Reflecting on a Remarkable Year in Carmel: A 2024 Retrospective
As 2024 has drawn to a close, the Carmel Monthly team takes this opportunity to reflect on an extraordinary year filled with captivating stories, inspiring individuals and memorable moments that showcased the vibrant culture and community spirit of Carmel. From exclusive interviews with world-renowned artists to celebrating community milestones, our coverage this year has highlighted what makes Carmel a truly exceptional place to live, work and play.
Cover Story Writer // Janelle Morrison
Experience a New Perspective on Eye Care at
ALTERNATE VIEW
Photography // Provided by Alternate View
Just opened in Carmel City Center, Alternate View invites you to discover a transformative vision and aesthetics experience brought to you by Mollie Tavel Kaback. This isn’t your ordinary optometry practice—it’s a place where vision, vitality and sophistication converge to redefine how you see and feel.
EXPERIENCE IN FOCUS
At Alternate View, we believe that eye care should transcend the basics of vision correction. Our practice seamlessly blends state-of-the-art optical services, curated eyewear collections and rejuvenating eye and facial aesthetic treatments. It’s an experience designed to not only help you see better but feel better, too.
“I’m very excited for this new line of business, this new experience for Carmel,” owner Mollie Tavel Kaback expressed. “Alternate View was intentionally curated for adults. The entirety of the experience, from the brand colors to the services offered to the entirely digital experience, [is] all designed for the Millennial and Gen X. There’s not an experience that exists that feels
enjoyable and not heavy on the medical side that meets the demands of these consumers. And the question that I asked is why? This particular market has already demonstrated with prior providers [that] they want fashion-focused entities, they want choice, they want luxury, etc. So, taking all of those— the research that we did over the course of a year—we created the ultimate eye care and self-care experience.”
When you step into Alternate View, you’re entering an environment crafted with attention to detail and personalized care. We offer more than just eye exams—we provide a holistic approach to vision health that integrates modern treatments and luxurious self-care offerings. Our mission is to create an experience that celebrates your individuality while addressing your unique needs.
VISION, VITALITY AND SOPHISTICATION
Our services are tailored to adults seeking comprehensive and upscale eye care. With the latest technology and a passion for excellence, we provide advanced solutions to enhance your vision and overall well-being. From cutting-edge eyewear to revitalizing treatments, we ensure you receive unparalleled care and attention.
Kaback shared, “When it comes to eyewear, everything we provide from a fitting perspective is bespoke. We create truly custom eyewear for you, in any size. We’ll design the frames, work with you to visualize the perfect fit and help determine the right size, colors and characteristics to match your style and needs.”
TAILORED VISION SOLUTIONS
Alternate View leverages state-of-theart diagnostic tools to provide the highest level of precision in eye exams and vision correction. Whether you require prescription lenses, contact fittings or specialized care, we offer customized solutions designed to keep your sight at its best.
Our curated eyewear collections feature hand-selected frames that blend style with functionality, ensuring you leave with eyewear that complements your unique aesthetic and enhances your confidence.
“I wanted to make an experience that really moves us from the medical to the fun, enjoyable, luxurious, retail, experiential portion,” Kaback stated. “This is an experience that’s meant to be fun, that’s meant to be curated for you and that is meant to move eyewear out of a solely medical box and get people to reposition it in their minds as a self-care experience. Our tagline for Alternate View is where ‘eye care meets self-care,’ and the rest of the services and the experience itself is designed with self-care in mind.”
Kaback added, “If we are specifically talking about eyewear, everything that we provide from a fitting perspective is bespoke. We will create custom eyewear for you—in any size. We will design custom eyewear, work with you and help you visualize it to determine the right size, the appropriate colors and characteristics. Similarly, we are doing custom progressive lenses using a virtual reality
technology that looks at your specific gaze dynamics and how you use your eyes for various tasks.”
INNOVATIVE DRY EYE SERVICES
Dry eye discomfort can significantly impact daily life. At Alternate View, we address this issue head-on with cutting-edge treatments that target the root cause of dry eye symptoms. Our advanced therapies, including Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), offer long-term relief and promote healthier eyes. You can relax knowing that lasting comfort is within reach.
FACIAL AESTHETICS AND REJUVENATION
We believe that self-care should encompass every aspect of how you present yourself to the world. Our luxurious facial treatments go beyond skin-deep to revitalize and rejuvenate. Experience transformative services like IPL, Radio Frequency and RF Microneedling to address fine lines, uneven skin texture, redness and scarring. These treatments are designed to help you put your best face forward, boosting both confidence and well-being.
MORE THAN JUST AN OPTICAL RETAILER
Alternate View isn’t just a place to purchase glasses—it’s a destination for comprehensive self-care. Our team is dedicated to enhancing your quality of life by offering services that embrace your individuality and elevate your daily experience.
We’re here to ensure that every visit feels like a step towards greater confi-
dence, better vision and improved vitality. From the moment you walk through our doors, our goal is to provide exceptional service in a welcoming and refined environment.
“It takes about five days to get products from Miami, Florida to us, and another three days to receive the lenses,” Kaback said. “All our frames are assembled with Italian parts and global components, manufactured in the U.S. and custom-built just for you. We’ve intentionally selected high-quality products across the board, from services to dry eye products, and especially in our frames.”
“Every line we carry reflects the individuality of our clients, their fashion choices and the story they want to tell,” Kaback continued. “If you’re invested in sustainability, we have lines that are entirely or mostly sustainable. If heritage brands appeal to you, we carry a Japanese line that has been around for over 105 years. Each pair is handmade through a 200-step process. For clients who love bold, vibrant designs, we offer lightweight and colorful frames. We also carry British historical lines and American Optical, the oldest eyewear manufacturer in the U.S. Every line we’ve selected tells a story that clients can connect with.”
“That’s part of the experience—helping people find eyewear that aligns with their personal style,” Kaback concluded. “And while you’re enjoying the experience, we have a beer and wine license. You can sit back, enjoy a beverage and have fun during your personal fashion show.”
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR VISIT
At Alternate View, we’re committed to providing a seamless and modern experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind before your appointment:
• CASHLESS TRANSACTIONS: We are a fully cashless practice. We accept credit and debit cards, HSA and FSA cards, Care Credit and Sunbit for your convenience.
• ACCEPTED VISION INSURANCE: We partner with major vision insurance plans, including VSP, Eyemed, Spectera and Davis/Versant.
• ADULT-EXCLUSIVE CARE: Our services are tailored exclusively to adult eye care. We do not offer pediatric services or products.
READY TO ELEVATE YOUR EYE CARE EXPERIENCE?
Step into Alternate View at Carmel City Center and experience the future of eye care.
Alternate View is more than a destination for eye care—it’s a new way of experiencing vision and vitality. Whether you’re seeking advanced dry eye treatments, luxurious facial aesthetics or simply the perfect pair of frames, we’re here to provide exceptional care with a personal touch.
Book your appointment today and start your journey to personalized, luxurious self-care at alternateview.com. Your vision—and style—deserve it!
DUELING PIANOS | Live Jukebox Experience
SUMMER
BECAUSE OF YOU: TONY BENNETT TRIBUTE | Presented by Don Farrell
PRINCESS TEA | Magical Luncheon with Fairy Tales Brought to Life
Heywood Banks
Brings His Unique Brand of Comedy to Feinstein’s
January 24 and 25, 2025 - Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael
DOORS OPEN at 5:30 p.m. and SHOW STARTS at 7:30 p.m. • $25 food and beverage minimum per guest
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of Feinstein’s
Prepare for an unforgettable evening of laughter, music and sharp-witted humor as Heywood Banks takes the stage at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael. A true original, Banks defies easy categorization—his distinctive style blends comedy, music and poetry into a performance unlike any other. Part genius, part lovable goofball, this songwriter-comedian-poet-musician has earned cult status and pop icon recognition, captivating audiences from all walks of life.
Whether you’re a college student, business executive, punk rocker or even someone’s grandmother, Heywood’s show has something for you. His offbeat yet insightful takes on life are woven into bizarre, inventive songs that span genres from folk and country to rock, pop and beyond.
Banks’ humor operates on multiple levels—sharp enough to entertain those with a keen sense of pop culture, yet accessible to anyone who appreciates spot-on vocal impersonations, exceptional musicianship and a touch of silliness. Don’t miss the
chance to experience Heywood Banks live, where the unexpected is part of the fun. Purchase your tickets to one or both of these shows at feinsteinshc.com.
Janelle Morrison: I’m the oldest of five, and the “Revenge” song was a personal favorite [laughs]. Many of us who grew up listening to “The Bob & Tom Show” lived for your episodes, and we laughed with you at the mundane or the inane! Haywood Banks: I have the Walmart philosophy of comedy and am just trying to go where nobody’s gone before. Nobody’s going to write a song about toast or
whatever [laughs]. There’s so many blocks and barriers that people put up, and they cross their arms across their chest and say, “OK—make me laugh.” But afterwards, I have so many people come up and say that they haven’t laughed like that in the longest time. It’s really a sad thing to hear. People need that catharsis… that’s part of longevity, laughing a couple of times a day. I don’t know, maybe it opens you up to the universe or something, but it certainly lightens your load if you can laugh at stuff and at yourself even when there’s so much that’s not funny going on around you.
JM: Which came first, your passion for comedy or music?
HB: I’ve always been obnoxious [laughs]. It starts off being [obnoxious], and then you have to have a channel for that. You’re born with a clean slate, and like everybody else, I didn’t read the term[s] and conditions… I just said, “Agree,” and then I was like, “Oh, crap!”
You go down the list: are you athletic? Nope. Are you good at school? Nope. Are you good-looking? Nope. And my world oyster was clamming up! But the one thing I had was being funny. When I started out, the first songs I wrote were kind of humorous, and a friend of my parents gave me “An Evening Wasted with Tom Lehrer” with songs like “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park” and “The Irish Ballad,” and the whole concept of music with subversive lyrics came from that—along with a number of songs that seem to have pretty lyrics until you realize what you’re actually singing and then people move away from you on the bus [laughs].
JM: Who were some of your early muses?
HB: I love The Smothers Brothers. Tommy [Smothers] was just a genius. Victor Borge was a Danish [classical] pianist and was huge in the ’60s and early ’70s. He had this whole thing where he would read a story and all the punctuation marks had sound effects. He was truly one of the funniest people I’ve ever seen.
JM: How did appearing on “The Bob & Tom Show” impact your career?
HB: Tom Griswald was the major turning point in my career. His incredible support helped so many people, myself included, get a leg up from being on “The Bob & Tom Show” because so many people were listening to the radio then.
JM: Has the onset of social media helped or hindered comedians such as yourself?
HB: Last December [2023], my daughter Molly got me on TikTok, and I posted
“Toast.” In a matter of four months, I got 82,000 people following me. A ton of them said that they had downloaded “Toast” off of LimeWire onto a mixed tape back in the day and played it on the school bus on the way to junior high.
JM: That takes me back [laughs].
HB: Yeah, back then, that’s how it was done. “Oh, I love your song, so I stole it, and we used to scream “TOAST” down the hall in junior high!” [Laughs]
JM: What can your audiences expect while attending either or both of your shows at Feinstein’s in Carmel?
HB: I really have no idea [laughs]. It’s going to be me performing my songs, and I’ll put out a list of my jokes, and because I have to listen to them, too, I try to mix it up a little bit!
CENTER PRESENTS:
PETER SAGAL: HOST OF NPR’S “WAIT WAIT ... DON’T TELL ME!”
THE PALLADIUM // FRIDAY, FEB. 7, 8 P.M. ET
For over two decades, Peter Sagal has hosted NPR’s “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!,” the topical comedy quiz show heard by millions each week. In this talk, “Front Row at the Sideshow: What I’ve Learned in 25 Years of Hosting America’s Most Beloved News Quiz,” he boils his experience down to important findings, such as what NPR listeners love most, the difference between Republicans and Democrats, why sex makes us crazy, why we’re so susceptible to cultish thinking and the human flaw underlying all our troubles: the inability to admit we’ve been fooled.
Janelle Morrison: Thank you for including Carmel, Indiana, on your tour! What can the audience expect from an evening with you at the Palladium?
Peter Sagal: Let me put it in this way: as you certainly know and your readers might know, I’ve been the host of “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me” for 27 years… January 3 is the anniversary of the first broadcast, and if you think about it, who has a better insight into the common experience of humanity?
Someone like [Carmel-native] Steve Inskeep, my colleague at
NPR, might interview someone like Tony [Antony] Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State—this incredibly accomplished guy who speaks four languages, plays rock’n’roll and travels the world dealing with the most difficult concepts, or the guy who just recently was arrested trying to smuggle 100 snakes through airport security. You talk about Blinken, you get a certain idea about people, and when you talk about the other guy, who’s closest to what the real human experience is like, [I’d] argue that’s me. So, [what]
I’m going to attempt to do for people in Carmel on February 7 is boil down all that I’ve learned by covering the stupid, the inane, the jealous, the greedy, the impulsive—all the people who end up on our show—and boil it down into what I’ve learned and what there is to share, because I think there’s something to share.
I’ll tell stories about people I’ve covered, ranging from various presidents and politicians to people who smuggle animals through airports, while relating stories to my own personal
Don’t miss an evening with Peter Sagal. Get your tickets at thecenterpresents.org!
journey. I think people will come away knowing everything they need to know about life and will never be under any illusions ever again, about anything [laughs].
JM: Prior to hosting “Wait Wait…,” you were writing screenplays. How did you go from a screenwriter to a 27-year host of a popular comedy quiz show?
PS: Pure dumb luck. I’m genuinely embarrassed because I meet very talented young people all the time, and sometimes they’ll ask me how
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of the Center
do they get a job like mine or how should they pursue their own dreams doing this, that or the other, and I tell them that they should follow my path in doing something entirely different, and then one day, the phone will ring and offer them a job that they completely don’t deserve. I’m afraid that may not work for them, but that’s all I’ve got.
I was hired, along with a bunch of other people, to be a panelist.
JM: You’ve said that the show wasn’t “very good” in the beginning. What changed?
PS: I was asked if I’d like to host the show after the show underwent some emergency surgery. My wife at the time [now divorced] and I were expecting our first child, and she didn’t really want to live
in New York as she was a Midwestern girl from Minnesota, and we had agreed that we would move out of New York to somewhere by our first child’s first birthday. We had no idea where that was going to be, then this job opportunity came up and we moved to Chicago. Looking back, I thought it [would] be something that I’d do for a year or two, maybe three depending on how much I had, and my writing career would continue, and then I’d move on. But that’s not what happened. Instead, 27 years later, I’m here talking to you about it.
JM: From where you sit, looking at the state of the world today, when you hear comments that radio is dead, among other traditional media formats, how important is it that you and colleagues continue to engage NPR audiences with variety?
PS: We are kind of a dinosaur… more of a woolly mammoth. Our extinction is going on, but it’s not quite complete. I think we were lucky enough to have established ourselves early on and not just as a “brand” or “content” or whatever the kids call it these days. It’s kind of a weekly institution. I think we’ve built up a lot of affection in our audience for us.
The other thing that helps us, and this is all me speculating, is we’re on NPR, which people have a lot of loyalty to, but we’re not like NPR. People feel an obligation to get serious, accurate information about the world, and we come along for an hour on the weekend as part of NPR, and we show up making fart jokes, we’re rude to people who are better than us and I actually get to say things on the radio
that most people are reduced to shouting at the radio, so that’s fun, right? We’re not a satirical thought leader, and we’re not picking sides—we’re giving people a break. We pride ourselves on being, for the most part, nonpartisan since 90% of our show doesn’t touch on politics. What little [politics] we do is, shall we say, more on personal foils than world-shaking policy.
I’ve always thought of the show as a place, a destination for entertainment that can be enjoyed by everybody. For many years, we’ve heard from conservatives who say they don’t like NPR but love our show because it’s funny. Karl Rove told me that once—no kidding! I don’t know how I feel about that, but it’s true [laughs]. We’re a nice place to take a break from the constant partisan broil that I think is making us all a little crazy.
James Beard-Honored
Chef Sal Fernandez
Elevates Tre on Main in Carmel
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick
Sal Fernandez, recognized by the James Beard Foundation, contributes to a recipe for success as the executive chef at Tre on Main in Carmel. After departing from Bridges Craft Pizza & Wine Bar in Greencastle last year, Fernandez infuses the upscale Italian dining spot with his culinary expertise, artistic flair and fresh perspective.
A CALLING THAT LED TO CULINARY EXCELLENCE
Chef Sal, a Napa Valley native and first-generation Salvadoran American, feels incredibly fortunate to have found his way to Carmel, where he’s leading Tre to a culinary revolution. Chef Sal shared, “I feel fortunate to have met Chris [Evans] and to be able to lead Tre to what I truly know is going to be a restaurant that raises the culinary standard in the Midwest, and I have no doubts about that.”
Chef Sal’s journey into the culinary
world began at a young age. Raised in Napa Valley, his love for food ignited when he first tasted prosciutto and high-quality salami while working as a dishwasher at a local pizza parlor. Chef Sal recalled, “It just opened up my eyes to these different flavors, and I was hooked from that point on.”
After working his way up from line cook to various other roles, Chef Sal’s dreams took him beyond the kitchen to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Facing financial barriers, he found an
unconventional solution. “I called a recruiter. Within a week, I had signed my Air Force papers.”
Chef Sal spent ten years in the military, including stints in special forces and sniper school, before ultimately fulfilling his dream of attending the CIA in Napa Valley. His path was anything but ordinary, but it was precisely this unique journey that shaped his approach to cooking.
THE KEY INGREDIENT
Fernandez’s inaugural menu at Tre on Main signaled a shift in the restaurant’s culinary direction. A semifinalist for Best Chef in the Great Lakes category at the 2024 James Beard Awards, Fernandez stands among a select group of Indiana chefs to achieve such recognition since 2008.
Initially planning to relocate from Indiana by mid-October after his departure from Bridges, Fernandez’s course changed when Tre on Main owner Chris Evans reached out. Impressed by Fernandez’s talent, Evans moved quickly to bring him on board.
“Passion was the missing ingredient that we didn’t have [in the kitchen],” Evans stated. “We’re located in one of the best corners of the state, with one of the best directors of operations, Francesco [Settanni]. But we didn’t have that final piece. Chef Sal is arguably one of the best chefs in the state, and I’ve been trying to get him on board for a year. It wasn’t the right time before, but now it’s all come together.”
Evans continued, “Everything is 100% made in-house, and we’re finally hitting our groove. Chef Sal’s food is just magical. We’re connecting with people on every level—from the design of the atmosphere to the wine list, hospitality, lighting, music, bar, and of course, the food. Chef Sal’s food speaks for itself. We’re really excited to have him on board, and with his December launch and the introduction of tasting menus, we know we’re on the right path.”
a shoe in fashion or the way you would compose a painting in art.”
This shift has been especially apparent in his partnership with Evans, where their shared vision of building art through food and leadership has come to life. With this fusion of passion and expertise, Chef Sal is bringing a new level of culinary magic to Carmel.
Chef Sal’s new menu draws inspiration from his travels, incorporating international flavors and techniques. Chef Sal is no longer just following recipes—he’s creating them with passion. He is also fostering a more collaborative kitchen environment.
His culinary artistry now merges creativity and technique, much like crafting a work of art or designing couture clothing.
“Everybody’s invested now; we just play with textures, flavors and plating,” Chef Sal emphasized. “It’s just much more personal. We are designing dishes together, the way you would design
Chef Sal is arguably one of the best chefs in the state, and I’ve been trying to get him on board for a year. It wasn’t the right time before, but now it’s all come together.”
Located in the heart of Carmel’s Main Street, Tre on Main has quickly become a standout dining destination in central Indiana. Chef Sal’s innovative menu blends local, seasonal ingredients with bold flavors, showcasing his artistry and passion for food. The tasting menu, introduced in December, offers a series of imaginative dishes that are both complex and balanced.
Standouts include the seared scallops, which offer a perfect contrast of textures and flavors, and the braised short ribs, a rich, melt-in-your-mouth dish. The carefully curated wine list complements the menu, with Director of Operations Francesco Settanni providing expert recommendations. The atmosphere at Tre on Main is warm and welcoming, reflecting Chef Sal’s passion for hospitality. Whether dining alone or celebrating, the experience is personal
Settanni shared his thoughts on the impact Chef Sal has had since joining the
“We were excited about Chef Sal joining the team,” Settanni expressed. “It’s like putting together a puzzle. When you think of a restaurant, you consider the food, the service, the hospitality, the design and the art—these are the ingredients that make up the recipe of human connection. People go to restaurants for a reason. Sometimes it’s to celebrate, and other times it’s to mourn, but always there’s a desire to connect. It’s easy to stay home and cook, but the magic of human connection happens when it’s done with passion.
“The piece of the puzzle that was missing in our kitchen was that passion,” Settanni continued. “Now with Chef Sal, the puzzle is complete. Whether you’re dining alone, celebrating or just looking to get out of the house, it’s our job to make you feel seen, welcome and like you belong. I’m fortunate to work with people in the front of the house who truly care about hospitality and providing exceptional service. It’s about making people feel valued. Of course, the food needs to be good, but the food, the service and the atmosphere—in this case, the art—are all essential ingredients to the experience we offer our guests.”
Life is more than just the hours on a clock—it’s about how we spend that time and the experiences we create. Evans and his team are dedicated to making every moment at Tre on Main memorable, delivering unforgettable hospitality and exceptional culinary experiences. Tre on Main is located at 10 E. Main St., Carmel. For reservations and more information, visit treonmain.com or call 317-669-6580.
Reflecting on a Remarkable Year in Carmel:
A 2024 RETROSPECTIVE
As we look forward into 2025, the Carmel Monthly team takes this opportunity to reflect on an extraordinary year filled with captivating stories, inspiring individuals and memorable moments that showcased the vibrant culture and community spirit of Carmel. From exclusive interviews with world-renowned artists to celebrating community milestones, our coverage this year has highlighted what makes Carmel a truly exceptional place to live, work and play.
A STAGE FOR WORLD-CLASS TALENT
Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro offered readers a glimpse into their creative journeys and the passion they bring to their craft. Each performance captivated audiences, cementing Carmel’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class entertainment.
COMMUNITY THEATER AT ITS BEST
The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts set the stage for an impressive lineup of musical legends and performers this year. Our interviews with headliners such as Bruce Hornsby, Boney James, Matteo Bocelli, Dave Koz, Jon McLaughlin and the dynamic duo of
and Juliet” and “White Christmas.” These performances not only entertained but also inspired, demonstrating the incredible talent within our local community. We celebrated the directors, actors and behind-the-scenes teams who brought these productions to life, enriching Carmel’s cultural landscape.
A CULINARY ADDITION TO MAIN STREET
This year saw the grand opening of Tre on Main, a new culinary gem owned and operated by Chris Evans, which has quickly become a favorite dining spot for residents and visitors alike. With its innovative menu and welcoming ambiance, Tre on Main adds a fresh dimension to Carmel’s thriving food scene. Our features on the restaurant highlighted its journey from concept to reality, and the vision of its talented James Beard-honored chef, Sal Fernandez.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
Civic Theatre productions brought Broadway-caliber magic to our doorstep with standout shows like “Kinky Boots,” “Anastasia,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Romeo
mel Police Chief Drake Sterling and Fire Department Chief Joel Thacker signaled new chapters for public safety leadership, ensuring continued excellence in serving and protecting our city.
A CELEBRATION OF
to benefit the Carmel Clay Public Library. This milestone event underscored the importance of supporting literacy and lifelong learning. In the realm of visual arts, we concluded our extensive coverage
of Arlon Bayliss’s Classic Cars of Indiana sculpture series, a stunning tribute to automotive design and Indiana’s heritage, created in partnership with bo-mar Industries. These public art installations along the 96th Street corridor in Carmel sparked conversation and admiration throughout the year.
SIGNATURE EVENTS AND
of Artomobilia once again dazzled car enthusiasts with its stunning showcase of classic and exotic vehicles, celebrating the intersection of art and engineering. This beloved event brought thousands together to revel in automotive excellence and community camaraderie.
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
development initiatives to community engagement. Her vision and dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Carmel have been a constant source of inspiration and progress.
nity with his remarkable Olympic experience and his selection as head coach for a prestigious opportunity in Budapest. Our coverage delved into his journey, the dedication that shaped his career and the inspiration he brings to young athletes. His accomplishments this year reflect Carmel’s legacy of excellence in sports and the global impact of its leaders.
A YEAR OF GROWTH AND PRIDE
From government initiatives and advocacy support to community-driven events and individual achievements, Carmel Monthly captured the stories that define the city’s spirit and strength. These cover stories celebrated the progress, unity and compassion that continue to drive Carmel forward.
For more details on these stories, visit carmelmonthlymagazine.com.
As we close this chapter, we’re filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share these stories and celebrate the people and events that define Carmel and will carry it to another year of growth, creativity and connection in 2025. Thank you for joining us on this journey—we can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Kevin Wright, one of Indiana’s most accomplished high school football coaches, was officially announced as Carmel High School’s new head coach last month. Wright steps into the role previously held by his former assistant, John Hebert, who resigned last month after a successful ten-year tenure.
We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Wright about his coaching journey and his vision for the Greyhounds as they head into the upcoming season.
BUILDING UPON A LEGACY OF SUCCESS
Under Hebert’s leadership, Carmel secured two Class 6A state championships in 2016 and 2019. This coaching shift marks a homecoming for Wright, who originally led the Greyhounds from 2010 to 2014, guiding the team to a Class 5A state title in 2011 and consecutive state
runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2014. His efforts resulted in an impressive 54-11 overall record before he departed for IMG Academy, a rising national powerhouse in Florida.
At IMG Academy, Wright played a pivotal role in building the fledgling program into a national juggernaut, amassing a 44-2 record and securing five consecutive top-10 national rankings. After his tenure at IMG, Wright transitioned to collegiate coaching, serving as the tight ends coach at Indiana University from 2020 to 2023 under Tom Allen. Most recently, he returned to his roots, assisting his father,
Bud Wright, Indiana’s all-time winningest high school football coach, as associate head coach at Sheridan High School. Wright’s decorated career includes leading Warren Central to three consecutive state championships from 2003 to 2005, further cementing his legacy in Indiana high school football.
Inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2022, Wright brings a career record of 229-65, including four IHSAA state titles, back to Carmel. His return signals a new chapter for the Greyhounds, one rich with championship pedigree and deep local ties.
A PERIOD OF PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL EVOLUTION
Wright grew up in Sheridan with four siblings. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two kids—a 22-year-old daughter, who’s working at the Simon Cancer Research Center downtown after graduating from IU, and a 19-year-old son, who’s currently a freshman at IU. Wright expressed that he is happy to be back in the area, having moved to Carmel in late July of 2024. His wife took a job as an administrator in Westfield schools, bringing them closer to home.
“We decided where we are in life, we wanted to be centrally located back by family, and we took a leap of faith and moved back to Hamilton County,” Wright shared. “There’s very few places like it in the country from an overall quality of living standpoint and what it has to offer.”
When asked what the main takeaways were from IMG, Wright said, “It was an opportunity to build something that had not been built like that before. Over five years, we went from 60-plus players to over 180. I learned the business of athletics on a different level [at IMG]. It was a tremendous opportunity and a huge learning experience. I think the biggest takeaway was the development of the total athlete, which I have always believed in. As a parent, having the experience of exposing my kids to a multicultural environment and people from all around the world… it was very inclusive. I was in the right place at the right time and am very fortunate to have that opportunity to have gone there.”
Wright continued, “I was blessed and really enjoyed the time in Bloomington, who obviously [had] an unbelievable year this year, and it was fun to watch. I think that time gave me the opportunity to coach at the highest level of college football and to be around some incredible minds to study the game from. My time there really evolved my football IQ and helped me continue to grow. It was an unexpected turn of events that I ended up back in Sheridan, and it was definitely a unique opportunity to work with [my dad] and to reconnect with the community. We ended up winning the sectional, which was special, and I can look back and say that was pretty awesome that particular door opened.”
A RETURN TO THE GREYHOUNDS’ SIDELINE
“It’s a little bit of coming full circle,” Wright said. “When people ask what the community can expect, they can expect us to take full advantage of this opportunity to reset and refocus. I understand that this is the most competitive era of high school football, especially in central Indiana, that Carmel [football] has ever experienced. No longer can we just show
up and win, and there’s really no game on the calendar that’s an assumed ‘W.’” Wright added, “We’ve got to be prepared every single week and reset the mindset of everyone so that we understand that to be successful, we’re going to have to get back to doing what made Carmel successful—we have to work hard, be accountable and care about each other. We have to be accountable in every phase of what we’re doing, whether it’s on the football field, in the classroom or the weight room. We have to be accountable to each other, and have to be strong physically and mentally. We have to make sure that [we] care more about the guy next to us than we do our own individual stats and who’s recruiting me. I used the phrase, ‘We can’t be a program that is OK with losing because if you’re OK with losing, that’s what you’re going to get.’ You’re hard-pressed to look at any entity at Carmel High School that doesn’t have extremely high expectations, standards and goals, and that’s our goal going forward—to keep on keeping on.”
New Indiana RequirementsDiploma Carmel High School Prepares for
Last December, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) unanimously approved a new high school diploma rule aimed at maximizing the value of students’ four-year experience. This decision follows over a year of stakeholder feedback and statewide collaboration. Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner highlighted the importance of incorporating public input, emphasizing that the new diploma increases flexibility, allowing students to personalize their education and gain work-based learning opportunities and valuable credentials.
LAUNCHING COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS
The diploma rule was shaped through extensive public engagement, with more than 8,000 comments during the first draft and 1,300 during the second.
The final diploma maintains the structure introduced in August 2024, providing a base diploma with the option to earn readiness seals in areas like enrollment, employment and enlistment. These seals, developed in collaboration with higher
education institutions, businesses and the military, offer students a pathway to success while enabling them to adjust their goals throughout high school. Implementation resources, including course lists, work-based learning guides
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick and submitted
and credential opportunities, will be developed through 2025. The new diploma requirements will take effect for the class of 2029, with schools able to opt in by the 2025-2026 school year. As the process moves forward, SBOE and IDOE continue to seek feedback from educators and parents to ensure smooth implementation and provide necessary support.
I spoke with Carmel Clay Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amy Dudley and Carmel High School Principal Dr. Tim Phares to discuss the impact of the IDOE’s final approved draft on the district. Dudley and Phares emphasized the district’s commitment to preserving its well-established coursework rigor and ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for life after graduation.
“Students now need to earn 42 credits—up from the current 40—with this new diploma,” Dudley explained. “There are some additional required courses. One is ‘Preparing for College and Careers,’ which we will be offering in middle
school—for high school credit—to our students. We already offer the now-required courses ‘Computer Foundations’ [middle school course] and ‘Personal Finance’ [high school course].
Phares continued, “The unique thing with this [new diploma rule] is it begins with the graduating class of 2029, so for the next three years, we will be running with two different graduation requirements. The timeline of implementation is very quick. We are preparing our current eighth graders to start their course selections with these new requirements. The message that I’d like to get out to our families and community is Carmel High School is maintaining the same rigorous curriculum that we have always offered.”
Dudley added, “We want our kids to be able to explore not only what they think [they] might be interested in but also [have] those opportunities to do multiple explorations and [have] the room in their schedule to make that happen. I think the ‘Preparing for College and Careers’ [course] will especially be an opportunity that will allow our students to really define what their interests are in a more intentional way, and I think that is one of the positive things we can take away from this [new diploma rule].”
THE IMPACT ON ACADEMIC HONORS AND AP COURSES
Phares addressed concerns about the status of AP courses and exams under the IDOE’s new diploma rule, emphasizing that AP classes remain a critical component of the high school curriculum. The updated diploma requirements are designed to provide greater flexibility, but AP courses continue to serve as a valuable option for students seeking academic rigor and college credit. Phares and Dudley highlighted that the district is working to ensure AP offerings align
with the new readiness seals, giving students opportunities to showcase advanced coursework as part of their graduation pathway.
“When you look at the Enrollment Honors and Honors Plus seals, they are comparable to the academic honors diplomas,” Phares stated. “We already offer several AP exams and corresponding exams, so these are things that our students are already doing—we’re just shifting a little bit for the new honors and honors-plus requirements. We’re increasing the number of tests that are being given for AP, and we’re still increasing the number of students that are passing at a 3, 4 and 5, which is over 92%.”
Phares continued, “The universities and colleges that we’ve spoken with have made their statements that they are not lowering, lessening or increasing their standards [for admissions] and will continue reviewing a student’s transcripts, so again, we will maintain our rigor and will not be lessening any expectations on our end. Regardless of the pathway, whichever the three it is [enrollment, employment or enlistment], our students will leave Carmel Clay Schools prepared for what will come next.”
