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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

Royce Brown, Editor in Chief

Hi there! My name is Royce Brown and I am honored to be the HiLite Editor-in-Chief this year. In the past, I have been a Feature editor and primarily a reporter. Outside of HiLite, you can see me lifting weights at the gym, performing the French horn, playing for Carmel Football and cooking fajitas. I also love jazz music and Tame Impala.

All content by Royce Brown
Assistant Superintendent Thomas Oestreich addresses the service award recipients and retirees at the Clay Middle School auditorium. He said it is important to recognize and honor teachers who have spent a lot of time with the district and to have their families watch as well.

School board presents service awards, honors retirees, expands Intense Behavior Support Program space at Carmel Middle School

Royce Brown
May 10, 2024
Students, registered dietician, psychologist discuss teenage dieting to uphold societal body standards

Students, registered dietician, psychologist discuss teenage dieting to uphold societal body standards

Royce Brown
February 28, 2024
Teenagers battle negative body image perpetuated by social views, environment

Teenagers battle negative body image perpetuated by social views, environment

Royce Brown
February 28, 2024
School board member Greg Brown expresses his disappointment with the board for allowing inappropriate books to circulate in the media centers across the district. Senior Ryune Kono said books should only be removed if the purpose or overall content of the book is harmful to students.

New policies in book censorship ignites heated discussions within CCS school board

Royce Brown
November 30, 2023
Associate Superintendent Roger McMichael gives the school board a brief summary of the agreement with the Bus Driver Association. McMichael said the agreement includes a raise of $4.50 onto the drivers’ $120.50 daily rate and an additional $2.50 in the second year.

CCS school board approves $250 million 2024 Budget Plan, negotiate wages with Bus Drivers Association

Royce Brown
November 27, 2023
School board member Greg Brown questions the proposal introduced by Assistant Superintendent Thomas Oestereich. Brown said offering slightly higher salaries than the surrounding school districts is not enough to fill the lack of substitute teachers.

CCS school board adds changes to 2024-2025 Program of Studies, plans policy to minimize shortage of substitute teachers

Royce Brown
October 28, 2023
The last public hearing for the 2024 Facility Project was concluded on Sept. 11. The project, according to Associate Superintendent Roger McMichael, will include renovations to the CHS football stadium as well as general utility improvements within the school building.

CCS school board decides to lease 2024 Facility Project to CCS Building Corporation

Royce Brown
September 27, 2023
School board member Greg Brown debates with secretary Jennifer Nelson Williams on the topic of the CCS dress code. The school board decided to approve the dress code along with the Student Handbook in a 4 to 1 vote.

CCS school board approves Student Handbook, debates dress code policy

Royce Brown
September 6, 2023
Review: "The Night Agent" is an outstanding conspiracy thriller [MUSE]

Review: “The Night Agent” is an outstanding conspiracy thriller [MUSE]

Royce Brown
April 24, 2023
Sophomore Eric Zhu sits on a toilet with his laptop open. Zhu said that his company Aviato is a way for people to engage in venture capitalism anywhere, anytime. (Submitted photo: Eric Zhu)

Students reflect on job experiences, apply them to future careers

Royce Brown
April 8, 2023
Senior Kyle Sarjent assists a customer in finding a movie on March 4, 2023. Junior Sam Hankins said "COVID has affected hiring by reducing the amount of workers that can be on the clock at the same time and we now use more cleaning and sanitation methods like wearing masks and gloves.”

[Photo] Students, CCRC counselors explore premise of part-time jobs for students, finding pros, cons

Matthew Du
March 17, 2023
A couple holds hands in the CHS hallway. Junior Will Strines said that it is important to manage your own personal time along with your dating time well.

Students, teacher weigh positives, negatives of high school relationships

Royce Brown
February 14, 2023
Students connect musical genres to their own identity, personalities

Students connect musical genres to their own identity, personalities

Royce Brown
February 1, 2023
A menorah lighting ceremony at Max & Mae Simon Jewish Community Campus. Each night, another candle is lit up until the eighth day.

Rabbi, students discuss religious significance, traditions of Hanukkah

Royce Brown
December 24, 2022
Review: “Till," the heartbreaking true story of racial injustice [MUSE]

Review: “Till,” the heartbreaking true story of racial injustice [MUSE]

Royce Brown
December 14, 2022
John Carter, organizer and sponsor of Rho Kappa, grades tests for his U.S. History class. He said this year’s Academic WorldQuest competition will see a record number of participants from CHS.

Rho Kappa schedules Academic WorldQuest meeting on Dec. 8

Royce Brown
December 7, 2022
John Carter, organizer and sponsor of Rho Kappa, works on setting up the trivia night taking place on Dec. 1. Carter said the trivia nights will primarily be focused on reviewing concepts for the final exam.

Rho Kappa to host history trivia night on Dec. 8

Royce Brown
December 6, 2022
John Carter, organizer and sponsor of Rho Kappa, arranges essays for his U.S History class. He said the Rho Kappa members will organize “community nights” by hosting activities like bowling or skating.

Rho Kappa plans for Academic WorldQuest callout, prepares annual membership drive

Royce Brown
October 19, 2022
Students, city officials discuss effects of suburban expansion on environment

Students, city officials discuss effects of suburban expansion on environment

Royce Brown and Sam Hawkins
May 20, 2022
Senior Shrithan Sandadi searches for headsets and AirPods on Amazon. Sandadi said the ease of finding items he needs on Amazon quickly is important because “we only have so much time in the day, so if we have a place that’s pretty convenient for us to go to, and a place where we don’t have to spend much time to find what we want, then it’s convenient for consumers.”

[Photo] Amazon’s electric vehicle promise extends far-reaching implications, hopes for student, businesses, environmental policy

Archit Kalra
April 22, 2022
Muslim students observe Ramadan next month, discrimination still an issue both in CHS, Carmel community

Muslim students observe Ramadan next month, discrimination still an issue both in CHS, Carmel community

Royce Brown and Zainab Idrees
March 25, 2022
Although perceived as fortunate, people in Carmel still suffer through daily struggles

Although perceived as fortunate, people in Carmel still suffer through daily struggles

Royce Brown
March 17, 2022
Sophomore Zara Niazi listens to music while working in the Carmel Cafe. Niazi said that during Ramadan, to practice her faith, she stops listening to music and fasts during daylight hours.

[Photo] Fasting during month of Ramadan impacts performance of Muslim students

Dariush Khurram
March 30, 2022
Caption: John Carter, Rho Kappa organizer and sponsor, works at his computer and plans for the Academic WorldQuest Washington D.C trip. He says he hopes to have more trivia nights throughout the rest of the year.

Rho Kappa makes it to national competition, BSA trivia night rescheduled to March 10.

Royce Brown
March 10, 2022
Members of the Black Student Alliance (BSA) play a trivia game during a meeting. Vanessa Rasaki, junior and president of the BSA, said, “Trying to get people educated is a big thing for us this (Black History Month).”

Students, teachers confront stigma, reflect on perception of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE)

Royce Brown and Chenyao Liu
February 17, 2022
The Mothman is an inhabitant of the U.S. and many people around the country have reported sightings. The first sighting was in a small town in West Virginia in the 1960s. Recent sightings are mostly in Chicago and near Lake Michigan.

Students, cryptozoologist discuss existence of mythical creatures

Royce Brown
January 25, 2022
Brayden Meng plays Bach's "Partita No. 2 in D minor" on his violin. He said performing in front of a large audience is essential for him to improve as a musician.

Student, professional musician discuss hardship of performing, ways to be successful in music industry

Royce Brown and Kruti Subbannavar
December 11, 2021
Rho Kappa organizer and sponsor John Carter grades papers for his AP Human Geography class. He said the students in the club will start forming teams this November, to prepare for the Academic WorldQuest competition.

Rho Kappa plans to form teams for next year’s Academic WorldQuest competition

Royce Brown
November 19, 2021
School Resource Officer (SRO) Shane VanNatter sits in a chair at the Main Street Barber Shop in downtown Carmel at the end of the 2020 No-Shave November events. VanNatter said officers from the Carmel Police Department participate in the “Shave Off” to help raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “We all go in that morning and they will shave (our beards) into patterns and stuff for us. Everybody has their photos taken and we try to raise some more money during the 'Shave Off,'" he said.

Q&A with School Resource Officer (SRO) Shane VanNatter on his, Carmel Police Department’s participation in No-Shave November

Royce Brown
November 12, 2021
Sophomore Roohi Sanka sprinkles akshinthalu, a mix of tumeric and rice, onto figures of gods. “There was a Hindu god in human form who came back to his town after years of penance and another god defeated a demon-like figure who was terrorizing the area. Those (stories) are told on Diwali,” she said.

As Diwali festivities begin on Nov. 4, students share differences of celebrating traditions here at CHS compared to India

Royce Brown
October 22, 2021
Sophomore Cecilia Pike poses with Scrabble tiles. She said she wished people would be more empathetic around people who stutter.

[Photo] Groups work to overcome stuttering in light of International Stuttering Awareness Day on Oct. 22

Archit Kalra and Sumedha Kota
October 22, 2021
Students walk up the trail towards school after parking their cars as a bus leaves the campus in the background. Recent bus driver shortages have forced some students to carpool or drive to school.

Bus driver shortage changes students’ views on riding buses

Royce Brown
September 23, 2021
The GOTO star machine stands in the middle of the planetarium, centered underneath the dome. Viewers will sit at these blue seats during the show.

Royce Brown
September 22, 2021
Change from hybrid to full in-person school, hard to balance sleep with academics and extracurriculars.

Change from hybrid to full in-person school, hard to balance sleep with academics and extracurriculars.

Royce Brown
September 19, 2021
GOTO Optical Mechanical Star Machine. This device simulates the night sky that we can see with the naked eye all the way around the planet. According to Turner, this device is connected to star plates that are actual images of the night sky, so the device projects stars accurately.

Planetarium Club callout meeting coming up, concerns with late bus arise

Royce Brown
September 3, 2021
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