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Students, English teacher evaluate the role of technology in literacy
Students, English teacher evaluate the role of technology in literacy
Megan Xia & Abigail Lee
Stereotypes faced by twins shape expectations, identity
Life through a lens: Students consider capturing memories with digital cameras
Life through a lens: Students consider capturing memories with digital cameras
The new Gen Z love
The new Gen Z love
Personality typing systems impact self-discovery, decision-making
Personality typing systems impact self-discovery, decision-making
Cyber Crisis
Cyber Crisis
Dr. Seuss Day Interactive JAM
Dr. Seuss Day Interactive JAM
The Fathers of Innovation
The Fathers of Innovation
Taste the Season: Carmel Cafe
Taste the Season: Carmel Cafe
Picking Up on Pain Relief Interactive JAM
Picking Up on Pain Relief Interactive JAM
Opposing Column: Staycations are inherently superior to traveling
Opposing Column: Staycations are inherently superior to traveling
Opposing Column: Traveling is inherently superior to staycations
Opposing Column: Traveling is inherently superior to staycations
Lighthearted pranks are an essential way to preserve the spirit of fun
Lighthearted pranks are an essential way to preserve the spirit of fun
Muslim students should be given more understanding during Ramadan
Muslim students should be given more understanding during Ramadan
Should we separate the art from the artist?
Should we separate the art from the artist?
Indy Women in Tech hosts a fundraiser to support girls finding their passions in technology. Events manager Kristan Russell said, “I love to follow our students that have gone through our program, the ones that have graduated and go out and get their career started, and watch them advance up the corporate ladder. We've had several of them come back and speak at our events, and that has been really inspiring because most of the women in our program are working hourly jobs or they're living paycheck to paycheck.” (Submitted photo: Kristan Russell)
Wayne County Women’s Fund luncheon raises awareness, strengthens women’s community
Carmel Key Club members play games and connect with senior citizens at their “Senior Game Night” event held on March 8. Key Club President David Jiang said it was a great event to foster interaction between students and elderly members of the community.
Carmel Key Club members volunteer at senior living facility and celebrate 100th anniversary of the club
Student-led nonprofit CardioCare to host 5K event on March 29
SROs Blake Lytle speaks to SRO Ashley Williams about this school’s safety procedures. Lytle said he always makes an effort to address the needs students bring to his attention.
SROs emphasize safety in parking lots, teenage driving
Junior Olivia Lim practices the piano on the keyboard in the Orchestra classroom. Lim said, "Seeing how musicians convey certain messages to the audience through their playing can shape one's own artistry in many ways."
Star pianist Lang Lang to perform at the Palladium on March 28
Juniors Jafeth Gamez and Yilbert Pico converse with each other on March 6 during SSRT. Gamez and Pico enjoy each other's company and they both quickly become friends after moving to the ESL class.
Multilingual learners struggle against stereotypes, fight language discrimination
Sophomore Yoon Lee writes down a message in Korean on a piece of paper on Mar 12. Lee said that even though most students don’t necessarily understand Korean culture they still try to take in parts of it.
Immigrant students work to assimilate into American culture, still retain sense of cultural identity
Junior Anna Strines stretches a friend’s leg on Feb. 27, 2025. “(The) best part of my job is forming connections with players, seeing them grow as athletes and as people and helping athletes when they need it,” Strines said.
Students search for athletic training opportunities, develop lifelong career paths
Sophomore Avika Rajmane takes a call at her parent’s CPA firm on March 1. Balancing school and work, she assisted with bookkeeping, tax preparation, and client management.
Family businesses provide students lifelong lessons
Students deferred from colleges find “changing your mindset” helpful
Students deferred from colleges find “changing your mindset” helpful
As the Sweet 16 of March Madness continues, the nationwide basketball tournament excites basketball fans
As the Sweet 16 of March Madness continues, the nationwide basketball tournament excites basketball fans
Senior Ayla Abbasi completes a dive at a meet. Abbasi said she aims to complete as much of her homework as possible during school in order to balance her difficult coursework with her practice schedule. (Submitted: Ayla Abbasi)
Athlete Spotlight: Senior Ayla Abbasi on college diving and commended graduate award
Senior Elle Tomalia runs and catches the lacrosse ball during her match. She has a verbal agreement to go play Division one Lacrosse at Butler University. (Submitted: Elle Tomalia)
Students, coach reflect on challenges posed by unpredictable weather on sports
Humans of CHS: March Madness
Humans of CHS: March Madness
Shane Phillips, varsity Valorant player and senior, focuses on a Valorant match on Feb. 24. The team beat Hamilton Southeastern 13-1.
Photo Essay: Esports Valorant team competes on Feb. 24
Beginning and Intermediate Dance students practice dance team skills during class on March 27. Junior Jenna Jarboe said, “My dance class is my B1 (class) so I start my day with it. It’s like a warm-up to being at school, and it just feels like a class that I’m not stressed about."
Dance classes offer more than just an opportunity to move
Reality television’s consequences on the lives of real people
Reality television’s consequences on the lives of real people
Comic Con JAM
Comic Con JAM
Ambassador members perform their show, 'Road to El Dorado', at the dress rehearsal for 'An Evening of Show Choir' on Mar. 3. The show will take place Mar. 6.
Evening of Show Choir Photo Gallery
AI in films like "The Brutalist" is convenient, but shouldn’t take priority [opinion]
AI in films like “The Brutalist” is convenient, but shouldn’t take priority [opinion]
Humans of CHS: What is your favorite April Fool's Day memory?
Humans of CHS: What is your favorite April Fool’s Day memory?
Sophomores Luke Choi (left front), Michael Yuan (left back), Ruth Ahn (right back), Stephanie Tan (right center), Chelsea Meng (right center) talk about their investment strategy. They gathered at the weekly FinXed club to review their final report.
Q&A with sophomore Chelsea Meng on the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 2: Prachet Sowale
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 2: Prachet Sowale
Humans of CHS: March Madness
Humans of CHS: March Madness
Noblesville School Board At-large Laura Alerding presents senior Alyson "Ally" Swearingen with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in her honor for being named the Daughters of the American Revolution Horseshoe Prairie Chapter Good Citizen. (Submitted photo: Ally Swearingen)
Q&A with senior Alyson “Ally” Swearingen on Daughter of the American Revolution honor
Junior Veronica Farrell interacts with a Carmel Elementary School student at her after-school job on April 30. Farrell said one of her favorite parts of her job is helping kids make crafts.
Q&A with junior Veronica Farrell and senior Zoey LaFollette on experiences working with elementary school students
Q&A with Sergeant Troy Smith, CCS SRO, K9 supervisor, trainer, about K-9 officers
Q&A with Sergeant Troy Smith, CCS SRO, K9 supervisor, trainer, about K-9 officers
Junior Sriyesh Sirineni works on his Integrated Marketing Campaign paper on Feb. 16 for upcoming DECA competitions. Sirineni said his motivation for DECA comes from the opportunity to travel to California and the social aspects during competitions.
Q&A with junior Sriyesh Sirineni on DECA competitions
Sophomores Luke Boyce and Hannah Sevening rehearse for their duo musical act on Jan. 17. They prepared for the upcoming Indiana State Thespians Conference on Jan. 19-20.
Q&A with sophomores Luke Boyce, Hannah Sevening on Theater, competing at the Thespian State Conference
CHS students share their dream vacation destinations
CHS students share their dream vacation destinations
Humans of CHS: What is your favorite April Fool's Day memory?
Humans of CHS: What is your favorite April Fool’s Day memory?
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 2: Prachet Sowale
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 2: Prachet Sowale
Humans of CHS: March Madness
Humans of CHS: March Madness
Humans of CHS: The Unsent Project
Humans of CHS: The Unsent Project
Humans of CHS: Who is your favorite president?
Humans of CHS: Who is your favorite president?
Month In Review: March 2025
Month In Review: March 2025
Litebox Special Feature: Mr. Carmel 2025
Litebox Special Feature: Mr. Carmel 2025
Ambassador members perform their show, 'Road to El Dorado', at the dress rehearsal for 'An Evening of Show Choir' on Mar. 3. The show will take place Mar. 6.
Evening of Show Choir Photo Gallery
Month In Review: February 2025
Month In Review: February 2025
Month in Review: January 2025
Month in Review: January 2025
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 3
Connections: April 3
Word Search: April 3
Word Search: April 3
Connections: April 2
Connections: April 2
Wordle: April 2
Wordle: April 2
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 3
Connections: April 3
Connections: April 2
Connections: April 2
Connections: March 13
Connections: March 13
Connections: March 12
Connections: March 12
Crossword: March 27
Crossword: March 27
Crossword: January 15
Crossword: January 15
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 9
Crossword: September 9
Crossword: August 12
Crossword: August 12
Mini Crossword: March 24
Mini Crossword: March 24
Mini Crossword: March 13
Mini Crossword: March 13
Mini Crossword: March 6
Mini Crossword: March 6
Mini Crossword: February 24
Mini Crossword: February 24
Mini Crossword: February 3
Mini Crossword: February 3
Wordle: April 2
Wordle: April 2
Wordle: March 20
Wordle: March 20
Wordle: March 13
Wordle: March 13
Wordle: February 28
Wordle: February 28
Wordle: February 18
Wordle: February 18
Word Search: April 3
Word Search: April 3
Word Search: March 18
Word Search: March 18
Word Search: March 7
Word Search: March 7
Word Search: February 24
Word Search: February 24
Word Search: February 11
Word Search: February 11
Quiz: What Snapple tea are you?
Review: A return to mediocrity: “Back in Action” is a clumsy attempt at spy comedy [MUSE]
Ethel Cain’s Perverts is off-putting and deeply disturbing in the best way possible
Ethel Cain’s Perverts is off-putting and deeply disturbing in the best way possible
Review: “The Immortal Soul Salvage Yard:” A criminally underrated poetry collection [MUSE]
Review: “The Immortal Soul Salvage Yard:” A criminally underrated poetry collection [MUSE]
Review: "Dog Man" is Unapologetically Chaotic [MUSE]
Review: “Dog Man” is Unapologetically Chaotic [MUSE]
Review: "Ne Zha 2": The WeChat family reunion I didn’t know I needed [MUSE]
Review: “Ne Zha 2”: The WeChat family reunion I didn’t know I needed [MUSE]
Review in Print: Maripaz Villar brings a delightfully unique style to the world of WEBTOON [MUSE]
Review in Print: Maripaz Villar brings a delightfully unique style to the world of WEBTOON [MUSE]
Review: “The Sword of Kaigen” is a masterpiece [MUSE]
Review: “The Sword of Kaigen” is a masterpiece [MUSE]
Review: Gateron Oil Kings, great linear switches, okay price [MUSE]
Review: Gateron Oil Kings, great linear switches, okay price [MUSE]
Review: “A Haunting in Venice” is a significant improvement from other Agatha Christie adaptations [MUSE]
Review: “A Haunting in Venice” is a significant improvement from other Agatha Christie adaptations [MUSE]
Review: A Thanksgiving story from elementary school, still just as interesting [MUSE]
Review: A Thanksgiving story from elementary school, still just as interesting [MUSE]
Review: "When I Fly Towards You", cute, uplifting youth drama [MUSE]
Review: “When I Fly Towards You”, cute, uplifting youth drama [MUSE]
Postcards from Muse: Hawaii Travel Diary [MUSE]
Postcards from Muse: Hawaii Travel Diary [MUSE]
Review: "Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie," departure from original show [MUSE]
Review: “Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie,” departure from original show [MUSE]
Review in Print: "Hidden Love" is the cute, uplifting drama everyone needs [MUSE]
Review in Print: “Hidden Love” is the cute, uplifting drama everyone needs [MUSE]
Review in Print: "Heartstopper" is the heartwarming queer romance we all need [MUSE]
Review in Print: “Heartstopper” is the heartwarming queer romance we all need [MUSE]
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 2: Prachet Sowale
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 2: Prachet Sowale
Carmel Eatery EP 3: Is Sun King Carmel Truly All-Ages Friendly?
Carmel Eatery EP 3: Is Sun King Carmel Truly All-Ages Friendly?
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 1: Ella Williams
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 1: Ella Williams
Carmel Eatery EP 2: Is BuffaLouie's Carmel the new place to go?
Carmel Eatery EP 2: Is BuffaLouie’s Carmel the new place to go?
Keeping up with Carmel EP 2: The Halloween Episode, Halloween traditions, and trick or truth?
Keeping up with Carmel EP 2: The Halloween Episode, Halloween traditions, and trick or truth?
Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Alanna Wu

Alanna Wu, Acumen Editor in Chief

Hello! I’m Alanna, and I’m the editor in chief of the CHS Acumen.  I love stickers, the flute, bubble tea, and all things Hilite. In the past, I’ve also served as a Copy Editor and Associate Editor for Acumen. You can check out some of my work (as well as the Acumen in general) on Issuu!

All content by Alanna Wu
Freshman Kendall Frobig

Freshman Kendall Frobig

Alanna Wu
February 22, 2019

Analyzing the Epidemic: Despite Juul Lab’s declared efforts to stop the youth vaping epidemic, it should face severe consequences for its role in initiating the problem in the first place

Alanna Wu
January 11, 2019
School Resource officer Scott Moore reads over the testimonies and documents of the trial of the shooter at Noblesville West Middle School. Moore said he hopes to learn from the recent shooting and apply that information to the upcoming lockdown drill.

School resource officers schedule another lockdown drill before end of semester

Alanna Wu
November 10, 2018
Senior Joseph “Joey” Heerens looks out at CHS. Heerens expressed concerns that the school building is too large in order to properly enforce the current safety measures.

School Resource Officers (SROs) assembles a student committee to discuss student safety

Alanna Wu
October 17, 2018
Senior Hannah Kosc previews the anonymous alert page through myCCS. Kosc said she has used the system before, and the guaranteed anonymity made the decision to report much easier.

School Resource Officers (SROs) to change set-up of anonymous alert system

Alanna Wu
October 11, 2018
School Resource Officer (SRO) Scott Moore reviews an email sent to all SROs at CHS regarding restricted access to CHS entrances in the morning. Moore said these measures are important because they will improve school safety both during and after school hours.

School Resource Officers work to restrict access to open doors before, after school

Alanna Wu
September 4, 2018
If I stick to what I want to do with my future, I’ll be fine, because after high school I want to go into pharmacy at Purdue, and if I go through the entire program, which at least in terms of my degree, will guarantee me a job. It shows I’ve put in the work, and I’ve proven that I can do the job. If I stick with that I’m fine, but if I don’t then I don’t really know what will happen. I have concerns; as time increases, it gets harder to get a job. 50 years ago, you could get a job with just a high school degree, but now it’s hard to get a job even with a bachelor’s. So as time goes on, it gets harder.

Higher Education: Students, Teacher Reflect on Impact of College on Employment

Alanna Wu
February 21, 2018
Maggie Cassidy, director of “Peter and the Starcatcher” and theatre arts teacher, watches members of the cast practice their scenes to ensure it is ready to piece together with the rest of the production. Cassidy said for the most part, the musical is ready for opening night.

Theater productions to prepare for opening night of “Peter and the Starcatcher”

Alanna Wu
February 6, 2018
Morgan Goodrich, lead actress in the winter production “Peter and the Starcatcher,” rehearses with the rest of the cast after school. Goodrich said she believes CHS students and staff will enjoy the show.

Theater productions rehearses for winter production “Peter and the Starcatcher”

Alanna Wu
January 18, 2018

Avoiding the Brand Mania: As holiday season approaches, CHS students should keep in mind products associated with name brands are not necessarily of higher quality

Alanna Wu
November 26, 2017
Mackenzie Gonzalez, senior and lead actress in “Up the Down Staircase,” works to create a piece of jewelry during class. Gonzalez said rehearsing for the fall production has not created any serious conflicts in her schedule, and she is still able to take on projects such as the one pictured.

Theater productions prepares for “Up the Down Staircase”

Alanna Wu
November 14, 2017
Charlotte Seidensticker, student director for Studio One Acts and senior, meets with the cast of her production to discuss the setup of the stage. Seidensticker said she appreciates the fact that student directors are able to design each aspect of their stages.

CHS Theater prepares for Studio One Acts, holds auditions for fall production

Alanna Wu
September 22, 2017
Charlotte Seidensticker, student director for Studio One Acts and senior, works at her desk. Seidensticker said each of the acts are a lot of work because the student directors must plan out the casting and rehearsing process as well as direct the actual production.

CHS theater prepares for Studio One Acts

Alanna Wu
September 11, 2017
The protesters gather at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ monument before the protest. Ma said this experience ultimately helped him realize the importance of standing up for his heritage.

The Model Minority: During Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, CHS reevaluates the role of Asians in politics

Alanna Wu, Feature Reporter
May 18, 2017
Sophomore Lilah Bricker reminisces over her past memories of a close family friend. Bricker said her friend passed away from a severe asthma attack.

With the holiday season coming around, CHS student grieves over the death of a family member

Alanna Wu, Feature Reporter
December 12, 2016
Economics Club sponsor Michelle Foutz finishes work at her desk. Foutz said she currently has very little work to do regarding Economics Club, as most students are now beginning their self-study.​

Members of Economics Club to begin independent study

Alanna Wu, Reporter
November 18, 2016
Michelle Foutz, sponsor of Economics Club, creates a list of returning members of Economics Club. She also arranged teams for the NEC. Foutz said she had to make hard decisions when creating the teams, as she wanted to make sure she was choosing the strongest economics students. “Again, I’m just trying to figure out who will be the best at moving forward beyond the state level and potentially getting us to nationals,” Foutz said

Economics Club preparing for call-out meeting

Alanna Wu
September 29, 2016
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