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The J.V. softball dugout was destroyed by a tornado in April.
Storm damages Community athletic facilities
Ewalt, along with the other 2026 retirees, was recognized at Community's homecoming football game in October.
Ewalt retires after 23 years at Community
Five Inkspot staffers, across four events, medaled at the IHSA State Journalism competition. L to R: Arwen Georgas, Vidushi Shukla, Anna Chang, Brady Phelps and, not pictured, Rex Rowley.
Inkspot places 6th at IHSA state, sets program records for points, medalists
Board approves amended enrollment plan; preserves Carlock, Glenn Elementaries
Board approves amended enrollment plan; preserves Carlock, Glenn Elementaries
Six of the students from Mr. Brad Bovenkerk's 5th hour Journalism 2/3 course qualified for the 2026 IHSA State Journalism competition by placing third or better in their event at sectionals.
Inkspot journalists post best sectional finish in school history
Netflix brings ‘Lord of the Flies’ to screen in 4-episode series
Netflix brings ‘Lord of the Flies’ to screen in 4-episode series
Photo Illustration
Cinemojis [game]
A driven jazz drummer (Miles Teller) fights for a top spot at an elite conservatory as a ruthless instructor (J.K. Simmons) pushes him past his limits, turning passion into obsession. In our scroll-addicted culture, “Whiplash” argues that focus beats the feed, rewarding real attention with questions that linger longer than any trend. Image Courtesy of: Sony Pictures Classics
When focus beats the feed
Blood, Brain and Box Office
Blood, Brain and Box Office
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]
Photo Illustration
Cinemojis [game]
A driven jazz drummer (Miles Teller) fights for a top spot at an elite conservatory as a ruthless instructor (J.K. Simmons) pushes him past his limits, turning passion into obsession. In our scroll-addicted culture, “Whiplash” argues that focus beats the feed, rewarding real attention with questions that linger longer than any trend. Image Courtesy of: Sony Pictures Classics
When focus beats the feed
Blood, Brain and Box Office
Blood, Brain and Box Office
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
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]
Netflix brings ‘Lord of the Flies’ to screen in 4-episode series
Netflix brings ‘Lord of the Flies’ to screen in 4-episode series
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’
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 Ironmen celebrate their comeback victory over a surging Huntley Red Raiders' team. Photo Courtesy of: Charles Green // @crg_mojo
Ironmen rally from 4 down to stun Huntley on Stevens homer, Naour walk-off
.Gavin Michaels hit .750 against the Bloomington Raiders as Community clinched a third-straight Big 12 title.
Ironmen clinch third-straight Big 12 title behind Glass shutout, improve to 30-2
It was a record-setting season for the seniors of Iron swim as Sam Grojean and Wade Pyle medaled at the IHSA Boys Swimming and Diving meet. Photos Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletics
Leaving a legacy: Pyle, Grojean leave their mark on Ironmen swimming
Iron improve to 6-8 after back-to-back blowout wins
Iron improve to 6-8 after back-to-back blowout wins
The 2025-26 varsity softball roster.
Iron softball rides 20-0 rout into weekend
Coach’s Corner: Konopasek on Iron volleyball’s 34-6 run, what’s next [video]
Coach’s Corner: Konopasek on Iron volleyball’s 34-6 run, what’s next [video]
Senior Piper Lowder poses on the starting blocks with her sectional medals Nov. 8 after qualifying for her fourth straight trip to the IHSA Girls Swimming & Diving State Finals, the IHSA’s only single-class state competition. Image Courtesy of: Community Athletics Dept.
Lowder returns to State in 50, 100 free on first solo trip
Photo Illustration
Up the ante
Postgame: Volleyball falls to Marist in supersectional [video]
Postgame: Volleyball falls to Marist in supersectional [video]
Five minutes into the second half, Naperville North slipped a low shot past diving goalkeeper Kai White to take a lead they'd never surrender.
Shorthanded Community falls 4-0 to eventual 3A champion Naperville North in supersectional
It was a record-setting season for the seniors of Iron swim as Sam Grojean and Wade Pyle medaled at the IHSA Boys Swimming and Diving meet. Photos Courtesy of: Ironmen Athletics
Leaving a legacy: Pyle, Grojean leave their mark on Ironmen swimming
Sophomore Chase Kasten led the Ironmen with 17 points in their last meeting against the Richwoods Knights.
Ironmen survive United Township 55-54 to win sixth straight regional title
Senior Trey Birditt shot 90.0% against the Pekin Dragons, leading the team to a first-round win. Birditt, above, scores with his off-hand against the Bloomington Raiders.
Community rolls past Pekin, eyes United Township rematch in regional semifinal
Community’s 200 medley relay—Nolan Pyle, Sam Grojean, Wade Pyle and Troy Reckamp—won the sectional title in 1:33.11, setting both school and Normal West pool records. Photo Courtesy of: Community Athletic Department
After record-setting sectional, 5 swimmers qualify for IHSA state
Senior Wade Pyle poses with his parents on senior night during a record-setting season. Photo Courtesy of: Iron Athletics Instagram // @iron_athletics1
Pyle breaks multiple records as he eyes sectionals, state berth
The Ironmen celebrate their comeback victory over a surging Huntley Red Raiders' team. Photo Courtesy of: Charles Green // @crg_mojo
Ironmen rally from 4 down to stun Huntley on Stevens homer, Naour walk-off
.Gavin Michaels hit .750 against the Bloomington Raiders as Community clinched a third-straight Big 12 title.
Ironmen clinch third-straight Big 12 title behind Glass shutout, improve to 30-2
Iron improve to 6-8 after back-to-back blowout wins
Iron improve to 6-8 after back-to-back blowout wins
The 2025-26 varsity softball roster.
Iron softball rides 20-0 rout into weekend
Senior captain Allie Setzler scored five goals to lead the Purple Iron Cats in a 17-8 season-opening loss to Washington on March 18. Junior Grace Hertz added three goals for the co-op, which had its April 3 game postponed by inclement weather and is scheduled to face Dunlap on the road April 8.
Girls lacrosse drops season opener to Washington, 17-8
Next year, the Michaels' will be on their own for the first time ever. Lauren (left) will be attending Illinois State University, Maggie will playing volleyball at University of Northern Iowa, Reese will be going to Missouri and Gavin playing baseball for Cincinnati. Photo Courtesy of: The Michaels Family
4 of a kind: Michaels quadruplets finish senior year together
Ms. Beth Topping reflects on 31 shows, a career and one last curtain call
Ms. Beth Topping reflects on 31 shows, a career and one last curtain call
From Inkspot to the ice
From Inkspot to the ice
Dr. Tony Sanders, Illinois State Superintendent of Education, presents Ms. Nutter with her Special Recognition awared at the ISBE's Those Who Excel banquet on April 18.
Quiet work, big recognition for Ms. Chrissy Nutter
Photo Courtesy of: Leconte Nix
Q&A: Leconte Nix on a lifelong love of the Illini
Next year, the Michaels' will be on their own for the first time ever. Lauren (left) will be attending Illinois State University, Maggie will playing volleyball at University of Northern Iowa, Reese will be going to Missouri and Gavin playing baseball for Cincinnati. Photo Courtesy of: The Michaels Family
4 of a kind: Michaels quadruplets finish senior year together
Miguel Patiño-Diaz, second from left poses with Tommy Wade, third from left, during March 13's fundraiser.
Club Pancake turns musical prank into monthly breakfast tradition, adds bake sale benefit
Mr. Brad Bovenkerk poses with a vintage trading card featuring his great-uncle, a former Chicago Bear.
Bovenkerk’s Bears connection fits in the palm of his hand
In retrospect
In retrospect
After four personal losses, retired English teacher Mrs. Jayne Runyon chose not to hide her grief. Now filling Ms. Hesik’s vacancy, she keeps the door open—and advocates for asking for help.
Speaking through grief: How Mrs. Jayne Runyon turns loss into a lesson
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
Picking up the guitar can be the perfect new hobby to test out this summer. Coelton Harris highlights five beginner-friendly songs that can help a new player build confidence, improve chord changes and make practice fun.
5 guitar songs to learn this summer
Top 5 banned books to read while you still can
Top 5 banned books to read while you still can
An AI-generated composite image of “Mr. Grant Acklin,” the supposed legal representative who spent more than a year "corresponding" with me about my dead "relative."
How I’m getting scammed, and why you should be too
What ‘Stranger Things’ makes us miss about the ’80s
What ‘Stranger Things’ makes us miss about the ’80s
Caleb Williams opened 2025 on a tear, throwing for 927 yards and eight touchdowns in his first four starts while adding 110 rushing yards and a score. Through four games, he was tied for the third-most passing touchdowns by a Bears quarterback at that point in a season. Image: The Chicago Bears // Chicagobears.com
Top 5 Caleb Williams throws from a historic sophomore season
An AI-generated composite image of “Mr. Grant Acklin,” the supposed legal representative who spent more than a year "corresponding" with me about my dead "relative."
How I’m getting scammed, and why you should be too
What ‘Stranger Things’ makes us miss about the ’80s
What ‘Stranger Things’ makes us miss about the ’80s
Low-rise legends
Low-rise legends
Enrollment is only one piece of the public vs. private debate. But real competitive balance is shaped by resources—coaching depth, facilities, offseason training and financial stability. When schools are classified mainly by headcount, programs with the strongest infrastructure can dominate regardless of whether they’re public or private, keeping the same argument cycling every season without addressing the real gap.
Resources, not enrollment, are driving the IHSA competitive gap
[Photo Illustration]
Trigger Words: “Kill Yourself”
Picking up the guitar can be the perfect new hobby to test out this summer. Coelton Harris highlights five beginner-friendly songs that can help a new player build confidence, improve chord changes and make practice fun.
5 guitar songs to learn this summer
Top 5 banned books to read while you still can
Top 5 banned books to read while you still can
Caleb Williams opened 2025 on a tear, throwing for 927 yards and eight touchdowns in his first four starts while adding 110 rushing yards and a score. Through four games, he was tied for the third-most passing touchdowns by a Bears quarterback at that point in a season. Image: The Chicago Bears // Chicagobears.com
Top 5 Caleb Williams throws from a historic sophomore season
Top 5 animals I would not want to cross
Top 5 animals I would not want to cross
Photo Illustration
Top 5 Netflix period dramas to watch right now
On the Spot: Students, staff share their takes on groundbreaking music [video]
On the Spot: Students, staff share their takes on groundbreaking music [video]
Jocelynn Schilb powers up a short shot in traffic in the second quarter as the Iron trailed the Raiders. Schilb was 6-12 from the field on the night.
Iron ride 3s, offensive boards to 48-33 win over Bloomington [photo gallery]
The Up-Beat – Snow, stage sets and an Illinois upset [video]
The Up-Beat – Snow, stage sets and an Illinois upset [video]
Coaches’ Corner: Witzig, Feeney break down team identity, key growth, the road to March [video]
Coaches’ Corner: Witzig, Feeney break down team identity, key growth, the road to March [video]
On the spot: Community’s favorite movies [video]
On the spot: Community’s favorite movies [video]
The Up-Beat – Snow, stage sets and an Illinois upset [video]
The Up-Beat – Snow, stage sets and an Illinois upset [video]
The Up-Beat – Comebacks: ‘Stranger Things,’ Bears wins, Animal Crossing updates
The Up-Beat – Comebacks: ‘Stranger Things,’ Bears wins, Animal Crossing updates
California, here we come: Rewinding to 2005 with Mr. Bovenkerk
California, here we come: Rewinding to 2005 with Mr. Bovenkerk
The Up-Beat – Friendsgiving, tattoos and farm life
The Up-Beat – Friendsgiving, tattoos and farm life
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
On the Spot: Students, staff share their takes on groundbreaking music [video]
On the Spot: Students, staff share their takes on groundbreaking music [video]
The Up-Beat – Snow, stage sets and an Illinois upset [video]
The Up-Beat – Snow, stage sets and an Illinois upset [video]
Coaches’ Corner: Witzig, Feeney break down team identity, key growth, the road to March [video]
Coaches’ Corner: Witzig, Feeney break down team identity, key growth, the road to March [video]
On the spot: Community’s favorite movies [video]
On the spot: Community’s favorite movies [video]
On the Spot: Staff, students sound off on the Chicago Bears’ playoff run [video]
On the Spot: Staff, students sound off on the Chicago Bears’ playoff run [video]
On the Spot: Students, staff share their takes on groundbreaking music [video]
On the Spot: Students, staff share their takes on groundbreaking music [video]
On the spot: Community’s favorite movies [video]
On the spot: Community’s favorite movies [video]
On the Spot: Staff, students sound off on the Chicago Bears’ playoff run [video]
On the Spot: Staff, students sound off on the Chicago Bears’ playoff run [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]
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
Malachi McCool

Malachi McCool, Staff Reporter

Malachi McCool is a senior at Normal Community High School and is involved in Music Technology club. This is his second year working with the Inkspot, and he is a staff reporter. 

A book that moved me was Neil Gaiman’s “Norse Mythology.” 

My favorite movie is “A Quiet Place Part II.”

All content by Malachi McCool
Global ‘Hands Off’ protests draw millions, including over 1,000 in Bloomington

Global ‘Hands Off’ protests draw millions, including over 1,000 in Bloomington

The Inkspot captured scenes from the April 5 protest outside the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts [photo gallery]
Malachi McCool, Staff Reporter
Apr 23, 2025

Millions of people rallied across all 50 states, U.S. territories and more than a dozen cities worldwide, on April 5 as part of the “Hands Off” movement—a coordinated pushback against what organizers describe as a growing threat to democracy, fueled by the influence of President Donald Trump and...

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Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.

Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.

When executive orders replace laws, democracy becomes disorder
Malachi McCool, Staff Reporter
Apr 7, 2025

First they came for the Center for Disease Control, and I did not speak out—because I was healthy. Then they came for the migrants and refugees, and I did not speak out—because I was a legal citizen. Then they came for paper straws, and I did not speak out—because I was not a turtle. Then...

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Stock Photo // Envato Elements

Chamber choir to be featured on Channel 25 WEEK’s ‘Sounds of the Season’

Chamber choir performance to be featured on NBC, ABC broadcasts Dec. 24, 25
Malachi McCool, Staff Reporter
Dec 15, 2023

A special chamber choir performance will be broadcast as part of  Channel 25 WEEK’s “Sounds of the Season” holiday segment on Dec. 24 and 25.  Community, one of several area high schools invited to appear on the special, recorded their performance in Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria on...

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Kenna Malinowski returns to the State Finals, competing in the maximum four events for a second consecutive season. Digital Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk

Girls swim sends four to IHSA State Championships after second place Sectional finish

Malinowski to compete in maximum four events for second straight year
Bryce Hickman, Carter Hull and Malachi McCool
Nov 10, 2023

Four members of the girls swimming and diving team compete at this weekend’s IHSA State competition in Westmont, following a second-place finish at Sectionals. After back-to-back Sectional Championships, the Iron finished 33 points behind Washington High School this season. Five first-place finishes...

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Fourteen-year-old Aiden Rothe's life is full of secrets, and his sexuality is only the tip of the iceberg. While his high school wrestling team views gay and strong as mutually exclusive, Aiden is determined to prove them wrong in Joe Chianakas's new young adult novel. // Promotional Image Courtesy of: Mad Cat Publishing

Local author pens LGBTQ+ teen novel: ‘Singlets and Secrets’

Before Joe Chianakas’ book signing at Bobzbay Oct. 28, the Peoria native discussed his most recent work with the Inkspot
Malachi McCool, Staff Reporter
Nov 1, 2023

When Joe Chianakas, a Peoria native, set out to write “Singlets and Secrets, his newest work of fiction, he wanted to give teens struggling with their sexuality a “superhero” of sorts. When the author was growing up in the ’80s in Central Illinois, there was “the Karate Kid,” “Rocky”...

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Boys cross country takes first at Normal Community open, girls place 6th

Boys cross country takes first at Normal Community open, girls place 6th

Terrion Darnell, Aki Griffin, Bryce Hickman, Carter Hull, Ben Kerber, Bailey Kozlen, Malachi Mccool, Kevon Ramsey, Leonor Rivas, Brody Roberts and Anysia Russell
Sep 7, 2023

Boys cross country takes top honors at season opener The boys cross country team took first in the Normal Community Co-Ed Open Sept. 1 at Maxwell Park, edging out Elmwood Brimfield 39-48.  Two Ironmen posted top-five finishes, with Joey Yaros taking second and Jack Thomas finishing fourth out of...

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