I used to be scared of Sri. 

I was never afraid of her or frightened by her as a person. Rather, I was intimidated, yet astonished, by Coppell High School senior and The Sidekick editor-in-chief Sri’s ability to always strive for the highest standard in her work. 

Whether it be taking last-minute photos or leading a high school newspaper to win a national award, I have always admired Sri’s ability to set ambitious goals and do everything in her power to meet them. 

Before this school year, I knew Sri as the executive news editor of The Sidekick and all my opinions about her were solely based on our conversations on Slack. However, this year I have had the pleasure of sharing a class with her every day. Through the time we spend together, I have gotten to know her as a fellow leadership team member, but more importantly, as a friend. 

Sri likes to eat cookies at 9 a.m., Sri likes to visualize her ideas by acting them out herself, Sri cannot spell, Sri likes to sit with her feet off of the ground at all times and Sri is insanely driven. 

I have seriously never met anyone who is as steadfast and hardworking as Sri. She genuinely wants the best for this program and every single one of us. Even though she can come off as blunt (usually as we near an issue deadline), everything she does is for the betterment of those around her. That is what makes her a great leader and a better person. 

Sri is so selfless and devoted to ensuring that everyone is equally recognized. It would be easy for her to take all the credit for the work we do, as editor-in-chief, but I think everyone can agree with me when I say that Sri will always be the first person to step back and push someone else into the spotlight. 

So thank you Sri, for o-fish-ially being a fin-tastic, five-star chief. You really capture the essence of being an intentional leader who is in tune with her goals and priorities, an inspiration to us all.

But most importantly, thank you for being an amazing friend, because I do not think I would be where I am today without you, Sri Achanta. 

Follow Sukirtha (@suki_muthiah) and @CHSCampusNews on X.