• THANKSGIVING BREAK IS NOV. 27 - 29
  • HILITE NEWS EARNED 1ST PLACE IN NSPA BEST OF SHOW LARGE SCHOOL WEBSITE
  • HILITE NEWS WAS NAMED FINALIST FOR THE HOOSIER STAR COMPETITION
Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Students, teacher bring praise to ethnic traditions to American Thanksgiving
Students, teacher bring praise to ethnic traditions to American Thanksgiving
Student from farm-owning family, teachers, promote reliance on farms in increasingly urban times
Student from farm-owning family, teachers, promote reliance on farms in increasingly urban times
Students, teacher weigh impact of celebrity endorsements on students’ political views
Students, teacher weigh impact of celebrity endorsements on students’ political views
Counselor, students examine social media habits, doomscrolling’s effects on mental health
Counselor, students examine social media habits, doomscrolling’s effects on mental health
Students, economics teacher discuss consumer culture created by peer pressure
Students, economics teacher discuss consumer culture created by peer pressure
November Nurses
November Nurses
50 years of SNL
50 years of SNL
A Knight to Remember
A Knight to Remember
Create, Connect, Care: Self-Care Month
Create, Connect, Care: Self-Care Month
Fashion Forward
Fashion Forward
As Thanksgiving, Black Friday approaches, consider negative impacts of commercialism, true meaning of holidays
As Thanksgiving, Black Friday approaches, consider negative impacts of commercialism, true meaning of holidays
Technology has done wonders for sustaining communication, connections
Technology has done wonders for sustaining communication, connections
Virtual communication is undoubtedly detrimental to our social lives and mental health
Virtual communication is undoubtedly detrimental to our social lives and mental health
Online political rage-bait debates serve as a deterrent to constructive discourse
Online political rage-bait debates serve as a deterrent to constructive discourse
Graphic Perspective: Thanksgiving Tier List
Graphic Perspective: Thanksgiving Tier List
Juniors Nate Ventura and Tysen Pauwels look over postcards on Nov. 16, 2024 at the Carmel Arts Council Children's Art Gallery. They viewed all of the artwork done by children from around the city and learned about the history of the art gallery. “It was cool to see all of the things created by little kids and find out more about Carmel,” Ventura said.
Carmel Clay History Museum to have their grand opening on Nov. 20, emphasizes importance of historical preservation
An early voter is entering the information required to cast a ballot at the CCPL on Oct. 30 for the 2024 election. Nie said people being more bipartisan and willing to listen to each other will help the partisan divide.
As the presidential election concludes, students question partisan political climate
Junior Sophia Tahir tries out the new sunscreen dispensers at the Westermeier Commons Playground and Splash Pad on October 25th. 2024. Carmel Clay Parks had only recently implemented these in order to help and raise awareness about sun protection. “Sunscreen is a need to protect against skin cancer,” said Tahir.
Installation of sunscreen dispensers in Carmel parks amplifies Carmel’s public skin health efforts
2024-2025 Accents posing for their professional photo. Choir director Katherine Kouns said, “Most of November is spent preparing for Holiday Spectacular.” (Submitted photo: Carmel Choirs)
Accents to attend Butler Treble Choir Festival on Nov. 18
Key Club class officers hold their craft pumpkins they made at a Carmel Key Club meeting on Nov. 2. Key Club officer Vritika Arya said Carmel Key Club makes it a priority to give back to the community.
Carmel Key Club celebrates Halloween through crafts
Kids draw and participate in Diwali activities at the Diwali party held at Midtown on Oct. 26. Arya said the experience was really fun and allowed her to connect with her culture better.
Indian students share Diwali celebrations, impact on cultural identity
Students take notes and ask questions at the Yale College Visit on Sept. 26. Junior Olivia Widjaja said affirmative action has not impacted her greatly but she sees how it could hurt minorities and their chances of getting into university.
In a post-affirmative action world, students employ new tools, considerations in college applications
Seniors Amna Ahmad, Eesha Singh and Mahira Hafeez color in various Salvador Dali paintings at the Newfields Lume exhibit. The students were a part of the AP Spanish Language field trip to the art museum.
Students, teacher weigh the benefits of implementing field trips alongside classwork
School board candidate Jon Shapiro meets early voters at the polls to reach more voters and clarify aspects of his campaign at the Carmel Clay Public Library on Oct. 30. Shapiro decided to run for school board in the winter of 2023 and started knocking on doors during spring of 2024. “I'm committed to making sure that we're bringing the community's voice to the table and allowing our families and other members of the community to have some input and be able to provide feedback on how we are doing,” Shapiro said.
Partisan influences in school board election shape prospective policies for students, affect potential school board dynamic
AP European History teacher Jennifer Ellery mentors a student as she studies for an upcoming exam. Jennifer Ellery was awarded most influential teacher from the 2023-2024 school year.
Students, teacher consider the positive effects of having a mentor on personal growth
Carmel plays against Zionsville on Nov. 14. Carmel lost 49-38.
Basketball preseason training builds teamwork, sharpens skills
Senior Sophie Mock takes a swing at a golf ball during a tournament. Mock has been noted as one of three golfers to record a hole-in-one at the IHSSA girls final. (Submitted Photo: Sophie Mock)
Athlete Spotlight: Sophie Mock on making records at the ISSA girls golf state finals
Students reflect on pros, cons of playing club sports
Students reflect on pros, cons of playing club sports
On Oct. 14, the CHS varsity girls volleyball team prepares to go into their first sectionals match for the 2024 year. They prepared by going through drills to get them ready for situations that could occur during sectionals.
Athletes, College and Career Counselor consider motivations behind playing sports in college
Sophomore Edward Chen hits a pickleball at the Pickle-Pong Club callout on Aug. 23 in the Fieldhouse gym. The club consisted of playing pickleball and ping pong games.
Q&A with sophomore Stephanie Tan and sponsor Fernando Yañez on pickle-pong club, racket sports
"Wicked" poster controversy sparks a debate about the importance of accuracy versus artistic freedom [opinion]
“Wicked” poster controversy sparks a debate about the importance of accuracy versus artistic freedom [opinion]
Adaptation of Wuthering Heights sparks debate on casting practices, importance of book-accurate portrayals
Adaptation of Wuthering Heights sparks debate on casting practices, importance of book-accurate portrayals
With the release of the new Hearstopper season students, teachers theorize on if queer media has broken into mainstream culture.
With the release of the new Hearstopper season students, teachers theorize on if queer media has broken into mainstream culture.
Chilling or Childish? The downfall of modern horror movies [opinion]
Chilling or Childish? The downfall of modern horror movies [opinion]
“Uglies” is a call for change in the YA dystopian genre [opinion]
“Uglies” is a call for change in the YA dystopian genre [opinion]
Humans of CHS: Geography Test
Humans of CHS: Geography Test
Senior Jessica Dinh films in the CHTV studio. Dinh said her favorite part of the filmmaking process is editing.
Q&A with CHTV member and senior Jessica Dinh on Emmy win
Senior Fern Comentale works on her Principles of Early Childhood homework on Nov. 7 during her SSRT. Comentale said her high school teachers have inspired her to pursue a career in education.
Students, teacher consider the implications of a career in education
Q&A with Aleeza Price, co-president of Gardening Together club, on gardening for beginners
Q&A with Aleeza Price, co-president of Gardening Together club, on gardening for beginners
Senior Vritika Arya dissects a baby pig for her Biomedical Innovations class. "I realized I loved (the program), and then I did it all four years," she said. "Today we’re cutting up pigs and looking at their anatomy, and those little things excite me so much.”
Career Pathways provide targeted career experiences for students
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: Geography Test
Humans of CHS: Geography Test
Humans of CHS: Halloween Costumes
Humans of CHS: Halloween Costumes
Humans of CHS: Senior Advice
Humans of CHS: Senior Advice
Humans of CHS: National Cinema Day
Humans of CHS: National Cinema Day
Humans of CHS: What is your favorite season and why?
Humans of CHS: What is your favorite season and why?
Month In Review: October 2024
Month In Review: October 2024
Month In Review: August/September 2024
Month In Review: August/September 2024
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming 2024
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming 2024
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming Game 2024
LiteBox Special Feature: Homecoming Game 2024
Month In Review: April 2024
Month In Review: April 2024
Connections: November 19
Connections: November 19
Mini Crossword: November 19
Mini Crossword: November 19
Word Search: November 15
Word Search: November 15
Mini Crossword: November 12
Mini Crossword: November 12
Wordle: November 4
Wordle: November 4
Connections: November 19
Connections: November 19
Connections: October 30
Connections: October 30
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 3
Connections: October 3
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 11
Crossword: September 9
Crossword: September 9
Crossword: August 12
Crossword: August 12
Crossword: April 24
Crossword: April 24
Crossword: April 1
Crossword: April 1
Mini Crossword: November 19
Mini Crossword: November 19
Mini Crossword: November 12
Mini Crossword: November 12
Mini Crossword: October 30
Mini Crossword: October 30
Mini Crossword: October 23
Mini Crossword: October 23
Mini Crossword: October 8
Mini Crossword: October 8
Wordle: November 4
Wordle: November 4
Wordle: October 15
Wordle: October 15
Wordle: October 4
Wordle: October 4
Wordle: September 25
Wordle: September 25
Wordle: September 16
Wordle: September 16
Word Search: November 15
Word Search: November 15
Word Search: October 31
Word Search: October 31
Word Search: October 23
Word Search: October 23
Crossword: October 21
Crossword: October 21
Word Search: October 4
Word Search: October 4
Review: Indy Scream Park is a perfect level of spook to kickstart the Halloween season [MUSE]
Review: Indy Scream Park is a perfect level of spook to kickstart the Halloween season [MUSE]
Review: “Saturday Night” is a chaotic and thrilling look at the origins of “Saturday Night Live” [MUSE]
Review: “Saturday Night” is a chaotic and thrilling look at the origins of “Saturday Night Live” [MUSE]
Review: “Megalopolis” is a bold, bewildering mess [MUSE]
Review: “Megalopolis” is a bold, bewildering mess [MUSE]
Review in Print: “School of Chocolate” is an exciting, entertaining, binge-watch for everyone [MUSE]
Review in Print: “Masters of the Air” is a brilliant representation of the cruelty of war [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]
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?
Carmel Eatery EP 1: Review of Fat Dan's Chicago-Style Deli
Carmel Eatery EP 1: Review of Fat Dan’s Chicago-Style Deli
Keeping up with Carmel EP 1: Homecoming themes, reality shows, and how to apply for college
Keeping up with Carmel EP 1: Homecoming themes, reality shows, and how to apply for college
HiLite of the Week EP 2: Nov. 6 Weekly News Roundup
HiLite of the Week EP 2: Nov. 6 Weekly News Roundup
Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Marissa Finney

Marissa Finney, Managing Editor

Hi!! I’m Marissa Finney and I’m so excited to start my third year on HiLite staff as a managing editor. My past roles were Litebox editor and a photographer/graphic artist for Entertainment. When I’m not working on HiLite, I will definitely be debating, drinking a lot of coffee and tea, and listening to Taylor Swift. Check out some of my work below!

All content by Marissa Finney
Review: "Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd" explores profound ideas [MUSE]

Review: “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” explores profound ideas [MUSE]

Marissa Finney
April 12, 2023

Carmel Idol singing competition held on March 27

Marissa Finney
March 29, 2023
Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) members pose for a photo during the annual Winter Games at the Ice at Carter Green event. According to CMYC President and junior Bhavi Vishnumolakala, the Winter Games include games such as the Ice Trike Relays, Human Curling, and Human Hungry Hungry Hippo. (Submitted Photo: CMYC)

Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) closing applications, planning for basketball tournament

Marissa Finney
March 9, 2023
Celebrate Black History Month, Every Month

Celebrate Black History Month, Every Month

Marissa Finney, Kent Fujita, Grace Guo, Kate Loper, Jillian Moore, Ayaan Nadeem, Ali Persinger, Helena Wang, and Safin Khatri
February 23, 2023

Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) planning annual dodgeball tournament, culture fair

Marissa Finney
January 25, 2023
Veganuary Vibes

Veganuary Vibes

Avery Carlisle, Marissa Finney, Grace Guo, Ayaan Nadeem, and Helena Wang
January 18, 2023
Review: Weyes Blood crafts the perfect seasonal depression album [MUSE]

Review: Weyes Blood crafts the perfect seasonal depression album [MUSE]

Marissa Finney
December 14, 2022
Participants in the Christkindlmarkt enjoy booths selling authentic German products and foods on Nov. 26. According to Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) President Bhavi Vishnumolakala, CMYC will support the popular Christkindlmarkt through volunteer work.

Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) reflecting on past events, promoting Christkindlmarkt

Marissa Finney
November 30, 2022
Sophomore Becca Howard reflects on the effects of self-improvement on personal identity.

[Photo] In light of “It Girl” and “Glow Up” trends, effects of self-improvement, comparison at this school viewed positively, negatively

Maddie Misterka
November 21, 2022
Competitors in the Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) annual spikeball tournament shake hands on Oct. 7. According to CMYC President Bhavi Vishnumolakala, all proceeds from this tournament went to charity and it had a great turnout.

Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) to plan for Christkindlmarkt

Marissa Finney
November 9, 2022
Freshman Mariam Morad fixes her hijab. Many women who practice Islam wear hijabs, but people choose to practice their religion in different ways.

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

Royce Brown and Zainab Idrees
March 25, 2022
Members of Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) pose for a photo during their valet bike parking service at the Carmel Farmers Market on July 9. President Bhavi Vishnumolakala said CMYC Bike Parking is the only event run by CMYC that generates revenue for the council.

Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) promoting annual toy drive

Marissa Finney
October 17, 2022
CMYC member and senior Kate Smith poses for a photo during the annual ultimate frisbee tournament on Sept. 24. Smith said she hopes to enhance connection within the council during the upcoming spikeball tournament.

Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) planning annual spikeball tournament on Oct. 7

Marissa Finney
October 4, 2022
earth enlightenment

[Photo] Students, activist are inspired by religion to improve environment, engage in activism

Sumedha Kota and Claire He
May 19, 2022
Freshman Eesha Singh (right) speaks with freshman Nicole Awabdy about a school project. Singh said she believes unstructured time helps students spend their time more meaningfully while at school.

[Photo] In light of February being National Time Management Month, students look at pros, cons of unstructured time

Safin Khatri and Arya Pinnamaneni
February 23, 2022
Senior Julia Fernandes sings a solo during an Accents rehearsal at Carmel Middle School on Feb. 9. The Accents will travel to several schools around the state and perform their “Show of Hands” during February and early March

[Photo] 2021-22 Photo of the Day

August 25, 2021
Screen Shot 2022-02-18 at 3.26.40 PM

[Photo] With “Tell a Fairy Tale Day” on Feb. 26, students, teacher discuss diversity in classic fairy tales, Disney culture

February 18, 2022
PHOTO ESSAY: Half-Notes Workshop

PHOTO ESSAY: Half-Notes Workshop

Marissa Finney
February 17, 2022
Katie Neglia, Accents member and sophomore, performs at Carmel Middle School on Feb. 9 during a dress rehearsal. The Accents will perform their set “Show of Hands” at five competitions around Indiana and in Orlando, Florida. Neglia said, “I’m excited to experience an in-person season and see other choirs perform.” Their second competition is this weekend at Chesterton High School on Feb. 18-20.

[Photo] February Litebox: Lend a Hand

February 17, 2022
Using his headset and controllers, Harrison Carter, eSports member and junior, illustrates the capabilities of virtual reality (VR). Carter said the affordability of the Oculus Quest helped him learn about VR and he now uses it for games and to connect with friends.

[Photo] Despite limitations, students engage with immersive virtual reality

Christian Ledbetter
January 14, 2022
Freshman Jessia Ding works alongside freshman David Jiang as he completes his work during a debate meeting. The members of the debate teem were preparing for a meet in Chesterton. Jiang said he debates in the Lincoln-Douglas devision of the debate team, and is a new member of the team as of this year. Jiang said he is still working on figuring out his niche in the school, but the communities formed by his extracurriculars have helped hm get settled into the school.

[Photo] With upcoming holiday season’s focus on family, community, students, teachers review what constitutes a “family bond,” how relationships develop

Daniel Tian and Austin Guo
December 13, 2021
With "Red" re-recordings, the music industry should establish a new precedent of transparent contracts

With “Red” re-recordings, the music industry should establish a new precedent of transparent contracts

Marissa Finney
November 11, 2021
Marissa graphic

[Photo] With increased crime rates, true-crime coverage, students, teachers examine effect serial killers, violence in media have on societal perceptions of criminals, criminal justice

Jillian Moore and Raghav Sriram
November 12, 2021
Senior Riley Dugan talks about the impact of older music on modern music. Dugan said she has enjoyed music from the ‘60s since she was a kid.

[Photo] With upcoming release of “The Beatles: Get Back” on Nov. 25, students share love for older tunes

Sam Hawkins
November 12, 2021
DSC_0166

[Photo] Q&A with junior Lea Wright on her Thanksgiving cooking traditions

Pallevi Pillai
November 12, 2021
PDFCOVER

[Photo] Students with neurodivergencies often hide disabilities due to stereotypes, misinformation

Archit Kalra and Christian Ledbetter
October 22, 2021
(not) scream queens

[Photo] With Halloween approaching, film students reexamine gender roles in horror, psychological thriller movies

Jillian Moore and Arya Pinnamaneni
October 19, 2021
“Black Widow” star Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit against Disney sets a precedent for local actors

“Black Widow” star Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit against Disney sets a precedent for local actors

Marissa Finney
September 23, 2021
Junior Sophia Warhurst practices ballet at the indoor studio for the Ballet Theater of Carmel. Warhurst said she performs mostly in the classical ballet style.

[Photo] Celebrations by students to take place at Carmel International Arts Festival beginning Sept. 25

Christian Ledbetter
September 23, 2021
The percussion section of the marching band practices. Hannah Kobza, marching band member and senior, said a typical rehearsal is split into different sections multiple hours long, called blocks.

[Photo] Marching band working to get less experienced members ready for in-person competitions, halftime performances

Jillian Moore, Entertainment Editor
August 12, 2021
Accents members perform live for the first time this year at the Palladium on April 25. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on auditorium capacity, the Accents held this event outdoors.

[Photo] Accents members perform at Palladium, reflect on importance of live performances

Pallevi Pillai
May 20, 2021
Senior Skylar Greaves records and edits a segment for her podcast “What’s in Wyoming.” Greaves said her main focus for WHJE is drama podcasts, and she is one of three podcasting managers.

[Photo] After Radiothon on April 17 and 18, students share their interest in creating podcasts

Riley Laferriere
April 21, 2021
Yumi Colombo, president of Accents and senior, rehearses after school for the upcoming community shows. The shows’ set will be 1940s-themed, and Colombo said she cannot wait to perform again.

[Photo] CHS show choirs modify spring competition season

Emily Carlisle
March 18, 2021
FINISHING TOUCHES: Freshman Sanya Gopalani adds color to her art project on Feb. 24. The Drawing 2 class had most recently been creating colored pencil drawings of candy, and Gopalani had chosen to draw Reese’s Cups.

[Photo] 2020-21 Photo of the Day

September 14, 2020
st. valentine to you

[Photo] Students recognize, celebrate Valentines Day in different ways

Raghav Sriram and Kruti Subbannavar
February 14, 2021

[Photo] Q&A with junior Max Shurr on 3D printing, engineering inventions

Daniel Tian
February 13, 2021
You're the Imposter

You’re the Imposter

Valliei Chandrakumar, Jillian Moore, Riley Laferriere, and Marissa Finney
November 20, 2020
Single's day becomes another for-profit holiday, practice self-love every day

Single’s day becomes another for-profit holiday, practice self-love every day

Marissa Finney
November 13, 2020
Load More Stories
Donate to HiLite
$20
$500
Contributed
Our Goal