Students in Mrs. Sydney Batty’s 6th-hour Molecular and Structural Biology class dissected lamb kidneys on Feb. 19 as part of their unit on the urinary system. The hands-on lab allowed students to explore kidney structures up close, reinforcing concepts studied in class. “In Biology,” Batty said,...

With the American Red Cross facing a critical blood shortage due to severe winter weather and the California wildfires, Student Council and Red Cross club are partnering to host a blood drive on Friday, Feb. 21. The drive, held in the school’s multipurpose room from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., aims to surpass...

President Donald Trump’s proposed elimination of the Department of Education—echoing Republican efforts that date back to when the department was established in 1979—raises questions about how federal funding would be redistributed, how student protections would be maintained and what responsibilities...

Community’s annual Stay Another Day night highlights the growing impact of alum Mackenzie Nelson’s mental health movement, showing how a personal mantra has become a nationwide call for awareness and support.  

“Grease,” “Ferris Bueller's Day Off,” “Superbad,” “Booksmart,” “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” Senior year has served as a legendary backdrop for some of the most iconic coming-of-age films of all time. Chances are that long before we ever entered high school hallways, we...

The Theatre department is bringing a modernized version of “Little Women” to the Kevin Yale Vernon Auditorium stage in February, offering audiences a fresh take on the beloved classic.  While Kate Hamill’s 2019 stage adaptation remains faithful to the novel, Community theatre director Ms. Cassie...

The Mock Trial team opened its season with a 7th-place finish at the Wheeling Wildcat Warm-Up Tournament on Jan. 25. The Ironmen earned a trophy in its first appearance at the event, finishing among the top-eight teams from the field of 20 competitors. Mr. Ricky King, one of the team’s coaches,...

Community is without one of its two full-time nurses after Mrs. Tamara Ahrens transferred to Oakdale Elementary School on Monday, Jan. 13. Mrs. Jessica Murphy, Community’s other full-time nurse, will work with a Unit 5 float nurse or substitutes filling in until a replacement is found. The staffing...

While the Iron girls basketball team delivered a commanding Senior Night performance, defeating the Champaign Centennial Chargers 59-11 on Jan. 14, Armoni Connor's standout moment came before the contest even tipped off. Connor performed the national anthem for the third consecutive Senior Night,...

Mr. Jason Salrin was named Assistant Principal for the 2025-26 school year during the Jan. 15 Unit 5 School Board meeting. Salrin will replace Mr. Jeffrey Barnard, who announced his resignation in an email to staff on Nov. 7. Salrin, an 2017 Illinois State University graduate, is in his seventh year...

The Normal Marching Band will debut on the international stage during the London New Year’s Day Parade, capping a season of milestones. Since its formation as a co-op in 2018, the band has develiped into a state powerhouse, earning three consecutive 6A Illinois State Championships. Now, the band...

Community High School’s FFA Chapter earned multiple accolades at the organization’s 97th annual National Convention & Expo held Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis. Four Community FFA alumni—Class of 2022 graduates Juliana Bernardi and Amelia Rodriguez and the Class of 2023’s Evan Kraft and...

Over 50 students registered to vote in the upcoming Nov. 4 presidential election during a voter registration drive at Normal Community High School on Oct. 4. The event, organized by social studies teacher Ms. LaTisha Baker, marked the highest number of students registered since Baker began overseeing...

Community's inaugural "Compassion in Action" event, a week-long philanthropic competition between the four classes, began Oct. 20. The initiative, which combines school spirit with charitable giving and is spearheaded by Junior Class Board sponsor Mrs. Karrin Hawkins, runs Oct. 20-25, with each grade...

This year's fall production of “Peter and the Starcatcher” marks the first show under newly appointed director Ms. Cassie Adelman. Ahead of Friday's 7 p.m. final performance, Adelman reflected on the personal and professional journey that led her here. Adelman steps into the role previously...