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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
Kris Otten

Kris Otten, Student Section Editor

Hi, I’m Kris! This is my third year on the HiLite staff, and I am the Student Section Editor. In the past, I have been a Social Media Editor, a Student Section reporter, and an Entertainment reporter. Outside of HiLite, I like to draw, travel, and spend time with my friends and family.

All content by Kris Otten
COMPOST QUEEN: Maanya Rajesh, co-leader of Green Action Club and sophomore, carries buckets of compost materials to add to her compost pile. Rajesh said she created Green Action club because she really cares about the environment and wants to bring awareness to saving the planet at CHS.

Earth Day Every Day: In honor of Earth day, students, staff practice living sustainably, discuss importance of environmental movement

Marissa Ryan and Kris Otten
March 20, 2020
Family vacations create lasting memories, bring families closer together

Family vacations create lasting memories, bring families closer together

Kris Otten
March 20, 2020
Charitable Choices: Take a look at volunteer opportunities around Carmel during the holiday season

Charitable Choices: Take a look at volunteer opportunities around Carmel during the holiday season

Emily Sandy and Kris Otten
December 12, 2019
IMG_3085

[Photo] Thanksgiving Pies Review

November 27, 2019
Karthik Arcot, club member and senior, does work on his laptop during SRT. Arcot said that Design for CHS will be continuing with the Street Store and Hands on Education projects this year as well as starting a new project called Heart Shakers.

Design for CHS to continue with previous projects, starts a new project

Kris Otten
October 6, 2019
Grad Party: A How-To

Grad Party: A How-To

Kris Otten
May 23, 2019
Juniors Karthik Arcot and Shivani Balachander brainstorm projects for next school year. Design for CHS has continued individual projects like Hands on Education since the Street Store event on March 16.

Design for CHS continues individual projects after the Street Store

Kris Otten
April 18, 2019
Juniors Shivani Balachandar and Hannah Na discuss Hands on Education at the Design for CHS meeting. Design for CHS has set March 16 as the date for the Street Store.

Design for CHS to host the Street Store event on March 16

Kris Otten
March 1, 2019
Tiramisu (back right), Pumpkin pie (back left) and Wild berry (front)

Mammamia Gelato Review [The Sweet Life]

Kris Otten and Caitlyn Burns
February 19, 2019
Design for CHS plans new projects

Design for CHS plans new projects

Kris Otten
February 6, 2019
Junior Karthik Arcot works on a computer at the Design for CHS meeting. Design for CHS has scheduled the Street Store for March 16.

Design for CHS sets date for Street Store and works on new projects

Kris Otten
January 23, 2019
Junior Ellie Austin

Junior Ellie Austin

Kris Otten
December 13, 2018
Junior Maya Kislyuk

Junior Maya Kislyuk

Kris Otten
December 13, 2018

Take this flowchart to find out what you should do this holiday

Kris Otten and Tara Kandallu
November 16, 2018
Insomnia Cookies Review

Insomnia Cookies Review

Kris Otten and Caitlyn Burns
November 14, 2018
Juniors Shivani Balachandar and Hannah Na discuss Hands on Education at the last Design for CHS meeting on Oct. 16. Design for CHS has been visiting IPS schools every Friday to teach fifth graders more about science.

Design for CHS continues Hands on Education and project planning

Kris Otten
November 10, 2018
Junior Zach Berman bites down on one of the apples from Stuckey Farm’s apple orchards. Stuckey Farms has around 4,000 trees and boasts 27 different types of apples, as well as a 15-acre pumpkin patch, an eight-acre corn maze and many more activities.

We reviewed three fall activities available near Carmel, this is what we found

Kris Otten
October 25, 2018

Candy Tasting Video

October 25, 2018
Design for CHS to begin planning new service projects

Design for CHS to begin planning new service projects

Kris Otten
October 17, 2018
Hannah Na and Vivian Zheng, Design for CHS members and juniors, eat lunch together. Design for CHS had their call-out meeting on Sept. 12 and have begun planning for both new and old volunteer projects.

Design for CHS to start new projects

Kris Otten
September 26, 2018

For Hispanic Heritage Month, CHS staff students celebrate their heritage in unique ways

Kris Otten
September 21, 2018
Club member Hannah Na works on homework during SRT. The Design for CHS call-out meeting is on Sept. 12

Design for CHS to have call-out meeting

Kris Otten
September 4, 2018
The Latest Scoop: Ice Cream Reviews

The Latest Scoop: Ice Cream Reviews

Kris Otten and Caitlyn Burns
March 23, 2018
The Flying Cupcake [The Sweet Life]

The Flying Cupcake [The Sweet Life]

Kris Otten and Caitlyn Burns
March 2, 2018
Cake Bake Shop sign

The Cake Bake Shop Review [The Sweet Life]

Kris Otten and Caitlyn Burns
February 27, 2018
Chocolate Baby Bundt Cake

Corner Bakery Cafe Review [The Sweet Life]

Kris Otten and Caitlyn Burns
February 23, 2018
Junior Mea McCormack takes a picture of a Patagonia sweatshirt to sell on Instagram. McCormack said she only posts clothing that is in good condition.

FashionInsta: CHS students take on online business using fashion apps, including Instagram, to buy, sell their clothing

Alina Yu and Kris Otten
February 23, 2018
Fan Frenzy: CHS students discuss various award voting processes and their fairness

Fan Frenzy: CHS students discuss various award voting processes and their fairness

Kris Otten
January 25, 2018

Movie Musical Showdown: With Pitch Perfect movie coming out, students compare it with known movie series, High School Musical

Kris Otten, Entertainment Reporter
December 14, 2017
Sophomores Natalie Khamis, Alyssa Smith and Anushka Dasgupta discuss plans for the street store project at the Design for CHS meeting on Nov. 14. At this meeting, Design for CHS members continued to work on plans for the upcoming street store event.

Design for CHS to start the street store project

Kris Otten
November 25, 2017

Shop ‘Til You Drop: CHS students discuss the dangers of Black Friday shopping

Kris Otten
November 17, 2017
Design for CHS club members discuss additional projects at the club meeting. Design for CHS decided to continue the Street Store project from last year, as well as new projects such as Hands on Education and other initiatives for the homeless.

Design for CHS to continue with the street store

Kris Otten
November 1, 2017
The secrets of the Denver International Airport [Conspiracy Cop]

The secrets of the Denver International Airport [Conspiracy Cop]

Kris Otten
October 20, 2017
Attendees at the Planetarium Show on Sept. 28 watch the show. Turner said viewers were able to learn about identifying various constellations and stars among a variety of other interesting information.

A Starry Night: Astronomy club sponsor, leader reflect on recent planetarium show

Kris Otten
September 29, 2017
Homecoming Horror Stories : Students Discuss Embarrassing Homecoming Experiences

Homecoming Horror Stories : Students Discuss Embarrassing Homecoming Experiences

Kris Otten, Reporter
September 11, 2017
Sophomore Ethan Galka

Speak-ups: Students reflect on the recently controversial spending by Carmel Government

Kris Otten, Entertainment Reporter
September 5, 2017

Challenge Club to challenge Club Med

Kris Otten
January 9, 2017
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