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

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Supporters applaud as Community alumni Jolene Custer speaks in support of the educator.
Community backs teacher amid t-shirt controversy
Students dancing // Licensed: Envato Elements
Community celebrates 2025 Homecoming Week
Community honors longtime coach Mr. Bryan Thomas before Oct. 3 game [photo gallery]
Community honors longtime coach Mr. Bryan Thomas before Oct. 3 game [photo gallery]
Before sessions began, Unit 5 staff visited a resource fair featuring local businesses and community partners, including the Bloomington Bison, ISU Athletics, Yoga Lab, the Art Station, Illinois State University and Heartland College.
Unit 5 hosts first ‘Excellence in Education Summit’
‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ brings intimate, immersive staging to Community theater
‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ brings intimate, immersive staging to Community theater
After a zombie plague overruns the Avengers, survivors race across a dystopian landscape to stop the super-powered undead. Featuring the voices of Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Tessa Thompson and more, the series is created by Bryan Andrews and Zeb Wells and executive produced by Kevin Feige. Promotional Image Courtesy of: Marvel Animation
‘Marvel Zombies’ pulls Marvel into TV-MA horror on Disney+ [review]
The fall play cast talks about why ‘Anne Frank’ resonates
The fall play cast talks about why ‘Anne Frank’ resonates
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
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]
After a zombie plague overruns the Avengers, survivors race across a dystopian landscape to stop the super-powered undead. Featuring the voices of Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Tessa Thompson and more, the series is created by Bryan Andrews and Zeb Wells and executive produced by Kevin Feige. Promotional Image Courtesy of: Marvel Animation
‘Marvel Zombies’ pulls Marvel into TV-MA horror on Disney+ [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’
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
The Iron avenged their early-season draw against the Peoria Notre Dame Irish, winning the season series and advancing to sectionals. Photo Courtesy of: Community Athletics Dept.
Ironmen capture third straight regional title with 4-3 win over Peoria Notre Dame
Playoffs Rd. 1: Coach Drengwitz on Ironmen’s 7A playoff opener at Carmel Catholic [video]
Playoffs Rd. 1: Coach Drengwitz on Ironmen’s 7A playoff opener at Carmel Catholic [video]
The Ironmen host Regionals, looking for a second-straight regional title.
Community hosts Rock Island in 4A Regional Semis
Community running back Cole Kretsinger has 814 yards on 102 carries with 14 rushing touchdowns; the Iron will lean on the senior to power the ground game Friday.
Ironmen face Peoria High with outright Big 12 title on the line
Konopasek addresses the team ahead of the Sept. 18 match against Peoria Notre Dame. That 2-0 victory was essential in the Iron's Big 12 title as PND finished the season 9-1 in league play.
Ironmen sweep Danville, Konopasek reaches 400-win milestone as Community clinches Big 12 title
The Iron avenged their early-season draw against the Peoria Notre Dame Irish, winning the season series and advancing to sectionals. Photo Courtesy of: Community Athletics Dept.
Ironmen capture third straight regional title with 4-3 win over Peoria Notre Dame
Playoffs Rd. 1: Coach Drengwitz on Ironmen’s 7A playoff opener at Carmel Catholic [video]
Playoffs Rd. 1: Coach Drengwitz on Ironmen’s 7A playoff opener at Carmel Catholic [video]
The Ironmen host Regionals, looking for a second-straight regional title.
Community hosts Rock Island in 4A Regional Semis
Community running back Cole Kretsinger has 814 yards on 102 carries with 14 rushing touchdowns; the Iron will lean on the senior to power the ground game Friday.
Ironmen face Peoria High with outright Big 12 title on the line
Konopasek addresses the team ahead of the Sept. 18 match against Peoria Notre Dame. That 2-0 victory was essential in the Iron's Big 12 title as PND finished the season 9-1 in league play.
Ironmen sweep Danville, Konopasek reaches 400-win milestone as Community clinches Big 12 title
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
Hauntcert performers on why this year’s show hits all the right notes [video]
Hauntcert performers on why this year’s show hits all the right notes [video]
Playoffs Rd. 1: Coach Drengwitz on Ironmen’s 7A playoff opener at Carmel Catholic [video]
Playoffs Rd. 1: Coach Drengwitz on Ironmen’s 7A playoff opener at Carmel Catholic [video]
Friday Night Frames
Friday Night Frames
Supporters applaud as Community alumni Jolene Custer speaks in support of the educator.
Community backs teacher amid t-shirt controversy
Ironmen volleball head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek recorded her 400th career victory Oct. 21 as the Ironmen closed their regular season with a 2-0 sweep over Danville. [Photo Illustration]
Iron volleyball celebrates Coach Konopasek’s 400th career win [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
Hauntcert performers on why this year’s show hits all the right notes [video]
Hauntcert performers on why this year’s show hits all the right notes [video]
Playoffs Rd. 1: Coach Drengwitz on Ironmen’s 7A playoff opener at Carmel Catholic [video]
Playoffs Rd. 1: Coach Drengwitz on Ironmen’s 7A playoff opener at Carmel Catholic [video]
Ironmen volleball head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek recorded her 400th career victory Oct. 21 as the Ironmen closed their regular season with a 2-0 sweep over Danville. [Photo Illustration]
Iron volleyball celebrates Coach Konopasek’s 400th career win [video]
Week 9: Coach Drengwitz on Week 8’s win, previewing Peoria High [video]
Week 9: Coach Drengwitz on Week 8’s win, previewing Peoria High [video]
Postgame: Drengwitz on Community’s 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial; staying unbeaten in Big 12 [video]
Postgame: Drengwitz on Community’s 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial; staying unbeaten in Big 12 [video]
Hauntcert performers on why this year’s show hits all the right notes [video]
Hauntcert performers on why this year’s show hits all the right notes [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]
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
Lyra Townsend

Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor

Lyra Townsend is a senior at Community; this is her third year on the Inkspot staff.  She is an associate editor. 

My favorite movie is “Jaws.”

On the weekends I like to fly planes.

A book that impacted me was “Call Me By Your Name.”

All content by Lyra Townsend

[Video] Hauntcert performers on why this year’s show hits all the right notes [video]

In this Inkspot man-on-the-street video, orchestra members preview the Oct. 30 Halloween concert
Arwen Georgas, Senior Staff Reporter
Oct 29, 2025
In this Inkspot man-on-the-street video, orchestra members preview the Oct. 30 Hauntcert—featuring fan-favorite scores, Halloween flair and music inspired by Edgar Allan Poe.
Read Story
Friday Night Frames

Friday Night Frames

The Inkspot’s favorite photos from the Iron’s home games
Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor
Oct 27, 2025

With the Ironmen wrapping up the regular season, the Inkspot is looking back at some of photographer Lyra Townsend’s standout shots—capturing Community’s home-field energy. No play-by-play, no recap—just the Ironmen unde r the lights, one frame at a time.

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Supporters applaud as Community alumni Jolene Custer speaks in support of the educator.

Community backs teacher amid t-shirt controversy

Several members of the community spoke in teacher's support at October school board meeting [photo gallery]
Inkspot Staff and Lyra Townsend
Oct 24, 2025

Several community members spoke in support of a Normal Community teacher at the Oct. 15 McLean County Unit 5 School Board meeting at Normal West, after a photo of him wearing an “Abolish ICE” T-shirt drew criticism online. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—the federal immigration...

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Community running back Cole Kretsinger has 814 yards on 102 carries with 14 rushing touchdowns; the Iron will lean on the senior to power the ground game Friday.

[Photo] Ironmen face Peoria High with outright Big 12 title on the line

Brady Phelps and Andrew Naour
Oct 23, 2025

Community running back Cole Kretsinger has 814 yards on 102 carries with 14 rushing touchdowns; the Iron will lean on the senior to power the ground game Friday.

Postgame: Drengwitz on Community’s 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial; staying unbeaten in Big 12 [video]

Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor
Oct 20, 2025
Lyra Townsend talks with Community head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz after the Ironmen’s 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial. Community improves to 7-1 and stays perfect in Big 12 play. Watch the full interview and hear what’s next for the Ironmen.
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Community rallies past West 5–3, clinches Intercity, Big 12 titles

Community rallies past West 5–3, clinches Intercity, Big 12 titles

Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor
Oct 19, 2025

Community defeated the Normal West Wildcats 5–3 in a comeback victory Oct. 14, clinching the Intercity title and a share of the Big 12 Conference championship. The Ironmen opened the match aggressively, taking a 1–0 lead just 44 seconds in when a Cooper Lee free kick deflected off the Wildcat...

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The fall play cast talks about why ‘Anne Frank’ resonates

The fall play cast talks about why ‘Anne Frank’ resonates

Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor
Oct 10, 2025

The cast of “The Diary of Anne Frank” reflect on why the story still matters, pointing to the play’s urgency amid current events, the importance of free expression and the harm that follows when prejudice goes unchecked. 

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Thomas -6

[Photo] Community honors longtime coach Mr. Bryan Thomas before Oct. 3 game [photo gallery]

Inkspot Staff
Oct 10, 2025

‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ brings intimate, immersive staging to Community theater

‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ brings intimate, immersive staging to Community theater

Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor
Oct 8, 2025

Blending historical tragedy with a message of hope and empathy, Community’s fall play “The Diary of Anne Frank” reimagines the stage to bring audiences into Anne’s world. The production, directed by theater teacher Ms. Cassie Adelman, runs Oct. 9–12 in the Ms. Kevin Yale Vernon Auditorium,...

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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

A look back at the stories, events that unfolded while the Inkspot staff was off for summer break
Inkspot Staff and Lyra Townsend
Sep 30, 2025

A student-led initiative aimed at restoring local ecosystems took root last spring as part of Community’s sociology curriculum. The idea for the environmental effort came from seniors Berit Rice and Liberty Lett, who developed the plan during Mr. Stefen Robinson’s sociology class's “Impact Project”...

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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

A look back at the stories, events that unfolded while the Inkspot staff was off for summer break
Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor
Sep 29, 2025

Class of 2025 graduate Marco Reynolds won the IHSA Class 3A State Championship in shot put last May, claiming the title with a finals throw of 42 feet, 9.5 inches. Reynolds advanced to the state meet in shot put for the third consecutive year after earning back-to-back indoor titles at the Illinois...

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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

A look back at the stories, events that unfolded while the Inkspot staff was off for summer break
Inkspot Staff and Lyra Townsend
Sep 29, 2025

Ironmen baseball closed its 2025 campaign with a third-place finish at the IHSA Class 4A State Tournament and a program-best 37-5 record. Community’s historic run included a second straight Big 12 Conference title, a third consecutive regional championship and the program’s first sectional crown...

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Fall flicks: From cozy comforts to chilling thrills

Fall flicks: From cozy comforts to chilling thrills

Inkspot staffers share their go-to movies for sweater weather season
Sep 23, 2025

As the September slips away, summer fades—along with sunburns, sandals and the scent of sunscreen. In its place: hoodie weather, falling leaves and the unmistakable aroma of bonfires and pumpkin spice. With fall comes a shift in more than just the weather. Our watchlists change too—ditching summer...

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[Photo Illustration]

Trigger Words: “Kill Yourself”

The weight behind the words we don’t think twice about
Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor
Sep 19, 2025

Trigger Words is a perspective series examining the language we throw around without thinking—and the impact it can leave behind. In a culture where “jokes” blur with insults and memes replace meaning, this series unpacks the words we’ve normalized and asks: Who’s listening? And what are they...

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Illinois Press Foundation executive director Jeff Rogers presents the Journalism 2 students with a $5000 check to purchase a new telephoto camera lens.

[Photo] Inkspot awarded $6,500 to expand journalism opportunities

Inkspot Staff
Sep 17, 2025

Illinois Press Foundation executive director Jeff Rogers presents the Journalism 2 students with a $5000 check to purchase a new telephoto camera lens.

Head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz addresses the Ironmen after a dominant team effort, highlighted by touchdown catches from three different receivers and a pick-six in the lopsided win.

Ironmen open season with balanced offense, stifling defense in win over Richwoods [photo gallery]

Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor
Sep 3, 2025

Community opened the 2025 season with a 40-6 win over Richwoods on Aug. 29 at Dick Tharp Field, scoring touchdowns through the air, on the ground and on defense. The Ironmen held the Knights to just 33 passing yards and forced five turnovers in the Big 12 victory.

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