Making our mark in any medium... the official student news of Normal Community High School

Inkspot

Making our mark in any medium... the official student news of Normal Community High School

Inkspot

Making our mark in any medium... the official student news of Normal Community High School

Inkspot

Abby Ruebush

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief

Abby Ruebush is a senior at Normal Community High School and serves as president of Student Council and the Community Best Buddies chapter. This is her third year working with the Inkspot, where she is Editor-in-Chief. 

I like dance, ice cream and thoughtful conversation.

A slogan to live by is that every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.

All content by Abby Ruebush
Tell me how to get to Sesame Street

Tell me how to get to Sesame Street

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Sep 18, 2023

There’s an alternate universe where Community alum Paul Rudolph still spends his days surrounded by high school music students.  A universe where Rudolph (’84) conducts a classroom in Central Illinois,...

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New Faces of Normal

New Faces of Normal

A Q & A with 2023's new instructional, administrative and support staff members

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While Raksha Bandhan traditionally honors literal sisters and brothers, event participators tied rakhi around each others wrists as a more symbolic gesture of brotherhood and unity.

Raksha Bandhan celebration ties community together

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Sep 4, 2023

Ekal Helping Hands, the youth service branch of Bloomington’s Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation chapter, is focused on making a difference in the community. It brought that mission to Community in observation...

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At the 2023 Speech banquet, Ms. Jackie Zeman sat surrounded by the teams graduating seniors and the incoming head coach.
Photo Courtesy of:

Mic Drop!

Speech coach Ms. Jackie Zeman steps down
Abby Ruebush and Anna Dunne Aug 17, 2023

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Inkspill – ‘Community at Normal Community’ – Mr. Brad Bovenkerk [Ep. 8]

Inkspill – ‘Community at Normal Community’ – Mr. Brad Bovenkerk [Ep. 8]

Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai May 22, 2023

Welcome to “Inkspill,” a podcast where hosts Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai take turns inviting Community’s staff to “spill” on all things NCHS. In less time than it takes to finish a cup of tea,...

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Three children stand amid garbage at the Kutupaong refugee camp in Bangladesh.

A State of Crisis

Across two continents, students work to educate Rohingya children, refugees forced to flee their homes in Myanmar
Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief May 18, 2023

Three. Three children pictured amid a garbage-strewn field, wading in mud past their knees. Their hair, their skin, their clothes are covered in it. The picture, taken at a Bangladesh refugee camp...

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A reproduction of “Water Lilies” by French Impressionist Claude Monet, one of Gollapudi’s inspirations

A Portrait of Isha Gollapudi: Artist

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief May 18, 2023

The passage of time marked with penciled lines on the wall. Lines, drawn above children’s heads, climbing higher and higher with each passing year, with each growth spurt. Lines traced with a parent’s...

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After piloting select exams digitally, the College Board is moving to all-digital testing by 2024. The digital exams, students said are easier to take, educators believe are Easier to administer.

Digital exams bring student-friendly changes to test experience

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief May 15, 2023

Community students from three Advanced Placement courses—English Literature, English Language and Computer Science Principles—took their AP exams digitally for the first time this May. The College...

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Why Bruha doesn’t break

Why Bruha doesn’t break

Calling a spade a spade in the game of kings
Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief May 10, 2023

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Inkspill – ‘A Unicorn in the Classroom’: Navigating ‘double minority’ status – Mr. Chris Belt [Ep. 7]

Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai May 3, 2023

Welcome to the seventh episode of “Inkspill,” a podcast where hosts Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai take turns inviting Community’s staff to “spill” on all things NCHS. In less time than it takes...

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Ali Ince lead the field during the first lap of the 800 meter race at the Arcadia Invite with a split of 1:00.396. 
MacKenzie Browne ultimately would edge Ince out for first-place at the elite high school meet.

Ali Ince reaches half-mile milestone in Arcadia

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Apr 20, 2023

Ali Ince bested her personal record in the 800 meter at the Arcadia Invite on Apr. 8, shaving .81 seconds off of her previous PR.  The meet is one of the nation’s most competitive high school track...

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Inkspill – ‘A Special Recipe: Cultivating Growth’ – Ms. Erin Sanders [Ep. 6]

Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai Mar 21, 2023

Welcome to the sixth episode of “Inkspill,” a podcast where hosts Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai take turns inviting Community’s staff to “spill” on all things NCHS. In less time than it takes to...

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Inkspill – ‘Uno Reverse Card: No Singular Story’ – Mr. Ricky King [Ep.5]

Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai Feb 23, 2023

Mr. Ricky King, 2023 Bilingual Teacher of the Year recipient, spills on the ESL Department at Community.

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At the Hindu Temple of Bloomington-Normal, more than sixty people participated in the final day of this years Yogathon.

Yoga rekindles heart-healthy practices, spreads cultural awareness

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Feb 14, 2023

In 2020, 697,000 Americans died — not of COVID-19, but of heart disease. The leading cause of death in the U.S. every year for the last 70 years, heart disease remains an epidemic in itself. An...

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Sweet Spot: Volume Four

Sweet Spot: Volume Four

Crumbl Cookies’ Peppermint Cupcake cookie review
Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai Jan 5, 2023

The Sweet Spot puts desserts from eateries around town to the test, deciding whether they hit the spot or miss the mark. Two Inkspot staffers review each product based on taste, presentation and...

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Inkspill Episode 4 – ‘A Sense of Empowerment’: Mr. Patrick Lawler[podcast]

Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai Jan 4, 2023
Welcome to the fourth episode of “Inkspill,” a podcast where hosts Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai take turns inviting Community’s staff to “spill” on all things NCHS. In less time than it takes to finish a cup of tea, listen to our guests dish on piping hot topics. This episode, Mr. Patrick Lawler, 17-year Community social studies teacher and 2021 Bloomington City Council candidate, spills on the importance of political involvement among high schoolers.
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Senior Spotlight 1/2: Mason Burns

Senior Spotlight 1/2: Mason Burns

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Jan 2, 2023

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Beyond State

Beyond State

Marching band's 'Beyond the Sea' goes beyond trophies in historic season
Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Dec 18, 2022

The Normal Marching Band (NMB) saw its most successful season since Community’s and West’s programs combined five years ago. The competitive co-op band earned first in Class 6A and second overall at...

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Senior Spotlight 12/12: Makenzie Albert

Senior Spotlight 12/12: Makenzie Albert

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Dec 12, 2022

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Senior Spotlight 12/5: Hannah Pendleton

[Video] Senior Spotlight 12/5: Hannah Pendleton

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Dec 8, 2022

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Inkspill Episode 3 – ‘Not Much Financial Cents’: Ms. Tara Pendleton [podcast]

Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai Nov 29, 2022
Welcome to the third episode of “Inkspill,” a podcast where hosts Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai take turns inviting Community’s staff to “spill” on all things NCHS. In less time than it takes to finish a cup of tea, listen to our guests dish on piping hot topics. This episode, Ms. Tara Pendleton spills on the enrichment activities she sponsors, Community's Future Business Leaders of America chapter and the Freshman Mentoring Program, and their impacts on students.
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Senior Spotlight 11/28: Ellen Wang

Senior Spotlight 11/28: Ellen Wang

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Nov 28, 2022

 

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Senior Spotlight 11/14: Megan Baker

Senior Spotlight 11/14: Megan Baker

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Nov 14, 2022

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Senior Spotlight 11/7: Ruth Oliveros-Gallardo

Senior Spotlight 11/7: Ruth Oliveros-Gallardo

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Nov 14, 2022

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Senior Spotlight 10/31: Hailey Hasty

Senior Spotlight 10/31: Hailey Hasty

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Nov 4, 2022

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Senior Spotlight 10/24: Kaylee Rinkenberger

Senior Spotlight 10/24: Kaylee Rinkenberger

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Nov 1, 2022

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Sweet Spot: Volume Three

Sweet Spot: Volume Three

Insomnia Cookies’ Glampire Loaded Brownie review
Abby Ruebush and Dylan Wehmeyer Oct 26, 2022

Each week, the Sweet Spot puts desserts from eateries around town to the test, deciding whether they hit the spot or miss the mark. Two Inkspot staffers review each product based on taste, presentation...

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Abby: Hit the spot

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Oct 26, 2022

The scariest thing to happen to me so far this spooky season?  Opening an unassuming Insomnia Cookies box to find a dessert alarmingly shrouded with shiny sprinkles and bloodlike red velvet frosting:...

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Inkspill Episode 2 – ‘Pearls of Wisdom’: Mr. Mike Roller [podcast]

Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai Oct 24, 2022
Welcome to the second episode of “Inkspill,” a podcast where hosts Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai take turns inviting Community’s staff to “spill” on all things NCHS. In less time than it takes to finish a cup of tea, listen to our guests dish on piping hot topics. This episode Mr. Mike Roller spills on standardized testing.
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Senior Spotlight 10/17: Roselyn Hernandez

Senior Spotlight 10/17: Roselyn Hernandez

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Oct 24, 2022

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Senior Spotlight 10/10: Mary Degenhart

Senior Spotlight 10/10: Mary Degenhart

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Oct 17, 2022

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Inkspill Episode 1 – ‘LSD Every day’: Señora Mary Esther Baldwin [podcast]

Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai Oct 17, 2022
Welcome to “Inkspill,” a podcast where hosts Abby Ruebush and Avani Rai take turns inviting Community’s staff to “spill the tea” on all things NCHS. In less time than it takes to finish a cup of tea, listen to our guests dish on piping hot topics. This episode Señora Mary Esther Baldwin spills on how Community has changed over the years.
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Senior Spotlight 10/3: Maximo Lopez

Senior Spotlight 10/3: Maximo Lopez

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Oct 11, 2022

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Sweet Spot: Volume Two

Sweet Spot: Volume Two

Nothing Bundt Cakes' Pumpkin Spice Bundtlet review
Abby Ruebush and Mallory Thomison Oct 5, 2022

Each week, the Sweet Spot puts desserts from eateries around town to the test, deciding whether they hit the spot or miss the mark. Two Inkspot staffers review each product based on taste, presentation...

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Abby: Hit the spot

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Oct 5, 2022

From donuts to pie, cupcakes to ice cream, there’s no better way to get in the fall spirit than with a pumpkin-flavored dessert.  My expectations entering Nothing Bundt Cakes to sample their seasonal...

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Abby Ruebush recaps the highlights of Homecoming week 2022 in this special edition of Spot Shorts.

Homecoming News Briefs

Homecoming week recap
Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Oct 4, 2022

Friday’s Homecoming football game and Saturday’s dance wrapped up a week of festivities. Read how Community celebrated Homecoming 2022 below.   Virtual assembly kicks off Homecoming week  The...

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Senior Spotlight 9/19: Emma Conover

Senior Spotlight 9/19: Emma Conover

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Sep 22, 2022

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News Briefs for Sep. 11 – Sep. 16

News Briefs for Sep. 11 – Sep. 16

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Sep 17, 2022

Seniors enjoy sunrise on half-day Members of the Class of 2023 gathered outside before dawn at the Senior Class Board-sponsored “Senior Sunrise” on Tuesday, eating donuts and watching the sunrise....

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Senior Spotlight 9/12: Addy Weyrauch

Senior Spotlight 9/12: Addy Weyrauch

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Sep 15, 2022

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New Faces of Normal 2022-23

New Faces of Normal 2022-23

A Q & A with Community's nine new instructional staff members

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Senior Spotlight 9/5: Lauren Esposito

Senior Spotlight 9/5: Lauren Esposito

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Sep 7, 2022

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Senior Spotlight: a Q&A with Community’s Senior of the Week

Senior Spotlight: a Q&A with Community’s Senior of the Week

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Sep 6, 2022

Each week, Senior Class Board sponsors Mrs. Jennifer Kelly and Mrs. Megan Freymann randomly select one of Community's twelfth-graders to honor as "Senior of the Week" -- sharing out a few select facts...

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Normal retirees teach global Community [video]

Retirees Mr. Kelly Keogh and Madame Laurel Litwiller have expanded their students' views of the world during their combined sixty plus years in social studies and foreign language education. Colleagues...

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10 years later, Hunger Games franchise still survives among die-hard fans

Changing the game

10 years later, Hunger Games franchise still survives among die-hard fans
Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Apr 11, 2022

Chaotic.  Dystopian.  Entertaining.  Every time Mr. Ricky King revisits the iconic Hunger Games franchise, these words fly into his head like one of Katniss Everdeen’s razor-sharp arrows. The...

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Work hard, sleep harder

Work hard, sleep harder

March 14’s National Napping Day highlights the importance of consistent rest; Students prioritize earning As over catching Zs

Heavy eyelids. Throbbing headaches. Early mornings spent in a groggy haze. Sound familiar?  You may be among the seventy percent of American high schoolers who aren’t getting the recommended eight...

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By the numbers: Girls basketball v. Bloomington Raiders [video]

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Nov 23, 2021

With a win tonight, the 3-0 girls basketball team can claim the Intercity title outright. See how the team stacks up against the Bloomington Raiders.

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By the numbers: Boys basketball v. Central Catholic Saints [video]

Abby Ruebush and Kelsey Knight Nov 19, 2021
The boys basketball team opens their season against Central Catholic in the Intercity tournament. Take a look at how the two teams ended their seasons last year.
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Governor Pritzker’s high school mental health legislation goes into effect in January - Community students and staff share their thoughts and reactions.

Students, staff react to new mental health law

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief Nov 16, 2021

Illinois students may take five excused “mental health days” under a law effective in January, prompting conflicting reactions at Community. In August, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill...

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