Ania Gwarda

Ania Gwarda, Staff Writer

Ania is a senior at Normal Community High School and she is on the varsity cheer team and is involved in the choir program. This is her first year working with the Inkspot as a staff writer.

On the weekends I enjoy spending time with friends and watching movies.

My biggest pet peeve is rude people.

A phrase I live by is everything happens for a reason.

All content by Ania Gwarda

Beyond the glass: Freshman’s love for animals turns into hands-on wildlife work

I’Aria Blackmon, Ania Gwarda and Maddie Lane • Mar 17, 2025

They move through Yellowstone, the wind ruffling their thick fur as they stalk through the underbrush. Their paws make no sound against the damp earth. Ears pricked, eyes scanning for movement, nose twitching at the faintest scent of mule deer. They are the alpha. They are the hunter. They are…...

One last run: Multi-sport seniors on the court for a final season together

Inkspot Staff, I’Aria Blackmon, Ania Gwarda and Maddie Lane • Feb 26, 2025

A Division-I soccer commit. A shot-putter closing in on a 40-year-old record. A 16-time state swim qualifier. Basketball wasn’t their primary sport in high school—but it’s the one that brought them together. And for senior standouts Rayna Powers, Marco Reynolds and Kenna Malinowski, it’s the one they weren’t ready to leave behind ahead of their senior season.

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Dads, daughters and dancing: A Community tradition continues

I’Aria Blackmon, Ania Gwarda and Maddie Lane • Feb 14, 2025

For over a decade, elementary school girls have invaded the cafeteria for a few hours each February, dressed to the nines, twisting and twirling with their dates as Taylor Swift blares through the speakers. For those few hours on a Saturday afternoon, Mr. Matt Schweinberg isn’t a social studies...

Cheer punches ticket to State for first time since 2019

Elijah Conda and Ania Gwarda • Feb 7, 2025

For the first time under head coach Ms. Heather Gotschall, Community’s competitive cheer team has secured a spot at the IHSA State Finals after earning third place at the Mascoutah Sectional competition on Jan. 31. Gotschall, in her third season leading the program, guided the Ironmen back to State...

Student Council, Red Cross club to host blood drive amid critical need

I’Aria Blackmon, Ania Gwarda and Maddie Lane • Feb 6, 2025

With the American Red Cross facing a critical blood shortage due to severe winter weather and the California wildfires, Student Council and Red Cross club are partnering to host a blood drive on Friday, Feb. 21. The drive, held in the school’s multipurpose room from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., aims to surpass...

Mock Trial claims 7th place at Wheeling Warm-Up tournament

I’Aria Blackmon, Ania Gwarda and Maddie Lane • Jan 28, 2025

The Mock Trial team opened its season with a 7th-place finish at the Wheeling Wildcat Warm-Up Tournament on Jan. 25. The Ironmen earned a trophy in its first appearance at the event, finishing among the top-eight teams from the field of 20 competitors. Mr. Ricky King, one of the team’s coaches,...

Armoni Connor shines on senior night with anthem performance [video]

Ania Gwarda and Bailey Kozlen • Jan 17, 2025

While the Iron girls basketball team delivered a commanding Senior Night performance, defeating the Champaign Centennial Chargers 59-11 on Jan. 14, Armoni Connor's standout moment came before the contest even tipped off. Connor performed the national anthem for the third consecutive Senior Night,...

Football secures 700th program win with dominant 49-6 victory over Centennial Chargers

Community takes early lead, never looks back as Beaty shines with four TDs

I’Aria Blackmon, Maddie Lane, Ania Gwarda and Zachary Knox-Doyle • Oct 23, 2024

The Ironmen defeated the Champaign Centennial Chargers 49-6 on the road last Friday. The win earned Community its 700th program victory, with the Ironmen becoming the 10th team in IHSA history to reach the milestone. Community took charge early, leading 28-0 at the end of the first quarter, and never...

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