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Holly Baldacci, Author

All content by Holly Baldacci
Daurer dives in

Daurer dives in

By Holly Baldacci
May 2, 2014
Counselor Angie Daurer’s journey from small-town girl to globe-trotting scuba diver
Courtesy of MCT Campus

“Transcendence” fails to rise above a clunky plot

By Holly Baldacci
April 19, 2014
To me, the most successful sci-fi focuses on concepts just out of our reach and plays them off as plausible. “Transcendence” starts out with this promise, but as the minutes tick by, the plot only grows more ridiculous, and the concepts become almost magical as opposed to scientific and technological.
From the swamp to the stage

From the swamp to the stage

By Holly Baldacci
April 9, 2014
For the next few days in the Performing Arts Center, a replica of Shrek’s swampy home-sweet-home will lurk at the left of Huntley High School’s stage, and Princess Fiona’s childhood tower will perch on the right. The stage is set for the Thursday premiere of “Shrek the Musical,” this year’s all-school musical directed by Nancy Cross, Tom George, and Michelle Sopchyk.
(H. Baldacci).

Sheilagh DeLorenzo, scientist

By Holly Baldacci
March 21, 2014
“You learn more from failing. I’ve learned more from the things I’ve done poorly in life, and how else do you know not to do them again?”
Courtesy of MCT Campus

A time for tolerance

By Holly Baldacci
March 11, 2014
In a world of constant hustle and bustle, it can be hard to slow down and really appreciate the people around you. Throughout my time in high school, I’ve observed a lot of great social interactions where people are accepting and even appreciative of others. Unfortunately, I’ve also observed a lot of people reacting to others with blatant annoyance.
Bailey Kiley sings as her accompanist, Linda Mulcahy, plays piano (H. Baldacci).

Huntley choir prepares for IHSA Solo & Ensemble competition

By Holly Baldacci
March 6, 2014
Tonight from 6:00 to just after 9:00, Huntley’s choir performed their Third Quarter Solo/Ensemble Concert, which featured multiple genres of music ranging from classic Italian pieces to modern Broadway ballads. In total, 49 songs were performed.
Figuring out finance

Figuring out finance

By Holly Baldacci
February 17, 2014
When it comes to finance, most students are left in the lurch and unsure about what to do with the cash they amass from after-school jobs. Paychecks are converted into movie dates and fast food, and a few dollars might end up in a savings account. Junior Kaitlyn Paez, however, wanted to make the most of her money.
Photo courtesy of MCT Campus.

“The Monuments Men” misses the mark

By Holly Baldacci
February 8, 2014
Though brilliantly executed, "The Monuments Men" is aimed at a specific demographic- art lovers and historians- and may not be for everyone.
From the classroom to the highway

From the classroom to the highway

By Holly Baldacci
February 7, 2014
Imagine yourself riding a bike down a hill. The wind is fast, violently fast, and you can feel it tearing at your face. The pavement below you is a blur of gray concrete and black tar, and the colors of the world around you combine as your eyes strain against the gusts, trying to absorb the beauty rushing by you. It’s pure joy. Now take that feeling and multiply it by a thousand.
Courtesy isnt so common

Courtesy isn’t so common

By Holly Baldacci
January 23, 2014
Last week, as I was walking out of the cafeteria, I was caught up in the bottleneck traffic jam of the main door. As I struggled past all of my peers to try and get to my Link Crew advisory on time, a massive linebacker of a guy plowed right into me.
Literary Club enables young writers

Literary Club enables young writers

By Holly Baldacci
January 22, 2014
After school on a typical Wednesday, as most Huntley students are rushing home to escape from hours of writing and reading assignments, room 215 is alive with activity and chatter. In Karen Bula’s English classroom, the lights are dim and the atmosphere is mellow as Huntley’s Literary Club begins their meeting.
H. Baldacci

Perks of the Hi CoHort program

By Holly Baldacci
December 20, 2013

“My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram, or the most intricate analysis, and I am in my own...

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug will leave fantasy fans rejoicing

“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” will leave fantasy fans rejoicing

By Holly Baldacci
December 13, 2013
When I found out a few years ago that director Peter Jackson would be transforming one of my favorite novels, “The Hobbit” by J. R. R. Tolkien, into a film, I was overjoyed. When I found out he was going to stretch that novel into three separate films, I was worried. Now, after watching “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” I’m impressed.
Members of the Concert Choir pose with choreographers Alissa Gorney and Maddie Eberhardt after rehearsing their dance number (H. Baldacci).

Huntley choir sings in the season

By Holly Baldacci
December 5, 2013
When Huntley High School’s choir took to the stage tonight for the finale of their quarterly concert, something was different. Instead of wearing their traditional red shirts and black pants, the concert choir was decked out in the boisterous colors of “ugly holiday sweaters,” adding a whimsical touch to the concert that choir director Nancy Cross has described as “winter with a little holiday thrown in here and there.”
Allegiant leaves readers reeling

“Allegiant” leaves readers reeling

By Holly Baldacci
November 26, 2013
Roth's futuristic adventure comes to an end.
NHS welcomes new members, changes

NHS welcomes new members, changes

By Holly Baldacci
October 30, 2013
Today, Huntley High School’s National Honor Society welcomed its newest 82 members in a candlelight induction ceremony that focused on the four pillars of NHS leadership.
A model survivor

A model survivor

By Holly Baldacci
October 18, 2013

For 15-year-old freshman Camille Paddock, the industrial halls of Marlowe Middle School were more than just passageways to and from class. They were torture...

The cast warms up in the choir room before taking the stage at their Sunday performance.

Huntley students bring “High School Musical” to life

By Holly Baldacci
September 29, 2013
This weekend, Huntley students wrapped up performances of the 2013 freshmen-sophomore musical, “High School Musical,” which was directed by choir teacher Nancy Cross and theatre teacher Tom George.
Gorsage skating with other members of the Starlights (courtesy of R. Gorsage).

The draw of the ice

By Holly Baldacci
September 29, 2013
When she places a silver-bladed skate on the mirrored surface of the ice beneath her, she feels her nerves settle. It hasn’t registered yet that she’s about to compete, but she can hear the screams of the audience fading away and before she knows it, the music has started.
HHS hosts blood drive

HHS hosts blood drive

By Holly Baldacci
April 16, 2013

Today from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Huntley High School hosted a blood drive with Heartland Blood Centers. The event, which took place in the lobby of...

Leggee Elementary hosts annual Daddy Daughter Dance

Leggee Elementary hosts annual Daddy Daughter Dance

By Holly Baldacci
April 15, 2013

On Saturday, Leggee Elementary hosted its annual Daddy Daughter Dance, featuring the theme "Meet Me in Paris." About 700 attendees were at the event, which...

The joy of spreading beauty

The joy of spreading beauty

By Holly Baldacci
March 22, 2013

As other seniors are preparing to head straight to college, Bryanna Chapman has a stop to make first. Chapman will be attending Regency Beauty Institute...

NHS hosts induction ceremony

NHS hosts induction ceremony

By Holly Baldacci
March 13, 2013

Last night, Huntley High School welcomed the newest members of the National Honor Society in its annual candlelight ceremony. The 97 new members were inducted...

Choreographing expression

Choreographing expression

By Holly Baldacci
February 27, 2013

As junior Amanda Hopkins sits in the greenroom surrounded by her friends, she’s not nervous at all. In a matter of seconds, she’ll be silhouetted against...

HHS hosts iLead seminar

HHS hosts iLead seminar

By Holly Baldacci
February 10, 2013

Yesterday, Huntley High School hosted an iLead (“Illinois Leadership Enhancement and Development”) seminar to foster leadership abilities and critical...

Teens for Jeans comes to HHS

Teens for Jeans comes to HHS

By Holly Baldacci
January 10, 2013

This week, Huntley High School students may have noticed the brightly colored, festively decorated boxes scattered in multiple classrooms around the school....

NHS changes date of induction ceremony

NHS changes date of induction ceremony

By Holly Baldacci
January 10, 2013

The date has been changed for Huntley High School’s National Honor Society’s induction ceremony, which was originally slated for Jan. 15. “Because...

Senior Katlyn Leubke is a coach at Flight Club Power Tumbling and Trampoline (M. Krebs).

Taking flight

By Holly Baldacci
December 18, 2012
When senior Katlyn Leubke walks into the bright, white, airy gym of Flight Club Power Tumbling & Trampoline, her favorite sound to hear is the clear ringing of a loud, cheery bell.
Student Council hosts blood drive and plans future events

Student Council hosts blood drive and plans future events

By Holly Baldacci
December 13, 2012
Today, Huntley High School’s Student Council allied with Heartland Blood Center for the first blood drive of the 2012-2013 school year. Many students participated in the event, which was held across from the PAC from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
National Honor Society announces new members

National Honor Society announces new members

By Holly Baldacci
December 4, 2012
Today, Huntley High School’s National Honor Society announced its newest members. Ninety to 100 hundred juniors and seniors who displayed leadership and had GPAs above 3.5 were selected to join the 66 existing members.
Krafting with Kris

Krafting with Kris

By Holly Baldacci
November 16, 2012

When hazy, humid summers roll in, a peaceful atmosphere falls over McHenry County. School is out, kids spend their days running through sprinklers and...

Huntleys Christian club makes plans for the year

Huntley’s Christian club makes plans for the year

By Holly Baldacci
November 5, 2012
Recently Huntley High School’s Christian Club has resumed meetings for the 2012-2013 school year. The club, which has been known in the past as C.H.I.L.L. and J.O.Y., is supervised by Jim McGee.
Psychology Club members Shannon Sutkus and Jason Trovella high-five while wearing inversion goggles (H. Baldacci).

AP Psychology students flip their worlds upside down

By Holly Baldacci
October 21, 2012

Recently, AP Psychology teacher Shannon Phillips offered her students an extra credit opportunity after school. Students could come in after class on...

A passion for music

A passion for music

By Holly Baldacci
October 17, 2012
Like most people, senior Shaquon Howard gets stage fright. He is nervous as he takes to the stage with Project Two, a Huntley High School singing group.
The courtyard currently stands empty throughout the school day (H. Baldacci).

Huntley students petition for change

By Holly Baldacci
September 13, 2012
Sophomore Parth Patel gazes out the window of Julie Swartzloff’s second hour Spanish class. The windows face the courtyard, which stands silent and empty.
Hair donation through organizations like Locks of Love is one of many ways to serve your community (H. Baldacci).

Community service alternatives

By Holly Baldacci
April 30, 2012
Walking through the halls, I bet you’ve seen them. Even if you don’t know it, they’re probably there. Girls (and guys) who’ve changed their whole appearance in a matter of minutes. Maybe they’re reaching up to pin their hair into a ponytail, forgetting that it’s not there anymore because they’ve donated it to an organization like Locks of Love.
Huntley Police offer reward for information on criminal activity

Huntley Police offer reward for information on criminal activity

By Holly Baldacci
April 4, 2012
Students may have recently seen posters around the school advertising a $100 reward from the Huntley Police Department for information about criminal activity lately in the Heritage and Wing Pointe subdivisions of Huntley.
Psychology Club makes preparations for Minds in Motion 5K

Psychology Club makes preparations for Minds in Motion 5K

By Holly Baldacci
March 20, 2012
This week, the Huntley High School Psychology Club has been preparing for their upcoming Minds in Motion 5K Walk/Run. The 5K will take place on Sunday, May 20 at 9:00 in the morning.
Spanish teacher Laura Shallcrosss poster is based on the theme of Youre Connected... Now Communicate! (H. Baldacci).

National Foreign Language Week comes to HHS

By Holly Baldacci
March 6, 2012
Next week, Huntley High School will be joining schools around the nation to celebrate National Foreign Language Week 2012. The week, which has been celebrated annually since 1957, will take place from March 5to March 11.
Sophomore Katie Zornow chats with staff sergeant Nancy Alonso-Lorenzo through the Hugs for Soliders program (H. Baldacci).

Letters to a solider

By Holly Baldacci
March 2, 2012

Sophomore Katie Zornow returns home after a long day at school. She sighs and places her heavy, homework-filled backpack on the floor. Her back is...

Laura Jenkinss fourth hour TenMarks class works on their math remediation (H. Baldacci).

HHS implements new TenMarks program

By Holly Baldacci
February 10, 2012
Huntley High School has recently launched a new program for juniors called TenMarks. TenMarks is being used as an ACT remediation program, but is technically math remediation.
Living through language

Living through language

By Holly Baldacci
February 3, 2012
Sophomore Esha Munshi wakes from a muddled dream. Words and memories swirl around her head, fragments just out of her reach. Munshi’s dream, however, differs from the average American teenager’s. She dreams in a mixture of four different languages.
Goodwill Opens New Location on Kreutzer Road

Goodwill Opens New Location on Kreutzer Road

By Holly Baldacci
October 21, 2011
The new center is set to open Oct. 12 near the intersection of Kreutzer Road and Route 47.
HHS Welcomes New Model UN Club

HHS Welcomes New Model UN Club

By Holly Baldacci
October 18, 2011
Freshman Parth Patel has founded the first Model UN Club at HHS with Anne Sharkey as the club supervisor.
Construction Affects Businesses on Route 47

Construction Affects Businesses on Route 47

By Holly Baldacci
October 13, 2011
Recent construction has caused many problems for businesses, but business owners are focusing on the positives, like the recent "Construction Crawl" on October 7.
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