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.

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.

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.