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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
Indy 500
Indy 500
Bank on It
Bank on It
Zombie Watch
Zombie Watch
Cyber Crisis
Cyber Crisis
Dr. Seuss Day Interactive JAM
Dr. Seuss Day Interactive JAM
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
Trump First 100 Days in Office
Trump First 100 Days in Office
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
Pahal Sehgal

Pahal Sehgal, Acumen Co-Editor In Chief

Hi! I’m Pahal and I’m so excited to be an Acumen co-editor in chief this year! Previously, I was a feature editor, feature reporter, and beats editor. Outside of HiLite, I work at Smoky Row ESE, and enjoy crocheting, reading, and listening to music, and watching TV!

All content by Pahal Sehgal
Senior Simran Parikshak explores a new book in the high school library. “I was in the high school library during lunch because I wanted to find a book to read at the volunteer opportunity,” she said.

CCPL to host Word on the Shelf on Dec. 4

Pahal Sehgal
December 1, 2024
Senior Chris Tichindilean reviews his creative writing piece he prepared for the creative writing club.

CCPL to host student led creative writing club

Pahal Sehgal
November 6, 2024
Justin Macharia, NHS president and senior, teaches senior Kellen Gong how to sign up for TVC volunteer opportunities.

CCPL to host Word on the Shelf on Oct. 23

Pahal Sehgal
October 19, 2024
Families enjoy the Carmel Clay Public Library in the morning. At Word on the Shelf, students can spend their time reading anywhere in the library. “My favorite place to read during these events is usually at the tables right outside the bookstore,” Chang said. “I like hearing people walk by and just feeling the community environment while I read. It makes it cozy.”

CCPL to host Word on the Shelf on Aug. 27

Pahal Sehgal
August 27, 2024

Humans of CHS: What is your favorite season and why?

Hibba Mahmood, Safin Khatri, and Pahal Sehgal
May 24, 2024
Review: "A House of Flame and Shadow" by Sarah J. Maas was a disappointing read [MUSE]

Review: “A House of Flame and Shadow” by Sarah J. Maas was a disappointing read [MUSE]

Pahal Sehgal
May 20, 2024

Humans of CHS: Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Hibba Mahmood, Safin Khatri, and Pahal Sehgal
April 28, 2024
Junior Jossi Sorg reviews details for “Overbooked,” which will take place at the main branch of CCPL this Thursday. “I haven’t been able to read as much as I used to, and I think that joining this book club will help me get back into reading, and stay off of my phone,” Sorg said.

CCPL to host book club for teens

Pahal Sehgal
April 17, 2024
Senior Carolyn Jia reviews scholarship opportunities during her release period on Jan. 19th, 2024. "Although college application season is over, I still have to apply for scholarships and honors programs, so I'm still quite busy," said Jia. 

Female students, vice principal share experiences with gender, feminism stereotypes in male-dominated activities

Pahal Sehgal and Avery Carlisle
April 3, 2024
Junior Ayaan Nadeem (right), Quill & Scroll vice president, plans for upcoming posts and reviews. “We have a lot of cool events coming up, like Taylor Swift’s album, and we just had Sarah J. Maas release her new book, so we have been getting a lot of content out recently,” Nadeem said.

CCPL to co-host journalistic workshop with CHS Quill & Scroll

Pahal Sehgal
March 22, 2024
Consumers should stray from blindly partaking in influencer brands

Consumers should stray from blindly partaking in influencer brands

Pahal Sehgal
March 20, 2024
Voices for Palestine: Arab students, international affairs major encourage informed, open, respectful discussion regarding Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Voices for Palestine: Arab students, international affairs major encourage informed, open, respectful discussion regarding Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Lorna Ding and Pahal Sehgal
January 30, 2024
Voices for Israel: Jewish students, Jewish studies professor advocate against antisemitism, hope for peace

Voices for Israel: Jewish students, Jewish studies professor advocate against antisemitism, hope for peace

Lorna Ding and Pahal Sehgal
January 30, 2024
Review: “Iron Flame” fell flat [MUSE]

Review: “Iron Flame” fell flat [MUSE]

Pahal Sehgal
January 18, 2024
Junior Macie Barth checks out the Green Gift Shop information page on the CCPL website. The page contains information regarding timings, items being sold, and additional library services that are a part of the event. “I can’t wait to check out the library sale on second-hand books for the shop,” Barth said.

Carmel Clay Public Library to host Green Gift Shop on Nov. 30

Pahal Sehgal
November 29, 2023
Junior Madi Fleischer poses for photos, showing her continuous glucose monitor. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve just gotten used to it. It’s not anything different anymore, because it is just part of my day-to-day life. I don’t really think of it as anything different,” she said. (Submitted Photo: Madi Fleicher)

Students, nurse discuss struggle with diabetes

Pahal Sehgal
November 20, 2023
Screenshot 2023-10-31 at 11.53.55 AM

[Photo] Students, coach weigh benefits, harms of gym addiction

Jasmine Zhang
October 31, 2023
Students, teacher discuss perception of skin issues

Students, teacher discuss perception of skin issues

Pahal Sehgal and Isaac Hsu
October 28, 2023
Junior Sara Syed walks to the guidance counselor’s office to discuss her 504 plan. Syed said, “My counselor has been very helpful in accommodating my illness and it takes some of that weight off of my shoulders.”

In light of National Critical Illness Awareness Month, students, counselor discuss struggles people with chronic illnesses face

Pahal Sehgal
October 13, 2023
Senior Sehej Aurora checks out the timings for the event, and clears her calendar so she can attend as many sessions as possible. Word on the Shelf typically takes place every other week.

CCPL to host Word on the Shelf on August 30

Pahal Sehgal
August 30, 2023
Students, teachers observe evolution of feminism

Students, teachers observe evolution of feminism

Pahal Sehgal
May 22, 2023
Senior Bryan Rivas visits the Neuschwanstein castle in Capri, Italy on his field trip to central Europe, accompanied by 19 other students. The castle is commonly known for being the inspiration behind the famous Cinderella story. “We had a really long walk up a hill to get to the castle, but it was most definitely worth every second,” Rivas said.

With greater focus on global education, students explore world through international field trips

Archit Kalra and Pahal Sehgal
April 18, 2023
Megan Cogswell saved all the mail she has received while going through treatment. I wasn’t able to open any of it until about a year after treatment because I was so sick. As Cogswell was looking through the letters she thought it was heartwarming to read them all when I was feeling much better.

Teacher, oncology social workers share stories, struggles with cancer at young age

Lorna Ding and Pahal Sehgal
February 4, 2023
Student, parent, oncology social worker encourage those who are genetically prone to some cancers to take additional precautionary measures

Student, parent, oncology social worker encourage those who are genetically prone to some cancers to take additional precautionary measures

Lorna Ding and Pahal Sehgal
February 3, 2023
Student, parent, oncology social worker share experiences with cancer

Student, parent, oncology social worker share experiences with cancer

Lorna Ding and Pahal Sehgal
February 2, 2023
Junior Grace Larkey presents during a meeting for the Students for Safer Learning Club on January 18, 2023. At the meeting, Larkey discussed how it is extremely important for students to recognize the importance of digital safety.

Students, SRO examine school safety procedures, new student ID policy

Lorna Ding and Pahal Sehgal
January 30, 2023
A volunteer at the Lunar New Year event on Monday’s paints a CHS student’s face. They wear red, which symbolizes the Lunar New Year in Chinese culture.

CCPL celebrates cultural events

Pahal Sehgal
January 24, 2023
Junior Pragathi Arunkumar studies in her room on Dec 16, 2022. Arunkumar said “This year I’m going on vacation, but it’s a bit stressful because I have so much schoolwork to do.”

Students feel pressure to enjoy their vacations

Lorna Ding and Pahal Sehgal
December 19, 2022
In light of ACE Week, students should prioritize health over academic pressure

In light of ACE Week, students should prioritize health over academic pressure

Devyn Sapper and Pahal Sehgal
December 13, 2022
Emily Hahn smiles for a photo next to a chinese dancing lion. Hahn said that the only time she visited China was for about two weeks in 2011 when she was six years old. (Submitted Photo: Emily Hahn)

In honor of National Adoption Month in November, students, parents share struggles with discrimination, stereotypes

Lorna Ding and Pahal Sehgal
November 30, 2022
Emily Hahn poses with a panda in 2011 China. “When we went back to China when I was 6, a lot of people assumed I was a native speaker and tried to speak to me in chinese, but I didn’t understand it,” said Hahn. (Submitted Photo: Emily Hahn)

In honor of National Adoption Month in November, students, parents debate complexity with finding birth parents

Lorna Ding and Pahal Sehgal
November 29, 2022
Emily Hahn learns how to write in Chinese. Hahn said that her parents did her best to educate her about her culture.(Submitted Photo: Emily Hahn)

In honor of National Adoption Month in November, students, parents share stories, challenges with cultural identity

Lorna Ding and Pahal Sehgal
November 28, 2022
Juniors Sehej Aurora and Krishay Arora register for the proctored SAT exam hosted by CCPL. This exam has a limited number of spots and registration is required. “The first 25 families to register will be able to schedule one free twenty-minute follow-up meeting at College Tutors after the exam to review the results and analyze the score,” Jamie Beckman, CCPL young adult services manager, said.

CCPL to organize proctored SAT exam on Nov. 12

Pahal Sehgal
November 7, 2022
Members of CHS Orchestra perform karaoke during a Halloween party on Oct. 28. The party was planned by the CHS Orchestra Council.

As students age, Halloween traditions celebrated in the past are abandoned, changed

Pahal Sehgal
October 31, 2022
Sophomores Arielle Fotso and Sara Syed study chemistry while sitting on the library floor, waiting for a room to become available to book. Study rooms can be reserved in advance on the CCPL website. “It’s really sad because we forgot to book a room earlier in the day, so now they are all booked until six and we need to wait here on the floor for one to open up,” said Fotso.

Students utilize CCPL resources

Pahal Sehgal
October 19, 2022
Beatriz Lacerda signs up for volunteering at the library on Oct. 1. Anyone in TLC or Teen Volunteer Corps can sign up to volunteer for the Grand Opening. “Spots for volunteering are running out pretty quick,” Lacerda said. 

CCPL’s grand opening to take place Oct. 1

Pahal Sehgal
September 26, 2022
Junior Sehej Aurora talks to freshman, Naina Jakhar about the transition to high school. “GKOM program does a really good job of welcoming freshmen and ensuring that they’re comfortable in the new high school environment,” she said.

Freshman, GKOM discuss transition from middle school to high school

Pahal Sehgal
September 13, 2022
Sophomore Jewel Wang sits in Midtown Plaza. The Chinese Mooncake Festival is set to take place in Midtown Plaza on Sept. 10. Wang said, “I can totally see why CCPL wants to host the event here; it’s the perfect space.”

CCPL to organize Chinese Mooncake Festival on Sept. 10

Pahal Sehgal
September 7, 2022
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