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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

Inkspot Staff

Inkspot Staff

Stories published under Inkspot Staff are unattributed to a single reporter because they: have been produced through a collaborative staff effort; individual staff member contribution is not easily distinguishable; and/or the story was disseminated from announcements or press releases.

All content by Inkspot Staff
The Ironmen football team make their first Semifinal appearance since 2007 Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. when they face the Downers Grove Trojans. 
In 2007, Community went 12-1 in Class 6A under head coach Mr. Hud Venerable.

Ironmen secure IHSA Class 7A Semifinal spot with stunning comeback overcoming Glenbard East 45-28

Inkspot Staff Nov 13, 2023

The Normal Community Ironmen (12-0) secured a spot in the IHSA Class 7A Semifinals with a 45-28 second-half comeback victory over the Glenbard East Rams (10-2). Despite leading Glenbard East 14-0 just...

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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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Highlights: Ironmen 10-0 after 4th straight shutout win [video]

Inkspot Staff Oct 31, 2023

Check out the video highlights from the Ironmen's 43-0 win over the Argo Argonauts in the first round of the IHSA playoffs. Read the full game recap here.

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Tommy Davis has 21 touchdowns on the season, averaging two a game. 
Most of those touchdowns have come in the first half of contests this year, as the Ironmen have shutout six opponents on the season and Davis has seen limited action in the 3rd and 4th quarter.

Iron defense, running back Davis dominant in 43-0 playoff triumph over Argo Argonauts

Inkspot Staff Oct 31, 2023

The Iron defense and tailback Tommy Davis led Community to a dominant 43-0 win over the Argo Argonauts in the opening round of the IHSA Class 7A playoffs at Dick Tharp Field on Friday. Amidst the driving...

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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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Communitys boys cross country team has a chance to qualify for State as a team. The top six teams from each Sectional advance to the State meet. 
Despite strong Sectional competition, with a good race, the Iron can earn a 5th or 6th place finish.

Community cross country teams gear up for 3A Granite City Sectional after strong Regional performances

The boys and girls cross country teams will race in the 3A Granite City Sectional on Saturday, Oct. 28, after the boys took third in the Alton Regional on Oct. 21 and the girls finished fourth.  Last...

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The Ironmen look to improve to 10-0 when they host the Argo Argonauts in the opening round of the IHSA playoffs.

Unbeaten Ironmen kick off Class 7A playoff quest against Argo Argonauts

Inkspot Staff Oct 26, 2023

The undefeated Ironmen begin their playoff run at home against the Argo Argonauts of Summit (5-4) tonight after finishing the regular season 9-0 with last week’s 42-0 win over the Peoria Manual Rams. The...

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One of Communitys orchestra classes performed a sneak preview of the Hauntcert for staff members during Oct. 18s half day.
Photo Courtesy of: Brad Bovenkerk

Hauntcert 2023 brings silver screen classics to life

Inkspot Staff and Lyra Townsend Oct 25, 2023

The Hauntcert, Community’s annual October orchestra concert, takes center stage with a cinematic theme, ‘Villains On Strike’ on Thursday, Oct. 26. While the Hauntcert isn’t exactly a Halloween-themed...

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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...

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Last season Community lost in the Sectional Finals to the OFallon Panthers  60-42, extending the program’s Sectional Title drought to 18 years. 

OFallons roster featured two Division I bound athletes including Shannon Dowell, the schools all-time leading scorer.

Girls basketball aims for 1st Sectional Title in 19 Years, bolstered by veteran core, versatile lineup

2023-24 girls basketball season preview
Inkspot Staff Oct 19, 2023

The girls basketball team’s veteran core looks to lead Community to its first Sectional title in 19 years after falling in the Sectional Finals the last two seasons.  Those back-to-back Finals appearances...

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Gilmore Girls debuted on October 5, 2000 on The WB, becoming a flagship series for the now defunct network.
At its core, Gilmore Girls tells the story of a unique mother-daughter relationship. 
The shows creator Amy Sherman-Palladino told the Today Show, “I sold it off of a line. It’s like a mother and daughter, but they’re like friends. And they all perked up and said, ‘Great. We’ll buy that.’”

Indulge in the heartwarming humor, relatability of ‘Gilmore Girls’ [review]

'Gilmore Girls': a show with a mother-daughter bond like no other
Emma Conover and Inkspot Staff Oct 5, 2023

As the leaves start to turn and pumpkin spice lattes make their triumphant return, there's another seasonal tradition that we can't help but indulge in revisiting the pilot episode of "Gilmore Girls." This...

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The ability for freshman or first time actors to audition for Communitys Theatre program, Director Ms. Kevin Yale Vernon said, says something about the ability of students to trust our program. We dont have a star culture... it is all about the audition. 
Photo Courtesy of: Brad Bovenkerk

Underclassmen take center stage in Theatre program’s fall production ‘The Diviners’

Brayden Blackwell and Inkspot Staff Oct 5, 2023

When the Theatre department’s fall production of “The Diviners” premieres this weekend, a new generation of performers will take center stage.  Set in a rural Indiana town during the Great Depression,...

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FEMA and the FCC will issue a joint test of the nations emergency alert systems -- testing the ability to deliver communications to all cellular devices and via radio and television.

FEMA, FCC test Emergency Alert System

Inkspot Staff Oct 4, 2023

WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will test the nation's Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts Wednesday,...

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The Iron sit atop the Big 12 standings at 5-0. 
While rival Normal West is 5-1 in the conference, Community holds the conference tie-breaker, defeating the Wildcats 43-0 in Week 3.

Ironmen clinch 27th consecutive playoff berth with 42-10 win over Danville

Inkspot Staff Oct 2, 2023

The Normal Community Ironmen secured a 27th consecutive playoff berth with Friday’s decisive 42-10 victory over the Danville Vikings. The win solidifies the Iron's position atop the Big 12 Conference...

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Banned Books Week Trivia

Test your self on your banned books knowledge
Inkspot Staff Oct 2, 2023
Banned Books Week, Oct. 1-7, 2023, is an annual event celebrating freedom from censorship. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools.
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Waiting Room Records, located in Uptown Normal, stocks new vinyl and buys and sells used vinyl, making it a popular among Communitys record enthusiasts.

[Photo] Vinyl revival: Community’s vinyl enthusiasts on why records are spinning back into popularity

Oct 4, 2023

Waiting Room Records, located in Uptown Normal, stocks new vinyl and buys and sells used vinyl, making it a popular among Community's record enthusiasts.

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Abby Ruebush takes a look at why Barbie will have a legacy that lasts beyond the films record breaking box office performance.
Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk
Promotional Images // Warner Bros. Pictures

[Photo] Why ‘Barbie’ was more than ‘Kenough’ [review]

Sep 26, 2023

Abby Ruebush takes a look at why "Barbie" will have a legacy that lasts beyond the film's record breaking box office performance. Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk Promotional Images // Warner Bros. Pictures...

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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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‘SPOTlight’: A rundown of Normal Community news [video]

Friday, Sept. 22
Inkspot Staff Sep 23, 2023

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3 stars to stop as Ironmen look to extend winning-streak

3 stars to stop as Ironmen look to extend winning-streak

4-0 Ironmen host 3-1 Bloomington Raiders
Inkspot Staff Sep 22, 2023

The 4-0 Ironmen host the Bloomington Raiders in Big 12 Conference play tonight, looking to keep their undefeated streak alive. Community enters the matchup 3-0 in conference action, trailing Champaign...

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Boys cross country clinch 3rd consecutive victory

Boys cross country clinch 3rd consecutive victory

Inkspot Staff Sep 18, 2023

The boys cross country team earned its third consecutive first-place victory on Sept. 14, edging out Taylorville 33-35 to win the inaugural Taylorville Invite. Junior Joey Yaros took second with...

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Second-Session Homecoming ticket sales temporarily suspended; Online sales resume Saturday

Second-Session Homecoming ticket sales temporarily suspended; Online sales resume Saturday

Inkspot Staff Sep 14, 2023

Homecoming ticket sales for the second session of the Sept. 23 dance have been temporarily suspended after the Senior Class Board exhausted its supply of 600 paper tickets for the 8:30-10:30 p.m. session. Additional...

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The Iron improved to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in Big 12 Conference play with a decisive 57-6 road victory over Champaign Central on Sept. 1.

First half all Ironmen in 57-6 victory over Champaign Central

Inkspot Staff Sep 6, 2023

The Ironmen dominated the first half of Friday’s 57-6 win over Champaign Central, leading the Maroons 49-0 at halftime.  Community improved to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in Big 12 Conference play...

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Ironmen seek to keep two-decade-long win streak alive against Champaign Central

Ironmen seek to keep two-decade-long win streak alive against Champaign Central

Inkspot Staff Sep 1, 2023

The Ironmen head to Champaign Central looking to extend the program’s 17-game winning streak against the Maroons when they open up Big 12 Conference play on the road tonight. Community heads into...

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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:

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.

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

Aug 21, 2023

Unit 5's text selection policy identifies the criteria on which the district's libraries adopt books for circulation. The policy seeks to provided students with texts that: support and enrich students’...

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Seniors Alex Sohn and Chris Taylor look to improve on their State finishes last season. This season, they are  joined by a host of teammates competing at the IHSA 3A State Track & Field Meet.

Iron advance 6 individuals, 2 relays to 3A State Track & Field competition

Inkspot Staff May 23, 2023

Twelve Ironmen advanced from Edwardsville’s Track & Field Sectional on May 17, earning their place at this weekend’s IHSA 3A State meet. Six individuals and two relay teams will compete in Friday’s...

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Five members of the journalism program qualified to compete in the 2023 IHSA Journalism State Finals. Journalism II students Avani Rai (left) and Abby Ruebush (right) return to State for the second straight year. Marielsie Iglesias (second from left) failed to advance past Sectionals last season. Journalism III student Dylan Wehmeyer (second from right) qualified for State in two events in his first Sectional Competition. [Not Pictured: Kellie Chen]

Inkspot staff sends five to IHSA Journalism State Finals

Inkspot Staff Apr 7, 2023

When five Inkspot staff members competed in the IHSA Journalism Sectionals April 1, the student journalists went from reporting the news to making it themselves. Each of Community's five individual competitors...

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The impact of the 10% reduction to each department’s material and supply budget will be substantial, several Community staff members said.

Budget cuts reduce hands-on learning opportunities

Inkspot Staff Mar 8, 2023

Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle said ultimately, students will suffer due to the nearly $2 million in budget cuts approved during Jan. 31’s special board meeting. “Our students,” Weikle said,...

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Gianna Rawlings led Community in scoring over United Township, sinking five 3s. 
Rawlings is averaging two 3s a game this season.

Girls basketball takes on O’Fallon in 4A Sectional Finals

Inkspot Staff Feb 23, 2023

Community's girls basketball team looks to extend its historic 31-3 run tonight when the Iron take on the O'Fallon Panthers (30-4) in the 4A Sectional Finals. The Iron look to claim the program's first...

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The boys swim team earned its second straight Sectional title and advanced seven competitors to State at the Pekin Sectional Meet on Feb. 18.
Coach Heather Budak was named Sectional Coach of the Year at the competition.

Boys swim earns 2nd straight Sectional Title, sends 7 to State

Inkspot Staff Feb 23, 2023
The boys swim team took home first-place honors at the Pekin Swimming and Diving Sectional on Saturday, advancing seven athletes to the IHSA State Competition on Feb. 24-25.
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Senior Sophia advances the ball up court in the season opener win over U-High.
Feeney averages 7.1 points per game, and leads the Iron in assists (18), steals (20) and deflections (20).

‘Not Incarnate Word’: Record-setting girls basketball team heads into post-season play

Inkspot Staff Feb 14, 2023

The girls basketball team looks to make history when they open post-season play Tuesday, Feb. 14, against the Moline Maroons (6-21). With a 69-13 victory over Danville on Feb. 9, the '22-23 team tied...

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Communitys Speech team advanced 10 competitors in 11 events to the 2023 IHSA Sectional. 
Seniors Riya Prasade and Ciara Wallace look to repeat last seasons Sectional success and return to State.

Speech earns second at Regionals; send 10 to Sectional Competition

Inkspot Staff Feb 10, 2023

Community's Speech team proved their mettle at the IHSA Regional competition at Olympia High School on Feb. 4, taking second as team and sending 10 medalists to compete at this weekend's Sectional. Community...

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The Unit 5 Board of Education approved $1.8-2.2 million in cuts at a special board meeting on Jan. 31. The cuts, the district said, may be reversed with the approval of the tax referendum on the April 4 ballot.

Board of Education approves cuts in face of $12 million deficit

Inkspot Staff Feb 10, 2023

Facing a $12 million deficit, the Unit 5 Board of Education unanimously approved a series of budget cuts for the 2023-2024 school year at a special board meeting on January 31. The cuts may be reversed...

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Iron’s undefeated streak on the line in Big 12 showdown

Inkspot Staff Jan 10, 2023
Take a look at Community's statistical leaders heading into Wednesday's contest.
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The larger recycling bins used by students to gather recycling from classrooms were incredibly dirty and had an awful smell, Cardiff said.

[Photo] Recycling program returns to paper-only

Nov 28, 2022

The larger recycling bins used by students to gather recycling from classrooms were "incredibly dirty" and had "an awful smell," Cardiff said.

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Madrigals provide sneak-peek of next weekend’s shows; limited tickets remain [video]

Inkspot Staff Nov 24, 2022

Limited tickets remain for the 22nd annual Renaissance-themed holiday performance, Madrigals, after Friday, Dec. 2's concert sold out. Accompanied by a brass quintet and string ensemble, Community's...

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Coach Dave Feeney addresses the Iron team during Monday, Nov. 14s season opener against U-High.

Girls basketball starts season with a win, hopes of building on last year’s success [season preview]

Inkspot Staff and Brady Boyd Nov 16, 2022

Community’s girls basketball team opened the 2022-23 season with the goal of building on last year’s success, a goal they took a step toward with Monday’s 54-27 win over the U-High Pioneers in Intercity...

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The 22-23 Ironmen basketball roster has big shoes to fill to replace last seasons standout seniors.

[Photo] ‘Big shoes to fill’: Ironmen basketball season preview

Nov 10, 2022

The '22-23 Ironmen basketball roster has big shoes to fill to replace last season's standout seniors.

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Community swim wins second straight Sectional, advances 7 to State

Community swim wins second straight Sectional, advances 7 to State

Inkspot Staff Nov 9, 2022

Seven members of Community's girls swimming and diving team will race in the IHSA State competition in Westmont after the team won the Normal West Sectional on Saturday, Nov. 5.   Community took...

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The Inkspot endorses the referendum on Nov. 8s ballot. Vote yes, vote for students futures.

[Photo] Staff Opinion: Inkspot endorses Unit 5 referendum

Nov 5, 2022

The Inkspot endorses the referendum on Nov. 8's ballot. Vote yes, vote for students' futures.

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For this special edition of Sweet Spot, the Inkspot put 10 Halloween candies to the taste test.

Sweet Spot Special Edition – Halloween Candy

Inkspot staff reviews 10 popular Halloween candy varieties
Inkspot Staff Nov 1, 2022

  For this special edition of the Sweet Spot, the Inkspot staff put 10 popular Halloween candies to the test, dissecting the selections from two variety packs. 97% of Americans planned to...

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Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]

Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]

Can you name these popular Halloween candies by their cross section?
Inkspot Staff Oct 26, 2022

Can you name these candies by their cross section? Sink your teeth into the quiz here [link].

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Failure: a Love Story, the Theatre departments fall production, is a little out there , truth be told, director Ms. Kevin Yale Vernon said.

‘Failure: A Love Story’ offers audiences the unusual

Inkspot Staff Oct 19, 2022

Audiences are in for an unusual experience when the Theatre department’s fall production of “Failure: A Love Story” continues this weekend. The dark comedy is performed in the round, with...

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Community won Intercity for the second straight season. Five first-place finishes would help Community on the way to the Intercity title.

Girls swimming & diving secures second straight Intercity title

Inkspot Staff Oct 12, 2022

Community's girls swimming and diving team are Intercity champions for the second straight season in a meet decided by the competition's final race. After 11 events, Community held a 3-point advantage...

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Mrs. Megan Freymann, co-Senior Class Board sponsor, sold Homecoming dance tickets during 4th hour lunch Wednesday when the alloted 700 in-person tickets to the second session sold out.

Limited second session Homecoming tickets remain

Inkspot Staff Sep 28, 2022

Less than 20 tickets remain for the second Homecoming dance session, with online ticket sales closing Thursday at 11:59 p.m.  The Senior Class Board, said Board co-sponsor Mrs. Jennifer Kelly, decided...

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Reigning Pork and Pigskin champions the A-Train, Communitys porkchop sandwich concessions trailer, advance to the competitions Savory 16 round.

Pork and Pigskin competition: A-Train advances to 2nd round

Inkspot Staff Sep 20, 2022

Community's A-Train concessions advanced to the second round of the 2nd annual Pork and Pigskin competition, a partnership between the IHSA and the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) to determine...

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By the Numbers: Ironmen Soccer vs. Peoria Notre Dame [video]

Inkspot Staff Sep 14, 2022
Normal Community takes on top-ranked Peoria Notre Dame -- see how the two teams match up as they compete for first in the Big 12 Conference [video].
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Urbana Tigers complicate the Big 12 playoff picture

Urbana Tigers complicate the Big 12 playoff picture

Inkspot Staff Sep 9, 2022

The IHSA postseason structure is already convoluted and confusing (an issue the Inkspot tried to clear up last season). Add in details like the fact that the Big 12 Conference has 11 schools while...

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Community won last seasons Chili Bowl, defeating Normal West  45-7.

West, Community seek to protect streaks in Chili Bowl game

Inkspot Staff Sep 8, 2022

Community (1-1) looks to snap Normal West’s (2-0) shutout streak when the Ironmen host the Wildcats in Friday’s annual Chili Bowl game at 7 p.m. West enters the rivalry matchup outscoring opponents...

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Average Jonah? [quiz]

Average Jonah? [quiz]

Inkspot Staff May 21, 2022

National Merit Honor finalist, FBLA president, Best Buddies event coordinator, Inkspot Sports Editor... Those are just some of Jonah Kramer's accolades, begging the question -- is there anything Jonah...

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10 years later, Hunger Games franchise still survives among die-hard fans

[Photo] Changing the game

Apr 11, 2022

10 years later, Hunger Games franchise still survives among die-hard fans

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Alfred Hitchcock Day -- March 12 -- celebrates the genius of “The Master of Suspense”

[Photo] The psycho behind ‘Psycho’

Mar 12, 2022

Alfred Hitchcock Day -- March 12 -- celebrates the genius of “The Master of Suspense”

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Famious French (22) surveys the floor versus Pekin. French and the Ironmen will face Bradley-Bourbonnais at home Friday in the Regional Final.

[Photo] Ironmen slay Dragons in Regional Semis

Feb 23, 2022

Famious French ('22) surveys the floor versus Pekin. French and the Ironmen will face Bradley-Bourbonnais at home Friday in the Regional Final.

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Leslie Burton and Aubrey  Simpson served dinner to the audience of the 2019 Madrigals Dinner performances, the last year the show was able to provide food service.

Madrigals temporarily deserts dinner service, offering lowest ticket prices in two decades

Inkspot Staff Dec 3, 2021

The most affordable Madrigals holiday performance in 20 years takes the stage this weekend. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions prohibiting food service, ticket prices dropped from a past average of...

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By the numbers: Lady Iron basketball v. Normal West [video]

Inkspot Staff Nov 20, 2021

The Lady Iron basketball team takes on the Normal West Wildcats in non-conference play Saturday, Nov. 20. Check out how the crosstown rivals matchup heading into their Intercity tournament contest.

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By the numbers: Lady Iron basketball v. U-High Pioneers [video]

Inkspot Staff Nov 19, 2021
The 1-0 Lady Iron basketball team takes on the U-High Pioneers in their second game of the Intercity tournament. See how the teams compare.
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Governor Pritzker’s high school mental health legislation goes into effect in January - Community students and staff share their thoughts and reactions.

[Photo] Students, staff react to new mental health law

Nov 16, 2021

Governor Pritzker’s high school mental health legislation goes into effect in January - Community students and staff share their thoughts and reactions.

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By the Numbers: Volleyball vs. Moline Maroons

Inkspot Staff Nov 1, 2021
The second seeded Lady Iron volleyball team takes on the top seeded Moline Maroons in Sectional Semifinals on Nov. 1 in Pekin. While the Moline has the better season record and the higher seed, two of the Maroons losses were to Normal West and U-High, each in two sets. The Lady Iron were victorious over West in their last matchup and defeated U-High in Intercity play.
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Mrs. Melissa Siebenthals 3rd hour orchestra class rehearses for the Hauntcerts 26th performance.

[Photo] ‘Hauntcert’ has senior performers feeling ‘spirited’

Oct 28, 2021

Mrs. Melissa Siebenthal's 3rd hour orchestra class rehearses for the Hauntcert's 26th performance.

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By the numbers: NCHS vs. Normal West

Inkspot Staff Oct 19, 2021
Take a look at how the undefeated Ironmen football team matchup against cross-town rivals the Normal West Wildcats in the final game of the regular season.
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The Lady Iron swimming and diving team finished 1st in the Intercity meet -- nine points ahead of Normal West.

Freshman Malinowski, Lady Iron make waves in Intercity swim meet

Malinowski places first in 3 events as Normal Community wins Intercity Title
Inkspot Staff Oct 14, 2021

Community won the Intercity swimming and diving meet, nine points ahead of the Normal West Wildcats, Thursday, Oct. 7 with a team score of 546 points. Freshman Kenna Malinowski was instrumental in the...

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Undefeated Ironmen look to lock up Big 12

[Video] Undefeated Ironmen look to lock up Big 12

Eli Schneider, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 1, 2021

The undefeated Ironmen take on the 4-1 Peoria High School Lions at Peoria Stadium on Friday, October 1, with a win and one more in the season's three remaining games, the Ironmen seal a Big 12 Conference...

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By the numbers: NCHS v. Champaign Central [video]

By the numbers: NCHS v. Champaign Central [video]

Take a look at how the Ironmen football team statistically matches up against their week 5 opponent, the Champaign Central Maroons.
Inkspot Staff Sep 21, 2021

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Devious Licks Editorial Cartoon

[Photo] TikTok craze turned crime

Sep 21, 2021

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Field name not a fumble

Field name not a fumble

Why Dick Tharp was the right choice
Inkspot Staff Sep 9, 2021

The winningest coach in NCHS football history, Dick Tharp, received recognition for his career achievements before Friday, Sept. 3's football game, as “Dick Tharp Field” was named in the 90-year-old's...

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Adolescence, according to the World Health Organization, is a crucial period for developing and maintaining social and emotional habits important for mental well-being which include developing coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

[Photo] Coping with stress

Mar 2, 2021

Adolescence, according to the World Health Organization, is a crucial period for developing and maintaining social and emotional habits important for mental well-being which include developing coping,...

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The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified what was already a critical issue -- teen mental health. The consequences of not addressing adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, according to the World Health Organization, impacting both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling adult lives.

[Photo] Teen mental health: an epidemic during the pandemic

Mar 15, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified what was already a critical issue -- teen mental health. The consequences of not addressing adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, according to the...

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NCHS students are taking advantage of the outdoor seating option offered for social distancing.

Unit 5 implements 4-day in-person learning

Inkspot Staff Mar 12, 2021

Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle announced in an email to Unit 5 families that four-day in-person instruction for 6-12th graders will begin on Monday, April 5. The email, sent Monday, March 8, lays...

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While the Grammy Awards have been postponed, take a look at the Inkspots picks for the best albums of 2020

[Photo] 2020: Monumental year in music

Feb 1, 2021

While the Grammy Awards have been postponed, take a look at the Inkspot's picks for the best albums of 2020

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Signage will be added around the building to replace outdated design like the orange and black entrance to the junior hallway.

[Photo] Ground floor undergoes cosmetic renovations

Jan 5, 2021

Signage will be added around the building to replace outdated design like the orange and black entrance to the junior hallway.

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Google applications including the suite of programs Unit 5 relies on for remote learning began experiencing a service outage early Monday morning.

Google services, applications experience widespread outage

Inkspot Staff Dec 14, 2020

Multiple Google services and applications began experiencing a significant outage early Monday morning, with users encountering error messages when attempting to access the affected services. The platforms...

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Unit 5 announces continuation of remote learning through end of semester

Unit 5 announces continuation of remote learning through end of semester

Inkspot Staff Dec 1, 2020

Unit 5 will continue remote learning for the remainder of the fall semester, according to a district email sent to parents this morning. When Unit 5 returned to remote learning on Wed., Nov. 18, the...

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Unit 5 will return to remote learning for all students on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Students and staff share their thoughts on the experience.

[Photo] NCHS faculty, students on remote learning

Nov 17, 2020

Unit 5 will return to remote learning for all students on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Students and staff share their thoughts on the experience.

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QpnYcU2mMFc1x74JjM2QQb8CizDLHTrIIzrQLGI5

[Photo] Unit 5 returns to remote learning

Nov 15, 2020

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With the NHLs longest season in history ending with the Tampa Bay Lightning winning the Stanley Cup, here is a look at some of the stars of the improbable post-season.

[Photo] NHL Abnormal Accolades

Nov 2, 2020

With the NHL's longest season in history ending with the Tampa Bay Lightning winning the Stanley Cup, here is a look at some of the stars of the improbable post-season.

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NCHS returns to in-person learning with new protocols, procedures

NCHS returns to in-person learning with new protocols, procedures

Inkspot Staff Oct 19, 2020

NCHS students return to in-person learning, starting with 9th graders on Monday, Oct. 19, and 10-12th graders on Oct. 26. Unit 5 will be staggering the students’ return over the two weeks to “adjust...

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The Lady Irons week 7 ranking by MileSplitIl -- 18th -- would tie the best team finish in the last 23 years.

[Photo] Lady Iron cross country: season of firsts

Oct 2, 2020

The Lady Iron's week 7 ranking by MileSplitIl -- 18th -- would tie the best team finish in the last 23 years.

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Dwayne The Rock Johnson raises XFL from rock bottom; Why it can succeed against the NFL

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson raises XFL from rock bottom; Why it can succeed against the NFL

Eli Schneider and Inkspot Staff Aug 4, 2020

Before COVID-19 indefinitely shut down professional and amateur sports alike, a bright spot emerged in the ordinarily dark time after the Super Bowl. The NFL season concluded on February 2 with the...

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Senior Awards Night 2020

Inkspot Staff May 12, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic's school closures, the annual Normal Community High School Senior Awards Night honors the Class of 2020 virtually.
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Feeney; Christopherson on championship appearance [video]

Feeney; Christopherson on championship appearance [video]

Inkspot Staff Apr 2, 2020

After 5 rounds of the first-ever Inkspot March Madness Teacher Tournament, only two teachers remain. Mr. Dave Feeney of the English department and Mr. Jeff Christopherson addressed the media going into...

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Finals: NCHS Favorite Teacher - March Madness

Finals: NCHS’ Favorite Teacher – March Madness

Inkspot Staff Apr 1, 2020

The English department's Mr. Dave Feeney and Social Studies' Mr. Kelly Keogh were early favorites in the first-ever Inkspot teacher tournament, a trend that continued through the first four rounds of...

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Semifinals Update: NCHS’ Favorite Teacher – March Madness

Semifinals Update: NCHS’ Favorite Teacher – March Madness

Inkspot Staff Mar 29, 2020

The conclusion of round four of the first-ever NCHS' Favorite Teacher competition left only one teacher from each core content area. Mr. Dave Feeney from the English department defeated Mr. Brad Bovenkerk;...

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