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During an interactive presentation at Community, music students explored how certified music therapists use rhythm and melody to support clients in settings ranging from hospitals to schools to hospice care. Image Courtesy of: Illinois State University
Music therapy presentation introduces students to new career path
Tied to lawn chairs and soaked in ice water, Bryce Hickman (left) and Carson Folwer (right) put a playful spin on the #SpeakYourMIND challenge. Photo Courtesy of: Bryce Hickman
Students revive viral challenge for new cause
Fall colors reflect off Dutchman Lake in Shawnee National Forest, located near Vienna in southern Illinois. Just a five-hour drive from Bloomington-Normal, Shawnee, which spans over 280,000 acres, is the closest national forest to the area—offering hiking, fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding and some of the state’s most scenic trails. Photo CC by U.S. Forest Service // Department of Agriculture, Used with Permission
Executive order threatens protections across 112 million acres of U.S. Forests; Science teachers react
Bryce Hickman earned Community's third-ever State Journalism title. The senior took first in Review Writing after failing to qualify in the event the year before.
Senior wins state title in IHSA Journalism Finals
FFA members like freshman Michaela Byrd collected donations to fund tree planting during lunch hours. After making a donation, Byrd said, students wrote their names on a tree leaf and received a sticker.
FFA tree drive takes root in Earth Month effort
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
"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
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
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
Promotional Image Courtesy of: Studio Ghibli
Top 5 Studio Ghibli films
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]
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’
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
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
Max Heineman leads the team in extra base hits with seven doubles and three triples. The junior is second on the team in home runs (3). Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen surge to 24-4 record behind dominant junior class, midseason chemistry
Senior leaders Ava Prevo (second from left), McKenna Baughman (third from left) and Tatum Yokley (far right) have anchored Community’s turnaround this season—Prevo in the circle, Baughman with her power at the plate, and Yokley leading the Iron in RBIs and extra-base hits. Photo Courtesty of: Tatum Yokley
Softball improves to 10-9 with win over Danville, takes Big 12 lead
Softball climbs to .500 after 0-8 start, fueled by dominant stretch from Prevo, Yokley
Softball climbs to .500 after 0-8 start, fueled by dominant stretch from Prevo, Yokley
To qualify for the IHSA 3A State Track & Field Meet, Marco Reynolds must either place in the top two in her events or meet the state qualifying standards: 11.17 meters in shot put and 35.20 meters in discus—benchmarks she has bested this season. Photo Courtesy of: @ironmentf // Instagram
Reynolds breaks 2 school records, builds legacy in the ring
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
Headlined by senior Cassius Sharp and a strong junior core, the boys soccer team had its deepest playoff run since the 2018 season. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen soccer season ends in Sectional Finals
Coach Drengwitz on the loss to Mt. Carmel, 2024 season [video]
Coach Drengwitz on the loss to Mt. Carmel, 2024 season [video]
AJ Montoya, in addition to his defensive play, served as a goal line back for Community, rushing for 77 yards on the season and scoring four touchdowns. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Taylor, Montoya earn football All-State, Big 12 honors
Mt. Carmel enters Saturday's Quarterfinals contest with an 8-3 record, something that Ironmen coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz thinks speaks to how battle-tested the Caravan are.
Ironmen brace for toughest test yet in Round Three showdown against Mt. Carmel Caravan
IHSA 7A Football Playoffs Quarterfinals: Ironmen head coach on facing the Mt. Carmel Caravan [video]
IHSA 7A Football Playoffs Quarterfinals: Ironmen head coach on facing the Mt. Carmel Caravan [video]
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
Max Heineman leads the team in extra base hits with seven doubles and three triples. The junior is second on the team in home runs (3). Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen surge to 24-4 record behind dominant junior class, midseason chemistry
Senior leaders Ava Prevo (second from left), McKenna Baughman (third from left) and Tatum Yokley (far right) have anchored Community’s turnaround this season—Prevo in the circle, Baughman with her power at the plate, and Yokley leading the Iron in RBIs and extra-base hits. Photo Courtesty of: Tatum Yokley
Softball improves to 10-9 with win over Danville, takes Big 12 lead
Softball climbs to .500 after 0-8 start, fueled by dominant stretch from Prevo, Yokley
Softball climbs to .500 after 0-8 start, fueled by dominant stretch from Prevo, Yokley
To qualify for the IHSA 3A State Track & Field Meet, Marco Reynolds must either place in the top two in her events or meet the state qualifying standards: 11.17 meters in shot put and 35.20 meters in discus—benchmarks she has bested this season. Photo Courtesy of: @ironmentf // Instagram
Reynolds breaks 2 school records, builds legacy in the ring
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
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
BounceNet’s big break
BounceNet’s big break
Caden Correll’s historic run
Caden Correll’s historic run
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
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Jonah Roper’s next pitch
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
BounceNet’s big break
BounceNet’s big break
Caden Correll’s historic run
Caden Correll’s historic run
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
Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Jonah Roper’s next pitch
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
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?
The top 5 hottest presidents
The top 5 hottest presidents
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
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
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
Meet the 2025 Prom Court
Meet the 2025 Prom Court
Global ‘Hands Off’ protests draw millions, including over 1,000 in Bloomington
Global ‘Hands Off’ protests draw millions, including over 1,000 in Bloomington
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
For more than a decade, each week before spring break Community showcases its music offerings with lunchtime concerts.
Jazz Ensemble, acapella celebrate Music In Our Schools Month with atrium performances
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
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
For more than a decade, each week before spring break Community showcases its music offerings with lunchtime concerts.
Jazz Ensemble, acapella celebrate Music In Our Schools Month with atrium performances
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
Mental health in athletics is no longer a silent struggle. At Community’s annual Stay Another Day night, athletes took the floor not just for competition but for a cause—supporting alum Mackenzie Nelson’s growing movement.
Stay Another Day night: How a Community alum’s message is changing the conversation on mental health [video]
Ironmen in the hunt: Coach Feeney talks Big 12 Title race ahead of PND matchup [video]
Ironmen in the hunt: Coach Feeney talks Big 12 Title race ahead of PND matchup [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]
Image Courtesy of: Spotify // Spotify Press Release
On the Spot: Unwrapped – Students, staff share their top Spotify streams of 2023
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
Samantha Maxedon

Samantha Maxedon, Staff Reporter

Samantha Maxedon is a senior at Normal Community High School, and is graduating in December. Loves to write and is a Staff Reporter for Inkspot.

What inspires me

is the action of improving, I believe that if you aren’t improving you are decaying.

My best advice for the world is

to live like you are an explorer, don’t leave any stone unturned and never stop learning, you will be amazed of what you find.

My all-time dream is

to be a journalist or writer of some sort, rather that be a musician, newspaper reporter, author or etc.

I love

learning and teaching and experiencing all i can out of life.

All content by Samantha Maxedon
Students from Normal Community who attended the concert, show what music is to them. (From left to right) Triston Watkins, Addii Strum, Jonathon Basham, and Rebecca Willmitch.

Students say metal music has a ‘positive impact’

NCHS students react to the November concert of various metal bands at Bloomington's Castle Theater.
Samantha Maxedon, Staff Reporter • Jan 12, 2014

The Word Alive, I See Stars, Crown The Empire, Get Scared, Dayshell, and Palisades played the Castle Theater in Bloomington on Friday, November 8th, a leg of their "Started from the Bottom Now Were Here" tour. Four Normal Community High School students attended the concert;  Jonathan Basham (10th),...

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The band Palisades, performing at the beginning of their set, the song "High &Low"

The band Palisades, performing at the beginning of their set, the song "High &Low"

The band Crown The Empire, performing "Menace" at the castle theater

The band Crown The Empire, performing "Menace" at the castle theater

The castle theater, advertises the "Started From The Bottom Now We Here" 2013 tour.

The castle theater, advertises the "Started From The Bottom Now We Here" 2013 tour.

Four NCHS students, Triston Watkins, Addi Strum, Jonathon Basham, and Rebecca Willmitch all share what music means to them.

Four NCHS students, Triston Watkins, Addi Strum, Jonathon Basham, and Rebecca Willmitch all share what music means to them.

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