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Inkspot
Illinois Press Foundation executive director Jeff Rogers presents the Journalism 2 students with a $5000 check to purchase a new telephoto camera lens.
Inkspot awarded $6,500 to expand journalism opportunities
Community's tennis courts were resurfaced and repainted as part of the district's summer maitenance work. Photo Courtesy of: Community Athletic Department
Community undergoes heating, cooling, facility repairs in Unit 5 summer overhaul
The Unit 5 Board of Education will vote on the proposal to add two IHSA sports at the high school level on Sept. 17.[Photo Illustration]
District to vote on adding girls flag football, boys volleyball
Principal Dr. Adam Zbrozek and his wife hold their first grandchild, Oaklynn Raye Zbrozek, born Monday, Aug. 18, weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring 18 inches. Zbrozek joked that Oaklynn “already has more hair than me” after driving to Texas for her birth. Photo Courtesy of: Dr. Adam Zbrozek
Zbrozek returns after missing first week for granddaughter’s birth
A mockup of the video scoreboards being installed in the East Gym over the summer. Image Courtesy of: Community Athletics department // Used with Permission
New digital scoreboards to be installed in East Gym
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
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
Establishing the ground game, Ironmen head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz said, will be a key to a win against West. Photo Courtesy of: Jeff Christopherson
Chili Bowl clash: Ironmen, Wildcats square off with Big 12 title stakes on the line
The Ironmen opened their season at the Crimson Classic Tournament Aug. 29-30 in Aurora, going 4-1 on the weekend. Photo Courtesy of: @nchsironmenvb // Instagram
Iron volleyball opens season with renewed focus on mental skills
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
Establishing the ground game, Ironmen head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz said, will be a key to a win against West. Photo Courtesy of: Jeff Christopherson
Chili Bowl clash: Ironmen, Wildcats square off with Big 12 title stakes on the line
The Ironmen opened their season at the Crimson Classic Tournament Aug. 29-30 in Aurora, going 4-1 on the weekend. Photo Courtesy of: @nchsironmenvb // Instagram
Iron volleyball opens season with renewed focus on mental skills
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
The Purple Iron Cats are looking for their first playoff win under second-year head coach Jackson Fischer. Photo Courtesy of: Parker Maurer // Used with Permission
Purple Iron Cats seek redemption in sectional opener against Dunlap
Mr. Matt Chapman, who has led Community’s girls soccer program since 2001 and helmed the boys team for the past decade, has compiled a combined career record of 544-182-74— a .726 win percentage cementing his legacy— as one of the winningest coaches in Iron soccer history. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Chapman earns 400th win
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
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
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Photo Courtesy of: HR Imaging // Used with permission
Beyond the Mock Awards: Senior Awards Night spotlights student impact
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on the teachers who made a difference
Students reflect on the teachers who made a difference
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
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Photo Courtesy of: HR Imaging // Used with permission
Beyond the Mock Awards: Senior Awards Night spotlights student impact
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
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
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
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
Head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz addresses the Ironmen after a dominant team effort, highlighted by touchdown catches from three different receivers and a pick-six in the lopsided win.
Ironmen open season with balanced offense, stifling defense in win over Richwoods [photo gallery]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews the 2025 season opener [video]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews the 2025 season opener [video]
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
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 4: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Kankakee [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
Week 3: Coach Drengwitz previews the Ironmen’s matchup vs. Urbana [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
West Week: Coach Drengwitz previews the Normal West matchup [video]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews the 2025 season opener [video]
Ironmen football’s head coach previews the 2025 season opener [video]
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [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
Mackenzie Christian

Mackenzie Christian, Senior Reporter

Mackenzie Christian is a senior at Normal Community High School and a fourth-year member of the varsity Iron Dance Team. She worked with the Inkspot as a staff reporter her sophomore year and as a senior reporter her senior year. I am interested in Pursuing Journalism at the University of Missouri next year. My biggest pet peeve When people get way too close to me when they’re talking. My guilty pleasures Watching reality TV and eating hash browns for dinner.

All content by Mackenzie Christian

[Video] Dance Team falls short of State goal

Mackenzie Christian, Senior Reporter
Jan 14, 2018

The Normal Community Dance Team defended their Big 12 Conference title with a win over conference competitors on Saturday, January 13. The Dance Team performed to "Soldier" by the Fleurie. Normal Community West placed 2nd in the competition. The team would not be able to repeat their success against...

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The Death of Obamacare

The Death of Obamacare

Mackenzie Christian, Senior Reporter
Mar 14, 2017

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Photo Gallery: What seniors hope to accomplish within their last semester

Photo Gallery: What seniors hope to accomplish within their last semester

Mackenzie Christian, Senior Reporter
Jan 20, 2017

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VIDEO: Who motivates you?

NCHS students and staff tell who motivates them the most.
Mackenzie Christian, Senior Reporter
Nov 21, 2016

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‘Shooting for 2020’: Ariola sets sights on Olympic trials

Mackenzie Christian, Senior Reporter
Oct 7, 2016

Grace Ariola competed in the 2016 Olympic Swimming Trials this past summer, competing in the 100 meter backstroke -- taking ninth place and ultimately not qualifying past the semi-finals for the Rio Olympics. Ariola did however qualify to compete in Hawaii in the Junior Pan Pacific Championships. Although...

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Elizabeth-18 Senior captain and leader of the Iron Dance Team--Elizabeth has danced since she was a little girl, and is practically defined by her dance shoes.

Taking a walk in NCHS students’ shoes

Normal Community students and their favorite shoes
Mackenzie Christian, Senior Reporter
Apr 22, 2015

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Free prom dress at WISHES Boutique

Free prom dress at WISHES Boutique

Mackenzie Christian, Senior Reporter
Mar 31, 2015

If you have been in the atrium or dance room within the past weeks, you have probably noticed the racks of prom dresses hanging around. The abundance of prom dresses are displayed each year in the weeks leading to prom, labeled “free” and catching the eyes of many girls. According to Mrs. Budak,...

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