As another school year comes to a close at Metea, the halls are quieter, the countdowns shorter, and the memories somehow a little louder. Between spirit weeks, sports games, performances, and classroom...

In the midst of Wednesday's first period at Metea, the bitter tang of coffee wafts around the concession stand. Behind the counter, aprons are tied, name tags straightened, and students are ready to serve...

This spring's production of “Bye Bye Birdie” brought a burst of 1950s satirical and nostalgic charm. It came with a reminder of how much work goes into a show long before the curtain rises.  Set...

Dr. Sara Jennings will step into Metea Valley High School, joining the Mustang community after spending her entire 21-year career at DeKalb High School. Now, she brings that experience to a school she...

The halls of Metea Valley High School will give way to the hum of buses and the buzz of anticipation as the class of 2026 embarks on one of its final shared traditions: the senior Roadtrip to Grad Nite...

In classrooms, across social media feeds, and around dinner tables, a persistent question lingers: Are we getting worse? Not less advanced. Not less connected. But worse in how we think, how we treat...

Junior Ojas Sachan's book, found on kindle, amazon, and in the Metea Valley library.

Local and statewide Illinois candidates gathered for Metea’s Candidate Fair, designed to connect students with the democratic process and to encourage informed voting. The event allowed students to meet...

In an era marked by political polarization and declining trust in institutions, Citizens of Metea hosted their annual candidate fair to combat these issues by encouraging branching out and talking to different...

Former Mustang Daniel Alejandro Lomeli, class of ’21, is an upcoming Republican candidate for the DuPage County Board. Daniel Alejandro Lomeli, born in 2002, grew up in DuPage County, attending Metea...

The annual student-directed Winter Scenes one-acts create a wonderful showcase featuring the dedication and passion of Metea Theater, running Feb. 5-7 at 7 p.m. Winter Scenes is a voluntary project...

Metea’s halls were full of curiosity and excitement as eighth graders poured in for eighth-grade night, an annual event designed to give future mustangs a glimpse of what awaits them for the next...

Olivia Donnelly is an enthusiastic sophomore who aspires to be a pediatric nurse. What activities, programs, or roles are you involved in at Metea? I'm in orchestra, Mustang strings, Track, Youth...

Every Jan. 1, when the world comes together to celebrate the new year, we excitedly share our newest ambitions. Inspiring goals like eating healthier, exercising more, quitting smoking, or finally getting...

Candlelights carried by performers, jesters theatrically carry out their story, elaborately sewn costumes sweep across the stage, and voices rise in harmony for Metea Madrigal's annual Yuletide feaste,...

Every school likes to talk about “honor,” “character,” and “respect.” Those words printed on posters in the hallways and painted on school walls in bold letters fade a little more each year....

Many students at Metea have visited Feed My Starving Children at least once. Every day, volunteers stand shoulder to shoulder around long tables, pouring rice, soy, dried vegetables, and vitamins into...

There’s a strange ritual that happens every application season. Hopeful students from all over the nation sit down to write about their lives, and somehow, the personal statement becomes less about who...

Every year, Halloween seems to get a little less spooky and a little more pricey. What used to be a simple night of carving pumpkins, dressing up in makeshift costumes, and sharing candy with friends has...

Fatigue, depression, anxiety, stress: Students go through so much that goes unnoticed by those around them, especially their teachers. So, how can we as students help teachers understand us better and...

Senior Henry Graunke standing in front of Metea’s flag gallery.

For decades, Operation Snowball has provided Illinois teens with more than just a weekend getaway; it offers a chance to reflect, connect, and lead. Founded in 1977 through the collaboration of Rockford-area...

Students at Metea Valley High School gathered this weekend for the annual homecoming dance, a long-standing tradition that brought together classmates from every grade for a night of music, photos, and...

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...

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....

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...

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....

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...

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,...

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...

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.

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

  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...

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,...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

  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,...

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...

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....

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...

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.

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 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...

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...