Why Journalism?

What former students say

Rachel Leman - Class of 2016

Trying to think of a career to chase is a difficult enough task for high schoolers, but when there isn’t any sort of inkling of an idea, it’s that much harder. That was the situation I was in for a long time, but something–call it luck, fate, my guidance counselor–convinced me to try out Mr. Bovenkerk’s Journalism I class for my senior year. It was arguably the best choice I have ever made. A week into the school I knew that journalism was something I wanted to do forever.

Journalism is not a hard thing to master, but it is so important to society. Having a foundational understanding of what journalism is from Mr. Bovenkerk’s class is something I would have used even if I weren’t going into journalism as a career. It helped me grow in the ways that I read the news, looking more actively for bias and what could have been done better. It taught me how to ask better questions when I know there is something I’m not being told.

But perhaps most importantly, it allowed my skills as a writer and communicator to flourish, which is something every person, in every career needs to be able to do. I recommend Journalism to anyone thinking of journalism as a career for obvious reasons. It put me on a path that has led me to an Opinions Editor position at my college newspaper and to a news internship at the Rock Island-Moline "Dispatch-Argus."

However, I also recommend Journalism to everyone else for the skills, experience, and pure excitement that journalism can offer. I’m two years into college now, and I still check the Inkspot website as regularly as I can. The Inkspot was my favorite part of high school, and I only wish I had done it for more years than one.
Elyse Schneider - Class of 2017

Being involved in the Inkspot in high school was one of the highlights of my high school career: learning so many great skills as Photoshop & InDesign; writing in a different style than in other high school English courses; how to meet deadlines… This course helped me narrow down what I wanted to major in in college: Integrated Marketing Communications in the School of Journalism. So many of the skills I learned during my time with the Inkspot I have found myself using in my college Journalism courses. But you will gain great skills through Inkspot–even if you don’t plan on going into the Journalism field.
Meghan Bennett - Class of 2015

Taking NCHS’s Journalism courses and being a part of the Inkspot was an amazing experience that I am continuously grateful for, especially as I move forward as a college student and as a writer. Journalism was the first opportunity for me to get my name out into the world of writing via a credible platform. College courses, clubs, and internships are particularly keen to embrace participants that have a journalistic background.

You’ll develop personal blogging and computer skills and learn a valuable lesson in finding the most meaningful things to say and saying them in the most meaningful way.

The course also gives you an amazing level of freedom, contrary to a standard English class; via Inkspot, I was able to investigate and write articles on topics I was really passionate about, such as poetry, music, and art. Journalism and Inkspot also gives you a peek behind the curtain into NCHS’s secrets–you’ll get access to places, people, and information other students typically don’t.

Through the Inkspot you can try your hand at anything and everything, from reviews to video to photography to podcasts, learning from your peers and the incomparable Mr. Bovenkerk, and you can score some awesome free merch in the meantime from musicians and artists, including CDs and even tickets to Warped Tour.
Melissa Schill - Class of 2018

I came into Journalism I as a sophomore with little idea of what I wanted to do with life post-high school; I just knew I wanted something within the English realm. Coming out of Journalism III as a senior, I have a career path that I am passionate about and look forward to pursuing.

I had no idea what to expect walking into Journalism. Honestly, I thought it was just another English/writing class. It is so much more than that.

Though there is certainly an emphasis on writing, Journalism provides practical skills that reach beyond the writing itself. I came into the class knowing nothing about Photoshop or InDesign. I now can hold my own with both programs. I came in knowing nothing about photography. I now can hold a camera with confidence. I came in knowing next to nothing about interviewing people. I now not only know how to hold a successful interview, but how to engage well in conversation in general. I’ve learned how to run a social media account. I’ve learned about design. I’ve learned about effective research.

As far as the writing itself, I have evolved immensely in my personal style. Journalistic writing is very different from your average analysis paper. Learning how to write hard news, features, opinions and sports stories broadened my horizons and helped shape my style.

There is no end to positive things I could say about this class. You can mold this class to fit your personal interests and make it exactly what you need it to be. There are so many opportunities: from community engagement to conferences to journalism competitions. I can say without hesitation that of all the classes I’ve taken in high school, this has been not only the most beneficial class but my absolute favorite class by far.

Our handout from Freshman Orientation and the Elective Fair

What the Experts Say

Research conducted for the Newspaper Association of America Foundation provides clear evidence that student journalists earn better high school grades, perform at higher levels on college entrance exams and receive higher grades in college writing and grammar courses than students who lack that experience.

The “High School Journalism Matters” study builds on previous NAA Foundation research showing that students who work on their high school newspapers are more engaged in civic activities, better educated and more involved citizens as they grow older.

A National Council of Teachers of English resolution on the importance of journalism courses and programs in English curricula approved by the NCTE Board of Directors or the NCTE Executive Committee adopted at the 2004 Also includes a comprehensive works cited bibliography.

The Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication Secondary Education Committee adopted a position statement on the value of scholastic media. In 2008, the ASJMC sent the linked document to high school principals across the country, as well as to state scholastic press associations and other organizations concerned about scholastic media.

Frank LoMonte, the former director of the Student Press Law Center, penned this article on the value of high school journalism for The New York Times during the Student Journalism week during 2011.

Week 9: Coach Drengwitz on Week 8’s win, previewing Peoria High [video]

The Ironmen's head coach recaps the 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial, looks ahead to Week 9's Conference Title game

Andrew Naour and Brady Phelps • Oct 22, 2025

Community head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz joins hosts Andrew Naour and Brady Phelps to break down the Ironmen’s Week 8 win over Champaign Centennial and previews the Week 9 road trip to Peoria High.

In 16 seasons as Ironmen head coach, Ms. Christine Konopasek has tallied a career record of 399-174, posting just one season with a sub-.500 record.

Iron volleyball head coach approaches milestone more than two decades in making

Konopasek nears 400th win

Rex Rowley, Eric Wilken and Brayden Charles Wallace • Oct 21, 2025

After Iron volleyball’s 4-1 weekend at AutumnFest, Community head coach Ms. Christine Konopasek is one win shy of 400 career victories. The veteran coach will have the opportunity to reach the milestone Oct. 21 on Community’s home court when the 27-5 Ironmen host a 3-21 Danville team. A victory...

Postgame: Drengwitz on Community’s 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial; staying unbeaten in Big 12 [video]

Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor • Oct 20, 2025

Lyra Townsend talks with Community head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz after the Ironmen’s 56-6 win over Champaign Centennial. Community improves to 7-1 and stays perfect in Big 12 play. Watch the full interview and hear what’s next for the Ironmen.

Community rallies past West 5–3, clinches Intercity, Big 12 titles

Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor • Oct 19, 2025

Community defeated the Normal West Wildcats 5–3 in a comeback victory Oct. 14, clinching the Intercity title and a share of the Big 12 Conference championship. The Ironmen opened the match aggressively, taking a 1–0 lead just 44 seconds in when a Cooper Lee free kick deflected off the Wildcat...

Week 8: Coach Drengwitz breaks down Danville, sets the stage for Champaign Centennial

The Ironmen football head coach recaps the team's 41-0 win over Danville, looks ahead to the Homecoming contest

Andrew Naour and Brady Phelps • Oct 17, 2025

The Inkspot's Andrew Naour and Brady Phelps sat down with the Ironmen head coach after the team improved to 6-1, talking about the team's Week 8 conference game against the Champaign Centennial Chargers (5-2).

Community honors longtime coach Mr. Bryan Thomas before Oct. 3 game [photo gallery]

The veteran teacher, coach is set to retire at the end of the year

Inkspot Staff • Oct 10, 2025

Community recognized longtime coach and teacher Mr. Bryan Thomas in a pregame ceremony before the Oct. 3 football game against Bloomington High School. Thomas will retire at the end of the school year after nearly three decades in Unit 5. Thomas began coaching at Community in 1997 while student-teaching...

Before sessions began, Unit 5 staff visited a resource fair featuring local businesses and community partners, including the Bloomington Bison, ISU Athletics, Yoga Lab, the Art Station, Illinois State University and Heartland College.

Unit 5 hosts first ‘Excellence in Education Summit’

Hundreds of staff from 23 schools gather at Normal West for inaugural event [photo gallery]

Inkspot Staff • Oct 9, 2025

Unit 5 brought staff from every school to Normal West on Sept. 26 for the district’s first all-level institute day, the “Excellence in Education Summit.” The day featured 38 sessions presented by Unit 5 teachers, administrators and students across two periods, 8:45–9:45 a.m. and 10:15–11:15...

‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ brings intimate, immersive staging to Community theater

Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor • Oct 8, 2025

Blending historical tragedy with a message of hope and empathy, Community’s fall play “The Diary of Anne Frank” reimagines the stage to bring audiences into Anne’s world. The production, directed by theater teacher Ms. Cassie Adelman, runs Oct. 9–12 in the Ms. Kevin Yale Vernon Auditorium,...

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Building momentum ahead of the Intercity Meet, Community showed significant time drops in at the Sept. 30 home quad from the Iron Invite 10 days earlier.

Community swimmers eye benchmarks at Intercity Meet

Inkspot Staff • Oct 9, 2025

Community will host Thursday’s Intercity Meet looking to translate a season of incremental improvements into one of their strongest team showings yet. Head coach Mrs. Heather Budak said the Iron have seen “little drops all the way through the season,” even when results don’t fully reflect...

Week 7: Coach Drengwitz recaps the Ironmen’s win over Bloomington, talks Danville [video]

Drengwitz on the 56-42 win over the Raiders, previews the Week 7 matchup against the Vikings

Andrew Naour and Brady Phelps • Oct 8, 2025

Mr. Jason Drengwitz sat down with the Inkspot to talk the Ironmen's wild win over Bloomington and preview Week 7.

AJ Ince, center, has led the Ironmen x/c this season, finishing no worse than 2nd in each of the team's meets.

Boys take 2nd, girls 4th at Randy Sharer Intercity Meet

AJ Ince paces boys efforts this season

Anna Chang and Grace Powell • Oct 3, 2025

With four Ironmen placing in the top 15, the boys cross country team took second at the Randy Sharer Intercity Meet, trailing U-High 24-55. Senior AJ Ince led Community, finishing second in 15:51.02—28.84 seconds behind the winner from U-High. The senior has led the Iron’s efforts this season,...

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Arts & Entertainment

The fall play cast talks about why ‘Anne Frank’ resonates

Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor • Oct 10, 2025

The cast of “The Diary of Anne Frank” reflect on why the story still matters, pointing to the play’s urgency amid current events, the importance of free expression and the harm that follows when prejudice goes unchecked.

Fall flicks: From cozy comforts to chilling thrills

Inkspot staffers share their go-to movies for sweater weather season

Sep 23, 2025

As the September slips away, summer fades—along with sunburns, sandals and the scent of sunscreen. In its place: hoodie weather, falling leaves and the unmistakable aroma of bonfires and pumpkin spice. With fall comes a shift in more than just the weather. Our watchlists change too—ditching summer...

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

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter • May 7, 2025

Vampires used to skulk in crumbling castles, draped in capes and centuries-old rot. Now they wear pressed suits, flash charming smiles—and drain entire cultures dry. With “Sinners,” director Ryan Coogler trades jump scares for generational trauma. His fifth feature, following “Creed” and...

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Perspectives

Trigger Words: “Kill Yourself”

The weight behind the words we don’t think twice about

Lyra Townsend, Associate Editor • Sep 19, 2025

Trigger Words is a perspective series examining the language we throw around without thinking—and the impact it can leave behind. In a culture where “jokes” blur with insults and memes replace meaning, this series unpacks the words we’ve normalized and asks: Who’s listening? And what are they...

Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.

When executive orders replace laws, democracy becomes disorder

Malachi McCool, Staff Reporter • Apr 7, 2025

First they came for the Center for Disease Control, and I did not speak out—because I was healthy. Then they came for the migrants and refugees, and I did not speak out—because I was a legal citizen. Then they came for paper straws, and I did not speak out—because I was not a turtle. Then...

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)

Leon Castañeda, Staff Writer • Mar 19, 2025

3:30, and Community’s doors burst open—students spilling out. Backpacks slung over shoulders, hands shoved deep into pockets, they rushed toward buses idling at the curb, they wove through the parking lot chaos—horns blaring, engines revving—a steady current, all moving with one purpose: getting...

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