior Dean after being the Freshman Dean.

“It has been great coming back to the UC,” said Deener. “I really enjoy working with seniors and look forward to seeing them grow as they progress through their last year of high school.”

There have been multiple positive changes that Deener speaks about regarding the atmosphere of MCHS this year.

“The school culture at the Upper Campus is always improving as our campus structure has changed,” he states. “I feel many students are proud to be at MCHS and enjoy being here. Class cuts are down from the past and students seem to be reaching expectations from teachers and administrative staff. I look forward to a terrific school year.”

Staff movement as of this year is already bringing on the positive changes administrators have expected.

Good sports

MCHS athletics participate in events and host games to celebrate the 2023 Homecoming season

The lights turn on after the freshman football game is over. The student section is more packed than it has been and will be for the rest of the season, and they are dressed in gold. There are more people on the sidelines than usual. There is more excitement and school spirit in the stadium. This is a special game that everyone has been awaiting all week throughout all of the Homecoming events. This is the Homecoming football game.

Homecoming usually attracts fall sports’ teams participation, however not every sport gets involved in Homecoming.

“The typical sports involved in Homecoming are all of the fall sports and especially football, cheer, dance, etc,” explained Chris Madson, MCHS’s Athletic Director. “Being that they are currently in season and have games going on the week of Homecoming, it naturally feels like those sports become the focal point.”

The dance team’s coach helps the girls participate in Homecoming in many of ways that only a few sports and students get to do.

“The dance team will be participating in Paint the Town, the parade, and their annual guy-girl routine at halftime during the varsity football game,” stated Alyssa Glick, MCHS’s head coach of the dance team. “The dance team gets very involved in any spirit week theme also.”

The guy-girl dance is an aspect of Homecoming that many of the dancers on the team look forward to.

“Each girl picks a partner to dance with for the game,” described Tori Sorenson, a senior varsity dancer. “We usually have dinner and get ready all together before the game. It’s actually really fun. I love Homecoming with the dance team…it creates a closer environment between the people that do it together. Everybody is just so happy and it’s a great tradition to be able to have the guys dance with us for a game.”

The dance team is not the only team to participate in the guy-girl performance, the cheer team asks guys to join them in preforming at halftime as well. The cheer team also participates in many other Homecoming activities too.

The cheer team prepares for and celebrates the special Homecoming game together.

“Our team has a pasta party before every game,” stated Katie Lewis, a senior cheerleader, “but Homecoming is usually one of the bigger pasta parties where we get goodie bags and bows to match the theme. This means a lot to me because it is the one game I always look forward to every year because you can tell that game is just different for everyone on the team because throughout the week leading up to it we all get excited. Cheering with the guys also just adds some fun and something new to the season instead of it just being us on the sidelines!”

The football team participates in Homecoming by playing and hosting the Homecoming football game and by being in the parade.

“We participate in the parade and hand out candy,” stated Jeffrey Schroeder, MCHS’s head football coach. “We will continue to play to the best of our abilities. Ultimately winning the Homecoming game annually I feel will do the most to raise school spirit,”

The football team players are excited to play in the most typically watched and celebrated football game of the school year.

“The football team celebrates Homecoming by playing in the most anticipated game of the season,” described Caiden Bunting, a senior varsity football player. “More than just that, we celebrate by having fun and working hard together, and the added excitement of Homecoming just makes those moments more special.”

Not only is there the football Homecoming game, volleyball hosts two games the week of Homecoming which students can home watch. The volleyball team also encourages their players to participate in the Homecoming festivities.

“We compete on both Tuesday and Thursday during Homecoming week,” stated Kyle Hobson, MCHS’s head varsity volleyball coach. “Junior and seniors will be participating in the Powder Puff football game if they signed up to participate, and the volleyball program is participating in the parade.”

All fall sports have games and matches the week of Homecoming, but only some of the sports have a game or match on the day of Homecoming.

Mackenzie Sroka Editor-in-Chief

“We also host a Homecoming game the morning of the dance and usually go out to breakfast with the team after the game,” explained Nate Luedtke, a senior varsity soccer player. “I love just getting into the Homecoming mood. It really helps the team bond and the overall atmosphere is amazing.”

The varsity soccer team will also be participating in the Homecoming parade and is encouraged to participate in other Homecoming festivities.

“We are in the Homecoming parade. We will be walking and tossing out some candy to the little kids on the route and maybe even toss out a few soccer balls,” described Anthony Caruso, the boys varsity soccer team’s head coach. “I also encourage all of the soccer players to attend the football game as well.”

Both the boys and girls golf teams are unable to participate in Homecoming festivities as a team, but they would like to see their players to participate Homecoming events.

“It is important for athletes to participate in the spirit days, Power Puff and Homecoming football game and dance,” stated Sean Sterner, the head girls varsity golf coach. “At times it is hard to balance all the events, along with golf matches & tournaments. Unfortunately Homecoming week is the same week as regionals for girls golf.”

Not only does girls golf have regionals the week of Homecoming, boys golf is preparing for the state series.

“We do not and have never been involved in the parade because we are always getting ready for the state series in golf,” stated Ryan Ellison, the head coach of the boys varsity golf team. “Personally, I would like it if my golfers wanted to get involved, but I think improving school spirit comes from intrinsically motivated students who want to get involved.”

Most of the fall sports or athletes at MCHS participate in Homecoming events and festivities, such as the Homecoming football game, the parade, the dance, or paint the town. Whether they are in the fan section, playing in the games, or participating in other festivities, it all helps raise school spirit.

The volleyball team marches down Green Street in last year’s Homecoming parade on Oct. 2. Fall athletic teams participate in Homecoming in a variety of ways, including scheduling special games, helping “paint the town” and walking in the parade.

Photo By: Kennedy Tetour

Taking the field

The 2023-24 sports season has begun at MCHS, with many new coaching changes being made with the addition of a new Athletic Director, football coach, volleyball coach and boys basketball coach at MCHS. Each of the coaches are looking to build growth in MCHS’s athletic program.

The first major change at MCHS has been the addition of new Athletic Director Chris Madson, a former social science teacher. He took over the duties of former AD Joel Beard and Barry Burmeister following the end of the 2022-2023 school year. Madson comes with experience from being the former boys basketball coach, and has made the full transition over to AD smoothly for the upcoming sports season.

“That transition has not been difficult [moving from being a teacher to AD]. At times I do miss teaching and the interactions I had with my students, but that has now been replaced with the interactions I get to have with our coaches and athletes at sporting events,” Madson explained. “Almost all of our athletic contests occur after school hours, yet it is critical to be accessible and available to staff and students during the school day, so finding balance between the both has been part of the transition for teacher to AD.”

Madson is looking to grow our athletic program, and he feels that the athletic department has succeeded in building a culture around our programs

“Only being a month into the school year, it is a bit soon to truly evaluate any major changes” Madson said,” An initial goal of the athletic department this year was to kick off the school year with a much stronger sense of unity and to-

getherness amongst our athletic department (staff, students and community) and I do feel that has been achieved and something we will keep building on.”

Madson’s duties include scheduling events for teams, managing events we host, ordering equipment for teams, and meeting with the coaches of our programs, working with our feeder teams, and evaluating our facilities, and he holds a very important position at MCHS to keep our athletic programs running smoothly.

MCHS is also introducing a new boys basketball who is replacing Madson’s duties, Raymond Card. Card was hired right before the school year started and currently teaches in the Warrior Academy and the Aspire classes, which helps students who have encountered struggles find their path to graduation and is involved with the student services team. Card looks to build off a fairly successful season for our boys basketball program from last year and is excited for the upcoming season.

“As for the upcoming season we have gotten off to a great start with Coach [John] Beerbower setting the tone in the weight room creating an atmosphere 2nd to none. Coach Madson put us in a great position to be successful as he has created a culture we hope to build upon. We have a veteran staff returning giving us continuity as we transition to a new coach…,” Card explained. “As we look forward to the upcoming season, we have all the ingredients of a championship team. How well we come together as a team and sacrifice for each other will determine how the season will go. We will play a hard nosed fast paced style of basket-

Hunter Blake Sports Editor

ball which we believe will be fun to watch.”

Card has also applauded the job of MCHS’s PE department, and credits Beerbower for his work with offseason lifting and other sporting activities that MCHS hosts, but also feels fortunate to have a good core of coaches at the Freshman and JV Level as well.

“We have a veteran staff returning giving us continuity as we transition to a new coach. Relying on their leadership, Jonathon Niemic and Brad Robertson will continue as Freshman coaches while Daniel Glick is our JV coach with Rob Niemic continuing to patrol the sidelines on the Varsity rounding out our coaching staff. They bring a wealth of knowledge and a nice mix of coaches who have been varsity head coaches and a mix of younger guys with passion for coaching.”

Joining Card and Madson with the coaching changes at MCHS is new Head Football Coach Jeffery Schroeder, who is the new Junior Dean of Students at MCHS and replaces former AD Joel Beard at the position. Schroeder brings prior coaching experience outside of MCHS and is looking to build up the team’s young core for the future. “Changes have been related to starting a new offensive and defensive scheme. It’s a process and takes time” Schroeder explained, “ We aren’t necessarily getting the results we want right now but we are trying to honor our seniors as best we can while building our younger players’ expectations for the future going forward. It has been a challenge but also very rewarding. The kids have worked hard and I appreciate them and their efforts.”

Schroeder is also focused on building relationships with his players, and hopes to develop the team in the coming years to compete in the playoffs.

“My goals are always wanting to win as much as possible. That hasn’t happened yet this season” Schroeder explained, “But outside of the scoreboard, I think building relationships with the kids, teaching them what a playoff caliber program looks like from the day to day approach and preparation at practice and getting them and the new staff familiar with our systems will help to build a foundation for successes moving forwards.”

The final coaching addition at MCHS comes with a new volleyball coach Kyle Hobson, who is the Assistant Principal at Upper Campus and takes over the spot after former coach Hillary Agnello moved schools.

The upcoming sports season at MCHS will put many new coaches to the test, including a new Athletic Director

New athletic director Chris Madson meets with administrators on the football field during the first home football game of the season on Sept. 1 at McCracken Field

Photo By: Mackenzie Sroka

Homecoming of 1963 saw flowwy, flared dresses as the main trend, along with bow ties and casual suits for the boys. Hair on the shorter to medium side, and lots of white. Not super colorful looks, but still classic.

Photo Courtesy of: The Warrior

Above: This picture from 1978 shows a big trend: Huge collars on suits. The dresses are looking more unique, and on the slimmer side compared to the previous picture. Additionally, men’s hair got way longer. Lots of perms, and more hairspray (though more is to come.)

Right: 1973’s Homecoming king and queen also displayed the trend of longer skirts as opposed to full dresses and wide ties. Modest looks were still in during this era, but that too would change with the times.

Looking sharp

A peek through Warrior yearbooks shows how much high school fashion has changed in the past 60 years

Gabe Santos Arts & Entertainment Editor

All photos courtesy of The Warrior

Homecoming is one of the two big dances that students at MCHS look forward to every year. Though each Homecoming has a different theme, at first glance, a lot of the same fashion trends pop up on the dance floor. These trends, however, have evolved dramatically throughout the years. The Messenger pulled together some serious throwbacks from The Warrior, MCHS’s yearbook, to remind its readers of what Homecoming looked like in years past — and perhaps offer some inspiration.

Clockwise from top left:

1983 had an energy of leisure and comfort. These aren’t super complicated looks, but still on the formal side. Hair became bigger as the ‘80s drew closer as well as other burgeoning trends, such as big collars and shoulder pads. This picture from 1998 demonstrates even more casual dress, and also the departure from big, sprayed hair to more simple styles. The ‘90s also marked the end of another staple of Homecoming dresses: sleeves.

1989 had a lot of sweaters, oddly enough, showing Homecoming becoming more and more of a casual affair than a prom or formal event. The fashion reflects the fun that Homecoming promised — and the leis hinted at that year’s theme.

In 2002, the shorter and spikier hair of the 1990s is was accompanied by a goatee that’s impossible to ignore. That was certainly a decision — definitely a “statement.” One more photo from Homecoming just two years ago displays the trend of bedazzled outfits, which more and more students have worn on their dresses. Fancier dresses, make-up and hair mark a return to a more formal Homecoming dance for some.

“Itisfundressingupwithmy friendsforthethemeand supportingourfootballteam. Ourstudentsectionispretty energeticmostofthetime.”

- Senior Jack Stecker

The student section cheers on the varsity football team during a home game against Burlington Central on Sept. 15 at McCracken Field.

Photo By: Ary Juarez