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METEA MEDIA

Your World. Your Stories. Everyday.

METEA MEDIA

Your World. Your Stories. Everyday.

METEA MEDIA

Sakeenah Amatul

Sakeenah Amatul

Sakeenah Amatul is a senior and spotlight editor this year. This is her second year on staff. She enjoys talking to different people, listening to music, and doing anything exciting. Outside of school, you will find her drawing, writing, or reading.

All content by Sakeenah Amatul
Math teacher Diane Hendrix standing in front of Metea’s flag gallery.

Humans of Metea: Diane Hendrix

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Editor
October 13, 2025

Diane Hendrix is a math teacher who has taught in District 204 for over 30 years. What role(s) do you play at Metea? I coached a cheerleading team for one year, but I don't do that anymore. I just...

Homecoming, a treasured memory for many, has students and staff working behind the scenes to make every little detail become a reality.

Student government fuels homecoming with spirit, strategy, and balloons

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Editor
October 10, 2025

Every fall, the halls of Metea Valley High School come alive with spirit week energy, with students dressed in costumes, music playing between classes, and the buzz of homecoming excitement in the air....

The newspaper journalism staff decorates  a square at Chalk the Walk.

Chalk the Walk celebrates clubs and community

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Editor
October 9, 2025

At Metea Valley High School, the start of fall isn’t marked by the changing leaves; it's marked by chalk: pastels, club logos, inspiring messages, and students laughing over pizza, and learning about...

In recent years, people buy trinkets and low quality items that serve no purpose and typically end in waste.

Younger generations are the biggest buyers in overconsumption

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Editor
September 24, 2025

Overconsumption has become normalized and a growing habit among younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, driven largely by digital culture, influencer marketing, and algorithm-driven trends....

Senior Lilly Thorson standing in front of Metea’s flag gallery.

Humans of Metea: Lilly Thorson

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Editor
September 22, 2025

Lilly Thorson is a senior at Metea Valley High School and is an aspiring educator who is excited about working on new projects and playing softball. What role(s) do you play at Metea? I am the co-president...

After Charlie Kirk’s death, society is starting to question what makes someone a martyr.

They never asked to be martyrs

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Editor
September 22, 2025

There is a strange formula in the way we grieve publicly—how death, especially one steeped in controversy or cause, transforms a person into a symbol. We do not mourn, we mythologize. And in doing so,...

Senior Tommy King standing in front of Metea's flag gallery.

Humans of Metea: Tommy King

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Editor
September 15, 2025

Tommy King is a 17-year-old senior at Metea Valley High School who likes to sew, craft, and even has his own tailoring business. Some of his favorite hobbies include gardening, social studies, and making...

The demanding nature of today's economic landscape is changing how parents raise their kids, resulting in a permanently changed family dynamic.

How modern families strive for connection in a digital age

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Editor
September 12, 2025

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, the traditional image of the nuclear family: one parent working, the other nurturing at home, is fading fast. Replacing it is a more fluid, collaborative, and...

Teachers assistant Sunanda Das standing in front of Metea’s flag gallery.

[Photo] Sunanda Das: A day in the life of a teacher assistant in Metea 

Srinithi Krishna Krishnadas, Spotlight Reporter
September 9, 2025

Teachers assistant Sunanda Das standing in front of Metea’s flag gallery.

The consumption of kids collectibles is rapidly growing as teens and adults stay close to their childhoods

Gen Z are the new ‘Kidults’

Sakeenah Amatul and Mansi Bajaj
September 8, 2025
The kidult trend reflects our generation’s difficulty with identity and maturity in a world that no longer clearly defines what adulthood even is.
The Student Voice Committee encourages representation of all school activities through display cases around Metea.

Back to school tips

Going back to school can be dreadful for many. But to help ease us into the transition from summer break to the new school year, we have created a list of tips to use when getting back into classrooms....

June 3, the last day of school in District 204 displayed on a flip calendar.

Why summer break starts so late this year

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
June 3, 2025

Every spring, students count down the days until summer break. We check our school calendar and realize with horrid disappointment that we end in June.  Schools sometimes extend into June because of...

Downtown Naperville hosts its annual memorial day parade inviting communities to come down and celebrate those who fought for the country.

Naperville honors fallen service members at Memorial Day parade

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
May 28, 2025

The streets of Downtown Naperville came alive with patriotism and pride as the 95th annual Memorial Day Parade honored the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country on Monday, May 26. The...

Terrorist attack in Kashmir results in families with young children being affected poorly.

The conflict over Kashmir

Emma Nicholls and Sakeenah Amatul
May 23, 2025

A terrorist attack in Kashmir led to a recent escalation between India and Pakistan, sparking aerial attacks between the two countries. The attack in Pahalgam, part of the Indian-administered side...

College Board has shifted AP exams from testing on paper to fully digital.

AP is going online

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
May 9, 2025

This AP season, the College Board is significantly shifting the Advanced Placement (AP) testing process by transitioning 28 AP exams to a digital format. This move aims to enhance accessibility and bolster...

From April 28th to May 2nd, mental health week is celebrated.

Take a breath with Mental Health Matters

Elliott Thacker and Sakeenah Amatul
April 28, 2025

Mental Health Awareness Week is a time to relax, take care of yourself, and spend quality time with those around you. With AP exams coming soon, SAT/ACT prep, and, of course, finals looming, Mental Health...

Government class Gavel signed by the president and speaker from every mock congress

Government students take the gavel in Mock Congress

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
April 28, 2025

On April 23, all government classes gathered in the auditorium for the 26th Mock Congress. Students have been preparing their own bills to present and vote. From bill authors to Speaker of the House, all...

Students gather in the MVHS LMC to enjoy the open Mic night.

Students take the mic for Lit Mag open mic event

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
April 11, 2025

Literary Magazine hosted their Open Mic event in the LMC on Thursday, April 10, to create an environment where students were free to present their literary works and skits and have a good time without...

Each year, Lollapalooza's lineup allows people to listen to the popular and growing artists that they know and love.

Lollapalooza and its Rock Roots

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
April 10, 2025

Lollapalooza is an annual four-day music festival held in Grant Park in Chicago. Every year, it captures the youth’s adoration and excitement surrounding live music. People scramble to buy tickets, and...

A student swims, making arcs in the water as they freestyle.

Metea holds Special Olympics swim meet

  The Illinois Special Olympics is a beacon of inclusivity, hope, and achievement for athletes. As part of the global Special Olympics movement, Illinois is committed to providing people with...

 Mustang Comedy Club with Matt Drufke applauding their audience for coming to watch their show at Two Brothers Roundhouse 
New boost

Mustang Comedy performs at Two Brothers Roundhouse

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
March 11, 2025

Metea families and friends gathered at Two Brothers Roundhouse to support and enjoy an evening performance of Mustang Comedy on Sunday, March 9. Matt Drufke, English teacher Erin Drufke’s husband,...

Seniors have the chance to get the shirt with everlasting memories.

Senior sunset shirts a symbol of memories

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
March 10, 2025

Senior sunset shirts are a beloved tradition in many high schools, worn by graduating students during their high school's senior sunset event where seniors gather and sign classmates' shirts as a memento...

Senior Danielle Rankin from Somonauk Highschool being interviewed by Sakeenah Amatul about the students shadowing exchange

Somonauk students experience life at Metea Valley

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
March 5, 2025

On Feb 25, Metea Valley welcomed students from Somonauk High School, allowing them to experience student life in an urban high school.  Ten Somonauk students were paired up with Metea students to learn...

A unique event and a sight to behold, the 7 planets align into the Parade of Planets.

Planetary Parade continues a timeless tradition of stargazing

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
March 4, 2025

A large parade of seven planets aligned with our moon from February 27 to March 1. The planet parade occurs when several planets in the solar system align on the same side of the sun. However, their...

Two students walk down the runway of the Afrofuturism showcase, displaying high fashion and the creativity of other students.

Metea celebrates Black History Month with Afrofuturism showcase

Metea’s annual Black History Month showcase makes its return this week. The student-led event aims to celebrate Black culture by allowing students to explore and express their talents in various...

Many characters from the scene "Margot" work together to push the character Delta (Ava Taylor) out of the window, attempting to make her reveal her secret.

Metea’s annual Winter Scenes Showcase returns

The stage is set, the lights dim and anticipation fills the air as Metea students present their Winter Scenes showcase. Winter scenes is an opportunity for students to produce, direct, act, write, and perform their works in front of a crowd.
Calendars are mainly used for daily life, but they are also used for different cultures and religions.

How calendars shape our time and memories

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
February 3, 2025

For students, calendars are essential as they track dates for tests, homework due dates, club meetings, and hangouts with friends. Calendars also serve as a record of culture, religion, and economics. The...

Jan. 29 2025 marks the official start of this year's Chinese New Years. Families join together and celebrate the year of the snake.

Why Lunar New Year still matters

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
January 28, 2025

The year of the Wood Snake begins this Wednesday, Jan. 29. Lunar New Year is celebrated for two weeks, and many cultures consider it one of the biggest celebrations of the year.   Lunar New Year is...

RAD teachers, Jenny Oas, Ashley Abruscato, Meghan Flannagan, pose next to the Auxilary gym

Why you should take RAD

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
January 22, 2025

As a high school student, you probably do not think about the possibility of being in violent situations often. However, preparing for self-defense and personal safety is crucial, and one of the best ways...

Final showing for the Madrigal 14th Annual Yuletide feaste where the MadriGALs pulled out their weapons when men were suspected of plotting a coup.

The Madrigals wish Metea Valley a Merry Christmas

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
December 17, 2024

  After being ushered into the gates of Metea Valley Castle by the court jesters, you're swept into a fantastical night of music and joy. When the light dims, the king, queen, the court, jesters,...

Feed My Starving Children offers volunteers oppurtinities to make a real impact.

Community volunteering inspires hope in children across the world

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
November 19, 2024

Hunger kills one person every four seconds. In a world that faces severe malnutrition problems, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) stands as a beacon of hope, providing nutritious meals to children across...

Samhain, an olden Celtic festival, was the original inspiration for what is known today as Halloween.

Unveiling Halloween

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
November 1, 2024

During Halloween, when the atmosphere is full of spooky excitement. From the thrill of picking out the perfect costume to the anticipation of trick-or-treating, this eerie season ensures everyone has fun....

Neuqua’s theatre students and Mustang Comedy team smoothly brings smiles to viewers.

Mustang Comedy Delivers Laughter and Joy at their show

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
October 29, 2024

The Black Box was arranged with candlelit tables and warm spotlights on Friday evening, Oct. 29. The air was filled with laughter as Mustang Comedy hosted a fantastic show that brought together Metea Valley...

Social Studies teacher Mary Anne Zears shadowing Dhiya Ashlyn for teacher shadowing student program.

Student Shadowing Program aims to improve classroom instruction

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
October 19, 2024

The student-teacher program is a voluntary opportunity for teachers to walk a day in their life in students' shoes. On October 17, nine volunteer staff members shadowed students in their class schedule,...

Students waiting past the bus street for the all clear to go back to class.

Student reactions to fire alarm on October 11

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
October 18, 2024

Students waiting past the bus street for the all clear to go back to class.

Students dancing near the DJ light show at homecoming.

For students and alumni, homecoming is an unforgettable experience

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
October 16, 2024

Our 2024-2025 school year homecoming dance was a hit, with around 2,000 students in attendance. The cafeteria was filled with the spirited music, sparkly attire and dress shoes that filled the school with...

As fall flows through the air, we learn to love the small parts about it.

Fun activities to embrace the spirit of Autumn

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
October 16, 2024

As the wind blows colder, leaves shift into vibrant hues, days fall shorter, and the sun takes longer to peak out from the east, autumn inspires many with its ironic warmth as it remains a poetic symbol...

Local Politicians present their campaigns to the students who attended Citizens of Metea's Candidate fair.

Local politicians attend the Annual Candidate Fair

Emily Peña, Pahi Tiwari, and Sakeenah Amatul
October 9, 2024

Citizens of Metea, a non-partisan civic organization at Metea Valley, hosted their annual Candidate Fair on October 7. The club invited local political candidates to talk about the value of being politically...

Carly Quick's wellness program aims to support teachers.

Metea’s Teacher Wellness program aims to prevent teacher burnout

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
September 30, 2024

In today's high-pressure educational environment, the well-being of teachers is more crucial than ever. Carly Quick, educator wellness consultant, works with Principal Dan Debruycker to meet the mental...

The Moon festival is a celebration of family and the harvest.

The Moon Festival is a symbol of unity and peace

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
September 17, 2024

The Moon-festival, a celebration for the harvest, and a symbol of family unity celebrated in many different cultures and countries, continues to be filled with excitement here at Metea. As the Moon...

Perspectives about Labor Day have shifted over the years.

Labor Day focuses mostly on family celebrations now

Sakeenah Amatul, Spotlight Reporter
September 3, 2024

On the first Monday of September, schools and businesses shut their doors for labor day. It is a day to commemorate labor union efforts for workers’ rights. Americans seem to use it more as a way to...

New teachers are welcomed by administration and mentors.

Metea’s New Teachers Induction Program welcomes new teachers

Administration and teacher mentors dedicate themselves to welcoming new teachers through the New Teacher Induction program (NTI). NTI is a summer program tailored to new and incoming teachers. On August...

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Sakeenah Amatul