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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]
Mr. Jason Salrin (left) will replace Mr. Jeffrey Barnard as Assistant Principal for the 2025-26 school year. Photos Courtesy of: HR Imaging
Salrin hired as Assistant Principal as Barnard resigns
Each year, the LNYDP attracts over 10,000 participants from the USA, United Kingdom and Europe. This year, the NMB is one of 11 American high school marching bands performing. Photo Courtesy of: Youth Music of the World // LNYDP media
Normal Marching Band to make international debut in London New Year’s parade
Photo Courtesy of: Normal FFA Instragram // @normalffa
FFA chapter shines at National Convention, earns top honors
Illinois Voters may still register in person at an early voting site or on election day at their polling place with two forms of ID, one including a home address. Specimen Ballot Courtesy of: McLean County Election Commission
Community registers record number of students in voter drive
Image Courtesy of: Community Class Boards
Community launches philanthropy week to boost school spirit, charitable giving
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
The Ironmen's starting lineup looked a little different on Jan. 14 with head coach Mr. Dave Feeney starting an all-senior lineup in Rayna Power, A'Meah Lester, Tatum Yokley, Armoni Conner and Emma Harrison. Harrison would score Community's first points of the game, knocking down a three from the left wing, and the Iron would never look back. Photo Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletics
Seniors shine in 59-11 win over Centennial on Senior Night
The Iron boast seven wrestlers with 25 victories this season with team's top 10 performers rounded out by sophomore Gavin Capodice (23-13), freshman Mason Soney (21-7) and junior Ethan Cavallo (20-13).
Wrestlers aim to extend perfect season on Senior Night vs. Olympia
The Iron have lost to just one team this season, the 20-0 Washington Panthers.
Ironmen finish State Farm Classic as runners-up after loss to undefeated Washington
The Ironmen girls basketball team is off to a blazing 8-0 start, narrowly defeating Edwardsville 38-37 on the road. With top-ranked Washington, O’Fallon and Peoria Notre Dame looming, their toughest tests are still ahead. Photo Courtesy of: Charles Green
Ironmen stay perfect with 38-37 win over Edwardsville, brace for tough tests ahead
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
The girls basketball program won a fourth straight Intercity title on Nov. 29. The 4-0 start to the season extends the Ironmen's win-streak against Intercity opponents. Community has not lost to a team from Bloomington-Normal since Feb. 18, 2020. Photo Courtesy of: Community Athletic Dept.
4-Peat complete
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
The Ironmen's starting lineup looked a little different on Jan. 14 with head coach Mr. Dave Feeney starting an all-senior lineup in Rayna Power, A'Meah Lester, Tatum Yokley, Armoni Conner and Emma Harrison. Harrison would score Community's first points of the game, knocking down a three from the left wing, and the Iron would never look back. Photo Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletics
Seniors shine in 59-11 win over Centennial on Senior Night
The Iron boast seven wrestlers with 25 victories this season with team's top 10 performers rounded out by sophomore Gavin Capodice (23-13), freshman Mason Soney (21-7) and junior Ethan Cavallo (20-13).
Wrestlers aim to extend perfect season on Senior Night vs. Olympia
The Iron have lost to just one team this season, the 20-0 Washington Panthers.
Ironmen finish State Farm Classic as runners-up after loss to undefeated Washington
The Ironmen girls basketball team is off to a blazing 8-0 start, narrowly defeating Edwardsville 38-37 on the road. With top-ranked Washington, O’Fallon and Peoria Notre Dame looming, their toughest tests are still ahead. Photo Courtesy of: Charles Green
Ironmen stay perfect with 38-37 win over Edwardsville, brace for tough tests ahead
The girls basketball program won a fourth straight Intercity title on Nov. 29. The 4-0 start to the season extends the Ironmen's win-streak against Intercity opponents. Community has not lost to a team from Bloomington-Normal since Feb. 18, 2020. Photo Courtesy of: Community Athletic Dept.
4-Peat complete
Breaking down Ironmen boys basketball’s Intercity Championship by the numbers
Breaking down Ironmen boys basketball’s Intercity Championship by the numbers
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
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
Fishing, Niekamp says, is about "25% luck, 75% skill." That skill Niekamp has worked to hone fishing a lake near his grandpa's home in Wisconsin each summer. Photo Courtesy: Dexter Niekamp
Niekamp’s big catch
Bird brained: The Inkspot puts Mr. Kevin Suess’ bird knowledge to the test [video]
Bird brained: The Inkspot puts Mr. Kevin Suess’ bird knowledge to the test [video]
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
Fishing, Niekamp says, is about "25% luck, 75% skill." That skill Niekamp has worked to hone fishing a lake near his grandpa's home in Wisconsin each summer. Photo Courtesy: Dexter Niekamp
Niekamp’s big catch
Bird brained: The Inkspot puts Mr. Kevin Suess’ bird knowledge to the test [video]
Bird brained: The Inkspot puts Mr. Kevin Suess’ bird knowledge to the test [video]
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
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
Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Fast food fails
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
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]
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]
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]
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
The Up-Beat – Ep. 2 – Lumber, leprechauns and the lottery
The Up-Beat – Ep. 2 – Lumber, leprechauns and the lottery
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]
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: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
The Ironmen’s IHSA Class 7A Round 2 offensive leaders by the numbers [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
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
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]

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,...

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On Community’s first play from scrimmage, Calen Taylor took a Kyle Beaty pass 68 yards for a score with 10:30 to play in the first quarter. Photo Courtesty of: LaCompte // Ironmenfootball.com

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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