Twenty-eight Community students earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs for “their strong academic performance” during the 2022-2023 school year.

The current juniors and seniors received the organization’s National Rural and Small Town Award, an honor bestowed on students living in a rural area who boasted a 3.5-minimum GPA while also scoring among the top 10% of PSAT test-takers or earning a score of 3 or higher on two AP Exams.

The honor, Principal Dr. Adam Zbrozek said, places the students on “a very high playing field,” making them standout candidates “for colleges of their first choice.”

Award Winners

The juniors won the annual Powderpuff tournament Monday, as a team led by Rayna Powers and Camry Fisher, outscored their senior opponents 2-1 in the contest’s final round.

The junior’s winning roster, rounded out by Anushi Kiribamune, McKenna Baughman, Nikitha Philip, Sristi Ganta, Haley Baughman, and Snighda Talasu, went 4-0 on their way to the championship.

Mrs. Jayne Runyon, the event’s emcee for the last decade, described the game as “a great experience. . . a good way to kick off homecoming.”

Student Council and American Red Cross Club partnered to raise money for Hawaii’s wildfire relief, selling leis and sunglasses during lunch hours this week.

Last month’s wildfires, according to the New York Times, caused an estimated $5.5 billion in damage and left thousands homeless.

Donations to the American Red Cross help support the organization’s work to provide meals, temporary housing and mental health service to those impacted by the fires.

The clubs raised $246 to support the Red Cross’s efforts as of Sept. 21, according to Student Council Sponsor Mrs. Jennifer Cole.

The sunglasses and leis “give everyone the opportunity to participate and show off [their] spirit” at Friday night’s Hawaiian-themed homecoming game, Cole said.

“Homecoming is a time where everybody at school should be able to feel part of our Normal community,” Cole said, “and have Ironman pride.”

The Freshman Class won the inaugural Homecoming hallway decorating contest.

Sponsored by the Freshman Class Board, students voted for the best decorated hallway at the cost of $1 a vote.

Proceeds from the contest go to the winning grade’s class’ board.

These funds support each class throughout students time in high school, helping put on events like homecoming, prom and fund each year’s senior class gift.

The College & Career Center will host McKendree University and University of Dayton Tuesday, Sept. 26 and Illinois College on Thursday. Sept. 28.

Each week, the CCC coordinates visits from college representatives to aid Community students in their college search, presenting on topics like application process, academic and major-offerings, and campus life.

Seniors can sign up to attend the visits through Schoolinks.