• Coppell ISD is on Winter Break through Monday, Jan. 6. Classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 7.
The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
Anika Arutla

Anika Arutla , Social Media Manager

Anika is a senior at Coppell High School and it is her third year on the Sidekick staff. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, watching movies, doing her IB homework and spending time with her family and friends.

You can contact her at [email protected] or follow her on twitter @AnikaArutla

All content by Anika Arutla
During the last weeks of the school year, IB English IV teacher Richard Orlopp gave students the opportunity to do a project on the topic of their choice. Coppell High School senior Ronak Indurti did a presentation analysis on Netflix’s recent release, “Never Have I Ever.”

The great SLAY (Senior Legacy Activity, Yeet!) project

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
May 15, 2020
Coppell High School senior Pranitha Kona is ranked tenth in the class of 2020. Kona plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall.

Pranitha Kona

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
May 14, 2020
Coppell High School senior Shreyas Rajagopal is ranked fourth in the class of 2020. Rajagopal is attending Emory University in Atlanta as a debate scholar with a major in anthropology.

Shreyas Rajagopal

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
May 14, 2020
Looking back on unique soccer season (part 2)

Looking back on unique soccer season (part 2)

Anika Arutla, Mari Pletta, Sally Parampottil, Tracy Tran, and Neveah Jones
May 5, 2020
Looking back on unique soccer season (part 1)

Looking back on unique soccer season (part 1)

Anika Arutla, Charlotte Vanyo, Sally Parampottil, Mari Pletta, Tracy Tran, and Neveah Jones
May 5, 2020
Korean dramas have gained international popularity within the last few years due to their well-written plots, skilled actors and great cinematography. Social media manager Anika Arutla lists seven dramas everyone should watch.

Exploring the Korean side of TV during isolation

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
April 18, 2020
Pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer released its fourth album, CALM, on Friday. Upon releasing three albums prior with different styles, social media manager Anika Arutla talks about its growth through the years.

‘CALM’ brings maturity to nine year old band

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
March 31, 2020
Coppell opened the Coppell & Marcus Tournament with a 6-3 victory over Waxahachie on Thursday at the Coppell ISD Softball Complex. The Cowgirls play Ennis and Cedar Hill on Saturday.

Cowgirls surge over Waxahachie in first Coppell & Marcus Tournament game

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
March 6, 2020
Coppell junior shortstop Sydney Ingle looks to throw at the Coppell ISD Softball Complex last season. The Cowgirls are hosting its first tournament from Thursday to Saturday at the CISD Softball Complex. Sidekick file photo.

Coppell & Marcus tournament prepping softball before district season

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
March 4, 2020
Netflix released the second installment in the To All The Boys series, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, on Feb. 12. The series is based off of Jenny Han’s trilogy of the same name. Photo courtesy Netflix.

Nothing special about Netflix’s To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
February 21, 2020

[Video] Local Guides: Chicken Sandwich Edition

Christie Hernandez, Videographer
February 13, 2020
The Penny Podcast - Episode #038

[Video] The Penny Podcast – Episode #038

February 13, 2020
Coppell High School senior Andrew Tao practices the marimba during a private lesson in the fine arts hallway on Jan. 23. Tao is a percussionist with the CHS band who has qualified to All-State for all four years of high school.

Tao drumming to All-State four years in a row

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
February 3, 2020
The Cowboys lost to the Hawks, 1-3, in their first district 6-6A home match. Coppell senior midfielder Caleb Razo dribbles against Hebron on Tuesday at Buddy Echols Field.

Second half surge lifts Hawks over Coppell

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
January 29, 2020
Coppell High School students juniors Calen Halcom, Marcos Morales-Martinez, Matthew O'Quinn, Gregory Sabancuyan, Akash Vijay, Abigail Simon, Fiona Lopez and LeeAn Zhong were selected to participate in the High School Aerospace Scholars. Not pictured is junior Hannah George, who was also selected, and STEM teacher Pilar Castro-Zena. They will do a 16-week online interactive course of NASA activities related to space exploration, earth science, technology, mathematics and aeronautics.

Recommendation letters aid in celestial experience

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
January 22, 2020
The Coppell wrestling team won the Santa Slam at the CHS Arena on Dec. 22. The team travels to the Houston Westside Chicken Wing Tournament from Jan. 10-11.

Wrestling

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
January 10, 2020
Throughout the past decade, authors such as Wendy Mass, Cassandra Clare and John Green explored unique characters and storylines by showcasing everyday problems the youth faces. The Sidekick social media manager Anika Arutla discusses the impact they have had on the generation as 2020 arrives.

Decade Wrap-Up: Literary look back at decade’s growth

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
December 17, 2019
CHS9 biology teacher Laronna Doggett works with her students on a cellular respiration worksheet. Doggett’s passion for the ocean has allowed her to teach students in a unique way.

Love for ocean fuels biology teaching

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
December 10, 2019
Coppell senior Brooke Massaviol tries to pin junior Kiya Tillery from The Colony. The Cowgirls placed first overall in the Knockout Sportswear Cowgirl Classic on Friday in the CHS Arena.

Cowgirls rise to top in second tournament of the season

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
December 7, 2019
The Strategic Design Advocacy team presents a video during the Coppell ISD board meeting on Monday at the Vonita White Administration Building. The Coppell High School cross country teams and band were also recognized for their achievements.

[Photo] Board meeting discusses the redefinition of success in school system

Sapna Amin, Staff Writer
November 20, 2019
Coppell senior left wing Clark Parlier handles the puck on Oct. 28 at the Dr Pepper StarsCenter in Valley Ranch. Parlier is also a captain of the Coppell varsity tennis team while balancing school work.

Dual citizenship, dual sports

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
November 12, 2019
Coppell High School technical theater director Dominic Klovensky teaches his students the basics of woodwork during his sixth period technical theater class. Students in Klovensky’s class have recently been learning woodwork terminology.

Klovensky bringing enthusiasm to technical theater

Anika Arutla, Social Media Manager
September 12, 2019
Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame released on April 26, making 1.2 billion dollars in its first weekend. The Sidekick staff writer, Anika Arutla, discusses the expectations of the movie and the conclusion to the original six Avengers characters.

Paying tribute to our childhood

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
May 2, 2019
On April 7, juniors Eva Theel and Shreyas Rajagopal sing “Best Part” by HER and Daniel Caesar at St. Joseph’s Senior Home for Encore Talent Group. Rohil Verma and Alec Klem created a website for the group and hope to create a network of venues and performers.

Enhancing self-confidence in ‘one go’

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
April 29, 2019
The Sidekick staff writer Anika Arutla thinks the current youth’s carefree mentality can have consequences by comparing it with the popular Lifetime TV show “You.” In the TV show, a stalker named, Joe, becomes obsessed with a girl named Beck, who keeps her social media public and does not take precautions to maintain her safety.

We are our biggest fear

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
April 17, 2019
Best hangout spot: Starbucks

Best hangout spot: Starbucks

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
April 3, 2019
CHS9 student Reid Lucas prepares to pie CHS9 GT Geometry teacher Michael Wang during the pep rally at CHS9 on March 22. CHS9 Student Council held a competition where they nominated six faculty members, and whoever raised the most money would get a pie in the face at the pep rally.

Taking incoming school year in stride

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
April 2, 2019
Students gather to get admission green lunch during seventh period and focuses on redefining success. Green lunch is given to students that raised their grades by 10 points or through teacher nominations.

Introducing green lunch: an opportunity that redefines success (with video)

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
March 27, 2019
Coppell High School senior Jingchun Quan displays her certificate in front of her artwork at the Dallas Museum of Art on March 16. Quan was chosen to showcase her artwork, “Eagle Meets Dragon: A Clash of Cultures,” through a festival hosted by the Dallas Museum of Art.

Dragon, eagle battle to form an identity through art

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
March 23, 2019
Coppell High School junior SreeVarsha Chinthapenta displays her certificate in front of her artwork at the Dallas Museum of Art on March 16. Chinthapenta was chosen to showcase her artwork, “Juxtaposition,” through a festival hosted by the Dallas Museum of Art.

Conflicting ideologies collide in award-winning artwork

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
March 23, 2019
Coppell High School 2012 graduate Madiha Lakhani launched her own makeup brand, Madz Cosmetica, earlier this year. Madz Cosmetica is selling liquid lipstick that is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan and hydrating.

Monetizing Passion

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
March 1, 2019
The National Technical Honor Society had representatives advertising their program during Coppell High School’s Spring Showcase on Monday. During the event, clubs, programs and courses could be displayed in the CHS main hallway and commons for current and incoming students.

Learning, understanding course selections through Spring Preview Night

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
February 14, 2019
Every year, Coppell High School hosts a Open House during first semester and a Spring Preview Night during second semester. The Spring Preview Night will be this Monday, Feb. 11, from 6-8 p.m. in the small gym, large gym and the commons.

Incoming students to look through next year’s schedules on Monday

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
February 8, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #003

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #003

February 7, 2019
This Sunday, the New England Patriots face the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII. The Sidekick Staff Writer Anika Arutla explains the reputation and negative connotation surrounding the Patriots as they enter their 10th Super Bowl.

Reputation of Patriots as NFL’s dominating team

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
February 2, 2019
Video: Coppell High School students gear up for Super Bowl LIII

[Video] Video: Coppell High School students gear up for Super Bowl LIII

January 31, 2019
For the proposed border wall between Mexico and the U.S., it would cost $5 billion. The Sidekick staff writer Anika Arutla explains why building a wall is not beneficial on either side.

Social, environmental downturns to wall

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
January 25, 2019
Stir conversation with date over quick, delicious recipes

Stir conversation with date over quick, delicious recipes

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
January 24, 2019
Coppell Police Chief Danny Barton looks through paperwork in his new office at the Coppell Police Station on Dec. 14. Barton has been a part of the police force for more than 20 years and was sworn in as Coppell Police Chief on Dec. 3.

Finding your place through spontaneous decisions

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
January 15, 2019
Coppell ISD is implementing a new safety plan, NaviGate Prepared, for schools throughout the district. NaviGate Prepared will make 3D floor plans of each classroom and allow first responders to have knowledge where certain furniture is around the room.

Latest addition to school safety: NaviGate Prepared implements 3D floor plans

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
December 14, 2018
Travel, family, full stomachs

Travel, family, full stomachs

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
December 5, 2018
The Sidekick staff writer Anika Arutla talks about spending Christmas Day driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas through the barren land and spending that night walking the Vegas Strip. She recalls seeing the holiday decorations at the hotels and watching the fountains in front of the Bellagio hotel.

From sunny Florida to frigid Virginia to dry west coast

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
November 29, 2018
Junior staff writer Anika Arutla examines the growth of feminism and its effect on the local community in relation to politics. Kavanaugh got confirmed into the Supreme Court with a 48/50 vote.

Kavanaugh’s effect on feminism

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
November 14, 2018
Staff writer Anika Arutla talks about the history of voting and her excitement about voting. Political signs are lined along the road to Coppell Town Center for upcoming midterm election on Nov. 9.

I have a voice, I want to use it

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
November 6, 2018
Bullet Journal was founded by Ryder Carroll and its journals feature a new variation to the planner. The Sidekick Staff Writer Anika Arutla talks about how the method has impacted her and the its benefits on her life.

Gaining control over busy schedules through a bullet journal

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
October 18, 2018
Movies can have a great impact personally such shaping one’s outlook on various issues. Staff writer Anika Arutla shares her opinion on movies such as Mulan, Anastasia and Troy and how they have impacted her.

Let’s get down to business, to analyze movies

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
October 9, 2018

CHS9 from misuni k on Vimeo.

Fresh look for historic campus (with video)

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
October 4, 2018
Coppell High School senior’s Vinny Vincenzo, Luke Raetzman and Ethan Thompson practice throwing the frisbee among each other while running. They met after school at New Tech High @ Coppell with the rest of the team in order to practice their frisbee skills.

Fewer players, more coaches: Coppell ultimate frisbee taking new approach with smaller roster

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
October 1, 2018
CHS9 teacher, Madhavi Phadke, is a former AP Environmental Science and IB Biology teacher at Coppell High School who now teaches Biology at CHS9. There are various differences between teaching at CHS and CHS9 including the atmosphere and teaching styles.

Moving from the sea to a pond

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
September 21, 2018
Fall is approaching and pumpkins are being sold at stores such as Tom Thumb. This season calls for many opportunities to enjoy the cool weather including movies such Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Venom.

Cooler weather, spooky movies

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
September 19, 2018
Coppell High School forensics teacher Rebecca Wheatley teaches safety procedures in her seventh period class. Wheatley is also teaching IB Biology I and II and AP Environmental Science.

From being chased by bears to teaching in Coppell: CHS science teacher Rebecca Wheatley takes on new adventures

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
September 6, 2018
Coppell High School Principal Dr. Nicole Jund helps a parent navigate the halls of CHS during open house on Tuesday night. Open House is an opportunity for parents to walk through their child’s schedules and meet their teachers.

Setting goals, meeting expectations: parents attend Open House with clear minds

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
August 30, 2018
Netflix’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before released on Aug. 17 and received praise for its uniqueness. The protagonist, Lara Jean Covey, writes five love letters to the five boys she’s loved in her life and they get sent out, revealing all of her deepest secrets.

Netflix’s ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ sets standards for future romantic comedies

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
August 24, 2018
Biology honors/GT teacher Cathy Douglas guides students as they work on a pig dissection. Douglas recently won a 2018 Southern Methodist University Teacher Award. At the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair at SMU on April 4.

Love for teaching drives beloved teacher to win regional science award

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
May 22, 2018
With the increasing new trend of weight-lifting high schoolers, Sidekick staff writer Anika Arutla tells how one can tackle the more intimidating aspects of the gym. Arutla explains how one’s social media presence of their active lifestyle may be even more important than the exercising itself.

Coppell Observer: The truth behind exercising

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
May 16, 2018
Seniors across Texas make the important decision regarding which school they are committing to for the next four years of their college career. Coppell High School counselors celebrate the seniors’ dedication and hard work by bringing in a photobooth and giving out raffle prizes during sixth period.

Decision day calls for senior appreciation

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
May 4, 2018
Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War opened April 27 in United States theaters and is considered one of the most anticipated films of the year. The movie received multiple acclaims and ended with a huge cliffhanger. The next Avengers movie is set to release in May of 2019.

Marvel sweeps audience with massive cliffhanger

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
April 30, 2018
Coppell High School sophomore staff writer Anika Arutla visited the Grand Canyon over winter break. Arutla loved the scenery and enjoyed the feeling of tranquility and peace standing on the edge looking down at the Colorado River.

[Photo] A letter to mother nature, our home and safe haven

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
April 28, 2018

School announces king, queen nominees to start prom week

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
April 17, 2018
The Coppell girls soccer team celebrate it's Class 6A Region II quarterfinal victory on Thursday night against Sachse. After playing 20 minutes of overtime, the Cowgirls won 4-3 during penalty kicks at Richardson’s Eagle-Mustang Stadium.

Penalty kicks, shut outs in the fight for state championship

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
April 6, 2018
Coppell junior midfielder Shelby Sylvester (no. 19) shows her excitement as the Cowgirls score their fifth goal during the Class 6A Region I bi-district match against Naaman Forest on Thursday night at John Clark Stadium in Plano. The Cowgirls won, 5-0, and advance to play Mesquite Horn on Tuesday in the area playoff.

Technique, teamwork leads Cowgirls playoff victory

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
March 31, 2018
The Sidekick sophomore staff writer Anika Arutla meditates at Andy Brown Park East on Tuesday. Arutla practices Anapana, which is a breathing technique under the form of meditation Vipassana. Meditation has multiple benefits, including sharp focus and reducing anxiety.

Searching for enlightenment, finding peace through meditation (with video)

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
March 29, 2018
Students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) in Alexandria, Virginia hold signs and stand up for gun restriction. The seniors were not present during the walkout and instead were at the one in Washington, D.C.

Nation-wide stance for gun restrictions; students shine attention on major issue

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
March 27, 2018
Credit by Exam (CBE) is a test that allows a student to earn a college credit for a certain classes in high school by taking a test. Coppell High School currently offers four different subjects: Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology and US History.

Credit by exam opportunity allows students to get quick course credit

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
March 21, 2018
As she finds an open spot on the field, junior forward Micayla Weathers kicks the ball towards the goal during the game against the Lake Highlands Lady Wildcats on Friday at the Buddy Echols Field. The Cowgirls played hard to beat and took a win with a score of 3-0 as they look forward to their next game against Berkner.

After disappointing loss, communication leads Cowgirls to victory over Lake Highlands

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
March 5, 2018
Coppell High School 2014 graduate Shannon Dundon draws designs for her app ‘meowbounce.’ The app received 4.7/5 stars on the app store and Dundon drew all of the designs for the app.

Bouncing and cats, mixture for entertaining app; Dundon creates ‘Meowbounce’

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
March 2, 2018
Senior Lauren McCord drew a red X on her hand in support of the END IT movement. The END IT movement brings awareness to the issue of human trafficking.

On the Spot: END IT movement, shining a light on the issue of human trafficking

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
February 22, 2018
Coppell High School senior Kendal Toy smiles after successfully landing her gymnastics routine during her practice on Wednesday at Metroplex Gymnastics. Toy committed to the University of Washington in 2014 and received a full scholarship.

Cartwheeling to college: Toy lands gymnastics scholarship to Washington

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
February 21, 2018
Coppell High School senior Grace Mobley reads with kindergartners at Mockingbird Elementary on Tuesday. Mobley is part of the Ready, Set, Teach! program at CHS which allows students to go to elementary schools and teach children.

A love of learning: Mobley finds her place in classroom

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
February 9, 2018
Donald Trump addressing supporters at his Fort Worth rally in 2016. It has been a year since Trump was sworn into office and he has kept promises as well as broken them.

One year of Trump

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
February 2, 2018
For years, women around the world have advocated as well as fought against the mistreatment and abuse inflicted upon them by men. Recently Hollywood has also joined the movement, as seen with Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globes Awards acceptance speech, to fight against the horrendous acts committed against females of this era.

Fighting for justice

Anika Arutla, staff writer
January 27, 2018
Senior Wyatt Priest, after scoring a goal during a playoff game his sophomore year. They won the game 2-0 and advanced in the playoffs.

Scoring a position at SMU

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
December 12, 2017
Sophomore Lauren Kellet, goalie on the CHS varsity girl's soccer team, saving a ball during practice on December 1. Lauren committed to TCU earlier this year.

Securing a scholarship to TCU

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
December 12, 2017
In 2018, several anticipated films will hit the big screen for movie fanatics. These movies include Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, A Wrinkle in Time and Incredibles 2.

Year of nostalgia

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
November 30, 2017
Season one of Netflix’s original show Stranger Things released on July 15, 2016 and received lots of popularity within weeks. Season two recently released on Halloween.

Strangest worldwide phenomenon

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
November 7, 2017
The 14 girls participating in the women’s self defense class practice using pressure points. Pressure points can knock out the attacker with a simple hit. The classes take place at the Coppell Police Department on Wednesday’s from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Building confidence

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
November 3, 2017
Coppell High School sophomore Anika Arutla dresses up as Te Fiti from the Disney movie Moana. To be Te Fiti, you can use a floral skirt, a green sweater, a flower crown, and floral jewelry.

Mix Disney and Halloween and get affordable costumes

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
October 30, 2017
Coppell High School seniors Macy Johnson, who plays Morticia Addams, and Mark Beshai who plays Gomez Addams, sing during a romantic scene of “The Addams Family” on Saturday night in the auditorium. “The Addams Family” musical will also be performed this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Dark play with a twist

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
October 24, 2017
Coppell High School sophomores Jane Kim and Ethan DePew’s designs were selected from all the art classes at CHS to be sold as stickers to raise money for Hurricane Harvey relief. All proceeds are being donated to the American Black Cross. They are being sold in are teacher David Bearden’s room, E103.

Sticker sale for Harvey

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
October 20, 2017
The ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of the Coppell ER included Coppell Mayor Karen Hunt, the staff of the Coppell ER and people from the community. The grand opening was on Thursday.

Treatment in comfort: New emergency room opens in Coppell

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
October 19, 2017
CHS Drama Club held their annual Revue and Auction Night on Sept.18. One of their specialities during the night is auctioning homemade desserts to the audience in order to raise money for the club.

Homemade cakes, trips play starring role in theater department’s annual silent auction

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
September 22, 2017
Coppell High School’s KCBY-TV adviser Irma Kennedy talks about being a finalist for the 2017 National Scholastic Press Association Broadcast Pacemaker award on Tuesday. The NSPA Pacemaker is a prestigious award for high school media, which KCBY won in 2015.

KCBY nominated for Pacemaker award

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
September 18, 2017
Cars are displayed at the fourth annual car show in Main Street Coppell on Sept. 10. The fourth annual Coppell Car Show is hosted by the Coppell High School solar car team.

Fourth Annual Coppell Car Show

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
September 16, 2017
Coppell Mayor Karen Hunt and former Coppell Mayor Andrew Brown cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Andy Brown Park West on Saturday. The community came together to witness the official opening of the park.

Grand opening of Andy Brown Park West

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
September 11, 2017
Cars on Allen Parkway at Studemont Street are submerged in water due to flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. Allen Parkway was hit particularly hard due to its proximity to downtown Houston.

Life during the hurricane

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
September 1, 2017
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