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To donate blood students must be at least 16 with parental permission and 110 lbs. Licensed Image: Envato
Student Council, Red Cross club to host blood drive amid critical need
In September 2024, while campaigning for re-election, Donald Trump made a “pledge to close the Department of Education in Washington, D.C.” In early February of 2025, the Trump administration renewed that pledge. Image Courtesy: Department of Education // www.ed.gov
What happens if the Department of Education is eliminated? Local school leaders weigh in
Mental health in athletics is no longer a silent struggle. At Community’s annual Stay Another Day night, athletes took the floor not just for competition but for a cause—supporting alum Mackenzie Nelson’s growing movement.
Stay Another Day night: How a Community alum’s message is changing the conversation on mental health [video]
In the time that Mrs. Jennifer Kelly has overseen "Reverie," Community's yearbook, it has not featured senior quotes. A senior quote is a short phrase, saying or personal message that high school seniors submit to be printed alongside their yearbook photo. It’s typically a way for students to express their personality, humor or reflect on their high school experience.
Senior quotes introduced to ‘Reverie’ yearbook
The cast of "Little Women" rehearse for next month's show.
Theatre department brings ‘Little Women’ to the stage with creative vision
Mock Trial medaled at their first in-person competition of the year, taking seventh from the competitive 20 team field. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Ricky King
Mock Trial claims 7th place at Wheeling Warm-Up tournament
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year
The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year
Promotional Image Courtesy of: Studio Ghibli
Top 5 Studio Ghibli films
Image Courtesy of: Netflix Promotional Materials
Tyson vs. Paul: Community weighs in on boxing’s generational showdown [video]
Tyler, the Creator served as "Chromakopia's" producer, writer and arranger. Among some of the features on the album's 14 tracks are Daniel Caesar, Teezo Touchdown, Lil Wayne and Santigold. Album Art Courtesy of: Columbia Records
Tyler, the Creator’s ‘Chromakopia’ delivers bold introspection, evolution
‘Alien: Romulus’ returns to franchise roots [review]
‘Alien: Romulus’ returns to franchise roots [review]
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
Promotional Image Courtesy of: Studio Ghibli
Top 5 Studio Ghibli films
‘Alien: Romulus’ returns to franchise roots [review]
‘Alien: Romulus’ returns to franchise roots [review]
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
1988's "Die Hard" follows New York City police officer John McClane as he tries to save his estranged wife and several others after they are taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. Film Still // 20th Century Fox
Yippee-Ki-Holiday: The enduring legacy of ‘Die Hard,’ a Christmas classic
Promotional Image // Netflix
‘Fear Street’ trilogy on the cutting-edge of slasher tropes
Tyler, the Creator served as "Chromakopia's" producer, writer and arranger. Among some of the features on the album's 14 tracks are Daniel Caesar, Teezo Touchdown, Lil Wayne and Santigold. Album Art Courtesy of: Columbia Records
Tyler, the Creator’s ‘Chromakopia’ delivers bold introspection, evolution
"Writing music and inspiring people is my passion, it's what I love to do," Benson Boone said in October 2023. Two years ago, the TikTok star turned 'American Idol' drop out wasn't so sure. Photo Courtesy: WB Music
Benson Boone: ‘American Idol’ exit to excellent EP ‘PULSE’ [review]
From guilty pleasures to surprising obsessions, our team looks at their top song of the year, peeling back the curtain on why their most-listened-to artists and songs racked up so many plays. Screen Capture // NCHSinkspot Spotify
Behind the beats: The Inkspot staff’s 2023 Spotify Wrapped reveal
Image Courtesy of: Spotify // Spotify Press Release
On the Spot: Unwrapped – Students, staff share their top Spotify streams of 2023
Analog audiophiles’ playlist picks [Spotify Playlists]
Analog audiophiles’ playlist picks [Spotify Playlists]
No mixed emotions: 20 picks for the perfect love song playlist
No mixed emotions: 20 picks for the perfect love song playlist
Image Courtesy of: Netflix Promotional Materials
Tyson vs. Paul: Community weighs in on boxing’s generational showdown [video]
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
Promotional Image // Netflix
‘Fear Street’ trilogy on the cutting-edge of slasher tropes
Based on Japan's highest-selling manga series in history, "One Piece" is a legendary high-seas adventure unlike any other.
Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ live-action adaptation sets sail: A treasure for anime fans [review]
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year
The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year
Epic Games rewinds time with Season OG, reignites Fortnite fervor
Epic Games rewinds time with Season OG, reignites Fortnite fervor
Connections, the newest of New York Times' game offerings, is the best game you aren't playing, according to the Inkspot's B.J. Dumas. Screenshot // New York Times
Finding ‘Connections’: the best game you aren’t playing
Top 10 Super Mario power-ups
Top 10 Super Mario power-ups
10 Skyrim Secrets
10 Skyrim Secrets
Despite his historic run since returning as the Iron's girls basketball head coach, Feeney has few hurdles he'd like to clear-defeat perrenial private-school powerhouse Peoria Notre Dame, clincha Big 12 Conference championship and take home a Sectional title. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
More than a game: Feeney’s legacy is in the moments, not just the wins
Community's competitive cheer team heads to the IHSA State competition for the first time under head coach Ms. Heather Gotschall on Friday, Feb. 7. Image Courtesy of: IHSA
Cheer punches ticket to State for first time since 2019
Unblemished: Ironmen wrestling caps historic 20-0 season; Individuals chasing more milestones
Unblemished: Ironmen wrestling caps historic 20-0 season; Individuals chasing more milestones
Community isn't as strong in the relays as seasons past but boast three strong legs with the Pyle brothers and Sam Grojean. Coach Budak is looking to the improving times of the sophomore class to round of the Iron's relays. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Swim takes 2nd at Intercity, Iron eye postseason push
Ironmen win Big 12 Conference for 3rd consecutive year
Ironmen win Big 12 Conference for 3rd consecutive year
Girls basketball dominates Lincoln-Way West Warriors 
Girls basketball dominates Lincoln-Way West Warriors 
Headlined by senior Cassius Sharp and a strong junior core, the boys soccer team had its deepest playoff run since the 2018 season. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen soccer season ends in Sectional Finals
Coach Drengwitz on the loss to Mt. Carmel, 2024 season [video]
Coach Drengwitz on the loss to Mt. Carmel, 2024 season [video]
AJ Montoya, in addition to his defensive play, served as a goal line back for Community, rushing for 77 yards on the season and scoring four touchdowns. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Taylor, Montoya earn football All-State, Big 12 honors
Mt. Carmel enters Saturday's Quarterfinals contest with an 8-3 record, something that Ironmen coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz thinks speaks to how battle-tested the Caravan are.
Ironmen brace for toughest test yet in Round Three showdown against Mt. Carmel Caravan
IHSA 7A Football Playoffs Quarterfinals: Ironmen head coach on facing the Mt. Carmel Caravan [video]
IHSA 7A Football Playoffs Quarterfinals: Ironmen head coach on facing the Mt. Carmel Caravan [video]
Photo Courtesy of: @Tdotproduction // Instagram
Iron volleyball’s season ends in Sectional Semifinal loss to Wildcats as seniors leave legacy of camaraderie
Despite his historic run since returning as the Iron's girls basketball head coach, Feeney has few hurdles he'd like to clear-defeat perrenial private-school powerhouse Peoria Notre Dame, clincha Big 12 Conference championship and take home a Sectional title. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
More than a game: Feeney’s legacy is in the moments, not just the wins
Community's competitive cheer team heads to the IHSA State competition for the first time under head coach Ms. Heather Gotschall on Friday, Feb. 7. Image Courtesy of: IHSA
Cheer punches ticket to State for first time since 2019
Unblemished: Ironmen wrestling caps historic 20-0 season; Individuals chasing more milestones
Unblemished: Ironmen wrestling caps historic 20-0 season; Individuals chasing more milestones
Community isn't as strong in the relays as seasons past but boast three strong legs with the Pyle brothers and Sam Grojean. Coach Budak is looking to the improving times of the sophomore class to round of the Iron's relays. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Swim takes 2nd at Intercity, Iron eye postseason push
Ironmen win Big 12 Conference for 3rd consecutive year
Ironmen win Big 12 Conference for 3rd consecutive year
Girls basketball dominates Lincoln-Way West Warriors 
Girls basketball dominates Lincoln-Way West Warriors 
Jonah Roper has been a standout on a senior-heavy pitching rotation this season. The junior is second on the team in innings-pitched and strikeouts. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen look to set all-time season win record, go undefeated in Big 12
BN Lacrosse was outscored 147-56 in the regular season with opponents outshooting the co-op 391-225.
Bloomington Normal Boys Lacrosse ends regular season winless; Seek 1st win in sectional showdown
The girls track and field team are looking for a second sectional title after they clinched a third straight conference title last weekend. Last season at sectionals, the Iron sent 11 athletes on to the state meet. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Girls track & field clinches 3rd straight Big 12 Conference title, head to sectionals
Abigail Ziemer is looking for a fourth trip to state in the 1600-meter relay, winning the event in 2021 and 2023, and finishing third in 2022. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Girls track & field eye state podium return
Owen Cavanaugh had three hits and five RBIs in the Iron's last two contests. Cavanaugh is batting .300 on the season and has driven in 12.
Ironmen baseball restart win-streak, win two over Normal West Wildcats
Junior Jonah Roper has struckout 30 of the 55 batters he has faced this season. Roper has has allowed seven hits and two runs in 14 1/3 innings of worth this season.
Undefeated Iron baseball aims for 15th straight win
Lily Mavros’ voice has taken her to magical worlds, mythic battlefields and Broadway-inspired stages. Her passion for musical theater began with "The Secret Garden" and was reignited this summer when she performed in "The Six." Photo Courtesy of": Mr. Jeff Christopherson
From the fourth-grade talent show to center stage: Lily Mavros’ musical journey
Photo Courtesy of: Bodie Thompson
Skipping school for a rare bird? Meet the teen who’ll drop everything for a sighting
The Boy Wonder goes to college
The Boy Wonder goes to college
The Normal Marching Band went from "seed to bloom" in their 2024 show, performing a song list of: "Flower Duet" by Léo Delibes, "Singing in the Rain" by Nacio Herb Brown, "Country Gardens" by Perry Grainger, "A Road, A Path" by Roy Magunson, "Kingfishers Catch Fire" by John Mackey and "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.
Seed to bloom
Swanson approached the Inkspot at the end of the 2022-23 school year asking if the program would be interested in reviving the livestreams the journalism students began prior to COVID. The science teacher has been instrumental in mentoring the Inkspot staffers in color commentary and play-by-play.
Evolution of a Voice: Mr. Joel Swanson’s journey to courtside commentator
The perfect Mother’s Day gift: Insights from Community’s staff moms
The perfect Mother’s Day gift: Insights from Community’s staff moms
Lily Mavros’ voice has taken her to magical worlds, mythic battlefields and Broadway-inspired stages. Her passion for musical theater began with "The Secret Garden" and was reignited this summer when she performed in "The Six." Photo Courtesy of": Mr. Jeff Christopherson
From the fourth-grade talent show to center stage: Lily Mavros’ musical journey
Photo Courtesy of: Bodie Thompson
Skipping school for a rare bird? Meet the teen who’ll drop everything for a sighting
The Boy Wonder goes to college
The Boy Wonder goes to college
The Normal Marching Band went from "seed to bloom" in their 2024 show, performing a song list of: "Flower Duet" by Léo Delibes, "Singing in the Rain" by Nacio Herb Brown, "Country Gardens" by Perry Grainger, "A Road, A Path" by Roy Magunson, "Kingfishers Catch Fire" by John Mackey and "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.
Seed to bloom
Swanson approached the Inkspot at the end of the 2022-23 school year asking if the program would be interested in reviving the livestreams the journalism students began prior to COVID. The science teacher has been instrumental in mentoring the Inkspot staffers in color commentary and play-by-play.
Evolution of a Voice: Mr. Joel Swanson’s journey to courtside commentator
The perfect Mother’s Day gift: Insights from Community’s staff moms
The perfect Mother’s Day gift: Insights from Community’s staff moms
Inkspot Madness contest
Inkspot Madness contest
Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]
Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]
Average Jonah? [quiz]
Average Jonah? [quiz]
The Inkspot's Cutest Canine Contest
The Inkspot’s Cutest Canine Contest
Prom dinner choice trivia
Prom dinner choice trivia
Quiz: Test your prom dress knowledge
Quiz: Test your prom dress knowledge
Connections: May 25
Connections: May 25
Connections: May 24
Connections: May 24
Connections: May 23
Connections: May 23
Connections: May 22
Connections: May 22
Connections: May 21
Connections: May 21
Connections: May 20
Connections: May 20
The top 5 hottest presidents
The top 5 hottest presidents
Top 5: Iconic Snoop Dogg albums
Top 5: Iconic Snoop Dogg albums
Top 5 must-have expansion packs for ‘The Sims 4’ Fans: From family drama to island escapes
Top 5 must-have expansion packs for ‘The Sims 4’ Fans: From family drama to island escapes
Promotional Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Discovery
Top 5: Most mind-bending ‘Rick and Morty’ episodes
Top 5: Godzilla films
Top 5: Godzilla films
Mascot Madness: Round one
Mascot Madness: Round one
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Going to the mat for pro wrestling
Head 2 Head: Wrigley Field vs. Busch Stadium
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
Head 2 Head: Meatheads vs. SmashBurger
Head 2 Head: Meatheads vs. SmashBurger
[Photos courtesy of Disney & Studio Ghibli]
Head 2 Head: Studio Ghibli vs Disney
Head 2 Head: Cherry Berry vs. Chill Out
Head 2 Head: Cherry Berry vs. Chill Out
Top 5: Iconic Snoop Dogg albums
Top 5: Iconic Snoop Dogg albums
Top 5 must-have expansion packs for ‘The Sims 4’ Fans: From family drama to island escapes
Top 5 must-have expansion packs for ‘The Sims 4’ Fans: From family drama to island escapes
Promotional Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Discovery
Top 5: Most mind-bending ‘Rick and Morty’ episodes
Top 5: Godzilla films
Top 5: Godzilla films
Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Fast food fails
Photo Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Iconic teen films
Lily Mavros’ voice has taken her to magical worlds, mythic battlefields and Broadway-inspired stages. Her passion for musical theater began with "The Secret Garden" and was reignited this summer when she performed in "The Six." Photo Courtesy of": Mr. Jeff Christopherson
From the fourth-grade talent show to center stage: Lily Mavros’ musical journey
Mental health in athletics is no longer a silent struggle. At Community’s annual Stay Another Day night, athletes took the floor not just for competition but for a cause—supporting alum Mackenzie Nelson’s growing movement.
Stay Another Day night: How a Community alum’s message is changing the conversation on mental health [video]
Ironmen in the hunt: Coach Feeney talks Big 12 Title race ahead of PND matchup [video]
Ironmen in the hunt: Coach Feeney talks Big 12 Title race ahead of PND matchup [video]
Senior Armoni Conner performed the national anthem for the third straight Ironmen girls basketball Senior Night game.
Armoni Connor shines on senior night with anthem performance [video]
Breaking down Ironmen boys basketball’s Intercity Championship by the numbers
Breaking down Ironmen boys basketball’s Intercity Championship by the numbers
Coach Drengwitz on the loss to Mt. Carmel, 2024 season [video]
Coach Drengwitz on the loss to Mt. Carmel, 2024 season [video]
Lily Mavros’ voice has taken her to magical worlds, mythic battlefields and Broadway-inspired stages. Her passion for musical theater began with "The Secret Garden" and was reignited this summer when she performed in "The Six." Photo Courtesy of": Mr. Jeff Christopherson
From the fourth-grade talent show to center stage: Lily Mavros’ musical journey
The Up-Beat – S.2, Ep. 1 – Orchards; Tyler, the Creator; Mr. Bovenkerk cries and the Impact Project
The Up-Beat – S.2, Ep. 1 – Orchards; Tyler, the Creator; Mr. Bovenkerk cries and the Impact Project
The Up-Beat – Ep. 5 – Daylight Saving time, Gordon Ramsay, snacks and Studio Ghibli
The Up-Beat – Ep. 5 – Daylight Saving time, Gordon Ramsay, snacks and Studio Ghibli
Inside the Paint is a roundtable discussion where the Inkspot's basketball beat reporters dive deep into the Ironmen boys and girls basketball seasons. Zachary Knox-Doyle, B.J. Dumas, Bella Green and Ben Kerber offer a courtside pass to all things Ironmen basketball, breaking down the season so far. Digital Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Inside the Paint: Talking March Madness, post-season Ironmen basketball
The Up-Beat – Ep. 4 – Incense, school records, Speedos and ophthalmology
The Up-Beat – Ep. 4 – Incense, school records, Speedos and ophthalmology
The Up-Beat – Ep. 3 – GAMES! from video, the NBA All-Star Game, Red Racoon to Ironmen girls bball
The Up-Beat – Ep. 3 – GAMES! from video, the NBA All-Star Game, Red Racoon to Ironmen girls bball
Mental health in athletics is no longer a silent struggle. At Community’s annual Stay Another Day night, athletes took the floor not just for competition but for a cause—supporting alum Mackenzie Nelson’s growing movement.
Stay Another Day night: How a Community alum’s message is changing the conversation on mental health [video]
Ironmen in the hunt: Coach Feeney talks Big 12 Title race ahead of PND matchup [video]
Ironmen in the hunt: Coach Feeney talks Big 12 Title race ahead of PND matchup [video]
Senior Armoni Conner performed the national anthem for the third straight Ironmen girls basketball Senior Night game.
Armoni Connor shines on senior night with anthem performance [video]
Coach Drengwitz on the loss to Mt. Carmel, 2024 season [video]
Coach Drengwitz on the loss to Mt. Carmel, 2024 season [video]
Inside the Huddle with Ironmen girls basketball [video]
Inside the Huddle with Ironmen girls basketball [video]
Image Courtesy of: Netflix Promotional Materials
Tyson vs. Paul: Community weighs in on boxing’s generational showdown [video]
Image Courtesy of: Netflix Promotional Materials
Tyson vs. Paul: Community weighs in on boxing’s generational showdown [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Halloween [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Halloween [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Fall favorites [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Fall favorites [video]
On the Spot – Teachers tested on 2023’s hottest words [video]
On the Spot – Teachers tested on 2023’s hottest words [video]
Image Courtesy of: Spotify // Spotify Press Release
On the Spot: Unwrapped – Students, staff share their top Spotify streams of 2023
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
On the Spot: This or That Thanksgiving
February 2023
February 2023
December 2022
December 2022
Spring 2022
Spring 2022
February 2022
February 2022
January 2019 Inkspot Print Edition_Page_01
January 2019
March 2018
March 2018
Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot
Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot
Aaron Knoll

Aaron Knoll, Staff Reporter

Aaron Knoll is a senior at Normal Community High School. This is Aaron’s first year working with the Inkspot as a staff reporter. The farthest I’ve been from home is Berlin, Germany. On the weekend I hangout with friends and play guitar.

All content by Aaron Knoll

Lacking variety

Aaron Knoll, Staff Reporter • May 22, 2018

Ari Leff, also known as Lauv, has created a unique fusion of electronic and pop music. With the release of “I Like Me Better” in May of 2017, Lauv’s uncommon synthesis of genres has taken the pop charts by storm. Ari Leff has been releasing pop and EDM music under the artist name Lauv since...

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Review: Liking "I Like Me Better"

Review: Liking “I Like Me Better”

Aaron Knoll and Katie Fata • May 22, 2018

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Pharmaceutical companies, police unions, and private prisons all have something to lose from the legalization of marijuana. These organizations lobby against legalized marijuana legislation in the interest of profit, undermining our democracy.

Editorial Cartoon: Grim reality

Aaron Knoll, Staff Reporter • May 22, 2018

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Spot the Difference: Student walkout

Spot the Difference: Student walkout

Can you spot the 14 differences between these two photos?
Aaron Knoll, Staff Reporter • Apr 17, 2018

  Check the answers here.

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Spot the Difference: Student walkout key

Aaron Knoll, Staff Reporter • Apr 17, 2018

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Q&A: Tuxes or suits - Ironing out the details

Q&A: Tuxes or suits – Ironing out the details

Aaron Knoll, Staff Reporter • Apr 9, 2018

Prom is rapidly approaching,  your date has had her dresses for months and you still have no clue what you are wearing. The Inkspot is here to help you iron out your choice. 

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Seven Green Room essentials: A look at the Green Room

Seven Green Room essentials: A look at the Green Room

NCHS is home to many classrooms that students may not have the opportunity to step into during their four years here. The Green Room is just one.
Aaron Knoll, Staff Reporter • Feb 12, 2018

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