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Students, faith leaders respond to growing religious prejudice in Indiana
Students, faith leaders respond to growing religious prejudice in Indiana
Teen caregivers: balancing homework and home care
Teen caregivers: balancing homework and home care
The male loneliness epidemic: a taboo topic brought to light
The male loneliness epidemic: a taboo topic brought to light
Faith-based schools a big draw for an increasing number of students
Faith-based schools a big draw for an increasing number of students
Energy drink consumption remains constant amongst students
Energy drink consumption remains constant amongst students
Latin Music Awards
Latin Music Awards
Inktober
Inktober
Toy Story
Toy Story
Game On! Interactive JAM
Game On! Interactive JAM
Hatching Plans Interactive JAM
Hatching Plans Interactive JAM
Special flavors signal the season
Special flavors signal the season
Opposing Column: All costumes are welcome
Opposing Column: All costumes are welcome
Opposing Column: Frightening costumes make Halloween more interesting
Opposing Column: Frightening costumes make Halloween more interesting
Staff Editorial: This school should consider a time gap between construction projects
Staff Editorial: This school should consider a time gap between construction projects
Graphic Cartoon: Pumpkin carving
Graphic Cartoon: Pumpkin carving
Best Buddies members pose for a photo at the costume party on Oct. 27. “Best Buddies is such a welcoming club and everyone can and should join,” Lammers said. “Come to any events you’re able to and there will be food, activities and friendship.”
Best Buddies nears annual Friendsgiving
A group of students collaborating at the CCPL. Ankur Kapileshwar, Teen Library Council (TLC) member and senior, said students often come to the library in groups.
CCPL to host Inkling on Nov. 6
Club officers Atticus Rodgers (left) and Sean Molloy (right) at the Ethics Bowl meeting on Oct. 15. They practiced mock debates and discussed complex ethical questions at the meeting.
Club Spotlight: Ethics Bowl
Students attend Math Club meetings weekly. The club brought together students from all grades that are interested in mathematics and practiced their knowledge with various worksheets and discussions. Snacks were provided at the meetings.
Math Club to participate in annual Rose-Hulman math competition, attends guest speaker
FCCLA members share snacks during the club’s Halloween party on Oct. 23. The party featured various activities including pumpkin painting and a movie.
FCCLA to begin work on STAR projects
Recent political assassinations spur conservative activism
Recent political assassinations spur conservative activism
Junior Fatoumata Balde reads during SSRT on Oct. 27. Balde said, "Reading is important because it strengthens comprehension and writing skills."
English teacher, students identify consequences of widespread literacy crisis
Senior Mallory Wingenroth pets one of the cats at the Humane Society for Hamilton County on Oct. 19. “I get volunteer hours, but more importantly, I think it just boosts my serotonin and I love working with animals,” Wingenroth said.
Student volunteers, employer, discuss meaningful impacts made at local shelter through volunteering
Senior Drew Kim concentrates on filling out a college application on his computer on Oct. 14. Kim said he often feels pressure to commit to a major even though he is still unsure about his future plans.
Seniors face pressure choosing college majors
Social Studies teacher Daniel Brunette lectures his Personal Finance Responsibility class on Oct. 15. They started a new project for their unit. Brunette said the class is meant to help students be prepared when it comes to their own finances in the future.
Students, teacher evaluate the effects of new personal finance class requirements on financial literacy
Senior Vishal Shankar hits a forehand at the men's tennis State championship on Oct. 18. Shankar went on to win his match 6-4 in two sets. This helped Carmel claim their victory over Homestead 3-2 and bring home the state title.
Athlete Spotlight: Vishal Shankar on winning the men’s tennis State championship
Training smarter: How technology is shaping the future of sports?
Training smarter: How technology is shaping the future of sports?
Sadie Foley passes the baton to a teammate during the 3200 meter relay at the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis, held on June 7, 2025. [Submitted: Sadie Foley]
Athlete Spotlight: Sadie Foley on Cross Country
Swimmers competed at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup from October 10 to 12 at the CHS Natatorium Complex. This event was the first leg out of three in the international champianship. (submitted: Becky Meek)
Carmel to host part of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup
Junior Reese Roudebush swings her golf club during State at Prairie View Golf Club on Oct. 17, aiming to help secure a strong team finish. The team ultimately placed fourth overall in the championship tournament.(submitted: Reese Roudebush)
Q&A: Girls golf team members Karis Reid and Mallorie Monico on fourth place finish at State finals
Sophomore Maisan Hasan as Dracula stabs sophomore Tomiwa Adewoye as Thomas Seward onstage in “Dracula.” The dress rehearsal took place on Oct. 29 in the studio theater.
Q&A with director, actor, assistant stage manager on “Dracula”
The cost of the spotlight is far too high [opinion]
The cost of the spotlight is far too high [opinion]
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show announcement sparks conversation about representation, American identity
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show announcement sparks conversation about representation, American identity
When stunts go too far: spectacle vs. safety [opinion]
When stunts go too far: spectacle vs. safety [opinion]
Horror can be more [opinion]
Horror can be more [opinion]
Q&A with student pilot Aenea Wells
Q&A with student pilot Aenea Wells
Q&A with senior Kevin Tran on movement4movement
Q&A with senior Kevin Tran on movement4movement
Humans of CHS: Would you survive in a horror movie?
Humans of CHS: Would you survive in a horror movie?
Q&A with senior Mansi Indarapu on Nurture Now Initiative
Q&A with senior Mansi Indarapu on Nurture Now Initiative
Screenshot
Humans of CHS: Should Columbus Day be a national holiday?
Q&A with student pilot Aenea Wells
Q&A with student pilot Aenea Wells
Q&A with senior Mansi Indarapu on Nurture Now Initiative
Q&A with senior Mansi Indarapu on Nurture Now Initiative
Q&A with junior Marcus Primason on winning the Randy Siddon Best Photo Story Award
Q&A with junior Marcus Primason on winning the Randy Siddon Best Photo Story Award
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
Screenshot
Humans of CHS: Should Columbus Day be a national holiday?
Homecoming Special
Homecoming Special
Humans of CHS: Are you Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? (The Summer I Turned Pretty)
Humans of CHS: Are you Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? (The Summer I Turned Pretty)
Humans of CHS: Football Themes (Cute or Cringey?)
Humans of CHS: Football Themes (Cute or Cringey?)
Humans of CHS: USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge
Humans of CHS: USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge
Month In Review: October 2025
Month In Review: October 2025
Month In Review: August/September 2025
Month In Review: August/September 2025
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming 2025
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming 2025
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming Game 2025
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming Game 2025
Summer In Review: 2025
Summer In Review: 2025
Wordle: Oct 1
Wordle: Oct 1
Wordle: Sept 30
Wordle: Sept 30
Crossword: Sept 30
Crossword: Sept 30
Word Search: Sept 29
Word Search: Sept 29
Wordle: Sept 29
Wordle: Sept 29
Connections: May 1
Connections: May 1
Connections: April 16
Connections: April 16
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 3
Connections: April 3
Connections: April 2
Connections: April 2
Crossword: Sept 30
Crossword: Sept 30
Crossword: September 25
Crossword: September 25
Crossword: September 12
Crossword: September 12
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: April 24
Crossword: April 24
Mini Crossword: April 29
Mini Crossword: April 29
Mini Crossword: April 14
Mini Crossword: April 14
Mini Crossword: March 24
Mini Crossword: March 24
Mini Crossword: March 13
Mini Crossword: March 13
Mini Crossword: March 6
Mini Crossword: March 6
Wordle: Oct 1
Wordle: Oct 1
Wordle: Sept 30
Wordle: Sept 30
Wordle: Sept 29
Wordle: Sept 29
Wordle: September 23
Wordle: September 23
Wordle: September 17
Wordle: September 17
Word Search: Sept 29
Word Search: Sept 29
Word Search: September 12
Word Search: September 12
Word Search: September 11
Word Search: September 11
Word Search: September 9
Word Search: September 9
Word Search: April 30
Word Search: April 30
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. 3: Kelly Fulk
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 3: Kelly Fulk
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?
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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