HiLite Online

Carmel High School's student run Newsmagazine
Visit us at hilite.org

01/01/2026

A SEMESTER IN PHOTOS: Look back at this semester through the lenses of our HiLite photographers. Check out the full gallery at hilite.org.

PHOTOS: .photos .lazard .photography

12/31/2025

The Wishing Crane Project is a popular club at Carmel High School.

Sponsor Danielle Tinkel said, “The cranes are meant to bring joy and optimism to the patients there because a lot of them are terminally ill, so it’s nice to see that all the cranes get taken and go to hospital and go to a good cause.”

To read the full story, visit hilite.org

WRITING: Parker Kelso
GRAPHICS: .mca

12/30/2025

In the search for productive spaces to collaborate and study, students across the world gather in common spaces: cafés.

According to U.S. Labor data, 474,600 individuals work as baristas, highlighting the scale of environments built around drinks, conversation and collaboration. At this school, students say their own café reflects that same spirit.

Junior Matthew Mayberry says this rings especially true for him.

“I definitely have noticed the café providing a space where students can come to build friendships and connections,” Mayberry said. “It lets people bond or relax at school in a way that feels natural.”

To read the full story, visit hilite.org

WRITING:  PHOTOGRAPHY: .photography
GRAPHICS: Alice Yang

12/29/2025

Dec. 7, 2025. The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This race saw McLaren driver Lando Norris crowned the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion, but it also marked an outburst of hatred toward the British driver on social media.

F1 fans across the globe quickly took to social media to claim Norris’ world title was undeserved, having had a close battle with his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and Redbull driver Max Verstappen. Following Verstappen’s first-place finish during the ultimate race of the season, Norris was crowned champion by only a two-point margin over the Dutch driver.

Read the full column on hilite.org.

WRITING: .kiser
GRAPHIC:

12/28/2025

As 2025 comes to an end, students share their favorite piece of entertainment released this year.

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12/27/2025

Merry Christmas! In the spirit of winter festivities, CHS students were asked what their favorite Christmas movie to watch is.

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EDITING:

12/26/2025

During the holiday season, students become more in tune with their faith and family, reinforcing long held values while looking back on the year.

Yet, for junior Sophie Imler, this wholesome endeavor is being disrupted by an ever-growing trend: rising consumerism.

This year, around two thirds of people in the northwest believe Christmas has become too commercialized.

“I feel like it used to be a lot more about family, but now it feels like we’re modern; it’s very sparse,” Imler said. “It’s more aesthetic, more like we are trying to please other people outside the home, not just family.”

To read the full story, visit hilite.org

WRITING:  PHOTOGRAPHY:
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12/25/2025

In honor of National Wright Brothers Day on December 17, learn about airplanes over time.

View the full JAM on hilite.org

GRAPHICS: .lazard Isabella Spierdowis
SPREAD DESIGN: .chen

12/23/2025

Efforts to enable voters to cast ballots through their smartphones have recently been proposed in Alaska. Demi Zhang, news reporter and sophomore, and Riva Jain, Feature editor and junior, examine the viability of the implementation of mobile voting.

“Anyone who has access to a device has learned that devices can be unpredictable, and not everyone knows how to troubleshoot a malfunctioning app,” Zhang said. “Given the importance of an election for a leader, participation should not hinge on whether a phone happens to cooperate on that day or if someone is able to navigate a technical error.

“When more people can cast ballots easily, turnout rises, extreme factions lose disproportionate influence and elected officials are incentivized to respond to broad public consensus,” Jain said. “Mobile voting represents a simple, secure and equitable way to make every vote count effectively expanding access, strengthening representation and ultimately ensuring that the government truly reflects the will of the people.”

To read the full columns, visit hilite.org.

WRITING:

12/22/2025

Junior Vedika Vyas reads a book in the Carmel Clay Public LIbrary. CCPL is hosting a winter reading program from December 18 to January 31. The program was made to incentivize reading in students throughout the winter months.

Jamie Beckman, CCPL Teen Department Manager, said that youth tend to read more in the winter especially.

“The Teen Department definitely sees more teens browsing for books in the winter, especially during winter break. Teens seem to have more time to cozy up with a good book in the winter,” she said.

WRITING: Daemin Potter
PHOTOS:

12/20/2025

In the fourth installment of our guest essay series, media specialist Terri Ramos discusses the importance and benefits of reading.

“Reading provides mirrors and windows to see ourselves or meet others,” Ramos said. “Reading can help calm us, let us escape a difficult time in our lives or teach us something we didn’t even know we didn’t know. It’s rewarding, relaxing and beneficial. Reading can make us laugh or make us cry or even make us angry. It improves our writing, our vocabulary and our critical thinking skills. It can even help you land a job or make more money.”

To read the full column visit hilite.org.

WRITING: Terri Ramos
GRAPHIC: Parker Kelso

12/19/2025

Across the country, fantasy football has become more than just a game, serving as a way for people to connect and build community.

For junior Charan Annangudi, joining his marching band’s fantasy football league helped him form new friendships and strengthen existing ones. “It’s just a new talking point for us all to discuss,” Annangudi said, “and if any of us are bored, we can always talk about football because now we’re all involved.”

Check out the full story at hilite.org.

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