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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
Valliei Chandrakumar

Valliei Chandrakumar, Entertainment Editor

Hello! My name is Valliei Chandrakumar and for my second year on HiLite staff, I am an Entertainment co-editor! Last year, I was a Beats Editor and an Entertainment Reporter. In my free time, I love to play with my dog Pluto, read mystery novels, be with my two younger sisters, and talk walks around Carmel! Thanks for checking my page out and remember to see the good in the world!
All content by Valliei Chandrakumar

Accents to continue work for 1940s-themed shows

Valliei Chandrakumar
March 23, 2021

Accents to practice choreography and music for 1940s-themed shows in upcoming rehearsals, classes

Valliei Chandrakumar
March 1, 2021

Accents to learn music for 1940s themed shows in upcoming rehearsals, classes

Valliei Chandrakumar
January 20, 2021
VallieiGraphic

[Photo] 25 years after International Fighting Championship 4, instructors, female martial arts students evaluate female participation in martial arts

Saumya Somasi, Sam Hawkins
January 16, 2021
You're the Imposter

You’re the Imposter

Valliei Chandrakumar, Jillian Moore, Riley Laferriere, and Marissa Finney
November 20, 2020

Carmel Choirs to record Holiday Spectacular performance

Valliei Chandrakumar
November 18, 2020

Carmel Choirs to hold fundraiser at Chipotle

Valliei Chandrakumar
October 27, 2020

Accents to record concert performance this Saturday

Valliei Chandrakumar
October 8, 2020

Accents and Ambassadors to record concert performance on Oct. 10 in auditorium for virtual distribution

Valliei Chandrakumar
October 6, 2020
Toxic stigma surrounds crying despite it being effective coping mechanism for stress, should be normalized

Toxic stigma surrounds crying despite it being effective coping mechanism for stress, should be normalized

Valliei Chandrakumar
September 23, 2020
With rise in social media use from quarantine, students participate in solo, casual photoshoots to express themselves

With rise in social media use from quarantine, students participate in solo, casual photoshoots to express themselves

Valliei Chandrakumar
August 13, 2020
The outside of the 10-12 counseling offices remains quiet with major construction finished and furniture inside waiting to be situated. Compared to its former position near the Senior hallway during the 2019-2020 school year, the 10-12 counseling department will be adjacent to the natatorium entrance starting Aug. 13.

Q&A with Joseph Schaller, Assistant Principal of Operations, about update in school construction plans

Valliei Chandrakumar
August 2, 2020
(Submitted photo) In January, the Art Club hosted a Bob Ross event. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, all of the events planned for Art Club and the National Art Honors Society have been cancelled.

Members of art-focused clubs debate whether unequal distribution of 2020 City of Carmel Arts Grants is justifiable

Valliei Chandrakumar
April 9, 2020
SURF SURF CRAZY: Tristan Davis, New Edition member and sophomore, practices choreography during a rehearsal. Tristan said she hopes to leave behind a legacy once she graduates from the choirs program.

Choir students to sing with alumni at Legacy Concert on April 13

Valliei Chandrakumar
March 20, 2020
COmedy Sportz sponsor James Peterson sits at his computer and prepares for his morning on Jan. 27. Comedy Sportz will have an intramural match on Feb. 7 at 9:30 a.m. in the Studio Theater.

Comedy Sportz to meet on Feb. 7 to prepare for Intramural Match on Feb. 10 in Studio Theater at 9:30 a.m. 

Valliei Chandrakumar
February 5, 2020
Sarah Warf, Comedy Sportz member and sophomore, works on homework during her SRT period on Jan. 8. Warf said during school, she looks forward to club meetings because she is able to easily and freely laugh.

Comedy Sportz to resume meetings on Feb. 7

Valliei Chandrakumar
February 2, 2020
Junior Andrew (Andy) Schmidt plays around on his french horn during a break in Wind Symphony III. He said his favorite part of concert band is playing different types of music and the class helps him reenergize before the rest of his school day.

Pep band provides opportunities to apply students’ musical ability into other school events in low-stress environment

Valliei Chandrakumar
January 23, 2020
POWERFUL PROTAGONIST: Rachel Redman, cosplay club member and junior, dresses up as Hermione Granger. Redman said the increase in female heroines in media allow women to look up to prominent role models.

Rise in female protagonist roles in movies allows for stronger representation of women

Valliei Chandrakumar
January 23, 2020
HAND ON MY HEART: Annie Rose, Christian Allegro member and senior, performs a gospel piece with the church band during a Sunday service. Rose said singing at church strengthens her faith by connecting with each song’s meaning.

Students, program director explain how they combine Christian faith, passion for music

Valliei Chandrakumar
December 12, 2019
Students start a Comedy Sportz training session, open to all CHS students, by playing a skills game in the Studio Theater during the first session of their SRT period on Sept. 4. Comedy Sportz is yet to decide its next meeting.

Comedy Sportz to discuss next meeting date

Valliei Chandrakumar
November 21, 2019
SCALY TRANSFORMATION: Looking in a mirror, junior Lydia Schrader applies green makeup onto a special effects prosthetic to create a scale-like look. Schrader said these green lines create more depth and make the prosthetic look more realistic.

With upcoming fall production “Cheerleaders Vs. Aliens,” students and makeup artists describe artistry of special effects makeup

Valliei Chandrakumar
November 15, 2019
Before lining up for their races, runners listen as the national anthem is sung. Before running, participants are given the opportunity to socialize in the parking lot and take pictures with various mascots.

Costumed students and staff of various schools in the Carmel Clay school district gather to take a group picture in the West Parking Lot. Prairie Trace Elementary School had the highest number of elementary students participate in the race.

Costumed runners come close to the finish line of the 5k race as volunteers and supporters cheer on the sidewalk. Although the race was held on the rainy Saturday morning of Oct. 26. 2,500 participants attended to support the Carmel Education Foundation.

After the lively countdown and start of the 5k race, families casually walk and chat on 2nd Street Southeast. Many participants wore themed costumes with their families or friend groups.

A student volunteer congratulates and hands a water bottle to a runner after he finishes the 5k race. After finishing, all 5k racers were offered a water bottle and a Ghosts and Goblins wristband by volunteers.

Minutes before the beginning of the 2k race, a race organizer entertains children by choosing racers to tell jokes to everyone at the start line. The races started and ended at the West Parking Lot at CHS.

Comedy Sportz members gather in a circle formation to prepare for the start of their training session in the Studio Theater during the first session of their SRT period on Sept. 4. Comedy Sportz will have its next meeting on Oct. 18 in P123.

Comedy Sportz to review elements of successful performances in Oct. 18 meeting to educate new members

Valliei Chandrakumar
October 15, 2019

Musician Spotlight: Musician and junior Cydney Combellick describes her experience with music

Valliei Chandrakumar
September 20, 2019
Comedy Sportz members participate in circle icebreakers at the beginning of their training session on Sept. 4. Comedy Sportz will have its next meeting on Sept. 20 in P123.

Comedy Sportz leaders to discuss club expectations in Sept. 20 meeting

Valliei Chandrakumar
September 18, 2019
Entertainment Briefs

[Photo] Entertainment Briefs

Tessa Collinson
September 20, 2019
Comedy Sportz sponsor and IB Film teacher James Peterson starts his morning preparing for the day on Thursday, Aug. 29. Peterson will hold auditions for Comedy Sportz on Sept. 9 in P123.

Comedy Sportz members to prepare for Sept. 9 auditions in upcoming meeting

Valliei Chandrakumar
September 3, 2019
NAHS member and senior Destiny Hall waits for the club meeting to start on Thursday, March 14, so she and her fellow members can discuss plans for future fundraising events.

National Art Honor Society members to start planning details for upcoming outreach event

Valliei Chandrakumar
April 10, 2019

National Art Honor Society members to greet the public at the Soho Art Show on March 1

Valliei Chandrakumar
February 27, 2019

National Art Honor Society to plan for SoHo Art Show on March 1 in upcoming meetings

Valliei Chandrakumar
February 20, 2019

National Art Honor Society to welcome new members with Induction Ceremony on Jan. 29

Valliei Chandrakumar
January 27, 2019

Art Club to conclude semester duration with holiday party on Dec. 6

Valliei Chandrakumar
December 4, 2018

rt Club incorporates community service and craftsmanship at new window painting tradition

Valliei Chandrakumar
November 18, 2018

Art club prepares for fundraising opportunities at fall art show on Nov. 15

Valliei Chandrakumar
November 12, 2018

Art Club takes steps in this year’s community service goals with soap making workshop

Valliei Chandrakumar
September 27, 2018
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