CMHS Artist Spotlight!

By Bryce Milburn Sports Editor The Crete-Monee softball team's season just started. With numerous players, new coaches, and a brand-new turf field, the Warriors are in for an entirely new season. Photo by Emily Gerth. The players discussed their feelings before the season. The Warriors are looking to build off their 12-15 record from last season. They are off to a 1-1 record so far. "I'm very excited and very nervous,” senior outfielder Carli Sawallisch said. Senior outfie

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 Hipolito Talavera Sports Reporter Fueled by hard work and growing chemistry, the Crete-Monee Warriors enter the season with high expectations. Led by experienced players, the team is focused on both success and strong connections. The team stands for a picture after their first practice on the new field. For players like senior outfielder Keyshon James, he is getting prepared for the long season ahead. ”I go to the gym every day and try to practice as much as I can," Jam

By Brianna Bielak Editorial Assistant ​ Advanced Placement (AP) classes are designed to prepare students for college by encouraging them to use higher-level thinking and practice intellectual skills for end-of-year exams. Students were recognized for their hard work at the Distinguished Scholars Banquet (many of them who had AP courses) at the end of last year. Student and teacher input is essential for giving ideas on how successful and beneficial AP classes are, or whether

By Taylor Ohrt Editor ​ As the years have gone on at Crete-Monee, students come, and students go, but they are forever holding a memory or a part of CMHS with them. English teacher Mr. Nielsen poses for a graduation photo with a former student. Photo by Mr. Kenealy. “I started going to the Crete school district in 2013, and I started off at the early learning center,” junior Ryanne Pritchard said, who has spent her whole life in the district. ‘I feel like over the years Crete

By Zyon Floyd Sports Editor At CMHS, many student-athletes face the challenge of balancing homework, practices, games, and personal responsibilities every day. With practices lasting hours after school and assignments still due the next morning, athletes must learn strong time-management skills to succeed both in the classroom and in their sport. Senior boys volleyball player Savian Haddon goes up to spike the ball. Photo courtesy of Ms. Belin. “I have a set schedule with ev

By Kamaree Ahonto Sports Reporter Girls basketball players Jayda Franklin and Ka'miyah Reed recently made history by breaking the school’s steal record, with seven steals, something neither of them expected when the season first began. Jayda Franklin and Ka'Miya Reed (above) broke the school's all-time steals record with seven a-piece. Photo by K'avon Ahonto. Franklin and Reed both reached the milestone, showing the strength of their team and proving that hard work pays off.

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 Israel Graves General Reporter ​A practice may characterize the Crete-Monee girls' team this season. They have been improving their own game while motivating their teammates to do the same. The girls who are on the all-conference for track take a photo. Picture courtesy from Mr. Mueller. “We are like a family of sorts, so we argue a lot. We offer a lot of constructive criticism to one another, but we also make sure that we are holding one another accountable,” Liyannah An

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 Rhiannon leal Features and entertainment ​ In March, students such as Serenity Sterdivant-Richardson and Oliver Starita were selected to have their artwork displayed at The Edge in Crete. ​ “ I wanted to showcase an array of work from both of my 2D art courses: Art 1 and Painting/Drawing. My goal was to represent a variety of styles, skill levels, and creative voices so that many students could see their work displayed in a public space,” Ms. Ores said. ​​ Serenity Sterdi

By Nylah Smith Feature/Entertainment Reporter Social studies teacher Mrs. Mikal is known for her love for history and the strong bonds she creates with her students. Mrs. Mikal won the January Staff Member of the Month award in January 2025. Her students said, "She is extremely nice and is excellent at teaching. You can really tell she cares about her students." “I became a teacher because I love history and wanted to help students appreciate history too,” Mrs. Mikal said. Sh

By Jordyn Sanchez Editor in Chief At Crete-Monee High School, students are always encouraged to get enough sleep to perform even better than they did yesterday, so they strive to accomplish their goals and restart a new day refreshed. Lacoreyis Lofton (left) and Amir Shaffer-Mahone (right) are nodding off in class. Photo by Ontarrio Randle. Sleep plays a significant role in school performance, helping students stay alert throughout the day and enabling clearer information pr

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

Rhiannon leal Features and entertainment ​ Senior cap-and-gown pictures were taken on March 11, and students such as senior Isis Shores were told to schedule appointments at different times to complete their last school photos of 2026. ​ On March 11, Seniors of Crete Monee High school took their cap and gown pictures. Photographer - Jasmine Grant "Holding the cap and gown picture day at Crete allows all students to be photographed without needing to travel to New Lenox," said

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 Barton General Reporter Before kickoff, Jerome Felder tightens his season-long gloves, wears a lucky wristband, and repeats his warm-up routine. Many football players rely on small rituals and superstitions to feel confident. Dominic Jackson (left) says that he always prepares the same way for his games. Superstitions in sports often develop after a good performance. When athletes notice they played well after following a certain routine, they sometimes repeat that ac

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