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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
Game On! Interactive JAM
Game On! Interactive JAM
Hatching Plans Interactive JAM
Hatching Plans Interactive JAM
Indy 500
Indy 500
Bank on It
Bank on It
Zombie Watch
Zombie Watch
A culture of performative commercial interests
A culture of performative commercial interests
Guest Essay: Don't change but keep changing
Guest Essay: Don’t change but keep changing
It's time to fix the club commitment crisis
It’s time to fix the club commitment 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
Senior Sophie Tahir designs a graphic for her work-based learning internship on Sept. 12. Tahir said the internship has bolstered her interest in business and exposed her to various marketing positions she might be interested in.
Superintendent Tom Oestreich renews focus on work-based learning opportunities
Senior Allison Shen writes on the whiteboard during SSRT on Sept. 16. Shen said, “My counselor has been very supportive throughout this process.”
Counseling department to continue offering college admission resources, visits with representatives
Students are playing mingle at the A5 Squid Games event. Ahmad said this was a fun way to interact with other students and members.
A5 plans to host movie night on Sept. 19
SROs Blake Lytle and Ashley Williams monitor the commons during the day on Sept. 16. Lytle said hallway traffic has improved significantly this year.
SROs plan to review safety policies, committees
Amanda’s Fall Market to occur on Sept. 13, encourages thrifting trends among students, teachers
Amanda’s Fall Market to occur on Sept. 13, encourages thrifting trends among students, teachers
Senior Ella Fry and fellow travelers listen to a presentation by a Spanish public official. Fry said, "While I learned a lot in Spanish class that set me up for the program, the overall improvement I had in Spain was incredible." (Submitted: Ella Fry)
Bilingual students, teacher reflect on the value of language immersion, a summer abroad
Dr. Cathy Gorn, Executive Director of National History Day (NHD), delivers remarks at the opening ceremony of the NHD national contest on June 8 at the University of Maryland, College Park. Gorn joined NHD 43 years ago, and under her leadership, it grew significantly, receiving the National Humanities Medal from Barack Obama in 2011. “There has been an attack on history education over several years and on history itself. There have been attempts to whitewash history, to avoid talking about the complete story because of the fear of upsetting people if you talk about the difficulties of our past. But you have to look at everything,” Gorn said. (Submitted Photo: National History Day)
Students, educators reaffirm the importance of history education as its future hangs in the balance
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
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 Allison Shen on Empowher STEM
Humans of CHS: Football Themes (Cute or Cringey?)
Humans of CHS: Football Themes (Cute or Cringey?)
Screenshot
What is Minga?
2025-26 Freshman Survival Guide
2025-26 Freshman Survival Guide
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
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: 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
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
Summer In Review: 2025
Summer In Review: 2025
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
Wordle: September 17
Wordle: September 17
Word Search: September 12
Word Search: September 12
Crossword: September 12
Crossword: September 12
Wordle: September 12
Wordle: September 12
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 11
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: September 12
Crossword: September 12
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: April 24
Crossword: April 24
Crossword: March 27
Crossword: March 27
Crossword: January 15
Crossword: January 15
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: September 17
Wordle: September 17
Wordle: September 12
Wordle: September 12
Wordle: September 11
Wordle: September 11
Wordle: September 8
Wordle: September 8
Wordle: September 5
Wordle: September 5
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
Word Search: April 18
Word Search: April 18
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?

Friday, September 19, 2025

Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Josie Cruzan

Josie Cruzan, Managing Editor (Web)

Hey, my name is Josie Cruzan, I’m an online management member this year, which is my third on staff. Previously, I was co-editor of the News Section a reporter! When I’m not doing journalistic things, I enjoy discussing and participating in politics, watching period dramas on Netflix (and occasionally Hulu) and sleeping! Thanks for reading my pieces, I hope you enjoy them!

All content by Josie Cruzan

Senior Superlatives Winners

Josie Cruzan
May 19, 2021

Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council to host Paws and Pages event

Josie Cruzan
May 12, 2021

CMYC continues Carmel-themed podcast, international movie series

Josie Cruzan
April 20, 2021

Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council plans next international movie night, other events

Josie Cruzan
March 15, 2021

CMYC continues meeting virtually, adjusts events due to COVID-19 restrictions

Josie Cruzan
January 11, 2021

CMYC helps with Carmel Fire Department gift drive, continues to host meetings virtually

Josie Cruzan
January 11, 2021

Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council continues to host meetings virtually

Josie Cruzan
November 11, 2020

CMYC holds last installment of international movie series, continues meeting virtually

Josie Cruzan
November 11, 2020

CMYC hosts international Film Festival, hosts meetings virtually

Josie Cruzan
November 11, 2020
Katherine Kouns, Director of Choirs, goes over performance blocking in her office on Feb 26. Kouns was making final revisions and adjustments to the set-up for the Choral Showcase, which took place on March 4.

Choirs prepare for Legacies Concert, Choral Showcase

Josie Cruzan
March 11, 2020
Director of Choirs Katherine Kouns reviews the lyrics to a song in her office on Jan. 17. The song was sung by Accents as part of their competition set.

Choirs begin Audition Process, Prepare for Competition Season

Josie Cruzan
January 26, 2020
New Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL) branch to open Jan. 6.

New Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL) branch to open Jan. 6.

Josie Cruzan
December 12, 2019

News Briefs

Edward Dong and Josie Cruzan
November 15, 2019
Director of Choirs Katherine Kouns responds to a parent email in her office before school on Oct. 17. The email was in regards to the booster organization that the choirs use, Ovation.

Choirs prepare for Second Quarter, Holiday Spectacular

Josie Cruzan
October 25, 2019
Seen But Not Heard: Age should not define the credibility of activists

Seen But Not Heard: Age should not define the credibility of activists

Josie Cruzan
October 24, 2019
Screen Shot 2019-10-23 at 2.58.57 PM

[Photo] Juulsuit: Community members debate teen vaping epidemic following Carmel family lawsuit

Kassandra Darnell
October 24, 2019

The People Should Speak: Students should educate themselves civically, consider compulsory voting laws

Josie Cruzan
September 20, 2019
Director of Choirs Katherine Kouns prepares stage plans for the fall concert. The concert is scheduled for October 8.

Choirs Welcome New Teacher, Growing Numbers

Josie Cruzan
September 11, 2019
Junior and prospective Last Rock of Summer performer, Ethan Meneghini, works on his music over the summer in preparation for the LROS. Meneghini has created his own home studio that he works out of to produce his own music.

Summer Rockin’: WHJE members organize student music festival on Aug. 16

Josie Cruzan
August 13, 2019

Club Spotlight

Josie Cruzan
August 13, 2019
News Briefs 4.19

News Briefs 4.19

Josie Cruzan
April 19, 2019
More than a Method: In light of STD Awareness Month, stigma surrounding birth control pills is unwarranted due to their wide range of uses

More than a Method: In light of STD Awareness Month, stigma surrounding birth control pills is unwarranted due to their wide range of uses

Josie Cruzan
April 19, 2019
Director of choirs Katherine Kouns responds to an email from her daughter’s teacher in her office on April 8. Her daughter is a fourth grader at Carmel Elementary, and is a part of the school’s film club.

Choirs continue spring concert series and prepare for next year

Josie Cruzan
April 16, 2019
Director of Choirs Katherine Kouns sends an email to Jeff Worrell, a member of the Chamber of Commerce on March 7 in her office. The email was in regards to possible promotion of Select Sound’s Ear Candy concert, which will take place two days after they return from Washington D.C.

Choirs finish auditions, begin preparations for spring concert

Josie Cruzan
March 22, 2019
Students Participate in Global Climate Strike

Students Participate in Global Climate Strike

Josie Cruzan
March 22, 2019
Deal between Carmel, PNC Bank finalized; construction of apartments expected to occur

Deal between Carmel, PNC Bank finalized; construction of apartments expected to occur

Josie Cruzan, Lillian He, Pranav Jothirajah, Sarah Kim, Maddie Kosc, and Bowen Zhou
March 22, 2019
District population expected to rise; Carmel Clay Schools considers redistricting

District population expected to rise; Carmel Clay Schools considers redistricting

Josie Cruzan, Natalie Khamis, and Adam Spensely
March 22, 2019
03.22 News Briefs

03.22 News Briefs

Josie Cruzan, Robbie Ge, Aditi Kumar, and Apurva Manas
March 22, 2019
Director of choirs Katherine Kouns responds to emails in her office on Feb. 15. “As far as the dance audition goes, it’s just really difficult to tell until we get there. Every year there are people that really come out of the woodwork and surprise us and are just amazing.” Kouns said.

Choirs finish auditions, begin competition season, prepare for the choral showcase

Josie Cruzan
February 27, 2019
02.22 News Briefs

02.22 News Briefs

Josie Cruzan and Victoria Nopporn
February 22, 2019
Screen Shot 2019-02-20 at 12.37.12 PM

[Photo] New civics test graduation requirement proposed in Indiana State House of Representatives

Lillian He
February 22, 2019
Director of choirs Katherine Kouns prepares a program on her computer in her office on Jan. 22. The program was for a concert being held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

Choirs prepare for Auditions, Choral Showcase

Josie Cruzan
January 31, 2019
WORKING TOGETHER: Sophomore Isabella Fallahi discusses details regarding the Woman’s March with organizer Larissa Jones on Dec. 8. Fallahi ran a fundraiser at 9 Lives Cat Cafe in Indianapolis to support the march.

Youth Activism: Following midterm elections, students from both sides of the aisle consider effectiveness of political activism movements

Josie Cruzan
January 24, 2019
01.24 News Briefs

01.24 News Briefs

Josie Cruzan, Tessa Collinson, and Aditi Kumar
January 24, 2019
Lindsay Vrobel, Rhapsody member and sophomore, reviews the choir audition schedule during SRT on Jan. 10. Vrobel auditioned for New Edition.

Choirs begin preparing for competitions, auditions

Josie Cruzan
January 13, 2019
Director of choirs Katherine Kouns works on placements for choir students in her office on Nov. 16. “Holiday Spectacular is pretty much on track compared to previous years. We’re right about where we should be. There’s still a lot of work to do, but everyone knows what they’re doing,” Kouns said.

Choirs intensify Holiday Spectacular preparations

Josie Cruzan
November 30, 2018
11.16 News Briefs

11.16 News Briefs

Josie Cruzan, Tara Kandallu, and Aditi Kumar
November 16, 2018
Carmel Christkindlmarkt Sign

A traditional pyramid structure and thirteen wines are new additions to this year’s Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Josie Cruzan
November 16, 2018
Steven Kelly, New Edition member and senior, does AP English Literature and Composition homework during lunch in the library on Oct 29. “I feel like the fall concert went pretty well. I improved a lot, just at the concert itself. I feel like just being in front of a stage and being in front of a lot of people helps a lot,” Kelly said.

Choirs reflect on Fall Concert, prepare for Holiday Spectacular

Josie Cruzan
November 8, 2018
METAL MAYHEM: DJ and sophomore Ethan Meneghini plays his set. Meneghini opened the show for the metal band Blizzard Time.

Q&A with DJ, music producer Ethan Meneghini

Josie Cruzan
October 25, 2018
10.25 News Briefs

10.25 News Briefs

Josie Cruzan
October 25, 2018
Director of Choirs Katherine Kouns responds to emails before school in her office on Sept. 12. Kouns said ¨Things are chugging along like usual, and the groups are pretty much where they should be in terms of progress.”

Choir Members Prepare for Fall Concert

Josie Cruzan
September 21, 2018
09.21 News Briefs and French Club Spotlight

09.21 News Briefs and French Club Spotlight

Josie Cruzan and Aditi Kumar
September 21, 2018

Choir Members React to Change in Freshman Choirs in Preparation for Fall Concert

Josie Cruzan
September 20, 2018
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