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