• Want to receive periodic updates from the Inkspot? Sign up for our newsletter highlighting the latest headlines, top stories and more here
Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot

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

Inkspot

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

Inkspot

Olivia Plangger

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Olivia Plangger is a senior at Normal Community and a second-year Inkspot reporter. Throughout her time in high school, she has competed on the Lady Iron basketball team, performed with the NCHS Chamber Orchestra, and formed bonds while in Generation Connect club. 

A favorite film of mine is the Sandlot. The best advice I could give to an underclassman is to take advantage of every opportunity, stay involved, and enjoy your time.

All content by Olivia Plangger
Lacrosse programs celebrate first wins, head into second half of season

Lacrosse programs celebrate first wins, head into second half of season

Eli Schneider and Olivia Plangger May 21, 2021

After opening their inaugural seasons with a combined record of 0-5, the Bloomington-Normal girls and boys lacrosse programs recorded their first victories the week of May 3. After an 0-2 start to the season, the girls team celebrated their first program win over Minooka on May 5. BHS junior...

Continue Reading

Q & A with the Lady Iron basketball seniors [video]

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Apr 30, 2021
The five graduating Lady Iron basketball seniors reflect on their basketball careers at NCHS in this Q & A
Read Story
Ironmen junior Zach Cleveland goes for the ball in a 2021 regular season game against the Bloomington Raiders.

Boys, girls basketball advance in Big 12 Conference tournament

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Mar 12, 2021

The Normal Community boys and girls basketball programs both advanced to the semi-final round of the Big 12 Conference tournament after their quarter-final victories yesterday, March 11. The Ironmen earned a 56-37 win at home against the Urbana Tigers, while the Lady Iron took home a 46-41 victory...

Continue Reading
Karleigh Creasey (22) transitions down the court in the Lady Irons season opener win over Moline.

Lady Iron return to play

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Mar 5, 2021

The Lady Iron varsity basketball team followed safety protocols and quarantined after close contact to COVID-19 -- the result of an opponent having several team members test positive for the virus. The team was excited to return to the court last night on the road against the Bloomington High School...

Continue Reading
Lady Iron basketball upperclassmen [gallery]

Lady Iron basketball upperclassmen [gallery]

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Feb 15, 2021
After the Lady Iron basketball team finished 14-16 last season (marking the first sub .500 finish in five years), Coach Dave Feeney was optimistic heading into the abbreviated '20-'21 season. The reason for Feeney's optimistic outlook, he said, was that the “core of our varsity” was returning from last season. Take a look at the Lady Iron upperclassmen who have helped lead the team to a 3-0 start.
Read Story
Lady Iron seniors Madison Feeney, Maylin Henning, Briana Mathews, Mallory Oloffson, and Miriam Zappa celebrate senior night.

Successful Lady Iron senior night; NCHS defeats Peoria Manual

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Feb 12, 2021

After three years of offensive run-throughs, full-court sprints, and ball handling drills, the Lady Iron basketball seniors were excited to take the court for their Senior Night game, a game they were unsure would become a reality. “With COVID, we didn’t think we were ever going to have our...

Continue Reading
Briana Mathews, who scored eight points against Moline, pulled up for a jumper under the hoop.

Lady Iron clinch comeback win against Moline

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Feb 9, 2021

Despite trailing the Moline Maroons heading into the fourth quarter, the Lady Iron varsity basketball team opened their season with a 59-42 comeback win on their homecourt Saturday, Feb. 6.  While the home opener opponent “was really tough,” head coach Mr. Dave Feeney said, “our kids showed...

Continue Reading
Actors of the NCHS play, Ghosts in the Machine by Eric Coble posed for the screen capture during their Zoom rehearsal.

‘The Show Must Go On’

Drama programs collaborate to host virtual theatre festival
Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Nov 16, 2020

When faced with the inability to perform on stage this year, the Bloomington-Normal high school theatre programs proved "the show must go on," according to NCHS theatre director Mrs. Kevin Vernon as they participate in the digital theatre fest "Everywhere is a Stage." "Everywhere is a Stage,"...

Continue Reading
The Normal Community girls cross country team finished in 3rd place at the IHSA Sectional -- the best 3A team finish in school history.
Freshmen Ali Ince was the Sectional champion with a time of 17:46.61.

Crossing finish lines, crushing records

Lady Iron cross country finishes 3rd at Sectionals
Olivia Plangger and Eli Schneider Nov 9, 2020

The Lady Iron cross country team concluded their history-making season by finishing third at IHSA Sectionals on Saturday, October 31. Running their home course, Maxwell Park, with an undefeated record, the team’s goal “was to really just get in front of as many teams as possible,” Lauren...

Continue Reading
Seniors’ ab-‘normal’ fall athletic seasons

Seniors’ ab-‘normal’ fall athletic seasons

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Nov 4, 2020
With last year’s cancelation of the IHSA spring sports season, the 20-21 athletic seasons were uncertain. For athletes like Ironmen pitcher Andrew Briggs, this season was one they had been looking forward to for years. “Growing up,” Briggs said, “I dreamed about being able to suit up my senior year for the Ironmen.” That dream was one that at times looked like it might not come true, or at least not in the way he once imagined. 
Read Story
Out of 65 individual competitors, Alyvia Burr placed in Sectionals top ten after competing at the University of Illinois golf course.

Burr goes out swinging, places 9th at Golf Sectionals

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Oct 19, 2020

Senior Alyvia Burr placed 9th at the IHSA Girls Golf Class 2A Sectional, capping of her high school golf career with a birdie at Champaign Centennial on Tues. Oct. 13. In any other year, a top ten individual finish at Sectionals would qualify Burr for the IHSA State tournament, however, the Golf State...

Continue Reading
While the 2020 Lady Iron Golf team concludes their season together, Alyvia Burr individually moves forward to Sectionals.

Burr heads to IHSA Girls Golf Sectionals after tying for second at Regionals

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Oct 13, 2020

Senior Alyvia Burr advanced to today’s IHSA Girls Golf Sectionals after tying for second place at Regionals on Wednesday, Oct., 7. While the Normal Community varsity golf team placed fourth with a team score of 377, Burr’s score of 81 secured her a spot in Sectional play.  During Burr’s...

Continue Reading
The 2020 Lady Iron Swimming and Diving team looks to move to the next level of competition.

After loss to West, 8-1 Lady Iron swimming & diving face U-High in Senior Day meet

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Oct 6, 2020

The previously undefeated Lady Iron varsity swimming and diving team look to bounce back after rivals Normal West delivered their first loss of the season Saturday. “Many of our meets have not been as competitive,” Coach Heather Budak said, “so it was a fun way to move to the next level of competition.” Despite...

Continue Reading
New Faces of Normal

New Faces of Normal

The New Faces of Normal Combine large, bold images with the beautifully crafted words of your story.

Continue Reading
The 2020 Lady Iron varsity tennis team heads into Senior Night play with a team record of 7-1.

Lady Iron tennis ‘set’ for Senior Night success

Eli Schneider and Olivia Plangger Sep 17, 2020

The Lady Iron varsity tennis team heads into Senior Night confidently, with a 7-1 record, facing the Richwoods Knights today at home. The 4:30 p.m. match recognizes seniors Varsha Naraharasetty and Lexie Wells, who stress the importance of keeping a "good attitude during every situation," Meg Moser...

Continue Reading
MIX host Chris Petlak on air from his wifes closet during the Illinois Stay at Home order

Adding a closet into the MIX: ISU alum on radio hosting during COVID

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave Jul 15, 2020

Shifting from a spacious radio studio to a close-quarters closet did not faze Chris Petlak, host of Chicago's 101.9 THE MIX's evening radio programming when the Stay at Home order was issued in March. Although the circumstances looked unusual, Petlak's wife's closet's sound quality was the best his home...

Continue Reading
Senior Showcase Galleries

Senior Showcase Galleries

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger May 26, 2020
The Class of 2020 was showcased on the Inkspot Instagram account, taking advantage of the opportunity to share their high school achievements, favorite memories, and their future plans.
Read Story
Senior Showcase Gallery Five

Senior Showcase Gallery Five

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave May 26, 2020

Continue Reading
Senior Showcase Gallery Four

Senior Showcase Gallery Four

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger May 26, 2020

Continue Reading
Senior Showcase Gallery Three

Senior Showcase Gallery Three

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger May 26, 2020

Continue Reading
Senior Showcase Gallery Two

Senior Showcase Gallery Two

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger May 26, 2020

Continue Reading
Senior Showcase Gallery One

Senior Showcase Gallery One

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger May 26, 2020

Continue Reading

Crave Chronicles: Episode Two – Wing Stop v. Buffalo Wild Wings [video]

In the second episode of Crave Chronicles, Jessalyn Baer, Jaxon Creasey, and Olivia Plangger compare wings from Wing Stop and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Read Story
Bloomington Area Career Center Culinary Arts students gathered together before they began their Regional events.

BACC culinary students roast the competition at SkillsUSA regional; COVID simmers State competition hopes

Olivia Plangger and Jessalyn Baer Apr 25, 2020

Four Bloomington Area Career Center Culinary Arts students -- Emma Feit ('21), Madelyn Burton ('21), Kennedy Coe ('21), and Gavin Regnier ('20) -- qualified for the SkillsUSA State competition after participating in the Regional culinary competitions at Southwestern Illinois College in Granite City on...

Continue Reading
Q & A: Seniors Speak Up

Q & A: Seniors Speak Up

With Satya Garapati
Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger Apr 24, 2020

Continue Reading
Four-year Lady Iron soccer player Courtney Dage (20)  plays during the 2018-2019 campaign.

IHSA cancels spring tournaments

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger Apr 21, 2020

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors announced its decision Tuesday, April 21 to “cancel all IHSA spring state tournaments” in a statement released at noon. Though the IHSA has made efforts to keep the slim possibility of a spring season alive, Governor J.B. Pritzker’s...

Continue Reading
Q & A: Senior Athletes Speak Up

Q & A: Senior Athletes Speak Up

With Kailah Carter
Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave Apr 17, 2020

Tonight, Friday, April 17, NCHS would have hosted the 2020 Normal Community Co-Ed Track Invitational and recognized the senior athletes of the boys and girls track teams. However, like so many other events, that meet is canceled. Kailah Carter (‘20), a 2018 and 2019 State track and field qualifier,...

Continue Reading
Kennedy (left) and Piper (right) Coe model two different patterned masks they sewed.

Sewing for safety: Coe family combats coronavirus

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave Apr 12, 2020

  The struggles of those combating COVID-19 have hit home for the family of Kennedy (‘21) and Piper (‘20) Coe. Utilizing their sewing skills and passion for helping others, the sisters started crafting homemade masks a month ago, distributing them to friends, family, health-care workers,...

Continue Reading
Q & A: Seniors Speak Up

Q & A: Seniors Speak Up

With Sheri Stewart
Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger Apr 12, 2020
School closures due to COVID-19 present unique challenges for all students. However, for senior athletes in their last semester at Normal Community, the experence is on a different level. Missing out on their senior season, and that final chance to make memories in Normal Community colors has led to seniors running the gamut of emotions. This is the second installment in a series of articles where seniors detail their experiences through the COVID-19 crisis, featuring soccer player Sheri Stewart.
Read Story
Q & A: Seniors Speak Up

Q & A: Seniors Speak Up

With Sabrina Chang
Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger Apr 8, 2020
School closures due to COVID-19 present unique challenges for all students. However, for seniors in their last semester at Normal Community, the experence is on a different level. Possibly missing out on a variety of senior memories, and having to transition to E-learning has led to seniors running the gamut of emotions. This is the first installment in a series of articles where seniors detail their experiences through the COVID-19 crisis, featuring Sabrina Chang who spoke to the Inkspot during Spring Break.
Read Story
IHSA remains hopeful for return of spring sports seasons

IHSA remains hopeful for return of spring sports seasons

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave Apr 6, 2020

In response to Governor JB Pritzker extending the ‘shelter in place’ order until April 30, the IHSA has announced that they are hopeful a shortened spring sports season will remain possible.  “We continue to support the possibility of our member schools completing both regular and postseason...

Continue Reading
5 throwback movies to watch

5 throwback movies to watch

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger Apr 1, 2020
With the COVID-19 pandemic shutting schools down until at least April 30, students have more time to fill than ever before. The current chaos across the globe is stressful for all - and nothing helps us to calm down like a familiar film. With shelter at home orders requiring us to stay inside, streaming services offer a plethora of potential watches. Here are five classic movies available to rent or stream from the comfort of your living room.
Read Story
5 things to do to keep your mind active

5 things to do to keep your mind active

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger Mar 26, 2020
With the COVID-19 pandemic shutting schools down, students have more time to fill than ever before. Students might have longed for Spring Break before the COVID-19 strike, but time away is not the utopia imagined. Due to national guidelines recommending social distancing, students face boredom as the days pass by. This is the first in a series of articles detailing things to do during this unprecedented time. Each column will focus on a specific theme, starting with Keeping Your Mind Active.
Read Story
Let, second serve: Iron Tennis warms up for new challenges

Let, second serve: Iron Tennis warms up for new challenges

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger Mar 25, 2020

Editor's Note: According to the IHSA, "April 8 is the target date" for the resumption of spring sports. "However, there are state governmental, educational and health bodies that will need to approve this action... It is too early to say definitively that IHSA activities will resume on April 8." Neither...

Continue Reading
Coach Short, Ironmen seniors offer opinions ahead of baseball season

Coach Short, Ironmen seniors offer opinions ahead of baseball season

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave Mar 25, 2020
After graduating 14 seniors, the Ironmen varsity baseball team began their 2020 season with clear goals and high hopes.  The goal isn’t “really about doing any better than last year,” Head Coach Ryan Short said, but “just trying to do as well as this group can.” Prior to the postponement of the season, Short was optimistic about the team’s potential, saying he  “think[s] this group can do really well.” After last year’s exit on a rainy day in the Regional Championship game against Moline, Short is determined to make it a step further this year, and he thinks the Ironmen are up for the challenge. On their journey to Regionals, Short hopes to win the Big 12 Conference since NCHS is currently half a point ahead of Peoria Notre Dame for the all-sports trophy. “We spring sports need to pull our weight,” Short said. Short believes that the key to the team pulling its weight and reaching its full potential is camaraderie and chemistry, something he doesn’t think will be an issue for this group, which will make it easier to focus on and achieve season success.
Read Story
NCHS Favorite Teacher: March Madness

NCHS’ Favorite Teacher: March Madness

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger Mar 13, 2020

Updated: 4/1/2020 With the cancelation of the NCAA March Madness tournament, fans should not be prevented from fulfilling their bracket-filling fix. While basketball might not be airing on CBS, the Inkspot’s Teachers of NCHS: March Madness bracket attempts to fill the void, pitting 64 teachers...

Continue Reading
Loving Valentines cards and decorations were made from the eco-friendly paper they created; a positive effort made to spread compassion while helping the planet.

Earth Club’s reusing and repurposing: Valentine’s Day

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave Feb 15, 2020

One for you, and you, and you. Walking around the classroom, elementary school students traditionally place their Valentine’s day cards into the decorated shoeboxes of their classmates, saving their favorite for a special someone. Decked out in red, pink, and white paper, the Valentines usually...

Continue Reading
The athletic trainers utilize the Healthy Roster App to insure a smoother system of treating student injuries.

Athletic trainers implement Healthy Roster

Olivia Plangger and Jessalyn Baer Feb 14, 2020

The 2019 fall athletic season marked the implementation of the Healthy Roster app into the athletic training program, allowing for improved communication of injury documentation between parents, coaches, and athletes. Through NCHS's partnership with The Orthopedic and Sports Enhancement Center, the...

Continue Reading
Movie Guide: How to spend your Valentines Day

Movie Guide: How to spend your Valentine’s Day

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave Feb 12, 2020
Celebrate the day of love by spending the night watching a romance, by yourself, with your significant other, or with friends and family.
Read Story

Crave Chronicles: Episode One – Dunkin’ Donuts v. Krispy Kreme [video]

In the premiere episode of Crave Chronicles, Jessalyn Baer, Jaxon Creasey, and Olivia Plangger compare Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts chocolate glazed donuts.
Read Story
Varsity wrestling prepares for post-season

Varsity wrestling prepares for post-season

Olivia Plangger, Co-Editor-in-Chief Feb 8, 2020
The Ironmen varsity wrestling team finished their regular season with a record of 20-6 as they head into Regionals. Olivia Plangger sat down with Head Coach Trevor Kaufmann to discuss the season.
Read Story
Sivani Sayani (left) and Sunny Shaheen (third from left) collaborate with other interns while developing the framework for the CSHS.

Computer Science Honor Society boots up for first year

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave Dec 18, 2019

Three seniors launched the NCHS chapter of the Computer Science Honor Society this year, with the help of faculty adviser Mrs. Amy Feeney, in an effort to celebrate computer science students’ academic achievement. Passionate about computer science, the students worked 40 hours a week as full-time...

Continue Reading
Lady Iron swim & dive seniors cap off their athletic careers

Lady Iron swim & dive seniors cap off their athletic careers

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger Dec 9, 2019

Two senior State-qualifying athletes ended their high school athletic careers with a splash

Continue Reading
FFA members pose with their award.

FFA recognized among nation’s top chapters

The NCHS FFA Leadership team competed at the 92nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis from October 29 to November 1. The top ten individuals and the national winning team members in each of the competition's categories were awarded cash prizes to recognize their success in the event.  The FFA...

Continue Reading
Load More Stories
Donate to Inkspot
$1780
$3000
Contributed
Our Goal