Josh Bhatt, managing editor: attending University of North Carolina at Charlotte studying international business.

Bhatt is the longest lasting member of The Blue and Gold, finishing his second full year on the staff. Bhatt’s initial interest in journalism started with Jennifer Dixon who encouraged him to take Journalism I. Since then, Bhatt has not only grown as a writer, but also in his appreciation for the craft of journalism. He states that “ [journalism] has helped [him] understand the world better and made [him] a better writer as a whole. It has helped [him] to take notes, as journalism has shown [him] how to point out what is important. Also, it has taught [him] how to handle things professionally.” Bhatt’s eagerness to engage with the student body brought liveliness and excitement to the “newsroom.” He is full of ideas and insights into what would best connect to his peers, thinking of new ways to grow readership, relate more to the public and produce colorful, fun content. Bhatt’s dedication to The Blue and Gold has been integral for the past two years. His vigor is magnetic as he invites his fellow peers into the joy and laughter he brings out of life. Bhatt’s presence will be sorely missed in the Carmel community as he embraces this next chapter of his life. 

Bhatt is looking forward to his next four years at UNCC. Though it is close to home, he is eager to be a part of all the various opportunities on the campus. His interest in international business comes from his many travel experiences. Throughout his life, he has had the opportunity to go to incredible places and has found that he has just the right mindset for travel. His mom and grandpa instilled the “travel-bug” in him, and ever since, he has had a goal to enjoy his future career through travel.

Bhatt has attended Carmel for ten years. Though he is ready for graduation, he knows that a large part of him will miss the community he has built here. Bhatt reminisced on the unity that the senior class has found throughout the year, and the three prior, and is aware of the bond that they all share. His time at Carmel has not only brought him many wonderful friendships and memories but also taught him patience and hard-work. 

Bhatt has had many accomplishments in his time at Carmel. He was an active member of the Carmel cross country team, making it to state all four years of his high school career. He has been a member of the SGA for four years, serving as the school spirit officer. Bhatt’s personality excelled in this role, as he was charged with leading the student body in school spirit.

Bhatt enjoyed his time spent on J-terms; his favorite trip was this past year as he ventured to Peru. Bhatt offered ingenious ideas to many areas of the school, but is incredibly proud of the increased viewership/ involvement of The Blue and Gold in his last year as a leader in the class. 

Bhatt hopes to be remembered for his bold, charismatic, funny, creative, cunning and crazy personality. His note to his fellow peers is: “you shouldn’t care what people think of you. There are always going to be people who judge you no matter what. Be yourself because people will respect you more for it.” 

Bhatt’s life verse is Joshua 1:9 “ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord  your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Emma Coffey, external relations and editor: attending The University of Alabama studying finance and business risk management on the pre-law track.

Though Coffey has previously held an internship with the Charlotte Observer and been inspired by countless teachers in her love for writing, this was her first year being a part of the journalism program at Carmel and on The Blue and Gold student staff. This, however, did not stop her from becoming the top producer of stories, publishing 22 stories this school year. Coffey has not only gone above and beyond with her stories, but she also went out of her way to engage with the student body in new and exciting ways. She completed countless interviews, highlighting every corner of the school and leading the class in its journalistic integrity. Coffey is confident in the skills that the journalism program has provided her and knows the importance of what she has learned in her next chapter. Coffey is a leader among her peers and leads with humble confidence that inspires others to excellence. She is incredibly empathetic towards and passionate about humanity and the vast stories that individuals hold. She stands out for her maturity and kindness, and the halls of Carmel are forever changed for the better thanks to Coffey’s dedication and perseverance. 

Though the size of the University of Alabama is somewhat intimidating to Coffey, she is eager to get involved in all that Alabama has to offer. Not only is the University’s pre-law program one of the top in the country, but the vast variety of opportunities that it holds is thrilling for Coffey’s future endeavors. 

Coffey is also excited for the new people and friends she will meet these next four years. She is expected that the Lord will provide her a community and home in Tuscaloosa, despite it being quite far from Charlotte. Coffey is equally excited for the “electric atmosphere of Bryant Denny Stadium on game days.” 

Coffey has been a part of the Carmel community since 5th grade. She is grateful for the many opportunities that CCS has provided for her, alongside the relationships with friends and teachers that she formed. Coffey has been a member of the volleyball team since her middle school years and also participated in numerous club teams. She was a part of life changing mission trips, memorable Windy Gaps and more. Coffey had the privilege of staying with the middle school students for their Windy Gap experience this year and remarks on the beauty in “pour[ing] into their lives and form[ing] relationships with all of the girls. [She] was able to see [herself] in them.” 

Coffey has accomplished many things in her high school career: she was her club volleyball team captain for two years and for the school for all four; inducted into the National Honor Society and Beta Club; she has pushed herself through many AP courses, and is proud of the research she conducted through her AP Seminar and AP Research courses; she has been accepted in the University of Alabama’s Honors College and received numerous scholarships for both grades and character. Most importantly, Coffey has seen her growth in trusting in God’s perfect plan for her life. 

Coffey feels that she has grown in her hard work, determination, dependability and patience through her time here at CCS. Coffey hopes to be remembered by her fellow peers for her compassion, kindness and selflessness. Her words of wisdom for the lower classes are simple yet profound: “be kind, always.” 

Coffey’s senior year verse is Luke 1:45 , “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.” 

James Harakas, assistant editor: university is undecided but plans on studying Anthropology.

This is Harakas’s second year in the journalism program at Carmel. He was in Media and Journalism I his junior year and able to continue his career this past year in The Blue and Gold. Harakas has found a love for writing stories that he is passionate about. He credits his experience in journalism as helping to broaden his world on “how people’s lives are affected by events that will go down in history.” Harakas is a welcomed, kind presence in the newsroom. He offers insights and assistance whenever he sees the need. He is a willing servant who leads by a humble example. He is mature beyond his years and shines in his authenticity. 

Harakas has been at Carmel since pre-school and feels the bitter-sweetness of his time here coming to an end. He credits the community that he has found in Carmel through his friendships with his peers and the outpouring of support from his teachers. Harakas has found a love for history through his academic career. He even won the History award last year at Awards Day from Dr. Nathan Gilson. With his interest in history, he hopes to study Anthropology with a specific focus Archaeology. Though he is unsure what his future career will hold, he is excited for the knowledge that awaits him in the future at university. 

Harakas has been an active member of the community at Carmel participating in varsity XC since his sophomore year. Harakas was captain both his junior and senior year. He is also an active member of the Conservation Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society and Deca Club. As well as his involvement in the Carmel community, Harakas is an active member at his church, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox. He is heavily involved in his youth group participating in various  service projects such as the Muffin Ministry with his Sunday school class who go Uptown to feed the homeless. They also have countless other service opportunities. He is a part of the leadership council for his church representing the youth. He also participates in a church league for basketball and soccer. 

Harakas credits his time at Carmel with teaching him how to be a servant leader. He has many memories that stick out to him, but his favorite would be the past year at the Deca competition in Greensboro, NC. He enjoyed spending time with his team and growing in his skills *****. 

Harakas’s life verse is Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” His lingering advice to the students of Carmel is “Work to the best of your ability now so that you will have a less stressed out future.”

Luke Thompson, assistance editor: attending Clemson University and majoring in business.

This is Thompson’s second year in the journalism program at Carmel as he started with the Journalism I class his junior year. Though Thompson was a later addition to this year’s staff, his writing ability and classroom presence was incredibly welcomed. Thompson was the designated editor due to his keen eye for detail and grammatical accuracy. His coverage and stories were delivered with journalistic brevity and objectivity. Thompson has gained valuable skills utilizing the key tenets of journalism, yet adding his own personality and interest to supplement his work. Thompson is a welcomed presence to any environment as he offers maturity and stability that is laced with a witty sense of humor. 

Though Clemson is not too far from Charlotte, Thompson is ready to explore the new place and meet all the new people that the next season holds. His interest in business is due to its versatility. Thompson, still somewhat undecided in the exact direction of his study, has had plenty of exposure to the world of business with his involvement in DECA; his mom also owns her own dental business, spurring his intrigue in one day owning his own business. 

Thompson has been at Carmel his entire life. Thompson remarks about his eagerness for this next step into college but also recalls the countless people who have been a part of his time here at Carmel. The friendships that he has formed over his years here have been the most impactful part of his high school, and he states that he will “miss everybody in [his] grade. It’s weird seeing [his] close friends that [he’s] grown up with [his] whole life committed to different schools.” He cherishes many of the memories made here at Carmel, but states that being “back-to-back lip sync champions” is one of his favorites. 

Thompson has had many accolades in his years: he is a member of the National Honors Society, National Beta Club member, Spanish Honors Society and maintained a high GPA throughout high school. He had multiple promotions at work and an active presence in his youth group. He volunteers at his church and has been on various J-term trips that are service-heavy. Thompson is most proud of his personal growth and leadership ability in his time at Carmel. He has taken risks and branched out of his comfort zone. 

Thompson hopes that he is remembered here at Carmel as reliable. Not only relied on for a laugh, but also for someone who will always listen. His word of advice to the younger classes is, “Appreciate the little things and live in the moment while you still can. People say it all the time, but senior year really does fly by, and you’re going to miss all the people and the memories once it’s over.”

Thompson states that his life verse varies depending on the situation, as “there is a Bible verse for every problem or triumph.” 

Jordan Saunders, copy editor: GAP year while finding a job with a theater company.

Saunders was a new member of The Blue and Gold this year but had previous experiences writing for the yearbook. Saunders is known for her charismatic personality and passion for theatrical endeavors. She joined the staff this year planning to primarily focus on doing movie reviews. Not only did she complete the reviews, but she offered her readers in-depth looks into cinematography, storylines, directors, actors, overlapping connections and more. Her articles effortlessly intertwine eloquent writing styles with an exciting-fun-loving read. Saunders is a one-of-a-kind student who is sure to continue expressing her passions through her powerful writing skills as she broadens her life experiences and explores her wide-ranged of passions. Saunders hopes to even make a career grounded in writing. Throughout her time this year, she would often “feel a burst of excitement when thinking about how [she’ll] be utilizing this passion for the rest of [her] life.” 

Saunders has been a part of the Carmel community since she was six weeks old. She and her family have been members of Carmel Baptist since her mom was young, and she views Carmel as her second home, and though she has formed a solid foundation in her time here, she is eager for her next step. Saunders is planning on exploring her passions outside of the classroom setting next year as she sets out for her gap year. She is hopeful for whatever lies ahead of her and is looking forward to having more free time to “exercise her passions or go to places [she’s] always longed to go.” 

Saunders has many accomplishments in her time at Carmel, but her proudest are all rooted in her time doing theater at Carmel, which she began when she was in 5th grade. Her studio class won the regional North Carolina Theatre Conference her sophomore year; she has been recognized by CITA and ASCI in her skills; however, she is mostly proud of how she has grown as an actress. Her favorite memory from this past year was the Lip Sync performance, where she had her very own solo. She highlights the directors, Anna Blair Huie and Alexis Cauble’s attention to detail. Saunders comments, “[Huie and Cauble] stitched the dance numbers and acting together to produce not just an engaging spectacle but an intentional narrative.”

Saunders hopes to be remembered for her deep empathy. She explains that though her heart can be both a blessing and a curse, she hopes that her “peers can take away how much [she] loves and cares about them.” Saunders’s song that she has had on repeat in her mind is from her favorite musical “Nevermore”. The song “No More of This Madness” has been an anthem for Saunders. She specially highlighted the lines: “So to dreams say goodbye / I won’t lie down and die / I will no longer just let my life pass me by / I’ll be fearless and bold / Let my future take hold / I will bury the past, join the living at last / In the world see the good / Live my life as I should / Feel the joy until now that I just never could.” I’ve been struggling with feeling emotionally at peace and trying to move forward throughout this past year, so I can relate to Edgar’s determination to rebuild his new life after all the misery he’s experienced.”

Her advice to Carmel students is “Even when everything around you looks pitch black, there’s always, always, always a light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes the light doesn’t show up in the way we expect, which makes it difficult to believe it even exists. Always remember that this too shall pass and to keep going even if the struggle is excruciating; you have God’s strength and reliability to hold you up, and keep being patient for the great things that are bound to happen to you!”