CMHS Artist Spotlight!

By Sydney Olden Editor in Chief Prom is one of the most anticipated events of the school year, but its rising costs, tickets, outfits, and transportation, can place financial pressure on families. Despite this, prom remains an important tradition that celebrates friendship and coming of age. Girls show off their dresses at the Night in Paris themed prom on May 16. Photo by Tavauge Starling. Prom night can mean more than just a dance for many seniors since it is an event that

By Jaelin Brown News Reporter As exams approach, teachers must begin preparing their students for finals. Teachers can either have students take a quiz or a project as their final. For Mr. Sarsfield, he prefers that students take a quiz, although projects are easier. Students prepare for finals in Mr. Kenealy's journalism class. “Well, I like quizzes because they're using the grade, but in all seriousness, I think that projects are better because I think doing some type of p

By Braylen Alexander News Reporter Petty Officer Reed's retirement has been the center of discussions throughout the cadet program as cadets have taken the time to reminisce on the leadership, discipline, and mentorship Reed has provided to the unit. While the cadets express different emotions regarding Reed's retirement, it seems to be unanimously agreed upon that Reed has helped prepare the cadets for much more than drills and classes. Photo by Jaelin Brown. Freshman Cadet

By Kaydein McCall Editorial Assistant The end of the year is approaching, and it’s time to reflect on the state of the school. Here at Crete, there are more than a few problems that need to be addressed going into next year. Fighting, attendance, and budgeting are among the most pressing issues facing the high school. Students and staff have shared their opinions on the issues within the school’s grounds. Tavauge Starling (left) and Braylen Alexander stage a fake fight to sho

By Peighton Kelley News Editor Crete-Monee's journalism program continues to grow as students compete in the Illinois High School Association Journalism Competition against schools across the state. While many students are known for sports, journalism students are showing that academic teams can also represent their school with pride, competitors advancing to state to compete against multiple other Illinois schools. IHSA State Journalism competitors Chase Stone (left) and Tri

By Kamya Rice News Reporter Students are worried about bathroom policies for the school year, concerning themselves about locked bathrooms, cleanliness, and the comfort in the facilities. Jacob Powell tries to use the bathroom in the B Wing, but it is locked. Photo by Tyler Blackburn. Safety rules and basic needs have been getting more attention. Locked restrooms, limited passes, and systems like SmartPass became common in many schools to lower the amount of

By Dalay’a Pinkney News Editor At CMHS, taking Advanced Placement courses is a good way to start early on college-level work, potentially earn college credit, save on tuition, and strengthen your college applications, all while still in high school. Senior Josiah Moore prepared for the AP Literature and Composition exam by going to an after-school session hosted by Mr. Kenealy. Photo by Myleigh Ryba Throughout the school year, students are prepared for the timed College Board

By Sydney Olden Editor in Chief On Feb. 26, the students observed Black History Month with a colorful and entertaining program that celebrated Black culture through music, dance, fashion, and drama in the CMHS auditorium. The program was intended to recognize significant historical figures and events, promoting greater awareness and appreciation among the participants and audience. The jazz band performed at the Black History Month night on Feb. 26. “We all sounded good as in

By Dalay’a Pinkney News Editor AND Kaydein McCall Editorial Assitant Part One of the story is from Dalay'a Pinkney As AI tools grow, more and more students are using AI tools like ChatGPT for their homework. Some say it helps them learn, but others worry it might be cheating. People are trying to figure out if AI is a helpful tool or a problem. ​ Students rely on ChatGPT and other AI tools to complete their homework, sparking controversy at school. Photo

By Trinity Humphrey General Reporter To celebrate Black History Month, Crete-Monee High School held its annual Black History assembly on Feb. 25. The event recognized and honored Black history and culture. Performers get ready to sing at the Black History Month assembly on Feb. 25. Photo by Kaylee Minkalis. The assembly featured various artistic student performances that highlighted the history and achievements of Black people. Students came together to create performances th

By Jaelin Brown News Reporter ​A sudden surge and shift in artificial intelligence have led to an increase in students using AI in classrooms worldwide, affecting how students cheat, study, and think. Student Lacoreyis Lofton uses ChatGPT in class. Photo by Ontarrio Randle. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that mimics human intelligence in machines, allowing them to learn and solve problems within seconds, enabling AI to make decisions independentl

By Peighton Kelly News Reporter Many students struggle with attending school regularly, and this issue is often referred to as truancy or chronic absence. Students walk the B100 hallway to their classes. Photo by Jasmine Grant. Chronic absence means missing a large number of school days over time, which can become a serious problem for students and schools. Missing school too often can make it hard for students to keep up with lessons, assignments, and tests. Over time, this

By: Jordyn Sanchez Chief editor ​ On March 3, at 1:00 p.m., Crete-Monee High School students gathered in the circle to begin a walkout. The protest started at the school, continued with a march to Heritage Park, and concluded as students displayed their posters and flags to represent Latinos and Hispanics to the community. On March 3rd, around 1:00pm Crete Monee Students walked out to show support for the Hispanic/Latino Community. Photographer - Tyler Blackburn ​ Immigration

By Armani Colvin News Reporter ​ Donating blood is a great way to save lives, but people’s opinions about donating blood or having their own blood drawn depend on how comfortable they are with it and how much they know about it. Cody Decker gets his blood drawn during the CMHS blood drive. Photo by Tyler Blackburn. ​ Junior Kareem Nardi is very strong in support of donating blood. ​ “It's the right thing for me to do, because someone's life could be saved,” Nardi said. ​ Na

By Amir Shaffer-Mahone Editorial Assistant At Crete-Monee High School, phones are an issue that staff demand students put away. Smartphones have always been a point of contention, but now they seem to be more than ever before. Students refuse to put away their cellphones. This has led to many disciplinary issues with students at the school. Student Anthony Flowers goes on his phone in the library. Photo by Bella Velasco. “If a student refuses to put away the phone, they get a

By Adelaide Breier Editorial Assistant ​ At Crete Monee High School (CMHS), earning a diploma requires more than passing a class; students need 28 hours of community service. If the 28-hour requirement is not met, graduation will not be possible. Senior Brianna Bielak looks for community service opportunities. Photo by Amiyah Rice. “I currently have two community service hours. I earned them by staying after school and helping recruit eighth-graders to join the yearbook club

By Josh Gipson News Editor As Crete-Monee High School prepares for its upcoming spring play, students are sharing a range of expectations about the production and whether they plan to attend the performances. Students start designing and building the sets for A Midsummer Night´s Dream. Photo by Lacoreyis Lofton. A Midsummer Night's Dream is a comedy by William Shakespeare is, a play about love, confusion, and magic. When asked what came to mind when thinking about the school

By Adelaide Breier Editorial Assistant Crete-Monee High School held its first-ever course/elective fair on Jan. 9, where incoming students and current lower-classmen could explore the unique classes CMHS offers that might interest them. Students Terrell Henderson and Victoria Santiago pose for a picture in front of their AP Language and Composition setup during the Elective Course Fair on Jan. 9. Photo by Amiyah Rice. Students and staff set up booths around the school with si

By Jaelin Brown News Reporter On Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 6-8 P.M, Crete-Monee High School held its annual eighth-grade open house to welcome incoming freshmen to high school, provide a change of scenery, and encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities. Ms. Biernacki discusses the agricultural program at the eighth grade open house on Feb. 10. Photo by Jacob Powell. At this event, students had the opportunity to tour the building, meet teachers, learn about aca

By Brianna Bielak Editorial Assistant Black History Month is important in the community due to 62.3% of students being black in the school, according to U.S. News, as well as honoring the heroic acts and triumphs of African Americans who worked to end segregation and racism. What other way for students to explore and educate themselves on this topic than by taking African-American studies? African-American Studies is an elective in which students can research black history,