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Faith-based schools a big draw for an increasing number of students
Faith-based schools a big draw for an increasing number of students
Energy drink consumption remains constant amongst students
Energy drink consumption remains constant amongst students
Students, English teacher evaluate the role of technology in literacy
Students, English teacher evaluate the role of technology in literacy
Megan Xia & Abigail Lee
Stereotypes faced by twins shape expectations, identity
Life through a lens: Students consider capturing memories with digital cameras
Life through a lens: Students consider capturing memories with digital cameras
Game On! Interactive JAM
Game On! Interactive JAM
Hatching Plans Interactive JAM
Hatching Plans Interactive JAM
Indy 500
Indy 500
Bank on It
Bank on It
Zombie Watch
Zombie Watch
A culture of performative commercial interests
A culture of performative commercial interests
Guest Essay: Don't change but keep changing
Guest Essay: Don’t change but keep changing
It's time to fix the club commitment crisis
It’s time to fix the club commitment crisis
Reflection after a trend: The USC Ice Bucket Challenge
Reflection after a trend: The USC Ice Bucket Challenge
Graphic Perspective: Fall vs. spring ACEs
Graphic Perspective: Fall vs. spring ACEs
Senior Sophie Tahir designs a graphic for her work-based learning internship on Sept. 12. Tahir said the internship has bolstered her interest in business and exposed her to various marketing positions she might be interested in.
Superintendent Tom Oestreich renews focus on work-based learning opportunities
Senior Allison Shen writes on the whiteboard during SSRT on Sept. 16. Shen said, “My counselor has been very supportive throughout this process.”
Counseling department to continue offering college admission resources, visits with representatives
Students are playing mingle at the A5 Squid Games event. Ahmad said this was a fun way to interact with other students and members.
A5 plans to host movie night on Sept. 19
SROs Blake Lytle and Ashley Williams monitor the commons during the day on Sept. 16. Lytle said hallway traffic has improved significantly this year.
SROs plan to review safety policies, committees
Amanda’s Fall Market to occur on Sept. 13, encourages thrifting trends among students, teachers
Amanda’s Fall Market to occur on Sept. 13, encourages thrifting trends among students, teachers
Senior Ella Fry and fellow travelers listen to a presentation by a Spanish public official. Fry said, "While I learned a lot in Spanish class that set me up for the program, the overall improvement I had in Spain was incredible." (Submitted: Ella Fry)
Bilingual students, teacher reflect on the value of language immersion, a summer abroad
Dr. Cathy Gorn, Executive Director of National History Day (NHD), delivers remarks at the opening ceremony of the NHD national contest on June 8 at the University of Maryland, College Park. Gorn joined NHD 43 years ago, and under her leadership, it grew significantly, receiving the National Humanities Medal from Barack Obama in 2011. “There has been an attack on history education over several years and on history itself. There have been attempts to whitewash history, to avoid talking about the complete story because of the fear of upsetting people if you talk about the difficulties of our past. But you have to look at everything,” Gorn said. (Submitted Photo: National History Day)
Students, educators reaffirm the importance of history education as its future hangs in the balance
Japan-America Society of Indiana (JASI) members play traditional taiko drums at the Cherry Blossom Festival on May 4. There were many different Japanese performances at the festival including samurai cosplays and traditional dances.
Japanese cherry blossom festival creates appreciation for Japanese-American culture
Sophomore Elon Yuckman works on Chemistry homework at the CHS library on April 26, 2025. “(To keep up with my classes) I spend a lot of time in SSRT doing homework and prioritize the most important classes first,” Yuckman said.
Academic hierarchies play a role in student course decision, academic pressure
Teen Services Librarian Zach Reynolds works at Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL) and shelves books at the local library on March 26, 2025. Reynolds has an education of a Master of Library & Information Science - MLIS, Children and Youth Library Services from Indiana University Indianapolis. This master's has allowed Reynolds to work as a Carmel Clay schools Library Media Center Assistant as well as a CCPL Teen Librarian.
Students benefit from evolving role of libraries as community centers
Erica Lai trains indoors for inline speed skating. Lai said she wants to continue skating after high school. (Submitted: Erica Lai)
Athlete Spotlight: Erica Lai on speed skating
Senior Briggs Griffin, a Carmel varsity Lacrosse player circles up with the team before facing Hamilton Southeastern on May 2nd.
Photo Essay: Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs HSE
Going Pro After High School: Risk or Reward?
Going Pro After High School: Risk or Reward?
Senior Amanda Ailes signs with the Huntington Foresters volleyball team on Feb 22. Ailes said one of the ways she’s been continuing with her commitment to Huntington is by communicating with her future coach and attending the games of her future team. (Photo: Submitted)
Student Athletes, College Counselor evaluate differences in paths of athletic collegiate commitments
Senior Sophie Mock gives her team a pep talk before the varsity Lacrosse game starts on April 17. (Submitted Photo: Sophie Mock)
CHS students navigate recruitment gap in sports
Junior Harper Roan plays Sandra Templeton opposite senior Isaiah Henderson playing Edward Bloom. The show will run from May 15 to 17.
“Big Fish” Photo Gallery
Book-to-screen adaptations should enhance stories, not change them completely
Book-to-screen adaptations should enhance stories, not change them completely
Banned Books Club founders, media specialist discuss importance of reading banned books
Banned Books Club founders, media specialist discuss importance of reading banned books
Jazz a La Mode Photo Gallery
Jazz a La Mode Photo Gallery
We need to discuss the dangers of toxic masculinity on the Internet (opinion)
We need to discuss the dangers of toxic masculinity on the Internet (opinion)
Q&A with Allison Shen on Empowher STEM
Humans of CHS: Football Themes (Cute or Cringey?)
Humans of CHS: Football Themes (Cute or Cringey?)
Screenshot
What is Minga?
2025-26 Freshman Survival Guide
2025-26 Freshman Survival Guide
Q&A with Will Spence on Longest Day fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Awareness
Q&A with Will Spence on Longest Day fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Awareness
Junior Veronica Farrell interacts with a Carmel Elementary School student at her after-school job on April 30. Farrell said one of her favorite parts of her job is helping kids make crafts.
Q&A with junior Veronica Farrell and senior Zoey LaFollette on experiences working with elementary school students
Q&A with Sergeant Troy Smith, CCS SRO, K9 supervisor, trainer, about K-9 officers
Q&A with Sergeant Troy Smith, CCS SRO, K9 supervisor, trainer, about K-9 officers
Junior Sriyesh Sirineni works on his Integrated Marketing Campaign paper on Feb. 16 for upcoming DECA competitions. Sirineni said his motivation for DECA comes from the opportunity to travel to California and the social aspects during competitions.
Q&A with junior Sriyesh Sirineni on DECA competitions
Sophomores Luke Boyce and Hannah Sevening rehearse for their duo musical act on Jan. 17. They prepared for the upcoming Indiana State Thespians Conference on Jan. 19-20.
Q&A with sophomores Luke Boyce, Hannah Sevening on Theater, competing at the Thespian State Conference
CHS students share their dream vacation destinations
CHS students share their dream vacation destinations
Humans of CHS: Football Themes (Cute or Cringey?)
Humans of CHS: Football Themes (Cute or Cringey?)
Humans of CHS: USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge
Humans of CHS: USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 3: Kelly Fulk
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 3: Kelly Fulk
Humans of CHS: What is your favorite April Fool's Day memory?
Humans of CHS: What is your favorite April Fool’s Day memory?
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 2: Prachet Sowale
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 2: Prachet Sowale
Summer In Review: 2025
Summer In Review: 2025
Month In Review: April 2025
Month In Review: April 2025
Month In Review: March 2025
Month In Review: March 2025
Litebox Special Feature: Mr. Carmel 2025
Litebox Special Feature: Mr. Carmel 2025
Ambassador members perform their show, 'Road to El Dorado', at the dress rehearsal for 'An Evening of Show Choir' on Mar. 3. The show will take place Mar. 6.
Evening of Show Choir Photo Gallery
Wordle: September 17
Wordle: September 17
Word Search: September 12
Word Search: September 12
Crossword: September 12
Crossword: September 12
Wordle: September 12
Wordle: September 12
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 11
Connections: May 1
Connections: May 1
Connections: April 16
Connections: April 16
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 6
Connections: April 3
Connections: April 3
Connections: April 2
Connections: April 2
Crossword: September 12
Crossword: September 12
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: April 24
Crossword: April 24
Crossword: March 27
Crossword: March 27
Crossword: January 15
Crossword: January 15
Mini Crossword: April 29
Mini Crossword: April 29
Mini Crossword: April 14
Mini Crossword: April 14
Mini Crossword: March 24
Mini Crossword: March 24
Mini Crossword: March 13
Mini Crossword: March 13
Mini Crossword: March 6
Mini Crossword: March 6
Wordle: September 17
Wordle: September 17
Wordle: September 12
Wordle: September 12
Wordle: September 11
Wordle: September 11
Wordle: September 8
Wordle: September 8
Wordle: September 5
Wordle: September 5
Word Search: September 12
Word Search: September 12
Word Search: September 11
Word Search: September 11
Word Search: September 9
Word Search: September 9
Word Search: April 30
Word Search: April 30
Word Search: April 18
Word Search: April 18
Review: A return to mediocrity: “Back in Action” is a clumsy attempt at spy comedy [MUSE]
Ethel Cain’s Perverts is off-putting and deeply disturbing in the best way possible
Ethel Cain’s Perverts is off-putting and deeply disturbing in the best way possible
Review: “The Immortal Soul Salvage Yard:” A criminally underrated poetry collection [MUSE]
Review: “The Immortal Soul Salvage Yard:” A criminally underrated poetry collection [MUSE]
Review: "Dog Man" is Unapologetically Chaotic [MUSE]
Review: “Dog Man” is Unapologetically Chaotic [MUSE]
Review: "Ne Zha 2": The WeChat family reunion I didn’t know I needed [MUSE]
Review: “Ne Zha 2”: The WeChat family reunion I didn’t know I needed [MUSE]
Review in Print: Maripaz Villar brings a delightfully unique style to the world of WEBTOON [MUSE]
Review in Print: Maripaz Villar brings a delightfully unique style to the world of WEBTOON [MUSE]
Review: “The Sword of Kaigen” is a masterpiece [MUSE]
Review: “The Sword of Kaigen” is a masterpiece [MUSE]
Review: Gateron Oil Kings, great linear switches, okay price [MUSE]
Review: Gateron Oil Kings, great linear switches, okay price [MUSE]
Review: “A Haunting in Venice” is a significant improvement from other Agatha Christie adaptations [MUSE]
Review: “A Haunting in Venice” is a significant improvement from other Agatha Christie adaptations [MUSE]
Review: A Thanksgiving story from elementary school, still just as interesting [MUSE]
Review: A Thanksgiving story from elementary school, still just as interesting [MUSE]
Review: "When I Fly Towards You", cute, uplifting youth drama [MUSE]
Review: “When I Fly Towards You”, cute, uplifting youth drama [MUSE]
Postcards from Muse: Hawaii Travel Diary [MUSE]
Postcards from Muse: Hawaii Travel Diary [MUSE]
Review: "Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie," departure from original show [MUSE]
Review: “Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie,” departure from original show [MUSE]
Review in Print: "Hidden Love" is the cute, uplifting drama everyone needs [MUSE]
Review in Print: “Hidden Love” is the cute, uplifting drama everyone needs [MUSE]
Review in Print: "Heartstopper" is the heartwarming queer romance we all need [MUSE]
Review in Print: “Heartstopper” is the heartwarming queer romance we all need [MUSE]
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 3: Kelly Fulk
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 3: Kelly Fulk
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 2: Prachet Sowale
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 2: Prachet Sowale
Carmel Eatery EP 3: Is Sun King Carmel Truly All-Ages Friendly?
Carmel Eatery EP 3: Is Sun King Carmel Truly All-Ages Friendly?
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 1: Ella Williams
Humans of CHS: Letters to your Kindergarten Self Ep. 1: Ella Williams
Carmel Eatery EP 2: Is BuffaLouie's Carmel the new place to go?
Carmel Eatery EP 2: Is BuffaLouie’s Carmel the new place to go?

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Viyang Hao

Viyang Hao, Reporter

Hello! My name is Viyang and this is my first year on the HiLite staff. I’m a News reporter and the copy editor for the Student Section/15 Minutes and for the Cover story. When I’m not doing something for HiLite, I’m out with my friends or family, trying to ignore the random song stuck in my head or trudge through the homework I still have left. Anyways, you can see my growing list of stories that I’ve written to the right.

All content by Viyang Hao
Construction at Clay Terrace delayed

Construction at Clay Terrace delayed

Viyang Hao
May 21, 2020
CHSNews006 Graphic

[Photo] Carmel Street Department to produce its own hand sanitizer

Cady Armstrong
May 21, 2020
Junior Maylee O'Brien takes notes as part of her e-learning study method. O'Brien said that as junior year is important and she is close to college where she will have to manage on her own, she is trying to use this more unstructured time to build productive habits and life skills.

As e-learning resumes on April 13, continues through rest of school year due to COVID-19, students structure time differently without necessity of normal routine

Viyang Hao
April 13, 2020
Sophomore Tanuj Mangalam scrolls through his phone. Mangalam said he views online dating for high school students as having more consequences than benefits.

[Photo] With recent Pew Research Center study showing that nearly one-third of American adults use dating apps, students, staff weigh pros and cons of using them

Nathan Huang
April 1, 2020
Speaker of the House Deion Ziwawo leads a group of dancers at Dance Marathon on March 1. Two other events scheduled for this year, the egg hunt and Music for Miracles, are postponed until further notice.

CHS House of Representatives Events Canceled

Viyang Hao
March 28, 2020
On March 3, 2020 junior Melissa Su and senior Hannah Liu take photos with DECA advisor Rob Holman during the DECA State Career Development Conference. This event was the last major DECA event before cancellations.

DECA Conference Canceled

Viyang Hao
March 25, 2020

Better Connected: Social Studies teacher Katie Kelly to be new GKOM sponsor

Viyang Hao
March 20, 2020
Chad Andrews, DJ and English teacher, mixes music for the Yule Ball at the Carmel Clay Public Library. The event, inspired by the dance of the same name in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, was filled with food, music and dancing.

[Photo] English teacher Chad Andrews is a professional disc jockey (DJ)

Cady Armstrong
March 20, 2020
Melinda Stephan, college and careers programming and resources coordinator, looks at her emails regarding information about the Freshman and Sophomore College and Career Planning Night. This event will take place on March 3 from 6:30 to 8:50 p.m. in the Dale E. Graham Auditorium.

Freshman, Sophomore College and Career Planning Night to take place March 3

Viyang Hao
March 1, 2020

News Briefs 2.21

Viyang Hao
February 21, 2020
Betrayal

[Photo] Next year’s English curriculum to incoporate more freedom of choice in literature

Kassandra Darnell
February 21, 2020
Upon entering the Carmel Winter Farmer’s Market, it immediately gives off a vibrant and warm vibe. From the outside, it looks like the market is going to be small, however, after entering, it can be quite intimidating as the variety of vendors fill up the ginormous space inside. The vendors at the market also sell a multitude of items, varying from vegan baked goods to bison meat and, of course, fruits and vegetables!

Carmel Winter Farmer’s Market Review

Viyang Hao
February 11, 2020
CCS district to rebrand logo with help of Digital Design 3-4, IB Business and Management students

CCS district to rebrand logo with help of Digital Design 3-4, IB Business and Management students

Viyang Hao
January 23, 2020

Interview with Courtney Taylor; Community Relations Liaison for Carmel Clay School

Viyang Hao
January 23, 2020
A saxophone player from Monika Herzig Acoustic Project plays “7 Rings” by Ariana Grande at the main stage at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt on Dec. 20, 2019. Monika Herzig Acoustic Project played from 4 to 6:45 p.m.

[Photo] City of Carmel to audition to be in Hallmark movie

Cady Armstrong
January 23, 2020
New STEM club forms to provide educational opportunities to students

New STEM club forms to provide educational opportunities to students

Viyang Hao
December 12, 2019
Sophomore Eliana Jin looks at her phone to read the email Melinda Stephan, college and careers programming and resources coordinator, sent out about the upcoming Business Majors and Careers Fair. According to Stephan, the fair will be on Nov. 19 in the Freshman Center cafeteria from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Counseling center to hold Business Majors and Careers Fair Nov. 19

Viyang Hao
November 18, 2019

Bring Me My Money: CHS teachers reflect on new pay raises

Viyang Hao
November 15, 2019

Students, counselors reflect the Harvard Affirmative Action Case

Viyang Hao
November 6, 2019
Freshman Jennifer Zhao looks at her program of studies to help her choose her classes for sophomore year. Scheduling will begin Nov. 1, and freshmen will meet with counselors, individually, for scheduling mid-November.

Counselors to begin scheduling Nov. 1

Viyang Hao
October 31, 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

Cold Turkey: New Hamilton county animal care laws to go into effect

Viyang Hao
October 24, 2019
Sophomore Manasa Kesa looks over her notes for AP European History and decides whether or not to register for the exam at the end of the year. AP exam registration will begin Oct. 14 and end Oct. 27.

AP exam registration to begin Oct. 14

Viyang Hao
October 8, 2019

A Breach in a Haystack: Students, parents react to recent security breach in database formerly used by school

Viyang Hao
September 20, 2019
Melinda Stephan, college and careers programming and resources coordinator, reads emails and plans to send out more emails soon about AP exams. The last day of AP testing is May 17.

Counseling center to continue helping students with AP exams

Viyang Hao
May 13, 2019

Counselors preparing for ‘AP season’ after spring break

Viyang Hao
March 26, 2019

Freshman and Sophomore College and Career Planning Night scheduled for Thursday

Viyang Hao
March 5, 2019

Mental health awareness week successful, improvements for next year

Viyang Hao
February 13, 2019

Counseling center to improve second semester; no new changes

Viyang Hao
January 22, 2019

Semester one finals to start Dec. 17

Viyang Hao
December 3, 2018

Counseling center prepares for STEM Majors and Careers Fair on Nov. 29

Viyang Hao
November 14, 2018
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