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Students, teacher bring praise to ethnic traditions to American Thanksgiving
Students, teacher bring praise to ethnic traditions to American Thanksgiving
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
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
As Thanksgiving, Black Friday approaches, consider negative impacts of commercialism, true meaning of holidays
As Thanksgiving, Black Friday approaches, consider negative impacts of commercialism, true meaning of holidays
Technology has done wonders for sustaining communication, connections
Technology has done wonders for sustaining communication, connections
Virtual communication is undoubtedly detrimental to our social lives and mental health
Virtual communication is undoubtedly detrimental to our social lives and mental health
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
Juniors Nate Ventura and Tysen Pauwels look over postcards on Nov. 16, 2024 at the Carmel Arts Council Children's Art Gallery. They viewed all of the artwork done by children from around the city and learned about the history of the art gallery. “It was cool to see all of the things created by little kids and find out more about Carmel,” Ventura said.
Carmel Clay History Museum to have their grand opening on Nov. 20, emphasizes importance of historical preservation
An early voter is entering the information required to cast a ballot at the CCPL on Oct. 30 for the 2024 election. Nie said people being more bipartisan and willing to listen to each other will help the partisan divide.
As the presidential election concludes, students question partisan political climate
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
Kids draw and participate in Diwali activities at the Diwali party held at Midtown on Oct. 26. Arya said the experience was really fun and allowed her to connect with her culture better.
Indian students share Diwali celebrations, impact on cultural identity
Students take notes and ask questions at the Yale College Visit on Sept. 26. Junior Olivia Widjaja said affirmative action has not impacted her greatly but she sees how it could hurt minorities and their chances of getting into university.
In a post-affirmative action world, students employ new tools, considerations in college applications
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
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
"Wicked" poster controversy sparks a debate about the importance of accuracy versus artistic freedom [opinion]
“Wicked” poster controversy sparks a debate about the importance of accuracy versus artistic freedom [opinion]
Adaptation of Wuthering Heights sparks debate on casting practices, importance of book-accurate portrayals
Adaptation of Wuthering Heights sparks debate on casting practices, importance of book-accurate portrayals
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]
Humans of CHS: Geography Test
Humans of CHS: Geography Test
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
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: Geography Test
Humans of CHS: Geography Test
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?
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
Connections: November 19
Connections: November 19
Mini Crossword: November 19
Mini Crossword: November 19
Word Search: November 15
Word Search: November 15
Mini Crossword: November 12
Mini Crossword: November 12
Wordle: November 4
Wordle: November 4
Connections: November 19
Connections: November 19
Connections: October 30
Connections: October 30
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 3
Connections: October 3
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 19
Mini Crossword: November 19
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
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
Jesse Cooper

Jesse Cooper, Entertainment Reporter

Hey, everyone! My name is Jesse Cooper and this is my first year as a reporter on Hilite. As well as Hilite, I am a staff member on the Carmel High School radio station, WHJE. In my spare time I babysit, watch “The Office” and “New Girl, and work at a horse barn. I appreciate you all taking the time to look at my work, thanks for reading!

All content by Jesse Cooper
Funny Guy: Q&A with Zach Gish, stand-up comedian and senior

Funny Guy: Q&A with Zach Gish, stand-up comedian and senior

Isabella White
February 18, 2020
Jennifer Bubp, National Art Honors Society sponsor, works on her schedule at her desk. Currently, the honors society is preparing for its induction ceremony scheduled for Jan. 30. Bubp said the organization will participate in many events this semester and its members are in “the initial stages of planning right now.”

National Art Honors Society to hold induction ceremony Jan. 30

Isabella White
January 24, 2020

Column: As cuffing season sets in, high schoolers should not be ashamed of wanting to be in romantic relationships

Isabella White
December 10, 2019
Art Club sponsor Jennifer Bubp sorts through artwork created by her art students and organizes prizes they have received. According to Bubp, members of the Art Club participated in the Carmel International Arts Festival over the weekend: one of the many opportunities club members have to collaborate with the community. She said “[Art Club members] do a lot of collaboration with the City of Carmel and the Carmel Arts Council, so that gives kids the chance to get involved with the arts outside of the building.”

Art Club to meet Wednesday, discuss future events

Isabella White
October 1, 2019
Noah Sim, marching band member and senior, rehearses on his euphonium during summer marching band rehearsals. Sim began to play the euphonium for marching a year ago. Sim said the summer rehearsals allow for the marching band to get a head start, as well as integrate freshmen with upperclassmen.

Band, orchestra students give advice for practicing over break, adapting to higher level performing arts

Isabella White, Bowen Zhou, and Grace Xu
August 13, 2019
Senior Abby Draper: “Like a year or two ago, I was in a really bad state of depression, and I really needed something that would snap me out of it. I was trying with therapy and everything and I still struggled. But all it took was one line in a TV show to tell me that I was gonna be okay. It was a line that said ‘I’m here and I stay,’ which was said by Waverly Earp on a show called Wynonna Earp. I heard it and immediately I was like if that doesn't sum it up, what does? And it was a really important moment and I actually got to thank the actress who said that, and we became pals. That quote means a lot to me, and now I have a little sticker of it on the back of my car.”

Humans of CHS: Graduation Edition

Jesse Cooper
May 29, 2019
Junior Vivian Werstler adds to her drawing of a city street in SRT on May 9. Werstler said she found her own art by taking small pieces of inspiration from others’ work and combining them to create something unique to her.

For Your Inspiration: Art students, art department chair advise artists how to take inspiration from others without stealing art

Isabella White
May 23, 2019
Speech team sponsor Jacleen Joiner works on her computer. Joiner said the speech team will have no further meetings this year as the season has come to an end, but she has loved getting to see how all the members have improved throughout the year.

Speech team to have period of inactivity as competition season ends

Isabella White
May 13, 2019
Q&A with next year's Speaker of the House and Student Body President

Q&A with next year’s Speaker of the House and Student Body President

Isabella White and Hari Patel
May 3, 2019
Speech team sponsor Jacleen Joiner works on her computer at her desk. As the speech team’s season came to a close with the end-of-the-year party, Joiner said she took time to reflect on the improvements of the speech team members throughout the year. She said seeing them build up their confidence over the course of the season is her favorite part of being the team’s sponsor.

Speech team to expand membership to those wanting to learn speaking skills, not wanting to compete

Isabella White
April 16, 2019
Speech team sponsor Jacleen Joiner works on her computer in preparation for upcoming District and State competitions. Joiner said she is most looking forward to these competitions to see the speech team members’ hard work pay off. “I enjoy seeing the improvement and confidence that students gain over the course of the year,” she said.

Speech team members to practice for upcoming District and State competitions

Isabella White
March 1, 2019
Fields 9-18 at the Shelbourne soccer fields in west Carmel. Taha Shakeel, CDC athlete and sophomore says that “Some (players) are really good and some aren’t but it doesn't matter because everybody there is just there for fun.”

Carmel Dads Club Spring Season is Approaching

Jesse Cooper
March 1, 2019
Q&A with sophomore Mikayla "Kayla" Phillips who released her new single "September"

Q&A with sophomore Mikayla “Kayla” Phillips who released her new single “September”

Jesse Cooper
February 22, 2019
That's a (long) Wrap: “How To Train Your Dragons 3” shows how large time gaps between originals, sequels affect viewership

That’s a (long) Wrap: “How To Train Your Dragons 3” shows how large time gaps between originals, sequels affect viewership

Isabella White
February 22, 2019
This photo was taken by the restoration team inside the fieldhouse by door 17. It is blocked off for safety reasons due to the boiler room explosion that happened in December.

Carmel Dads Club is in the midst of the winter season

Jesse Cooper
February 6, 2019
Speech team sponsor Jacleen Joiner works at her desk. Joiner said she loves leading the speech team members and is most excited to see how they progress. “I enjoy seeing the improvement and confidence that students gain over the course of the year,” she said.

Speech team members to meet Thursday to modify pieces for competition on Feb. 23

Isabella White
February 6, 2019
Choir director Kyle Barker oversees the Ambassadors during their rehearsal after school. According to Ambassador and junior Danny Ghalayini, the Half Notes event is a much more interactive experience for the kids than typical choir concerts and events.

Half(Time) Notes: Ambassadors’ new Half Notes event to take place tomorrow evening

Isabella White
January 24, 2019
Speech team sponsor Jacleen Joiner works on her computer. Joiner said she is looking forward to the upcoming competitions this semester. “(I am most excited for) District, State and Sectional competitions to see how students have improved throughout the year,” she said.

Speech team members to work on judges’ critiques for next competition on Feb. 16

Isabella White
January 14, 2019
The damage in Carmel High Schools fieldhouse. Jack Beery, President of Carmel Dads Club, said via email “We are all thankful the two people injured are recovering and blessed that no one else was hurt.” This photo was taken by the Emergency Restoration Team.

Boiler room fire effect on Carmel Dads Club basketball

Jesse Cooper
January 14, 2019
Katelyn Wang, speech team member and sophomore, works on a piece for the next speech team competition. Wang said she is excited this year because old and new members are all getting along well. “We’re really bonding as a team and forming long lasting relationships,” she said.

Speech team to meet this Thursday

Isabella White
November 27, 2018
Selin Oh, Camerata cellist and senior, reh- earses after school. She said one of the pieces they’re playing, “Dvorak Symphony No. 9,” is really special to her, and she’s excited to share it with other musicians.

A Major Development: Orchestra students to share stage with Carmel Symphony Orchestra this Sunday

Isabella White
November 16, 2018
Maggie Killian attempts to steal the ball during her soccer game at Shelbourne fields. Killian likes CDC because it is not as big as a commitment compared to CHS; “I like CDC because it’s not a huge commitment, we only meet once a week and then for games. Killian said.

Carmel Dads Club fall season coming to a close

Jesse Cooper
October 29, 2018
Katelyn Wang, speech team member and sophomore, works on cutting her speech for the speech team’s upcoming competition on Oct. 27. Wang said she is is especially excited for this competition because she found out the speech team and debate team will travel together.

Speech team to meet Oct. 18 to practice for upcoming competition

Isabella White
October 15, 2018
Maggie Killian attempting to steal the ball during her soccer game at Shelbourne fields. Killian likes CDC because it is not as big as a commitment compared to CHS; “I like CDC because it’s not a huge commitment, we only meet once a week and then for games. Killian said.

Carmel Dads Club fall sports season is ending at end of Oct.

Jesse Cooper
October 15, 2018
Maggie Killian, soccer player and freshman plays a game at CDC’s Shelbourne fields. Killian talks about how much she has enjoyed playing CDC for the past three years. “It’s a lot of fun. There isn’t a lot of conditioning or training so it’s just fun to be able to go out and play,” she said.

Carmel Dads Club winter basketball registration has opened

Jesse Cooper
October 1, 2018
An art piece created by the CHS Art Club.

Carmel International Arts Festival Is An Event You Do Not Want To Miss Next Year

Jesse Cooper
September 30, 2018
Speech team sponsor Jacleen Joiner works on her computer in preparation for the first speech team practice of the year on Sept. 27. Joiner has appreciated being the team’s sponsor for the past few years. She said via email, “I enjoy seeing the students’ progress throughout the year. There are students who are hesitant at first and they gain more confidence as the season continues.”

Speech team to have first practice Sept. 27

Isabella White
September 26, 2018
Maggie Killian, soccer player and freshman playing a game at CDC’s Shelbourne fields. Killian talks about how much she has enjoyed playing CDC for the past three years. “It’s a lot of fun. There isn’t a lot of conditioning or training so it’s just fun to be able to go out and play,” she said.

Carmel Dads Club winter basketball registration has opened

Jesse Cooper
September 26, 2018
This is the art sculpture, titled Home Run, located on the roundabout at the intersection of 116th St. and Hazel Dell Parkway. Junior Vivian Werstler lives right next to this roundabout and said she agrees funds should go into roundabout sculptures, mentioning she hopes Carmel will continue building these pieces of art despite some negative response from citizens.

A Work Of (Public) Art: Students, mayor discuss aesthetics vs. costs of recently added public art on Carmel roundabouts

Isabella White
September 21, 2018
The entrance sign for the CDC Carmel/Clay Community soccer fields. This complex holds nine fields where CDC soccer players come play every weekend during the fall and spring season.

The Carmel Dads Club is In the Middle of Their Fall Season

Jesse Cooper
September 4, 2018
Katelyn Wang, speech team member and sophomore, works on a powerpoint for the speech team call-out meeting. Wang began her high school speech team career just last year and said she loved the environment within this club. She said “[Speech team] is a nice place to get out of your shell because, generally, people are really nice. It’s also a really great place to learn life skills because no matter what you’re going into, you’re going to have to stand up and speak.”

Speech team call-out meeting scheduled for Sept. 6

Isabella White
September 4, 2018
Caroline Joliet, 11

Caroline Joliet, 11

Jesse Cooper
January 24, 2018
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