For this week’s edition of Student of the Week, The Blue and Gold will be featuring Abhishek Arvind and Cat Connell, this year’s Prom King and Queen.
Abhishek Arvind:
Arvind has been a part of the Carmel community for most of his life. “I was here from kindergarten through seventh grade, then returned for Junior and Senior year. Like most of us, COVID changed things up for him in between, which was why he left Carmel briefly before rejoining.
Growing up, Arvind always loved books, music, and just hanging out with friends. He remembers playing the recorder in music class and says it sounded terrible, but still one of his favorite childhood memories. “I always loved music class,” he said.
He and his one sister, Archie, have a great relationship. “We love to mess around with each other, but we definitely love each other,” he said. He admitted that he will miss her when he leaves for college.
When talking about high school and the biggest lessons he learned, Arvind said, “It is very important to evaluate where you get your beliefs from and not just blindly follow them.” He also talked about how important this time right now is for students. “From elementary school through the end of college is what will determine the rest of your life, so make it count.”
If he could give a message to his younger self before high school, he said, “Make sure to lock in during high school. Also, just stay where your feet are. Don’t ever wish for time to go fast, just enjoy where you are right now.”
Arvind enjoyed his senior year, and was especially fond of Prom night and the memories he made with his friends. He made sure to give props to the DJ for his song selection. When it came to being nominated for Prom king, he said, “I was super surprised. I didn’t think I would be nominated, but it was super fun.” While Arvind was surprised, none of the people closest to him were surprised as they understood how great of a student and friend that Arvind is.
Looking into the future, Arvind is heading to N.C. State to study engineering. He is not exactly sure which type yet; he mentioned computer, electrical, and nuclear engineering, but he is very excited to learn all that the future has in store for him
Fellow classmate Connor Medford states, “Abhishek is hard working and cares so much about his education and his future. Also, he still has a great sense of humor and continually brightens up people’s days.”
Cat Connell:
Much like Arvind, Connell is a well known and loved senior in this year’s graduating class. Connell has been attending Carmel since eighth grade. However, she had a short tenure at Marvin Ridge High School during her freshman year. Connell is a part of many different clubs and groups within our school. These groups include NCHS, SGA, she is the Vice President of Conservation Club and she also created her own club, Girls Inspiring Girls. Outside of Carmel, Connell has played field hockey since the start of middle school.
Although Connell has enjoyed her time at Carmel, she is excited for college. She plans on attending Clemson University and studying Biology or Environmental Engineering. Connells states her sole reason for majoring in either of these two fields is due to her love for the outdoors, “I love all of nature, everytime im outside, I try to soak in as much of God’s creation as possible.” Connell also would like to work in the medical field. Connell is always aiming to help those in need around her.
Connell was born and raised here in Charlotte, North Carolina. She loves the trifecta that the area has to offer. The proximity to the beach, mountains and city life are all enticing to Connell and the semi-easy access to each Makes Charlotte an ideal place to live. Charlotte also has a close proximity to scenic places to hike, and Connell loves to go hiking with friends and family. She feels as if doing this with loved ones allows her to build close connections with those people Connell lives with her mom and three siblings. The Carmel family knows and loves her brother, Jack Connell, but she also has another brother and a sister, named Tommy and Anabella.
Connell has many various hobbies. Of course she loves to hike, the outdoors and field hockey, but there is much more Connell does in her freetime. Along with her interest in helping people, she wants to help all living things in general. She loves animals, stemming from her love of nature. Connell fosters around ten dogs a year and currently has five. Connell also loves to garden. She grows flowers, fruits and vegetables, sometimes even making fresh meals out of them. Another hobby of Connells is art. She is a part of Donna Gooch’s Gold three art class, but has enjoyed doing art outside of school for a while now. Connell has many more Hobbies but the final key one she enjoys the most is reading. She loves any genre of book, but specifically dystopian novels, such as “The Hunger Games.”
Meredith Mente, one of Connell’s teachers in the school, states that “Cat Connell is a worthy choice for Prom Queen: She is a fountain of life to those who know her well, drawing from deep wells of wisdom and perception, and leaving life-giving splashes of sparkle on the world around her wherever she goes. Her influence and insight are significant. We will miss her!”
Overall, the 2025 graduating class’ prom king and queen were well chosen by their peers.
