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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
The new Gen Z love
The new Gen Z love
Personality typing systems impact self-discovery, decision-making
Personality typing systems impact self-discovery, decision-making
Zombie Watch
Zombie Watch
Cyber Crisis
Cyber Crisis
Dr. Seuss Day Interactive JAM
Dr. Seuss Day Interactive JAM
The Fathers of Innovation
The Fathers of Innovation
Taste the Season: Carmel Cafe
Taste the Season: Carmel Cafe
Normalization of online racism is a dangerous trend
Normalization of online racism is a dangerous trend
Opposing Column: Staycations are inherently superior to traveling
Opposing Column: Staycations are inherently superior to traveling
Opposing Column: Traveling is inherently superior to staycations
Opposing Column: Traveling is inherently superior to staycations
Lighthearted pranks are an essential way to preserve the spirit of fun
Lighthearted pranks are an essential way to preserve the spirit of fun
Muslim students should be given more understanding during Ramadan
Muslim students should be given more understanding during Ramadan
Emily Messiha, clarinet player and freshman, chats with a friend about the upcoming band concerts. The concert will be hosted by Hamilton Southeastern, where each performance will be scored by three judges. “We’ll focus on (a section of the piece),” Messiha said, “we start to have the entire song come together.”
Bands prepare for concerts
Maleeha Mahbub reads a park sign advising people to “grow don't mow” on Mar. 20, 2025 in West Park. She finished looking over the sign and continued on her walk on the trail. “I think it’s cool having these signs in and around the park, it’s a nice reminder for people, even if they just pass by,” Mahbub said.
Indiana Dunes National Park faces uncertainties over employee terminations, reinstatements
Indy Women in Tech hosts a fundraiser to support girls finding their passions in technology. Events manager Kristan Russell said, “I love to follow our students that have gone through our program, the ones that have graduated and go out and get their career started, and watch them advance up the corporate ladder. We've had several of them come back and speak at our events, and that has been really inspiring because most of the women in our program are working hourly jobs or they're living paycheck to paycheck.” (Submitted photo: Kristan Russell)
Wayne County Women’s Fund luncheon raises awareness, strengthens women’s community
Carmel Key Club members play games and connect with senior citizens at their “Senior Game Night” event held on March 8. Key Club President David Jiang said it was a great event to foster interaction between students and elderly members of the community.
Carmel Key Club members volunteer at senior living facility and celebrate 100th anniversary of the club
Student-led nonprofit CardioCare to host 5K event on March 29
In light of detainment of Mahmoud Khalil, CHS student activists, teachers fear for their safety, the future of free speech
In light of detainment of Mahmoud Khalil, CHS student activists, teachers fear for their safety, the future of free speech
Junior Ivy Wei waters plants in the greenhouse on March 27, 2025. “I think my favorite part of (Gardening Together) is getting to plan and do things with nature at school,” Wei said.
Students, teacher discuss impacts of gardening on students in light of National Gardening Month
Juniors Jafeth Gamez and Yilbert Pico converse with each other on March 6 during SSRT. Gamez and Pico enjoy each other's company and they both quickly become friends after moving to the ESL class.
Multilingual learners struggle against stereotypes, fight language discrimination
Sophomore Yoon Lee writes down a message in Korean on a piece of paper on Mar 12. Lee said that even though most students don’t necessarily understand Korean culture they still try to take in parts of it.
Immigrant students work to assimilate into American culture, still retain sense of cultural identity
Junior Anna Strines stretches a friend’s leg on Feb. 27, 2025. “(The) best part of my job is forming connections with players, seeing them grow as athletes and as people and helping athletes when they need it,” Strines said.
Students search for athletic training opportunities, develop lifelong career paths
Junior Owen Morton and his father root for different teams during a game between the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. Morton said it's important to stick to one's favorite teams during both winning and losing streaks. (Submitted: Owen Morton)
More than just a win: how students represent their teams after big games
As the Sweet 16 of March Madness continues, the nationwide basketball tournament excites basketball fans
As the Sweet 16 of March Madness continues, the nationwide basketball tournament excites basketball fans
Senior Ayla Abbasi completes a dive at a meet. Abbasi said she aims to complete as much of her homework as possible during school in order to balance her difficult coursework with her practice schedule. (Submitted: Ayla Abbasi)
Athlete Spotlight: Senior Ayla Abbasi on college diving and commended graduate award
Senior Elle Tomalia runs and catches the lacrosse ball during her match. She has a verbal agreement to go play Division one Lacrosse at Butler University. (Submitted: Elle Tomalia)
Students, coach reflect on challenges posed by unpredictable weather on sports
Humans of CHS: March Madness
Humans of CHS: March Madness
Beginning and Intermediate Dance students practice dance team skills during class on March 27. Junior Jenna Jarboe said, “My dance class is my B1 (class) so I start my day with it. It’s like a warm-up to being at school, and it just feels like a class that I’m not stressed about."
Dance classes offer more than just an opportunity to move
Reality television’s consequences on the lives of real people
Reality television’s consequences on the lives of real people
Comic Con JAM
Comic Con JAM
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
AI in films like "The Brutalist" is convenient, but shouldn’t take priority [opinion]
AI in films like “The Brutalist” is convenient, but shouldn’t take priority [opinion]
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?
Sophomores Luke Choi (left front), Michael Yuan (left back), Ruth Ahn (right back), Stephanie Tan (right center), Chelsea Meng (right center) talk about their investment strategy. They gathered at the weekly FinXed club to review their final report.
Q&A with sophomore Chelsea Meng on the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
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
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: 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
Humans of CHS: The Unsent Project
Humans of CHS: The Unsent Project
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
Month in Review: January 2025
Month in Review: January 2025
Connections: April 16
Connections: April 16
Mini Crossword: April 14
Mini Crossword: April 14
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 3
Connections: April 3
Word Search: April 3
Word Search: April 3
Connections: April 16
Connections: April 16
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 3
Connections: April 3
Connections: April 2
Connections: April 2
Connections: March 13
Connections: March 13
Crossword: March 27
Crossword: March 27
Crossword: January 15
Crossword: January 15
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 9
Crossword: September 9
Crossword: August 12
Crossword: August 12
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
Mini Crossword: February 24
Mini Crossword: February 24
Wordle: April 2
Wordle: April 2
Wordle: March 20
Wordle: March 20
Wordle: March 13
Wordle: March 13
Wordle: February 28
Wordle: February 28
Wordle: February 18
Wordle: February 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
Word Search: February 24
Word Search: February 24
Word Search: February 11
Word Search: February 11
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. 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?
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?
Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Laasya Mamidipalli

Laasya Mamidipalli, Audience Engagement Editor

Hi, my name is Laasya! This is my third year on the HiLite staff and I’m working as the audience engagement editor to better understand the readership of the HiLite. In past years I have been a feature editor and a copy editor. Outside of school, you can find me volunteering, spending time with my little brother or taking notes for fun :)

All content by Laasya Mamidipalli
Junior Shannon Xie paints on a sheet of plastic hung from the ceiling. She said she likes doing both digital and traditional painting, with her traditional art pieces being mainly oil and acrylic paintings.

[Photo] Junior Shannon Xie does art commissions through her Instagram, @hunnypuffs

Angela Qian
December 12, 2019
Paige Fulkerson, senior and Hiking Hounds president, leads the first Hiking Hounds meeting of the year. According to Fulkerson, the club’s call-out meeting took place on Oct. 8.

Walk Through Nature: Senior Paige Fulkerson discusses improved Hiking Hounds club

Viyang Hao, Laasya Mamidipalli, and Pranav Jothirajah
October 24, 2019

Green Action Club plans for upcoming school year

Laasya Mamidipalli
October 1, 2019
Student Resource Officer Shane VanNatter directs buses and traffic in the morning. VanNatter said a crash could easily occur while the buses are exiting the school.

[Video] New fire drill policy, Carmel revoted safest place to live in U.S., raises questions over how prepared students are for emergencies

Leslie Huang
September 20, 2019
Senior William “Will” Pugh (left) hugs two Cambodian students. Pugh said his involvement in the TASSEL club to help others has had a positive influence on him.

[Video] With World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 19, students reflect on experiences helping communities in need

Natalie Khamis
August 13, 2019
Senior Kelly Xiang adjusts the contrast on a photo of senior Sylvia Liu on Photoshop Express. Xiang said that photos can highlight people’s insecurities.

[Video] More Than Meets the Eye: As photo editing applications increase in prevalence, students, staff evaluate impact on self-image, confidence

Wendy Zhu
May 23, 2019
Sophomore Megan Lee purchases school breakfast in the morning. Although she said she brings her food from home when she wants to eat healthy, Lee also believes school food can be a good option sometimes.

[Video] Balancing Lunch: With schools suing Trump Administration over cafeteria menu, students, staff re-evaluate health, taste of school lunch

Calina He
May 23, 2019
Family Learn to Fish participant catches a fish while his mom watches nearby. The Department of Natural Resources scheduled the event on a Free Fishing Day, which means that anglers don't need a license to fish the state's public waters. Participants also learned about ethics during the event, so they caught and released the fish.

[Video] Off the Hook: Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Department plans to host “Family Learn to Fish” event to educate community on fishing methods and safety

Rhea Acharya and Grace Xu
May 17, 2019
MAKING MONEY: Senior Luisana Rodriguez checks how many seats are available in Red Robin. Rodriguez has worked at Red Robin for a little less than a year. She said that her family sends money over to their relatives in Venezuela to help make their lives easier.

[Video] Moving from Venezuela to Carmel opens new doors for students

Kassandra Darnell
April 19, 2019
Kian Robinson, club member and junior, talks to Ben Ring, club officer and junior, about Environmental Action Club.

Environmental Action Club looks to involve more students

Laasya Mamidipalli
April 16, 2019
Kian Robinson, club member and junior, takes notes on volunteering opportunities.

Environmental Action Club looks forward to Eagle Creek volunteer opportunity

Laasya Mamidipalli
March 22, 2019
SEARCHING FOR SUPREME: Junior Connor Inskeep scrolls through the resell websites of Supreme clothing and accesories. He said most items tend to sell out within seconds on the original site.

[Photo] Company Connection: Students, teacher discuss pros, cons of brand loyalty

Uday Lomada
March 22, 2019
Kian Robinson, club member and junior, talks with Ben Ring, club officer and junior, about the upcoming events.

Environmental Action Club to participate in new events, activities

Laasya Mamidipalli
February 1, 2019
TEACHING TIME: Math teacher Peter Beck teaches his multivariable malculus class at the end of the day. He explained a problem to a student at the end of class to help them better understand the concept.

[Photo] Paying Our Educators: Teachers, students consider what goes into teacher salaries and how they reflect respect, education quality

Kassandra Darnell
January 24, 2019
Kian Robinson, club member and junior, reads an article in a magazine about green initiatives.

Environmental Action Club begins planning for first semester

Laasya Mamidipalli
September 20, 2018
Take a look at the components that go into creating a playhouse

[Photo] Students, staff explain deeper impact of building Homecoming playhouses

Marissa Ryan
September 21, 2018
Kian Robinson, club member and junior, prepares for the Environmental Action Club call out meeting.

Environmental Action Club Makes Plans to Start off New School Year

Laasya Mamidipalli
September 4, 2018
TUBBY’S TIME: Tubby, a shelter dog at the IndyHumane center, goes out on a walk with Junior Shreya Bothra. She said Tubby is one of her favorite dogs; thus, she makes the effort to spend some time pampering him whenever she volunteers.

[Photo] Housing the Hounds: With Clear the Shelter event this Saturday, CHS students discuss challenges, obstacles with adopting from shelters

Lin-Lin Mo
August 14, 2018
Piehl Power: New Assistant Principal Valerie Piehl reflects on past, new goals

[Video] Piehl Power: New Assistant Principal Valerie Piehl reflects on past, new goals

Richa Louis
August 14, 2018
Tragesser packs a Harry Potter movie into her suitcase. She said she plans on taking some of her favorites movies to help the transition into her new dorm and her new life.

[Photo] Dorm Sweet Dorm: Graduating seniors prepare for transition into life in college dorms

Ashwin Prasad
May 18, 2018
Screen Shot 2018-05-15 at 1.46.42 PM

[Photo] West Park plans to expand on 40 acres of undeveloped land this year, create new spaces for high school students, residents of West Carmel

Angela Li
May 18, 2018
This a box of produce from Ungraded Produce. Courtney Bell, co-founder, said that produce standards are very strict.

[Photo] Pretty Produce: Students evaluate food waste caused by appearance of produce

Angela Qian, Beats Editor, Feature Reporter
April 20, 2018
Jared Stigter, Data Club founder, president and junior, reviews N-Grams, Neural Networks and Clustering Algorithms during a club meeting. His club focuses on using computational methods of data analysis, such as machine learning.

[Photo] Statistically Speaking: Students, staff discuss data club, growing interest in statistics

Angela Qian
March 25, 2018
WALKING OUT: Students gather in the fieldhouse to respect those who passed away in the Stoneman Douglas school shooting. Government teacher Joshua Miller said people will eventually have to listen to the youth.

[Photo] Build of Rights: Students, experts reflect on youth engagement in local government

Lin-Lin Mo
March 23, 2018
Freshman Jasmine Hsu rereads Frankenstein for the third time. She expressed her admiration for classic literature’s ability to pertain to modern society.

[Photo] Enduring Classics: CHS students, staff evaluate how some literary classics continue to endure in modern society

Lillian He
January 25, 2018
Sophomore Elle Nichol sets up miniature Christmas trees over her fireplace. Nichol said she incorporates her German tradition with Christmas.

[Photo] O’ Christmas Tree: Students put up Christmas decorations, not necessarily for religious aspect

Richa Louis
December 14, 2017
Senior Sathvik Madduri sautés onion paste before adding in other ingredients for Biryani.

[Photo] Dining with Diversity: Students, teachers assess how they celebrate their typical Thanksgiving with cultural twists

Bryce Cheng and Darrell Cheng
November 17, 2017
Club member Kian Robinson and Ben Ring discuss upcoming plans. The club plans to have a guest speaker on Nov. 16.

Environmental Action Club plans for Nov. 16 meeting on factory farming

Laasya Mamidipalli
November 6, 2017
Paranormal Stories

Paranormal Stories

Livvie Hurly and Laasya Mamidipalli
October 26, 2017
Carmel Culture: As USA Today ranked Carmel as the "Best Place to live in America", students, staff define what makes Carmel unique from other locations

Carmel Culture: As USA Today ranked Carmel as the “Best Place to live in America”, students, staff define what makes Carmel unique from other locations

Amy Tian, Raphael Li, and Laasya Mamidipalli
October 26, 2017
News Briefs 10/26

News Briefs 10/26

Julianna Kessilyas and Laasya Mamidipalli
October 26, 2017
Club member Kian Robinson writes the agenda for the upcoming meeting on Nov. 19.

Environmental Action Club prepares for a second guest speaker

Laasya Mamidipalli
October 19, 2017
Club members Kian Robinson and Ben Ring discuss the schedule to bring in their guest speaker.

Environmental Action Club focuses on food waste and food quality

Laasya Mamidipalli
September 22, 2017
A Coffee Break: With the reopening of the Carmel Cafe, the HiLite reviewed other cafes around the area for when students aren’t at school

A Coffee Break: With the reopening of the Carmel Cafe, the HiLite reviewed other cafes around the area for when students aren’t at school

Laasya Mamidipalli, Student Section Reporter
September 21, 2017
Fehn shows how she gets ready for Homecoming.

Loco for Hoco: Sophomore Gretchen Fehn Discusses Her Responsibilities for Homecoming Court

Laasya Mamidipalli, Reporter
September 15, 2017
Club members Ben Ring and Kian Robinson discuss plans for the White River cleanup during their SRT class.

Environmental Action Club to make a larger impact on local sustainability

Laasya Mamidipalli
September 7, 2017
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