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FFA members like freshman Michaela Byrd collected donations to fund tree planting during lunch hours. After making a donation, Byrd said, students wrote their names on a tree leaf and received a sticker.
FFA tree drive takes root in Earth Month effort
Meet the 2025 Prom Court
Meet the 2025 Prom Court
Global ‘Hands Off’ protests draw millions, including over 1,000 in Bloomington
Global ‘Hands Off’ protests draw millions, including over 1,000 in Bloomington
Illinois replaced the SAT with the ACT for high school juniors, ending an eight-year contract with the College Board—state officials cited cost as the deciding factor. Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Illinois switches from SAT to ACT, raising questions about the future of standardized testing
Image Courtesty of: Illinois Wesleyan
5 students selected for IWU Honor Jazz Band
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
Photo Illustration
Top ‘toons showdown bracket
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
"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
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]
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
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
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
Max Heineman has been taking reps behind the plate for Community.
Ironmen reloaded: D-I transfers bring talent, team-first mindset to Community
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
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]
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
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
Max Heineman has been taking reps behind the plate for Community.
Ironmen reloaded: D-I transfers bring talent, team-first mindset to Community
Community cruises to 5-0 win over Metamora in season opener
Community cruises to 5-0 win over Metamora in season opener
Ironmen baseball: Reloaded, ready for 2025
Ironmen baseball: Reloaded, ready for 2025
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
Caden Correll’s historic run
Caden Correll’s historic run
The red wolf is critically endangered with less than 25 animals in the wild and 241 in captivity. Photo Courtesy of: Ceci Butler
Beyond the glass: Freshman’s love for animals turns into hands-on wildlife work
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Jonah Roper’s next pitch
Basketball, Ironmen head coach Mr. Dave Feeney believes, isn't about basketball, its about the relationships and memories the athletes form that have nothing to do with the stat sheet or the scoreboard. Its the comraderie that continues to draw multisport athletes to the program despite the demands of the 30+ game season. Pictured: Community's senior class, left to right: Emma Harrison, Rayna Powers, Camry FIsher, Tatum Yokley, Marco Reynolds, Kenna Malinowski, Armoni Conner and A'meah Lester. Photo Courtesy of: Charles Green //@cgmojo
One last run: Multi-sport seniors on the court for a final season together
Students gear up for an unpredictable 2025 F1 season
Students gear up for an unpredictable 2025 F1 season
Caden Correll’s historic run
Caden Correll’s historic run
The red wolf is critically endangered with less than 25 animals in the wild and 241 in captivity. Photo Courtesy of: Ceci Butler
Beyond the glass: Freshman’s love for animals turns into hands-on wildlife work
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Jonah Roper’s next pitch
Basketball, Ironmen head coach Mr. Dave Feeney believes, isn't about basketball, its about the relationships and memories the athletes form that have nothing to do with the stat sheet or the scoreboard. Its the comraderie that continues to draw multisport athletes to the program despite the demands of the 30+ game season. Pictured: Community's senior class, left to right: Emma Harrison, Rayna Powers, Camry FIsher, Tatum Yokley, Marco Reynolds, Kenna Malinowski, Armoni Conner and A'meah Lester. Photo Courtesy of: Charles Green //@cgmojo
One last run: Multi-sport seniors on the court for a final season together
Students gear up for an unpredictable 2025 F1 season
Students gear up for an unpredictable 2025 F1 season
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
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?
The top 5 hottest presidents
The top 5 hottest presidents
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
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
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
Meet the 2025 Prom Court
Meet the 2025 Prom Court
Global ‘Hands Off’ protests draw millions, including over 1,000 in Bloomington
Global ‘Hands Off’ protests draw millions, including over 1,000 in Bloomington
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
For more than a decade, each week before spring break Community showcases its music offerings with lunchtime concerts.
Jazz Ensemble, acapella celebrate Music In Our Schools Month with atrium performances
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
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
For more than a decade, each week before spring break Community showcases its music offerings with lunchtime concerts.
Jazz Ensemble, acapella celebrate Music In Our Schools Month with atrium performances
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
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]
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
Bayli Ferris

Bayli Ferris, Staff Writer

Bayli Ferris is a senior at Normal Community High School where she’s involved in clubs such as Generations Connect and Younglife. This is her first year as an Inkspot staff writer. 

I like Phoebe Bridgers, ice cream and warm weather.

On the weekend I like to get coffee with my dad and hang out with friends.

My favorite movie is “The Edge of Seventeen.”

All content by Bayli Ferris
Community opened the softball season with a 10-1 win over the Pekin Dragons on Monday. The Iron won't fact conference action until April 6, when they take on Champaign Central in a double-header. Photo Courtesty: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

Softball opens season 1-1, Eyes Big 12 redemption

2024 season preview
Bayli Ferris, Leonor Rivas and Brody Roberts • Mar 15, 2024

Community opened the softball season 1-1 in non-conference action, following Monday’s 10-1 victory over the Lincoln Railsplitters with a 15-5 loss to the Pekin Dragons.  Under third-year head coach Mr. Steve Hassel, the team is looking to improve on last season’s second-place Big 12 Conference...

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Midwest Technical Institute, Illinois Central College's Agriculture and IT programs and Saint Francis Medical Center's College of Nursing were among the programs represented at the far.

College and Career Center’s annual college fair showcases post-graduation pathways

Bayli Ferris, Staff Writer • Mar 12, 2024

The College and Career Center hosted its annual College Fair for the junior class on March 12 in the auditorium, with representatives from nearly 45 schools attending. With representatives from trade schools, community colleges, four-year universities and the armed forces, College and Career Counselor...

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Photo Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk

Top 5: Iconic teen films

Bayli Ferris, Staff Writer • Feb 28, 2024

There is a reason that page-to-screen adaptations of book’s like “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” and modernized, musicified reimaginings of “Mean Girls” are all the rage in Hollywood. There is no question why: adolescent angst, first loves and unforgettable coming-of-age moments make...

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The Up-Beat – Ep. 1 – Spotify discoveries, a daily dose of Dr. Zbrozek, Pizza Olympics & bowling balls

The Up-Beat – Ep. 1 – Spotify discoveries, a daily dose of Dr. Zbrozek, Pizza Olympics & bowling balls

Brantley Dumas II, Lyra Townsend, Bayli Ferris and Terrion Darnell • Feb 9, 2024

Welcome to "The Up-Beat," where each week a group of Inkspot reporters take a break from breaking news to share what's been making them smile this week. B.J. Dumas, Lyra Townsend, Terrion Darnell and Bayli Ferris share what is making them happy this week.  

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The Normal Fire Department was at Community Wednesday, Dec. 6. investigating a small fire set by a student in the boys locker room in the Athletic hallway. School Resource Officer Mr. Jeremy Flood said the investigation is still ongoing.

Locker room fire investigation nearing resolution

Bayli Ferris, Ali Ince and Abigail Ziemer • Dec 13, 2023

The investigation into a small fire that occurred in the boys locker room on Dec. 6 remains open, according to Community’s School Resource Officer Mr. Jeremy Flood. Flood declined to provide specific details about the ongoing investigation, stating, "It's an open investigation... so I don't want...

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Content creator Matthew Dominick earned YouTube's Silver Creator award at the end of September recognizing his channel's 100,000 subscribers milestone. Screenshot // Instagram @Yucking

Yucking it up: One YouTube content creator’s taste of triumph

Bayli Ferris, Ali Ince and Abigail Ziemer • Nov 28, 2023

When content creator Matthew Dominick earned YouTube's Silver Creator award at the end of September, the coveted silver play button plaque recognizing 100,000 subscribers marked a milestone on a journey the 36-year-old foodie was almost too afraid to begin.  Early doubts kept Dominick from kickstarting...

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In honor of 'Croctober' the Inkspot investigates the Croc fashion phenomenon. Promotional Image // Crocs Inc.

Sole searching: Exploring the Crocs craze

The Inkspot investigates the footwear frenzy
Inkspot Staff • Oct 27, 2023

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News Briefs for Sept. 22

News Briefs for Sept. 22

Inkspot Staff • Sep 25, 2023
Want to know what's going on at Community? Check out this week's Spot shorts, as the Inkspot's Journalism I students publish their first news briefs.
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Boys soccer takes second in 2023 Intercity tournament after narrow loss to U-High

Boys soccer takes second in 2023 Intercity tournament after narrow loss to U-High

Lucas Drengwitz, Charles (Charlie) Faulkner, Bayli Ferris, Pranathi Ganti, Bella Green, Ali Ince, Lyra Townsend and Abigail Ziemer • Sep 7, 2023

The boys soccer team finished second in the 2023 Intercity tournament, their lone loss coming in the tournament’s opening round to eventual Intercity champions U-High. Community fell 1-0 to the Pioneers in Aug. 30’s match at U-High. Despite the Ironmen recording a 10-9 advantage in shots on...

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