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Inkspot
Local companies’ donations enable Unit 5 students to view eclipse
Local companies’ donations enable Unit 5 students to view eclipse
Students will complete the PSAT and SAT using the Bluebook app which, according to the College Board, makes test day easier and faster for students and proctors. Screen Capture: College Board
Community transitions to digital SAT, end of pencil-and-paper testing era
Five members of Communitys journalism program qualified for the IHSA State Journalism competition. Each competitor finished in the top-three in the cateogy they participated in at Sectionals.
Inkspot sends 5 to IHSA State Journalism competition
Following Holi traditions, attendees of the April 2023 celebration arrived dressed in white attire. The participants left smeared in the vibrant hues of colored powder.
Holi Moli celebration shifts location to Normal’s Uptown Circle, gains new support
The mock trial team earned its fourth consecutive top-five placement at the Homewood Flossmoor Invitational.
Closing statements: Mock trial team reflects on historic season
Senior ‘Assassin’ game set to begin, tradition sparks debate among students, administrators
Senior ‘Assassin’ game set to begin, tradition sparks debate among students, administrators
Connections: April 19
Connections: April 19
Connections: April 18
Connections: April 18
Connections: April 17
Connections: April 17
Digital Daze: The phone distraction gripping students
Digital Daze: The phone distraction gripping students
Inkspot Madness contest
Inkspot Madness contest
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
Connections: April 19
Connections: April 19
Connections: April 18
Connections: April 18
Connections: April 17
Connections: April 17
Inkspot Madness contest
Inkspot Madness contest
Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]
Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]
Average Jonah? [quiz]
Average Jonah? [quiz]
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love “The Good Place”
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love “The Good Place”
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Writing music and inspiring people is my passion, its what I love to do, Benson Boone said in October 2023. Two years ago, the TikTok star turned American Idol drop out wasnt so sure. Photo Courtesy: WB Music
Benson Boone: ‘American Idol’ exit to excellent EP ‘PULSE’ [review]
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
1988s Die Hard follows New York City police officer John McClane as he tries to save his estranged wife and several others after they are taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. Film Still // 20th Century Fox
Yippee-Ki-Holiday: The enduring legacy of ‘Die Hard,’ a Christmas classic
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
1988s Die Hard follows New York City police officer John McClane as he tries to save his estranged wife and several others after they are taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. Film Still // 20th Century Fox
Yippee-Ki-Holiday: The enduring legacy of ‘Die Hard,’ a Christmas classic
Promotional Image // Netflix
‘Fear Street’ trilogy on the cutting-edge of slasher tropes
Abby Ruebush takes a look at why Barbie will have a legacy that lasts beyond the films record breaking box office performance. Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk Promotional Images // Warner Bros. Pictures
Why ‘Barbie’ was more than ‘Kenough’ [review]
Sounds Off: Top 10 movie soundtrack songs
Sounds Off: Top 10 movie soundtrack songs
The ultimate romance movie marathon
The ultimate romance movie marathon
Writing music and inspiring people is my passion, its what I love to do, Benson Boone said in October 2023. Two years ago, the TikTok star turned American Idol drop out wasnt so sure. Photo Courtesy: WB Music
Benson Boone: ‘American Idol’ exit to excellent EP ‘PULSE’ [review]
From guilty pleasures to surprising obsessions, our team looks at their top song of the year, peeling back the curtain on why their most-listened-to artists and songs racked up so many plays. Screen Capture // NCHSinkspot Spotify
Behind the beats: The Inkspot staff’s 2023 Spotify Wrapped reveal
Image Courtesy of: Spotify // Spotify Press Release
On the Spot: Unwrapped – Students, staff share their top Spotify streams of 2023
Analog audiophiles’ playlist picks [Spotify Playlists]
Analog audiophiles’ playlist picks [Spotify Playlists]
No mixed emotions: 20 picks for the perfect love song playlist
No mixed emotions: 20 picks for the perfect love song playlist
Sounds Off: Top 10 movie soundtrack songs
Sounds Off: Top 10 movie soundtrack songs
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
Promotional Image // Netflix
‘Fear Street’ trilogy on the cutting-edge of slasher tropes
Based on Japans highest-selling manga series in history, One Piece is a legendary high-seas adventure unlike any other.
Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ live-action adaptation sets sail: A treasure for anime fans [review]
In honor of the anniversary of Gilmore Girls premiere, Zach Knox-Doyle ranks Rorys romances. Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk Promotional Images // Warner Bros., Netflix
Starry-eyed in Stars Hollow: Ranking Rory Gilmore’s romances
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 arent playing, according to the Inkspots 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
10 Skyrim Secrets
10 Skyrim Secrets
The Game Grumps: Whos who?
The Game Grumps: Who’s who?
The titular monster hunter along side his two cat companions on a hunt in Capcoms Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate: review
Junior Jonah Roper has struckout 30 of the 55 batters he has faced this season. Roper has has allowed seven hits and two runs in 14 1/3 innings of worth this season.
Undefeated Iron baseball aims for 15th straight win
Reese Anderson recorded her fourth goal and second and third assists against Urbana. The Iron will need Andersons offense to take down the Peoria Notre Dame Irish, as the Irish have given up one goal all season.
Soccer looks to stop undefeated Peoria Notre Dame in Big 12 battle
Emma Reichert is third on the team in scoring with four goals; she leads the team in assists with five assists.
Girls soccer claim Intercity Title, look to improve on 6-1 record
Over the past three seasons, the Irons varsity team compiled an 89-15 overall record, making three trips to the Sectional Title game. Image Courtesy: Charles Green
Trailblazing success: Community’s girls basketball program marks milestones over three-year run
Junior Ryan Baxter leads BN Lacrosse in goals (7) and assists (7). Baxter has 12 shots on the season. Shooting opportunities have been a weak spot this season as the team struggles to control possession.
BN Boys Lacrosse starts season 0-3
Maddie Ummel lead Community at the plate in average at .458 and extra-base hits with four doubles. However, the team has struggled to hit with runners in scoring position, stranding 50 baserunners.
Softball struggles to find momentum
While over 100 teams are set to participate in the inaugural season of flag football, Community isnt likely to field a team until the 2025-26 school year. Community is one of over 35 teams that looks to participate in the IHSAs sophomore flag football season, along with other Big 12 schools Bloomington and Urbana. The 25-26 season would see six Big 12 schools offering the sport. Image Courtesy: IHSA
Community weighs participation as IHSA introduces Girls Flag Football; Financial, interest hurdles remain
Screen Capture: IHSA Swimming and Diving Digital Program // IHSA.org
Girls swim season concludes at IHSA State prelims
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Coach Drengwitz recaps the IHSA Semifinals game, looks back at the 2023 season [video]
The Ironmen are back in the IHSA Semifinals for the first time in over 15 seasons after a stunning comeback win over Glenbard East. They take on the 10-2 Downers Grove North Trojans on the road Saturday. Photo Courtesy of: Steph Mazanowski // MazPix Photography // Mazpix.com
Undefeated Ironmen gear up for IHSA Football Semifinals showdown with Downers Grove North Trojans
The Normal Community Ironmen head back to the IHSA Semifinals for the first time since 2007, facing the Downers Grove North Trojans. Hear what Ironmen head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz said ahead of the game. Digital Illustration // Brad Bovenkerk
Coach Drengwitz previews the IHSA Semifinals, recaps win over Glenbard [video]
The Ironmen football team make their first Semifinal appearance since 2007 Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. when they face the Downers Grove Trojans. In 2007, Community went 12-1 in Class 6A under head coach Mr. Hud Venerable.
Ironmen secure IHSA Class 7A Semifinal spot with stunning comeback overcoming Glenbard East 45-28
Over the past three seasons, the Irons varsity team compiled an 89-15 overall record, making three trips to the Sectional Title game. Image Courtesy: Charles Green
Trailblazing success: Community’s girls basketball program marks milestones over three-year run
By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season
By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season
Jackson Soney won 10 consecutive matches via pin to claim his second IWCOA title. Image Courtesty: Iron Wrestling X account
IWCOA State Championships: Soney claims second consecutive wrestling title, Mayes takes Second at 2nd
Community ran into a formidable Homewood-Flossmoor team in the 4A State Title contest. The Vikings took home the program’s first State title on a strong defensive performance and sharpshooter-like accuracy from behind the arc. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen runners-up in 4A IHSA State Championship
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
Ironmen secure spot in 4A IHSA State Finals with double-digit victory over Palatine Pirates
Ironmen secure spot in 4A IHSA State Finals with double-digit victory over Palatine Pirates
Junior Jonah Roper has struckout 30 of the 55 batters he has faced this season. Roper has has allowed seven hits and two runs in 14 1/3 innings of worth this season.
Undefeated Iron baseball aims for 15th straight win
Reese Anderson recorded her fourth goal and second and third assists against Urbana. The Iron will need Andersons offense to take down the Peoria Notre Dame Irish, as the Irish have given up one goal all season.
Soccer looks to stop undefeated Peoria Notre Dame in Big 12 battle
Emma Reichert is third on the team in scoring with four goals; she leads the team in assists with five assists.
Girls soccer claim Intercity Title, look to improve on 6-1 record
Junior Ryan Baxter leads BN Lacrosse in goals (7) and assists (7). Baxter has 12 shots on the season. Shooting opportunities have been a weak spot this season as the team struggles to control possession.
BN Boys Lacrosse starts season 0-3
Maddie Ummel lead Community at the plate in average at .458 and extra-base hits with four doubles. However, the team has struggled to hit with runners in scoring position, stranding 50 baserunners.
Softball struggles to find momentum
Bloomington Normal Girls Lacrosse aims for redemption in 2024
Bloomington Normal Girls Lacrosse aims for redemption in 2024
Top 5: Godzilla films
Top 5: Godzilla films
Mascot Madness: Round one
Mascot Madness: Round one
Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Fast food fails
Photo Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Iconic teen films
Top 5: Twitch streamers
Top 5: Twitch streamers
Top 5 Disney sidekicks
Top 5 Disney sidekicks
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
Head 2 Head: Meatheads vs. SmashBurger
Head 2 Head: Meatheads vs. SmashBurger
[Photos courtesy of Disney & Studio Ghibli]
Head 2 Head: Studio Ghibli vs Disney
Head 2 Head: Cherry Berry vs. Chill Out
Head 2 Head: Cherry Berry vs. Chill Out
Top 5: Godzilla films
Top 5: Godzilla films
Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Fast food fails
Photo Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Iconic teen films
Top 5: Twitch streamers
Top 5: Twitch streamers
Top 5 Disney sidekicks
Top 5 Disney sidekicks
Top 5 UDA College Nationals Performances
Top 5 UDA College Nationals Performances
By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season
By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season
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
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
Inside the Paint is a roundtable discussion where the Inkspots 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
The Up-Beat – Ep. 4 – Incense, school records, Speedos and ophthalmology
The Up-Beat – Ep. 4 – Incense, school records, Speedos and ophthalmology
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
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 Inkspots 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
The Up-Beat – Ep. 4 – Incense, school records, Speedos and ophthalmology
The Up-Beat – Ep. 4 – Incense, school records, Speedos and ophthalmology
The Up-Beat – Ep. 3 – GAMES! from video, the NBA All-Star Game, Red Racoon to Ironmen girls bball
The Up-Beat – Ep. 3 – GAMES! from video, the NBA All-Star Game, Red Racoon to Ironmen girls bball
The Up-Beat – Ep. 2 – Lumber, leprechauns and the lottery
The Up-Beat – Ep. 2 – Lumber, leprechauns and the lottery
The Up-Beat – Ep. 1 – Spotify discoveries, a daily dose of Dr. Zbrozek, Pizza Olympics & bowling balls
The Up-Beat – Ep. 1 – Spotify discoveries, a daily dose of Dr. Zbrozek, Pizza Olympics & bowling balls
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
Post-game interview: Iron win 4th straight Regional Title over Rock Island [video]
Post-game interview: Iron win 4th straight Regional Title over Rock Island [video]
Dance team’s annual guy/girl dance set to ‘Barbie’ medley [video]
Dance team’s annual guy/girl dance set to ‘Barbie’ medley [video]
The cast, crew of ‘The Dining Room’ on why audiences should see the winter play [video]
The cast, crew of ‘The Dining Room’ on why audiences should see the winter play [video]
Witzig v. Feeney – Battle of basketball brains [video]
Witzig v. Feeney – Battle of basketball brains [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
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
On the Spot: This or That Thanksgiving
On the Spot: Luck or Lore [video]
On the Spot: Luck or Lore [video]
On the Spot: Barbie Brainiacs? [video]
On the Spot: Barbie Brainiacs? [video]
On the Spot: Ep. 6 – ‘Winter Break plans’ [video]
On the Spot: Ep. 6 – ‘Winter Break plans’ [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 Print Edition
March 2018 Print Editon
March 2018 Print Editon
Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

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

Inkspot
Lauren Hirsch

Lauren Hirsch, Staff Writer

Lauren Hirsch is a sophomore at Normal Community High School and is involved in Younglife club. This is her first year working with The Inkspot, and she is a staff writer.

Some of my favorite movies are Lady Bird (2017), Marriage Story (2019), and Anna Karenina (2012).

One of my guilty pleasures is watching reality tv shows, specifically Love Island.

All content by Lauren Hirsch
Inkspots most adoptable fictional spots

Inkspot’s most adoptable fictional “spots”

Nayonika Banerjee, Mahnoor Shaheen, Kennedy Coe, Dylan Wehmeyer, Victoria Wilson, Jonah Kramer, Emma Conover, Lauren Hirsch, Max Roth, Natalie Maloy, Lauren Cutler, Myra Saulat, Norah Wagoner and Erica Copeland • Mar 24, 2021

As stay-at-home orders were issued across the U.S. last year, animal welfare organizations saw pet adoptions spike during the second half of March. Industry data from PetPoint estimates that the national adoption rate of 58% at the beginning of March 2020 jumped to 85% by the month’s end.  But...

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