Volume 2, Issue 2

McHenry High School | McHenry, Illinois | Volume Two | Issue Two | February 2021

The McHenry Messenger

Teacher, staff, and administrators move closer to a sense of normalcy by getting their first COVID-19 vaccine.

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IN THIS ISSUE District 156 climbs their way through construction toward Adventure Education, a new course offering for next year.

PAGE 6 The State of Illinois announced it would seek a waiver to cancel spring standardized testing.

Here’s why they should.

PAGE 7 The use of cannabis is legal in the State of Illinois, though still illegal for minors. Some advocates suggest that medicinal cannabis could help teens mental health.

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Table of Contents

The First Look A sign outside of Woodstock North High School directs teachers, staff, and administrators from both MCHS and around the county looking to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination on February 12.

Photo By: Emma Snyder

ON THE COVER “Taking that picture of Fitzgibbons getting the vaccine was a surreal moment.

It was so exciting to see teachers finally getting the COVID-19 vaccine. It also felt like a big moment for me as a student journalist; being at the vaccination site taking pictures and reporting was such a great experience.”

Emma Snyder This month’s cover photographer

Volume Two | Issue Two | February 2021

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In This Issue NEWS

MCHS teachers and staff receive first COVID dose District 156 stops emailing about COVID cases West Campus builds rock wall in Buckner OPINIONS

Let’s skip standardized testing this year FEATURES

A day for the girls Unlikely relief ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

I’m coming out When murder is inevitable SPORTS

Back in the swing of things

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The McHenry Messenger Mission Statement A student journalist has the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press in school-sponsored media. The McHenry Messenger is a byproduct of those 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, provide a platform for them to speak their truth, and ensure access to objective, relevant information that they need to know.

As we endeavor 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.

Finally, despite the difficulties presented by these unprecedented times—which include a global pandemic that requires remote and hybrid learning—our student newspaper intends to meet the same high standard of journalism as any other school year.

Published by

McHenry High School in McHenry, IL

Editorial Staff

Kyla Henige, Managing Editor Emma Snyder, News Editor Ciara Duncan, Features Editor Josie Cable, Opinion Editor Kylie Chisamore, Sports Editor Alanya Trimingham, Copy Editor Kennedy Tetour, Art Director Kiera Loewe, Social Media Director

Staff Writers

Madison Harvey, Joe Hissem, Alayna Majkrzak, Joe Ndu, MJ Smit, Elle Smith, Mackenzie Sroka, and Kaitlyn Wenzel

Contributing Illustrator

Anna Cruz and Rachel Kaminski

Special Thanks to Advisor

Matt Connor, Amy Maciaszek, Gina Nomikoudis, Mitch Stengel, 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).

The news you need while we wait for life to return to normal

America is nearing its one year anniversary of being in a state of quarantine; something no one ever dreamt was possible. It´s easy to feel that a year of our lives has been lost. Being stuck in our homes with little to no interaction, and seemingly living the same day over and over again has led many to feel burnt out, frustrated, and upset. Combine the pandemic with every other unfortunate thing happening currently, and it´s easy to feel done with the world entirely. When the entire world is experiencing collective trauma, how are we supposed to cope?

The McHenry Messenger was created with the idea of keeping our school community informed and active within their own communities. But, now more than ever, it seems that the Messenger aspires to serve its readers and community. This newspaper has provided a way for MCHS’s staff, students, parents, and outside readers to not only be informed, but entertained and given a glimpse to the world outside of our houses for the majority of this past year.

This current issue allowed us to dive into topics like the rock wall being constructed at West, the effects of teens and their usage of medicinal cannabis, star JoJo Siwa´s joyous coming out, and the hope that MCHS teacher´s receiving their COVID vaccines brings.

So, during such a tumultuous time, how is the general public supposed to cope? That answer seems to be different for everyone. But, the staff here at the McHenry Messenger hope that no matter what you are doing to cope, our newspaper can prove as a mode of assistance for information, entertainment, and connection during this time.

Ciara Duncan Features Editor

If you would like to get in contact with the McHenry Messenger, please email the advisor at erbachdane@dist156.org or call (815) 385-7077 and leave a message on his voicemail.

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

Our issues are printed by the McHenry High School Graphics Program: Warriors INK www.mchswarriorsink.com

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News

Nurses reset injection stations set up at Woodstock North High School on February 12 after a wave of MCHS teachers, staff members, and administrators received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Photo By: Emma Snyder

MCHS teachers and staff receive first COVID dose Emma Snyder News Editor

The teachers and staff of MCHS had the opportunity to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on February 12.

Last Friday, after school, several MCHS personnel headed to Woodstock North High School where a vaccination site set up to distribute shots to teachers and staff. They were vaccinated alongside other teachers and school staff in the area as McHenry County has begun to vaccinate Phase 1B of the Vaccination Enrollment.

Teachers checked in to the vaccination site and proceeded into

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As part of Phase 1B of the Vaccination Enrollment, McHenry County’s educators receive the COVID-19 vaccine the gym, where vaccination stations were set up and nurses were ready to distribute the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

After being vaccinated, teachers were sent to a waiting area where they sat for an observation period of at least 15 minutes, as recommended by the CDC.

“It was perfect at the school,” said Jordan Deener, West Campus Spanish instructor, during his observation period. “They’re really quick, efficient, and easy.”

Several other teachers shared similar sentiments about the ease and

efficiency of the vaccination process.

“I was very impressed with the process I went through to receive the vaccine,” said Terry Fitzgibbons, associate principal. “The facility was very organized and the staff was prepared to handle the high volume of people coming through to be vaccinated.”

“It was pretty effortless,” said Tamrah Pitz, another West Campus Spanish instructor, after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. “We just walked right in went through each of the stations and it was easy.”

While the process of being vaccinated was easy, making the deci-

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sion to get the COVID-19 vaccine was more difficult.

“I decided to receive it because it feels like the right thing to do in order to battle the virus,” said Beth Czubik, West Campus science instructor, who was both excited and cautious about getting the vaccine.

“I want to do my part to help protect others and save lives. But it was a tough decision because I would have liked more time to study the vaccine.

It does make me nervous that it was fast-tracked and only been approved on an emergency basis.”

The vaccination of teachers and staff comes after a long wait, especially after MCHS transitioned into a hybrid model on January 20. Not being vaccinated before going back to teaching in-person has been challenging for many teachers.

“Everybody’s health and safety is at the forefront of my mind, and trying to plan lessons that incorporate interactive opportunities yet maintain social distance has stretched my creativity,” said Czubik.

Another concern for teachers, has been the health and safety of themselves and their families. Without the insurance of a vaccine, exposure to the virus has been both a worry and a challenge that teachers, staff, and students alike have all had to face.

“It has been challenging primarily because I have an infant at home and I have been worried about potential exposure to COVID-19,” said Natile Murphy, West Campus social science instructor. “My husband and I have been extremely careful since the onset of the pandemic. On the other hand, I have been very impressed with how well the students have complied with school policy regarding mask wearing and safety procedures.”

However, the long wait for the COVID-19 vaccination has made many teachers appreciative for the opportunity and excited for what this means for the future.

“I was definitely a little ner-

vous about receiving the vaccination, but I am grateful we were given the opportunity,” said Ashley Diedrich, English instructor. “I think we all hope that this step will help school, everything, get back to normal much more quickly.”

“I feel like this is the first step to getting back to some sort of normalcy,” said Fitzgibbons. “I have no reservations about being vaccinated.

For me, the decision was very easy.

I want to make sure that I can both protect myself from others by not be a risk to the community that I serve and my family.”

The vaccine has also been a symbol of hope for returning to the normalcy of before the pandemic. For teachers, it is a hope-filled milestone towards going back to school in a normal environment.

“This has been such a difficult year for teachers, students and families. Getting teachers vaccinated means we are closer to getting our schools back to normal,” said Stacy Rockweiler, English instructor at West

West Campus teacher Dale Gross provides information to a volunteer minutes before receiving the first dose of his COVID-19 vaccine. 220 MCHS teachers, staff members, and administrators received their vaccine on February 12 at Woodstock North High School.

Photo By: Emma Snyder

Campus, after being vaccinated. “I can’t wait for the day when we are all back in school together. I also hope that when our community sees teachers getting the vaccine it builds public trust in the vaccine. The more people that get the vaccine, the closer we are to getting back to normal.”

“I have never felt so excited to get a vaccine before,” Rockweiler continued. “I think all of us were feeling some sense of excitement knowing we are doing our part to end this pandemic. It is exciting to know that what we did today is one step closer to making that happen.”

“I am just very grateful that the time has come [to get the vaccine]!” said Marsha Potthoff, principal at West Campus. “It’s a sign that things will get better.”

Teachers and staff who received the COVID-19 vaccine Friday will get their second dose on March 12.

Read more at TheMcHenryMessenger.com

News

District 156 sent out an email in late January explaining that the district will no longer alert parents or students when there is a new COVID case on either campus.

Photo By: Kennedy Tetour

MCHS stops sending COVID case email alerts Ciara Duncan Features Editor

As the MCHS approaches a year since it closed its doors due to COVID-19, school officials have decided it will no longer email members of the school community about cases of COVID-19 within MCHS.

MCHS used to send out a weekly email detailing if there had been new cases within the school.

Earlier this winter, Superintendent Ryan McTague decided, in conjunction with the school nurses and student services, that this weekly email was “no longer effective.”

Instead, they have decided to continue updating the COVID-19 dashboard itself, and now include in-

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Though the district will update the COVID-19 Dashboard, they have deemed the weekly email “no longer effective” formation such as the individual number of cases between students and staff, whether the cases have come from East or West Campus, and how many of the infected students or staff are now in quarantine.

Due to privacy laws, the dashboard still does not detail who the infected persons are.

Still, if there is a situation where a student is possibly exposed to the virus and needs to be contacted for contact tracing, McTague states that MCHS would send out an email or phone calls to the exposed person regarding this.

In addition to this, McTague

also states that if there is a situation where there is an outbreak within the community, MCHS, or certain MCHS programs and extracurriculars, they would also notify the community directly through email or phone call.

Without a weekly reminder, students and parents within the MCHS community will have to remain diligent with checking the updated COVID dashboard themselves to find out information regarding COVID cases at MCHS. The new and improved dashboard can be found by going to the “Our District” tab on the MCHS District 156 website, and scrolling down to the “COVID Resources” link.

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Construction of a climbing wall began on the east side of Buckner Gym in early-February. The wall will accommodate the district’s new Adventure Education course.

Photo By: Madison Harvey

New projects begin in Buckner Gym MCHS make changes to its PE facilities as it plans a new Adventure Education course offering

Beginning on Saturday, February 6, construction of a few projects began in Buckner Gym. The gym was previously used primarily for fitness machines and equipment, as well as Strength and Dance classes.

Now, the space will also be used for a brand new physical education class entitled Adventure Education. The class will feature lifelong skills such as archery, mountain biking, camping, water skills, climbing, survival skills, and first aid training.

Construction projects include a rock wall, repelling platform, and a high ropes course. The projects are expected to be completed in 6 weeks, and they will begin to be used in the fall semester of the 2021-22 school year.

MCHS P.E. teacher Jacob Guardalabene explains, “I am really excited about MCHS getting a Rock Wall and an Adventure Ed class. I have been trying to get these at MCHS for the last 9 years.” He also expresses hope to start a rock climbing club in the

Madison Harvey Staff Writer near future.

Currently, Buckner is still being used for physical education classes, but in limited space. The basketball team also uses the gym for practices.

Other activities starting soon plan to use the gym for practices as well.

A few new projects including a rock wall, repelling platform, and high ropes course have begun construction in Buckner gym, which are expected to be complete in six weeks.

Read more at TheMcHenryMessenger.com

Opinions

Opinion

Let’s skip standardized tests this year Kyla Henige Managing Editor

Testing during a pandemic is hard to grasp. With students at home, and others at school, the amount of attention and oneon-one time needed for students is not fully available, making rates of testing anxiety higher and testing prep lower.

Schools throughout the country have been tasked with making arguably one of the hardest decisions for schools to makeshould students take standardized tests?

The Illinois Board of Education has been working to seek a waiver from the federal government so that students don’t have to take standardized testing such as the SAT come spring.

In an email sent out by the Illinois State Board of Education, they state, “Given where we are, we believe it is more important to focus on supporting our students’ transition back to in-person learning, than to focus on assessments. Our focus belongs on building our students’ reconnection with their teachers and re-engagement in learning in the classroom. That’s why we will advocate for the U.S. Department of Education to make waivers available for spring 2021 assessments. If a waiver is made available, Illinois will apply for it.”

Although many schools have changed within recent years saying that the standardized tests don’t represent the students growth and knowledge, some continue to take the standardized test for school data, and college applications. But, within the past two years, the decision to get rid of standardized testing has become a bigger concept now that students aren’t receiving proper preparations, and many are isolated with very little resources to prep them for the seamlessly degrading four hour test.

Teachers and administrators have been aware of testing anxiety for years, and has especially gotten worse now. In an anonymous poll, 95% of students have developed or have worsening testing anxiety.

This is due to students being used to having more available resources to prepare them Preparing for standardized test can be stressful enough when it’s not a pandemic. The state’s choice to seek a federal testing waiver is the right decision.

Illustration By: Anna Cruz

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This spring, juniors are expected to take standardized tests such as the SAT, which isn’t beneficial to them and their futures — especially considering the pandemic for tests, and having little to work with, when it comes time to take a timed test, students panic and fear failure.

Not only is testing a trigger for anxiety, but it is a major factor to the decline in success rates throughout schools. According to Fox News, “The percentage of students with two or more F marks, for example, increased 83% from 6% to 11% in the first quarter of the 2020-2021 school year compared to the first quarter of the 2019-2020 school year.”

Many schools believe that taking standardized tests are good for school records, even if it isn’t used towards college admissions. An article written by the Chicago Sun-Times explains that students should do the testing for school data, rather than putting it towards “high stakes”, such as going towards college.

“And given the well-documented shortcomings of remote learning,” they write, “a severe lack of actual learning likely would be revealed in plummeting — and perhaps unreliable — test scores,” They then go on to explain, “[...] a fear of plummeting scores and logistics problems are no reason to bury our

heads in the sand.”

Although the idea of students not having to worry about their college paths due to these tests seems more helpful, it’s really not. Schools want to use the data to go towards their teachings, but test scores are dropping rapidly. Using these scores wouldn’t help the school nearly as much as they would if we weren’t in a pandemic. Yes, the school can use these scores to see potentially how to change during these times, but it’s almost impossible with many students being at home, limited resources, and factors such as testing anxiety. These concepts, while being interpreted into the schools data, would more than likely make the school look unsuccessful, with how low the scores would be.

The idea of having students test just to be “lab rats” and a part of data that will be forgotten years from now is selfish.

When we are in a pandemic and many are struggling, educators should work to help students, not go against them. If a student feels comfortable enough to do standardized testing they should be allowed to, but forcing students to is wrong and immoral.

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Features

Popularized on the TV show “Parks and Recreation,” Galentine’s Day honors friendships between women more than romantic relationships and become an affirming alternative to Valentine’s Day. Illustration By: Rachel Kaminski

A day for the girls Leslie Knope says “It’s only the best day of the year,” which may be why more and more celebrate Galentine’s Day each year

In a month characterized by sentimental Instagram posts, the corniest romance movies, and the loneliest of the lonely eating too many heart shaped chocolates, comes a holiday the ladies get to look forward too.

Popularized by the TV show Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day is an unofficial holiday for the girls and the gals, the sisters before the misters, and the fries before the guys. Yes, we are cringing just a little. As defined by the TV show’s protagonist, Leslie Knope, “It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst, plus frittatas.”

Upon hearing the phrase Galentine’s Day, some were con-

fused. “I’ve never heard of it,” says attendance clerk Nancy Shea. When provided a definition of the lady appreciation day, she agrees that there could not be a better way to celebrate February the 13. “I’ll have to get all my girlfriends together,” she later adds, putting the day on her calendar.

Others already had plans made up. When asked what she was doing for Galentine’s Day, Freshman Madelyn Osel talks about getting together with friends. “So, we’re getting dinner with the fake wine. We’re also getting the Chick-Fil-A heart tins.

Then we’re going to watch movies,” she says.

Emma Westermeier Staff Writer

Oddly enough, Olsen adds that she heard about the holiday from the social media app, TikTok, rather than the show Parks and Rec.

Senior, Alex Mears mentions that she is meeting up with just one friend. “I got to spend the day with my best friend Alayna Trimingham.

Her and I went to the gym and then we went out to dinner together. It definitely was a great day!”

Regardless of it’s slight insignificance, Galentine’s day still remains an iconic event for all the lady best friends looking to appreciate one another. Within the unofficial date lies a reminder that girls celebrating girls is not limited to the holiday weekend.

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Features

Now that marijuana is legalized in the State of Illinois, some adolescents have more casual exposure to the drug, and many wonder if the benefits their adult family some enjoy could also apply to them.

Photo By: Kennedy Tetour / ProSymbols

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Unlikely relief Despite its reputation and complicated legal questions, some evidence suggest medicinal marijuana can help adolescents cope with the conditions the debilitate them

18-year-old Alexa wakes in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. She was having a flashback from her traumatic childhood that would send shivers down anyone’s spine. It happened fairly often, sometimes in the form of nightmares, always shocking her to her core, even after all these years. She lay awake for a few hours until she dozed off, waking up just moments later to her alarm.

They were getting really bad again, and Alexa and her mom decided it was time to talk to her doctor about the possibility of medical marijuana — a possibility that still makes people wonder if it is healthy for children under the age of 18 to take a drug that, only a year ago, was illegal in the state of Illinois.

The law and its effects

In 2019, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker legalized marijuana for recreational use in Illinois, (age 21 and up), in addition to medical usage for those with a qualifying condition who are under age 21. Qualifying conditions include but are not limited to cancer, anorexia, post-traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD), as well as neuropathy, seizures, Autism, and Tourette’s Syndrome.

Yet, many people with these conditions do not realize they are eligible for use of medical marijuana, and furthermore, may not be aware of the benefits.

Medicinal cannabis is beneficial to use PTSD, for example, because it is largely under diagnosed in teenagers, and can be quite damaging. According to PTSDUnited.org, 7.7 percent of the world’s population will experience PTSD annually. The risk is two times higher for women to develop PTSD, and even higher for veterans, sexual assault victims, first responders, or survivors of abuse. This illness is often accompanied by flashbacks, poor self image,

and turning to unhealthy coping skills. It also increases the risk of one becoming suicidal.

After identifying the risks and damage of a mental illness, such as PTSD, one can begin to explore alternative treatments such as medicinal marijuana.

On a personal level

There is much to be said for the

benefits of medical marijuana to treat mental health issues. But what about in treating students of high school, or even college?

MCHS student (who requested we use the pseudonym Jerry Bird for this story) has a provisional medical license for medicinal marijuana. Bird uses their license to treat PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain.

“I was originally prescribed codeine to treat my chronic pain, which led to a two year long battle of addiction and self harm,” says Bird. “Marijuana truly saved my life.”

It is not unusual for young people to suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental illnesses that can be disruptive to their everyday lives, affecting their attention spans, grades, motivation, and mood.

The science behind it

According to The Green Institute, medical marijuana can used for treatment by replenishing a system in the brain called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which deals with certain neurotransmitters and receptors. Often what is found in people with mental illnesses such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, or depression, for example, is that these neurotransmitters are suffering from deficiencies, which can be improved by using cannabis for treatment.

This is not to say that cannabis can permanently cure one of their men-

Elle Smith Staff Writer

tal illness. Moreover, The Green Institute argues it can be beneficial in making symptoms much more manageable.

Research shows us that, in patients with acute PTSD, the use of medical marijuana helped patients to sleep better, and with less disturbances such as insomnia or nightmares. It also helped to reduce flashbacks and anxiety and depression associated with the illness.

MCHS’S stance

At MCHS, there are many resources for students who suffer from panic attacks, or who may just be having a bad day. According to Colleen Pawela, one of West Campus’s school nurses, students who visit the nurses office complaining of panic attacks are given some time to breathe, their vitals are then checked, and they are offered resources or taught breathing techniques.

Gregory Eiserman, Assistant Principal of West Campus, states that because of ‘Ashley’s Law,’ a law put in place in 2008, requiring schools in Illinois to accommodate students with a debilitating condition that would benefit from use of medicinal marijuana.

“Personally and professionally,” he says, “I am in support of anything that has been researched, reviewed, and approved that may help students be successful.”

Potentially helpful

If a teenager believes that

medicinal marijuana could potentially be helpful to them in treating a qualifying condition from which they suffer, It could certainly be worth it to look into. Though the conversation with parents and medical professionals may be difficult they may be worth the work. What is most important is a child’s health and safety, especially when it comes to learning environments.

Read more at TheMcHenryMessenger.com

Arts and Entertainment

JoJo Siwa gives a tour of her new epic bedroom in a 2018 video on YouTube. Many fans, including MCHS students, say that coming out makes an important and powerful statement.

Photo Courtesy Of: JoJo Siwa / Wikipedia

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I’m coming out Alayna Majkrzak Staff Writer

“Born This Way,” a hit tune by Lady Gaga, plays as a student scrolls through their For You page on TikTok, pausing at a particular video. Despite the flashing lights, the person in the video seems very familiar. JoJo Siwa emerges, singing and dancing along.

This was Siwas’s coming out video, giving her a place in the LGBTQ+ community.

“After being my best friend for over a year, January 8th, 2021 I got to start calling this exceptional human my girlfriend,” the caption of Siwas’s Instagram post reads. All of the photos show JoJo Siwa and her new girlfriend holding hands and grinning widely.

Siwa has been known online for a long time due to her run on “Dance Moms,” and now she is a very popular Nickelodeon star. In a video posted on her Instagram, she stated that she was “really

Dancer, singer, and all-around star JoJo Siwa feels breaks the news about her sexual orientation really really happy” to have shared this big part of herself with all of the people who support her, including her network and the people in her professional life.

Her former dance instructor, Abby Lee Miller even made an Instagram post responding to Siwa coming out. “[You’re] a shining example for the kids out there to live their best lives each and every day.”

Siwa beamed as she talked about how she felt with her fans and how everyone has supported her throughout the years. The public response has been majorly positive, and even students at MCHS were feeling the love.

Sophomore Brook Krapf stated how they feel about JoJo Siwa coming out publicly online. “I think it helps to break the stereotype that young people can’t know they’re queer or that being

queer can’t be something that is celebrated.”

Krapf also talked about how important it is to have queer and trans representation in the media to show children that there is diversity. “There is other people — not just cis-gender heterosexuals.”

Max Wenc, a sophomore at East Campus, after having just found out about JoJo Siwa’s coming out had stated, “I didn’t even know she did, but that’s good for her.”

For many queer kids, the response to JoJo Siwa’s coming out is the dream. Not every child receives the same celebration JoJo Siwa has received. Hopefully, as she continues to be a symbol of color, fun, and bright, poppy music and dance, she can also be a symbol of hope and joy for LGBTQ+ people everywhere.

Read more at TheMcHenryMessenger.com

Arts and Entertainment

When murder is inevitable

Crime Scenes

Alayna Trimingham Copy Editor

Gypsy Rose was as a young sick girl with big glasses and a shaved head in a wheelchair. Her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, was seen as a loving mother who gave everything to help her sick child. The twist, however, is that Gypsy was never sick, and her mother was filling her with unnecessary medicine and surgeries.

Dee Dee had Munchausen Syndrome by proxy, which means she gave her child, Gypsy, a fake illness so she could be seen as a caregiver. This is a type of abuse, but not the only abuse Gypsy endured. Dee Dee lied to Gypsy about her age, her father, and her illness and was known to deny her food and hit her.

When Gypsy got older, she would sneak on the computer and she made a Christian dating site account and began talking to her online boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn. Gypsy told her online boyfriend everything, and he ended up murdering Dee Dee in her bedroom.

Then Gypsy ran away with Nicholas.

They were eventually caught and the truth came out. Nicholas was sentenced to prison for a life sentence, and Gypsy was sentenced for 10 years in prison, causing a lot of controversy.

With this story, I believe that Dee Dee deserved the fate she got.

One of the many reasons is Dee Dee Blanchard was an abuser. Gypsy’s life was constant emotional and physical pain. The abuse started when Gypsy was born, and didn’t end until the death of Dee Dee. Gypsy was also manipulated to think that no one would believe the abuse, so she didn’t have the option to tell someone what was going on.

Another reason why Dee Dee’s death was necessary is because Gypsy had no other way out of that awful house. No one believed or would ever believe that Gypsy was being abused, or at least be willing to say anything. One doctor actually did not believe Dee Dee about Gypsy’s illnesses, but was forced Volume Two | Issue Two | February 2021

In the case of Gypsy Rose, her abusive mother’s death was the only escape from a tortured life to stay silent due to the publicity the family had. An anonymous report but didn’t go anywhere. Gypsy tried to escape and run away before, yet Dee Dee always caught back up to Gypsy.

Final important reason — Gypsy’s life was at risk. Her mother was also known to potentially have poisoned people before, and could give Gypsy an early death for the sake of fame. Dee Dee has been accused of starving her own mother to death, and putting weed killer in Laura Petre, her stepmother’s food. Her mother giving Gypsy medications that weren’t needed could have also killed Gypsy. Gypsy participated in the murder of her own mother to save her life.

Many people would say no one deserves to be murdered. However, in cases of awful people who would deserve this death, Dee Dee Blanchard is pretty high up there. She abused her daughter her entire life, didn’t give her an escape from her, and manipulated and

lied to everyone around her. She forced her daughter into a false life where she had to pretend to be ill and unaware of what’s going on. Her death was justified, however, Gypsy and her boyfriend deserved prison time. The murder was unnecessarily brutal, Dee Dee being stabbed 17 times, and nearly decapitated. Another reason they deserved prison time was because this was such a public case. It was important that so many people knew you couldn’t murder and get away with it stock-free.

But in the end, with all the pain Dee Dee caused to others around her, she deserved her fate. Through years of abuse and manipulation, with no way out, Gypsy Rose is a survivor and did all she could to survive her unfortunate upbringing.

This story is part of a series that unpacks true crime cases. Read more stories at themchenrymessenger.com/crime

The story of Gypsy Rose is a disturbing reminder of how people use and abuse their power over others for their own selfish reasons.

Illustration By: Alayna Majkrzak

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Sports

Gisselle Sandoval serves the birdie over the net during a badminton practice on February 16 in the West Campus Main Gym. The team’s first match takes place on February 22.

Photo By: Mackenzie Sroka

Kaitlyn Wenzel Staff Writer

Recently, this girls badminton team has begun to practice in preparation for their upcoming season. This will be their first season back since 2019 due to COVID-19. Many of the athletes are excited to be back in the gym playing badminton as they missed out on last season.

“I feel really happy now that I am finally able to play Badminton again!” said varsity badminton player and senior, Richelle Abano. “Many of the returners were counting down the days until we could get back on the courts, and although the season is much different, we are still extremely happy to play.”

However, she did say that the team is much different as it has been in past years due to the majority of the team being much younger now, but she still finds it just as fun because she says it allows the upperclassmen to build strong players for when they are eventually gone.

While the badminton season, along with several other sports seasons, are permitted to play their seasons, there

Back in the swing of things The girls badminton season begins with guidelines to ensure the safety of the players and coaches are still specific limitations put in place to keep the athletes and coaches safe.

COVID-19 has affected the experiences for the practices.

According to Jacob Guardalabene, badminton coach, social distancing and mask are required during practice.

Abano also provided input that the practices have been shortened from 2 hours to 1.5 hours and practices have decreased from 5 to 4 per week.

While many of the players are excited to be playing again, there are still some disappointments that come with maintaining a safe badminton season.

Abano says that the main disappointment of this season is the fact that they aren’t able to bond with their teammates as much and get closer to them. Guardalabene said one of the biggest limitations is the lack of matches they are able to play due to different district’s rules. The badminton team will only be able to play against specific schools to limit the amount of teams they come in contact with.

Despite these limitations, the team is still very optimistic and excited about this season and have big goals.

“My main goal is to help our younger players create a really strong foundation for when us seniors graduate,” said Abano.

“Our team seems to have a disadvantage compared to other schools because we are super young, but that means that when these girls reach their junior and senior years, they can dominate and be really good against their components. I’m really looking forward to leading the team with one of my best friends and becoming friends with everyone in our gym.”

“Just as in any season we dedicated to improving the badminton skills of the team,” said Guardalabene. We also focus on the team enjoying themselves and bonding with as many teammates as possible. And of course our goal is to make it to state if they have a state series this season.”

The badminton team has their first match of the season on February 22.

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