The McHenry Messenger
McHenry High School | McHenry, Illinois | Volume One | Issue Four | March 2020
SAY WHAT?
Walk through the hallways of East and West Campus and you’ll hear students using profane and inappropriate words around every corner, but few are aware of how much those words really hurt.
INSIDE
The Hidden Pearl coffee shop is now open in downtown McHenry. So is it ever coming back to West Campus? PAGE 3 Every year, another class of seniors complains about another class of freshmen — what’s at the root of this stigma? PAGE 9 As winter winds down, spring sports prepare for their seasons, including the varsity girls soccer team. PAGE 11
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Volume One | Issue Four | March 2020
Table of Contents
3
COFFEE SHOP PREPARES ITS RETURN TO MCHS
8 10
WHY MCHS STUDENTS DON’T SLEEP ENOUGH
WHEN STUDENTS REJECT GENDER NORMS
Learn more about MCHS’s upcoming intramural volleyball tournament
Try this: Walk from the entrance
pg.4
of the school to your locker and
Sick of Starbucks? Check out three other cool coffee shops McHenry County has to offer
count how many times you hear the “f-word” or a derogatory
pg.7
slur. The high number might not
pg.5 of the impact of our words.
“IMPRACTICAL JOKERS” WILL LEAVE YOU CRINGING
—Plus!
On The Cover
surprise you. It’s time to be aware
12
Seniors and freshmen have never gotten along, but is there a good reason behind it?
pg.9
In Each Issue
News ............................ 3
Opinions ..................... 5
Cover Illustration By: Bella Alexander
Features ...................... 8
Sports .......................... 11
Entertainment ......... 12
Editor’s Note
2
The McHenry Messenger Mission Statement The McHenry Messenger’s primary mission is 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 truths, and ensure access to objective, balanced information that they need to know. We also hope to engage our audience by covering the subjects most relevant to them and presenting it in an entertaining, accessible manner.
Published by Editorial
McHenry High School in McHenry, IL Kyla Henige, News Editor Alayna Trimingham, Opinions Editor Jared Bysiek, Features Editor Zach Brown, Sports Editor Stacy Correra, Copy Editor Ciara Duncan, Layout Editor Madison Wise, Artistic Director Becky Arendarczyk, Social Media Director
Staff Writers
Chase Creech, Hayley DuHamel, Michelene Havard, Oliver Simpson, Elle Smith, and Emma Snyder
Contributing Illustrators
Bella Alexander, Bailey Musnicki, and Simon Tzimpas
Special Thanks to
Advisor
Matt Connor, Ryan Ellison, Amy Maciaszek, Gina Nomikoudis, Mitch Stengel, and Visual Image Photography 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).
What’s most relevant to our readers... In this edition of the McHenry Messenger, we worked together to create stories that will make our audience feel like their voices are heard. This is our fourth print issue, and we have put a lot of perseverance in our articles. We hope everyone enjoys the fruits of our hard work. In this issue, we address some difficult and relevant topics at our school, like discriminatory slurs and how they impact our students at MCHS, student’s unhealthy sleep patterns, MCHS students and staff who break gender norms, upperclass’s stereotypes about freshmen, and even more. Following our last issue, our staff put in our hearts into our pitches and created stories we are all very proud of. Our staff has learned a lot as journalists and writers to make the McHenry Messenger better with each edition. We have incorporated more sources, addressed tougher topics, and pushed ourselves toward new ideas to make our stories from the past few weeks even more relevant. Our goal as the McHenry Messenger is to represent the ideas of our town, school, and community. With our dedicated staff, creatively pitching our stories and pushing ourselves to publish the reporting our community deserves, we are proud to give the fourth issue of McHenry Messenger to you. Alayna Trimingham Opinions 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 This issue was printed by the McHenry High School Print Shop Read more at TheMcHenryMessenger.com
News
Volume One | Issue Four | March 2020
3 In the process of re-establishing itself in the community, the Hidden Pearl coffee shop partnered with West Campus to serve students and staff. Since it disappeared in December, many have wondered when it will return. Photo By: Michelene Havard
Hidden Pearl opens downtown, plans return to West Campus Though administrators have invited the coffee shop back, time will tell when they make their return Kreischer co-owner of Hidden Pearl said. “I just have a few things to get prepared first. We use a POS system to take orders, so I need another one Hidden Pearl’s absence at West Campus of those to come back [to work at West Campus]. And, I need someone to cover my shifts [at the has lasted longer than students and staff anticipated. However, they have reopened their shop on brick and mortar]. But we are actively trying to solve those problems.” Green Street, which has taken over a lot of their While Kreischer searches for people to time. cover her current shifts, she also needs to find out “Right now Hidden Pearl is kind of swamped because they opened up their brick and who is going to work with her at MCHS. “When I do go back, probably in mortar,” West assistant principal Greg Eiserman March,” Kreischer explains. “I will possibly be explained. “But we invited them back the last needing students to work alongside me. I generalweek of December and didn’t hear back. And ly need senior students who have senior incentive then, again, in January we hadn’t heard [a defini[AIM or study hall] and can work either first tive answer].” period or AIM.” Hidden Pearl has not been able to Although the new coffee shop on reopen at West Campus because they have been Green Street has just opened up, a lot of projects hard at work since their December 26 opening, are still in the works such as a gaming room, a however there are a few things left that they need to get done before they can reopen in the Warrior community room, and a comedy club. “We’re still working on our build-up Warehouse. since it’s such a large building,” Kreischer informs. “So, we’re kind of waiting on them “It’s about 7,000 square feet and then currently until they get the store, where they want it to be,” we’ve opened about 3,000 of it. So, we’re still a little Eiserman said. “Right now we don’t have a firm more than halfway to go and we hope to open date [but, they have recently] confirmed they will more event spaces and rental rooms.” be back in the spring.” Enjoying a fresh cup of coffee at West At this point, the decision of when the Campus has made a huge impact at our school for doors to the coffee shop reopen at West Campus multiple reasons. lies on Hidden Pearl. “From day one,” Eiserman said. “My “I hope to [open it] very soon,” Alta By Michelene Havard @michelene_rose Staff Writer
whole thing was, ‘What are McHenry students proud of?’ And, so to be able to go out and say, ‘We have a coffee shop on campus.’ That’s pretty cool. So, I think just that alone [has impacted our school]. Not to mention some of us are addicted to it. The staff is pounding my door all the time asking when they are going to get their coffee back.” Not only are the students and staff craving Hidden Pearl’s sweet return, but the Warrior Buddies have received a huge donation from all their hard work last semester. “Hidden Pearl has partnered with us and they donate 25 cents every cup sold to our Warrior Buddies program,” special education teacher Madison Karr said when the coffee shop closed at West. “In return, our students do coffee deliveries. Teachers are able to put in online coffee orders at the start of the day and they will be delivered to their classroom during AIM. This is an amazing opportunity for our students because this allows them to interact more within the school community, meet other teachers, and develop hard and soft skills for employment.” This year the Warrior Buddies program kicked back over $1000 to the program. Hidden Pearl will be back, up and running at West Campus, in the blink of an eye. “Dan [Kerns, owner] and I met a couple weeks back, and [with] everything he told me they are absolutely coming back,” Eiserman assured.
4
Students have petitioned for years to have more intramural sports as extracurriculars. West administrators Greg Eiserman and Justin Stroh have opened the door for intramural volleyball for the first time. Photo By: Madison Wise
District serves up intramural volleyball tournament
After years of consideration, MCHS has approved the co-ed extracurricular assistant principal Gregory Eiserman and dean of students Justin Stroh loved the idea. Stroh who is spearheading the creation of intramural volleyball at MCHS said, MCHS is starting their first intramural volleyball tournament. The registration “It’s a good way to have fun while still being slightly competitive.”. forms are currently available in the main This tournament is first come first office at East or the assistant principal’s office serve, and only 15 teams are participating. This at West. Intramural volleyball is an organized will be kicking off on March 18th in the East Main Gym. ‘Kick Off’ is going to be a time to activity that anyone can join or be a part of. hangout with your team and practice while For many years, students have been requesting that MCHS starts a tournament for it and eating pizza. By Oliver Simpson @oliver_james82 Staff Writer
Senior Esteban Lezama, who is helping to plan the tournament said “People should join because it’s a fun thing to do after school, and it’s not such a hard commitment as other organizations and sports in the school.” The season goes from April 1-April 29. Playoffs will also be on May 6 and May 13. There are no scheduled practices so students don’t have to worry about submitting themselves to an excessive amount of commitments.
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Opinions
5
Noah Koch and Haden Lucas know firsthand the pain caused by hearing a homophobic or racial slur in the hallways, even when it is not directed at them or someone they care about. Photo By: Madison Wise
Volume One | Issue Four | March 2020
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Your offensive language may hurt someone else Be aware of the ripple effect of using a racial slur or making an offensive joke, and then make a better choice thing. Even though it’s a different time, even though those events took place hundreds of years ago, the meaning and impact As an MCHS student walks to of the word hasn’t changed, and shouldn’t their first class of the day, they take out be said by white students or—any students their earbuds and listen in on different for that matter. Students of color shouldn’t conversations throughout that hall. They encourage friends to use racial slurs, notice fellow peers swearing at each other, and the white population of the school dropping the n-word, and using other pro- shouldn’t be using that word because its fane words. These students may be joking “cool” because it’s really not, and when around, but they might not be aware of using those words, you could be impacting how the words they’re using are impacting students of color. others around them. Students such as Haden Lucas One of the biggest problems are one of the many students affected by MCHS faces is the use of racial and hothe use of racial slurs around the school. mophobic slurs. Due to the fact that there “It’s frustrating because it’s disrespectful aren’t as many students of color in either and annoying that kids think they can building, students think that they can use just say those [slurs],” says Lucas. “This is the n-word towards their friends. These something that students need to be taught, students use the excuse of “the pass,” saybecause they aren’t going to learn anything ing that their black friend said they were if they aren’t taught.” allowed to say racial slurs...but should they? Another issue around our school The answer is no. Using racial is the use of homophobic slurs against the slurs, even with “permission” from a friend, LGBTQ+ community. When students use is wrong. words such as f-g or d--e, or phrases such For hundreds of years, one of as “that’s gay,” they instantly think of it as these slurs, the n-word, was a way for white a joke, but that isn’t necessarily the case. people to dehumanize African Americans. Students such as Noah Koch, who is the Now that it’s the 21-century, some consider co-president of the Gender and Sexuality it “okay” because it doesn’t mean the same Alliance (GSA), is one of the many students By Kyla Henige @henigekyla News Editor
impacted by homophobic slurs. “It’s scary that people don’t realize how much weight these words carry,” says Koch. According to the Child Mind Institute, teens who are LGBTQ+ are fourtimes more likely to commit suicide due to bullying and things such as slurs. “People use them really lightly as a joke, but they don’t understand what it’s like to be on the receiving end of it,” says Koch. “I wish people would realize that even though for some it’s ‘just a word’ and ‘not a big deal’, it actually carries a lot more history and pain than people realize.” The constant use of these slurs, and overly used profanity, impacts the school as a whole because makes it look bad and careless. Using friends or “white privilege” (the idea that being white allows you to say anything you want), as an excuse to use these words and phrases is wrong and should be stopped. Students should be educated more on this topic going into high school, and if teachers hear it, they should take action rather than just ignore it and let it fly by. Along with this idea of being more educated on the idea of slurs, students should be aware of what they say, because they never know who they could hurt.
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Volume One | Issue Four | March 2020
Opinions
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Staying caffienated in McHenry County Forget Starbucks — these local coffee shops have plenty to offer to those looking for creative drinks and ambiance
with colorful art that’s strategically placed to highlight the welcoming interior. There are many pretty light fixtures scattered around, and plenty of furniture in the spacious Coffee is a thriving industry, sitting area. Natural lights stream in from especially among young hipsters who find large windows. Everywhere you look there their home in the aesthetically pleasing are people visiting, working, and sipping. In coffee shops filled with string lights and general, the environment is cheerful, bright, indoor plants, that have popped up all over and comfortable. Here, I tried the Raspberry the USA. Maybe it’s because of the aesthetic Mocha latte which was light and delightful. itself, or possibly the modern, eco-friendly The drink, according to staff, is one of their and vegan options. Or it’s simply because signature lattes. The latte art was beautiful, there’s nothing like a good old cup o’ joe to and it was definitely a “feel good” drink: get you through a long work day. Regardless comfortable, not too hot, with subtle hints of why coffee culture has blown up the past of raspberry. Although helpful, the staff did few decades, here are some of the best in the not seem extremely friendly, which is typiMcHenry Area to try. cally uncommon in coffee shops, but despite The first one is Conscious Cup in this, the visit was overall really enjoyable. Crystal Lake, which offers handcrafted lattes The next coffee shop is Grounds with beautiful latte art, well priced paninis, Cafe, also located in Crystal Lake. When muffins, and a big selection of iced coffees. first walking in Grounds Cafe, you are The drinks have natural ingredients such as welcomed by soft lighting, friendly staff, lavender, honey, and raspberry, which have and a chalkboard menu hung from the wall. a sophisticated and uncommon taste. Inside The shop offers unique drinks with natural the brightly lit cafe is a large sitting area ingredients. With big wooden tables, plants, By Elle Smith Staff Writer
The counter at Grounds Cafe in Crystal Lake displays the variety of food and drinks they serve, including Nutella lattes, bubble tea, and vegan pastries. Photo By: Elle Smith
modern light fixtures, and cozy couches, one could simply stay in that cafe for hours. It is comfortable and the type of place any student could easily take their laptop and finish homework, or start a good book to settle down with. Then there is Green Tea Matcha Bubble Tea, and it was legit. This frozen drink has lots of boba, or tapioca balls (a type of popping jelly), which is a Taiwanese-based drink. The green tea was pleasant and not overwhelming. The only complaint is the drink was a bit pricey but this is typical for most bubble tea shops. The drink was very good and the atmosphere was wonderful. I will definitely be visiting again. The last coffee shop was Ethereal Confections in Woodstock. The best thing about this shop is the welcoming smell of warm, fresh hot chocolate. Words cannot describe its smell; you just have to experience this yourself. Once inside the shop, you are greeted by glass displays filled with chocolates, cookies, and other sweets. Filled with dim lights, burgundy walls, and natural light coming in from a few windows. This beautiful shop is the perfect spot for a date, visiting friends, or even just a quiet place to stop and chill. The frozen rose gold mocha latte was delicious. My only regret was trying it frozen because although delicious, it probably would have been even better warm. Regardless, the taste of rose, and hints of chocolate and honey blended together well to make a delicious and sweet drink. The drink was priced a little higher, at around six dollars, yet it was very worth it and I really enjoyed this drink. There are some coffee shops which are definitely worth giving a try in McHenry County, and it is always important to support local brands as opposed to larger corporations. This pays off because all the local shops were absolutely delightful.
Features
8 Students weighed down with homework and extracurricular obligations don’t get enough sleep — which, ironically, may make it more difficult to fulfill those obligations effectively. Illustration By: Bailey Musnicki
The silent plague Many MCHS students don’t sleep as much as they should, but have a hard time making time in their busy schedule for re-charging By Chase Creech @creech_chase Staff Writer
The bell rings at 6:00 a.m., prompting the awakening student to lazily silence the alarm quickly. Having stayed up to finish schoolwork, the student only managed a few hours of sleep. Everything feels groggy, and they wander throughout the halls like a zombie, barely able to focus or work well in class. They are a victim of a well-known silent plague within school, sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation plagues the existence of human souls. Without an ideal schedule, humans get sleep deprived and struggle with school. Student body from McHenry attend school sleep deprived and experience the effects of poor cognition, emotional difficulties and many other symptoms. During class, they can’t learn and perform at their peak. This one day or weeks worth of sleep deprivation makes the students fail the class. Sleep deprivation is a common issue within the student body. Some students who get a lack of sleep are distracted from technol-
ogy and other outside sources, but others from dealing with the rigorous amounts of homework. Either way this lack of sleep can cause students to feel tired and defeated. In the case of sophomore Andy Barranco, his schedule is immersed with all honors and AP classes states, and he feels the unnecessary work gets in the way of his sleep schedule. “I get around six hours of sleep. Teachers should lower the amount of homework that is distributed to the public. Much of the homework that is distributed is useless,” he said. “Teachers should really take into account if this homework is actually useful, [if we] can cover the general idea in class or [if] it requires an actual homework assignment to be given out.” Though some students find the large amount of homework to be overwhelming and ruin their sleep schedule, others feel they can have it completed on time without any issues. Sophomore Liam Krater, who’s in all honors classes and an AP class, feels the work doesn’t warrant lost sleep. “I get a lot of sleep, so getting a lot of
homework doesn’t bother me,” he said. “With all the things going on in my schedule, I can fit in a day for homework.” Some upperclassmen, however, feel they can’t help but get affected by sleep deprivation. With all of the time put into school, having jobs, hobbies, and more things going on in her life, senior Karsen Cox finds herself losing sleep. “Sleep deprivation does affect me in my everyday life. I get four hours of sleep, and typically go to sleep at 11 p.m.,” she said. “Stress & anxiety, as well as homework, can affect me not getting sleep. I am [also] a nanny, so I typically work for six-eight hours.” Sleep deprivation is something that students feel will continuously affect those at McHenry. While some recommend changing their schedule or homework load students receive, others personally believe it’s a matter of properly balancing it all. No matter the solution recommended, it’s important for people to remember to try and get the most amount of sleep they can to avoid the silent plague that looms over students.
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Volume One | Issue Four | March 2020
Features
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Freshman Raegan DuHamel walks past senior Olivia Greenwald during a passing period at West Campus. Though students frequently stereotype freshmen, most acknowledge that individual students don’t represent the whole. Photo By: Madison Wise
The freshman stigma Every year, a new freshman class enters MCHS that seniors view as immature or annoying, but what’s the truth behind the stereotype? By Stacy Correra @stacycorrera Copy Editor
Making fun of freshmen almost seems like a tradition. Every single year, the freshman class seems more “annoying” than classes previously, but this is not always the case. Most freshmen and seniors agree that the stereotypes around the freshman class are not entirely accurate and do not apply to all. The same students would also agree that seniors play a role in this problem as well as the ninth-graders roaming the halls. Most freshmen don’t even feel like there is an unfair bias against them. “It is just honest teasing, and is usually done by friends,” says East freshman Alayna Majkrzak. “I do think that freshmen are a lot less mature than the upperclassmen, however. We are louder.” There is an age gap between freshmen and seniors, and those four years really do make a difference, even if it’s just a matter of adjustment to the environment. High school is a lot different than middle school; more responsibilities come with it. Freshman year is normally the year
to get used to the changes. “As long as it’s not bullying and it doesn’t go too far, I don’t really mind,” says West freshman Raegan DuHamel. “I feel that the line is drawn when someone gets hurt either physically or mentally … It’s not necessarily being a freshman that’s bad, it’s our freshman class.” “Freshmen scream for no reason, and they’ll start yelling words that make no sense,” says West senior Olivia Greenwald. “Sometimes freshmen will walk either down the wrong side of the hallway or walk really slow, and sometimes they’ll just stop in a doorway or in the middle of the hall … [If I could give freshmen advice it would be] to grow up and mature a little bit and grow out of their baby habits.” MCHS does its best to expose freshmen to the other classes and upperclassmen to make them feel less inferior, such as mixed gym and lunch periods, as well as LINK at East and the senior program at West. Freshmen are also allowed to join many clubs such as StuCo and Key Club. Most students would agree not all freshmen are bad and that a select few can
make an entire class look bad. “There are a lot of [freshmen] that are just stupid and get the entire class in trouble for no other reason except for that they think it’s funny,” says West freshman James Marler. “They just do horrible things, but there are a lot of people in this is grade who want to actually succeed at school, and they’re really just getting [a bad reputation] because of those few people.” Although many seniors view freshmen as annoying and loud, that does not mean there are seniors who are also viewed that way. “We were annoying as freshmen, as well,” West senior Dylan Banker says, “A lot of us seniors are obnoxious and goof around a lot...they feel like they’re better [than freshmen] because they’re older.” The stigma around the freshmen class will probably not end any time soon, but a couple of ill-behaved students do not define the entire class of 2023 or any class for that matter. Some freshmen may need some guidance to steer them on the right path. Just like every year, many upperclassmen will help guide these few fresh individuals on the right path.
10 MCHS is a school where students and staff alike feel safe to be themselves; some even dress in a manner that contradicts traditional gender roles. Illustration By: Simon Tzimpas
Redefining the norm
MCHS’s community defies gender norms and freely express themselves By Jared Bysiek @bysiekjared Features Editor
Painted nails, long hair, short hair, colorful outfits and flannels. All of these qualities and more are frequently identified by people as something specifically “belonging” to males or females. However, when people decide to do something that is associated with the other gender, it may often turn heads and receive judgment. Some members of MCHS have shown what breaking these “gender norms” means to them. One student who breaks these norms is senior Edwin Barranco, who has a passion for beauty, fashion and modeling. “There are a couple of things I guess that wouldn’t be following gender norms like wearing pink/bright colors, floral clothing, [and how] I use myself as a model for my photography,” he says. “But I would suppose putting makeup on would be the big one against gender norms.” Even though he occasionally rocks makeup or well-coordinated dresses, Barranco doesn’t always notice judgment from his peers, though this doesn’t mean it never happens. And when he receives any negative comments, he’s always able to shake it off. “I usually get positive feedback from people. I only really pay attention to what my friends think. I get the occasional glance and whispers from random students, but other than that, it’s perceived very well,” he says. “I tend to laugh a little. I can tell when people are being genuine and trying to give me constructive criticism, so when people judge to judge, it’s funny.
I’m incredibly confident in my own skin that I can shrug off the stares and slurs.” Another student that finds themselves doing things outside of their gender norm is senior Madison Wise, who likes to present herself as more masculine than feminine. “I dress masculine, such as flannel and hoodies along with other articles of clothing that would be found in the ‘men’s’ section,” she says. “I do it because I enjoy the fashion. Plus, I am more comfortable with the way I dress/present myself.” Wise feels that for her circumstances, there is no judgment to really be found. If anything, it’s becoming part of a common fashion trend. “I don’t notice a lot when it comes to how others perceive me. If anything, I’m just dressing to a certain stereotype, but overall it is a trend to dress the way I do to an extent [anyways],” she says. “I have positive reactions by my friends but no one outside of my group has said anything impactful.” But what about students who don’t break the norm? Senior Thomas Jensen may not do the things mentioned above, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t experience it around him. One way he experiences this is through his own life at home. “There’s the normal gender roles in the house basically. So, usually it’s like the dad is the working one, [and] doesn’t really cook or anything like that. And the mom is the one that does all the cleaning and cooking, that kind of thing,” he said. “So, with my parents, it’s pretty great, they says everything off. Sometimes my dad will cook, sometimes my mom will cook. That kind of thing.”
While he doesn’t personally know anyone who defies the gender norm the way the other students have, he still believes there’s nothing directly wrong with it. “I feel like it’s completely okay as long as you’re not pushing it on others or saying, like, ‘you’re a terrible person for not being like that,’” he says. “You know what I mean? I feel like everybody can do whatever they want.” Though the students in MCHS aren’t the only ones who find themselves breaking these gender norms, English teacher and Digital Literacy Coach Cara Vandermyde also finds her comfort in being more masculine than feminine in her appearance. “I present [myself] fairly masculine in the world,” she says. “I wear almost exclusively men’s clothing and sport a traditionally male hairstyle.” However, how Vandermyde dresses is not the only way she feels that she breaks the gender norm. For her, she feels that her resilience and confidence breaks these norms as well. “I’m not the only female doing these things, but as women we are taught that the traditional female ‘gender norm’ is being agreeable and pleasant at all times,” she says. “When a woman does [these things] we are often looked down on and put ourselves at risk of being called derogatory names.” For Vandermyde, she feels that the reactions she receives varies depending on the age range of those who comment on it. “Children who have addressed it with me have largely been curious, open, and understanding,” she says. “[However] I have interviewed for jobs before and have been told later that I didn’t receive it based on my gender presentation.” And when it comes to judging others, she believes it’s important to consider other’s perspectives and realize how little you may personally know about them. “I would say the same thing I tell everyone who is passing judgment, including myself sometimes, we see the world through the filter of our own existence,” she says. “When someone who has an experience different from your own is trying to tell you about their perspective, shut your mouth and listen. This is especially true if someone who has less privilege than you is speaking.” People can express themselves in many ways, and breaking gender norms is just one way these members of MCHS do it. Some people may feel anxious or worried to express themselves in a way that is considered not for their gender, but these people have given advice to those who feel that way. “There are so many people in this school who would have your back and love the creativity and boldness that you’re displaying,” says Barranco. “I would say dress however you want, break the norms because we are in a changing environment,” says Wise. “Everything is changing and judgment is not as normal as it used to be. Half of the time, no one cares so be yourself.”
Read more at TheMcHenryMessenger.com
Volume One | Issue Four | March 2020
Sports
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New and improved
With new players and coaches, the future of the varsity girls soccer team is bright as they prepare for their spring season By Emma Snyder Staff Writer
Last year, both the varsity and JV girls soccer teams had disappointing records. But with the new season rapidly approaching, excitement surrounds the future of girls soccer at MCHS. The girls soccer team this year is going to be younger consisting of mostly freshmen and sophomores. New assistant varsity coach, Mitchell Stengel is looking forward to bringing a new energy to the team and helping the girls improve and
Trapping the ball, varsity girls soccer player Ellie Ruppethal prepares to pass during a varsity girls soccer game last year against Grayslake Central. Photo By: VIP
validate themselves as a strong, successful team. “I’ve never coached anything before,” said Stengel, “But I’ve played soccer my entire life. It’s always been a huge passion of mine.” Andrew Stegenga, head coach for the varsity girls soccer team, is also looking forward to the upcoming season and working with the athletes again. “I’m most looking forward to the girls,” said Stegenga. “That’s the reason you coach is the kids.” The girls soccer team is going to be young this year and full of new talent.
Many of the returning athletes are looking forward to playing with and getting to know their new teammates. “[I’m excited to] meet everyone that’s going to come in because, as of right now we don’t really have a full team, in my opinion,” said sophomore Jessica Ludke, returning soccer player. “I’m excited to see how many people we’re gonna get.” Returning player and senior, Reyna Landa, is also looking forward to meeting the new players and bonding with the new team. “I’m definitely [looking forward to] winning some more games… and just having fun my last year playing soccer,” said Landa. As the beginning of the season rapidly approaches, the excitement is building. Sophomore Madison Fray is looking forward to playing this season but she’s especially excited for spending time with the team getting ready for games and working together. “When I play it kind of takes my mind off everything,” said Fray. Despite the teams past records, the players and coaching staff have big goals, and high hopes for the new team. “I think this year, it’ll be nice because we’ve got a different schedule so we’re going to be a lot more competitive with a lot of the teams that we’re playing,” said Stegenga. “I’m excited to be good.” With all of the new members to the girls soccer program and all of the hard work and dedication they put into their sport, it is bound to be an exciting season.
Arts and Entertainment
12
Since 2011, “Impractical Jokers” has made audiences laugh with their unscripted competitive antics. The comedy team hit the big screen in February with their first feature-length film. Photo Courtesy of: WarnerMedia Entertainment
Impractical fun
After drawing really good ratings with TruTV’s “Impractical Jokers,” the quartet heads to the big screen to showcase their irreverent comedy By Zach Brown @ZachB29_17 Sports Editor
For years, “Impractical Jokers” has been a television staple. The silly antics of four friends from Staten Island has proven to be a hit, providing laughter for the masses. Now, the Jokers head to the big screen in an effort to further dominate mass entertainment. “Impractical Jokers: The Movie” will certainly play best to fans of the show. However, the comedy won’t be lost on anyone, since friends making fun of each other is pretty universal. Two thirds of the movie is like an extended episode of the series, with hidden camera pranks that have made the program a hit. The other third is a weak narrative for the rest of the film. Story-wise, it’s thin and forgettable with limited relevance, however, as a method to get you to the next skit, it serves its purpose. The plot begins with the origin
story of the group, high school buddies on Staten Island: Joe Gatto, James Murray, Brian Quinn, and Sal Vulcano are excited for a Paula Abdul concert. They don’t have tickets but sneak in posing as security, even managing to talk to her. The evening gives them the urge to create their comedy group but also creates a conflict with Abdul. Years later, she recognizes them and invites the Jokers to a private show down in Florida. Regrettably, she only leaves a trio of lanyards. These being the Impractical Jokers, they agree to roadtrip down south, competing for the three spots at the show. One retro car later, and they’re off. No one will claim the Jokers are great actors, but they do a passable job when the scripted elements come into play. On the other hand, the sketches are all top notch. Two or three would easily be among the best ever shown in any “Impractical Jokers” episode, with one in particular generating an explosion of laughter within
the theater. On the road, Joe, Murr, Q, and Sal engage in their typical competitive shenanigans. They also stage multiple punishments that gets all four into some ridiculous situations. In between, their stops at hotels down the East Coast lead the other three guys to discover some very odd things about Murr. It all culminates in Miami, at Abdul’s show, although the story may not wrap up in any kind of special manner, the final punishment is one for the ages. The film comes across as an episode of the Jokers’ regular show, which leads to what felt like the quickest 90 minutes of my entire life. If you love “Impractical Jokers” or if you are the type of person who enjoys any sort of comedic relief, “Impractical Jokers: The Movie” will be right up your alley and this movie will provide an hour and a half of consistent laughter.
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The Final Four
Volume One | Issue Four | March 2020
13
The Final Four
In each issue, we shine the spotlight on a de-
serving member of our MCHS community by asking them four questions. Get to know Max DeCicco, a junior from West Campus who has worked hard to prepare for the drama club’s spring musical “Chicago”... By Emma Snyder Staff Writer
What clubs and extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I’m in choir, I’m in drama and I’m in the musical, “Chicago,” so that’s exciting.
How has your experience of choir and theater at MCHS been thus far?
It’s a lot of fun. I’ve met a variety of people who come from different classes and different home lifestyles. It’s just really cool seeing how we can all enjoy one thing.
Has being a part of choir and theater inspired you to pursue it as a career?
I definitely can see myself doing something like music in the future or like even just doing theater in college, because I really do enjoy it.
How did you get involved in choir and the musical?
Freshman year, all my friends were trying out from Harrison and so I was like, “I might as well try out,” and I got into one act. And that really kind of got me into the drama club. I like to sing but like I never auditioned and so my friends convinced me to audition, and I got into Concert Choir.
Last Look
“
State was an unforgettable experience that was an emotional rollercoaster. I’m grateful for such a hardworking team that made it possible. - Jaclyn Ness on the cheerleading team’s trip to the IHSA State
Final Cheerleading Competition on February 1 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington
Photo By: VIP
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