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Inkspot

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

Inkspot

Maddie Lane

Maddie Lane, Staff Writer

Maddie is a junior at Normal Community High School; she is on the girls lacrosse team and is involved in the choir program. This is her first year working with the Inkspot as a staff writer.

On the weekend, I enjoy spending time with friends.

My all-time dream is to travel the world.

My biggest pet peeves are stopping in the middle of hallways and rude people.

All content by Maddie Lane
Photo Illustration

Top ‘toons showdown bracket

Where animated classics collide in a March Madness-style bracket
I’Aria Blackmon, Ania Gwarda and Maddie Lane Mar 31, 2025

Just as Andy had to leave Buzz and Woody behind, maybe someday we’ll have to say goodbye to our favorite animated movies, too. But today is not that day—because it’s March Madness, and instead of filling out brackets with basketball teams we barely know, we’re diving headfirst into a tournament...

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The red wolf is critically endangered with less than 25 animals in the wild and 241 in captivity.
Photo Courtesy of: Ceci Butler

Beyond the glass: Freshman’s love for animals turns into hands-on wildlife work

I’Aria Blackmon, Ania Gwarda and Maddie Lane Mar 17, 2025

They move through Yellowstone, the wind ruffling their thick fur as they stalk through the underbrush. Their paws make no sound against the damp earth. Ears pricked, eyes scanning for movement, nose twitching at the faintest scent of mule deer. They are the alpha. They are the hunter. They are…...

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Basketball, Ironmen head coach Mr. Dave Feeney believes, isn't about basketball, its about the relationships and memories the athletes form that have nothing to do with the stat sheet or the scoreboard. 
Its the comraderie that continues to draw multisport athletes to the program despite the demands of the 30+ game season. 
Pictured: Community's senior class, left to right: Emma Harrison, Rayna Powers, Camry FIsher, Tatum Yokley, Marco Reynolds, Kenna Malinowski, Armoni Conner and A'meah Lester.

Photo Courtesy of: Charles Green //@cgmojo

One last run: Multi-sport seniors on the court for a final season together

A Division-I soccer commit. A shot-putter closing in on a 40-year-old record. A 16-time state swim qualifier. Basketball wasn’t their primary sport in high school—but it’s the one that brought them together. And for senior standouts Rayna Powers, Marco Reynolds and Kenna Malinowski, it’s the one they weren’t ready to leave behind ahead of their senior season.
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Dads, daughters and dancing: A Community tradition continues

Dads, daughters and dancing: A Community tradition continues

I’Aria Blackmon, Ania Gwarda and Maddie Lane Feb 14, 2025

For over a decade, elementary school girls have invaded the cafeteria for a few hours each February, dressed to the nines, twisting and twirling with their dates as Taylor Swift blares through the speakers. For those few hours on a Saturday afternoon, Mr. Matt Schweinberg isn’t a social studies...

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To donate blood students must be at least 16 with parental permission and 110 lbs. Licensed Image: Envato

Student Council, Red Cross club to host blood drive amid critical need

With the American Red Cross facing a critical blood shortage due to severe winter weather and the California wildfires, Student Council and Red Cross club are partnering to host a blood drive on Friday, Feb. 21. The drive, held in the school’s multipurpose room from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., aims to surpass...

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[Video] Stay Another Day night: How a Community alum’s message is changing the conversation on mental health [video]

Bella Green, Editor-in-Chief Feb 3, 2025

Community’s annual Stay Another Day night highlights the growing impact of alum Mackenzie Nelson’s mental health movement, showing how a personal mantra has become a nationwide call for awareness and support.  

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Mock Trial medaled at their first in-person competition of the year, taking seventh from the competitive 20 team field. 
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Ricky King

Mock Trial claims 7th place at Wheeling Warm-Up tournament

I’Aria Blackmon, Ania Gwarda and Maddie Lane Jan 28, 2025

The Mock Trial team opened its season with a 7th-place finish at the Wheeling Wildcat Warm-Up Tournament on Jan. 25. The Ironmen earned a trophy in its first appearance at the event, finishing among the top-eight teams from the field of 20 competitors. Mr. Ricky King, one of the team’s coaches,...

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Ironmen in the hunt: Coach Feeney talks Big 12 Title race ahead of PND matchup [video]

[Video] Ironmen in the hunt: Coach Feeney talks Big 12 Title race ahead of PND matchup [video]

Bella Green, Editor-in-Chief Jan 21, 2025

With a 4-1 Big 12 record, the Ironmen girls basketball team sits behind undefeated Bloomington (6-0) and Peoria Notre Dame (5-0) in the conference standings. The Ironmen host the PND Irish tomorrow in a critical matchup that could shake up the title race. The Inkspot's Bella Green caught up with...

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Senior Armoni Conner performed the national anthem for the third straight  Ironmen girls basketball Senior Night game.

[Video] Armoni Connor shines on senior night with anthem performance [video]

Ania Gwarda and Bailey Kozlen Jan 17, 2025

While the Iron girls basketball team delivered a commanding Senior Night performance, defeating the Champaign Centennial Chargers 59-11 on Jan. 14, Armoni Connor's standout moment came before the contest even tipped off. Connor performed the national anthem for the third consecutive Senior Night,...

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On Community’s first play from scrimmage, Calen Taylor took a Kyle Beaty pass 68 yards for a score with 10:30 to play in the first quarter.

Photo Courtesty of: LaCompte // Ironmenfootball.com

Football secures 700th program win with dominant 49-6 victory over Centennial Chargers

Community takes early lead, never looks back as Beaty shines with four TDs

The Ironmen defeated the Champaign Centennial Chargers 49-6 on the road last Friday. The win earned Community its 700th program victory, with the Ironmen becoming the 10th team in IHSA history to reach the milestone. Community took charge early, leading 28-0 at the end of the first quarter, and never...

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