9.25 Best of September Issue by HiLite News

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSMAGAZINE VOL. 85, NO. 2 BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

ESSENTIAL

HIL TE

With return to school, staff works overtime to balance curriculum, health PAGE 16 | ANIKET BISWAL, ARCHIT KALRA

TABLE OF CONTENTS JUST A MINUTE

FEATURE

COVER

4 POSTAL PREDICAMENT

10 A HEALTH-ING HAND

16 ABOVE & BEYOND

See the history, inner workings of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite government agency

Students motivated to go into healthcare industry despite pandemic

Return to school causes increasing workload, stress for staff, students

NEWS 6 NEWS BRIEFS

12 LIVING ON THE SCREEN

STUDENT SECTION

7 NEW BEGINNINGS

14 RISE AND SHINE, SIBS!

8 ON THE MOVE

Later school start times uncover new ways of taking care of younger siblings

Carmel Clay Public Library temporarily moves locations, begins renovations

9 (SSRT) HALL

15 HUMANS OF CHS

ENTERTAINMENT 22 NEW DYNAMICS

COVID-19 introduces novel changes to performing arts department

24 KEEP CALM AND DANCE 25 SEEING YOURSELF

BACK IN THE GAME Students gather on Aug. 28 to watch the first home game for the Carmel Greyhounds against Cathedral. Even with the 250 spectator limit, the fans were able to create energy and noise for the Hounds. See page 26 for full story LUKE MILLER PHOTO

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 September 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

Front/TOC/JAM News

26 FEW AND FAR BETWEEN

33 REPRESENTASIAN

New regulations for spectators at games bring mixed reactions

Entertainment industry should demonstrate more accurate Asian representation

28 CHALLENGING ROUTES

PERSPECTIVES 30 PATH TO DIVERSITY 31 A DIVIDED FRONT

15 MINUTES 34 ORDER IN THE COURT

Aniket Biswal Daniel Kim

Perspectives Sowmya Chundi Leah Tan

15 Minutes Litebox Ray Mo

Web

Sam Hawkins Sarah Zheng

Jim Streisel

Ads Team

Maddie Kosc

32 FOR CRYING OUT LOUD

Sports

Cady Armstrong Christian Ledbetter

Feature

SPORTS

Entertainment

Student Section

Christian Ledbetter

Adviser

Principal

Thomas Harmas

Superintendent Michael Beresford

Emily Sandy

@hilitenews

Junior Faith Austin reflects on involvement in law, politics; internship at law firm

Responding to the HiLite: Letters to the editor will be accepted for the Sept. 21 issue no later than Oct. 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 studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SRT 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. CALINA HE FRONT COVER PHOTO

JUST A MINUTE

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

This graphic was originally published online on Sept. 25, 2020

POSTAL PREDICAMENT With United States Postal Service’s ongoing turmoil, see details of its history, new changes RILEY TERBUSH GRAPHIC

NPR, UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, WALL STREET JOURNAL SOURCES

THE USPS The United States Postal Service is the default mail service in the US that exclusively delivers stamped mail. Currently, the postal service is in financial decline, and it is facing big changes under new leadership right as an influx of mail-in ballots is on the way.

HISTORY OF THE USPS See evolution of the United States Postal Service from a federal agency into a business-like entity

The logo seen on postal trucks comes from the postal service’s eagle logo, which was adopted in 1970.

NEW TERMS Must deliver mail to every address in the country Needs permission to change prices, offer new services or close a post office Must deliver mail six days a week

The USPS is overwhelmed with mail and, as federal employees, workers are unable to strike in protest of low wages.

1960s

Despite federal employment policy, USPS workers go on strike.

1970

In response to the postal workers’ protests, President Nixon passes the Postal Reorganization Act, giving the workers raises and the right to collective bargaining, making the post office a business-like entity.

1970

HILITE.ORG

REORGANIZATION Learn about new operating units DeJoy created

NEW OPERATING UNITS

BY THE NUMBERS

125

RETAIL AND DELIVERY

sorting machines dismantled in 2018

Goal: to accept and deliver packages Led by Kristin Seaver

186

LOGISTICS AND PROCESSING Goal: to process mail and packages and take them to the delivery units With new head David Williams

machines dismantled in 2019

COMMERCE AND BUSINESS

671

Goal: Leverage infrastructure to enable growth Led by Jacqueline Krage Strako, former executive vice president and chief customer and marketing officer

dismantled in 2020 WALL STREET

NEW CHANGES See how DeJoy’s new policy changes are impacting the postal service, how they might impact mail-in voting DeJoy’s main goal with the postal service is to pull it into financial recovery by moving resources away from letters and toward packages. DeJoy has fired and rearranged many executives in the postal service hierarchy. DeJoy ordered that hundreds of mail sorting machines be dismantled, far more than the usual yearly trend, a measure that has since been halted*. DeJoy cut back overtime*, meaning postal workers cannot work extra hours to deliver mail, and therefore delays are more common.

JOURNAL SOURCE

NEW TERMS

*Judge Victor Marrero ruled that the Postal Service must prioritize all election mail as first-class, and focus on on-time delivery measures for the election. The ruling also demanded the USPS reverse new changes that slow delivery.

Can determine own packaging rates Rate increases for first-class mail cannot exceed inflation Must prepay employees’ retirement health benefits

Congress passes more postal reforms with a requirement to prepay health benefits shared by no other government agency. This policy would cost the already financially unstable postal service $5 billion a year.

2006

The rise of e-mail steals business from the postal service, and first-class mail reaches 103 billion deliveries before setting on a steady downhill trend. The U.S. Government Accountability Office labels the USPS as high-risk. The post office lost $1.7 billion this year.

2001

The postal service stops paying the workers’ health benefit advance. Owing $161 billion dollars in liabilities, they cannot declare bankruptcy, as they are not considered a company in that regard.

2011

President Trump appoints Louis DeJoy as the Postmaster General following the retirement of Megan J. Brennan, the 74th Postmaster General.

2020

NEWS

BEST OF SEPTEMEBER 2020

NEWS BRIEFS News Briefs were originally published online on Sept. 17, 2020

CADY ARMSTRONG BRIEFS

Sept. 18

Key School Events National Events

National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Sept. 26

SAT Testing

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 22

National Voter Registration Day

DID YOU KNOW? The last time Halloween fell on a Saturday was 2015, and 2009 before that. In last 50 years, Halloween has only fallen on a Saturday seven times.

TIME AND DATE SOURCE

Sept. 28 to Oct. 2

Homecoming Week 2020

Oct. 4

National Youth Confidence Day

CYBER-SAFE: Senior Max Chang introduces students to Cyberpatriot Club during the call-out meeting on Sept. 1. Chang said the club focused on cybersecurity as it was becoming a relevant skill in an increasingly online-based society. RAY MO PHOTO

Oct. 10

Oct. 29

Oct. 14

Oct. 31

World Mental Health Day

PSAT (Greyhound Cohort)

PSAT (Carmel Cohort)

Halloween Day 2020

HILITE.ORG

NEW BEGINNINGS Q&A with new associate principal, assistant principal

Q&A

ALLY HORWITZ Q&A, PHOTOS

Associate Principal Karen McDaniel What role did you previously serve at CHS? For the last 13 years at CHS, I worked in student services and in special services, overseeing everything related to the student services aspect, including the health center, attendance, discipline, counseling and then all of the special programming in special services for our students with special needs.

How do your responsibilities as associate principal differ from those of an assistant principal? I’ll oversee all of the different components of school that Dr. Harmas oversees...whenever in the event that he is out of the building for various activities or events... I’ll (also) make sure everything continues to run smoothly here during the day. (Additionally), I will assist with a lot of different leadership roles and responsibilities and work closely with our department chairs to help with their leadership development and anything I can do to help our teachers.

WORKIN’ AWAY: Associate Principal Karen McDaniel works at her computer in her office. According to McDaniel, her new position involves working closely with Principal Tom Harmas.

Q&A What led to your decision to work with CHS students? Assistant Principal Wesley Drew What are some of your past experiences working with students? I’ve been all over including CHS, Clay Middle School and Creekside Middle School. I’ve coached baseball, freshmen football, worked with CHS’s intramural program, led a handful of different clubs and was a department chair over at Creekside. Now I’m back here.

What interested me about this position was that I can work with students and still have those relationships. It sounds cliché because it’s true. (Working with kids) is why we all love doing this job.

What was it like changing from working in the middle schools to now working with high school students? It’s neat at the high school level to see (that) kids are already starting to see their potential in high school, and some of the things that kids do at the high school level are just incredible, from the competitions (students) get involved with, be it academic or athletic, to the achievements they’re able to accomplish and just to see (them) launching off into (their) lives. These Q&As were originally published online on Sept. 15, 2020

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

ON THE MOVE Carmel Clay Public Library begins renovations OLIVIA STOCK STORY CHENYAO LIU PHOTOS

he carmel clay public

Library Main Street location closed on Sept. 6 due to remodeling. The temporary location will open Oct. 1 in the Merchant’s Square Shopping Center. According to Jamie Beckman, young adult department manager, library programs and activities such as Teen Library Council will continue to take place online while the library is closed. Also, the library will extend due dates for check outs. While the library is closed, patrons can return books and pick up items on hold at the library’s West Branch. Beckman said, “We had to make all these changes because of the (COVID-19) situation, changes we might have had to make because of the move, but now people have gotten more used to the way we’re doing it now, so it’s not as big of a disruption.” The temporary location at Merchant’s Square is around 20,000 square feet smaller than the Main Street location. This location will only have one level. Additionally, the library will expand its hours after the move. The new operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“When people walk in, they’ll see more bookshelves because all the bookshelves we have on (both) floors are all going to be together, so it looks like we have more books than you think. But actually it’s the same books in different spots,” Beckman said. Sydney White, Teen Library Council member and freshman, said she looks forward to the completion of renovations but the temporary location is not ideal. White said, “I think it will be more difficult because we won’t have as much space in the separate location, but I think the library will find a way to make it work.” According to Young Adult Librarian Karen Steinberger, the temporary location is more convenient than staying in the Main Street location. Steinberger said via email, “Moving to Merchants’ Square rather than trying to stay in the Main Street location during renovation provides many benefits for the community: safer for patrons and staff, better parking, shorter construction time and lower cost.” Construction is scheduled to be completed in late 2022 and new additions include the construction of a

PACK YOUR BOOKS: The CCPL’s temporary location at the Merchants’ Square shopping center is the area formerly occupied by Marsh Supermarket. The location is only two-and-a-half miles from the Main Library.

parking garage, more room for events, an expanded area for teens and an outdoor area. Additionally, The Digital Media Lab will move to the Main Street library location. “I think it’s going to be really cool,” White said. “Even though it’ll take two years, I’ll still get a year or two of getting to go to the library and I think it’s H going to turn out awesome.” This story was originally published online on Sept. 12, 2020

(BOOKS) AWAY: The CCPL’s heavy-duty carts ship books from the Main Library to the new location. The CCPL plans on moving most of the Kids section, all of the Teens section and a part of the Adults section while the rest of the books are put into storage.

HILITE.ORG

(SSRT) HALL G2 is Student Support Resource Time (SSRT) for 2020-21 year This Q&A was originally published online on Sept. 8, 2020

ZAINAB IDREES Q & A CADY ARMSTRONG PHOTOS

Q&A Assistant Principal Brittany Wiseman What are the new rules about SSRT? The first 30 minutes, you cannot leave your SSRT. Also, you only can have one pass for the hour-long session and are required to stay at that destination. Additionally, if (students) have a pass, (they are) going to sign out electronically.

What if you have multiple teachers you have to go to? Luckily, now, everyone has Canvas. Since all teachers are using that in the same way, you’ll only be able to see one teacher during that SSRT time. I would encourage students to email, message and even Zoom to get assistance from teachers at different times. We really just want that hour to be for one teacher.

Is this change from SRT to SSRT be permanent? Our hope is that SSRT is a success so the change will be permanent. One good part of SSRT is that sophomores and juniors will stay with their current SSRT teachers for the coming years. We hope that if you need help, you (feel) comfortable enough to ask your (SSRT) teacher.

WRITE IT DOWN: Assistant Principal Brittany Wiseman works at her desk. According to Wiseman, the change from SRT to SSRT allows better incorporation of Culture of Care with the first 30 minutes of SSRT being dedicated to activities such as Culture of Care. Wiseman said, “Everyone is so busy, so if you set that time up apart to do those things, students will feel connected.”

SUBTLE SUPPORT

TESSA COLLINSON GRAPHIC

Take a look at the changes from Student Resource Time (SRT) to Student Support Resource Time (SSRT)

CARMEL CLAY SCHOOLS SOURCE

Student Resource Time (SRT) • • • • •

9:20 AM to 11:06 AM Can return to SRT after first session More freedom to move between classrooms Less connections formed with teacher and students Teachers change each year*

*excluding special SSRTs, such as student aids

Student Support Resource Time (SSRT) • • • • •

10:25 to 11:55 AM 15 more minutes to work with a teacher in a session Cannot return to your SSRT room after signing out Stronger focus on community building Teacher remains the same after freshman year*

KEY Gold 2 Period One transition Two transitions Announcements Teachers available for help Time to work on schoolwork Time set aside for counselor meetings, presentations, etc. Must obtain a pass to transition between classrooms

FEATURE

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

A HEALTH-ING HAND Students motivated to go into healthcare industry in wake of COVID-19 RAGHAV SRIRAM STORY

efore the covid-19 pandemic, senior Zoha Aziz had genuine interest in going into the healthcare industry. She was born into a healthcare environment, as both of her parents are healthcare professionals, and said she wanted to follow in their footsteps after taking principles of biomedical science, a Project Lead the Way class, during her freshman year. Aziz has participated in a variety of activities related to healthcare throughout high school. In the summer of her freshman year, she started volunteering at IU North Hospital, and has continued to do so every other summer since. She has also joined clubs, such as Health Occupations Students of America (for which she is president) and Club Med, that allow her to explore the different professions in the medical field.

The pandemic has only fueled Aziz’s motivation to become a neurointerventionalist. “If anything, (the COVID-19 pandemic) has just made me more interested (in going into healthcare), especially in pursuing research as an undergraduate in college,” Aziz said. “There is so much research going on just in the COVID field right now, and it’s crazy because these advancements are happening so fast and so quickly because we are in such a time of need and panic. And it has shown me what we are capable of as humans and has just inspired me even more.” Junior Emily Hu said she agrees. “I’ve always had the goal of helping others because the feeling when I help others is really rewarding and (healthcare) is something I want to do for the rest of my life,” Hu said.

Scan this to read a story about a CHS parent working in the medical field during the COVID-19 pandemic

“The pandemic has not changed my perspective in going into healthcare. I still want to become a doctor—it is something that still hasn’t changed (and not) something I am considering any less.” But as motivated as Hu and Aziz said they are, HOSA sponsor Jennifer Drudge said she has mixed feelings about what could be the effects of the pandemic on students’ aspirations overall. “I think it probably goes both ways. I think there are certainly some kids that are a little bit more nervous about going into healthcare because it’s been a tough road for people in health care right now, both from the people having to work in the front lines and deal with COVID patients and the pandemic itself to people working behind the scenes and who are communicating

JOIN THE CLUB Take a look at the different clubs at CHS related to the medical field Carmel MedLife Meets every other Friday at 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. Instagram: @chsmedlife

CM HEMATOPOIESIS: Senior Zoha Aziz presents the research she conducted with Project STEM over the summer. She said, “I participated in a virtual internship with a research mentor (over the summer)W. And we did that online and we actually looked at some demographics on COVID data and that was really interesting to see.” ZOHA AZIZ SUBMITTED PHOTO

Club Med Meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:45 p.m. HOSA Meets first or second Wednesday of the month. Instagram: @carmelhosa SAM HAWKINS GRAPHIC CHS, CARMEL HOSA SOURCE

HILITE.ORG

NOT ENOUGH DOCTORS

JOSHIKA SATHYAMATHAN GRAPHIC AAMC, CDC SOURCES

Take a look at the projected shortage of practicing physicians in the United States

projected shortfall range of physicians

140,000 120,000

139,000

highest projection

100,000

Reasons for Projected Shortage range

80,000 60,000

lowest projection

40,000

The SUPPLY of physicians is declining as the DEMAND for physicians is growing

54,100

20,000 2018

2021

2027

2024

2030

The increasing range represents the increasing UNCERTAINTY as time progresses.

2033

A large portion of the physician workforce is nearing RETIREMENT age.

year all the data and giving all the guidelines and yet they are getting all of their expertise questioned. “I also think there is that excitement of where I can do something where I can make a difference in this world. So for some kids, I think that this pandemic might be encouraging them in going into healthcare because they really want to solve problems and make the world a better place,” Drudge said. Hu, along with junior Reva Patil, established MedLife, a new club at CHS, this past summer. “What we do is help low-income communities and certain low socioeconomic communities such as Peru and Ecuador,” Hu said. “And we do certain fundraisers like our power hour where we raised $2400 in order to help feed families during this pandemic. So we have soup kitchens set up and we also provide masks.” “Now, more than ever, we need students going into the healthcare industry,” Aziz said. “I know because of my parents, because of classes, and because of research that I’ve done that there is a physician shortage.

Physicians are being overworked and facing long hours. And that just shows that we need more people involved in this field,” she said. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) published an annual report before the COVID-19 pandemic that predicted in 2020 there would be a shortage of between 29,000 and 42,900 doctors. By 2033, when many CHS students will have already chosen their occupations, there could be a shortage of between 54,100 and 139,100 physicians. Drudge said she believes that now, more than ever, teachers should actively encourage students who are passionate in the healthcare industry. “If you are encouraging kids to go into healthcare, you are encour-

DID YOU KNOW? A neurointerventionalist is a doctor who treats neurovascular or spinal conditions, typically through a specific type of minimally invasive surgery. Only 500 are currently active. SPINEUNIVERSE SOURCE

BY THE NUMBERS

11% of U.S. jobs are in healthcare

MILLION Americans work in healthcare

2017

was the year that the healthcare sector surpassed retail to become the United States’ largest employer STATISTA, THE ATLANTIC SOURCES

aging kids to make a difference in their community, in the country, in the state, in the world,” she said. Hu said, “I think (healthcare professionals) are important because there is always going to be that need for help, and with our population rising there will always be a lot of people that are going to be injured, sick or just not feeling well, and we always want to be there to help and help them feel better to make the world a better place.” As for Aziz, she had some final words of advice for students who may feel discouraged about going into the healthcare industry now. “Right now it’s definitely scary. I mean, (COVID-19) has changed everyone’s lives the past couple of months,” she said. “But it’s important that during these unseen circumstances that we as humans just need to keep trying to help people. So if that’s what you sincerely want to do, then I would say, ‘Don’t give up and keep on pursuing that dream into becoming a doctor.’” H This story was originally published online on Sept. 23, 2020

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

LIVING ON THE SCREEN Students, staff find new ways of dealing with excessive use of technology TSION DANIEL STORY

while it’s kind of hard to just look at a computer screen constantly.” Ultimately, these repercussions are becoming more commonplace, especially in school-aged children, according to a 2018 American Optometric Association (AOA) study. This study, which was conducted before the COVID-19 outbreak, found that even in 2018 over 40% of Americans have myopia (nearsightedness) and this percentage is on the rise. Moreover, one in four parents have a myopic child. Erin Odya, advanced human anatomy and physiology teacher, said excessive use of technology has various effects on the human body. “There’s physical (effects), too, like people get the back and neck pain from looking down all the time, arthritis, the eye damage from the blue light, the ear (damage) from listening to music too loud and then (researchers are) starting to see connections with things like heart disease because (people) have a more sedentary lifestyle,” she said.

BY THE NUMBERS

40% of the world’s population has access to technology and uses it

5 BILLION people in the world own a mobile device

5 hours is the average time people spent on phone daily LEFTRONIC SOURCE

While technology has physical effects, it also impacts psychological health. Stephanie Whiteside, mental health coordinator for Carmel Clay Schools, said while technology can benefit students who utilize it to stay connected with friends due to COVID-19, it may also result in negative effects depending on the circumstances. “You may have had some students who, because of the lighting of technology or maybe not having a lot of boundaries with it, maybe were staying up late at night which actually could cause there to be some strain and stress caused from that,” Whiteside said. According to a 2014 Penn State University study, people are more likely not to get sufficient sleep and feel more tired in the morning if they use technology before bedtime. This is because that usage limits the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep cycle. Odya also said technology can result in memory issues.

IT’S USING YOU Check out the increase of smartphone ownership from 2015 to 2019 in children and teens 100

EMILY SANDY GRAPHIC COMMON SENSE MEDIA SOURCE

2015

Percent of ownership

s the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the lives of many,, students have been facing a new reality: a virtual one. This reality is one in which technology has become critical to educational success of students. For senior Jasmine Hsu, due to COVID-19, she will not be able to finish her last year at this school normally and is facing this new virtual reality as she manages college applications, clubs and rigorous AP courses as a virtual student. Because of these changes, technology has become essential to her academic success. “I feel like there’s not that large of an emphasis on textbooks anymore just in this current day and age,” Hsu said. “Everything’s totally online for me, so if I want to do anything I always have to rely on Canvas, rely on iMessage, rely on texting my friends which is all, with socially distancing, there’s no other option than technology. Hsu is not alone in her opinions about the growing importance of technology. A 2020 study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 53% of Americans believe the internet is crucial in the wake of COVID-19. However, Hsu said, there are also unintended consequences of excessive technology usage. “When I’m constantly on my laptop, when I’m constantly on my phone, my head starts to hurt,” Hsu said. Claire Swigart, hybrid student and sophomore, said immoderate technology utilization affects her negatively in other ways. “I don’t really get headaches but I do get eyestraining,” Swigart said. “I think being on technology too much and looking at it too much, it can obviously hurt your eyes and after a

2019

50 25 8

13 14 Age

HILITE.ORG

PUT IT DOWN “There is a direct memory issue where the connections made aren’t as strong and there was actually a study (“Google Effects on Memory: Cognitive Consequences of Having Information at Our Fingertips”) where they had class and if (students) knew where they could get the information online later, they didn’t remember it,” Odya said. “All they remembered was where to find it. Whereas the ones where they didn’t give that information, it was like this is the only time you get it, those students remembered that information so much better. So, because we know it’s there, when information is being presented to us, it’s not making as strong of connections in our brain, and so you start to see students having to do more work and needing more repetitions to get things to stick.” Despite these detrimental effects, there are ways in which people can limit the consequences of excessive utilization of technology. Odya said taking breaks is crucial in the reduction of its impact. “So, the critical things are to just put (technology) down periodically, especially 30 to 60 minutes before bed,” Odya said. “Then, you’ll get better sleep and that feeds in with all of the other problems. It kind of helps lessen them, especially the social and emotional ones.”

SPEAK-UP!

Take a look at ways to reduce your screen usage

Instead of using online websites to study, try paper and pen when you can.

Pick up a hobby! This leaves less time for playing on your phone.

Turn off your notifications. You can focus on one task at a time instead of overloading your brain with information

Limit your use. Set timers, change your app limit time in settings or mentally check yourself.

EMILY SANDY GRAPHIC

Whiteside also said this technique helps people calm their minds and become more mindful. Swigart said she utilizes blue light glasses to lessen the impact technology has on her eyes. “I feel like they don’t make my eyes so dry like when I look at the screen

for a very long time,” Swigart said. “The one other thing I do is I like to print a lot of things out like a lot of instructions and stuff like that so I don’t have to look at the computer screen a H ton. It’s nice to change it up.”

This story was originally published online on Sept. 21, 2020

How are you dealing with increased technology usage during COVID-19?

TSION DANIEL, KIERSTEN RIEDFORD SPEAK-UPS, PHOTOS

“I’d say technology has had an impact on my learning because a lot of my teachers use Canvas and other online tools to help gage the process.”

Junior Kashyap Akkinapally

“I think its fine, I really like virtual days because I can pace myself and do things on my own instead of following what the teacher has.”

Senior Haruka Yoshimura

STUDENT SECTION

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

RISE AND SHINE, SIBS! Later school start times uncover how students take care of younger siblings SAUMYA SOMASI STORY

s the district changed

start times for the high school to be later, older sibling Ashilyn Joseph, said they have been seeing some changes in responsibilities toward their younger siblings. Joseph, a virtual student, said via email, “Before later school start times, I would be out the door and on the bus before (my sister) would wake up.” Now, Joseph helps out more in the mornings because of her sister’s scheduled Zoom classes that begin before Joseph’s classes start. Joseph said, “Both of my parents are always working. It’s my responsibility to make sure my sister is on time and ready for school every morning, which can be harder.” Sophomore Dhanush Biddala, who has a brother in elementary school, said he too has seen changes because of the later high school start times. Dhanush said, “I have less time with (my brother) because I don’t see him in the mornings. Because of homework and activities in the afternoon, I don’t see him.”

Faith Dalton, interpersonal relations and child development teacher, said she can see how high school-aged students may have different responsibilities now that they’re staying home later in the mornings. She said, “I don’t really see very many negatives for the earlier start times for the younger students. If the older kids are going to school (later) then (they) can care for their younger siblings in the morning, which could help the parents in the morning.” Still, Dalton said, a negative about starting school early for all students– both the elementary students who start earlier and their older siblings who may have to care for them in the mornings– could be them just being tired. “That’s a negative across the board,” she said, “Whether you’re young or you’re in high school.” Dhanush said his brother does not seem to mind the change and has a similar schedule as in previous years. Therefore, Dhanush said he doesn’t have to provide extra care for his brother because of this.

SAFETY SUGGESTIONS Check out these simple When using the stove, keep tips on child-proofing all pots and pans on the your home back burners, away from the edge of the counter.

PARENTS.COM SOURCE ELISE VARHAN GRAPHIC

Vacuum often to keep small objects and possible choking hazards off the ground.

BY THE NUMBERS

80% of American

citizens have siblings

6 to 10 squabbles per hour between siblings in a young age bracket

point IQ advantage of older siblings over younger siblings US NEWS, SCHOOP WHOOP SOURCES

ASHILYN JOSEPH SUBMITTED PHOTO

HELPING HAND: Sophomore Ashilyn Joseph looks down at her sister’s school book. Because of the later start times for high schoolers, Joseph said that she sometimes has to help her sister, who is in elementary school, get ready.

According to Dalton, despite the minor concerns of child care for younger siblings, the decision to have high school start later was a good step to take. She said there has been a lot of research that younger kids work better in the morning and are easier to care for in the afternoon. Joseph and Dhanush said they can see both the positives and negatives of the change. Joseph said, “Overall, I can’t say that I hate this change, but I don’t love it either. It’s great that I get to spend time with my sister in the mornings, but school for my sister starts at 7:50 a.m. So while I do love spending time with my sister, I really wanted those extra hours of sleep for myself.” H This story was originally published online on Sept. 14, 2020

Move chemicals, alchohol and medicines to higher places and cabinets out of a child’s reach. Tie up window blind cords and electrical cords or anything else that a child might get tangled in.

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HUMANS OF CHS Celebrating self improvement month, students, staff tell experiences of personal growth This Q&A was originally published online on Sept. 16, 2020

WENDY ZHU Q&A, PHOTOS

sophomore sydney perez

I’m just trying to improve my work ethic. I have a planner where I write down everything I need to get done and due dates. I’ve had this goal throughout high school. With all this online stuff, I guess it’s just harder to do it at home because I don’t have as much motivation as I do at school, and I just don’t feel like doing it at home.

food service worker debbie brown

My self-improvement goal is to lose weight. I gained a lot of weight during the pandemic, and now I’m on my toes losing weight. I’m down eight pounds (so far). I’m not on any specific meal plans, just watching what I eat and just making sure I walk at least 15 to 30 minutes a day. GRACE SULLIVAN SUBMITTED PHOTO

junior grace sullivan

This year, I’m really just trying to stay on top of my academics, especially for applying to future colleges that I’m looking at. I’m going in to see my teachers more often— especially this year, I feel like it’s so important to form a bond with your teachers while you’re there because you only see them once a week, maybe twice. I’m also just trying to be present and not on my phone as much.

senior mackenzie webster

I’m working to establish deadlines and basically just prove to myself and others that I can do it. I’ve been thinking about this for a while, trying to build up things that I could use for when I do apply (to college) senior year. When I applied to be a GKOM, I thought about how it could help me with (college) applications, and (I got) a job so I could show that I kept my grades and maintained responsibility

senior bradley snyder

I definitely want to get more sleep. I want to try to make a more conscious effort to go to bed earlier and also drink less caffeine in the evenings so I can fall asleep at night. When I don’t get enough sleep, I am very groggy throughout the day, and it makes it harder to get stuff done when I come home from school when I’m very tired. Getting enough sleep would definitely make me able to get more work done throughout the entire day. Junior year, I made a more conscious effort to get more sleep, and junior year was better than the first two (years of highschool), but I’m hoping senior year will be the best.

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BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

ABOVE & With additional COVID-19 regulations, staff members find themselves working harder during school hours ANIKET BISWAL, ARCHIT KALRA STORY

KIERSTEN RIEDFORD SPEAK-UPS, PHOTOS

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efore covid-19 shut this

school down in March, French teacher Lisa Carroll already had her lessons planned out for the upcoming year. She knew she could use materials from past years to help her teach concepts to students intent on learning. However, with the new challenges in this school year, Carroll said she can no longer rely on past materials; instead, she said she needs to create short videos for virtual learners as well as update her Canvas structure with modified lessons. Because of all these changes, she said she is doing more work than ever in the past. According to Carroll, many teachers are feeling overwhelmed because of the new routine and structure. “In March, when we went fully online, it was a huge upheaval on how I conduct everyday lessons and classes,” she said. “Also, only seeing my students once a week instead of two or three times has been a big difference on how I teach.” “The main challenge for teachers now is creating the online materials. Many teachers I talk to have said, ‘I feel like a first-year teacher again,’ so it feels like we are starting over again,” she added. “This has added a whole new plate of planning and prep work, plus a little bit of stress.”

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

Social studies teacher Sandy Gardner had a similar sentiment. She said, “Teachers are definitely working harder, even harder than the spring. We are doing virtual work and in-class work so it is double (the amount of work).” Sophomore Cate Beck, whose father Peter Beck teaches mathematics at CHS, said she does not see her father as often because of his extra virtual work. “His schedule is always full between helping around the house and driving us kids around to activities when he’s not in a (Zoom) call,” she said. Because of the added work pressures on Mr. Beck, Cate said she helps support her father by helping with her younger siblings. “I have been helping by watching my younger siblings so that my dad can get his work done and not be interrupted during (Zoom) calls,” she said. In late July, a national poll from NPR/Ipsos found that 66% of teachers preferred a virtual learning environment rather than an inperson or hybrid one. Carroll said there have been some mixed opinions from CHS teachers on opening school. Furthermore, she said the staff has become more aware of the potential risks associated with not following the guidelines properly.

BY THE NUMBERS

“We’ve had to rearrange how we manage the clinic; for instance, we’ve had to come up with how we can isolate students. We would have been ready to do it before but now we can take care of more isolated cases (with the remodeling of the office). It has definitely affected our patient care.”

St. Vincent Wellness Center CHS staff members

CHS special services staff members

Amy Fletchall, Registered Nurse

2.5

MILLION janitors in the United States

689

staff members employed at CHS

466

virtual CHS students CCS, U.S. BUREAU OF STATISTICS SOURCES

“I feel like teachers in general are doing a good job with maintaining the guidelines sent to us about keeping students safe, but there are some teachers who are more concerned due to underlying conditions than others,” Carroll said. “However, I feel that all teachers are aware that our actions affect more people than just us. Because of that, I am much more cautious in my personal life knowing that I’m exposed to over 120 students each week.” However, the pandemic has not only impacted the learning environment. Lori Vohs, assistant food service manager at Greyhound Station, said there has also been a sub-

PROTECTIVE MEASURES See what materials staff members use to keep students healthy during COVID-19 Lunch workers wear masks and gloves to avoid spreading germs The cafeteria staff bags individual foods to keep food safe

Lunchrooms are employing a grab-and-go system for students to quickly get their lunches to avoid excessive contact Many schools are providing more free or reduced lunches for families in need

The staff is required to consistently wipe down and sanitize tables

stantial increase in her workload because of the changes to protocol. Specifically, she said the cafeteria staff now individually bags and wraps all of the food they prepare. “I don’t know if (the administration) really realizes how much work it is to bag the food,” Vohs said. “I think (the administrators) know what’s going on, but some days you’re just like, ‘Ugh.’ It is a lot of work, and I don’t know if (people) realize sometimes how much work it actually is, to remember what’s in what bag, to make sure everything’s labeled, that sort of thing.” Vohs also said there are difficulties in keeping up with the work-

The custodial staff is equipped with chemical cleaners that help disinfect surfaces

Custodians are usually briefed on a plan and schedule developed by administrators so they can clean regularly

SOWMYA CHUNDI GRAPHIC

Janitors carry mops and brooms to clean dirty areas of the school Staff keeps replaceable products like toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer and wipes The custodial staff take precautions since they are exposed to more germs and viruses

CLEANLINK, CDC SOURCES

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SECONDS SPENT: (LEFT) French teacher Lisa Carroll sprays desks and wipes them down after her final class. Carroll said the most difficult part of working so hard is the feeling of exhaustion. (BELOW) Peter Beck (left) helps his daughter, sophomore Cate Beck (right), with her homework. Cate said since her father has been working more at home, it has been hard for their family to have quality time with him lately. MADDIE MISTERKA PHOTOS

load because there are fewer cafeteria staff members this year. “(My staff) shrank down because they took people out of my kitchen and they have moved them to elementary schools,” she said. “I work a line every day—I’m out there completely— and there’s just no time. And when the kids come, they come fast, and they want their food, and you’re like, ‘Ahh!’” In regard to students, Vohs said while students have been actively socially distancing to the best of their ability, it has still been difficult to enforce the rule in lunch lines. “Even on the first day, (with) the (hand) sanitizer, you can try your

BY THE NUMBERS

5,127 students attend CHS both in-person and virtually

122

students attend CHS daily CCS SOURCE

best to get them to use it, but it’s just not (working),” she said. “The social distancing in the line is hard to manage. They do good out here, as far as sitting at the tables (socially distanced), but in the lines they just bunch up. They want to be together.” However, both Vohs and Greyhound Station chef Karen Courter said they agreed students have been very vigilant in regard to wearing masks properly. “I’m really happy how people are embracing the masks,” Courter said, referring to the recent trends displayed with masks. “It doesn’t bother a lot of people, and we just

want to be back to normal and help the kids feel as comfortable as we can make them be.” In general, Vohs said the overall protocol for cafeteria staff is not entirely new. “Really as far as what we do, (the protocol) has not really changed,” she said. “We always wash our hands, wear our gloves, wear our aprons (and) we change the aprons. The only thing different is the mask, which sometimes gets difficult when it’s hot, but I think overall we’ve always been (using similar protocol). “I think that the major issue is trying to make sure

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

everything’s in a bag,” Vohs added. “It’s less kids, but because you have to do that, it feels like a lot more work.” Similarly, the custodial staff has had a general increase in workload since this school shut down in March. According to custodial supervisor Bob Hargis, custodians have had more cleaning requirements added on to their previous routine compared to past years. Hargis said the custodial staff normally would clean the whole building every summer by wiping down walls and replacing broken or damaged parts of classrooms. He added they did all of these procedures this summer, but the staff also had additional regulations to follow when cleaning and repairing.

“We do all of that every summer, but in addition to that, this year we were using sterilizing equipment and sterilized everything inside every classroom,” Hargis said. “So it definitely added some work to our summer work. We also had to work around the construction that was happening.” According to Hargis, another important change to the custodial staff was the addition of two new cafeterias, namely the media center and upper deck of the varsity gym. He said the custodians are assigned to each cafeteria; in the past, the custodians could “float around” and help one another. Because of this, according to Hargis, many situations regarding problems around the school, unless urgent, are being pushed later to fix.

MASKED UP: (TOP) Cafeteria manager Holly HuepenbeckerHull speaks with cafeteria staff member Maria Arriaga Zavala about their weekends while working on packaging food for students. Cafeteria manager Lori Vohs, not pictured here, said conversing with the other staff members has been a highlight of spending more time working on students’ meals. (BOTTOM) Cafeteria staff member Debbie Brown (right) works on packaging meals with her coworkers, Kat Teter (left) and Karen Tompkins (middle). Brown said that while packaging the food takes a lot time, the work is worth it to ensure the safety of the hybrid students who are continuously coming into the school on their specific cohort days. MADDIE MISTERKA PHOTOS

He said, “When a work order comes in, such as a teacher spilled something or a light switch is broken, we don’t have people to send to fix those problems, so it’s created a real challenge for us to keep the routine. If it’s not an emergency, we just do those work orders in the mornings, which has been helped by the later start times.” Outside of school, Cate Beck said she and her family cannot do as many activities as they did before the pandemic because of the changes they have had to make to their routines due to her father’s work schedule. “Because my dad has to work more and I have to help him more, we have less time to just relax and be able to spend time together like we were able to before COVID-19,” she said. Gardner said the new changes have impacted how much time she has to spend with her family. “We are careful, but we still live our lives by going (to) places as a family,” she said. “In terms of work, teaching has its own demands right now, but added to that is leaving two kids at home to do their virtual work. Sometimes it is difficult because when I get home from work, I have to help with the work that my kids have questions on.” Carroll said the new schedule has blended some aspects of her work time and her personal time. “Personally, I don’t take my work home with me after the school day is

Personally, I think gratitude is always appreciated, no matter what or why. FRENCH TEACHER LISA CARROLL

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STAFF STATS Take a look at the distribution of various staff members at CHS Custodians/ Lay Maintenance Coaches Administration

“I think the students have been cooperating (and appreciating us), and that’s a big deal; (the students) are doing a lot of the work. I think when I see the numbers go down on our results then it means that it’s actually working and that we’re doing the right things.”

Food Service

Student Services

Transportation

Liz Cesare, Media Assistant Instructors

Instructors (401)

Student Services (81)

Transportation (147)

Administration (14)

Custodians (51)

Lay Coaches (46)

Maintenance (4)

Food Service (37)

CHLOE SUN GRAPHIC CCS SOURCE

done, but because of the extra work, I have to stay at school for longer hours,” she said. “Plus, I have my emails sent to my phone, so sometimes I get emails from teachers or students at home and I need to respond to them, so it feels like I am (at work) all the time.” Gardner also said the new procedures have some consequences in terms of increasing the amount of student participation while in class with new peers and teachers. “I want students to be more willing to talk to a new person, even

BY THE NUMBERS

552

jobs in cafeteria and food service are open in Indiana U.S. BUREAU OF STATISTICS SOURCE

SLOWING THE SPREAD Take a look at some of the ways CHS is minimizing the spread of COVID-19 Students and staff must wear masks OLIVIA STOCK, ASHWIN PRASAD GRAPHIC CCS SOURCE

with a mask on,” she said. “Being in group work usually assists in getting students to know each other. The issue is trying to do that with social distancing.” Carroll said she agreed with Gardner about the obstacles with new routines at school and added she finds the new procedures hinder students from learning and communicating the same teachers and mentors compared to previous years. “With language learning, we have seen through research that the best way for students to learn it is through constant exposure and hearing it often,” Caroll said. “Added to that, SSRT is another challenge because (it is) only one session. Now, if my students need help or have trouble, they can only see me once a week for that, and if they have a pass for a different teacher, then it might be two weeks before they get their questions answered.” With the new circumstances imposed by the pandemic, the staff

Desks, computers and shared supplies are sanitized after each use Additional hand sanitizing stations were set up

also said they have felt more gratitude and appreciation from the student body as a whole. “Personally, I think gratitude is always appreciated, no matter what or why,” Carroll said. “I actually had my students email all their teachers on the first day saying how much they appreciate their teachers’ hard work. It’s always nice when I see students who are flexible and patient whenever something happens because it’s almost like (us teachers) are reinventing the wheel.” Vohs said she thinks the loss of social interaction between the students due to quarantine has been a factor in changing students’ perspectives on attending school. “I think we’re trying harder this year to say hi to the kids, try to get into the world, try to talk to them more, say, ‘How’s your day going?’ say, ‘Have a good day,’” Vohs said. “I think they’re just happy to be here. I think the kids understand. They’re more grateful this year.” H

Only two people allowed per lunch table There are two bells, one 30 seconds later for more space in the halls

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

NEW DYNAMICS Performing arts responds to challenges of COVID-19, implements new changes EMILY CARLISLE STORY

SADIE PENIX PHOTOS

he past seven months have proven a challenge for the entire world. But in spite of it all, performing arts groups at this school have continued to work toward performances. While social distancing protocols have changed how the arts program functions, students still manage to make music together. Freshman Grace Hammett said that this experience is definitely different from what she expected her introduction to marching band to be. Hammett said via email, “Everyone talks about the feeling of performing at Grand Nationals and the feel-

ing you get performing at Lucas Oil Stadium. At the beginning I thought I was fine without competition season but when I realized how much work I put in and the literal blood, sweat and tears that went into learning how to march, I’m really frustrated that we won’t have competition.” Ayaan Abbasi, member of New Edition and junior, said the choir program is doing pretty well with the new procedures. He said via email, “The safety measures that the directors have put into choir classes are pretty similar to the ones we have at school, like be-

SIDE TO SIDE: The flute section moves in formation together during rehearsal after school. They practice their music and the moves at the same time, putting it together with the rest of the band. Social distancing is enforced as much as possible.

ing six feet apart and wearing masks at all times. One difference would be that of our performance schedule and things like that as everything is incredibly tentative at the moment, and another would be certain things in performances, such as partner dancing, are not being allowed. “Due to hybrid scheduling, we’re unable to rehearse as a full group every other day. I think that choir is doing a good job of staying safe. Within this time, it’s incredibly hard to successfully do something the way it’s been done in the past. With what the directors have been handed, they’re

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managing to keep the old and mix it with new, creative ideas to maintain that sense of normalcy that all of us want.” Hammett said she agreed with Abbasi and added, “I think the band program is doing great at trying to give us a good year despite the pandemic. Just like any other (activity), we have to modify some rules, but I never feel uncomfortable and the band directors are trying their best to keep us safe. The (students in) marching band are trying their best because we want our season to continue. In the concert band we go above and beyond in safety measures and do more than is recommended. I feel the band program is sometimes safer than the classrooms.” Students are not the only ones left trying to adapt to what this year has brought. Director of Choirs Kathrine Kouns said it is difficult for performing arts during this time due to the nature of the activity. Kouns said, “It’s challenging right now because the nature of performing arts is performing for an audience. And that’s exactly where we’re running into problems because we can’t really have an audience in the auditorium. “The other big limitation that we have is copyright because we always have the copyright permissions to be able to perform live, but for recording and streaming there are a whole other set of copyright requirements. So we are trying to get all the permissions for that as well.” Abbasi said the choir program does have some performance opportunities lined up. Abbasi said, “In October, we’re planning on holding a concerttype event in which each choir will come in at a different time of the day to record their respective numbers that they’ve been working on in class. We, as students, are still not 100% sure about what exactly it will look like. It won’t be a live performance necessarily, but it’s a way for us to show the work that

we’ve been doing in the first few months of school.” Kouns also mentioned plans for a possible modified version of one of Carmel Choirs’ biggest events, Holiday Spectacular. She said, “We are in the process of trying to make some interesting plans for a version of Holiday Spectacular. That will be very different than it’s ever looked before.” Despite the changes to the marching band’s schedule, Hammett said she is thankful for the opportunity to work with the band at all. “I’m grateful the band program put in so much effort to make this year happen,” she said. “When my eighth grade year was cut short the only thing I missed was the community of band. I missed the sarcasm and the hardworking nature of the class. I was nervous coming into this year having to build new relationships and moving on from something that I had stayed the same for three years. But the upperclassmen and directors made you feel welcome and filled the void I had this summer.” H This story was originally published online on Sept. 24 2020

Scan this to see photos about new changes in CHS performing arts

LOOKING SHARP (BELOW): Seniors Abby Mysogland, Gabriela Zalam, and Cora Lucas look at their sheet music as they sing along to the music. The entire choir is required to keep their masks on while they sing and maintain social distancing. LOOKING SHARP (ABOVE): Junior Ayaan Abbasi looks up as he sings in his New Edition class. Abbasi says he does not notice too much of a difference with the new measures in place and is glad there are still opportunities to perform.

SPORTS

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

FEW AND FAR BETWEEN Athletes remark on new regulations for spectators at games, reflect on pros, cons ANDREW CAITO, ALIVIA ROMANIUK STORY

round the world, sporting events are beginning to resurface, but with COVID-19 precautions in place, these events look far different than usual. Professional leagues, including the MLB, the NBA and the NHL, are conducting events without spectators. On Aug. 23, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the biggest sporting venue in the world, ran the Indianapolis 500 with all of its 235,000 seats empty. Locally, the IHSAA has decided to allow spectators to attend sporting events under certain guidelines. For example, attendance can not exceed 250 people, social distancing must take place and schools must follow the guidance of the local health departments. CHS Athletics Director Jim Inskeep said the coaches and athletes have been doing an excellent job with the new guidelines, but athletes have mixed reviews on these changes. “I find that as the weeks go on, students and coaches are becoming

LUKE MILLER PHOTOS CHEER THEM ON: Many students gather on Friday, Aug. 28 to watch a home game for the Carmel Greyhounds against Cathedral. The Hounds lost the game 44-28; however, on Sept. 11, the Hounds won in a double overtime thriller 45-44 over Pike High School. Many students gathered to show energy, despite the 250 spectator limit set by the IHSAA. Athletics Director Jim Inskeep said he finds players are becoming more and more accepting of the changes.

more and more comfortable with the changes,” he said. Lauren Rainbolt, varsity soccer player and junior, said she is disappointed the team had to make some adjustments, but understands the new precautions are necessary. “We usually have a big student section cheering us on, but because of COVID, we had to decrease the number of people at the stadium. So that has changed a lot from our games last year,” she said. In particular, Rainbolt added she missed pack-the-house night. On the other hand, Cara Naas, varsity cross-country runner and freshman, said she had mixed feelings about the new spectator rules in cross-country. “I liked that there weren’t people in your face cheering,” she said. However, Naas added she did miss having her family at the meets. Cross-country spectator policies operate on a meet-by-meet basis. Some meets allow limited spectators, while other meets do not allow any spectators.

“We are faced with a challenge every Friday and we face it in the best way we can while having to deal with all of the social distancing guildelines.” ZACHARY OSBORNE, VARSITY FOOTBALL PLAYER AND JUNIOR Inskeep said sporting events at this school have gone smoothly. “We’re fortunate because we have a facility where people can stand in a lot of areas and watch the match, or they can bring in their bag chairs, which we have allowed at any of our event venues this year,” he said. Inskeep added that there is signage at CHS venues reminding spectators of social distancing and wearing masks.

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Furthermore, at home football games, there are lines six feet apart in the student section separating students while requiring them to always wear a mask. Zachary Osborne, varsity starting quarterback and junior, said the players participate too. He said, “Along the sidelines we are staying spaced out even more than usual. They allowed us to move down the sidelines ever further now lowering the risk of kids having to quarantine. “We are faced with a challenge every Friday, and we face it in the best we can while having to deal with all of the (social distancing) guidelines.” While these guidelines are not ideal, athletes understand their necessity. “The worst regulation is being six feet apart,’’ Rainbolt said. “I’m a very social person, and I like to get to know the people on the team. It’s really annoying, but I want to have a season...so we just have to follow the regulations provided for us.” Inskeep said he agreed. “I think everybody understands that there are changes that have to take place in order for us to have seasons and to have students in the building for the school year,” he said. “There is disappointment, for sure, but we’ve also tried to think about... ways in which we can deliver those

BY THE NUMBERS

27 teams from the NFL have 0 fans to start the season this fall

2.5

THOUSAND fans allowed at Colts home games

50% capacity that is expected at the French open tennis tournament

THOUSAND fans projected to be allowed for the PGA tour in 2021 ESPN SOURCE

PLAY ON: Lauren Rainbolt (right), varsity soccer player and junior, plays in the second half of her soccer game against Lawrence North High School on Sept. 8. Although Murray Stadium can only hold 250 people right now per IHSAA requirements, Rainbolt said she understands the precautions for keeping people safe.

contests and games to a greater audience because we have those limitations in place.” At the end of the day, coaches and athletes said they are glad to be competing again, despite the changes. Inskeep said, “We spent so much time this spring and then summer to get to that first day of team practices... when teams could get back together and start working out. “There was so much time spent, with our protocols and the way we were going to be making changes, so to actually get to Saturday, Aug. 15, and to have so many of our teams competing on that day in our venues and on the road, was really kind of a special thing.

“I wasn’t sure we were going to get there at that point this fall and have sports and now that we’re about two months into it, (it) definitely looks different but I can tell you that once a whistle blows, it H looks just like it always has.” This story was originally published online on Sept. 21, 2020

FROM A DISTANCE View an example of some of the regulations and precautions of sporting events this fall season

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PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK

Official Rules • Different families must remain six feet apart during games • There should be no more than 250 people on a set of bleachers • Number of fans should not exceed 50% normal capacity • All ticket sales are made online

Bleacher seating doubled from last year

PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK

Signs promoting social distancing

NATHAN HUANG GRAPHIC INDYSTAR, IHSAA SOURCES

Scan this QR code to view stories from ESPN about spectator limits for going to national sports games

28 B E S T O F S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 0

CHALLENGING ROUTES Athletes, coaches adapt to new COVID-19 safety guidelines, prepare for possible quarantines HANNAH BAER STORY NICK BECKMAN PHOTOS

ith

the

COVID-19

pandemic, rules are constantly changing and new challenges occur every single day. For athletes like Baron Smith, varsity football player and senior, playing during a pandemic comes with its difficulties, but these athletes are trying to adapt to the endless possibilities and make the best out of the current situation. Smith said, “I think (the challenge is) the team atmosphere: not being able to hear people’s voices as clearly, not being able to see people’s faces, smiles. The energy is just completely different than it used to be because everybody is covered up. It’s just a different energy than Carmel football is used to.” With contact sports such as football, there is always a possibility

of an athlete spreading COVID-19 to other teammates, which would require some athletes to be quarantined or possibly suspended from all practices. Hence, athletes are taking all the necessary precautions in order to avoid that possible situation. “I personally take responsibility in being a senior leader and reminding the guys to stay distant," Smith said. "I know I have to lead by example so I make sure I wear my mask and I make sure nobody’s near me so that if somebody does get (COVID-19) and they have to trace back, then I won’t be a part of it and as many guys as we can get will be able to play." Due to the constant possibility of an athlete contracting the virus, coaches run practices differently this year than in the past. By following these

STAYING OPTIMISTIC: Baron Smith, varsity football player and senior, gives his team a thumbs up after a football game. Smith said he and his team are trying their hardest to stay safe and distant while also trying to practice to the best of their ability. Smith said the threat of getting a game canceled each week is very possible, but he tries not to think about it in order to play his best.

new precautions, coaches are hoping to reduce the number of positive cases. “We’re constantly thinking about spacing out and just keeping distanced,” Smith said. “Coach is always trying to remind us (about social distancing).” With the new restrictions, coaches have been open to adapting to any and all situations. Frank Dixon, head women's soccer coach, focuses on reminding the athletes about the new safety precautions and guidelines that come with practicing during a pandemic. These coaches are also ready for a situation where an athlete would need to be quarantined after a possible positive case. According to Dixon, Aaron Bosket, the strength and conditioning coach, has put together an athome workout session for the

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SPEAK-UP!

How has COVID-19 changed the way you play your sport?

DANIEL KIM SPEAK-UPS CALLUM MCKEOWN , ETHAN KATZ SUBMITTED PHOTOS

“It hasn’t really changed the way I play (soccer) as much as the opportunities lost due to the cancelations. Masks are required on the bench and when putting on our gear, but (not while playing).”

“We are required to wear masks whenever (we’re) not playing and because of social distancing I can’t shake hands with my opponent or high five my partner while in a match. Luckily with tennis there is not much contact so COVID-19 has not drastically changed the way I play.”

Sophomore Callum McKeown

Junior Ethan Katz

women’s soccer team. Dixon also discussed the possibility of an athlete testing positive for COVID-19 and the ways he is working to keep those numbers minimal. Dixon said via email, “When we selected teams, I kept more players on each team in case we had any players who had to quarantine because they came in contact with someone with COVID-19 or tested positive themselves.” Even though COVID-19 has had a major impact on sports, coaches are still working on keeping the season as normal as possible. There is always a possibility for cancelations of games, but many coaches, like Dixon, plan to just focus on the current moment. “We are taking the season one day at a time. Things change so rapidly that you need to be prepared for the 24 hours in front of you and not worry about what comes after that day,” he said via email. Similar to Smith, Morgan "Mo" Ulrey, women’s varsity volleyball player and senior, has also had to become familiar with the new adaptations

Things change so rapidly that you need to be prepared for the 24 hours in front of you and not worry about what comes after that day. FRANK DIXON, HEAD WOMEN'S SOCCER COACH

along with the endless possibilities that can happen with playing during a pandemic. She talked about the effects of the virus on practice and how things have changed this year. Ulrey said, “Honestly we’re just being very careful like definitely wearing masks in practice. We’re definitely doing six feet apart when we’re in huddles or when we’re around each other, we space out.” Since COVID-19 affects the amount of time athletes are allowed in the gym or field, athletes like Ulrey are focused on making the most out of the limited time they have. “When we get in the gym, we’re doing our business, we have a lot to cover and we are very focused and

ROLE MODEL: Baron Smith, varsity football player and senior, leads his team out of the locker rooms. Smith said he takes the responsibility of being a leader and reminding his team to stay distant. Smith said he wears a mask whenever he can to set an example and to lessen the spread of COVID-19 so that many players can get out on the field.

we are just playing until we can’t. And we are hoping we don’t have to have that happen,” she said. For athletes and coaches, working through a pandemic is a difficult task, but they are doing their best and making the most out of the current situation. Even with the challenges, Smith is staying positive. Smith said, “We just try to prepare like normal. We know there’s a threat of getting canceled every week, but we try to avoid thinking about (games getting canceled) and just practice to our fullest no matter what. And if we get canceled, we get canceled, but at H least we tried our hardest.” This story was originally published online on Sept. 21, 2020

PERSPECTIVES

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

PATH TO DIVERSITY Despite CCS district making new changes to promote diversity, administration still must take additional steps for better racial inclusivity HILITE STAFF EDITORIAL

SELAM WACLAWIK PHOTO

ver the past summer,

representatives from the CCS district met with a new organization, Carmel Against Racial Injustice, to discuss educational reforms and racial equity within the school district. In light of this, the district has announced plans to incorporate several steps to promote equality. According to Assistant Superintendent Tom Oestreich, the district plans to create a diversity website, form an equity and inclusion advisory committee, and continually listen to members of the school community. “The district strives to create an ‘Identity Safe’ classroom. In order to get there, we’re looking to create, in the very near future, an equity and inclusion advisory committee,” Oestreich said. “Additionally, we’re creating a website to recognize that we certainly can get better, and in our equity and inclusion, we’ll work with every school within the Carmel Clay district and listen to their perspectives.” The HiLite staff praises the district for its work in promoting racial inclusivity and commends its efforts. However, while we recognize this is a step in the right direction, there is more to be done to increase racial inclusivity and to make students from all backgrounds feel comfortable, respected and safe.

OUR STANCE The district’s steps for inclusivity are commendable, but more must be done to make people of color feel more comfortable

ANDREW CAITO Q & A

With this, there are a variety of actions the administration should consider taking to make their school more welcoming. To start, we recommend the district take action and hire more diverse staff members to make every student feel represented at Carmel. Currently, all of the administrators at CHS are white and the majority of teachers are also white. In order for the district to be welcoming to all races, students must see themselves represented. Taking this crucial step could lead to making more students feel comfortable enough to approach an adult if they are victims of racial bullying. Students must feel comfortable enough to approach their teachers, and they may not feel so if the adults in their lives cannot relate to their background. In order to make this happen, the district must diversify not only the administration but also the teaching and counseling staff. Furthermore, we suggest that the school adjusts the curriculum to incorporate more black history and step away from its primarily eurocentric curriculum. The current curriculum too often focuses on teaching certain historical events and topics and skips over or lightly covers others of equal if not more importance. We must look at the history of our country holistically, learning about both the good parts as well as the harsh realities of our history to improve and correct them now. As part of the student body, we have seen first-hand some of the negative social repercussions students of color have faced when they try to embrace their culture and express themselves. As a result, many

DID YOU KNOW?

Racial diversity in schools leads to positive outcomes for students of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SOURCE

students fear openly expressing their experiences with racism at school. To that end, we recommend the school district be clearer on the expectations of student behavior and consequences that follow racist bullying. In order to execute this, the HiLite staff recommends the district lay out a specific course of action to ensure that fair punishments be given out to any racial bullying and make this school a safe H space for people of color. This editorial was originally published online on Sept. 23, 2020

Q&A selam “selamawit” waclawik, co-president of black student alliance and senior

What is racial injustice like at CHS? I have dealt with microaggressions such as being stereotyped and compared to every black person. The racial injustice in our school could be a lot better; I wish staff would talk more about it.

What do you think should be changed regarding race at school? I wish the school would talk more about the racism and tensions within our school. I wish they would really get down to what it is, the history of it, the future of it and what it looks like today.

What is your overall message?

My overall message is to educate yourself. You will never get enough education about racism, racial tensions and race. Really educate yourself with the topic, and don’t be afraid to dive into it.

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A DIVIDED FRONT District should implement more measures to have united student body by better including virtual students ARCHIT KALRA COLUMN

uring the pandemic,

I’ve often felt like I’ve been thrust past the event horizon of a jarring black hole, with no way out. 2020 has managed to unite us against a common enemy, and also simultaneously divide us into separate rooms, homes and communities. If I had told you a year ago that the 2020-2021 school year would witness the student body at this school being divided into three cohorts–Carmel, Greyhound and virtual–and I would be part of the virtual-only section, you would have never believed me. I have nothing against our district as managing this issue was extremely difficult and the decisions administrators made were the best they could have made at the time. Also, I want to make it clear that I don’t want to critique our wonderful teachers in any way; teachers have by far worked the hardest to make sure that virtual students don’t fall behind in their classes. But none of this means we can just divvy up our 5,000-strong student body and leave the virtual kids like me to fend for themselves. Instead of

interactive education at home without mirroring the activities the Carmel overwhelming teachers or the system. and Greyhound cohorts do in their But teachers and administrators classes, the virtual cohort has bearen’t solely responsible for these come something of a pariah. changes. Virtual students themFor me, the biggest probselves can also take steps to lems have been organization help. This year, for example, it’s and class activities. For most certainly harder to find new of my classes, Zoom meetfriends; to get involved, we virings rarely happen, and if tual students have to take the they do, they’re often for opfirst step. Try joining (or starting) tional office hours, not lessons. a new club, or talk to someI feel I’d be better one in one of your classes via equipped to handle my STRONG STEPS Canvas message or in a Zoom classes if I could join a live meeting. These small steps can lesson, but many teachers BY THE transform your social dynamic. can’t do these because they’re teaching The virtual cohort is arguably at NUMBER other cohorts during our “virtual class highest risk of psychological stress, period.” This year, I’m taking three labespecially because they are in much based science classes without the abilmore social isolation than hybrid stuity to attend school and conduct any how much dents. COVID-19 has permanently experiments firsthand. Yes, I know I the e-learning changed the way we operate as human chose to be a virtual student, but we industry has beings, but we can’t let it change the can do more to close the gap. grown by in the way we live psychologically. H In AP Chemistry, for example, past 20 years The views in this column do not necesvirtual students can watch videos of with better sarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. teachers doing lab demonstrations. If technology Reach Archit Kalra at akalra@hilite.org we continue to engineer innovative apThis column was originally published SKILLSCOUTER proaches like this, we can take charge online on Sept. 23, 2020 SOURCE of our learning and find a way to get an

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BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD Toxic stigma surrounds crying despite it being effective coping mechanism for stress, should be normalized VALLIEI CHANDRAKUMAR COLUMN

he united states is

also stimulates the production of approaching 200,000 “feel good” chemicals such as oxytoCOVID-19 deaths; deadly cin and endorphins. The act of cryshootings happen every week here ing initiates the parasympathetic in Indiana; racial tensions are rising nervous system, detoxifies blood nationwide over the shootings of and pioneers changes in the central African-American people at the nervous system, allowing physiohands of police brutality… sadly, logical accommodations to restore 2020 is giving us a lot of reasons one’s mood quickly. The bottling to cry and sometimes, we humans up of emotions without any outlets need to do just that. can cause physical stress on The stigma surroundthe body, leading to caring mental health issues is diovascular distress and prevalent in our everyday high levels of inflammalives at CHS, from a tion. Despite all of the student sneaking to positive effects of a bathroom stall crying, there is an to quietly cry to upper limit to it. simply not talkIf you or someing about when or one you know is how we cope with crying frequently our emotions. The or exhibiting act of crying is often symptoms of deCRY IT OUT associated with bepression, you may ing “weak” or “unneed to talk to a stable,” with many apologizdoctor and recieve help. ing after a sudden emotional release. In The well-rounded human experireality, crying is a way that a person can ence consists of feeling a wide array use strength and self-awareness to take of emotions, including uncomfortcharge of their emotions in a healthy able ones. Rethinking the notion of and natural way. crying in a positive manner rather In today’s society, it can seem than a negative one can be progresas if everyone is searching for one sive for one’s emotional intuition, endgame: long-lasting, genuine physical health and personal growth. happiness. While prospering in Therefore, the next time you feel like positive emotions is rewarding, shedding a tear or two, I encourage negative ones can be hard to avoid. you to embrace the emotional release Suppressed stress will find a way as just another step towards living to surface one way or another. In life to the fullest. Sometimes, it’s betparticular, the smothering of unter if we just let it all out so that we H favorable emotions can lead us to are able to shine once again. partake in unhealthy coping mechanisms like the underage use of ilThe views in this column do not neclicit drugs and alcohol. essarily reflect the views of the HiLite Not only can a crying session staff. Reach Valliei Chandrakumar at after a long repression of emotions vchandrakumar@hilite.org feel cathartic, according to Medical This column was originally published News Today, but emotional crying online on Sept. 22, 2020

YOUR GUIDE TO MASKS DO: Wear a mask! DON’T: Take it off!

COVERING MOUTH, NOSE

DO: Cover your mouth! DON’T:

Expose your nose!

NOT COVERING NOSE

DO:

Sleep well!

DON’T:

Cover your eyes!

SLEEPING MASK

DO:

Protect yourself from COVID-19!

DON’T: Go into battle!

PLATE ARMOR GRAY MARTENS GRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE

HILITE.ORG

REPRESENTASIAN Revival of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” franchise demonstrates accurate Asian representation, rest of entertainment industry should follow suit CHLOE SUN COLUMN

hen the world needed him most, the Avatar returned. Netflix re-released the beloved 2005 Nickelodeon show “Avatar: the Last Airbender” (ATLA) in May and its spinoff, “The Legend Of Korra,” in August, much to the delight of longtime fans and many new fans such as myself. Many credit the show’s widespread popularity to its intricate worldbuilding, character depth and most notably, its Asian representation. The show features no white characters; instead it portrays Chinese, Japanese, Inuit and Tibetan culture. From character building to clothing to beliefs to even fighting styles, there is very little stereotyping, and each culture is carefully represented instead of caricatured. Unfortunately, this degree of accurate representation is still rare—ATLA first aired 15 years ago, yet it is still somewhat revolutionary compared to Asian portrayal in media today. Moreover, awareness against blatant whitewashing of Asian characters has

barely improved since 2005. Ironiare still predominantly white. Not cally, ATLA itself has fallen victim to maintaining diversity behind the whitewashing—in 2010, a livescreen alters these movies’ meanaction movie adaptation hit theings to the communities they aters and was met with horror supposedly celebrate, and by many fans as all the Asian sends the message that divermain characters were played sity is being used as a token by white actors. Unfortunateinstead of a step toward a ly, even now it seems nothing more representative world. has changed—in August, the While I celebrate Asianoriginal creators of ATLA THAT’S ROUGH made, diverse shows and movleft the production of the ies like “Never Have I Ever,” BUDDY live-action series by Netflix “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Parbecause it wanted to open asite,” much of the entertainBY THE casting to white actors. ment industry has yet to learn that We have a long way to go when NUMBERS diversity cannot just be performait comes to real Asian representation. tive. There should be a better effort Our cultures are currently celebrated among mainstream entertainment to for their food, fashion and stories, give the reins to the people who repand yet the people that inspire Asian resent our cultures, both in front and was the H portrayals onscreen are rarely given behind the screen. number of the chance to accurately depict them. consecutive The views in this column do not necesThis extends behind the screen as days ATLA was sarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. well. While the faces of movies like #1 on Netlfix Reach Chloe Sun at csun@hilite.org the live-action “Aladdin” and “Mulan” are beautifully diverse, the crew NEWS WEEK This column was originally published and creative team for these movies SOURCE online on Sept. 22, 2020

SLEEP SCHEDULES Sleep before an in-person day “Phew, I got the homework from the last 4 days done and now for my 5 hours of sleep”

2:00 a.m.

ANIKET BISWAL GRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE

Sleep before a virtual day “Only 3 a.m. ?? I’ve got so much more time for my homework. Who needs sleep this early?”

3:00 a.m.

15 MINUTES OF FAME

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

ORDER IN THE COURT Q&A with junior Faith Austin on her internship at local law firm, interest in law WENDY ZHU Q&A FAITH AUSTIN SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Why are you passionate about politics and law? My sophomore year was when I joined Model U.N. and debate, and I remember joining and being like, ‘Why didn’t I do this before? This is so cool; it’s right up my alley.’ I think that was really what kind of kicked it off. But even since then, I’ve just kind of realized that as I was growing up, (I did) things that most kids didn’t do that kind of showed my passion (in) politics and things like that. I have read the physical newspaper every Sunday since I could read. I’ve always read the politics section; I’ve always read the Current in Carmel and (followed) what the (Supreme) Court’s doing. So I think I had always had a little inkling, but I didn’t realize it until last year.

Where do you work as a law intern? I am an intern at Cate, Terry & Gookins LLC, which is a law firm off of Carmel Drive and 116th.

What do you hope to get out of your internship? Do you plan on continuing to pursue law and politics in the future? I’ve only been there a month, and I’ve learned so much about how the whole process works and what the environment is like. But also, from reading through all the cases, the power of the American court system and what we can do legally that we can’t in other countries is amazing. It’s definitely guided my interests. In general, I would love to go into legal studies (and become) an attorney or a foreign ambassador or Secretary of State—who knows? But this field is what I want to do, so I’m glad I realized that earlier because otherwise, I wouldn’t have possibly had this opportunity.

MODEL MASTER: Junior Faith Austin poses with her Best Delegate award after a Model U.N. event. For other high schoolers also interested in law, she recommended joining organizations geared toward history and communication like Model U.N. “You need to learn how to communicate efficiently with other people while understanding what’s happened in the past and having knowledge of what you’re defending,” she said.

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DEBATE DEBUT (RIGHT): Austin, third from the right, smiles with fellow members of the debate team at 2020 state competition. On her experience as a member of debate, she said, “I don’t want to say it changed my life, but it definitely made me realize a lot of things about myself and what I want to do.” AWARD-WINNING (BELOW): Austin speaks at the National History Day National Contest in Washington D.C. She won First Place State Winner and Outstanding State Entry Senior Division.

CALLED OUT Take a look at information for clubs at CHS that can improve your law and policy skills Mock Trial Work on real legal cases and perform them in front of real judges and attorneys. Events: Mock Trial competitions Meetings: Wednesdays in Room F102.

What’s something about the courtroom that most people might not know about? We get to go to court hearings and sit on mediations with the attorneys. I think a lot of people have the mindset that it’s this really scary environment (but) it’s definitely very civil. Even in criminal cases, everyone keeps their cool—there’s not a ton of yelling.

How much time do you dedicate to your internship and these areas of interest? This year, it’s kind of crazy. (I dedicate) maybe 10 to 15 hours a week for the internship, maybe five to 10 for other clubs. Time management has become a very crucial skill. Everything I’m in, I love it. When I’m there, I get to be with people who are pretty like-minded, and they’re showing up too for a reason, so it’s super energizing. But then I come home and I still have homework, and I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s gonna be a long night.’ This Q&A was originally published online on Sept. 24, 2020

Model U.N. Simulates the U.N. General Assembly and teaches students how to debate and resolve international, national, and historical issues. Events: Model U.N. conferences Meetings: Thursdays, text @carmelmun2 to 81010 for updated meeting locations Debate Helps students become informed, articulate, and logical speakers in various debate subjects like policy. Events: in-person and virtual tournaments Meetings: Weekly in E137, email jamehta72@gmail. for more information CHLOE SUN GRAPHIC CHS SOURCE

LITEBOX

BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020

GAME DAY DRILLS Colton Parker, varsity football wide receiver and senior, warms up before a home game against Center Grove on Sept. 4. The varsity football team will play their next game at Carmel Stadium against Ben Davis on Oct. 2. NICK BECKMAN PHOTO

This photo was originally published online on Sept. 22, 2020

9.25 Best of September Issue

Articles inside

SSRT) HALL

SEEING YOURSELF

A DIVIDED FRONT

HUMANS OF CHS

REPRESENTASIAN

POSTAL PREDICAMENT

NEW DYNAMICS