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Inkspot
Photo Courtesy of: Normal FFA Instragram // @normalffa
FFA chapter shines at National Convention, earns top honors
Illinois Voters may still register in person at an early voting site or on election day at their polling place with two forms of ID, one including a home address. Specimen Ballot Courtesy of: McLean County Election Commission
Community registers record number of students in voter drive
Image Courtesy of: Community Class Boards
Community launches philanthropy week to boost school spirit, charitable giving
"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’
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
Technology students honor military, law enforcement with hand-crafted flags
Technology students honor military, law enforcement with hand-crafted flags
Image Courtesy of: Netflix Promotional Materials
Tyson vs. Paul: Community weighs in on boxing’s generational showdown [video]
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
‘Alien: Romulus’ returns to franchise roots [review]
‘Alien: Romulus’ returns to franchise roots [review]
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
‘Alien: Romulus’ returns to franchise roots [review]
‘Alien: Romulus’ returns to franchise roots [review]
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
1988's "Die Hard" follows New York City police officer John McClane as he tries to save his estranged wife and several others after they are taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. Film Still // 20th Century Fox
Yippee-Ki-Holiday: The enduring legacy of ‘Die Hard,’ a Christmas classic
Promotional Image // Netflix
‘Fear Street’ trilogy on the cutting-edge of slasher tropes
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
Why ‘Barbie’ was more than ‘Kenough’ [review]
Sounds Off: Top 10 movie soundtrack songs
Sounds Off: Top 10 movie soundtrack songs
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]
From guilty pleasures to surprising obsessions, our team looks at their top song of the year, peeling back the curtain on why their most-listened-to artists and songs racked up so many plays. Screen Capture // NCHSinkspot Spotify
Behind the beats: The Inkspot staff’s 2023 Spotify Wrapped reveal
Image Courtesy of: Spotify // Spotify Press Release
On the Spot: Unwrapped – Students, staff share their top Spotify streams of 2023
Analog audiophiles’ playlist picks [Spotify Playlists]
Analog audiophiles’ playlist picks [Spotify Playlists]
No mixed emotions: 20 picks for the perfect love song playlist
No mixed emotions: 20 picks for the perfect love song playlist
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
Promotional Image // Netflix
‘Fear Street’ trilogy on the cutting-edge of slasher tropes
Based on Japan's 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]
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
10 Skyrim Secrets
10 Skyrim Secrets
The Game Grumps: Who's who?
The Game Grumps: Who’s who?
The titular monster hunter along side his two cat companions on a hunt in Capcom's Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate: review
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]
Photo Courtesy of: @Tdotproduction // Instagram
Iron volleyball’s season ends in Sectional Semifinal loss to Wildcats as seniors leave legacy of camaraderie
Yaros and Ince qualified for the IHSA 3A State Championships as individuals, finishing 20th and 21st at the Normal Sectional on Nov. 2. That Sectional competition was tough, as the Iron raced against Plainfield North and South, the state's second and third-place finishing teams. Photo Courtesy of: Community Athletic Department.
Yaros sets season-best, Ince debuts strong at IHSA 3A State XC Championships
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
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]
Photo Courtesy of: @Tdotproduction // Instagram
Iron volleyball’s season ends in Sectional Semifinal loss to Wildcats as seniors leave legacy of camaraderie
Yaros and Ince qualified for the IHSA 3A State Championships as individuals, finishing 20th and 21st at the Normal Sectional on Nov. 2. That Sectional competition was tough, as the Iron raced against Plainfield North and South, the state's second and third-place finishing teams. Photo Courtesy of: Community Athletic Department.
Yaros sets season-best, Ince debuts strong at IHSA 3A State XC Championships
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
State Farm brings new era to Intercity basketball: Boys, girls to compete together in new tourney format
State Farm brings new era to Intercity basketball: Boys, girls to compete together in new tourney format
Jaheem Webber received offers from Bradley, Illinois State, Eastern Illinois, Cal Poly and Loyola Maryland, but announced his commitment to Wright State University in October 2023. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Jaheem Webber de-commits from Wright State, commits to Southern Illinois
Over the past three seasons, the Iron's varsity team compiled an 89-15 overall record, making three trips to the Sectional Title game. Image Courtesy: Charles Green
Trailblazing success: Community’s girls basketball program marks milestones over three-year run
By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season
By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season
Jackson Soney won 10 consecutive matches via pin to claim his second IWCOA title. Image Courtesty: Iron Wrestling X account
IWCOA State Championships: Soney claims second consecutive wrestling title, Mayes takes Second at 2nd
Community ran into a formidable Homewood-Flossmoor team in the 4A State Title contest. The Vikings took home the program’s first State title on a strong defensive performance and sharpshooter-like accuracy from behind the arc. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen runners-up in 4A IHSA State Championship
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
BN Lacrosse was outscored 147-56 in the regular season with opponents outshooting the co-op 391-225.
Bloomington Normal Boys Lacrosse ends regular season winless; Seek 1st win in sectional showdown
The girls track and field team are looking for a second sectional title after they clinched a third straight conference title last weekend. Last season at sectionals, the Iron sent 11 athletes on to the state meet. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Girls track & field clinches 3rd straight Big 12 Conference title, head to sectionals
Abigail Ziemer is looking for a fourth trip to state in the 1600-meter relay, winning the event in 2021 and 2023, and finishing third in 2022. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Girls track & field eye state podium return
Owen Cavanaugh had three hits and five RBIs in the Iron's last two contests. Cavanaugh is batting .300 on the season and has driven in 12.
Ironmen baseball restart win-streak, win two over Normal West Wildcats
Junior Jonah Roper has struckout 30 of the 55 batters he has faced this season. Roper has has allowed seven hits and two runs in 14 1/3 innings of worth this season.
Undefeated Iron baseball aims for 15th straight win
Swanson approached the Inkspot at the end of the 2022-23 school year asking if the program would be interested in reviving the livestreams the journalism students began prior to COVID. The science teacher has been instrumental in mentoring the Inkspot staffers in color commentary and play-by-play.
Evolution of a Voice: Mr. Joel Swanson’s journey to courtside commentator
The perfect Mother’s Day gift: Insights from Community’s staff moms
The perfect Mother’s Day gift: Insights from Community’s staff moms
Fishing, Niekamp says, is about "25% luck, 75% skill." That skill Niekamp has worked to hone fishing a lake near his grandpa's home in Wisconsin each summer. Photo Courtesy: Dexter Niekamp
Niekamp’s big catch
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]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
After five years in America, and Unit 5, Anna Fukomoto (second from the left) returned to Japan in January. She returned with more than her belongings, but a sense of belonging, something her time as a member of the cross country and track teams helped her discover.
Finding Fukomoto
Swanson approached the Inkspot at the end of the 2022-23 school year asking if the program would be interested in reviving the livestreams the journalism students began prior to COVID. The science teacher has been instrumental in mentoring the Inkspot staffers in color commentary and play-by-play.
Evolution of a Voice: Mr. Joel Swanson’s journey to courtside commentator
The perfect Mother’s Day gift: Insights from Community’s staff moms
The perfect Mother’s Day gift: Insights from Community’s staff moms
Fishing, Niekamp says, is about "25% luck, 75% skill." That skill Niekamp has worked to hone fishing a lake near his grandpa's home in Wisconsin each summer. Photo Courtesy: Dexter Niekamp
Niekamp’s big catch
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]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
After five years in America, and Unit 5, Anna Fukomoto (second from the left) returned to Japan in January. She returned with more than her belongings, but a sense of belonging, something her time as a member of the cross country and track teams helped her discover.
Finding Fukomoto
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
Quiz: Test your prom dress knowledge
Quiz: Test your prom dress knowledge
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
Connections: May 20
Connections: May 20
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
Mascot Madness: Round one
Mascot Madness: Round one
Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Fast food fails
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
Head 2 Head: Meatheads vs. SmashBurger
Head 2 Head: Meatheads vs. SmashBurger
[Photos courtesy of Disney & Studio Ghibli]
Head 2 Head: Studio Ghibli vs Disney
Head 2 Head: Cherry Berry vs. Chill Out
Head 2 Head: Cherry Berry vs. Chill Out
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
Photo Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Iconic teen films
Image Courtesy of: Netflix Promotional Materials
Tyson vs. Paul: Community weighs in on boxing’s generational showdown [video]
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]
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
The Ironmen’s IHSA Class 7A Round 2 offensive leaders by the numbers [video]
IHSA 7A Football Playoffs Round 2: Ironmen football’s head coach on the Propsect Knights [video]
IHSA 7A Football Playoffs Round 2: Ironmen football’s head coach on the Propsect Knights [video]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews Round 1 of the IHSA 7A Football Playoffs [video]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews Round 1 of the IHSA 7A Football Playoffs [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Halloween [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Halloween [video]
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
The Up-Beat – Ep. 4 – Incense, school records, Speedos and ophthalmology
The Up-Beat – Ep. 4 – Incense, school records, Speedos and ophthalmology
The Up-Beat – Ep. 3 – GAMES! from video, the NBA All-Star Game, Red Racoon to Ironmen girls bball
The Up-Beat – Ep. 3 – GAMES! from video, the NBA All-Star Game, Red Racoon to Ironmen girls bball
The Up-Beat – Ep. 2 – Lumber, leprechauns and the lottery
The Up-Beat – Ep. 2 – Lumber, leprechauns and the lottery
Image Courtesy of: Netflix Promotional Materials
Tyson vs. Paul: Community weighs in on boxing’s generational showdown [video]
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]
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
The Ironmen’s IHSA Class 7A Round 2 offensive leaders by the numbers [video]
IHSA 7A Football Playoffs Round 2: Ironmen football’s head coach on the Propsect Knights [video]
IHSA 7A Football Playoffs Round 2: Ironmen football’s head coach on the Propsect Knights [video]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews Round 1 of the IHSA 7A Football Playoffs [video]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews Round 1 of the IHSA 7A Football Playoffs [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Halloween [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Halloween [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
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
On the Spot: This or That Thanksgiving
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
March 2018
March 2018
Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

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

Inkspot
Lauren Hirsch

Lauren Hirsch, Staff Writer

Lauren Hirsch is a sophomore at Normal Community High School and is involved in Younglife club. This is her first year working with The Inkspot, and she is a staff writer.

Some of my favorite movies are Lady Bird (2017), Marriage Story (2019), and Anna Karenina (2012).

One of my guilty pleasures is watching reality tv shows, specifically Love Island.

All content by Lauren Hirsch
Inkspot's most adoptable fictional "spots"

Inkspot’s most adoptable fictional “spots”

Nayonika Banerjee, Mahnoor Shaheen, Kennedy Coe, Dylan Wehmeyer, Victoria Wilson, Jonah Kramer, Emma Conover, Lauren Hirsch, Max Roth, Natalie Maloy, Lauren Cutler, Myra Saulat, Norah Wagoner and Erica Copeland • Mar 24, 2021

As stay-at-home orders were issued across the U.S. last year, animal welfare organizations saw pet adoptions spike during the second half of March. Industry data from PetPoint estimates that the national adoption rate of 58% at the beginning of March 2020 jumped to 85% by the month’s end.  But...

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