Archie Arvind is currently a sophomore here at Carmel. She grew up in Charlotte with her family, which consists of her two supportive parents and her older brother Abhishek, who is a senior at Carmel. Arvind said, “My parents have always been there for me and they are always supporting and helping me when I need it.”  Throughout her childhood, Arvind got to play all sorts of board games and Super Mario games with her family, especially her brother. 

Arvind went to Carmel throughout elementary school, but the Arvind family left Carmel during the  COVID-19 pandemic. Arvind attended Cuthbertson Middle School during her time away from Carmel. “I wanted to come back to Carmel, so I did for freshman year,” Arvind said, “I think coming back was good for me because it’s a better environment, and I like how all the teachers and friends are really really supporting. They don’t just care about education, but also my walk with the Lord.”

Outside of school, Arvind spends her time indulging in drawing, painting and other arts. “My grandpa is a really good artist, so he inspired me,” Arvind said. Her grandfather currently lives in India but still manages to inspire Arvind through his abilities. “He draws but also knows how to fix anything. He always has little bits of wisdom to share,” Arvind said.

Arvind is not only involved in the physical arts but also the digital arts, as she is a designer for the school yearbook! Even though she is young, Arvind has managed to earn an editorial position due to her skill! Arvind said, “ I like design in the yearbook because it’s creative and, in a way, it’s like solving a puzzle.” She was a key contributor to the development of this year’s book, even spending a part of her summer to collaborate with the other editors. 

Brandy Caton, the yearbook advisor, remarks on Arvind’s impact on the yearbook this year. Caton states,” I am so thankful for Archie! She is a yearbook adviser’s dream. She’s talented as a graphic designer and artist with creative ideas that she is able to see through. She’s also very, very dependable. She always gets her work done quickly and correctly without trying to take shortcuts. She’s also a great problem solver which is a graphic designer’s best asset – she knows how to work out the issues that arise and make it all work and look beautiful at the same time! She’s also a sweetheart with a servant’s heart, which is so important for a yearbook editor to have because honestly all of the massive amounts of work that we do comes from a place that wants to provide something special for the students and the school as a gift and to give back.  I could go on and on – she’s a gem!”

Another extracurricular activity that Arvind is involved in is volunteering at Central Church. She does all sorts of things throughout the church, helping wherever she can. Arvind helps the church with photographs throughout the week as well as running the lyrics on Sunday with the production team for the main service. She also helps with the babies in the nursery at the church, which she loves. 

Arvind is a light to many people in her life and her story reflects why! Arvind’s good friend, Katie Freeman states, “She is an amazing friend who is always there for me. I actually do not know anyone who doesn’t like her because she is just such a fun person to be around once you get to know her.”