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.

Published

McHenry High School in McHenry, IL

Kennedy Tetour, Managing Editor

Allie Everhart, Artistic Director

Vanessa Moreno, News Editor

Alayna Majkrzak, Features Editor

Freedom Tomasello, Opinions Editor

Mackenzie Sroka, Sports Editor

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Ella Trimingham, Freelance Editor

Brooke Danz, Copy Editor

Nikki Sisson, Marketing Director

Lydia Lawrence, Business Director

Staff Writers

Illustrators and Photographers

Special Thanks to Advisor

FightingthroughMarch’smalaise

As we approach fourth quarter, students and staff may find motivation hard to come by. The countdown to spring break has begun, and students eagerly anticipate a break from their studies while teachers struggle to keep their classes engaged and focused during these final weeks. In other words, we all really need the break.

Despite this, the McHenry Messenger’s hopes to keep both students and staff informed and entertained with essential information as we approach spring break. Although lack of motivation has presented some challenges (yes, even in our newsroom), the Messenger’s staff is fighting through the malaise to deliver the highest quality issue we can. That way, you know the news before you leave for vacation.

This edition of the McHenry Messenger features a deep dive into a problem at MCHS — miscommunication — and it can lead to misunderstanding and a variety of other issues. We also look into the mental health crisis teenage girls are experiencing (the CDC describes it as a “growing wave of sadness”) and the rise in disrespect facing students and staff at MCHS.

Hunter Blake, Preston Boysen, Savannah Drost, Eli Frommes, Tati Rubi and Krystal Zamudio

Beth Brackmann, Maddie Canada and Claire Guzman

Cary Byer, Matt Connor, Betsy Goy, Gina Nomikoudis, Jeff Prickett, Mitch Stengel, Emma Theel, 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.

But not all of the news in this issue is heavy. We also review the music featured in the school’s “The SpongeBob Musical” and cover the polar plunge, which raised money for Special Olympics earlier this month. That being said, this month’s issue aims to provide a well-rounded and informative perspective on issues while sparking conversations that can lead to positive change in the community.

As we near spring break, we hope that you enjoy the latest print edition of the McHenry Messenger. And, with the semester slowly nearing its end, we wish you all the best in finishing strong and encourage you to continue to stay focused on your goals — even if you’re experiencing the same lapse