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

Inkspot

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

Inkspot

Mr. Brad Bovenkerk, Advisor

Mr. Brad Bovenkerk is a English teacher at Community, where he leads the school’s journalism program and advises The Inkspot. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Illinois State University.

In addition to his role at Community, Mr. Bovenkerk serves on the Illinois Journalism Education Association Board as the Region 4 representative and is a member of the IHSA Journalism Advisory Board for Division 5, advocating for student journalism at the state level.

All content by Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
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

Mr. Brad Bovenkerk, Advisor Sep 5, 2025

Last season, Ironmen football left fans breathless. Undefeated in Big 12 Conference play. A 10-2 record. A 7A IHSA State Quarterfinals appearance. Nearly toppling Mount Carmel—a program that’s long stood as a titan of Illinois high school football. The wins? Impressive. The roster? Stacked—with...

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In the Family and Consumer Science department, department head Mrs. Laura Thomas said the store closure will not have a severe impact with other local and online retail options. But it won't go unnoticed. 
In Thomas's classroom, a dress form stands beside a countertop piled high with colorful fabric scraps—a visual reminder of how frequently students rely on fabric materials for their clothing construction projects.

[Photo] Joann Fabrics closing hits Community crafters, classes

Inkspot Staff, Johanna Haning and Ava Keenan May 9, 2025

In the Family and Consumer Science department, department head Mrs. Laura Thomas said the store closure will not have a severe impact with other local and online retail options. But it won't go unnoticed. In Thomas's classroom, a dress form stands beside a countertop piled high with colorful fabric...

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.

[Photo] The counselors who carry it all

Marcus Russell, Staff Writer May 6, 2025

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...

Hickman was one of eight Inkspot staff members to compete at the State Finals, joined by Beatrix Alvarez, Arwen Georges, Carter Hull, Brady Phelps and the team of Bella Green, Leon Castaneda and Audra Wolf.

[Photo] Senior wins state title in IHSA Journalism Finals

Zachary Knox-Doyle, Sports Editor Apr 28, 2025

Hickman was one of eight Inkspot staff members to compete at the State Finals, joined by Beatrix Alvarez, Arwen Georges, Carter Hull, Brady Phelps and the team of Bella Green, Leon Castaneda and Audra Wolf.

Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem

Welcome to Generation Gap—the podcast where the Inkspot's Gen Z students and millennial Mr. Bovenkerk teacher tackle headlines from opposite ends of the age divide. In our first episode, we break down the chaos surrounding "A Minecraft Movie," discussing if this is the downfall of movie theater etiquette or just another short-lived viral trend.
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11 Inkspot staff members competed in one of seven IHSA Journalism Sectionals statewide, facing 11 schools from across Central Illinois and the southwest suburbs. 
The top six finishers in each event earned team points, with the top three advancing to the IHSA State Finals.

[Photo] 7 Inkspot journalists qualify for IHSA State Finals, led by Sectional Champs in TV News

Inkspot Staff Apr 15, 2025

11 Inkspot staff members competed in one of seven IHSA Journalism Sectionals statewide, facing 11 schools from across Central Illinois and the southwest suburbs. The top six finishers in each event earned team points, with the top three advancing to the IHSA State Finals.

As a junior, Jonah Roper posted his best high school season on the mound for the Ironmen after spending the previous two seasons hampered by injury.

[Photo] Jonah Roper’s next pitch

Zachary Knox-Doyle, Sports Editor Mar 11, 2025

As a junior, Jonah Roper posted his best high school season on the mound for the Ironmen after spending the previous two seasons hampered by injury.

Mock Trial showcased their 2025 case, "People of the State of Illinois v. 
Peyton Reed," to the majority of sophomore students on Feb. 24 in the auditorium.
The presentation was a collaboration with English II teachers, aiming to help lay out how a criminal legal proceeding should function to support student's reading of "To Kill a Mockingbird."

[Photo] Mock Trial brings courtroom to the classroom with English II collaboration

Lyra Townsend, Staff Reporter Mar 5, 2025

Mock Trial showcased their 2025 case, "People of the State of Illinois v. Peyton Reed," to the majority of sophomore students on Feb. 24 in the auditorium. The presentation was a collaboration with English II teachers, aiming to help lay out how a criminal legal proceeding should function to support...

The Ironmen advanced to the Normal Sectional with a fourth-place team finish at Regionals.

[Photo] Yaros, Ince earn State cross country berths

Inkspot Staff Nov 8, 2024

The Ironmen advanced to the Normal Sectional with a fourth-place team finish at Regionals.

Last season, the Ironmen had several scoring chances against the Maroons in Sectional Semis but were unable to convert. 
Community’s keeper Parker Michels recorded some spectacular saves in the net, but was unable to prevent the Maroons from advancing to the Sectional Championships.
This season, Bode Thompson is minding the net for Community. Thompson has given up 29 goals on the year and recorded seven shutout performances.

[Photo] Ironmen seek revenge against Moline in Sectional Semifinal rematch

Inkspot Staff Oct 29, 2024

Last season, the Ironmen had several scoring chances against the Maroons in Sectional Semis but were unable to convert. Community’s keeper Parker Michels recorded some spectacular saves in the net, but was unable to prevent the Maroons from advancing to the Sectional Championships. This season, Bode...

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.

[Photo] Evolution of a Voice: Mr. Joel Swanson’s journey to courtside commentator

Inkspot Staff and Ben Kerber Oct 25, 2024

Swanson and Zach Knox-Doyle call Ironmen basketball, alongside Ben Kerber, during the 2023-24 season.

Top 5 Fictional Bands

Top 5 Fictional Bands

Mr. Bovenkerk reveals his top five faux bands that really rock
Mr. Brad Bovenkerk, Advisor Jan 19, 2024

When the red carpet rolled out for the 75th Emmy Awards on Jan. 15, television’s best were recognized for their outstanding work. Among the nominees stealing the spotlight were the cast and crew behind the sensational Amazon original series “Daisy Jones and the Six.” Ahead of the award ceremony,...

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A small fire occurred in room 75, the boys locker room in the Athletic hallway shortly after 11:10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6.  
In an email to parents, principal Dr. Adam Zbrozek said: "The fire was immediately extinguished and all students and staff were safe and uninjured.  Due to the quick response, there was no need to evacuate the school."

[Photo] Small fire in locker room sparks investigation

Dec 7, 2023

A small fire occurred in room 75, the boys locker room in the Athletic hallway shortly after 11:10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6. In an email to parents, principal Dr. Adam Zbrozek said: "The fire was immediately extinguished and all students and staff were safe and uninjured. Due to the quick response,...

The Normal Fire Department was at Community Wednesday, Dec. 6.   investigating a small fire set by a student in the boys locker room in the Athletic hallway. 
School Resource Officer Mr. Jeremy Flood said the investigation is still ongoing.

[Photo] Locker room fire investigation nearing resolution

Dec 13, 2023

The Normal Fire Department was at Community Wednesday, Dec. 6. investigating a small fire set by a student in the boys locker room in the Athletic hallway. School Resource Officer Mr. Jeremy Flood said the investigation is still ongoing.

Zach Cleveland through down one of the Ironmen's 11 combined dunks in their season-opening win over the Bloomington High School Raiders on Nov. 20. 
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk

[Video] Ironmen boys basketball slams down season opening win over Bloomington

Zachary Knox-Doyle, Sports Editor Nov 21, 2023

The Ironmen threw down a 68-43 win over the Bloomington Raiders in the 2023-24 season opener at the Shirk Center Nov. 20. Community dominated the opening minutes of the Intercity tournament, slamming down four dunks in the contest’s opening three minutes of play and jumped out to a 14-0 lead over...

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