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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
Students, teachers, explore connection between stress and recommendation letters during college application season
Students, teachers, explore connection between stress and recommendation letters during college application season
Emma Hu and Asini Jayarapu
Black Student Alliance president, student, teacher discuss importance of educating students about the civil rights movement
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
National Photography Month
National Photography Month
Culture of measuring, comparing intelligence based on SAT, PSAT scores is overwhelmingly toxic
Culture of measuring, comparing intelligence based on SAT, PSAT scores is overwhelmingly toxic
Graphic Perspective: The "great" debate
Graphic Perspective: The “great” debate
Glorification of criminals is morally wrong, detrimental effects
Glorification of criminals is morally wrong, detrimental effects
Graphic novels are an overlooked educational tool with untapped potential
Graphic novels are an overlooked educational tool with untapped potential
Graphic Perspective: What happened to Halloween spirit?
Graphic Perspective: What happened to Halloween spirit?
Senior Chris Tichindilean reviews his creative writing piece he prepared for the creative writing club.
CCPL to host student led creative writing club
Senior and varsity member of the Esports Smash Ultimate Team, Jacob Hilbert, poses for a photo. This will be his fourth year competing at Manchester University’s 2024 Spartan Showdown, and he expresses his eagerness to meet new competitors and recognize old faces.
Esports Team prepares for the Spartan Showdown Solo Tournament
Avika Rajmane, Pinnacle staff member and sophomore, works on her computer during SSRT. She said, “I love being on staff because it's super fun to be a part of the community and help make spreads.”
Pinnacle staff to continue to work on Diwali spread
Best Buddies members pose for a picture at the annual Friendship Walk on April 21, 2024. “We hope to see everyone there,” Stock said via email.
Best Buddies to host Friendsgiving
Quiz Bowl members run practice questions in teams during their meeting on Oct. 28 in preparation for upcoming tournaments. “During practices, [club leaders] organize who’s practicing what and where,” Cinkoske said.
Quiz Bowl reflects on team-building, leadership in a competition setting
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
Sophomore Fahed Badreddine listens attentively in his AP African American Studies class as his teacher, Mr. Ziegler, discusses LatinX Heritage month for the class bellringer on Oct. 1, 2024. The class was designed to provide accurate representation by providing more nuanced and up-to-date historical analysis on African American history. “In this class, I've learned that (African Americans) they're a lot more successful than what society and what (typical) textbooks portray them as,” Badreddine said.
Misinformation of U.S. history shapes inaccurate student opinions, harms minority students
Sophomore Caroline Hulsey attends a Stone Temple Pilots and Live concert on Sept. 15. “Live music is just such a fun experience,” Hulsey said. (Submitted Photo: Caroline Husley)
Music, concerts play key role in students’, teachers’ life experiences
Juniors Marielle Pabia and Joury Elkadiri make bracelets at the A5 Mid-Autumn Festival meeting on Sept. 27. The meeting had crafts and mooncakes.
In honor of Chinese Golden Week, students, Chinese teacher reflect on discussions about Chinese American culture, heritage
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
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]
Senior Ethan Wu and freshman Jenna Kraus perform in the dress rehearsal of Studio One Acts. The show runs from Oct. 17 to 19 in the Studio Theater.
Q&A with director, first-time actress on Studio One Acts
Streaming services are pioneering the future of television [opinion]
Streaming services are pioneering the future of television [opinion]
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
Psychiatric nurse, students discuss onset of superstitions in different cultures
Psychiatric nurse, students discuss onset of superstitions in different cultures
Humans of CHS: Halloween Costumes
Humans of CHS: Halloween Costumes
Students, counselor weigh benefits of TCP for transitioning to college
Students, counselor weigh benefits of TCP for transitioning to college
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: 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?
Humans of CHS: What are you bringing to your dorm room?
Humans of CHS: What are you bringing to your dorm room?
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
Wordle: November 4
Wordle: November 4
Word Search: October 31
Word Search: October 31
Connections: October 30
Connections: October 30
Mini Crossword: October 30
Mini Crossword: October 30
Mini Crossword: October 23
Mini Crossword: October 23
Connections: October 30
Connections: October 30
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 18
Connections: October 3
Connections: October 3
Connections: September 27
Connections: September 27
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: October 30
Mini Crossword: October 30
Mini Crossword: October 23
Mini Crossword: October 23
Mini Crossword: October 8
Mini Crossword: October 8
Mini Crossword: October 2
Mini Crossword: October 2
Mini Crossword: September 26
Mini Crossword: September 26
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: 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
Crossword: September 20
Crossword: September 20
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: Judy Moody encourages viewers to make the best out of their summer [MUSE]
Review: Judy Moody encourages viewers to make the best out of their summer [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]
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
HiLite of the Week EP 1: Oct. 1 Weekly News Roundup
HiLite of the Week EP 1: Oct. 1 Weekly News Roundup
Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Your source for CHS news

HiLite
Tara Kandallu

Tara Kandallu, Acumen Co-Editor in Chief

Hello, I'm Tara Kandallu, Editor-in Chief of the Acumen, which is a themed newsmagazine that comes out every quarter. My third year on staff, I was Acumen associate editor. During my second year on staff, I experienced being a News Reporter and an Online Copy Editor. Works from those positions and other forays into different parts of HiLite staff are to the right. When I am not spending my time at school or on the HiLite, I like to read, draw, and spend time with my friends and family.

All content by Tara Kandallu
Alyssa Smith, senior and Wind Symphony I member, plays cards in the library during her release period. Smith said she is looking forward to performing at CBDNA.

Wind Symphony I to Perform at CBDNA

Tara Kandallu
February 20, 2020
Elisabeth Ohly-Davis, director of orchestras, shows students how to play a song by demonstrating on the cello.

Orchestra chamber groups to perform on Jan. 29

Tara Kandallu
January 27, 2020
Senior Alyssa Smith practices Holiday Spectacular music for the upcoming show. Smith said she has participated in Holiday Spectacular for a couple of years and has enjoyed it every time.

Performing Arts department prepares for Holiday Spectacular

Tara Kandallu
November 20, 2019
Elisabeth Ohly-Davis, director of orchestras, leads students in practicing pieces during their B4 Philharmonic Orchestra. Philharmonic orchestra will perform at the second concert of the night on Oct. 15.

All orchestras to perform on Oct. 15

Tara Kandallu
October 13, 2019

Bringing the Blood: CHS to host annual fall blood drive Oct. 9

Tara Kandallu
September 23, 2019
Senior Elizabeth Carter works on homework during SRT. Carter said until after nationals her schedule, like many other marching band members, is jammed full with marching band activities and events.

Marching Band to Compete on Sept 14 at Brownsburg Invitational

Tara Kandallu
September 12, 2019
Vice President Layla Qureshi and Sponsor Alyssa Mastin talk during a Club Med meeting. Mastin said she is looking forward to what next year will bring.

Club Med to Plan Next Year’s Schedule

Tara Kandallu
May 15, 2019
Carmel UNICEF invites students to charity ball tonight to fundraise for Cyclone Idai victims

Carmel UNICEF invites students to charity ball tonight to fundraise for Cyclone Idai victims

Tara Kandallu
April 19, 2019
Hamilton county councilor Fred Glynn to challenge Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard

Hamilton county councilor Fred Glynn to challenge Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard

Tara Kandallu
April 19, 2019
Layla Qureshi, future vice president and junior works on extracting DNA from a strawberry with the help of the co-president Adam Munshi. Qureshi said the experiment they did during the meeting was fun even though she had done it before.

Club Med to plan next meeting

Tara Kandallu
April 3, 2019
Sponsor and science teacher Alyssa Mastin talks with a senior Semanti Naiken about a Top Scholar nomination. Mastin said she often stays after school to talk with students or finish her work.

Club Med to prepare for March 18 meeting

Tara Kandallu
March 14, 2019
Alyssa Mastin, Club Med sponsor and science teacher, works on lesson plans during SRT. Although Mastin said she knows most of the club's events and what will be occurring at those events, she had no input or idea on how the new leaders were selected or who they actually are.

Club Med to prepare for Feb. 11 meeting

Tara Kandallu
February 9, 2019
Nakshatri shakes the hand of a guest speaker who came to the CHS Democrats club. Sapna said the club will sometimes host speakers to talk about their specialities or their expertise.

Scouting for the Future: Students, community members explore what drives some students to stay, some to quit Girl Scouts

Tara Kandallu, Sarah Kim, Angela Li, and Raphael Li
January 24, 2019
Junior Ava Hutchison (left) visits the Academie Nationale de Musique with her IUHPFL exchange group in France over the summer of 2018. Hutchinson said her summer program allowed her to learn more about France.

Fighting a Language Battle: Students, staff discuss Carmel’s foreign language learning opportunities throughout high school compared to internationally

Tara Kandallu, Maddie Kosc, Robbie Ge, and Raphael Li
January 24, 2019
Dr Munshi, an OR Nurse, talks with club members and leaders after school. Sponsor Alyssa Mastin said this is the first nurse that the club has hosted since she has been the sponsor.

Club Med to Prepare for Jan. 22 Meeting

Tara Kandallu
January 21, 2019
Driving in Carmel: as Carmel becomes more urban, parking is an increasing problem

Driving in Carmel: as Carmel becomes more urban, parking is an increasing problem

Tara Kandallu
January 11, 2019
peanutblossoms

[Photo] Peanut Blossoms

December 13, 2018

Take this flowchart to find out what you should do this holiday

Kris Otten and Tara Kandallu
November 16, 2018
11.16 News Briefs

11.16 News Briefs

Josie Cruzan, Tara Kandallu, and Aditi Kumar
November 16, 2018
Alyssa Mastin, Club Med sponsor and science teacher, works on a recommendation letter during SRT. Mastin said she leaves most of the club planning to the presidents and often only needs to spread the word through announcements and make her room available.

Club Med to host dissection on Nov. 12

Tara Kandallu
November 10, 2018
Alyssa Mastin, Club Med sponsor and science teacher, works on her computer during SRT. Mastin said she leaves most of the planning of Club Med meetings to the officers, and often only needs to spread the word through the announcements and make her room available.

Club Med to plan next meeting after facing cancellations

Tara Kandallu
October 30, 2018
Co-president and senior Mae Shu and other leaders of the club prepared grapefruits for the suturing meeting. Shu said, "I really like that this meeting was kind of chill. We didn't have everything planned, but it still turned out well and people had fun."

Club Med to plan next meeting

Tara Kandallu
September 29, 2018
Students, staff explore new club, CyberPatriots, centered around cybersecurity at CHS

Students, staff explore new club, CyberPatriots, centered around cybersecurity at CHS

Tara Kandallu
September 21, 2018
Sponsor and science teacher Alyssa Mastin, along with co-presidents and seniors Mae Shu and Shubhi Sinha (from left to right) talked with prospective members during the club's call-out meeting. Mastin says she was surprised at the amount of people and enthusiasm at the meeting.

Club Med to Plan Next Meeting

Tara Kandallu
September 5, 2018
A Bike Carmel participant rides out of a parking lot. Ellie Dyas, avid biker and junior, says that biking helps bring people together.

Biking Boom: Students, community members discuss Bike Carmel events, including upcoming Ride, Dine, & Dance this Saturday

Tara Kandallu
August 14, 2018
BZA Business: The Board of Zoning Appeals runs a meeting. The hearing for the mosque is May 25.

A Roadblock in Construction: Following recent appeal, students, staff reflect on controversy surrounding mosque

Tara Kandallu
May 18, 2018
Exploring the Options: State to require new career exploration program, CHS students, staff discuss implementation

Exploring the Options: State to require new career exploration program, CHS students, staff discuss implementation

Tara Kandallu
May 18, 2018
Sponsor Alyssa Mastin meets with students after the end of the school day. Mastin said that the end of the school day can often be chaotic with both Club Med members and students in her classes coming by her room.

Club Med to plan for next year

Tara Kandallu
April 24, 2018
Sophomore Viha Bynagari sets up her presentation on TransMedics Organ Care System. Bynagari said, "My group has actually already done the public presentation part of the project, so this is just extra."

Club Med to Plan Next Meeting

Tara Kandallu
April 19, 2018
jazzoneFORONLINE copy

[Photo] News Briefs 3.23

Julianna Kessilyas
March 23, 2018
Before school, DECA advisor Richard Reid looks over an ICDC competitor's written paper. Reid said he often ends up spending more time on the papers than role-plays before DECA competitions.

Carmel DECA returns from successful SCDC, plans for ICDC

Tara Kandallu
March 16, 2018
Club Med sponsor Alyssa Mastin talks with students in her principles of biomedical science class. She said, "Biomed and Club Med are very different, but I enjoy them both because of their general similarities."

Club Med to Plan Next Meeting

Tara Kandallu
March 10, 2018
Scrapping the Start: CCS submits list of priorities, including an official opposition to a Senate bill regarding school start

Scrapping the Start: CCS submits list of priorities, including an official opposition to a Senate bill regarding school start

Tara Kandallu, Reporter
February 23, 2018
Club Med members listen intently to the information about being physician's assistants. Guest speakers from IU spoke on the subject at the club's last meeting on Monday.​

Club Med to Plan Next Meeting

Tara Kandallu
February 14, 2018
GOGGLES ON: Iris Yan, Chemistry Club officer and sophomore, drops a test tube into cold water for an experiment in AP Chemistry. Yan said students will learn to like science through the club’s competitions.

Chem for Them: Chemistry Club to create a competition for middle school students

Tara Kandallu
January 25, 2018
Sponsor Alyssa Mastin spent time last morning planning her upcoming classes. She said Club Med and the class she teaches, Human Body Systems, are both similar, but that each have their perks.

Club Med to plan next meeting

Tara Kandallu
January 23, 2018
Starting Late: A bill may require school to open after the third Monday of August

Starting Late: A bill may require school to open after the third Monday of August

Tara Kandallu, Reporter
December 14, 2017
Co-president and senior Kate Adaniya laughed with another club member during their dissection last meeting. She says her favorite parts of meetings are when she gets to interact with other club members and said she is looking forward to the club's party because of that.

Club Med to have meeting Dec.11

Tara Kandallu
December 5, 2017
Since last year, Bolt for the Heart finishers have received medals from Indiana State Police officers. The 5k is nonprofit and 100 percent of the proceeds from the race go to causes such as putting AEDs in the cars of Indiana State Police.

Thanksgiving Runs

Tara Kandallu, Reporter
November 17, 2017
Club Med sponsor, Alyssa Mastin waits as students from her first period Human Body Systems (HBS) class start to arrive. Both Club Med and HBS are based on biology and human anatomy. ​

Club Med to have dissection Nov. 27

Tara Kandallu
November 14, 2017
Juniors Mandeep Dhillon, Isabella Yallapragada, and Shubhi Sinha (clockwise from top left) make bracelets as part of a Kenya Club and UNICEF initiative. The leaders plan on selling them for five dollars each to contribute to both of their causes.

Trick or Treat for a Cause: Unicef Club and House give a closer look into their Halloween-themed fund-raising events

Tara Kandallu, Reporter
October 26, 2017
Club Med sponsor Alyssa Mastin prepares for her first period Human Body Systems (HBS) Class. Both Club Med and HBS are based in biology and human anatomy.

Club Med plans for next meeting on Oct. 30

Tara Kandallu
October 24, 2017
LOCAL IMPACT: Sophomores Kian Robinson, Yannik Singh and freshman Brian Yuan participate in the White River Cleanup. Robinson said that information at the conference should be more pertinent to what people can do in their everyday lives to have a greener impact.

Climate Change for the Better: Experts from Purdue University will come to Carmel to educate the public on climate change in Indiana.

Tara Kandallu, Reporter
September 21, 2017

Meeting a Master: Grant Faulkner from National Novel Writing Month plans to meet writers and talk about his new book on Sept. 28 at the Quirky Feather Confectionary.

Tara Kandallu, Reporter
September 21, 2017
​ After their call-out meeting, Alyssa Mastin, the club's new sponsor, displays the agenda at the front of her room. The club hoped to gain many new underclassmen members this year.

Club Med to have call-out meeting on Sept. 11

Tara Kandallu
September 13, 2017
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