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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
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
Hatching Plans Interactive JAM
Hatching Plans Interactive JAM
Indy 500
Indy 500
Bank on It
Bank on It
Zombie Watch
Zombie Watch
Cyber Crisis
Cyber Crisis
Reflection after a trend: The USC Ice Bucket Challenge
Reflection after a trend: The USC Ice Bucket Challenge
Graphic Perspective: Fall vs. spring ACEs
Graphic Perspective: Fall vs. spring ACEs
Staff Editorial: The current prom date needs to change
Staff Editorial: The current prom date needs to change
Opposing Column: Digital exams are more beneficial for students
Opposing Column: Digital exams are more beneficial for students
Opposing Column: Paper exams are more beneficial for students
Opposing Column: Paper exams are more beneficial for students
Principal Tim Phares sits in the Administration Office. Phares said administration will continue to work towards excellence at CHS.
Administration to prepare for next year
History teacher William Ellery helps a student revise an exam. Ellery said working with students is the fulfilling part of teaching.
CCS school board presents service awards
Content gatherer and sophomore Avika Rajmane looks over a spread during SSRT on May 1. Rajmane said, “Even though the yearbook is done. We are putting the final touches on the spring supplement.”
Pinnacle staff closes out production cycle with end of year party
Science Olympiad participants compete in an engineering event at the Regional competition on Feb. 22 hosted by Butler University. Participants said their events were going well.
Science Olympiad team prepares to compete at Nationals on May 23-24
Aneesha Singh (left), TASSEL co-president and senior, and Christopher Tichindelean (right), TASSEL vice president and senior, lead a TASSEL meeting. Singh said, "We hope to provide more vocational opportunities for (our students) in the future. Learning English in addition to their native language Khmer can open a lot of doors in receiving higher education. "
Club Spotlight: TASSEL
Japan-America Society of Indiana (JASI) members play traditional taiko drums at the Cherry Blossom Festival on May 4. There were many different Japanese performances at the festival including samurai cosplays and traditional dances.
Japanese cherry blossom festival creates appreciation for Japanese-American culture
Sophomore Elon Yuckman works on Chemistry homework at the CHS library on April 26, 2025. “(To keep up with my classes) I spend a lot of time in SSRT doing homework and prioritize the most important classes first,” Yuckman said.
Academic hierarchies play a role in student course decision, academic pressure
Teen Services Librarian Zach Reynolds works at Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL) and shelves books at the local library on March 26, 2025. Reynolds has an education of a Master of Library & Information Science - MLIS, Children and Youth Library Services from Indiana University Indianapolis. This master's has allowed Reynolds to work as a Carmel Clay schools Library Media Center Assistant as well as a CCPL Teen Librarian.
Students benefit from evolving role of libraries as community centers
Sophomore Isabella Duffy talks into her microphone and practices her script on April 21. Duffy said she tries to remain objective when reporting the news but can sometimes let her opinions influence her reporting.
Journalism’s fine line: objectivity vs. perspective
Best Buddies president Cora Lammers strikes a pose with her buddy Alyson Barnett on Sep. 26, 2024. Barnett and Lammers participated in the Best Buddies match party. Lammers said the match party allows all one-on-one matches to meet and hang out with each other.
Autism Awareness Month plays crucial role in reducing stigma, promoting inclusivity
Erica Lai trains indoors for inline speed skating. Lai said she wants to continue skating after high school. (Submitted: Erica Lai)
Athlete Spotlight: Erica Lai on speed skating
Senior Briggs Griffin, a Carmel varsity Lacrosse player circles up with the team before facing Hamilton Southeastern on May 2nd.
Photo Essay: Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs HSE
Going Pro After High School: Risk or Reward?
Going Pro After High School: Risk or Reward?
Senior Amanda Ailes signs with the Huntington Foresters volleyball team on Feb 22. Ailes said one of the ways she’s been continuing with her commitment to Huntington is by communicating with her future coach and attending the games of her future team. (Photo: Submitted)
Student Athletes, College Counselor evaluate differences in paths of athletic collegiate commitments
Senior Sophie Mock gives her team a pep talk before the varsity Lacrosse game starts on April 17. (Submitted Photo: Sophie Mock)
CHS students navigate recruitment gap in sports
Junior Harper Roan plays Sandra Templeton opposite senior Isaiah Henderson playing Edward Bloom. The show will run from May 15 to 17.
“Big Fish” Photo Gallery
Book-to-screen adaptations should enhance stories, not change them completely
Book-to-screen adaptations should enhance stories, not change them completely
Banned Books Club founders, media specialist discuss importance of reading banned books
Banned Books Club founders, media specialist discuss importance of reading banned books
Jazz a La Mode Photo Gallery
Jazz a La Mode Photo Gallery
We need to discuss the dangers of toxic masculinity on the Internet (opinion)
We need to discuss the dangers of toxic masculinity on the Internet (opinion)
Q&A with Will Spence on Longest Day fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Awareness
Q&A with Will Spence on Longest Day fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Awareness
Q&A with sophomore Atharva Sahu on National Alliance for Mental Illness 5K
Q&A with sophomore Atharva Sahu on National Alliance for Mental Illness 5K
Humans of CHS: USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge
Humans of CHS: USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge
Juniors Anya Stephenson and Maggie Miller smile for a selfie. Stephenson and Miller created Patchwork Promise, an initiative to donate upcycled tote bags.
Q&A with juniors Anya Stephenson and Maggie Miller on Patchwork Promise
Statpad, the SAT practice site, is available both as an app and as a website. “We’re working to get it unblocked (on Chromebooks),” Junior Derek Yang said.
Q&A with juniors Derek Yang and Brandon Li on SAT practice app
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: USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge
Humans of CHS: USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge
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: 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
Month In Review: April 2025
Month In Review: April 2025
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
Wordle: May 7
Wordle: May 7
Wordle: May 2
Wordle: May 2
Connections: May 1
Connections: May 1
Word Search: April 30
Word Search: April 30
Mini Crossword: April 29
Mini Crossword: April 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: April 24
Crossword: April 24
Crossword: March 27
Crossword: March 27
Crossword: January 15
Crossword: January 15
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 9
Crossword: September 9
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: May 7
Wordle: May 7
Wordle: May 2
Wordle: May 2
Wordle: April 23
Wordle: April 23
Wordle: April 22
Wordle: April 22
Wordle: April 2
Wordle: April 2
Word Search: April 30
Word Search: April 30
Word Search: April 18
Word Search: April 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
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. 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
Ivy Zhen

Ivy Zhen, Student Life Editor

Hi! I’m Ivy and I am excited to be co-editor for the Student Life section this year! I was an entertainment reporter my first year and occasionally did graphics. Outside of school I love to hang out with friends, paint, and play basketball. Thank you for stopping by :)

All content by Ivy Zhen
Hatching Plans Interactive JAM

Hatching Plans Interactive JAM

Laxumi Chandrakumar, Katelyn Chen, Marianne Guo, Safiya Ilmudeen, Abigail Lee, Ella Lu, Megan Xia, and Ivy Zhen
May 25, 2025
Instead of a quantitative change, the Supreme Court selection process needs to be closely monitored

Instead of a quantitative change, the Supreme Court selection process needs to be closely monitored

Ivy Zhen
April 24, 2025
Seniors Brianna Roper, Cocoa Kubo, and Jessica Dinh dance at the UNICEF charity ball held on March 28. The event is held annually in the freshman cafeteria to donate to the international UNICEF fund.

[Photo] Month In Review: March 2025

Yeonwoo Cho, Caitlin Follman, Arielle Fotso, Roman Gralak, Anoushka Jena, Abigail Lee, Jenny Li, and Rethika Sathyamathan
March 31, 2025
Screenshot 2025-03-19 at 3.29.22 PM

[Photo] Students, English teacher evaluate the role of technology in literacy

Keira Kress and Abigail Lee
March 21, 2025
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

Ivy Zhen
March 17, 2025
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]

Ivy Zhen
March 7, 2025

[Video] The new Gen Z love

Anthony Pho and Jasmine Y. Zhang
February 13, 2025
Junior Eva Marci and senior AJ Lehikoinen pose at a swing dance event in Indianapolis. (Submitted photo: Eva Marci)

Q&A with Eva Marci and AJ Lehikoinen on Swing Dance Club

Parker Kelso and Ivy Zhen
January 15, 2025
Snow more memories: Green Action Club members and sponsor unpack climate change’s effects on wintertime memories

Snow more memories: Green Action Club members and sponsor unpack climate change’s effects on wintertime memories

Parker Kelso and Ivy Zhen
December 29, 2024
thanksgivingcover-1

[Photo] Students, teacher bring praise to ethnic traditions to American Thanksgiving

Jasmine Y. Zhang and Anthony Pho
November 18, 2024
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]

Ivy Zhen
November 12, 2024
Screenshot 2024-10-31 at 15.47.57

[Photo] Q&A with Aleeza Price, co-president of Gardening Together club, on gardening for beginners

Keira Kress
October 31, 2024
Students, teacher weigh impact of celebrity endorsements on students’ political views

Students, teacher weigh impact of celebrity endorsements on students’ political views

Keira Kress and Ivy Zhen
October 29, 2024
Speech co-heads junior Zaina Khan and senior Grace Nie present the different types of speech events at a meeting. “We work hard to keep informational sections and lectures on basic knowledge as minimal as possible,” Nie said. “We really wanted to focus on collaborative, engaging activities to keep people excited and interested in the club.”

Speech event co-head, coach discuss benefits and characteristics of joining the speech team

Ivy Zhen
October 27, 2024
Paranormal beliefs graphic

[Photo] Psychiatric nurse, students discuss onset of superstitions in different cultures

Sophia Zhang
October 23, 2024
Speech and Debate coaches Emily Bell and Joseph McMillan present a slideshow to new members on club expectations. “It can be difficult at first to get used to a high school level of debate,” McMillan said. “But just take those leaps once you’ve got one under your belt. The rest gets easier and easier from then on out.”

Speech and Debate executive directors and coach consider new members’ public speaking anxieties

Ivy Zhen
September 30, 2024
Fashion Forward

Fashion Forward

Safiya Ilmudeen, Ivy Zhen, Aksi Adilet-Sultan, Katelyn Chen, Avani Gupta, Ananya Addepalle, and Megan Xia
September 23, 2024
Senior Edna Efuntoye poses in her military uniform after camp. "I feel that I grew a lot stronger from camp," she said. "I'm glad I didn't let other people stop me from joining." (Submitted photo: Edna Efuntoye)

Q&A with senior Edna Efuntoye on military camp experience

Ivy Zhen and Parker Kelso
September 19, 2024
Family vlogger controversy, need for content reform [opinion]

Family vlogger controversy, need for content reform [opinion]

Ivy Zhen
May 14, 2024
Ensemble members review choreography for “Cinderella” in the dance studio. “One of my favorite parts of the show is the four-song dance sequence we’re working on,” Spence said. “It’s a really cool moment the ensemble gets to perform, and I think it’s going to be a highlight of the show."

Ensemble member and choir teacher discuss rehearsals and visions for spring musical “Cinderella”

Ivy Zhen
April 30, 2024
Chelsea Meng on her Instagram-run bracelet shop [Biz Buzz]

Chelsea Meng on her Instagram-run bracelet shop [Biz Buzz]

Ivy Zhen
April 24, 2024

Theater student and teacher discuss visions for directing solo-project “Three Men in a Boat” play

Ivy Zhen
April 5, 2024
British royalty are American celebrities [opinion]

British royalty are American celebrities [opinion]

Ivy Zhen
March 24, 2024
Making HER-Story

Making HER-Story

Jane Martens, Leying Yang, Laxumi Chandrakumar, Emma Hu, Caroline Just, and Ivy Zhen
March 18, 2024
Thea Bendaly on her Instagram-run crochet shop [Biz Buzz]

Thea Bendaly on her Instagram-run crochet shop [Biz Buzz]

Ivy Zhen
March 14, 2024
Despite "Barbie" Oscar snubs, Gosling deserves his nomination, exemplifies humility in Hollywood [opinion]

Despite “Barbie” Oscar snubs, Gosling deserves his nomination, exemplifies humility in Hollywood [opinion]

Ivy Zhen
March 9, 2024

Theater teacher and students discuss auditions into the Repertoire Theater 

Ivy Zhen
February 25, 2024
Eating a healthy breakfast leads to many short-term, long-term benefits

Eating a healthy breakfast leads to many short-term, long-term benefits

Ivy Zhen
February 16, 2024
Review: WitShine Toilet Night Light, a color-changing guide during the dark times of daylight savings [MUSE]

Review: WitShine Toilet Night Light, a color-changing guide during the dark times of daylight savings [MUSE]

Ivy Zhen
February 5, 2024
Seniors Juliet Malherbe and Eden Hammond try on costumes during “Little Women” rehearsal. The cast has begun developing their characters and focusing on building relationships in the show. “I think all of the actors do an amazing job pulling all of the characters together,” Sophia Scelzo said. “I love seeing all the nuances of girlhood and family starting to show during rehearsals.”

Theater students and teachers rehearse annual Winter Play showing in February

Ivy Zhen
January 30, 2024
perspectives speak up

[Photo] Indiana House Bill 1035 strives for mediocrity across Indiana schools

HiLite Staff
January 30, 2024
The Mean Girl trope embodies the evolution of female anger [opinion]

The Mean Girl trope embodies the evolution of female anger [opinion]

Ivy Zhen
January 16, 2024
Students, teacher consider Rotten Tomatoes as a reference, not an absolute source

Students, teacher consider Rotten Tomatoes as a reference, not an absolute source

Ivy Zhen
December 23, 2023
Opposing column: Old Marvel movies are better than new ones [opinion]

Opposing column: Old Marvel movies are better than new ones [opinion]

Ivy Zhen
November 10, 2023
Rising Stars members and freshmen Monroe Melton and Colin Holtz participate in a theater warm-up during a meeting. Newer members are encouraged to engage in the club activities to better hone their crafts for future productions and the Thespian Conference. “We are definitely looking at all of the performances of kids going to the conference,” Cassidy said. “And we hope to get a lot of participation in the Rising Stars showcase as well.”

Rising Stars prepares for Thespian Conference

Ivy Zhen
November 2, 2023
Dreams to Reality: In Light of Back to the Future Day, Teacher, Students Discuss Historical Influences on Modern Art

Dreams to Reality: In Light of Back to the Future Day, Teacher, Students Discuss Historical Influences on Modern Art

Ivy Zhen
October 21, 2023
Students, director discuss impact of extended fall break on “Puffs” production

Students, director discuss impact of extended fall break on “Puffs” production

Nora Mariano and Ivy Zhen
October 4, 2023
Rising Stars members freshman Monroe Melton and senior Bailey Oehler perform in an improv game during a meeting. The club frequently plays similar games to warm up, and Rising Stars leaders said that by upping the meetings to two per month, the club can help members get to know one another better and contribute to a sense of community. “Knowing that theater, though it is an art elective, it’s also a really great community and a fun thing to do,” Malerbi said.

Rising Stars leaders share new ambitions for the club

Ivy Zhen
October 4, 2023
Grant Steckbeck, Fall Play director and theater arts teacher, describes the extensive spreadsheet of character scene breakdowns, each color coded by importance, overlapping characters, and amount of lines. “I didn’t read [the script] with the intent of it being the Fall Play,” Steckbeck said. “But as I was reading it, I would think, this character is really fun, or I would love to see this happen here.”

Theater students, teachers to produce annual Fall Play showing in November

Ivy Zhen
September 22, 2023
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