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The official student news of Normal Community High School

Inkspot

The official student news of Normal Community High School

Inkspot

The official student news of Normal Community High School

Inkspot

Brantley Dumas II

Brantley Dumas II, Senior Staff Reporter

Brantley Dumas is a senior at Normal Community High School. He is the president Black Student Union and is on the varsity bowling team. He is a second-year Staff Reporter on the Inkspot.

If I were to win a million dollars I would definitely pay for college, then buy all the shoes and clothes I could ever want.

I enjoy fashion, making and listening to music and anime. So, if you like any of those we can probably be friends.

My biggest pet peeve is when people chew too loud. Gross.

All content by Brantley Dumas II

On the Spot: This or That Thanksgiving

Zachary Knox-Doyle and Brantley Dumas II Nov 27, 2023
Zach Knox-Doyle and B.J. Dumas II took to the hallways to quiz students, staff on their Thanksgiving preferences in this "this or that" video.
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Coach Drengwitz recaps the IHSA Semifinals game, looks back at the 2023 season [video]

The Inkspot sat down with Coach Drengwitz discussing the Semifinals loss to Downers Grove North, and looked back at the 12-1 season
Brantley Dumas II and Zachary Knox-Doyle Nov 23, 2023

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The Ironmen are back in the IHSA Semifinals for the first time in over 15 seasons after a stunning comeback win over Glenbard East. 
They take on the 10-2 Downers Grove North Trojans on the road Saturday. 
Photo Courtesy of: Steph Mazanowski //
MazPix Photography // Mazpix.com

Undefeated Ironmen gear up for IHSA Football Semifinals showdown with Downers Grove North Trojans

The Ironmen (12-0) return to the IHSA Football Semifinals for the first time since 2007, traveling to take on the Downers Grove North Trojans (10-2) on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Last week, the Iron...

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Coach Drengwitz previews the IHSA Semifinals, recaps win over Glenbard [video]

The Inkspot sat down with Coach Drengwitz previewing the Semifinals matchup versus Downers Grove North, looking back at the comeback win against Glenbard East
Brantley Dumas II and Zachary Knox-Doyle Nov 16, 2023

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Six of Normal Communitys student athletes signed their commitment letters to play Division I and Division II athletics next year after school Nov. 7 in the cafeteria.

6 Iron athletes sign National Letters of Intent

Check out the Inkspot's Q & A with the athletes and their career highlights
Zachary Knox-Doyle and Brantley Dumas II Nov 10, 2023

Six Ironmen are headed to college to continue their athletic careers, signing National Letters Of Intent on Thursday, Nov 8. Recognized at the after-school event were four future Division I athletes:...

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After a string of shutouts, the Iron defense surrendered 30 points last week. 
This week the defense is tasked with stopping Glenbard Easts explosive running game.

Ironmen take on Glenbard East Rams in IHSA 7A Football Quarterfinals [game preview]

The Ironmen punched their ticket to the IHSA 7A Football Quarterfinals for the first time since 2015 with a 31-30 overtime victory over the Bradley-Bourbonnais Boilermakers Saturday at Dick Tharpe Field. For...

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Ironmen head to 7A Football Quarterfinals with 31-30 OT win vs. Bradley-Bourbonnais Boilermakers [video recap]

The Ironmen head to the IHSA 7A Football Quarterfinals for the first time since 2015 with a 31-30 overtime victory over the Bradley-Bourbonnais Boilermakers Saturday at Dick Tharpe Field. Watch the...

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Coach Drengwitz recaps Ironmen’s 31-30 playoff victory over Bradley-Bourbonnais [video]

The Inkspot sat down with Coach Drengwitz discussing the Iron's overtime win against the Boilermakers

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Coach Drengwitz previews Ironmen playoff contest vs. Bradley-Bourbonnais [video]

The Inkspot sat down with Coach Drengwitz ahead of the Iron's match up against the Boilermakers

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Coach Drengwitz previews Ironmen’s playoff clash vs. Argo [video]

The Inkspot sat down with Coach Drengwitz ahead of the Iron's match up against the Argo Argonauts
Brantley Dumas II and Zachary Knox-Doyle Oct 26, 2023

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Connections, the newest of New York Times game offerings, is the best game you arent playing, according to the Inkspots B.J. Dumas. 
Screenshot // New York Times

Finding ‘Connections’: the best game you aren’t playing

New NYT game is all fun and (word) games
Brantley Dumas II, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 18, 2023

It’s seemingly simple. A 16-word grid. Four chances to find the four common threads that link four of the words. But what seems simple on the surface soon has you wanting to forfeit in frustration. ...

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Based on Japans 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]

Brantley Dumas II, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 6, 2023

Just how challenging it is to nail a live-action adaptation of anime? Take the 2009’s “Dragonball Evolution,” a trainwreck of a film that even Shenron couldn’t wish away. Or “Avatar: The Last...

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The Iron are 4-0 in the Big 12, the only team undefeated in conference play.

Ironmen eye playoff berth as they face Danville Vikings in conference showdown

The Ironmen (5-0, 4-0) sit atop the Big 12 Conference standings in sole possession of first place after last week’s 34-0 shutout win over the Raiders of Bloomington. The Champaign Centennial Chargers...

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Pre-game interview with Ironmen head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz [video]

The Inkspot sat down with Coach Drengwitz ahead of the Iron's Week 5 match up versus the Bloomington Raiders
Brantley Dumas II and Zachary Knox-Doyle Sep 20, 2023

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Pre-game interview with Ironmen head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz [video]

The Inkspot sat down with Coach Drengwitz ahead of the Iron's Week 4 match up versus the Peoria Lions
Brantley Dumas II and Zachary Knox-Doyle Sep 16, 2023

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MarQuan Gary pulls in a 27 yard touchdown. Gary had four receptions for 86 yards and scored on a nine-yard run in the season opener.
Photo Courtesy of:

[Video] Ironmen dominate defending 4A Champs in team-effort

Five Ironmen found the end zone in Friday’s 54-14 rout of defending 4A State Champions Sacred Heart-Griffin. Tailbacks Tommy Davis and Calen Taylor and wideout Mar’Quan Gary were key offensive contributors...

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Unit 5s text selection policy identifies the criteria on which the districts libraries adopt books for circulation. The policy seeks to provided students with texts that: support and enrich students’ personal interests and learning; meet high standards in literary, artistic, and aesthetic quality; are appropriate for the age, emotional development, ability level, learning styles, and social, emotional, and intellectual development of the students for whom the materials are selected; incorporate accurate and authentic factual content from authoritative sources; earn favorable reviews in standard reviewing sources; exhibit a high degree of potential user appeal and interest; and represent differing viewpoints on controversial issues. provide a global perspective and promote diversity by including materials by authors and illustrators of all cultures.

Illinois outlaws book bans, adds ‘another layer of protection’ to Unit 5 policy

Brantley Dumas II and Zachary Knox-Doyle Aug 21, 2023

Illinois became the first state in the nation to prohibit book bans on June 12 when Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 2789 into law.  Illinois public libraries that restrict or ban materials...

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35 potential employers attended the College and Career Centers career fair on May 3, highlighting some of the employment opportunities available to students post-high school.

College and Career Center’s career fair showcases over 30 employment paths

BJ Dumas and Zachary Knox-Doyle May 11, 2023

The College and Career Center hosted over 30 potential employers during May 3’s half-day. The event, organized by CCC counselor Mrs. Karrin Hawkins, showcased a variety of career paths available to...

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The boys track and field team avenged its second place finish to the West Wildcats last season, defeating the defending champs by three points to claim Communitys first Intercity title in over a decade.

Intercity champs: Girls win third straight crosstown title; Boys secure first win in over a decade

Community’s boys and girls track and field teams can both boast the title “Intercity champs” after winning the annual crosstown competition at Bloomington High School on April 25.   Girls...

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The district will go forward with the implementation of the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program at both high schools, a program that offers low-cost nutritious, balanced meals at both high schools. 
The program offers the district a funding source through the government.

Unit 5 School Board reverses majority of budget cuts for 2023-24

BJ Dumas and Zachary Knox-Doyle May 1, 2023

The McLean County Unit 5 School Board unanimously reversed the majority of cuts set to take effect in the 2023-24 school year at a special board meeting April 11.  The district will continue implementing...

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JV girls basketball coach Mr. Mike Goodwin addresses Community during a December game against Urbana. 
While Community may be able to increase the number of athletes on a JV roster, varsity girls basketball coach Dave Feeney said, “That means theres more kids and less adult supervision, less instruction, less coaching,”

Community coaches express concerns over athletic program cuts

To reduce the district’s multi-million-dollar budget deficit, the School Board voted to eliminate junior high and freshman athletics and reduce the number of competitors attending out-of-town contests. Those...

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Statement Games: Senior running-back goes all out in ‘Pink Out’ Games

Statement Games: Senior running-back goes all out in ‘Pink Out’ Games

BJ Dumas, Staff Writer Dec 1, 2022

Six touchdowns.  Three over 50 yards.  For the past two years in the Week 9 action, the Ironmen’s Chris Taylor recorded standout performances on the gridiron.  Performances impressive enough...

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Cross country teams take 2nd at Intercity

Cross country teams take 2nd at Intercity

For the second straight year, Community’s boys and girls varsity cross country teams finished 2nd at the Intercity meet at Maxwell Park, Thursday, Sep. 22.   Girls Varsity  Normal West won...

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