The student news site of West Chicago Community High School

Wildcat Chronicle
The student news site of West Chicago Community High School

Wildcat Chronicle
The student news site of West Chicago Community High School

Wildcat Chronicle
Melanie Ballines

Melanie Ballines, Reporter

Melanie Ballines strives to go to college and become a vet tech once she completes her last semester as a senior. COVID put up a new challenge for her during the freshman year of high school, but her cat, Dante, was there right with her on the journey.

Since first grade, Melanie has been rocking it out with the violin, taking classes in and out of school in programs like CODA. Some would consider her “Goddess of Organization”, but only if you catch her in a good mood!

All content by Melanie Ballines
Gracie Thibault has been modeling since she was a young child; now, the high school junior has her sights set on modeling abroad. (Photo courtesy of Gracie Thibault)

Humans of WEGO: model behavior

By Melanie Ballines, Reporter
September 4, 2024
Those narrow eyes can be hard to resist, but choosing the right name is much more difficult.

[Photo] Top 5 cat names

April 18, 2024
Those narrow eyes can be hard to resist, but choosing the right name is much more difficult.

[Photo] Top 5 cat names

By Yace Morejon, Reporter
April 18, 2024
The Wiant House is a historic building in West Chicago; renovating the building for the bakeshop took over a year.

West Chicago’s newest bake shop hits all the right “notes”

By Melanie Ballines, Reporter
April 3, 2024
Cocoa Notes 14 - March 2024 - Melanie Ballines

Cocoa Notes 13 - March 2024 - Melanie Ballines

Cocoa Notes 11 - March 2024 - Melanie Ballines

Cocoa Notes 5 - March 2024 - Melanie Ballines

During the soft opening in mid-February, customers were invited to sign a guest book (i.e. frame), which is now on display near the creamers and milk.

Someone at Cocoa Notes clearly likes cats - they can be found on the wallpaper and in artwork scattered around the building.

The interior features various cat wallpapers and paintings, and brightly-colored furniture.

One of the many featured items at Cocoa Notes Bakeshop, which also provides catering.

A look at behind the counter at Cocoa Notes Bakeshop, downtown West Chicago's newest addition.

[Photo] Cocoa Notes Bakeshop opens in downtown West Chicago

April 1, 2024
Sophomore Valeria Ballines tries some of the pastries available at Cocoa Notes Bakeshop in March 2024.

Another look at the interior of the bakery, which offers plenty of seating. The owners, Matt and Neha Myers, want the place to become a hub for students and community members.

The packaging gives off nostalgic vibes, particularly taking into account the old-school font.

Sour Skittles really do offer a rainbow of flavor

By Shee Nay Paw, Melanie Ballines, and Adam Mackovic
February 27, 2024
Scholastic Bowl makes heavy use of buzzers in order for contestants to claim questions. If a competitor fails to give the correct answer, then the opposing team has the opportunity to "steal" the chance to earn the point.

WEGO’s Scholastic Bowl team makes competition look trivial

By Ryley Salazar, Dania Cureno, Melanie Ballines, and Ja'Nyah Villa
February 3, 2024
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The student news site of West Chicago Community High School
Melanie Ballines