McHenry MessengerM
Hard work pays off
Heidie Dunn has been recognized as one of MCHS’s hardest working and most beloved teachers
Splash to success
Ele Kinser Staff Writer
Robbie Rosenbaum, goggles on and ready to race, stood on the block feeling nervous; expectations were high and he needed to meet them “Take your mark Go!” The starter shouts, beginning the race Rosenbaum dives in, doing what he does best and holding his own Even against swimmers with faster times, Rosenbaum pulled through and finished the race in first place!
Since 2016, the McHenry Boys swim team has been blending in with the other high schools; nobody from McHenry has qualified for state in years However, Freshman Rosenbaum has finally broken the seven year streak and qualified for state in two events
Rosenbaum has been swimming for around eight years His hard work has led to him making many achievements and reaching many of his goals
“Swimming, it's a very important part of my life,” says Rosenbaum “I've been swimming for most of my life I look forward to it every day It's super important to me ”
Coaches, family, friends and teammates have all complimented Rosenbaum’s abilities Not only is he a talented swimmer, but he possesses a unique dedication not often seen in athletes
“Robbie is the hardest worker I've ever met in my life,” says senior Jakob Axelson “He puts in the work He goes to the morning practice and afternoon practice – he's always there, 100% attendance ”
Axelson, the only senior on
the team, reflected on how Rosenbaum’s accomplishments have impacted him “I feel like a proud dad I'm so happy he's made it because he's worked so hard for it He deserves it,” Axelson stated
Not only Axelson has improved due to Rosenbaum’s encouragement, though Freshman Cole Benton, a friend and teammate of the swimmer, has talked about how Rosenbaum helped him
“Seeing him progress has made me progress too,” says Benton “Just seeing how fast he's gotten has helped me get faster as well ”
Coach Sharon Lesniak, who’s been a swim coach for nearly 20 years, says she is beyond happy with how Rosenbaum has performed
“Robbie is very self motivated,” Lesniak says “He's quiet, he knows what he wants You give him a set, and he finishes it He knows how to pace or sprint it When he wants something, he's gonna go for it He's gonna get it ”
Maggie Demski Chief Copy Editor
Heidie Dunn comes to school one morning excited to teach her students, and her students are just as excited to learn from one of their favorite teachers Students enter the class room and settle at their desks, class is about to begin Dunn is a beloved teacher here at MCHS, this year she is one of the teachers of the year for Far North Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year Dunn is also one of the 13 regional finalists for state teacher of the year, chosen by the IL Board of Education She has had a long history here at MCHS, and she is one of the three AP Language and Composition teachers, she was also a Drama teacher and is currently the AVID Coordinator for the school
“I feel really good -- happy to be recognized,” says Dunn, “humbled because I know of so many wonderful educators in this building alone, and also a little stressed because the award comes with some responsibilities to make some public appearances as a keynote speaker at a few conventions next year ”
Even though Dunn is stressed about the responsibilities, her students are confident in her abilities to get through it She is an amazing teacher who cares for her students and some of her students have expressed that
“Mrs Dunn actually puts in the effort to actually get to know her students,“ said
Danielle Alonzo a sophomore in Dunn’s AVID class, “personally and academically, also the things that they [Dunn’s students] like and don’t like ”
Putting effort into her job has gotten Dunn to where she is now She is loved by most of her students because she actually gets to know them and will be there for them if they are struggling
“She always tries to help her students with anything they need,” said Elayna Machacek, “and if she doesn't know then and there she will look it up or try to find the answer for you ”
The award that Dunn got shows that she truly is an amazing teacher who cares for her students as the people they are, not just as the letters next to their names She deserves this recognition that she has received
“Mrs Dunn’s leadership is evident,” says the IL Board of Education website “The school’s participants in the AVID program have achieved outstanding growth across a variety of metrics, including academic success, attendance, and involvement in school activities ”
Dunn has had a genuine impact on our school, and truly deserves this award She has worked hard to get it in multiple departments of MCHS It is impossible to not notice the difference she has made, even if you don’t know who made those changes
As Dunn packs up for the day and goes to her car, she knows that she is confident in the work she does here for our school
Robbie Rosenbaum qualified for the IHSA’s state swim tournament in two events — and as a freshman
Rosenbaum has had an incredible season In the McHenry school alone, he has broken 4 pool records, including the 100 back varsity record There are still many years left in his swimming career, too Being just a freshman, Rosenbaum has at least three more years to improve and grow This means many more records will be broken in the future as he continues to swim
Rosenbaum was also nominated as one of NW Sports Athletes of the Week against three other high school athletes Rosenbaum has said that this boosted his confidence and made him swim stronger throughout the season
Rosenbaum concluded the season with fantastic times He had two
new personal bests in his main events, both of which qualified for state He swam the 100 Free in 46 24 seconds, finishing in first place at sectionals He swam the 100 Back in 50 38 seconds, finishing in second at sectionals
Rosenbaum proved himself just as strong in the state meet He placed 18th in the 100 Free, with a time of 46 54 seconds, and finished 17 in the 100 Back, with a time of 51 08 seconds
“I'm very proud of all these kids and all their hard work This year has been a great season with all the boys,” Coach Lesniak remarks “Keep up the good work, and thank you [Rosenbaum] for taking us to state ”
This season was a major win for Rosenbaum and McHenry Not only did he qualify for state in two events, breaking
a seven year streak, Rosenbaum was selected as athlete of the week, broke several pool records, and brought the McHenry swim team together Hardwork, dedication, and a true love for the sport pulled Rosenbaum and the boy’s swim team to success The fruitful wins of the 2025 season won’t be easily forgotten
One event done, one to go – the 100 back, Rosenbaum’s signature event This time, though, he starts with a new sense of confidence The competition is fast, but so is he “Take your marks Go!” And the swimmers push off Rosenbaum fights hard and comes in second with a fresh time seconds faster than his old personal record “I dropped over two seconds – I believe that is a win in my book,” says Rosenbaum, concluding his successful Freshman season
MCHS teacher and AVID coordinator Heidie Dunn works hard during a free period at the Upper Campus Dunn was named Far North Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year and is now a finalist for the state teacher of the year award | Photo by: Lily Adams
Freshman swimmer Robbie Rosenbaum poases for a picture in the Freshman Campus main office before he headed to the IHSA state tournament | Photo by: Carly Byers
Opinion | Pageants can lead to bigger things
Pageantry is seen as vile in a lot of people's eyes, however the people who are involved know the bigger picture of what’s really happening in the pageant world.
Bri Lucansky Staff Writer
As the girls in the dressing rooms get into their gowns to walk the stage and hear the winner of the town pageant, one girl in particular is staring into the mirror thinking about all of the good she could participate in if she would be crowned She’s also thinking about the scholarships and open opportunities she’ll be given after her reign as queen Pageants have gone back in history for being known for many good things like opportunities, self confidence builders and all in all helping young girls surround themselves with people who want to help them succeed However, with the good things there will always be bad People call pageants gross, evil and a way for young girls to only see themselves for beauty rather than being smart, nice, etc While most pageants nowadays don’t take beauty as far into the score as it once was, people still only think of them as “beauty pageants ” Pageants now have taken a turn for the better, focusing on what these girls would bring to a platform of their choosing and finding ways to make their community better if they are chosen to be their towns queen for a reign of one year
The pageantry pathway has been around for many years and from those who have gotten a chance to hold a title, whether that be city, county, state, country, or for any organization, those girls/women developed many skills that can help them in later life opportunities
The chance to work on public speaking, personal growth, leadership, selfconfidence and so much more depending on your story
“I have found that pageantry,”
Angela Hutchins, a director for the Lake County Scholarship Program, says, “whether it be a beauty or community service pageant it helps girls and women of all ages by teaching and installing many great qualities in them that will help in many different ways ”
Hutchins goes on to explain how participating in service projects builds leadership, organization, communication and teamwork skills
She also explains self-confidence comes with having to be your own advocate during your reign and how being recognized for your community service and other contributions can boost your self-esteem highly Another thing Hutchins explained is that being a part of a pageant community can give you more social awareness With having a lot of community service opportunities, you see a lot more events and news happening around your town and even neighboring areas
The pageant pathway, although mostly impactful for teens and older, is available for kids as young as six years old This gets these girls into a good spot to develop a bunch of skills like public speaking, how to build long lasting relationships and all in all how to be a good role model for their community
“The youngest girls in our program have so much fun with not only the pageant but,” Crystal Downey, a director for the Lake County Scholarship Program, says, “being out at events ”
Being a part of a pageant community builds a great resume and also gives many different opportunities after finishing a reign These opportunities and benefits help these young women continue to grow as a role model and also grow their career and education
“The reigning queen receives an educational scholarship,” Danielle Badgley, pageant director for the Miss McHenry pageant says, “numerous opportunities to grow their networks, develop valuable life and career skills and become a role model for the community after making an impact throughout their reign ”
While the pageant community has grown and beat most of the stereotypes, there are still many people who think that pageants are ruining young girls confidence by judging girls off of their looks and not her personality The people that think this way, more likely than not, have not been around a pageant
Dominic Burnett Puzzlemaster
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community close enough to know the behind the scenes and other mentorship that builds self confidence through the competition season While pageants are thought of being a bunch of girls getting together to dress up and look pretty, the underlying benefits are uncountable The girls in scholarship and community service pageants get exposed to volunteer hours and get to meet leaders of cities like their city council, mayors, business owners, and many other important people Making these connections in your home town can be a gateway to making bigger and even more important connections in your future
Beth Brackmann A&E Editor
Pageants have been around for many years, girls who enter all are aiming for the top and to get crowned
Students at MCHS have several pageant opportunities | Photo by: Maddie Canada