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Inkspot
Unit 5 scaled back the blanket "silent and away" policy at the high school level, allowing students to use phones during non-instructional time and with teacher permission.
Unit 5 continues “silent and away” phone policy, opts out of Yondr pouches
One of 10 birdhouses stands in the retention basin in front of Community, part of a sociology class “Impact Project” aimed at restoring native habitat from the 2024-2025 school year.
Summer snapshot: Sociology students’ ‘Impact Project’ brings bluebirds, prairie grasses to campus
Dr. Jennifer Earing joined Community's staff this fall as the Agriculture department chair. Earing joins NCHS with after teaching Animal Science at the university level.
Earing joins Ag. department after Harris departure
Illinois Press Foundation executive director Jeff Rogers presents the Journalism 2 students with a $5000 check to purchase a new telephoto camera lens.
Inkspot awarded $6,500 to expand journalism opportunities
Community's tennis courts were resurfaced and repainted as part of the district's summer maitenance work. Photo Courtesy of: Community Athletic Department
Community undergoes heating, cooling, facility repairs in Unit 5 summer overhaul
Fall flicks: From cozy comforts to chilling thrills
Fall flicks: From cozy comforts to chilling thrills
From Ryan Coogler comes “Sinners,” a haunting tale about what it means to fight for your identity—before it’s drained away. Michael B. Jordan stars in a dual role as twin brothers whose juke joint dreams turn into a battleground for the soul of a community. With vampires standing in for colonizers and appropriation as the real curse, “Sinners” might be the best film of the year. Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Sinners’ sinks its teeth into cultural appropriation with sharp, stylish bite
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
"Mickey 17" is a dark comedy directed by Bong Joon Ho, released in March 2025. Image Courtesy of: ​Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Mickey 17’ blends Sci-Fi satire, dark humor and existential horror in a capitalist critique
Photo Illustration
Top ‘toons showdown bracket
Fall flicks: From cozy comforts to chilling thrills
Fall flicks: From cozy comforts to chilling thrills
From Ryan Coogler comes “Sinners,” a haunting tale about what it means to fight for your identity—before it’s drained away. Michael B. Jordan stars in a dual role as twin brothers whose juke joint dreams turn into a battleground for the soul of a community. With vampires standing in for colonizers and appropriation as the real curse, “Sinners” might be the best film of the year. Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Sinners’ sinks its teeth into cultural appropriation with sharp, stylish bite
"Mickey 17" is a dark comedy directed by Bong Joon Ho, released in March 2025. Image Courtesy of: ​Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Mickey 17’ blends Sci-Fi satire, dark humor and existential horror in a capitalist critique
Photo Illustration
Top ‘toons showdown bracket
Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk // Image Partially Created Using Artificial Intellegence: Adobe Firelfly
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
YouTube, founded in 2005, was still in its infancy when Soulja Boy uploaded an instructional dance video for his track "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" on the platform. The video quickly racked up millions of views, launching the young artist's career. Screencapture: YouTube // @Soulja Boy
From viral sensation to industry architect—Soulja Boy brings his legacy to Bloomington’s Castle Theatre
Why Harrison Gordon is the band you need to see live
Why Harrison Gordon is the band you need to see live
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]
WWE RAW Raw debuted on Netflix in early January as part of a $500 million agreement between the TKO Group, the parent of WWE, and Netflix. Graphic Courtesy of: TKO Group
From Body Slams to brand deals: WWE’s Netflix era leaves some fans tapping out
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
Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk // Image Partially Created Using Artificial Intellegence: Adobe Firelfly
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year
The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year
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
Jalen Smith recorded his first offensive touchdown against the Peoria Manual Rams. The senior looks to see an expanded role on offense as the season progresses.
Community set to battle undefeated Bloomington in Big 12 clash
Senior Alana Whitfield has been a two-way force for the Iron, averaging nearly 10 kills per match with a .313 hitting percentage while posting one of the team’s top serve-receive ratings.
Iron finish 3rd in Intercity, fall to ranked rivals
Community’s senior leaders (pictured left to right—Berit Rice, Emily Hall, Piper Lowder and Alivia Larsen— are guiding a young Iron swim team through the 2025 season.
Iron swimmers show growth despite depth challenges at Iron Invite
Michael Mavec set two school Track and Field records in the hurdles as junior in the spring. Photo Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletic department
Summer snapshot: Mavec breaks two hurdle records, eyes state podium
Marco Reynolds, now a member of the Eastern Illinois Track & Field program, took first at the IHSA 4A State meet in the shot put. Photo Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletics dept.
Summer snapshot: Reynolds captures state title in shot put
Jalen Smith recorded his first offensive touchdown against the Peoria Manual Rams. The senior looks to see an expanded role on offense as the season progresses.
Community set to battle undefeated Bloomington in Big 12 clash
Senior Alana Whitfield has been a two-way force for the Iron, averaging nearly 10 kills per match with a .313 hitting percentage while posting one of the team’s top serve-receive ratings.
Iron finish 3rd in Intercity, fall to ranked rivals
Community’s senior leaders (pictured left to right—Berit Rice, Emily Hall, Piper Lowder and Alivia Larsen— are guiding a young Iron swim team through the 2025 season.
Iron swimmers show growth despite depth challenges at Iron Invite
Week 5: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Peoria Manual, recaps Week 4 [video]
Week 5: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Peoria Manual, recaps Week 4 [video]
Running back Cole Kretsinger's 111 yard, two touchdown peformance in the Ironmen’s 28-17 loss to Kankakee, put the senior at 478 rushing yards and six scores on the season.
Ironmen fall to Kankakee Kays after surrendering late fourth-quarter lead
As a senior, Walker averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks per game—and shattered two program records. His 24-rebound night against Richwoods set a single-game record and his 426 rebounds on the season broke a record that stood since 1972. Image Courtesy: Kobe Walker // X
Basketball standout Kobe Walker commits to Valparaiso after Central Michigan coaching shake-up
With a 27-7 finish and a return to the IHSA 4A Sectional Semifinals, this year’s Community squad stepped out of the shadow of the past and forged a new identity. Photo Courtesty of: Charles Green
Iron forged: Girls basketball exceed expectations with fourth-straight Sectional Semifinal berth
Junior Wade Pyle took home two State medals and set new school bests at the IHSA State Swimming and Diving Finals in February. Image Courtesy of: Community Athletics Department
State swimming: Wade Pyle cracks top-eight in two events, breaks records
Kobe Walker was a standout this season, slamming home 34 dunks and setting the program record for single-season rebounds. Walker finished the year fourth all-time in career rebounds, with 764, despite just one season as a starter. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Iron resolve: Community defies rebuild talk; Repeats as Big 12 champs
In his lone season as a starter, senior Kobe Walker has been a prolific scorer, totaling 631 points. He ranks second in program history for most points in a single season, trailing only Dick Metzger, who recorded 719 points in 1953. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen, Blue Devils set for Sectional Final rematch
Michael Mavec set two school Track and Field records in the hurdles as junior in the spring. Photo Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletic department
Summer snapshot: Mavec breaks two hurdle records, eyes state podium
Marco Reynolds, now a member of the Eastern Illinois Track & Field program, took first at the IHSA 4A State meet in the shot put. Photo Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletics dept.
Summer snapshot: Reynolds captures state title in shot put
The Ironmen celebrate with the IHSA Class 4A third-place plaque after defeating Brother Rice 7-2, capping a program-best 37-5 season. Photo Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletics dept.
Summer snapshot: Ironmen cap historic 37-5 season with third-place state finish, first sectional title in 21 years
The Purple Iron Cats are looking for their first playoff win under second-year head coach Jackson Fischer. Photo Courtesy of: Parker Maurer // Used with Permission
Purple Iron Cats seek redemption in sectional opener against Dunlap
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
Iron Icon: Tye Niekamp
Iron Icon: Tye Niekamp
A member of the Ironmen coaching staff speaks to his players during Community’s 40-6 week one win over Richwoods. In moments like these, Drengwitz says, breath work and emotional control matter just as much as execution. “I can look at a player and see calmness and control,” he said. “And they can look at me and see the same.” Photo Courtesy of: Jeff Christopherson
Breathing room: mindfulness, not just muscle, fuels Ironmen football
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Photo Courtesy of: HR Imaging // Used with permission
Beyond the Mock Awards: Senior Awards Night spotlights student impact
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
A member of the Ironmen coaching staff speaks to his players during Community’s 40-6 week one win over Richwoods. In moments like these, Drengwitz says, breath work and emotional control matter just as much as execution. “I can look at a player and see calmness and control,” he said. “And they can look at me and see the same.” Photo Courtesy of: Jeff Christopherson
Breathing room: mindfulness, not just muscle, fuels Ironmen football
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Photo Courtesy of: HR Imaging // Used with permission
Beyond the Mock Awards: Senior Awards Night spotlights student impact
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
The six-member counseling team—Mrs. Addie Ince, Mr. Ryan Short, Ms. Carlie Newton, Mrs. Jenn Giermann, Mrs. Kristi Chase and Ms. Brooke Bollmann—helps guide over 2,000 Community students through academic planning, mental health support, peer and family conflict, standardized testing and post-secondary prep. The group's largely unsung role? Offering stability in moments of crisis and clarity in times of uncertainty.
The counselors who carry it all
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
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
[Photo Illustration]
Trigger Words: “Kill Yourself”
Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.
Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.
A work glove, located on a reflective post in the median of the intersection of Airport and Raab, is decorated for St. Patrick's Day.
The glove that won’t go away (and why it’s kind of awesome)
Bryce Hickman doen't believe that the movie theater is a thing of the past; we are just forgetting the magic. Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Cinema’s not dead—we just need to remember why it matters
Licensed Image: Envato
Our two cents: Should we get rid of the penny?
[Photo Illustration]
Trigger Words: “Kill Yourself”
A work glove, located on a reflective post in the median of the intersection of Airport and Raab, is decorated for St. Patrick's Day.
The glove that won’t go away (and why it’s kind of awesome)
Bryce Hickman doen't believe that the movie theater is a thing of the past; we are just forgetting the magic. Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Cinema’s not dead—we just need to remember why it matters
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Going to the mat for pro wrestling
Head 2 Head: Wrigley Field vs. Busch Stadium
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
Week 5: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Peoria Manual, recaps Week 4 [video]
Week 5: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Peoria Manual, recaps Week 4 [video]
Postgame reaction: Coach Drengwitz on Community’s 28-17 Loss to Kankakee [video]
Postgame reaction: Coach Drengwitz on Community’s 28-17 Loss to Kankakee [video]
Iron Icon: Tye Niekamp
Iron Icon: Tye Niekamp
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Lily Mavros’ voice has taken her to magical worlds, mythic battlefields and Broadway-inspired stages. Her passion for musical theater began with "The Secret Garden" and was reignited this summer when she performed in "The Six." Photo Courtesy of": Mr. Jeff Christopherson
From the fourth-grade talent show to center stage: Lily Mavros’ musical journey
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
Week 5: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Peoria Manual, recaps Week 4 [video]
Week 5: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Peoria Manual, recaps Week 4 [video]
Postgame reaction: Coach Drengwitz on Community’s 28-17 Loss to Kankakee [video]
Postgame reaction: Coach Drengwitz on Community’s 28-17 Loss to Kankakee [video]
Iron Icon: Tye Niekamp
Iron Icon: Tye Niekamp
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [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
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
Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

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

Inkspot
Leon Castañeda

Leon Castañeda, Staff Writer

Leon Castañeda is a junior at Normal Community High School and involved in the track program. This is his first year with the Inkspot as a staff writer.

I like finding out what’s going on for myself.

My favorite words to live by are: “Life is to short to not be dramatic” and “If you never use it you’ll never get a chance to enjoy it.”

All content by Leon Castañeda

Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]

Bella Green, Audra Wolf and Leon Castañeda
Apr 21, 2025
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has proposed legislation to ban cell phones in schools. Community students and staff weigh in on the controversial proposal and its impact on learning and school culture.
Read Story
For more than a decade, each week before spring break Community showcases its music offerings with lunchtime concerts.

[Photo] Jazz Ensemble, acapella celebrate Music In Our Schools Month with atrium performances

Maddie Lane, I’Aria Blackmon, Ania Gwarda and Bella Green
Apr 21, 2025

For more than a decade, each week before spring break Community showcases its music offerings with lunchtime concerts.

Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]

Baseball dominates, track stars shine at Top Times, boys lax gets a W
Leon Castañeda, Brady Phelps and Audra Wolf
Apr 10, 2025
In this week’s sports update, Community baseball extends its win streak with a dominant series against Danville, girls soccer bounces back after falling to West and five Iron athletes place top-3 at Illinois Top Times.
Read Story
Community honors standout student success at Spring Walk of Champions

Community honors standout student success at Spring Walk of Champions

[photo gallery]
Inkspot Staff and Leon Castañeda
Mar 21, 2025

Community recognized student accomplishments across athletics, academics and the arts during the Spring Walk of Champions on Friday, March 14, a tradition that began during the 2023-24 school year.  

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A work glove, located on a reflective post in the median of the intersection of Airport and Raab, is decorated for St. Patrick's Day.

The glove that won’t go away (and why it’s kind of awesome)

Leon Castañeda, Staff Writer
Mar 19, 2025

3:30, and Community’s doors burst open—students spilling out. Backpacks slung over shoulders, hands shoved deep into pockets, they rushed toward buses idling at the curb, they wove through the parking lot chaos—horns blaring, engines revving—a steady current, all moving with one purpose: getting...

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Marine Band rocks the stage: San Diego unit brings high-energy set to Community music students [photo gallery]

Marine Band rocks the stage: San Diego unit brings high-energy set to Community music students [photo gallery]

Bella Green, Leon Castañeda and Audra Wolf
Mar 13, 2025

San Diego’s Marine Band took the Kevin Yale Vernon stage on March 6, performing a rock-heavy setlist for Community music students. Choir, band and orchestra members were excused from their eighth-hour classes to watch “America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization”...

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Bailey Kozlen, Lily Mavros and Sophia Hartke step into character as they perfect their electric Donna and the Dynamos routine in the fishbowl. Kozlen stars as Tanya while Hartke portrays Rosie, two of Donna's friends. Photo Courtesy of: Mrs. Beth Topping

‘Mamma Mia!’ to bring bold production design to Community stage

Leon Castañeda, Ethan Fisher and Johanna Haning
Feb 26, 2025

“Mamma Mia!” featuring the chart-topping hits of Swedish pop group ABBA, will bring disco-era energy to Community’s stage when the jukebox musical debuts on April 10. The show follows Sophie (Em Irey) as she searches for the identity of her father before her wedding day. After discovering an...

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Despite his historic run since returning as the Iron's girls basketball head coach, Feeney has few hurdles he'd like to clear-defeat perrenial private-school powerhouse Peoria Notre Dame, clincha Big 12 Conference championship and take home a Sectional title. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

More than a game: Feeney’s legacy is in the moments, not just the wins

Feeney etches name in record books as Community’s winningest coach
Brad Bovenkerk, Andrew Naour, Brady Phelps, Ethan Fisher, Arwen Georgas, Armeen Chatha and Leon Castañeda
Feb 7, 2025

The year was 2007, and Mr. Dave Feeney  faced one of his toughest coaching decisions.  It wasn’t whether to call a timeout to stop the other team’s run; to switch from man to zone. It wasn’t whether to draw up a last-second sideline out-of-bounds play or let his players create in the moment....

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