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Supporters applaud as Community alumni Jolene Custer speaks in support of the educator.
Community backs teacher amid t-shirt controversy
Students dancing // Licensed: Envato Elements
Community celebrates 2025 Homecoming Week
Community honors longtime coach Mr. Bryan Thomas before Oct. 3 game [photo gallery]
Community honors longtime coach Mr. Bryan Thomas before Oct. 3 game [photo gallery]
Before sessions began, Unit 5 staff visited a resource fair featuring local businesses and community partners, including the Bloomington Bison, ISU Athletics, Yoga Lab, the Art Station, Illinois State University and Heartland College.
Unit 5 hosts first ‘Excellence in Education Summit’
‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ brings intimate, immersive staging to Community theater
‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ brings intimate, immersive staging to Community theater
The fall play cast talks about why ‘Anne Frank’ resonates
The fall play cast talks about why ‘Anne Frank’ resonates
Fall flicks: From cozy comforts to chilling thrills
Fall flicks: From cozy comforts to chilling thrills
From Ryan Coogler comes “Sinners,” a haunting tale about what it means to fight for your identity—before it’s drained away. Michael B. Jordan stars in a dual role as twin brothers whose juke joint dreams turn into a battleground for the soul of a community. With vampires standing in for colonizers and appropriation as the real curse, “Sinners” might be the best film of the year. Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Sinners’ sinks its teeth into cultural appropriation with sharp, stylish bite
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
"Mickey 17" is a dark comedy directed by Bong Joon Ho, released in March 2025. Image Courtesy of: ​Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Mickey 17’ blends Sci-Fi satire, dark humor and existential horror in a capitalist critique
Fall flicks: From cozy comforts to chilling thrills
Fall flicks: From cozy comforts to chilling thrills
From Ryan Coogler comes “Sinners,” a haunting tale about what it means to fight for your identity—before it’s drained away. Michael B. Jordan stars in a dual role as twin brothers whose juke joint dreams turn into a battleground for the soul of a community. With vampires standing in for colonizers and appropriation as the real curse, “Sinners” might be the best film of the year. Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Sinners’ sinks its teeth into cultural appropriation with sharp, stylish bite
"Mickey 17" is a dark comedy directed by Bong Joon Ho, released in March 2025. Image Courtesy of: ​Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Mickey 17’ blends Sci-Fi satire, dark humor and existential horror in a capitalist critique
Photo Illustration
Top ‘toons showdown bracket
Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk // Image Partially Created Using Artificial Intellegence: Adobe Firelfly
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
YouTube, founded in 2005, was still in its infancy when Soulja Boy uploaded an instructional dance video for his track "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" on the platform. The video quickly racked up millions of views, launching the young artist's career. Screencapture: YouTube // @Soulja Boy
From viral sensation to industry architect—Soulja Boy brings his legacy to Bloomington’s Castle Theatre
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]
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
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
Community running back Cole Kretsinger has 814 yards on 102 carries with 14 rushing touchdowns; the Iron will lean on the senior to power the ground game Friday.
Ironmen face Peoria High with outright Big 12 title on the line
Konopasek addresses the team ahead of the Sept. 18 match against Peoria Notre Dame. That 2-0 victory was essential in the Iron's Big 12 title as PND finished the season 9-1 in league play.
Ironmen sweep Danville, Konopasek reaches 400-win milestone as Community clinches Big 12 title
Logan Lelm, pictured here in the Iron's win over Normal West, scored his 19th goal of the season against Decatur. The senior forward leads the team in scoring while also recording eight assists, good for fourth on the team.
Ironmen rout Decatur 9-0, set up rematch with PND
Against West, Community finished with 33 kills on 105 swings, 30 assists, 71 digs and 7 aces. Michigan State Commit Alana Whitfield led with 10 kills., while senior Maggie Michaels (pictuted) added 7 kills and 15 digs.
Volleyball sweeps West, fuels Big 12 title run
Ironmen volleball head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek recorded her 400th career victory Oct. 21 as the Ironmen closed their regular season with a 2-0 sweep over Danville. [Photo Illustration]
Iron volleyball celebrates Coach Konopasek’s 400th career win [video]
Community running back Cole Kretsinger has 814 yards on 102 carries with 14 rushing touchdowns; the Iron will lean on the senior to power the ground game Friday.
Ironmen face Peoria High with outright Big 12 title on the line
Konopasek addresses the team ahead of the Sept. 18 match against Peoria Notre Dame. That 2-0 victory was essential in the Iron's Big 12 title as PND finished the season 9-1 in league play.
Ironmen sweep Danville, Konopasek reaches 400-win milestone as Community clinches Big 12 title
Logan Lelm, pictured here in the Iron's win over Normal West, scored his 19th goal of the season against Decatur. The senior forward leads the team in scoring while also recording eight assists, good for fourth on the team.
Ironmen rout Decatur 9-0, set up rematch with PND
Against West, Community finished with 33 kills on 105 swings, 30 assists, 71 digs and 7 aces. Michigan State Commit Alana Whitfield led with 10 kills., while senior Maggie Michaels (pictuted) added 7 kills and 15 digs.
Volleyball sweeps West, fuels Big 12 title run
Ironmen volleball head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek recorded her 400th career victory Oct. 21 as the Ironmen closed their regular season with a 2-0 sweep over Danville. [Photo Illustration]
Iron volleyball celebrates Coach Konopasek’s 400th career win [video]
As a senior, Walker averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks per game—and shattered two program records. His 24-rebound night against Richwoods set a single-game record and his 426 rebounds on the season broke a record that stood since 1972. Image Courtesy: Kobe Walker // X
Basketball standout Kobe Walker commits to Valparaiso after Central Michigan coaching shake-up
With a 27-7 finish and a return to the IHSA 4A Sectional Semifinals, this year’s Community squad stepped out of the shadow of the past and forged a new identity. Photo Courtesty of: Charles Green
Iron forged: Girls basketball exceed expectations with fourth-straight Sectional Semifinal berth
Junior Wade Pyle took home two State medals and set new school bests at the IHSA State Swimming and Diving Finals in February. Image Courtesy of: Community Athletics Department
State swimming: Wade Pyle cracks top-eight in two events, breaks records
Kobe Walker was a standout this season, slamming home 34 dunks and setting the program record for single-season rebounds. Walker finished the year fourth all-time in career rebounds, with 764, despite just one season as a starter. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Iron resolve: Community defies rebuild talk; Repeats as Big 12 champs
In his lone season as a starter, senior Kobe Walker has been a prolific scorer, totaling 631 points. He ranks second in program history for most points in a single season, trailing only Dick Metzger, who recorded 719 points in 1953. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen, Blue Devils set for Sectional Final rematch
Michael Mavec set two school Track and Field records in the hurdles as junior in the spring. Photo Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletic department
Summer snapshot: Mavec breaks two hurdle records, eyes state podium
Marco Reynolds, now a member of the Eastern Illinois Track & Field program, took first at the IHSA 4A State meet in the shot put. Photo Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletics dept.
Summer snapshot: Reynolds captures state title in shot put
The Ironmen celebrate with the IHSA Class 4A third-place plaque after defeating Brother Rice 7-2, capping a program-best 37-5 season. Photo Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletics dept.
Summer snapshot: Ironmen cap historic 37-5 season with third-place state finish, first sectional title in 21 years
The Purple Iron Cats are looking for their first playoff win under second-year head coach Jackson Fischer. Photo Courtesy of: Parker Maurer // Used with Permission
Purple Iron Cats seek redemption in sectional opener against Dunlap
Mr. Matt Chapman, who has led Community’s girls soccer program since 2001 and helmed the boys team for the past decade, has compiled a combined career record of 544-182-74— a .726 win percentage cementing his legacy— as one of the winningest coaches in Iron soccer history. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Chapman earns 400th win
Iron Icon: Tye Niekamp
Iron Icon: Tye Niekamp
A member of the Ironmen coaching staff speaks to his players during Community’s 40-6 week one win over Richwoods. In moments like these, Drengwitz says, breath work and emotional control matter just as much as execution. “I can look at a player and see calmness and control,” he said. “And they can look at me and see the same.” Photo Courtesy of: Jeff Christopherson
Breathing room: mindfulness, not just muscle, fuels Ironmen football
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Photo Courtesy of: HR Imaging // Used with permission
Beyond the Mock Awards: Senior Awards Night spotlights student impact
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
A member of the Ironmen coaching staff speaks to his players during Community’s 40-6 week one win over Richwoods. In moments like these, Drengwitz says, breath work and emotional control matter just as much as execution. “I can look at a player and see calmness and control,” he said. “And they can look at me and see the same.” Photo Courtesy of: Jeff Christopherson
Breathing room: mindfulness, not just muscle, fuels Ironmen football
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Photo Courtesy of: HR Imaging // Used with permission
Beyond the Mock Awards: Senior Awards Night spotlights student impact
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
The six-member counseling team—Mrs. Addie Ince, Mr. Ryan Short, Ms. Carlie Newton, Mrs. Jenn Giermann, Mrs. Kristi Chase and Ms. Brooke Bollmann—helps guide over 2,000 Community students through academic planning, mental health support, peer and family conflict, standardized testing and post-secondary prep. The group's largely unsung role? Offering stability in moments of crisis and clarity in times of uncertainty.
The counselors who carry it all
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
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
[Photo Illustration]
Trigger Words: “Kill Yourself”
Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.
Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.
A work glove, located on a reflective post in the median of the intersection of Airport and Raab, is decorated for St. Patrick's Day.
The glove that won’t go away (and why it’s kind of awesome)
Bryce Hickman doen't believe that the movie theater is a thing of the past; we are just forgetting the magic. Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Cinema’s not dead—we just need to remember why it matters
Licensed Image: Envato
Our two cents: Should we get rid of the penny?
[Photo Illustration]
Trigger Words: “Kill Yourself”
A work glove, located on a reflective post in the median of the intersection of Airport and Raab, is decorated for St. Patrick's Day.
The glove that won’t go away (and why it’s kind of awesome)
Bryce Hickman doen't believe that the movie theater is a thing of the past; we are just forgetting the magic. Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Cinema’s not dead—we just need to remember why it matters
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Going to the mat for pro wrestling
Head 2 Head: Wrigley Field vs. Busch Stadium
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
Supporters applaud as Community alumni Jolene Custer speaks in support of the educator.
Community backs teacher amid t-shirt controversy
Ironmen volleball head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek recorded her 400th career victory Oct. 21 as the Ironmen closed their regular season with a 2-0 sweep over Danville. [Photo Illustration]
Iron volleyball celebrates Coach Konopasek’s 400th career win [video]
Week 9: Coach Drengwitz on Week 8’s win, previewing Peoria High [video]
Week 9: Coach Drengwitz on Week 8’s win, previewing Peoria High [video]
Postgame: Drengwitz on Community’s 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial; staying unbeaten in Big 12 [video]
Postgame: Drengwitz on Community’s 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial; staying unbeaten in Big 12 [video]
Community rallies past West 5–3, clinches Intercity, Big 12 titles
Community rallies past West 5–3, clinches Intercity, Big 12 titles
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
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
Ironmen volleball head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek recorded her 400th career victory Oct. 21 as the Ironmen closed their regular season with a 2-0 sweep over Danville. [Photo Illustration]
Iron volleyball celebrates Coach Konopasek’s 400th career win [video]
Week 9: Coach Drengwitz on Week 8’s win, previewing Peoria High [video]
Week 9: Coach Drengwitz on Week 8’s win, previewing Peoria High [video]
Postgame: Drengwitz on Community’s 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial; staying unbeaten in Big 12 [video]
Postgame: Drengwitz on Community’s 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial; staying unbeaten in Big 12 [video]
Week 8: Coach Drengwitz breaks down Danville, sets the stage for Champaign Centennial
Week 8: Coach Drengwitz breaks down Danville, sets the stage for Champaign Centennial
Week 7: Coach Drengwitz recaps the Ironmen’s win over Bloomington, talks Danville [video]
Week 7: Coach Drengwitz recaps the Ironmen’s win over Bloomington, talks Danville [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
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
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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