Volume 4, Issue 5

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School

Freshmen Campus 1012 North Green Street McHenry, IL 60050 (815) 385-1145

Upper Campus 4724 West Crystal Lake Road McHenry, IL 60050 (815) 385-7077

TheMcHenryMessenger.com

ON THE COVER

The cover photo for the print issue has really no significant meeting, nor was it inspired by anything. I just brainstormed cool ideas for the cover photo and I thought it would be pretty cool if I asked the individuals in the picture would jump straight up in the air.

Preston Boysen

This month’s cover photographer

MCHS plans to hold first outside graduation with all seniors 3 OPINIONS

Some students don’t get the recognition they deserve Seniors should not have to take spring finals FEATURES Advice to the next generation Real Warriors: Seniors Leveling up SPORTS

Freshmen and their senior leaders tour the Upper Campus during the UC Sneak Peek on April 21.

Photo By: Rose Wenckebach

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.

Honoringseniorsonelasttime

The last days of school are right around the corner and many students are beginning to wind down for the year, but the McHenry Messenger continues at full speed in order to bring our final print issue of the year to the MCHS community. Similarly to what we’ve done in the past, our final issue of the year — our “senior issue” — highlights the graduating Class of 2023 as they move on from high school and go out into the world.

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

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

Illustrators and Photographers

Claire Guzman, Rachel Kamniski and Rose Wenckebach

Cary Byer, Matt Connor, Betsy Goy, Gina Nomikoudis, Jeff Prickett, 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

From caps and gowns to senior picnics, the senior class is frantically trying to wrap up the school year in a neat little bow. As the seniors run amuck, underclassmen begin to learn the ropes and take on leadership positions in anticipation for next year. At the Messenger, we are working to ensure all of our senior staff members have an opportunity to share their journalistic voices one final time, while also making room for a new wave of journalists who will take over once we’re gone.

The cover image for this special issue is different from the ones we have done in the past. Previously, we have used the cover to display our senior staff members or represent the idea of graduation. This year, the senior edition cover makes way for a senior photographer on the Messenger staff who has worked hard to create a unique piece of art to represent the Messenger and members of the senior class that aren’t always recognized. The cover also adds an air of excitement to this issue, and illustrates the emotions many seniors are feeling as we inch closer to graduation.

As the Managing Editor of the Messenger, I am beyond excited to pass down this newspaper to the next generation of writers, editors, photographers and artists. I know that even without my guidance, the Messenger will continue to grow and learn as a staff, and I can assure all of our readers that next year’s staff is going to be incredible.

That being said, we now introduce you to the final print issue of the 2022-23 school year and thank you for reading The McHenry Messenger.

Managing Editor

MCHSplanstoholdfirstoutside graduationwithallseniors

Vanessa Moreno News Editor

McHenry High School will hold its first outside graduation ceremony with all seniors at McCracken Field, weather permitting, on May 20 at 11 a.m. Otherwise, graduation will move to the Upper Campus main gym with two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Distinguished Warriors should arrive at the Freshman Campus by 9:30 a.m. Seal of Biliteracy recipients arrive 10 minutes later. Everyone else needs to be there with their cap, gown and regalia by 10 a.m.

“I’m feeling pretty nervous about [graduation],” senior Claire Guzman said. “It feels surreal and it feels like the year went by so quickly. I just hope graduation goes as planned and we stay outdoors with everyone together.”

McCracken will open for guests at 10 a.m., and parking is available at Duker, Edgebrook and Kane Street. Entrance is by ticket, which students receive five of at practice after paying all school fees by May 15.

Attending practice, held on May 19 at 10 a.m., is a requirement to participate in the ceremony. It should last around three hours, and students meet at the Freshman Campus.

“In case of inclement weather, practice will be held at the Upper Campus gymnasium,” a graduation letter sent by MCHS reads. “A notice will be sent out by Thursday, May 18th with the final decision on location.”

At graduation, students must wear “dress clothes and appropriate shoes.” No spiked heels or stilettos are allowed. Students cannot wear

Upper Campus intends to hold graduation at McCracken following last year’s move to split indoor ceremonies

flowers, pins, artwork or jewelry on gowns. They can wear honor cords, military stoles and appropriate cap designs.

“I’m excited to decorate my cap,” Guzman said. “I don’t know what I’m doing yet, though. I think I might put stickers or some design on it.”

This year, teachers Mitch Stengel and Steve Levon are helping read names at the ceremony, along with senior counselors David Figueroa and Kaitlyn Schack. A committee is also working on choosing students to give speeches at graduation.

Walking at the ceremony is considered a privilege, so inappro -

priate conduct may lead to removal from the ceremony. Students violating behavior guidelines do not receive a diploma at the graduation event.

“In closing, I want to extend my heartiest congratulations to the Class of 2023 and their parents,” Jeff Prickett, MCHS principal, wrote in the graduation letter. “The tradition of Graduation here at McHenry Community High School is a wonderful event that we enjoy each year! I look forward to celebrating graduation with you!”

Students must meet all the requirements set by District 156’s Board of Education to graduate. Among these, completing 24 total credits.

Students, parents, faculty, administration and the board of education celebrate the Class of 2022 during last year’s graduation ceremony on May 21 in the Upper Campus main gym. The ceremony was planned for McCracken but moved inside due to poor weather conditions.

Photo By: Allie Everhart

Somestudentsdon’tgetthe recognitiontheydeserve

Freedom Tomasello Opinions Editor

MCHS Administration claims to want the best for all students, but they fail to treat everyone equally. Students with lower GPAs than others are consistently forgotten about, along with athletes overshadowing other students’ success. MCHS fails to give many the resources they need, or the recognition they deserve.

When faced with the numbers we see as GPAs, many students are disappointed to see anything lower than a 4.0. They are led to believe their value is lessened all due to a small number on a screen. Although most of these students try equally as hard as the higher GPA students, the higher up students are almost always rewarded and praised for their efforts. These rewards include, but aren’t limited to, leadership conferences, banquets, trips to career related events, extra resources on standardized testing, student shoutouts, students of the week, giveaways, gift cards, internships, special treatment from teachers etc.

Although success does deserve recognition, a GPA does not determine a student’s character. It can be argued that these rewards are to motivate students to do their best, but seeing the same few

students consistently win due to their ability to maintain a high GPA could make a student feel as though they’ll never be able to achieve the same, defeating the purpose of the awards.

“I feel like not only are they given more freedom but they’re also just given more chances to succeed,” says senior Adele Smith. “They’re given more help, more attention for what they want to do after high school, they’re always the focus while everyone else is left in these trenches that they can’t get out of because they’re not the ones getting the help.”

Along with the lack of resources, the students also get placed into stereotypes. They are seen as troublemakers or lazy. These may not seem like harmful sentiments, but drilling this into a high schooler’s mind can ruin self-confidence and take away motivation. Most of the time these labels are incorrect and cause students to believe things about themselves that aren’t true. Some teacher treat these children differently due to the stereotype placed upon them caused by their grades.

Some kids are told they aren’t trying hard enough and they need to care more no matter how much effort they put

in. Teachers continue to pick and choose favorites in classes with the student most likely being a high graded teen. With the educator so wrapped up in helping the already well set-off student, others are left to figure things out on their own. Along with the higher GPA students, athletes are also consistently prioritized over other groups. Many students across MCHS receive awards for their respective areas, many of which are not sports.

Groups such as the esports team, Warrior Student Media, the chess team, and the bass fishing club have made it to state and won high awards but were overlooked due to the success of athletes.

Athletes are rewarded with parades, announcements, whereas other groups get a mere repost on social media and a small possibility of recognition through the daily announcements.

If administration wants what’s best for students, they need to make efforts to recognize every student for their achievements, not just some. Students deserve to feel appreciated for their hard work not only by their peers but by the school as a whole.

As the school year ends, some students are rewarded for their hard work while others graduate feeling unappreciated

MCHS celebrates students every single day, but for the same sorts of things — good grades and amazing athletic performance. Other talented students work hard in other ways and deserve recognition as well.

Illustration By: Claire Guzman

Seniorsshouldnothave totakespringfinals

Krystal Zamudio Staff Writer

Eager seniors walk through the doors of MCHS ready to finish off the year on May 12. As the seniors arrive to their first period class of the day, they come to find out that it is no longer their last day of high school because they will need to take finals. Senior finals are a burden that seniors don’t deserve at the end of their high school career.

Graduation is right around the corner, which means that seniors are getting the emails that inform them of whether or not they will need to be present on finals day. Seniors in the last few months put forth their absolute maximum effort in order to end the year successfully because of the fact it is their last year of high school.

Throughout all the years of high school, every student is required to complete a final that is worth 10% of their grade. This final can either break or keep their grade almost the exact same. While seniors can have the option to take the final as long as they keep a certain grade in the class, along with attendance requirements, many of the students tend to go through senioritis. Senioritis is a socalled “affliction” of students who lose motivation towards the end of high school.

Working hard throughout all twelve years of school can make a high-achieving student break down mentally due to the stress of entering the “adult life.” There, will always be a final “test” at the end of a class or a semester, but that makes it more of a reason for seniors to have their last final exams of high school excused — or maybe replaced with extra credit or use the 10% is the assignment or assessment categories. While some students work extremely hard to maintain their grades throughout their final year of high school, some tend to have border grades which

means that they have a 79.5% in the class that is right on the line of a B and C in the class. If said students were required to take the final due to attendance, they would have to achieve at least a B on the final to keep their grade. If the final grade is not achieved to at least a B, their grade drops down to a C. No senior wants to finish off their school year with a C, especially because it will drop down their GPA.

A student’s grade point average, also known as GPA, is a very important factor when applying to colleges — especially now that most colleges do not

require SAT scores. Many students depend on their achievements and GPA when applying to their desired colleges. Seniors need to be able to finish their twelve years of school on good terms with no more stress added to the fact that their “real life” will shortly begin in a few months along with responsibilities that will come with that new beginning. As students end the year off they enter new beginnings along with new adventures and challenges. All students deserve to finish off their senior year with no added stress, just the memories that they are making with their peers.

Seniors have survived finals almost every semester of high school and deserve a break before graduation

Senior final exemption is a tradition at most schools, and seniors at MCHS have to earn the right to skip finals. But don’t all seniors deserve a break from finals before graduation?

Illustration By: Rachel Kaminski

Advicetothe nextgeneration

Seniors at MCHS give their best advice to underclassmen as a parting gift before they graduate

Students at the Freshman Campus are getting ready for the next step. Going from middle school to high school was hard, but being a new kid in a second new high school is just as nerve wracking. A year of high school under their belt doesn’t make going to an unfamiliar school with older kids any easier.

With the 2022-2023 school year ending, it is time for the students in the Freshman Campus to make the move to the Upper Campus. The task of moving from one school to another is never easy, and not everyone has an older sibling to pass on some words of advice. Seniors from the Upper Campus have some last bits of advice to share in order to help make the upcoming year more enjoyable. Not only that, but reflecting is one of the best ways to make the most of the rest of high school.

MCHS Senior, Megan Depauw thinks an important part of being in high school is being able to put oneself out there and being a part of different groups. “Do something that’s a part of the school,” she says. “You will meet some amazing people and make some really cool friends, and probably have a lot of fun.”

In school, clubs are an important part of the social aspect of school. Many people may think that academics are the most important part of high school. While this is true, and they are the main portion, it is important that academics aren’t the

only thing that students take away from high school.

Senior Heather Dombrowski finds that this balance is one of the most important things to achieve in high school. “Avoid getting behind because then you’ll end up being more stressed,” she says. “Try to stay on top of your work. Another thing is grades don’t define you, as long as you try your best that’s all that matters.”

A balance between academics and the social aspects of high school is the hardest to achieve. Some people have a tendency to focus too much on the social aspects and others focus too much on academics and forget to be a teenager.

Katie McLaughlin, a senior at MCHS’s Upper Campus states, “One thing I’d like underclassmen to know is to chill out. A lot of people I know and myself took school too seriously and didn’t hang outside of school. I wish I took school less seriously in order to just be a teenager.”

Not only are clubs, activities, and academics important parts of high school, there are general hardships that come with the life of a teenager. There’s overall growth, popularity, relationships, all of which come with being in high school; more accurately, they all come with being a teenager.

“Don’t follow the crowd,” senior Tagan Gize states, “Underclassmen shouldn’t feel pressured to go to prom, date in high school, or try to gain popular-

Alayna Majkrzak Features Editor

ity, to name some examples. It’s a bit cliched, but I think it needs to be stressed.”

Paired with the pangs of the teenage years, high school gets hard. There are a lot of things that end up on peoples’ plates. One of the biggest and most stressful things to come out of high school are the friendships. Whether they are lifelong or last a few weeks, high school friendships are a way for people to grow.

Dombrowski found that even in the hard times of high school, some friendships run deeper than others. “Friends will come and go, especially in high school. You change and grow a lot in high school. You don’t have to surround yourself with a lot of people, just a couple of genuine, supportive friends is enough.” With friends and family influences, high school becomes too much too fast. It gets overwhelming, anyone of any grade can confirm that. Though, seniors have done it the longest. Seniors have been in school for a long time, but high school is the time where they truly become themselves, and where the people around them also get to know themselves.

Dombrowski has found one more thing that helped her get through not just high school but all the hard things that come with being a teenager. “Make sure you choose what you want to do and not what everyone wants you to do.”

Some seniors may seem older and wiser, but they started in the same place that every freshman did — uncertain, confused and overwhelmed. By surviving four years of high school, the Class of 2023 has earned the privilege to give out some of their wisdom.

Illustration By: Kennedy Tetour

RealWarriors: Seniors

During their last week of high school, seniors show MCHS what it really means to be a Warrior

Preston

Staff Writer /

Boysen

Photographer

The school year is coming to an end for the senior Class of 2023. This senior class stands out because, visibly, every kid is different. Anyone would agree that there are cliques and posses, however ev-

eryone still has their own unique look and personality that keeps McHenry High School original and raw.

The photos shown in the gallery are meant to showcase the uniqueness and originality of every

senior that walks through these halls at McHenry’s Upper Campus. Every student should get their own chance to have their uniqueness shown and appreciated, so this gallery was made to do just that.

Captured during their second to last week of school, students from the Class of 2023 show what it looks like to be a senior mere weeks before graduation as they wander and hang out in the Upper Campus’s halls and classrooms.

Photo By: Preston Boysen

Levelingup

The McHenry Messenger’s senior staff have grown a lot as reporters, writers, editors and photographers since they joined Newspaper. Here’s the wisdom they hope to pass down.

Preston Boysen Staff Writer / Photographer

Throughout my entire senior year I participated in Newspaper class, which means that I didn’t leave and I didn’t hate it.

Whoever is considering taking the class, take it for at least one semester and I can almost guarantee that you will enjoy being in this class.

The biggest thing that I learned while being in this class is that you have to willingly put yourself out there if you want to see improvement. My whole goal in life is to become a photographer. And being a photographer means that you have to put yourself out there as well as putting yourself in uncomfortable situations.

I definitely had a hard time putting myself out there before taking this class. But since I was pushed to shoot more photos for galleries, I had to put myself out there.

And now I feel confident enough to go out there and shoot some photos.

Alayna Majkrzak Features Editor

Newspaper has been the one thing that I consistently enjoyed through all of high school.

I was going to graduate early, but then decided not to because of Newspaper. I have made some of my best friends in this class over the past four years and it honestly helped me figure out so many things.

Within taking this class I have found my own voice, and figured out what I want to do as a career. Helping people with their writing made me realize I want to be a teacher and I will always have journalism to thank for that.

Vanessa Moreno News Editor

I joined Newspaper last year after feeling dissatisfied with my life. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions since.

I love Newspaper because it doesn’t feel like a class. It’s more like a fun hobby— and this is coming from someone who doesn’t necessarily enjoy writing. I got to do many cool things and stepped out of my comfort zone a lot. That helped me grow tremendously, and I’ve learned so many skills. Most of all, I’m glad I met everyone that makes up the class. I’ve never truly belonged anywhere, but in Newspaper, I don’t feel like an outcast as much. I’ll miss this class, and I’m so upset I didn’t join sooner. I’m thankful for my experiences here, as they helped shape my worldview, and I’m excited to continue pursuing journalism. I hope to make the Messenger proud one day.

Nikki Sisson Marketing Manager

I joined Newspaper my junior year on a whim and never looked back. My first two years of high school I struggled a lot with going to school because I could barely speak to anyone I didn’t know. Being on the Messenger has pushed me out of my comfort zone and provided me with so many opportunities I would never have imagined taking as a freshman.

I am so thankful for the Messenger for providing me a place I feel comfortable in, and pushing me to do things I never thought I could do.

After a year of Minga and My Homework, students and staff wonder if they have been helping MCHS how they are supposed to

Four years ago, the McHenry Messenger was a student publication that needed help. For decades, MCHS did not have a student newspaper and, during its first semester, the publication struggled to launch.

Four years later, though, the Messenger is one of the best student newspapers in the state, has earned national recognition and has covered stories both mundane and important for the MCHS community.

Some of the seniors on the Messenger’s staff have played a role in helping it launch and the rest have helped it thrive. Along the way, they have grown as both journalists and people. Here’s what they are taking away from their experience as student journalists.

I have been a member of the Messenger for four years now. I began as a mere photographer and quickly climbed the ranks, eventually landing me in the position of managing editor. This staff has genuinely become like a family to me and many other students. Newspaper has always been a safe place where I could speak my mind and share my talents without judgment.

This class has taught me a lot about myself and my abilities, and I’m eternally grateful for the opportunities newspaper has given me.

I look forward to seeing how this publication grows after my graduation.

Although my time with the Messenger was short, this class has become one of the things I have enjoyed most throughout my high school career.

Newspaper has allowed me to express myself in such a way that I feel as though my voice is heard, and I cannot thank the publication enough for allowing me to do that.

The Messenger has allowed me to find myself, and I certainly would not be where I am today without it. Thank you to the Messenger and the staff for the best two years.

I have been a part of the newspaper for two years now. It has been my favorite class by far and I have had a great experience writing for the newspaper.

I have always been outgoing, but this class pushed me to speak to more people and reach out. By conducting countless interviews, I have learned so much about journalism and media in general.

I have also built so many relationships from this class and bonded with everyone on the staff. I am so thankful for the Messenger for all the growth, learning opportunities, and experiences I have gained over the years.

This year was the year I became a part of the McHenry Messenger and sadly my last.

Being a part of this class for the past two semesters has been a wonderful experience because I have learned a lot about my writing and the way media works.

I have also felt more comfortable with my peers and learned a lot about my community.

The McHenry Messenger is not just a class but its own weird little family that teaches one another by sharing experiences and teaching each other what it takes to become a strong writer.

Photos By: Kenzie Sroka

Kennedy Tetour Managing Editor

Freedom Tomasello Opinions Editor

Ella Trimingham Freelance Editor

Krystal Zamudio Staff Writer / Photographer

Not all seniors can go on to play on Division I teams or earn scholarships to college. Some athletes who may have played sports their whole childhood have had to make decisions about what to focus on after graduation — and whether sports will still be a part of their lives.

Itallcomesto anend

As another school year comes to a close, some senior athletes say goodbye to their sports as well

Mackenzie Sroka Sports Editor

Photo By: Mackenzie Sroka

The final play. The final day. The final game.

Four years in high school. Eight years before high school. One sport that has always been there. The passion, the drive, have always been there, for one sport.

However, for some seniors, the next four years will be without that sport. All of the hard work and dedication comes to an end.

As the MCHS school year comes to an end, many senior athletes are putting an end to their athletic career. Most senior athletes will not be playing a sport in college, which can make their senior season even more special but sad.

“I’ve really cherished my experience playing,” says Mara Torres, a senior varsity soccer player who has been playing soccer since she was six, “and I’ve learned so many valuable life lessons about being a leader, pushing myself, and never giving up.”

Moving on is not a bad thing to do and eventually the time will come when it needs to or does come to an end. Not playing sports in college is a completely normal thing, whether it is from not getting recruited or just simply not wanting to play anymore.

The website Scholarship Stats

reports that a little over 7% of high school athletes — about 1 in 13 — go on to play a varsity sport in college. Fewer than 2% of high school athletes — or 1 in 57 — go on to play at NCAA Division I schools. However, athletes that will not be playing in college need to be careful. Students that are going away for college, need to be even more careful to maintain their mental health.

According to the website The Local Optimist, “Most high school athletes lose their sense of purpose and have low self-esteem issues in college. Athletes attribute their happiness to their respective sports. This can lead to depression, stress, substance abuse and loneliness, and many find it difficult to start new hobbies that lack the clear-cut goals of sport.”

Student athletes need to be aware of the affects of no longer playing a sport, when transitioning into college. While at college and before, it is recommended that former student athletes still maintain staying active.

The Local Optimist also writes, that it is important for a former athlete to develop and maintain a workout regimen for their mental health, “even if they don’t have a sport to stay fit for. If students miss the competition aspect

of sports, join either intramural sports or pick up games so that they can enjoy the sport without the training, practice, or nutrition guidelines that come with being a part of a highly competitive team.”

It is important that current student athletes are proactive and plan ahead how they will remain active. But it is also important to find ways to maintain their passion that their sport gave them.

“I plan on continuing to workout and play in a men’s league,” says Justin Karcz, a varsity baseball player. “I also plan on staying involved, whether it be through coaching or umpiring.”

As the final game and the final day of high school athletes comes for students, they need to maintain positive while they transition into college. There are many different ways and aspects to fill the gap left without their sport, which is necessary to do when they enter college or out of high school life.

“This season, I have really appreciated and taken every moment in because soon it’ll be my last,” Torres days. “Soccer has provided so much for me, amazing teammates, coaches, supporters from my amazing family, and lovely memories. Although I’m not ready to fully give it up, it’s time for me to move on to bigger and better things.”

Thefinalfilmfest

As this school year comes to an end, so does the iconic Messenger column Groovy Movies. Here are the Class of 2023’s top picks for the best childhood movies.

Kennedy Tetour Managing Editor

Disney/PixarAnimation

“Peter

Pan”

“Peter Pan” is a true childhood classic. Released in 1953, “Peter Pan” is certainly a movie from before our time, but still manages to grasp the ever present want to remain a kid for as long as possible.

Neverland is the perfect place to revisit as senior year comes to a close, giving the graduating class one last chance to enjoy their childhood before they go out into the world as adults.

“Tangled”

“Tangled” was released at the peak of the class of 2023’s childhood in 2010. One of my favorite Disney movies from childhood, “Tangled” puts a twist on the classic story of Rapunzel. In this version, Rapunzel is a strong young woman, with a chameleon side kick, who would do nearly anything to be able to see the floating lights. This movie features a group of lovable characters, beautiful songs that define the tone of the movie, and some incredible and bright animation. If you haven’t seen “Tangled,” you’re truly missing out, but if you have you would know just how fun this movie is. It never fails to fill viewers with that warm, fuzzy feeling.

DisneyChannelOriginalMovies

“Teen Beach Movie”

By far, one of the most popular Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMS) of my generation is “Teen Beach Movie”. A spoof on the classic “West Side Story”, except this time featuring a feud between surfers and bikers. This movie is goofy, sweet, and overall just a fun time.

It’s the perfect summer flick, and by far one of the most defining movies of my generation.

“Lemonade Mouth”

The introduction to rap and alternative music for my generation, “Lemonade Mouth” is a classic movie about a band of students who seemingly have nothing in common aside from the fact that they met in detention.

This movie is one of my all time favorites. Featuring great music, a good story, and an even better band of characters, “Lemonade Mouth” is truly the perfect DCOM.

Movies are some of the most memorable, enjoyable and easy to understand parts of life. They offer comfort in times of uncertainty, but can also bring back fond memories of simpler times.

This is especially true for Gen Z. Our eyes have been glued to screens from a very young age, particularly the plasma screens that brought us the joys of “Dora the Explorer” or “Blue’s Clues.”

Since I am a senior this year, I wanted to create a bold conclusion to Groovy Movies, the column that has defined my high school career and my time with the McHenry Messenger. In order to capture the nostalgia of my entire grade, and to create a truly fitting end to my career here at the Messenger, we have collected the class of 2023’s favorite childhood movies.

Animation LiveAction “Shrek”

One of the most iconic films of our time, “Shrek” is a fairytale gone bonkers. The movie is funny, entertaining, and highlights some incredible music from all star group Smash Mouth.

I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who doesn’t like “Shrek”, simply because it’s an iconic movie that entertains audiences of all ages. Though the animation isn’t seamless looking back, the movie itself still holds up to this day and remains one of the greatest animated movies of all time.

“How to Train Your Dragon”

“How To Train

Your Dragon” Is one of the greatest animated series of all time. Though this may be a bold statement, this movie holds strong even 13 years after its release. It’s emotional, heartwarming, and most of all a well written and well executed children’s movie.

I highly recommend that anyone looking for the perfect nostalgic movie watch this masterpiece of a film.

“Labyrinth”

I was absolutely terrified of “Labyrinth” when I was little. The opening scene where the goblins kidnap Toby shocked me to my core, and put me off of the movie for years.

That being said, “Labyrinth” is a masterpiece. Featuring beautiful puppets created by Jim Henson, as well as intricate costumes. This movie is filled with wonderful music and an even better story, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a whimsical story to sweep them away from their daily troubles.

“The Sandlot”

“The Sandlot” has made itself a name within my generation with the sheer amount of times it has been played in class. Whenever a teacher is searching for a family friendly flick to show in class, somehow they always land on “The Sandlot”.

This movie is funny and holds a wonderful story about friendship and acceptance. “The Sandlot” makes the perfect end of year movie to watch with friends or family.

There’s a lot more. Head to themchenrymessenger.com/final-film-fest to see the definitive list chosen by the Class of 2023