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Up close with kidneys: Biology students dissect organs to study urinary system [photo gallery]
Up close with kidneys: Biology students dissect organs to study urinary system [photo gallery]
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
Why Harrison Gordon is the band you need to see live
Why Harrison Gordon is the band you need to see live
WWE RAW Raw debuted on Netflix in early January as part of a $500 million agreement between the TKO Group, the parent of WWE, and Netflix. Graphic Courtesy of: TKO Group
From Body Slams to brand deals: WWE’s Netflix era leaves some fans tapping out
Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk // Image Partially Created Using Artificial Intellegence: Adobe Firelfly
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]
Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk // Image Partially Created Using Artificial Intellegence: Adobe Firelfly
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
Why Harrison Gordon is the band you need to see live
Why Harrison Gordon is the band you need to see live
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]
WWE RAW Raw debuted on Netflix in early January as part of a $500 million agreement between the TKO Group, the parent of WWE, and Netflix. Graphic Courtesy of: TKO Group
From Body Slams to brand deals: WWE’s Netflix era leaves some fans tapping out
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
Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk // Image Partially Created Using Artificial Intellegence: Adobe Firelfly
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
Seven Normal Community wrestlers competed at last weekends' Joliet Central Sectional, with four advancing to the IHSA State Finals in Champaign Feb. 20-22 Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Trevor Kaufman
Ironmen send 4 to IHSA State Wrestling Finals, led by undefeated Correll
Kenna Malinowski has tied the Iron girls basketball program's single-season three point record with 85 triples. The senior's consistency has been a key factor in the team's success this season. While Malinowski is the Iron's leading scorer, averaging 10.9 points a game, she also limits other teams' chances. The senior has just 21 turnovers in 722 minutes of play, leads the team in deflections (61) and is second in steals (62), blocks (11) and defensive rebounds (80). Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Iron face Rock Island with Regional championship on the line
Caden Corell was one of two Ironmen to take home a regional championship in his weigh class. Jaren Frankowiak took the podium in at 175 pounds, his first time advancing to sectionals. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Trevor Kaufman
Survive and advance: Ironmen send seven wrestlers to Sectionals
The Ironmen girls basketball team heads into the postseason 25-6, favored to clinch a regional. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen enter postseason primed for deep run
Cheer competes at IHSA Cheer State Final [photo gallery]
Cheer competes at IHSA Cheer State Final [photo gallery]
Senior center Kobe Walker leads the Ironmen this season, averaging 19.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen surge toward postseason after streak of statement wins
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
Seven Normal Community wrestlers competed at last weekends' Joliet Central Sectional, with four advancing to the IHSA State Finals in Champaign Feb. 20-22 Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Trevor Kaufman
Ironmen send 4 to IHSA State Wrestling Finals, led by undefeated Correll
Kenna Malinowski has tied the Iron girls basketball program's single-season three point record with 85 triples. The senior's consistency has been a key factor in the team's success this season. While Malinowski is the Iron's leading scorer, averaging 10.9 points a game, she also limits other teams' chances. The senior has just 21 turnovers in 722 minutes of play, leads the team in deflections (61) and is second in steals (62), blocks (11) and defensive rebounds (80). Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Iron face Rock Island with Regional championship on the line
Caden Corell was one of two Ironmen to take home a regional championship in his weigh class. Jaren Frankowiak took the podium in at 175 pounds, his first time advancing to sectionals. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Trevor Kaufman
Survive and advance: Ironmen send seven wrestlers to Sectionals
The Ironmen girls basketball team heads into the postseason 25-6, favored to clinch a regional. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen enter postseason primed for deep run
Cheer competes at IHSA Cheer State Final [photo gallery]
Cheer competes at IHSA Cheer State Final [photo gallery]
Senior center Kobe Walker leads the Ironmen this season, averaging 19.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen surge toward postseason after streak of statement wins
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
Gus, the mascot of the Community theatre program, front and center in the "Peter and the Starcatcher" cast and crew picture. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. David Vernon
From prop hunt to the playbill
Dads, daughters and dancing: A Community tradition continues
Dads, daughters and dancing: A Community tradition continues
Scottberg and Mrs. Jessica Murphy have made some changes to the nursing office, updating the space to make it more warm and welcoming.
New nurse, familiar face: Scottberg steps into Community role with connections, care
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
Gus, the mascot of the Community theatre program, front and center in the "Peter and the Starcatcher" cast and crew picture. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. David Vernon
From prop hunt to the playbill
Dads, daughters and dancing: A Community tradition continues
Dads, daughters and dancing: A Community tradition continues
Scottberg and Mrs. Jessica Murphy have made some changes to the nursing office, updating the space to make it more warm and welcoming.
New nurse, familiar face: Scottberg steps into Community role with connections, care
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
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
Licensed Image: Envato
Our two cents: Should we get rid of the penny?
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
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
Up close with kidneys: Biology students dissect organs to study urinary system [photo gallery]
Up close with kidneys: Biology students dissect organs to study urinary system [photo gallery]
Cheer competes at IHSA Cheer State Final [photo gallery]
Cheer competes at IHSA Cheer State Final [photo gallery]
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]
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
Aki Griffin

Aki Griffin, Staff Writer

Aki Griffin is a senior at Normal Community High School. This is his first year working with the Inkspot and he is the staff writer. 

My favorite film of all time is “Scarface.”

In my lifetime I’d really like to meet LeBron James.

If I won a million dollars I’d buy a 2022 AMG SL63 Mercedes.

 

 

All content by Aki Griffin
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

After a historic 2023 season, the Iron look for better results in 2024
Lyra Townsend and Aki Griffin • Apr 24, 2024

The girls’ track and field team is looking to replicate last season’s success as it enters the final stretch of the season.  That will be no easy feat, as the 2023 season was historic for the Iron–the program had a top-ten team finish at the IHSA 3A State Track & Field meet, won a first-ever...

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"The Dining Room" is a series of vignettes—some funny, some touching, —which, when combined, creates a picture of the vanishing upper-middle-class White Anglo-Saxon Protestant. The play, director Ms. Kevin Vernon said, goes to "great lengths" to "educate" audiences about "WASP culture." "I want them understand who it is they're looking at," Vernon said. "I want them to laugh." Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk

Curtain call: Vernon restages ‘The Dining Room’ as final production

Diverse cast, decades of laughter in 'The Dining Room' culminate Mrs. Kevin Yale Vernon's two-decade theatrical career
Lyra Townsend, Aki Griffin and Kevon Ramsey • Nov 29, 2023

February's production of "The Dining Room" marks the final show of theater director Mrs. Kevin Yale Vernon's two-decade career. Vernon's final show caps a career that spans almost 21 years and brought over 75 productions to the stage. Revisiting a play from earlier in her career, Vernon said, is...

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Boys cross country takes first at Normal Community open, girls place 6th

Boys cross country takes first at Normal Community open, girls place 6th

Terrion Darnell, Aki Griffin, Bryce Hickman, Carter Hull, Ben Kerber, Bailey Kozlen, Malachi Mccool, Kevon Ramsey, Leonor Rivas, Brody Roberts and Anysia Russell • Sep 7, 2023

Boys cross country takes top honors at season opener The boys cross country team took first in the Normal Community Co-Ed Open Sept. 1 at Maxwell Park, edging out Elmwood Brimfield 39-48.  Two Ironmen posted top-five finishes, with Joey Yaros taking second and Jack Thomas finishing fourth out of...

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