If you’ve spent any time around Carmel Christian,  chances are you’ve heard of the Powell Brothers—Joe and Sam.  They might be a few years apart,  but their connection is strong, and each of them brings something special to the Carmel community—whether it’s on campus, at a basketball game, or in everyday conversations. Each brother brings his own unique personality, talents and heart to the school, making them both standout members of the student body.

 Joe is in his fifth year here at Carmel, as he is in the eleventh grade. After initially attending through ninth grade, he briefly left before returning in tenth grade—a decision that speaks to how much Carmel means to him. Born and raised in Charlotte, Joe has always had a strong sense of connection to the city and to the people around him. Over the years, he’s become a familiar face to many. Whether he’s playing guitar, working out, reading, writing or spending quality time with friends and family, Joe lives with intention. Joe states “that he is thankful for the strong Carmel community and the people here. It is something that makes the school special.”

Despite all of Joe’s appreciation for Carmel’s academics and extracurriculars, he is particularly thankful for his relationship with his brother, Sam, who is also a member of the Carmel community. As an older brother, Joe finds comfort in the unbreakable bond he shares with Sam. “My brother is always someone I can turn to,” he states.

 Sam Powell, currently in ninth grade, has been a part of the Carmel community since the fifth grade.  Like Joe, he also grew up in Charlotte, and he’s carved out his own place in the school community. and shares his brother’s love for staying active and having fun. Sam is full of energy and passion, especially when it comes to sports.  Sports play a big role in Sam’s life,  specifically basketball.  One of his favorite things to do is to get together with his friends and play basketball. Sam also has a deep appreciation for one of Sam’s favorite thing about Carmel is the school’s strong athletic program, which allows him to grow not only as an athlete, but also as a teammate and a person. “I really like the athletics at Carmel,” Sam says. “They give me a chance to get better and be around people I care about.”

Beyond the court, Sam also carries a deep appreciation for his brother. “He’s someone I can always talk to,” Sam says of Joe. That level of trust and comfort has been built through years of growing up together, learning from one another, and being each other’s biggest supporters.

Together, Sam and Joe Powell are more than just siblings, they are a true example of what it means to trust and believe in one another. They encourage each other, they listen to each other and most importantly, they show up for one another.