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Student from farm-owning family, teachers, promote reliance on farms in increasingly urban times
Student from farm-owning family, teachers, promote reliance on farms in increasingly urban times
Students, teacher weigh impact of celebrity endorsements on students’ political views
Students, teacher weigh impact of celebrity endorsements on students’ political views
Counselor, students examine social media habits, doomscrolling’s effects on mental health
Counselor, students examine social media habits, doomscrolling’s effects on mental health
Students, economics teacher discuss consumer culture created by peer pressure
Students, economics teacher discuss consumer culture created by peer pressure
Students, teachers, explore connection between stress and recommendation letters during college application season
Students, teachers, explore connection between stress and recommendation letters during college application season
November Nurses
November Nurses
50 years of SNL
50 years of SNL
A Knight to Remember
A Knight to Remember
Create, Connect, Care: Self-Care Month
Create, Connect, Care: Self-Care Month
Fashion Forward
Fashion Forward
Online political rage-bait debates serve as a deterrent to constructive discourse
Online political rage-bait debates serve as a deterrent to constructive discourse
Graphic Perspective: Thanksgiving Tier List
Graphic Perspective: Thanksgiving Tier List
Graphic Perspective: Where did the sun go?
Graphic Perspective: Where did the sun go?
Culture of measuring, comparing intelligence based on SAT, PSAT scores is overwhelmingly toxic
Culture of measuring, comparing intelligence based on SAT, PSAT scores is overwhelmingly toxic
Graphic Perspective: The "great" debate
Graphic Perspective: The “great” debate
Junior Sophia Tahir tries out the new sunscreen dispensers at the Westermeier Commons Playground and Splash Pad on October 25th. 2024. Carmel Clay Parks had only recently implemented these in order to help and raise awareness about sun protection. “Sunscreen is a need to protect against skin cancer,” said Tahir.
Installation of sunscreen dispensers in Carmel parks amplifies Carmel’s public skin health efforts
2024-2025 Accents posing for their professional photo. Choir director Katherine Kouns said, “Most of November is spent preparing for Holiday Spectacular.” (Submitted photo: Carmel Choirs)
Accents to attend Butler Treble Choir Festival on Nov. 18
Key Club class officers hold their craft pumpkins they made at a Carmel Key Club meeting on Nov. 2. Key Club officer Vritika Arya said Carmel Key Club makes it a priority to give back to the community.
Carmel Key Club celebrates Halloween through crafts
Artist’s Association arranges meeting on Nov. 12
Superintendent Michael Beresford dresses up as a minion for Halloween on Oct. 31, 2024. Beresford said the budget process is timely and time-consuming.
Carmel Clay Schools announces board approval for 2025 budget
Seniors Amna Ahmad, Eesha Singh and Mahira Hafeez color in various Salvador Dali paintings at the Newfields Lume exhibit. The students were a part of the AP Spanish Language field trip to the art museum.
Students, teacher weigh the benefits of implementing field trips alongside classwork
School board candidate Jon Shapiro meets early voters at the polls to reach more voters and clarify aspects of his campaign at the Carmel Clay Public Library on Oct. 30. Shapiro decided to run for school board in the winter of 2023 and started knocking on doors during spring of 2024. “I'm committed to making sure that we're bringing the community's voice to the table and allowing our families and other members of the community to have some input and be able to provide feedback on how we are doing,” Shapiro said.
Partisan influences in school board election shape prospective policies for students, affect potential school board dynamic
AP European History teacher Jennifer Ellery mentors a student as she studies for an upcoming exam. Jennifer Ellery was awarded most influential teacher from the 2023-2024 school year.
Students, teacher consider the positive effects of having a mentor on personal growth
Sophomore Fahed Badreddine listens attentively in his AP African American Studies class as his teacher, Mr. Ziegler, discusses LatinX Heritage month for the class bellringer on Oct. 1, 2024. The class was designed to provide accurate representation by providing more nuanced and up-to-date historical analysis on African American history. “In this class, I've learned that (African Americans) they're a lot more successful than what society and what (typical) textbooks portray them as,” Badreddine said.
Misinformation of U.S. history shapes inaccurate student opinions, harms minority students
Sophomore Caroline Hulsey attends a Stone Temple Pilots and Live concert on Sept. 15. “Live music is just such a fun experience,” Hulsey said. (Submitted Photo: Caroline Husley)
Music, concerts play key role in students’, teachers’ life experiences
Carmel plays against Zionsville on Nov. 14. Carmel lost 49-38.
Basketball preseason training builds teamwork, sharpens skills
Senior Sophie Mock takes a swing at a golf ball during a tournament. Mock has been noted as one of three golfers to record a hole-in-one at the IHSSA girls final. (Submitted Photo: Sophie Mock)
Athlete Spotlight: Sophie Mock on making records at the ISSA girls golf state finals
Students reflect on pros, cons of playing club sports
Students reflect on pros, cons of playing club sports
On Oct. 14, the CHS varsity girls volleyball team prepares to go into their first sectionals match for the 2024 year. They prepared by going through drills to get them ready for situations that could occur during sectionals.
Athletes, College and Career Counselor consider motivations behind playing sports in college
Sophomore Edward Chen hits a pickleball at the Pickle-Pong Club callout on Aug. 23 in the Fieldhouse gym. The club consisted of playing pickleball and ping pong games.
Q&A with sophomore Stephanie Tan and sponsor Fernando Yañez on pickle-pong club, racket sports
With the release of the new Hearstopper season students, teachers theorize on if queer media has broken into mainstream culture.
With the release of the new Hearstopper season students, teachers theorize on if queer media has broken into mainstream culture.
Chilling or Childish? The downfall of modern horror movies [opinion]
Chilling or Childish? The downfall of modern horror movies [opinion]
“Uglies” is a call for change in the YA dystopian genre [opinion]
“Uglies” is a call for change in the YA dystopian genre [opinion]
Senior Ethan Wu and freshman Jenna Kraus perform in the dress rehearsal of Studio One Acts. The show runs from Oct. 17 to 19 in the Studio Theater.
Q&A with director, first-time actress on Studio One Acts
Streaming services are pioneering the future of television [opinion]
Streaming services are pioneering the future of television [opinion]
Senior Jessica Dinh films in the CHTV studio. Dinh said her favorite part of the filmmaking process is editing.
Q&A with CHTV member and senior Jessica Dinh on Emmy win
Senior Fern Comentale works on her Principles of Early Childhood homework on Nov. 7 during her SSRT. Comentale said her high school teachers have inspired her to pursue a career in education.
Students, teacher consider the implications of a career in education
Q&A with Aleeza Price, co-president of Gardening Together club, on gardening for beginners
Q&A with Aleeza Price, co-president of Gardening Together club, on gardening for beginners
Senior Vritika Arya dissects a baby pig for her Biomedical Innovations class. "I realized I loved (the program), and then I did it all four years," she said. "Today we’re cutting up pigs and looking at their anatomy, and those little things excite me so much.”
Career Pathways provide targeted career experiences for students
Psychiatric nurse, students discuss onset of superstitions in different cultures
Psychiatric nurse, students discuss onset of superstitions in different cultures
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: Halloween Costumes
Humans of CHS: Halloween Costumes
Humans of CHS: Senior Advice
Humans of CHS: Senior Advice
Humans of CHS: National Cinema Day
Humans of CHS: National Cinema Day
Humans of CHS: What is your favorite season and why?
Humans of CHS: What is your favorite season and why?
Humans of CHS: What are you bringing to your dorm room?
Humans of CHS: What are you bringing to your dorm room?
Month In Review: October 2024
Month In Review: October 2024
Month In Review: August/September 2024
Month In Review: August/September 2024
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming 2024
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming 2024
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming Game 2024
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming Game 2024
Month In Review: April 2024
Month In Review: April 2024
Word Search: November 15
Word Search: November 15
Mini Crossword: November 12
Mini Crossword: November 12
Wordle: November 4
Wordle: November 4
Word Search: October 31
Word Search: October 31
Connections: October 30
Connections: October 30
Connections: October 30
Connections: October 30
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 3
Connections: October 3
Connections: September 27
Connections: September 27
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 9
Crossword: September 9
Crossword: August 12
Crossword: August 12
Crossword: April 24
Crossword: April 24
Crossword: April 1
Crossword: April 1
Mini Crossword: November 12
Mini Crossword: November 12
Mini Crossword: October 30
Mini Crossword: October 30
Mini Crossword: October 23
Mini Crossword: October 23
Mini Crossword: October 8
Mini Crossword: October 8
Mini Crossword: October 2
Mini Crossword: October 2
Wordle: November 4
Wordle: November 4
Wordle: October 15
Wordle: October 15
Wordle: October 4
Wordle: October 4
Wordle: September 25
Wordle: September 25
Wordle: September 16
Wordle: September 16
Word Search: November 15
Word Search: November 15
Word Search: October 31
Word Search: October 31
Word Search: October 23
Word Search: October 23
Crossword: October 21
Crossword: October 21
Word Search: October 4
Word Search: October 4
Review: Indy Scream Park is a perfect level of spook to kickstart the Halloween season [MUSE]
Review: Indy Scream Park is a perfect level of spook to kickstart the Halloween season [MUSE]
Review: “Saturday Night” is a chaotic and thrilling look at the origins of “Saturday Night Live” [MUSE]
Review: “Saturday Night” is a chaotic and thrilling look at the origins of “Saturday Night Live” [MUSE]
Review: “Megalopolis” is a bold, bewildering mess [MUSE]
Review: “Megalopolis” is a bold, bewildering mess [MUSE]
Review in Print: “School of Chocolate” is an exciting, entertaining, binge-watch for everyone [MUSE]
Review in Print: “Masters of the Air” is a brilliant representation of the cruelty of war [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]
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?
Carmel Eatery EP 1: Review of Fat Dan's Chicago-Style Deli
Carmel Eatery EP 1: Review of Fat Dan’s Chicago-Style Deli
Keeping up with Carmel EP 1: Homecoming themes, reality shows, and how to apply for college
Keeping up with Carmel EP 1: Homecoming themes, reality shows, and how to apply for college
HiLite of the Week EP 2: Nov. 6 Weekly News Roundup
HiLite of the Week EP 2: Nov. 6 Weekly News Roundup
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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