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METEA MEDIA

Your World. Your Stories. Everyday.

METEA MEDIA

Your World. Your Stories. Everyday.

METEA MEDIA

Ell Macias

Ell Macias

This is Ell’s first year of being a part of the Visuals team on the Newspaper staff. They have a passion for capturing candid moments in photography, which is what motivated them to work in their section. Typically, they are painting, sketching, or working on dioramas during their downtime and will never beat the artist stereotype of carrying a sketchbook everywhere they go. Furthermore, they will never turn down the opportunity to talk about goth bands.

All content by Ell Macias
Seniors ecstatically cheer as activities happen during the assembly.

The Junior and Senior Assembly showcased many talents while recognizing accomplishments

  The Junior and Senior Assembly on Friday, May 17, included a large number of performances, including a song by Muses and Apollo, a tumbling performance from the Jesse White Tumblers, dances...

AP psychology students dress up and display their excitement throughout the psychology fair.

AP Psychology fair brings joy to students

Luisa Bernardino and Ell Macias
May 17, 2024

On May 15, the AP Psychology classes hosted their yearly Psych Fair, where students could create a board and experiment of their choice relating to any psychology term they learned in the year. The...

A retrospective on 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' as a graduating senior

A retrospective on ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ as a graduating senior

Ell Macias, Photo Editor
May 16, 2024

As someone who's about to graduate and be done with high school, recently coming across The Perks of Being a Wallflower as a part of my film class brought me back to such a distinct era of the Internet....

For seniors, the yearly roadtrip is one of the most exciting events to wrap up the year with, espcially with friends.

[Photo] The senior road trip gives seniors one last memory

Emily Peña and Bella Sieben
May 10, 2024

For seniors, the yearly roadtrip is one of the most exciting events to wrap up the year with, espcially with friends.

Freedom Golf sets up golfing activities for Peer Partners Adaptive

[Photo] Peer Partners Adaptive hosts Freedom Golf for students

Bella Sieben, Headlines reporter
May 6, 2024

Freedom Golf sets up golfing activities for Peer Partners Adaptive

Masks for lion-dancing, built to scare away evil spirits, are displayed for people to view and try on.

[Photo] Students host a Lunch and Learn in honor of AAPI month

Ritika Khurana, Spotlight Reporter
May 3, 2024

Two students experiment with Korean percussion in the courtyard

By including activities such as puzzles, the LMC has brought over more people with a wider variety of ways to spend time there.

[Photo] LMC activities connect students to valuable resources

Lindsey Hall, Spotlight Editor
May 3, 2024

By including activities such as puzzles, the LMC has brought over more people with a wider variety of ways to spend time there.

Samantha Philo, playing Pinocchio, dances in a group scene with the other townspeople

[Photo] Theater students prepare for the upcoming Shrek musical

Dhiya Ashlyn D.S., Spotlight Reporter
April 25, 2024

Samantha Philo, playing Pinocchio, dances in a group scene with the other townspeople

The rise in suspicious activity during what is meant to be a fun summer tradition has caused schools to warn participants and families to be careful.

[Photo] Student-run game of senior assassins raises concerns from parents

Dhiya Ashlyn D.S., Spotlight Reporter
April 22, 2024

The rise in suspicious activity during what is meant to be a fun summer tradition has caused schools to warn participants and families to be careful.

Taylor Swift's long awaited album features heartbreaking yet beautifully written songs as she dissects her past hardships.

[Photo] In defense of ‘The Tortured Poets Department’

Taylor Swift's long awaited album features heartbreaking yet beautifully written songs as she dissects her past hardships.

Students watch the ‘Louder than a Bomb’ movie to start of the first day of poetry week

[Photo] Mustang Wild hosts poetry week to spark creativity among students

Lindsey Hall, Spotlight Editor
April 18, 2024

Students watch the ‘Louder than a Bomb’ movie to start of the first day of poetry week

Despite the weather, Metea Valley girls' soccer team still have it their all during the game.

[Photo] Student support aids girls varsity soccer team in 1-0 win over Neuqua Valley

Carlos Sanchez, Sports Reporter
April 15, 2024

Despite the weather, Metea Valley girls' soccer team still have it their all during the game.

A trio views the solar eclipse as it approaches near-totality.

[Photo] After a seven year wait, Metea Valley students experience a solar eclipse

A trio views the solar eclipse as it approaches near-totality.

The eight remaining contenders have been regarded as some of the best teams from Europe. All are in the top 5 for the respective league.

[Photo] Champions League: quarter-finals predictions

Carlos Sanchez, Sports Reporter
April 5, 2024

The eight remaining contenders have been regarded as some of the best teams from Europe. All are in the top 5 for the respective league.

Culture and trends endured sweeping changes since the start of Covid, but they are only a small piece of the shift in society the virus caused.

[Photo] The pandemic is still impacting people’s lives even four years later

Ritika Khurana, Spotlight Reporter
April 2, 2024

Culture and trends endured sweeping changes since the start of Covid, but they are only a small piece of the shift in society the virus caused.

With prom approaching, students are faced with the anticipation of activities such as dress or outfit shopping.

[Photo] The upcoming prom sparks both stress and excitement in seniors

Mansi Payal Narayanan, Copy Editor
April 1, 2024

With prom approaching, students are faced with the anticipation of activities such as dress or outfit shopping.

Student-athlete's compete swimming, trying their best to have their best times.

Special Olympics swim meet fosters competition and camaraderie

    Metea Valley hosted the annual Special Olympics regional swimming competition on March 21. Special Olympics Illinois collaborated with District 204 to host the Region C regional...

Metea students dance, full of joy, in front of the United Voices choir.

Black History Month assembly brings joy and education

Ollie Shuminas and Ell Macias
February 21, 2024

Metea students dance, full of joy, in front of the United Voices choir.

Field trips have the potential to interfere with important events such as quizzes, tests, or reviews in class. It's up to the student to communicate as well as balance classwork with their field trips.

[Photo] Keeping up with schoolwork is important, even during field trips

Ritika Khurana, Spotlight Reporter
March 14, 2024

Field trips have the potential to interfere with important events such as quizzes, tests, or reviews in class. It's up to the student to communicate as well as balance classwork with their field trips.

Opill being approved for over-the-counter purchase marks a milestone in reproductive help and the accessibility of related medication

[Photo] Over-the-counter birth control pills are a huge win for reproductive health rights

Lindsey Hall, Spotlight Editor
March 12, 2024

Opill being approved for over-the-counter purchase marks a milestone in reproductive help and the accessibility of related medication

Putting on your seat belt takes only a few seconds, and is a lifesaving habit that should become part of your routine

[Photo] Buckling up will save your life

Rayma Miller, Perspectives Reporter
March 8, 2024

Putting on your seat belt takes only a few seconds, and is a lifesaving habit that should become part of your routine

Teen Advisory Board members listen to the librarian sponsor walk through the agenda, pitching ideas throughout the meeting

[Photo] Aurora Public Library’s Teenage Advisory Board Grows in Popularity

Mansi Payal Narayanan, Copy Editor
March 6, 2024

Teen Advisory Board members listen to the librarian sponsor walk through the agenda, pitching ideas throughout the meeting

Girls Flag Football becoming a new IHSA sport marks an important milestone for women in sports

[Photo] Girls’ flag football announced as the IHSA’s newest sport

Charlie Davidson, Sports Editor
March 5, 2024

Girls Flag Football becoming a new IHSA sport marks an important milestone for women in sports

Students freely interact with the candidates attending the fair, asking questions and receiving information.

[Photo] Citizens of Metea hosts Primary Candidate Fair for the upcoming March elections

Isabelle Leofanti, Bella Sieben, and Lily Senese
February 28, 2024

Students freely interact with the candidates attending the fair, asking questions and receiving information.

A badminton player holds the birdie as she prepares to serve.

[Photo] Metea Valley hosts badminton tryouts

Dhiya Ashlyn D.S., Social Media Editor
February 28, 2024

A badminton player gets ready to return the birdie during tryouts.

Senior burnout negatively impacts productivity and attendance

[Photo] Senior burnout negatively impacts productivity and attendance

Lindsey Hall, Spotlight Editor
February 23, 2024

Senior burnout negatively impacts productivity and attendance

The NEHS book drive offers an opportunity for students to donate any unused books, giving them a new home.

[Photo] National English Honor Society begins its book drive

Isabelle Leofanti and Bella Sieben
February 7, 2024

The NEHS book drive offers an opportunity for students to donate any unused books, giving them a new home.

Even when student life can be stressful at times, it is still important to hold out hope and look forward.

[Photo] Career Planning Should Not Cause Distress

Rayma Miller, Perspectives Reporter
February 1, 2024

Even when student life can be stressful at times, it is still important to hold out hope and look forward.

With the amount of hard work that goes into learning a new language, being able to earn a Seal of Biliteracy is a great achievement.

[Photo] The Seal of Biliteracy means more than a stamp on a transcript

Emily Peña, News Reporter
January 31, 2024

With the amount of hard work that goes into learning a new language, being able to earn a Seal of Biliteracy is a great achievement.

Three members of the Orchesis pose gracefully pose themselves as preparation for the beginning of their performance.

Winter pep assembly reignites Metea spirit

Ell Macias, Luisa Bernardino, and Ritika Khurana
January 22, 2024

The 2024 Winter Assembly starts the semester off strong with music, games, and dancing.

Due to the cold weather in the area intensifying, students are beginning to show concerns about the temperature in the building.

[Photo] Faculty navigate building complications during extreme weather

Dhiya Ashlyn D.S., Spotlight Reporter
January 22, 2024

Due to the cold weather in the area intensifying, students are beginning to show concerns about the temperature in the building.

Now that second semester has begun, students are able to begin choosing their courses as well as begin to sort through counselor recommendations.

[Photo] Honors placement now based on test scores

Mansi Payal Narayanan, Spotlight Reporter
January 19, 2024

Now that second semester has begun, students are able to begin choosing their courses as well as begin to sort through counselor recommendations.

When those in need use the services that Project Hope delivers, they are showered with unconditional love and support by a supportive community.

[Photo] Project Hope offers support for grieving students

Jake Sonetz, Sports Editor
January 8, 2024

When those in need use the services that Project Hope delivers, they are showered with unconditional love and support by a supportive community.

The energy of a Madrigals performance, featuring this year's dance revolution on top of the usual drama, is consistently one of the most appealing traits of the show.

Madrigals finish off their winter concerts for 13th annual performance

Ell Macias
December 19, 2023

Metea Valley’s renaissance-inspired and Christmas choir group, Madrigals, performed their first live shows beginning Dec. 14, spanning into the weekend. The audition-based group is famous for its...

Metea music students perform at the Collage Concert on November 30, 2023.

Metea music students perform at the Collage Concert on November 30, 2023.

Metea music students perform at the Collage Concert on November 30, 2023.

Metea music students perform at the Collage Concert on November 30, 2023.

Metea music students perform at the Collage Concert on November 30, 2023.

Metea music students perform at the Collage Concert on November 30, 2023.

Metea music students perform at the Collage Concert on November 30, 2023.

Metea music students perform at the Collage Concert on November 30, 2023.

Metea needs to put more effort into familiarizing transfer students to their new school environment.

[Photo] The staff needs to inform transfer students more to eliminate confusion

Rayma Miller, Perspectives Reporter
November 3, 2023

Metea needs to put more effort into familiarizing transfer students to their new school environment.

1989 (Taylor's Version) shows Swift at the peak of her abilities, breathing new life into an old album.

[Photo] ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ is a confident revival of the record-breaking album

Lindsey Hall, Spotlight Editor
October 31, 2023

1989 (Taylor's Version) shows Swift at the peak of her abilities, breathing new life into an old album.

‘For All The Dogs’ showcases the diverse range and talents possessed by Drake, amplified through collaborations with artists across different genres

[Photo] Drake unleashed raw emotion in new album, ‘For All The Dogs’

Jordan Jones, Perspectives Reporter
October 10, 2023

‘For All The Dogs’ showcases the diverse range and talents possessed by Drake, amplified through collaborations with artists across different genres

Energy fills the room as Mustangs give their all during the assembly's games.

[Photo] Mustangs showcase their school spirit in the first Homecoming assembly

The Stampede Photographers
September 27, 2023

Seniors cheer and watch on as their grade continues to win another game during the assembly.

From comfy pajamas to sparkly formal wear, Metea Mustangs are ready for the upcoming spirit week.

Lights, camera, Homecoming: Metea students prepare for spirit week

Ell Macias, Spotlight Reporter
September 25, 2023

As the beginning of Spirit Week approaches, the Metea Valley student body is counting down the days until Homecoming on Sept. 30th. In anticipation for the dance, mustangs are coordinating not just their...

Due to the sheer number of students attempting to leave the parking lot, rash decisions and misjudgments can cause accidents

[Photo] The parking lot is not safe for students

Ava Stone
September 21, 2023

Due to the sheer number of students attempting to leave the parking lot, rash decisions and misjudgments can cause accidents

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Ell Macias