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

Inkspot

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

Inkspot

Kirsten Santana

Kirsten Santana, Senior Staff Reporter

Kirsten Santana is a senior at Normal Community High School and involved in the internship program. This is her third year working on the Inkspot, and she is a senior staff reporter.

My favorite film is either “Mamma Mia” or “Little Women.”

I am currently reading “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong.

One of my favorite quotes is “In the end, we’ll all become stories.” – Margaret Atwood

All content by Kirsten Santana
Mr. Matt Chapman, who has led Community’s girls soccer program since 2001 and helmed the boys team for the past decade, has compiled a combined career record of 544-182-74— a .726 win percentage cementing his legacy— as one of the winningest coaches in Iron soccer history.
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

Chapman earns 400th win

Kirsten Santana, Senior Staff Reporter
May 9, 2025

“Humbling”—that’s how girls soccer head coach Mr. Matt Chapman described reaching a career milestone 24 years in the making: his 400th win. The landmark victory came in dominant fashion, a 7-0 shutout over Danville on April 24. The Ironmen controlled the match from start to finish, outshooting...

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Birding, Thompson said, has made him more observant and in-tune to his surroundings. 
"I've noticed that I hear birds all the time, like really far away," calls and sounds non-birders don't register. 
Photo Courtesy of: Bodie Thompson

Skipping school for a rare bird? Meet the teen who’ll drop everything for a sighting

From the midwest to Costa Rica, Bode Thompson has chased rare birds across continents
Inkspot Staff and Kirsten Santana
Feb 4, 2025

At 6 a.m., before Community’s hallways fill with groggy students, Bode Thompson is already outside, scanning the tree line for movement. Fall migration is in full swing, and warblers—small, colorful birds that dart through the branches—are passing through. Thompson, a senior, spends his mornings...

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Ms. Cassie Adelman goes over the daily agenda with her 6th hour English II class.

Ms. Cassie Adelman replaces Zeman in English department 

Kirsten Santana, Senior Staff Reporter
Jan 17, 2024

Community hired Ms. Cassie Adelman, a December graduate from Illinois State University, to fill a vacancy in the English department after Ms. Jackie Zeman’s resignation.  Zeman, after five years at Community, announced in late November she would not be returning for second semester. The former...

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Stock Image // Envato

Teachers express reservations over Automatic Acceleration process

Department heads share perspective on Accelerated Placement Act, test-driven course placement
Kirsten Santana and Abby Ruebush
Dec 10, 2023

For some students, the course registration process will look a little different this year.  Students who met or exceeded state benchmarks on Illinois-mandated tests (IAR, PSAT and SAT) last school year will be enrolled automatically in advanced courses. The change came as a result of the Illinois...

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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 Community's record enthusiasts.

Vinyl revival

Community’s vinyl enthusiasts on why records are spinning back into popularity
Kirsten Santana, Senior Staff Reporter
Oct 4, 2023

A tug on the sleeve. An adjustment of the arm. Millions are turning to the needle to feed their addiction. This is the vinyl revival. Vinyl records outsold CDs in the US for the first time in over 35 years, according to the Recording Industry Association of America’s annual revenue report. Climbing...

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Analog audiophiles’ playlist picks [Spotify Playlists]

Analog audiophiles’ playlist picks [Spotify Playlists]

Kirsten Santana, Senior Staff Reporter
Oct 4, 2023

Mr. Stefen Robinson, in his interview for the Inkspot article 'Vinyl Revival' commented he “occasionally [likes] listening to curated playlists, especially when a friend makes it for me,” Robinson said. “You know, that's beautiful.” The Inkspot tasked Robinson and the two other main sources...

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