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Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

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Bryce Hickman

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter

Bryce Hickman is a senior at Normal Community High School and a member of Key Club. Bryce Hickman is a senior staff reporter for the Inkspot.

I like practicing Jiu Jitsu and Taekwondo.

My favorite film is “Princess Mononoke.”

 

All content by Bryce Hickman
The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year

The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year

One writer’s dream winners
Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Dec 11, 2024

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Promotional Image Courtesy of: Studio Ghibli

Top 5 Studio Ghibli films

A journey through timeless worlds
Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Dec 2, 2024

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Photo Courtesy of: @Tdotproduction // Instagram

Iron volleyball’s season ends in Sectional Semifinal loss to Wildcats as seniors leave legacy of camaraderie

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Nov 12, 2024

Iron volleyball's postseason push ended in a two-set match against the West Wildcats in the Sectional Semifinals on Nov. 5, closing Community’s 2024 campaign with a 29-9 record. The Iron lost the first set 25-14, a score that head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek said could have easily thrown the team...

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Prior to Title IX passing in 1972, Illinois girls high school sports were overseen by the Illinois League of High School Girls Athletic Associations.
Most GAA competitions were non-traditional in comparison to current IHSA formats; according to an IHSA press releas, GAA events "generally consisted of 'festivals' where multiple area schools would gather to play contests in several sports.
Graphic Courtesy of: IHSA

Ironmen volleyball joins IHSA’s elite 50: a half-century of tradition, talent

Bryce Hickman and Inkspot Staff Nov 11, 2024

In celebration of the 50th IHSA Girls Volleyball State Series, the organization has recognized the state’s top 50 programs, naming one school each day as they countdown toward Nov. 16’s milestone state championship tournament. Community was named the state’s 20th-best program in late October,...

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After winning the Regional Championship over Minooka, Community heads to Normal West to take on the Wildcats.
The Ironmen have a challenge ahead of them as West is a perfect 9-0 at home this season and has won 17 of their last 18 matchups. But the Iron proved the can best the 'Cats when they defeated them in the Intercity tournement on Sept. 28.

Ironmen, Wildcats set for decisive Sectional showdown

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Nov 4, 2024

Ironmen volleyball is set to settle their season series against crosstown rivals, the 34-3 Normal West Wildcats, in a high-stakes Sectional Semifinal showdown on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. at Normal West High School. Te season series tied at 1-1 after Community handed West one of their three losses...

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Evie Mounce has become a dominant force for the Ironmen at the service line this season. The 5-foot-8 freshman averages just under one ace a contest, with 31 on the year she is tied for a team second, and is third on the team in service percentage at 94.9%, trailing Alana Whitfield and Sam Lakamp. 

Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

Ironmen aim for redemption in Regional Title rematch against Minooka

Volleyball looks to build off momentum from Tuesday's decisive win over Pekin
Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 31, 2024

The Ironmen (28-8) are set to host the Minooka Indians (18-18) tonight at 6 p.m., with the Regional Title and a spot in the IHSA Sectionals on the line. The contest is a high-stakes rematch of last season’s Regional Championship tilt, which ended in an “incredibly frustrating” fashion, according...

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Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

Volleyball hosts Pekin Dragons in first-round of Regional action

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 29, 2024

The Iron have their sights set on a 4A Regional Championship title when they host the 11-19 Pekin Dragons on Oct. 29 in the first round of regional play at 6 p.m. The goal won’t be an easy one, though, as head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek said postseason matches are the most emotionally charged...

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"Peter and the Starcatcher," an adaptation of the book series of the same name, offers a whimsical origin story for the beloved orphan. The play follows Peter as he embarks on an adventure to discover his true identity. 

Photo Courtesy of: David Vernon // eScapesPhoto

Adelman’s directorial debut brings new magic to Community’s stage with ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’

Bryce Hickman and Inkspot Staff Oct 18, 2024

This year's fall production of “Peter and the Starcatcher” marks the first show under newly appointed director Ms. Cassie Adelman. Ahead of Friday's 7 p.m. final performance, Adelman reflected on the personal and professional journey that led her here. Adelman steps into the role previously...

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The proceeds from the damaged vending machine, Stolfa said, also fund "rewards and incentives" for the SSP students like community outings.

Vending machine vandalism hurts Student Support Program

Damage to fishbowl vending machine results in financial, educational losses
Bryce Hickman and Carter Hull Oct 16, 2024

The snack vending machine in the fishbowl was out of order on Oct. 11 after students damaged the machine’s delivery bin and stole items from its bottom row. The damages and lost inventory, Mrs. Molly Stolfa, one of the directors of Community’s Student Support Program, said, will potentially cost...

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Maggie Michaels attempts a kill in one of the Iron's home opener. 
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

Volleyball stumbles in rematch against West, Wildcats stay undefeated in Big 12

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 15, 2024

Iron volleyball suffered their first Big 12 Conference loss on Oct. 8, falling to Normal West in a rematch of last year’s conference title game. With the Iron 6-1 in conference play and the Wildcats 7-0, West is primed for their second straight conference title. While Community defeated the Wildcats...

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Volleyball builds team spirit with pumpkin painting competition [photo gallery]

Volleyball builds team spirit with pumpkin painting competition [photo gallery]

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 15, 2024

Iron volleyball took a break from practice on Oct. 17 to focus on team bonding, holding a pumpkin painting competition in the senior cafeteria. The 16-player roster's competitive spirit was on display as the athletes spent nearly two hours perfecting their creations. That was time well spent,...

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The Iron can celebrate their 2-2 finish in the Intercity Tournament, they handed Normal West the Wildcat's second loss on the season and were the only team to take a set from U-High, the top team in 3A. 
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

Iron volleyball splits Intercity Tournament, hand Normal West rare loss

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 3, 2024

Iron volleyball finished 2-2 in the Intercity Tournament, while the U-High Pioneers went 4-0 to claim their second consecutive Intercity Title.  The Ironmen opened Sept. 28’s action against the Central Catholic Saints with a frustrating two-set loss (25-17, 25-23), head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek...

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Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

Volleyball prepares for Intercity battle against undefeated Normal West, State’s top-ranked teams

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Sep 26, 2024

The 10-3 Iron volleyball team's perfect home record and six-game win-streak is on the line when they host the annual Intercity Volleyball Tournament this Saturday, facing the undefeated Normal West Wildcats (17-0), U-High (17-2) and Central Catholic (14-2). Community's road to an Intercity title won't...

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While senior captains Mya Blumenshine and Sydney Janssen look to feature heavily in the Ironmen gameplan, the team’s talent and balance will allow the Iron to spell members of the roster and keep players fresh, allowing veterans like Paytyn Gray and newcomers like Megan Branch and Kellyn Kramer and to see more time on the court, Coach Christine Konopasek said.
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

Volleyball starts 2024 season 4-2, showcasing new offensive scheme and depth

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Sep 12, 2024

Iron volleyball opened the 2024 season 4-2 in non-conference play, showcasing a new offensive scheme and well-rounded roster.  After last season’s frustrating season-ending loss to the Minooka Indians, finishing the year 25-12, head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek and the Ironmen shifted the program’s...

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‘Alien: Romulus’ returns to franchise roots [review]

‘Alien: Romulus’ returns to franchise roots [review]

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Aug 27, 2024

Casting a long shadow over the vast expanses of the “Alien” universe is the Weyland-Yutani corporation, a gluttonous mega-company that prioritizes profit over people and pursues corporate goals with little regard for the catastrophic consequences. “Alien: Romulus,” the franchise’s seventh...

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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]

Bryce Hickman and Carter Hull Apr 25, 2024

The Inkspot quizzed the Community's resident ornithologist, Mr. Kevin Suess, on all things avian in honor of April 26's National Audubon Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of birds and the importance of preserving their habitats. The holiday recognizes the work of John James Audubon, the...

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Students will complete the PSAT and SAT using the Bluebook app which, according to the College Board, "makes test day easier and faster for students and proctors."

Screen Capture: College Board

Community transitions to digital SAT, end of pencil-and-paper testing era

Students, staff address shift to College Board's digital testing platform
Bryce Hickman, Carter Hull and Lyra Townsend Apr 15, 2024

For nearly a century, students have tackled the SAT armed with a pencil., taking the college entrance exam on paper.  On April 17, Community's juniors take the SAT digitally for the first time.  The College Board began piloting the digital SAT last spring before fully implementing the digital...

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Top 5: Godzilla films

Top 5: Godzilla films

Unveiling the true King of the Monsters: Which Godzilla film reigns over the franchise's 70-year film history
Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Apr 11, 2024

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of the King of Monsters. Since first laying waste to Tokyo in 1954, the grandfather of kaiju has been featured in 38 films, with the latest entry in the Monsterverse franchise, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” hitting theaters on April...

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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

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. Bryce Hickman, Leonor Rivas, Kirsten Santana and Carter Hull share what is making them happy this week.  

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The 2023 boys lacrosse campaign ended in the Sectional Semifinals, suffering an 18-4 defeat at the hands of the Andrew Thunderbolts.
Ethan Nydegger believes that the team’s new coach “can take the team in the right direction,” one he feels the team has been needing. 
Nydegger is one of six seniors on the team, a contrast from last year's upperclassmen heavy squad.

New Coach, new hopes: Bloomington-Normal Boys Lacrosse braces for revamp after off-season overhaul

2024 season preview
Bryce Hickman and Carter Hull Mar 12, 2024

After finishing the 2023 season with a 10-7 record, the Bloomington Normal boys lacrosse team saw significant changes in the off-season with the appointment of head coach Mr. Jackson Fischer and the graduation of several key players. A 2023 Illinois Wesleyan graduate, Fischer is the program’s fourth...

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Screen Capture: IHSA Swimming and Diving Digital Program // IHSA.org

Girls swim season concludes at IHSA State prelims

Bryce Hickman and Carter Hull Dec 19, 2023

Four members of the girl's swim team competed in the IHSA State Swimming and Diving preliminary rounds Nov. 10-11, marking the end of the season for the team. The meet marked the third consecutive trip to State for Kenna Malinowski ('25). Malinowski has qualified for State in the maximum four events...

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Kenna Malinowski returns to the State Finals, competing in the maximum four events for a second consecutive season. 
Digital Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk

Girls swim sends four to IHSA State Championships after second place Sectional finish

Malinowski to compete in maximum four events for second straight year
Bryce Hickman, Carter Hull and Malachi McCool Nov 10, 2023

Four members of the girls swimming and diving team compete at this weekend’s IHSA State competition in Westmont, following a second-place finish at Sectionals. After back-to-back Sectional Championships, the Iron finished 33 points behind Washington High School this season. Five first-place finishes...

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After the disappointing Regionals loss, head volleyball coach Ms. Christine Konopasek said it is too early to project next season's roster.

Volleyball season ends with Regional Championship loss; Question marks ahead of next season

Bryce Hickman and Carter Hull Nov 8, 2023

Community suffered a 2-0 loss to the Minooka Indians during the Regional Championship game on Oct. 26, a disappointing conclusion to the 2023 Iron volleyball season. Community fell to the Indians 25-21 in two sets, finishing the year with an overall record of 25-12. Head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek...

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Community has faced some of the top-ranked teams in Illinois this season in tournament action: Hinsdale Central (20), Lockport (19), Mater Dei (15), Normal West (14), U-High (12), Lyons (7) and Benet Academy (2), coming away with wins over Mater Dei and Hinsdale Central and taking several matches to three-sets.

Iron face Minooka Indians in Volleyball Regional Championship showdown

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 25, 2023

A volleyball Regional Championship Title is on the line when the Minooka Indians (19-15) play host to the Iron Thursday at 6 p.m. The second-seed Iron opened the postseason win, defeating the seven-seed Pekin Dragons in straight sets (25-17, 25-10) and improving to 25-11 on the season. Head coach...

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Community has faced some of the top-ranked teams in Illinois this season in tournament action: Hinsdale Central (20), Lockport (19), Mater Dei (15), Normal West (14), U-High (12), Lyons (7) and Benet Academy (2), coming away with wins over Mater Dei and Hinsdale Central and taking several matches to three-sets.

Tough tournament schedule prepares volleyball for playoff push

Community (2) opens Regional round against Pekin Dragons (7)
Inkspot Staff, Bryce Hickman and Carter Hull Oct 24, 2023

The volleyball team takes on the Pekin Dragons (16-17) in the first round of Regional action Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. at Minooka High School. The Iron enter the contest as the two-seed with a record of 24-11. Those 11 losses, Head Coach Ms. Christine Konopasek said, have prepared Community to win...

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Iron Synergy wins ‘Iron’s Got Talent’

Iron Synergy wins ‘Iron’s Got Talent’

Bryce Hickman and Carter Hull Sep 25, 2023
The Iron’s Got Talent competition raised $300 for the Junior Class Board on Wednesday, Sept. 20, funds that will help lower this year's prom ticket prices. This year, six acts took the stage: a dance group, three soloists, and two bands. The Iron Synergy dance team won the event, taking home a trophy and gift card. The show also featured a performance by Staff Infection, Community's teacher ensemble, performing TLC's "No Scrubs."
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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 cross country takes first at Normal Community open, girls place 6th

Boys cross country takes first at Normal Community open, girls place 6th

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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