12.14 Best of December Issue by HiLite News

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSMAGAZINE VOL. 85, NO. 5 BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

IN MEMORIAM:

20 20 HIL TE

Activists, business owners, healthcare workers, others review life changes as tumultuous year ends PAGE 16 | CADY ARMSTRONG, CHRISTIAN LEDBETTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS COVER

JUST A MINUTE

FEATURE

4 ALL THINGS CYBERPUNK

10 WONDERFUL WINTER

16 A YEAR TO RECORD

12 SPIRIT AND SCIENCE

Nurses, student workers, professors, families, activists look forward after this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life changes

Learn about Cyberpunk genre featured in release of game Cyberpunk 2077

NEWS

Students, experts debate position of religion within scientific learning

6 NEWS BRIEFS

STUDENT SECTION

7 CLUB SPOTLIGHT

14 HUMANS OF CHS

8 CHANGING COURSES

15 DRESS TO IMPRESS

9 BRAND NEW BOARD Louise Jackson, Katie Browning respond to their elections to CCS school board

Teenagers explore individual takes on popular fashion, effect on confidence

ENTERTAINMENT 22 DECK THE HALL(MARK)

Students comment on impact, nostalgia of holiday Hallmark movies

24 ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS 25 LIGHTNING IN A GIRL

Contact information: Mailing Address: 520 E. Main St. Carmel IN 46032 Phone: (317) 846 7221 Ext. 7143 Website: www.hilite.org Email: Staff members may be contacted by using their first initial and their last name appending @hilite.org The HiLite is a student publication distributed to students, faculty and staff of Carmel High School temporarily published online only due to COVID-19 via Issuu at issuu.com/hilite. This issue is a collection of select content published online in December 2020, as indicated on each story. The paper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for both the school and the community. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of CHS nor Carmel Clay system faculty staff or administration. Credentials: The HiLite belongs to the Indiana High School Press Association, Quill & Scroll and the National Scholastic Press Association. Advertising: Businesses may advertise in the HiLite if their ads adhere to guidelines. The advertising policy is available in Room C147 or at www.hilite.org/ads-info. Editor in Chief

Cover

Rhea Acharya

Kiersten Riedford

Tessa Collinson Josie Cruzan Calina He Lillian He Sarah Kim Gray Martens Grace Xu Wendy Zhu

Valliei Chandrakumar Shruthi Ravichandran

Edward Dong Riley TerBush

Chloe Sun

Managing Editors

LET’S BE JOLLY Greyhound Sound performed their Holiday Spectacular set on Nov. 30. This year’s show, Hometown Holiday, is a tribute to the city of Carmel and will be streamed on Dec. 18 to 20 on the Carmel High School Performing Art’s YouTube page. See the Litebox on the back cover. CHENYAO LIU PHOTO

Front/TOC/JAM News

26 GO FIGURE (SKATE) Q&A with junior, figure skater Claire Qu on pursuing her passion amid pandemic

28 CRUCIAL COMEBACK

PERSPECTIVES

@hilitenews

30 FINALS FLEXIBILITY 31 FAMILY FESTIVITIES

Sowmya Chundi Leah Tan

15 Minutes Litebox Ray Mo

Jim Streisel

Christian Ledbetter

Adviser

Principal

Thomas Harmas

Superintendent Michael Beresford

Emily Sandy

34 TOP TIER TWIRLER Sophomore Ireland Jones is two-time national baton twirling champion

Perspectives

Sam Hawkins Sarah Zheng

Feature

Student Section

Students debate spending time with family or alone during this holiday season

15 MINUTES

Aniket Biswal Daniel Kim

Web

Maddie Kosc

32 HYPED UP HOLIDAYS

Sports

Cady Armstrong Christian Ledbetter

Ads Team

SPORTS

Entertainment

Responding to the HiLite: Letters to the editor will be accepted for the Best of January issue no later than Jan. 5. Letters may be submitted to Room C147, placed in the mailbox of Jim Streisel, emailed to management2021@hilite. org or mailed to the school. All letters must be signed. Names will be published. (Letters sent via email will be taken to a student’s SSRT for them to sign). Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual and may be edited. Corrections and clarifications: None.

@HiLiteOnline

The HiLite strives to correct its errors. If you notice any inaccuracies in this or past issues, please contact management2021@hilite.org. EDWARD DONG FRONT COVER PHOTO

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

With Dec. 10 release of long-anticipated game Cyberpunk 2077, learn more about Cyberpunk genre RILEY TERBUSH GRAPHIC CD PROJEKT RED, BRITANNICA, CARMEL CLAY PUBLIC LIBRARY, ANGELA GUNTZ, JOHN LOVE SOURCES

THE GAME Cyberpunk 2077 is a game with prevalent cyberpunk themes set in a dystopian city in which the player seeks a body implant that grants immortality.

Scan this to learn more about or The game is available on Playstation purchase 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X, the new PC and Stadia. It is available for Cyberpunk purchase at Carmel Gamestop. game

THE SETTING

These are the most common characteristics of cyberpunk cities, as shown in the setting of Cyberpunk 2077

Buildings are covered with neon signs, contrasting technology and innovation with dirty living conditions

Filled with skyscrapers, crowded apartments Living conditions are poor, but technology is advanced

Little to no nature

Often, cities are controlled by large corporations that rule by oppression Night City from Cyberpunk 2077

Vigilantes or rebels gather in impoverished parts of the city

HILITE.ORG

FAMOUS CYBERPUNK FILMS

This graphic was originally published online on Dec. 10, 2020

See notable film contributions to the cyberpunk genre

Blade Runner (1982) depicts a decrepit future in 2019 with incredibly humanoid androids known as replicants. A blade runner (Harrison Ford) seeks to find and kill replicants who returned to Earth to seek out their creator.

The Matrix (1999) depicts a simulated reality known as the Matrix, in which humans are unknowingly trapped while their bodies are used as a source of energy by intelligent machines. The main character Neo (Keanu Reeves) joins with a force of others who escaped the Matrix in a rebellion against the machines. Ready Player One (2018) takes place in 2045, when virtual reality is a common form of escapism from the dystopian world. Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) works with four others to gain ownership to a virtual reality world called OASIS.

1996

CCPL PICKS See books from CCPLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cyberpunk list that defined the cyberpunk era

CITY OF GOLDEN SHADOW by Tad Williams

NEUROMANCER by William Gibson

1984

DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? by Philip K. Dick

1996 1996

CYBER ROSIES

THE QUANTUM THIEF by Hannu Rajaniemi

ALTERED CARBON by Richard K. Morgan

2003

SNOW CRASH by Neal Stephenson

2011

ANCILLARY JUSTICE by Ann Leckie

2018 THE RISEN EMPIRE

2016

by Scott Westerfeld

INFOMOCRACY by Malka Older

FUTURISTIC VIOLENCE AND FANCY SUITS by David Wong

2013 2015

READY PLAYER ONE* (2011) by Ernest Cline

98 checkouts

WARCROSS (2017) by Marie Lu

65 checkouts

DIABOLIC (2016) by S.J. Kincaid

48 checkouts

See the CHS media center checkout data for the three nominees in the cyberpunk genre for the Eliot Rosewater award

*Total checkouts were taken from the 5 copies of Ready Player One that are currently in circulation; 5 other copies were previously removed from the library and do not have available checkout data

NEWS

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

NEWS BRIEFS CADY ARMSTRONG BRIEFS

Dec. 12

December 2020 ACT Testing

News Briefs were orginally published on Dec. 11, 2020

RAY MO PHOTO

Dec. 18

End of First Semester 2020

Dec. 21- Jan. 4

CCS 202021 Winter Break

Jan. 1

New Year’s Day 2021

Jan. 11

JANUARY 2021

Jan. 13

Jan. 14

Carmel Cohort Late Start

National Events

New Year’s Eve 2020

Christmas Day 2020

Academic Transition Night

School Events

Dec. 31

Dec. 25

CCS 2020-21 Winter Break

Dec. 21Jan. 4

DECEMBER

Key

BY THE NUMBER

total late starts combined between cohorts for second semester CCS SOURCE

C.L.A.S.S. Award Ceremony

Jan. 18

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

HIGH-(A)FIVE: Social Worker Mary Reese introduces herself as a club sponsor during the A5 meeting on Nov. 11. A5 club, standing for the Advancement of Asian Americans in Arts and Athletics, holds monthly meetings to break stereotypes and celebrate Asian culture.

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CLUB SPOTLIGHT Q&A with Filmaking club leaders Katie Delaney, Eryn Dowdy

Q&A

This Q&A was originally published online on Dec. 4, 2020

ZAINAB IDREES Q&AS

KATIE DELANEY SUBMITTED PHOTO

Katie Delaney, Filmmaking club co-president and sophomore

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Check out the five stages of film production

What was your inspiration for starting the club? This all started after a friend of mine, Eryn Dowdy, had a strange dream about us being spies. She told me about it the next day at lunch, and while it started as a joke, we wanted to make it into a movie. We wrote the script, and decided if we wanted to really do this then we would have to get more people involved. That was when we decided that we should create this club to have other people help us with our idea.

How has film impacted your life? Film has always been a way to bring people together and share stories in new and interesting ways. Starting this film club was a way for me to bring people together and create our own stories.

When and how does the club meet? Our club meets every Tuesday, but we can only be in-person on gold Tuesdays. So far because of the new hybrid schedule we haven’t been able to have an in-person meeting yet. When we are on Zoom, though, we try to prepare for the in-person meeting so we can start shooting as soon as possible.

DEVELOPMENT Filmmakers work out a rough idea of the story. The script is written and worked into a guide for the film

PRE-PRODUCTION The crew and cast are chosen, creative planning is completed, and the filmmakers prepare to shoot the movie

PRODUCTION Principal photography begins. The film is shot in its entirety. Actors work out their scenes while editors piece together a rough cut of the film

POST-PRODUCTION The film is edited. Music, sound effects, CGI and everything else are added

DISTRIBUTION After the film is ready for viewing, it is distributed and shown to the public CHENYAO LIU GRAPHIC MASTERCLASS SOURCE

Q&A

ERYN DOWDY SUBMITTED PHOTO

Eryn Dowdy, Filmmaking club co-president and sophomore How has film impacted your life? Well, actually it’s impacted me more than I thought. I used to want to be a doctor because that’s what my parents want me to do. But now I’m starting to sort of shift gears a little, and I’m starting to take an interest in film. I also like how it’s bringing people together, like I’m meeting people I’ve never met before, and everyone’s just really nice. I’m better for having film in my life.

How has COVID-19 affected filmaking club? Zoom, pretty much. We haven’t been able to have one in-person meeting so far, and COVID-wise, I’m not quite sure what we’re going to do because it’s supposed to be a movie and masks are required at all times. It’s been a really big issue that we haven’t been able to figure out just yet. I just wish more people could join because so far it’s been just a real struggle to find people and bring people in, but slowly but surely people are coming in and, you know, anyone can do anything.

DRAWING FOR DAYS: Junior Audrey Schuester works on her project in Introduction to Design Processes. Next year, the Engineering and Technology department will offer two new classes: Aerospace Engineering and Construction Trades I.

CHANGING COURSES CHS to offer new Engineering & Technology Courses: Construction Trades I, Aerospace Engineering for 2021-22 year RAGHAV SRIRAM STORY

MADDIE MISTERKA PHOTO

s part of the 2021-2022

year, CHS plans to offer two new Engineering & Technology courses: Construction Trades I and Aerospace Engineering. According to James Coghlan, Introduction to Construction teacher, CHS added this course to further increase the number of courses available for those interested in the engineering pathway. “(In Construction Trades I), students who participate in this class will be able to design, construct, and even sell their entirely studentbuilt mobile home trailer house,” Coghlan said. “Students will learn key skills like blueprint reading, safety standards, documentation, purchasing materials, and ways to make their structure environmentally friendly. Overall, I think students will really enjoy the satisfaction that comes with making, building, and selling a home.” Those who would like to take Construction Trades I must take

This story was originally published online on Dec. 14, 2020

Introduction to Construction and additionally have Teacher Approval. Those who want to take Aerospace Engineering must take introduction to engineering design or Introduction to Design Processes, as well as either Principles of Engineering or a physics course. Sophomore William Bennett, who said he plans on taking one of these new courses, said these courses are good for the future job market and offer a hands-on experience. Bennett said, “I think in high school it’s really important for students to get experience, whether it be virtual or in-person, in the work and fields of study they want to do in the future. Construction Trades I offers this hands on experience and overall rounds out the engineering curriculum here at our high school.” In addition to adding Construction Trades I to the 2020-2021 school curriculum, Carmel High School also added Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Aerospace Engineering.

BY THE NUMBERS

new Engineering & Technology classes offered next year

classes in Engineering & Technology department this year

introductory classes in the Engineering & Technology department CCS SOURCE

According to Sid Swartzendruber, Engineering & Technology Department Head, Aerospace Engineering is part of the PLTW program where students will explore fundamentals of flight in air and space through software simulations and hands-on experiences. “(In Aerospace Engineering) students will investigate aerodynamic design, so basically how rockets and planes work, what makes a rocket fly, and the impacts technology have on space,” Swartzendruber said. “Because this course is part of the PLTW curriculum, students who take this course can get college credits and overall is a good course to have on your transcript.” According to Bennett, these new courses will give students a headstart for their futures. Bennett said, “These seem to be pretty advanced courses so they offer a lot of high-level concepts. Overall the courses themselves seem pretty well-rounded and it’s a good way to H get your foot in the door.”

HILITE.ORG

BRAND NEW BOARD Q&As with newly elected CCS school board members These Q&As were originally published online on Dec. 12, 2020

Q&A

CHENYAO LIU PHOTO

ALLY HORWITZ Q&AS

LOUISE JACKSON SUBMITTED PHOTO

Louise Jackson, newly elected CCS school board member Why did you decide to run for the CCS School Board? I know that the kids are our future teachers, engineers, doctors, lawyers, etc. and I want to be a part of setting them up for continued success. Being a part of the school board would allow me to continue supporting our community and bring a unique perspective.

What interests you about being a part of the school board? What interests me is continuing to understand what our students, parents and educators believe we need to better support them and remain a wonderful school community. I am interested in how we can continually evolve to proactively set all students up for success (during COVID-19 and beyond).

Q&A

BOARD MEETING: Members of the CCS school board listen to a presentation at a school board meeting, Secretary Lin Zheng decided not to run for re-election and school board member elect Louise Jackson will fufill the vancency.

KATIE BROWNING SUBMITTED PHOTO

Katie Browning, newly re-elected CCS school board member Why did you decide to run for re-election? I am very proud of what we accomplished together in my first term and felt that I could contribute to future successes in Carmel Schools.

What does the Carmel school board do? As a team, the Carmel School Board sets the vision and goals for CCS, adopts policies that give the district direction to set priorities and achieve its goals, hires and evaluates the superintendent, adopts and oversees the annual budget, manages the collective bargaining process and works directly with legislators.

How do school board meetings work? We have two regularly scheduled meetings a month. One is primarily to conduct business. We approve financials (payroll, etc.). We review/vote on policy recommendations and other items that are going on with our school buildings. We will also hear updates regarding legislative issues, curriculum HR, etc. The other meeting is a workshop. This is an opportunity for Dr. Beresford and his team to present carrying topics to the board for review and discussion.

What would you say to someone thinking about running for school board in the future? I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a meaningful way to serve our community. It is a long-term commitment that, at times, can be demanding both in time and emotions.

FEATURE

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

WONDERFUL WINTER Students celebrate winter solstice in different ways, describe cultural significance RAGHAV SRIRAM STORY

UNDERNEATH THE CHRISTMAS TREE:

In preparation for Christmas, their family’s celebration around the time of the winter solstice, sophomore Catherine Byrne and her mother set up their Christmas tree. “For us, the focus is not all about the decorations and the presents and more about our religion,” Byrne said. “And we always talk about how much we care for each other and how grateful we are for each other. It’s a very sentimental time for us.” CATHERINE BYRNE SUBMITTED PHOTO

KRUTI SUBBANNAVAR, SAM HAWKINS GRAPHIC

Indian Thanksgiving while others see it as an auspicious Hinhile it might seem unusual to celebrate du day. Krishan said she celebrates it as the Winter Solstice. the winter solstice, the shortest day and “At home the way we celebrate is by making pongal, a darkest time of the year, many students at South Indian rice dish,” Krishan said. “There are two varietthis school look forward to holidays around this time and ies: a more savory kind and a more sweet kind, so at home have already begun preparing for celebration. we make both of those, and I really like that food. We give One such student is sophomore Aeneas Hoffman, that as an offering to God, and then we do a small pooja and who celebrates the Chinese winter solstice festival, then eat the pongal.” Dongzhi, with his family. Social studies teacher Ryan Ringenberg said he plans “(On) my mom’s side of the family, we are very rich on spending the winter solstice with his family and the in Chinese culture. To celebrate the solstice we participate comforts of his home this year due to the pandemic. in the Dongzhi festival. Basically, we celebrate the season’s “It’s very interesting to hear the turning point towards the warmer, numerous ways different ethnicities lighter days of spring. It’s essentially DID YOU KNOW? and cultures celebrate what is usually a time during the depths of winter to The winter solstice, or the the darkest and gloomiest time of the enjoy a hearty, fortifying family meal moment the North Pole is tilted year,” Ringenberg said. “Personally, I that raises hopes for spring’s arrival,” the most away from the sun, celebrate the winter solstice with my Hoffman said. “The (Dongzhi festival) can occur on any day between family, but it’s always nice to hear what marries the winter solstice with naDec. 20 and 23. However, the other people are up to on this day.” ture’s harmonious balance of yin and next winter solstice on Dec. 20 Sophomore Catherine Byrne also yang energy. From this point forward won’t occur until 2080, and participates in a winter tradition. Dongzhi—which basically means the the next solstice on Dec. 23 will “Normally, around the time of the extreme of winter—and the negative occur in 2303. winter solstice, we celebrate Christyin quantities of darkness and cold mas by getting a Christmas tree and give way to the more positive yang MENTALFLOSS SOURCE going to church and opening presqualities of light and warmth.” ents,” she said. “And then normally the day after ChristHoffman is not the only student who is looking forward mas, we always go to Montana to go skiing, but we probto the winter solstice, which this year falls on Dec. 21 on the ably are not going to go this year because of COVID.” Western Calendar. Sophomore Shreya Krishnan said she too Hoffman said he has seen differences in the ways the is excited to celebrate the winter solstice through the Hindu two sides of his family celebrate the winter solstice. festival Pongal with her family. “Unlike my mom’s side of the family, for my dad’s Many see Pongal as the celebration of the Winter Solstice side, the culture isn’t nearly as rich with the celebration and the start of the new harvest, but even within the Hindu of the solstice,” he said. “It’s fun trying to incorporate community, it has multiple interpretations. Some see it as an our dad into the festival and teach him Chinese culture, but in the end, all that matters is everyone is going to have a good time and enjoy the food.” Despite the cold and dark nature of winter, students at this school have still found a reason to celebrate, even at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CALINA HE PHOTO

The fact that (the winter solstice) is the darkest day of the year means that there is a light in the future that is coming. SOPHOMORE SHREYA KRISHNAN

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AROUND THE TABLE:

During the winter solstice last year, sophomore Aeneas Hoffman and his extended family enjoy a warm family meal in celebration of the Dongzhi Festival. Hoffman said his family celebrates Dongzhi annually just like any other national holiday, and that during the festival, they eat lamb dumplings and round glutinous rice balls filled with sweet sesame. AENEAS HOFFMAN SUBMITTED PHOTO

Krishnan said, “I think part of the reason people celebrate the winter solstice is because the fact it is the darkest day of the year means that there is a light in the future that is coming, and so celebrating the winter solstice is welcoming that light to come back in.” Hoffman said he believes the winter solstice is a time to celebrate and be thankful for all you have. “I see the winter solstice as an opportunity to just relive and relish the experiences of my ancestors because it’s not every day we get to enjoy a hearty meal,” he said. “Es-

pecially during the cold winters and harsh times during the Han Dynasty, a meal like this would be very greatly cherished. So I think for me I really need to cherish this time of the year especially for this reason.” Byrne said she agreed. “For me, the winter solstice signifies the end of the year,” she said. “(During) Thanksgiving, we start to look back at it more and all the memories that we’ve had. It’s more of a time of making yourself happier—looking back at your life and realizing how much you have and how happy you are for it.” Ringenberg said, “No matter your culture, ethnicity or religion, I think you should spend the winter solstice remembering the past year’s events, especially this year with everything that has happened, and be thankful for making it through.” Hoffman said, “I find the winter solstice special because it represents the darkest point of the year, and I think everybody regardless of cultural differences should come and spend time together to ultimately lighten the day up and to hope for a better and brighter spring to come.” H This story was originally published online on Dec. 21, 2020

HAPPY SHAB-E YALDA Check out an Iranian winter solstice tradition On this night, people eat fesenjan, a traditional stew that is made out of chicken and commonly topped with walnuts and pomegranate seeds

People eat pomegranates and other fruits such as watermelon and persimmon as a symbol of fertility that is celebrated in this festival

Scan this to read more about eight different winter solstice celebrations around the world, including Dongzhi and Shab-e Yalda

LATIMES, IRANSAFAR, EAVARTRAVEL SOURCES

Shab-E Yalda (“Night of Birth”), or Zayeshmehr (“Birth of Mithra”), is an ancient South Asian winter solstice celebration honoring the birth of Mithra (god of light and truth), arrival of winter, renewal of the sun and triumph of light over darkness

People wish for something and then open Hafez’s poems to a random page to interpret their wish and see if it will come true

FEATURE

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

SPIRIT AND SCIENCE Students, teacher analyze impact of religion on scientific learning, vice versa ARCHIT KALRA STORY

BY THE NUMBERS

DID YOU KNOW? An issue related to schoolsponsored religious activities is classroom prayer. In Engel v. Vitale (1962), the Supreme Court held that the Establishment Clause prohibited the recitation of a school-sponsored prayer in public schools.

36% of teens in public school sometimes wear clothing with religious symbols

PEWFORUM SOURCE

wars, including, and most notably, the Scopes trial of the 1920s.” “(Scopes) was challenging the idea that the government had the right to dictate what was taught in an academic classroom. As time progresses, what has become debated are the “gray areas”—do individual religious beliefs override individual freedoms? For example, there have been noted cases where parents of sick children who do not believe in seeking medical care fight with the government about forced interventions,” Hargrove said. Hossain said he believes there has been considerable change since the era of the Scopes Trial, but said

THE TRIAL Read a little bit about the facts of the Scopes Trial SAM HAWKINS GRAPHIC HISTORY.COM SOURCE

Scopes “Monkey” Trial

eligion and science are both important aspects of junior Labeeb Hossain’s life that go hand-in-hand. “I think (religion and science) are pretty complementary—they kind of work with each other in a lot of ways. There are certain contradictions I can see in some places, but for the most part, I think they work together,” Hossain said. “Science really complements religion, because of how complex everything is in the universe, and it kind of makes it hard to think of everything happening spontaneously or randomly.” Hossain is one of many students who consider religion an important part of their daily routine. An October 2019 study from the Pew Research Center found that 53% of teenagers in the country have seen students at their school participate in some form of religious expression. Hossain’s opinion on the complementarity of religion and science is a dramatic turn from much of the controversy of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species—which just had its 161st anniversary of publication in late November—and the Scopes Trial of 1925, when Tennessean teacher John Scopes was tried in court for teaching evolution to high school students. According to U.S. History teacher Allison Hargrove, the Scopes Trial was a high point of religion-versus-science tensions in 20th century America. “As more and more emphasis was placed upon science in academia, as well as scientific thought and mythology, evolutionary theory became something that many universities began to teach alongside Creationism,” Hargrove said via email. “This led to many cultural

40% of teens in public school have prayed before a sporting event

12% of teens in public schools pray before lunch PEW SOURCE

Scienc e teache John S r prosec copes for tea uted c evolut hing ion

nn., Dayton, Te 5 2 19 May

religion is still prioritized over science in some countries. “In the United States, a lot of people whose parents immigrated here, and who were born here, don’t have a big problem, but one of my cousins came here from Bangladesh in seventh grade, and they never learned about evolution, ever, until they came here. So obviously, you can see they don’t teach evolution where he came from, probably because of religious reasons, but I think it’s a lot better for students who were born in the United States.” Sophomore Avinash Valuveri said he agreed. “I think it’s changed a lot, because society is a lot more secular, at least in our country. There’s a lot more diversity. In (some) other countries, there’s still a lot of religion in government,” Valuveri said, “But science is more acceptable nowadays, there’s more education in science in public schools, and more and more people are leaning towards science than religious beliefs.” Valuveri, who said he used to be religious but is not anymore, said he tends to prioritize scientific discoveries over any type of spiritual belief.

The teaching of Darwinism had been outlawed earlier in 1925 by the Butler Act. Scopes was found guilty in nine minutes, fined $100, and fired, drawing plenty of controversy. Later that year, Mississippi and Texas passed laws similar to the Butler Act. 22 other states attempted, but failed, to do the same.

HILITE.ORG

NATION UNDER GOD Take a look at nationwide prayer and Biblical reading in public schools Share of public school students who say they’ve ever been lead in prayer by a teacher, by region:

West

Midwest

Northeast

South

12%

8% of public school students say they have read passages from the Bible as an example of literature, which courts have said is legal SAM HAWKINS GRAPHIC

SCIENTIFIC STRUCTURE:

“I feel like more people nowadays are believing in science than in previous generations,” he said. “I know a lot of religious people disagree with (certain scientific topics like) evolution, but last year, in our honors Biology course, we had an entire unit on evolution, so I think it’s a lot more secular nowadays.” Hargrove said that the conflicts between religious and scientific beliefs have had varying implications throughout history, especially depending on who was perpetrating the conflict. “Even though religious freedom was a protected right from the onset of our nation, there have been ongoing misunderstandings about what this means because of differences in interpretation,” Hargrove said. “However, where science started to truly challenge religion

was in the post-Civil War era. Specifically, the rise of Darwin’s theory on evolution caused many people to question their beliefs about Creationism, and thus, many of their vested, personal views on religion.” Hossain said he thinks the rift between religion and science will eventually heal, even though arguments against particular sides remain. “I think the polarizations are overblown to an extent,” he said. “The majority of people are willing to compromise, but the people that aren’t willing to compromise are a lot more vocal about it. I think there’ll be interconnectedness in the future between religion and science. Most religious people are open to change. They want to compromise and add sciences to their beliefs, so it’s not very polarizing for all the people that I know.”

Junior Labeeb Hossain analyzes his protein model of the amino acid phenylalanine at his home. Hossain said he is aware there are some conflicts between religious and scientific doctrines, but said he is open to modifying his beliefs to accept scientific facts. LABEEB HOSSAIN SUBMITTED PHOTO

PEW RESEARCH SOURCE

However, Hossain acknowledges there might be some conflicts between religion and science in the near future, especially with new biotechnology techniques such as gene editing. “Gene editing is kind of a thing that I feel a lot of religious people are against, just because it’s going against how ‘God made you, and God made you perfectly, so why would you edit your genome?’ and stuff like that. I feel like that’ll be a big problem in the future–I don’t think it’s as big right now, but it’ll be a big problem in the future,” he said. “As for other fields of science, I don’t think there are any (points of contention) other than a few biological issues. Evolution’s a big one, I think,” he said. In Hargrove’s view, the controversies will likely continue oscillating between severe disputes to extreme similarities. “As society’s values shift and change, so does the emphasis placed upon science and religion. It’s an ebb and flow, one that is constantly at strife, but the intensity of this strife varies based upon H the challenges of the time.” This story was originally published online on Dec. 8, 2020

STUDENT SECTION

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

HUMANS OF CHS With New Year underway, students share goals to reach in 2021 ELISE VARHAN Q&A, PHOTOS

FRESHMAN ELLA LIPNIK

I think I want to work on not procrastinating because I feel like I’ve been doing that so much lately and it’s causing me to stay up late. I am continually stressed with so much work when I could easily avoid that by just finishing everything on time. I plan to achieve this by putting my assignments first and working on them before relaxing and other activities that are not exactly beneficial to my schoolwork.

This story was originally posted on December 12, 2020

SENIOR ERIC LANGLAND

My New Year’s Resolution is to improve my patience and being more patient with other people, trying to see things from their point of view and not assuming anything. I feel like this will better my relationships and make me a better person, with a good attitude and mindset.

JUNIOR ANNABELLE SABELHAUS

I want to read my Bible more often, hopefully on a regular basis, exercise, a common resolution, but always a good goal and finally to make art more often. I recently have realized that I want to be an artist when I grow up, making art will help me pursue that. Art also helps me de-stress, which will improve my mental health.

FRESHMAN JORDAN MINTZ

I want to go outside more, or at least whenever I can, and spend less time on my phone. I also plan to eat healthier to get myself in a better mindset for next year and to treat my body right.

SOPHOMORE KEVIN “KJ” SWEENEY

Scan this read all of the 20202021 Humans of CHS

My New Year’s Resolution is to keep up with my virtual work and not get behind on any assignments. I plan on doing this by doing my assignments when they are assigned to me, so I don’t end up forgetting about them.

HILITE.ORG

DRESS TO IMPRESS Many teenagers develop sense of individuality, confidence by dressing differently than popular fashion due to personal styles, experiences MADDIE MISTERKA STORY

ELISE VARHAN PHOTOS

unior victoria simich

has been sewing since she was in fourth grade, and since then has made many of her own clothes and accessories. “(My style) is like I live in a van, but I don’t actually live in a van,” Simich said. In recent years, the rules of fashion have changed immensely, and some people dress differently from conventional fashion norms. For the December issue of Vogue Magazine, Harry Styles will be the first man to appear solo on the magazine’s cover. This caused a large-scale conversation over personal style compared to societal expectations. “I don’t like the typical style of fitting in, I feel like I’d feel lost if I were to feel something stereotypical, like where is my individuality?” Simich said. “I feel confident in the fact I dress differently.” Social Worker Leanda Weimer said developing a sense of style can greatly impact a person’s mental health. “Having a style and liking what you wear is definitely good for your mental health, and it can make you more motivated to do things, but most importantly it can make you feel more confident in who you are,” Weimer said.

HUNG UP: Junior Richard Reinsch poses in the mirror to see if he likes the outfit he chose for himself. Reinsch said, “As I developed the sense to not be scared to be different, I also developed my sense that it’s also okay to be the same (as others) and not always try to be as abstract as you could be.”

MIRROR MIRROR: Junior Richard Reinsch poses in the mirror. Reinsch said, “I feel like a big part of my journey was to find what I like and not feel hindered by anyone else or their opinions.”

Junior Richard Reinsch said he agrees with this sentiment: “You have to find what makes you feel comfortable, no matter what that is.” While his style has evolved over the years, Reinsch said he used his personal experiences to find what he was most comfortable in. He said, “I had always gone thrifting and to garage sales as a necessity when I was little. It was something that was embarrassing and I felt like I had to compete with (the kids at my private school), but once I saw it as a part of me and as cool, I started to incorporate sewing and things into my outfits. When I really loved something, to put the extra work (to alter it) made it something really special.” Weimer said she notices a difference in her mindset when she gets dressed up, and she tries to get dressed up even when she’s sick.

“It puts a pep in your step, and a little more motivation behind what you do,” she said. “People are more likely to treat you with more respect (when you’re dressed up).” While Weimer attended Ohio Christian University, a college that would not allow students to wear loungewear to class in order to prepare students for professionalism and future work environments. Simich’s experiences and beliefs have also shaped her style. She said she set a goal for herself this year to not contribute to fast fashion due to environmental concerns, and believes she has been fairly successful. By making many of her own clothes, Simich eliminates a lot of clothing waste, and after discovering a brand that reuses fabric scraps that are too small for other projects by creating a completely new “quilt-like” textile, she said she has been able to try out new and creative ways to eliminate her unnecessary waste. Through altering his own clothes and his personal journey with fashion, Reinsch has greatly changed the way he views fashion and categorizing the way he sees people. His mindset on fashion comes into his daily life as well. “Not everyone is in the same frame of mind or in the same situation as you, so you need to be kind to everyone and understand they are doing what makes them comfortable,” Reinsch said. “What’s comfortable for you may not be comfortable for someone else, and you never want to force your thoughts and standards onto H someone else.” This story was originally posted on December 12, 2020

COVER

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

2020 A YEAR

TO RECORD Nurses, economists, student workers, activists, family members review 2020, pandemic effects CADY ARMSTRONG, CHRISTIAN LEDBETTER STORY

CLARE DIERCKMAN PHOTO

HILITE.ORG

Editor’s Note: This issue’s Cover Story is a compilation of follow-ups on previous stories related to the COVID-19 pandemic that were published by the HiLite staff in 2020. Scan the QR codes placed next to each of the stories to view the original piece.

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

Senior Ben Lin details family restaurant changes since March sed down its restaurant, Wild Ginger, from March to May 2020. Lin said, “When (COVID-19) first started, we (closed down). We didn’t have to close down but when we considered safety and everything, we just decided it would be best to close for a little bit. And even though we were closed, the rent payments were still coming in for the same amount every month, and that was hitting hard since we were making no money. The restaurant wasn’t even open but we still

had to pay thousands of dollars each month for rent.” Additionally, before COVID-19, the United States was already seeing a decrease in Asian-owned restaurants. According to a 2019 study conducted by Pew Research Center, since 2009, there has been a 13% decrease in Asian-owned restaurants. According to Lin, COVID-19 has worsened this problem. Lin said, “I definitely think that (COVID-19) has further led to a decrease in Asian-owned restaurants because some of the other (Asian) restaurants around us have closed down.

Optimism declines as economy continues to struggle in United States

ccording to kevin mum-

Many, including the president, claimed America’s economy has recovered since then, citing the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting a record breaking 30,000 points. According to the The New York Times, many believe the stock market to be a measure of the health of the current economy, but Mumford disagreed. “The stock market isn’t necessarily telling us what the state of the economy is today; it’s projecting out what we think the future for those large companies is going to be,” he said. The day the Dow hit that record breaking number, Nov. 25, was the day the White House Coronavirus Task Force revealed plans to distribute 6.4 million doses of a vaccine. Mumford said this was part of that peak. He said, “Because the people that are buying stocks think to themselves, ‘Well, I think these vaccines sometime next year are going to really help everything, and the economy will be back,’ and so those gains are going to really help everything in the stock market even if unemployment rate hasn’t changed at all.’” Instead, Mumford suggested the unemployment rate was a better way to measure the health of the econo-

my, though he said America isn’t out of the woods yet. He said, “When you don’t go to a bunch of holiday parties or you don’t gather with your family, all those kinds of things just mean the economy H will be slower.”

BY THE NUMBERS

100

THOUSAND restaurants closed in 2020

60%

of business closed due to COVID-19 CNBC SOURCE

2.4

MILLION lost their jobs in 2020 for 27 or more weeks NY TIMES SOURCE

ECONOMIC CRISIS Take a look at the U.S. economic crisis Did COVID-19 negatively impact your business? March 10 March 30

No impact Negatively Positively

50%

100%

Global Stocks versus COVID-19 Cases 600k

300k

0% Global Stocks COVID-19 Cases

Jan. 2020

Feb. 2020

Toilet paper prices rose from an average of RCH JOB SEA

$1.91 to $2.06 SOWMYA CHUNDI GRAPHIC

March 2020

ARCH JOB SE

-40%

Global Equity Index

ford, associate professor of economics at Purdue, before the pandemic hit, the economy had seen its longest expansionary period since the Great Depression. “But it was a very slow expansion,” he said. “It had a low rate of growth. It was such a long period that generally things were looking very good.” But when COVID-19 forced businesses to close as America entered its lockdown in mid-March, Mumford said the shock of unemployment was the worst the country ever received. But even then, the unemployment rates didn’t reach the highest rate. “I don’t think the unemployment rate got the highest; that’s not what happened,” he said. “It’s just the speed at which we had unemployment claims (was high). We never experienced anything like that as a country. In a oneweek period, there were 10 times more unemployment claims than have ever been recorded previously in the history of unemployment insurance.” Mumford compared that shock to the Great Recession, an economic downturn that took months to get to the point this recession brought America in only one week.

We’ve seen an increase in closures because of the rent. Everyone still has to pay rent, regardless of whether or not they’re closed. So, those that weren’t making too much money in pre-COVID times got hit pretty hard and some of them even had to close.” Despite this, according to Lin, his family’s restaurant has survived and remains busy these days. Lin said, “I would say that it has gotten a lot better and I’m really thankful that it has because I know not every business has had the H same outcome.”

COVID-19 Cases

enior ben lin’s family clo-

4 in 10 adults

said someone in their household lost a job or wages due to COVID-19

FORBES, BBC SOURCES

Black Lives Matter sparks student activism regarding civil rights injustices

fter the death of george floyd on may

25, Google searches for “Black Lives Matter” (BLM), an organization founded in 2013, reached all-time highs. Since then, as the election and second wave of COVID-19 took BLM’s place in the headlines, searches have steadily declined by 84%. According to sophomore Klay Gabriel, these statistics don’t surprise her. “Unless someone is very passionate about what they’re talking about or they’re getting these experiences first-hand, they’re not (going to) care enough about it,” she said. Gabriel said she helped a friend organize the protest that took place in the Carmel Arts District on June 1. “I knew it wouldn’t change anything with the actual police department in Carmel. Baby steps, in my opinion, are the most important because that’s how you get places,” Gabriel said. According to Gabriel, though she always cared about the subject of racism, as she is a mixed-race girl from Atlanta, she said she never became interested in organizing until this past summer. “Honestly, it was more of when the protests sparked up where I felt most welcomed because of all the kind

words that were sent by my friends and those kinds of things,” she said. Additionally, Gabriel said bringing awareness was what led her to organize the protest in downtown Carmel. Just recently, this school announced a new equity and inclusion officer at this school, whose job title as described on Indianapolis Star is to “lead and focus on the district’s initiatives in diversity, equity and inclusion.” “Honestly I’m surprised that there hasn’t been (an equity and inclusion officer) already in place earlier,” she said. “That it had to take literal death threats to have someone like that to be in place for schools, but better late than never I guess.” However, although Gabriel said she’s frustrated by Carmel’s speed on tackling inequity, she said she is still optimistic. “More of it is just going to be letting Black voices continue to be heard,” she said. “Even (now) in our school, there is the equity team (we are) trying to figure out—(we are) trying to deal with the death threats that happened at the beginning of the year. I guess (it’s) more of a high school thing, what’s going to happen in the future. I think that there will be change that continues to happen (at this school) because there are people that want change (at this school).” H

WE’VE GOT THE POWER: Protestors gathered in downtown Carmel at the Carmel Arts and Design District on June 1 to protest racial injustice as the Black Lives Matter movement grew in popularity. Sophomore Klay Gabriel said the event made everyone involved feel welcomed and included. The protest aided in Carmel Clay Schools hiring a diversity-focused staff member. CLARE DIERCKMAN PHOTOS

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

Violinist reflects how CHS orchestras, IU String Academy changed since March

hen covid-19 caused the

IU String Academy to go all-virtual, Natsume Wu, IU String Academy violinist and junior, said she didn’t anticipate that the classes would still be virtual nearly nine months later. With this, according to Wu, the sudden cancellation of in-person classes stripped her from the opportunity to say goodbye to her graduating friends.

PANDEMIC PLAYING: Natsume Wu, IU string academy violinist and junior, plays her violin after class because, she said, she has more time to practice. MADDIE MISTERKA PHOTO

Wu said, “When we first went into quarantine, a lot of my friends then were graduating, and we knew we had a couple big concerts coming up that we were super excited for. It was really sad to not be able to have that sense of closure and have to abruptly be like, ‘Oh, I’m never going to see these people again; they’re all going to college.’” Additionally, according to Wu, the still-virtual classes have continued to create a sense of disconnect within the orchestra. Wu said, “It’s kind of sad. (The last time) I saw some of them was through (IU String Academy. Now) we don’t talk as much. The biggest thing was that working in a group at that high level of intensity really brings us closer together. I’m sad that we lost that in March and still don’t have it.”

Senior Alana Blumberg reviews how school resuming changed her family’s dynamic

or senior alana blumberg

her family’s dynamic completely changed during the lockdown period in March. Blumberg said, “Before quarantine, I would do a thing or two things around the house, but in March, I definitely took up more. Overall, I’m glad I did because I feel like I got closer with my siblings during quarantine because it forced us to spend more time together and with bond.” However, since school has started once more and most normal activities have resumed, Blumberg said her home life has since changed. Blumberg said, “During quarantine, I got really close to my sister. However, with her at (IU), I definitely feel like we have drifted a little bit. I got to stay with her at her house in Bloomington one weekend a couple months ago and that was a lot of fun to get to see her in-

person and we send TikToks back and forth, but I definitely miss her.” Additionally, Blumberg said she finds it challenging to balance school with the responsibilities she has at home. “With school back in full swing, I just feel like I have less time,” Blumberg said. “Even prior to picking up (more responsibilities), it was a little bit of a struggle to keep up with everything, but especially now with everything going on and having to make sure that we have the necessary supplies at the house already, it is a little bit more of a challenge just to keep up.” With this, Blumberg said she recognizes the strain school has put on her home life and has recently prioritized her familial responsibilities once more by deciding to switch from hybrid to all-virtual

Furthermore, with the COVID-19 cases rising, the orchestras at CHS have also had to make changes, including converting to virtual concerts. Wu said, “(In-person concerts were) a great way to feel like you’re wrapping something up and getting that sense of accomplishment. But I’m glad that our directors are taking COVID-19 so seriously and keeping us all safe.” Additionally, according to Wu, there are both benefits and drawbacks the all-virtual lessons have brought. “I’m definitely noticing I do have more time to practice, but in-person classes and having the orchestra together (are) important to my development and anyone’s development as a musician and not having that (is definitely) a drawH back,” Wu said.

Read a story on how holiday Hallmark movies have brought families together during the season despite the pandemic CHRISTMAS CASES: Senior Alana Blumberg hangs an ornament on her family’s Christmas tree. She said this is a family tradition. CLARE DIERCKMAN PHOTO

learning in order to have more time with her family. Blumberg said, “I think that definitely staying home and focusing more on my future and the at-home needs are more important than going to the same school I’ve been at for a long time, and I feel like during this time (family) is what I should be H focusing on.”

HILITE.ORG

VACCINE VICTORIES Take a look at the progress organizations have made in developing a COVID-19 vaccine for America Moderna 94.1% efficacy rate TESTING PHASE 3 (efficacy trials) Applied to FDA for authorization Nov. 30 AVAILABLE BY: Dec. 21 if approved

Pfizer & BioNTech 95% efficacy rate TESTING PHASE 2/3 Applied to FDA for authorization Nov. 20 AVAILABLE BY: end of 2020 if approved

Johnson & Johnson & Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center unclear efficacy rate TESTING PHASE 3 *54 other vaccines are currently being tested on humans CHLOE SUN GRAPHIC THE NEW YORK TIMES SOURCE

SEASONS OF COVID

NUMBER OF CASES

10000 7500 5000

Stage 1 Essential travel only, curbside pickup for food and no schools open

2500

FEB. 2020

Stage 2 Select types of businesses opened at 50% capacity

Stage 1 Mar. 24

COVID-19 places mental toll on healthcare professionals, their families

s many know, when the

COVID-19 pandemic hit, it caused professionals from all parts of the medical field to come together to deal with the increased demands and patients in the hospital. However, according to junior Tiffany Yeh, what many people do not understand is the toll COVID-19 takes on physicians’ home lives, including hers, as Yeh’s father is an oncologist. Yeh said via email, “I constantly worry about (my dad being) exposed to (COVID-19). Even though this pandemic has been extremely rough, my dad risks his life to help other people. I’m very proud of his bravery but I do worry for his health and safety a lot.” According to the United States Census Bureau, the United States has a physician-to-population ratio of 295 to 100,000. Despite this, as of Nov. 28, only 24.5% of the ICU beds in Indiana are available, according to the Indiana State Coronavirus Center. According to Yeh, these statistics are what makes her nervous

Even though this pandemic has been extremely rough, my dad risks his life to help out other people. I’m very proud of his bravery...” JUNIOR TIFFANY YEH about her dad potentially being exposed, but they help her understand her dad’s bravery. “It is a very scary time to be a doctor. I am always worried that my father will be exposed. Him risking his life despite this has made me understand that it is important to be brave,” Yeh said. “Because of the pandemic, our lives have been limited significantly. He always says that despite these circumstances, it is important to remain brave and know that you as an individual can help slow the spread of the pandemic by social distancing and by H wearing a mask.”

Take a look at the positive COVID-19 cases and the correlation of stage Indiana was in Stage 3 Stores and malls at 75% capacity, 100 people gatherings with social distancing

Stage 4 Dining services at 75% capacity, 250 people gathering with social distancing

Stage 4.5 Paused increase of capacity, but fairs and festivals open at 50% capacity

Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4.5 May 4 May 24 Stage 4 Jun. 14 July 4

APRIL 2020

JUNE 2020

JULY 2020

EMILY SANDY GRAPHIC INDY STAR, IN.GOV SOURCES

Stage 5 Businesses may open at full capacity, social distancing and masks are recommended

Stage 5 Stage 5 revoked Due to the revoked great rise Nov. 11 of positive cases

Stage 5 Sept. 26

SEPT. 2020

NOV. 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

DECK THE HALL(MARK) Students reflect on impact of Hallmark movies in lives, nostalgia that brings with them PALLEVI PILLAI STORY

KYLIE MCPHERSON SUBMITTED PHOTOS

unior kylie mcpherson’s

earliest memory of watching Hallmark movies was when she was 10 years old. “On Friday or Saturday nights we would have a family movie night and watch Hallmark movies together” she said. “I can’t remember the specific name of any (movies), but we would just watch whatever was on the Hallmark channel that night.” McPherson said she carries this tradition during Christmas time, and it holds a special place in her heart. She’s not alone. According to CBS, roughly 70 million people watched the Hallmark channel during the holidays in 2018. Sophomore Brooke Ye said she also has special memories associated with watching Christmas Hallmark movies. “One of my favorite memories during the holidays was going skiing and coming back to the cabin and watching Hallmark movies with my friends over winter break” Ye said. “During winter break I would also go to my neighbor’s house and we would eat snacks and watch Hallmark movies together. One of my favorites is ‘Pete’s Christmas.’”

SPEAK-UP!

BY THE NUMBERS

2011 was the year that the Hallmark Channel offically launched “25 Days of Christmas”

50,000 is the budget in US dollars for snow for each movie

2-3 WEEKS

to to film a full Hallmark movie MENTALFLOSS SOURCE

Choir director Katherine Kouns, who said she is a diehard fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, has a more personal experience with them during the Christmas season. “My very first job was working at a Hallmark Store during high school,” she said. “Ever since then, I have been a big fan of all things Hallmark from cards to movies. I have always been the only person in my family that loves Hallmark movies. In fact, I sort of get made fun of for it by the rest of my family, but I don’t care. I still love watching them while I decorate the tree or wrap presents.” Despite their ppeal to fans, many people dislike Hallmark movies because of their cheesiness, lack of substance or unoriginal endings. On the other hand, McPherson, like other earnest Hallmark fans, said she believes these movies bring warmth and comfort to the Christmas season. “I like that they always have a happy ending,” she said. “Also, they usually focus on family and traditions and I like the heart-warming feelings of that. I don’t necessarily have favorite actors or actresses that are in the movies. It’s comforting knowing that everything will work out in the end.”

What is your favorite Hallmark movie and why?

“I haven’t watched a lot of Hallmark movies , but I have watched Christmas with the Darlings. I would say the movie just brings Christmas Spirit.

Freshman Carolyn Jia

DID YOU KNOW? There is a psychological reason behind why Hallmark movies are so addictive. According to Pamela Rutledge, behavioral scientist at Fielding Graduate University, the formulaic plots and predictability of the plots is rewarding. The lack of reality allows view to unwind. MENTAL FLOSS SOURCE

Kouns also said these Christmas movies get her into the holiday spirit. “I love the scenery of small towns decked out for the holidays as well as the romance and love that seem to always be central to the plots,” she said. McPherson said she also appreciates how Hallmark movies place an emphasis on the importance of spending time with family, which is what she cherishes during the holidays. “My family would try to predict what would happen in the movie from the trailer and reading the description and have a competition to see who was right,” she said. “Spending time together and drinking hot chocolate during the movies has always been super fun.” MICHELLE WAN SPEAK-UPS, PHOTOS

“My favorite hallmark movie is Miracle on 34th Street because overall it is a really positive movie and really reminds me of the holidays and gets me in the Christmas spirit.”

Sophomore Lauren Lloyd

HILITE.ORG

McPherson said her all-time favorite Hallmark movie is “A Royal Christmas,” which follows an American seamstress who discovers her boyfriend is a royal prince and brings her to his country to meet his mother, a queen, who does not approve of their relationship. McPherson said she is such a massive fan of the Hallmark channel that she even has plans to get a matching Hallmark-themed tattoo with a person who shares her love of these movies: her dad. “We haven’t actually gotten the tattoos yet, but it’s a plan for the future,” she said. “I think around freshman year I was talking about how if I were to get a tattoo I would want it to be small and meaningful. I thought about any fun memories and symbols I had in my life and watching Hallmark movies was something special to me. I joked about getting small matching tattoos with my dad and he went along with it, and we plan to get them in a few years.” McPherson said Hallmark movies will be even more meaningful for fans this year in light of the pandemic. “People may not be able to see their family in person during the holidays this year,” she said. “We’ve also missed out on a lot of normal activities and Hallmark movies will let people escape the reality of 2020.” Kouns said she agrees with this idea.“This has not been the best year for anyone. The stress of COVID-19 has taken its toll on all of us, so I think everyone is craving some H ‘happy endings.’” This story was originally published online on Dec. 15, 2020

I love the scenery of small towns decked out for the holidays, as well as the romance and love that seem to be central to the plots. CHOIR DIRECTOR KATHERINE KOUNS

LIKE FATHER LIKE DAUGHTER: (ABOVE): Senior Kylie McPherson poses with her dad, Steve McPherson, before heading to see The Nutcracker in 2007. (RIGHT): McPherson and her dad pose side by side again, this winter, recreating the above photo.

24 B E S T O F D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0

ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS VALLIEI CHANDRAKUMAR BRIEFS

CLARE DIERCKMAN PHOTOS

CARMEL CHOIRS HOMETOWN HOLIDAY Scan this to watch the 2020 Hometown Holiday broadcast on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. ACCENTS AND ALTOS: (TOP) Megan Dearing, Accents

member and junior, sings a solo on Dec. 3 in the Dale E. Graham Auditorium during the Accentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performance of their section of Hometown Holiday. This year, the CHS choirs were not allowed to perform for live audiences due to COVID-19.

A DIFFERENT HOLIDAY SEASON: (RIGHT) Ann Conrad,

former CHS choir director, performs with Accents members during their Hometown Holiday performance. All choir concerts this semester were recorded and edited.

Entertainment Briefs were originally published online on Dec. 12, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT

LIGHTNING IN A GIRL Mackenzie Edwards, lead singer of band Lightning in a Bottle and sophomore, talks passion for music JILLIAN MOORE Q & A MACKENZIE EDWARDS SUBMITTED PHOTOS

How does music impact your life? Well obviously, I have to practice, you know. It takes up time. But other than that, it doesn’t really impact me too much.

What inspired you to pursue music? I can’t really remember. I was like six when I started singing. But I don’t know. What inspired me to go on was, I don’t know, singing or music, generally. It has community. You know, like when you’re singing, you’re part of the choir. When you’re playing the guitar, there’s someone playing with you. It’s the sense of community, and you get to make sound, you know, music. I always thought that’s a really cool thing.

What advice would you give students considering exploring music? I would say “go for it.” You know, it’s a lot of fun. You get to play music for everyone in the audience. And, you know, it’s that community; you get a lot from it.

Have you explored writing original music? BETTER TOGETHER:

Mackenzie Edwards (right), lead singer for band Lightning in a Bottle and sophomore, sings outside with accompaniment from her bandmates. Edwards said that being involved with the band has allowed her to interact with a vibrant community and share music with others.

Yeah, we did that once. We talked about the chord structures and stuff, and all that, and I wrote a few lyrics out. But we didn’t really get too far with that. We’re probably going to pick it up soon, though.

Would you say music gives you a sense of confidence? If you’re making something like music, then there’s not really anything to be scared of, because you’re just kind of giving your soul out to the world in the form of music. And if they don’t like it, I mean, try again. Nothing to be scared of.

What helps you perform in front of large crowds? Well, experience for one. I was really shy on stage. But after going on it a lot, you get used to it. But also, you just kind of have to forget that people are watching, because it’s no different than practices if you’re doing it right.

How does your musical experience and choir differ from your experience in the band? Well, it’s a lot different. Although, in a band, you have other people performing with you, you are singing alone, so you have to have that power that comes with a solo. You have to be able to project and be the lone voice. This Q&A was originally published online on Dec. 11, 2020

SPORTS

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

GO FIGURE (SKATE) Q&A with junior Claire Qu regarding her passion to ice skate during pandemic AUSTIN GUO Q & A

LUKE MILLER PHOTOS

ANIKET BISWAL, NATHAN HUANG GRAPHIC

This Q&A was originally published online on Dec. 7, 2020

When and how did you start figure skating? I went to a birthday party at the Ice Skadium when I was seven or eight, and I loved the experience. Since then, I’ve always just wanted to go back and skate.

How do you train for ice skating?

When I am off the ice, I do a lot of training such as conditioning, which is mostly weight lifting. Finally, I work on rotations off ice. When I’m on ice, I go through my movements, spins, jumps and my program.

What events do you compete in and how do they work? I compete in the Indiana State Championship, the Eastern Great Lakes Regional Competition and the Battle of the Lakes. At each event, there are several programs, but the main ones are the short and long programs. The total of these two scores gives your total score for the contest.

TUCK AND SPIN: Junior Claire Qu practices one of her moves by spinning down low on the ice. She said one of her favorite parts of ice skating is the ability for her to express her emotions and release pent-up tension. With that, she added ice skating has taught her a few lessons in life, including persevering through difficult times and respecting others who share the ice with her during practice.

How long do you train both off ice and on ice? Each week, I’d say I skate around 10 hours on ice and then do my off ice training for around two to three hours.

How has skating impacted your daily life?

Figure skating is a great exercise, and it keeps me healthy and energetic. Also, skating is something I look forward to everyday since I devote a large part of my time to it.

How has the pandemic affected ice skating? At the ice rink, we have to wear masks when we are out in the lobby area, but the masks are optional when we are skating. Most of my competitions have been canceled too, so I haven’t competed in several months.

What is your favorite and most difficult part of skating? My favorite part of ice skating is that I can express my emotions through my movements, such as when I am stressful. The most difficult part would be the consistency and precision. Even if one part of my body is tilted, I may fall down.

What lessons have ice skating taught you? One important lesson it has taught me is to get up every time I fall. Even though falling down may discourage me sometimes, I just have that motivation and perseverance to get up every time. Another lesson I’ve learned is how to be respectful. Even though I compete with many people, I understand they are working towards the same goals I am, so I need to be courteous of them as well.

HILITE.ORG

LONG GLIDER: Junior Claire Qu

glides on one leg during her practice at the ice rink. She said one of the hardest parts of ice skating is being consistent and being able to balance every part of her body the correct way so she does not fall down.

SCIENCE OF SKATING Check out the variety of muscles used in figure skating NBCI SOURCE

Flexes the thigh Extends the knee Specific Muscles -Lateral Gastrocnemius -Rectus Femoris -Semitendinosus -Biceps Femoris -Vastus lateralis

Flexes the knee Extends the knee Flexes the knee In professional figure skating, skaters frequently use the muscles found in the quadriceps to perform moves in their routines.

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

CRUCIAL COMEBACK Men’s varsity basketball team strives for state championship, acknowledges disadvantages, benefits to last year’s short season HANNAH BAER STORY

OLIVIA MCKEE PHOTOS

fter the men’s varsity

basketball team won its Sectional last season, the team continued to pick up momentum. However, about a week later, the season was abruptly cut short due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Now, the team looks to finish what they could not last year due to the pandemic cutting the season short. Bryce Beery, varsity basketball player and senior said via email, “It was heartbreaking knowing that (we) were on a stretch to the state championship and it was cut off so abruptly, but also I had to realize that I had another year which meant so much growth could be made in that time.” Beery added, “So (the season ending abruptly due to COVID-19) did have a big effect on me at the time, but also gave me time to improve my game.” Even though there will be some major changes to the season such as a lower number of people allowed to the games, some things might not change as much. Beery shared his thoughts about the impact of COVID-19 on team chemistry. “Carmel is all about the team, it is never about individual accolades. I think that this Carmel team is a special team this year. Even though it might be a different year, I still believe that we’re gonna be one of the top teams in Indiana,” Beery said. Head coach Ryan Osborn talked about how COVID-19 has been affecting the team’s preparation for the 2020-2021 season.

WELL RECEIVED: Wil Leary, varsity basketball player and senior, looks at a referee shortly after making a layup. According to Leary, last year’s season was cut short soon after his team won the sectional championship.

“In the last eight months we’ve learned to be patient and flexible while approaching everyday with the understanding that we’ll have to adapt to something new or challenging. Our players and families have done a fantastic job working together and keeping a positive attitude. There is nothing easy or convenient about the things we’re all experiencing, but I’m extremely proud of our progress and optimistic about our chances of continuing through the season,” Osborn said via email. He added, “Although there are some things that may look different from the outside, everything continues to move forward as far as team development and preparation is concerned. Some things may take a little longer that it has in the past, but ultimately, the players are committed to coming together, getting better and really enjoy competing with and against each other.”

(The season ending abruptly due to COVID-19) did have a big effect on me at the time, but also gave me time to improve my game. BRYCE BEERY, VARSITY BASKETBALL PLAYER AND SENIOR

Osborn also said there have been some major changes implemented prior to the previous season in order to keep everyone safe at practice due to new COVID-19 restrictions. Some of these changes include all coaching staff wearing masks, hand sanitizer available at any moment for everyone, film now watched in the gym instead of a smaller space, and practice gear washed daily. “We talk about it and practice it daily. There have been a lot of adjustments to things we normally wouldn’t give second thought to. We continually stress social distancing and wearing a mask when not participating,” he said. Osborn also said that he is optimistic about the season and all the hard work that the players put in. “I love coaching this group. They give us their best every day, they enjoy being around each other and they want to win. Given all the circumstances we’re experiencing I wouldn’t want to go through it with any other group of guys,” Osborn said. Wil Leary, varsity basketball player and senior, also talked about how he felt when the season abruptly ended last year due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Leary said via email, “The season ending after we won the sectional championship (was) the worst part because we thought we could make a historic run to the state championship.” Leary also added that things are constantly changing. For the first scrimmage on Nov. 16, the team was supposed to play Jefferson

HIGH HOPES: Wil Leary, varsity basketball player and senior, attempts to take a ball during a basketball game on Nov. 24. According to Leary, basketball games and practices have been constantly changing since the beginning of the school year. However, despite changes and new safety procedures, Leary said he is looking forward to playing in the new season.

High School in Lafayette, but they ended up playing Silver Creek due to a last minute change. “Expecting the unexpected is what we will have all season,” Leary said. Leary also added that some things have changed due to the new COVID-19 restrictions. In addition to the precautions mentioned earlier, he said that spreading out on the bench is a new implemented precaution. He added, “I’m most looking forward to getting back on the court and playing in a Carmel uniform.” Although some things have changed this year, Beery still said he is still excited about the season. Beery said, “It’s my senior season, so (I’m looking forward to) just spending the last year with my teammates and hopefully winning lots of games.” H This story was originally published online on Dec. 10, 2020

HISTORY OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS Take a look at when the men’s basketball team has won the state championship READTHEREPORTER SOURCE DANIEL KIM GRAPHIC

1977

CHS won its first basketball State Championship 5352 against East Chicago Washington High School

2012

CHS won its second State Championship 80-67 against Pike High School

2013

2019

CHS won its fouth State Championship 60-55 against Ben Davis High School

CHS won its third State Championship 57-53 against Cathedral High School one year after their second victory

PERSPECTIVES

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

FINALS FLEXIBILITY The HiLite staff commends the administration for efforts to create safe final exams schedule for students, staff HILITE STAFF EDITORIAL

ormally, during finals week, students can be seen walking around downtown Carmel to relax or entering the school in order to ask last-minute questions before their final exams. However, due to COVID-19 regulations and the new finals schedule, you won’t find students doing these activities this year. To help with contact tracing and to slow the spread of the virus, students are not allowed to leave the school building even if they don’t have a final during one of their periods. Due to the large number of people entering the school last year, office hours will not be available. With this and the final exams schedule decreasing the amount of students that staff come into contact with, the HiLite staff would like to commend the district’s efforts and hard work in creating such a schedule. The Carmel Cohort will run on the following schedule for finals week: virtual study day on Dec. 14, in-person Gold Day finals on Dec. 15, virtual study day on Dec. 16 and an “Orange Day” on Dec. 17.

SPEAK-UP!

An “Orange Day” is a virtual day where no final exams will take place and individual teachers will determine assignments. According to Assistant Principal Toby Steele, it is up to the teachers to determine final assessments. Steele said, “Teachers still have the authority and the autonomy to create their final assessment in the way they want. There should be no difference in terms of that conducive environment that students should have to take their final assessment. If anything, it would probably be better because of the smaller environment.” Furthermore, the Greyhound Cohort schedule is as follows: a regular in-person day on Dec. 14, virtual study day on Dec. 15, inperson Gold Day finals on Dec. 16, virtual study day on Dec. 17 and an in-person Blue Day finals on Dec. 18. The Greyhound Cohort will not have an “Orange Day.” Additionally, virtual students will take all exams at home. According to Steele, this plan was put in place out of the need for social distancing. Steele said, “Socially distant classrooms was not something we

BY THE NUMBERS

31%

of students said finals are biggest source of stress in school year

34%

of students said stress negatively affected finals MENTALHELP SOURCE

Scan this QR Code for the finals schedule

OUR STANCE We commend administration’s efforts to create a finals schedule that accommodates for COVID-19 were willing to budge on, given the current climate with COVID-19. We still need to maintain socially distant classrooms during the final exam. So to bring all students back into the building was not an answer. Working with our current framework with the hybrid setting, our plan was built around the necessity for social distancing.” The HiLite staff would like to commend the administration of their efforts and hard work in creating this. We understand that this was a lot of work and appreciate them in making the health of stuH dents and staff a priority. This editorial was originally published on Dec. 11, 2020.

What do you think about the final exam schedule this year?

DANIEL KIM SPEAK-UPS, PHOTOS

“I think it’s pretty stressful. I myself have three final exams on one day, so I enjoyed the schedule last year more because we got time off and had it split up.” Sophomore Bianca Meima

“This year, Blue Day finals are all on the same day and Gold Day finals are on the same day, which is very stressful due to not having the time to review material in between finals.” Junior Sean Gao

FAMILY FESTIVITIES See how some HiLite staff members celebrate holiday season in following graphic perspectives

CHLOE SUN GRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE

And here we find the Sun family, sitting down to a classic Christmas dinner...

Let’s take a closer look...

SOWMYA CHUNDI GRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE

NATHAN HUANG GRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE

Dad lifts the lid to uncover...

... a traditional Chinese hotpot?

Don’t mind if I do!

xmas is such a capitalist holiday

These graphic perspectives were originally published on Dec. 8, 2020.

what a nice sentiment

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

HYPED UP Amid COVID-19 pandemic, people should make time for family this holiday season MADDIE KOSC COLUMN

can attribute some of my fondest childhood memories to the magic surrounding the holiday season. I grew up in an interfaith family, so the holidays have always been a time for our family to come together and celebrate in more ways than one. One night we were gathered around the table playing dreidel and frying latkes, and the next morning we were sitting around the Christmas tree opening gifts from each other. One of my absolute favorite holiday traditions is our family’s sugar cookies. Each year we would make and decorate hundreds of sugar cookies and deliver them to family and friends on Christmas Eve. The time we spent together

Scan the QR Code above to read a Q&A and photo story about how students practice religions in modern day during the holidays

baking and decorating, as well as the reactions we got along our delivery route, made the holidays all the more special to me as a child. This tradition was something that brought joy to everyone involved, a feeling that I hope everyone is able to experience this holiday season. No matter what holiday it was that we were celebrating, time spent with family as a child during the holidays is something that I cherish to this day. Though gifts, decorations, and specialty coffee flavors are all wonderful parts of the holiday season, the most valuable part of the holidays is time spent with family. Kids are beyond distracted by school, activities and technology, all of which prevent them from spending quality time with family. What better time for family than the holidays? Family time during the holiday season doesn’t have to be extravagant, and even a simple phone call with extended family could make this year’s holidays feel a bit brighter.

Many of my favorite childhood holiday moments with family were simple activities like decorating the house, baking desserts or shopping for gifts. Although going overboard is always an option, quality time can be as easy as a home cooked meal. Obviously, given the current pandemic, the holidays will look different this year. Traveling to see family may be unsafe or not possible, and that’s okay. It’s most important to be responsible and safe this season. That being said, there are still ways to connect with your family during the holiday season, both virtually and inperson with close family. This winter, set aside time for family, whether it be playing a board game or even doing chores around the house. Even the smallest moments can make this season seem a bit more merry and H enjoyable than it has been so far. The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Maddie Kosc at mkosc@hilite.org. This column was originally published online on Dec. 11, 2020

CHRISMUKKAH Here are staff member Maddie Kosc’s favorite activities during the holidays with her family

DECKED OUT: Senior Maddie Kosc holds her

Christmas stocking while wearing holiday-themed clothing. Kosc said she has many holiday traditions.

Baking sugar cookies

Eating potato latkes

Shopping and buying gifts

HILITE.ORG

HOLIDAYS With holiday season approaching, make sure to spend time relaxing, winding down ALLY HORWITZ COLUMN

y this time already, my family and I would know exactly what the holiday plans are and how the two-week break would be split up between my divorced parents. My room would be decorated, and I would have every Christmas present for all of my family and friends neatly lined up on the table next to my desk. I would also, most likely, be in the holiday time final preparation mood—a mixture of stress and busyness. A couple of years ago around this time I had it all planned out: I would study for my finals, pass my finals (hopefully), help my mom decorate the tree, bake some cookies with friends and then spend a week with my dad and then my mom. This year, I’m sitting on my couch writing this and my room isn’t decorated. My friend group isn’t coming over and baking with me, and I’m certainly not seeing my dad since he’s a high-risk for COVID-19. Things have changed over the past year. With everything going on, it’s easy to forget the spirit of the season. I’m more overwhelmed than ever, and

not just because I’m a senior and have a lot going on—though there is that. Today in choir class we watched a recording of the Rockettes Christmas show in New York City from a couple of years ago. In that moment, watching the dancers and the lights, all of my attention came to the screen, and I realized something. It’s the holiday season, and I need to slow down for a little bit. It’s okay to have a low-key holiday this year. Take a break from everything going on, whether that be the election, pandemic or school. It’s important to understand this year will bring a lot of uncertainty, and it’s okay to feel that way. If you feel unusually stressed about the holidays, but especially this year, your mental health should be your first priority. This could mean ditching certain stressful holiday activities this year and just relaxing instead. The holiday season doesn’t have to imply extreme planning and stressful gift-giving. It could simply mean spending some time alone or with close family (safely, of course), creating memories. I know, for me personally, I

DID YOU KNOW? 8 out of 10 Americans experience holiday stress during the holiday season with finances and money problems being a significant contributor. HI-HEALTH SOURCE

usually spend the holiday break days listening to holiday music and looking forward to a special dinner my family was planning. If you feel like you want to go all out, go for it. But if you feel like staying in and just enjoying the time off, remember that that’s okay too. And I encourage you to take a break from the books. For just a few days, make sure to prioritize yourself. Remember the joyfulness of the holiday season. Take a bath, light a Bath and Body Works peppermint candle and relax. You made it through 2020! H The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Ally Horwitz at ahorwitz@hilite.org. This column was originally published online on Dec. 11, 2020

HOME ALONE Here’s what staff member Ally Horwitz recommends for spending the holidays relaxed or alone

Taking a relaxing bath or lighting candles

Cooking yourself dinner SOWMYA CHUNDI GRAPHIC

CHILL DAY: Senior Ally Horwitz holds a coffee mug

with hot chocolate. Horwitz said she prefers quieter and more relaxing holidays because they are less stressful.

15 MINUTES OF FAME

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

TOP TIER TWIRLER Q&A with sophomore Ireland Jones on baton twirling CADY ARMSTRONG Q&A

IRELAND JONES SUBMITTED PHOTOS

CHLOE SUN GRAPHIC

How did you get involved with twirling?

How do you train for baton twirling?

I honestly think I was just born into the sport. I started at the age of four-and-a-half but my first competition was when I was five. My grandma actually took me to (learn from) a coach she (taught).

Every day, I try to practice around two to three hours. It varies based on where I’m at—either my gym, at home, totally outside on the concrete or even inside of my living room. My sister and I push each other (to stay motivated). We are very best friends, and I think practicing together has only made us closer.

What are your goals as a baton twirler? Right now, I’m working on a three-baton routine (and) a few specialized tricks. I am also working toward defending my title at the USTA (United States Twirling Association) nationals, (and) I am geared up to start drilling at halftime during (our school’s) basketball games.

What would you say to your past self who wanted to give up twirling? Never give up. If you give up, you will never get to experience those little moments of being in a competition with your friends or the memories you would have gone on to make.

Advanced Duet Silver Medal Georgia State Games Sept. 2020

2-Baton Solo Gold Medal Georgia State Games Sept. 2020

3-Baton Solo Gold Medal Georgia State Games Sept. 2020

State Champion Ohio Regionals Fall 2019

HILITE.ORG

How do you think baton twirling has impacted your life? It has taught me many life skills. There are times when you lose and there are times when you win, but my coach told me that after every competition you start over. You constantly push yourself to do better. You have to learn how to lose graciously and win humbly; at the end of the day, our goal is to just be the best version of yourself that you can be. (Baton twirling) has made me a competitive person, which I like. It allows me to stand up for myself and be a better person. This Q&A was originally published online on Dec. 5, 2020 BATON BATTLE:

(TOP) Sophomore Ireland Jones, center, holds her first place trophy as she is announced as USTA National 1 & 2 Baton Champion . This year, all twirling competitions occurred virtually over Zoom or through video submission. (LEFT) Jones, right, poses for a photographer in front of CHS in her competition attire. She said twirling taught her many discipline and communication skills.

Advanced Solo Bronze Medal Georgia State Games Sept. 2020 Advanced Solo Gold Medal Ohio State Games June 2020 State Champion Ohio State Games June 2020 Strut Bronze Medal Ohio State Games June 2020

LITEBOX

BEST OF DECEMBER 2020

GET IN THE GROOVE Ellie Sanchez, dance captain of Ambassadors and senior, spins while performing in Holiday Spectacular on Nov. 30. The 2020 Holiday Spectacular show will air from Dec. 18 to Dec. 20 on the Carmel High School Performing Arts YouTube channel. The show will serve as a tribute to the city of Carmel, featuring clips of the CCS school board, Carmel City Council and other local officials between songs. CHENYAO LIU PHOTO

This photo was originally published online on Dec. 10, 2020