Due to the national coin shortage and COVID-19, cash should be used less commonly

October 18, 2020

In January, I started working at Starbucks. In April, my store closed due to COVID-19. A month later my store reopened but with many restrictions put in place by our corporate office. We were (and still are) required to wear masks, take daily temperatures and hand out every drink to customers so the...

Movie theaters are dying, we shouldn’t let them

August 24, 2020

Not too long ago it seemed rare to see a film premier on a streaming service of decent quality. For a while, oneself could be assured that a meme or two making fun of Netflix originals or adaptations would appear whenever browsing social media, but this has changed. With the closing of theaters and the...

During National Eye Exam Month, students should be more aware of how to protect eyesight

Grace Xu

August 13, 2020

Growing up in a Chinese household, I was always told from a young age: “You’re too close to the screen,” “Don’t forget to do eye exercises (yes, they’re a thing),” “Make sure you have good lighting!” and the like. My parents even banned me from reading at one point, because apparen...

Students should appreciate beauty of reading and how it invites conscious consumption

Grace Xu

July 22, 2020

From the elementary school reading challenges to StudyTubers waxing poetic about their reading goals to Bill Gates’s reading lists that make news headlines to those “READ” posters plastered everywhere, I’ve always heard about the importance of reading since just about forever.  But, I neve...

Colleges should reconsider the use of standardized tests, go test-optional for admissions

Cady Armstrong

June 26, 2020

Whenever I think about the junior year of high school, I think about the stress of taking the SAT, ACT or other standardized tests. I picture stressed out students trying to balance studying for these tests, heavy course loads, extracurriculars and many other responsibilities that come with high school, lea...

People should use journaling to process emotions, document personal growth

Wendy Zhu

June 18, 2020

In just a few months, I’ll officially be a high school senior. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs over these past few years, but if there’s one thing I wish I did more throughout high school, it would have to be journaling. When I say journaling, however, I don’t necessarily mean bullet...

During times of uncertainty, health, essential workers can be counted on

Kimmi Vasil

April 30, 2020

As someone who has gone to Carmel Clay Schools for my entire life, I’ve grown up with familiar faces and a daily routine. Since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, I’ve experienced a great change of pace in my own life. Instead of waking up while it’s still dark and being surrounded by fr...

Restrictive bathroom policies are inhumane, should be reconsidered for student benefit

Hannah Gretz

March 20, 2020

There are two words every student loves to hear: extra credit. Whether it be in the form of an activity, a worksheet or consistent attendance, I’ve never come across a classmate who does not appreciate it. However, I find myself confused and frustrated at one particular policy many teachers implement...

General public should treat celebrities as humans, should not subject them to bullying

Wendy Zhu

March 20, 2020

Earlier this year, Taylor Swift released the documentary “Miss Americana,” a film detailing her life over the past few years. In the documentary, Swift opens up about the hate she received in 2016 following a feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. “#TaylorSwiftIsOverParty was the number one trend...

With March recognized as Music in Our Schools Month, students should appreciate music educators’ efforts of maintaining developed performing arts programs

Natalie Khamis

February 21, 2020

Within the realm of music education, March is known as Music in Our Schools Month. According to the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), this month-long initiative is dedicated to raise awareness for the importance of performing arts education in schools across the country. As a member of the orchest...

Conflict, confrontation are healthy, allow people to stand up for themselves

Sowmya Chundi

February 21, 2020

Growing up, I always thought the right thing to do in any argument was to be diplomatic and maintain the peace. I was shy and quiet and avoided any sort of argument like the plague. Honestly, I remember feeling neglected and ignored by people, but rather than voicing my concerns, I kept letting it slide...

CHS should consider reinstating class rankings to promote healthy competition in the modern world

Edward Dong

February 7, 2020

It’s an oft-heard colloquialism that CHS is more like a small college than a high school. In response to its massive student population, CHS has adopted several unique programs over the years, ranging from the beloved Transition to College schedule to the Distinguished Grad program. Increasingly, how...