• Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt announces retirement effective at end of school year.
  • Coppell High School hosts Band High School Concert and Sight Reading UIL Region 31 competitions on Monday and Tuesday.
  • Vivace! performs “Lose Control” at the CHS Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Friday.
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
Ainsley Dwyer

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff Writer

Ainsley Dwyer is a senior and third-year staff writer on The Sidekick.

Outside of The Sidekick, she is involved in the CHS Theatre department. In her free time, you can find her hanging out with her friends, listening to dad music, watching her favorite movies, or hanging out with her dogs.

On The Sidekick, she enjoys photographing sports and writing editorial pieces, and will continue fueling her love for journalism in college. You can email her at aed5645@g.coppellisd.com.

All content by Ainsley Dwyer
Sunrise on the Reaping is the second highly anticipated prequel to The Hunger Games trilogy released March 18. The Sidekick staff writer Ainsley Dwyer shares how the installment brings new knowledge to the character of Haymitch Abernathy but fails to evoke the emotion Collins seeks.

“Sunrise on the Reaping” brings rewarding but inessential depth to series

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff writer
April 11, 2025
Many people try to hide their true music taste in order to not seem basic in front of peers. The Sidekick staff writer Ainsley Dwyer thinks mainstream music taste should be embraced.

Music popularity does not determine quality

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff writer
February 26, 2025
Screenshot 2024-12-16 at 9.53.45 PM

Athletes take first step of collegiate career

Ainsley Dwyer, Anika Upadhyayula, and Vibha Viswanath
December 16, 2024
Following the 2024 Presidential Election, the country remains strongly divided in its political views. The Sidekick staff writer Ainsley Dwyer thinks we need to transition towards unity as the battle between red and blue intensifies.

Political polarization prevents true unification

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff writer
December 5, 2024
Listening to music while studying can be a controversial subject among students, parents, and teachers. The Sidekick staff writer Prathi Tamara explores how music can be used to increase productivity within students. Graphic by Ainsley Dwyer

[Photo] Studying with song: How music can help you learn

Prathi Tamara Sathish Kumar, Staff Writer
November 9, 2024
Social battery is a metaphor used to refer to our ability to socialize with other people prior to feeling drained. The Sidekick staff writer Ainsley Dwyer thinks it is normal to experience a lack of energy in social situations and explains how to recognize and address that feeling. Graphic by Safiya Azam

It is OK to not feel social

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff writer
October 9, 2024
Following hit singles “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” rising pop star Sabrina Carpenter released her sixth studio album Short n’ Sweet. Staff writer Ainsley Dwyer delves into the album’s different sounds.

Carpenter brings emotion, fun to pop music with Short n’ Sweet

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff writer
September 4, 2024
Each decade of the late 20th century has had a subgenre of rock that defined the era. The Sidekick entertainment editor Ainsley Dwyer goes through the years from 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years ago to find the best rock album of that year.

Rock redux: Decade defining albums

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
May 17, 2024
Coppell High School seniors Varun Ravilla and Gia Oswal dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran after being named CHS 2024 Prom King and Queen. CHS 2024 Senior Prom at Dallas Market Center on April 27 was themed "Midnight."

Seniors dance ‘til midnight at Prom

Ainsley Dwyer and Wendy Le
May 7, 2024
Coppell senior Raghav Hosalli has spent the past four years of high school dedicating their all to Coppell Choir. Hosalli has left an impact on the students and directors within the program.

[Photo] Coincidence to crescendo

Niharika Tallapaka, Staff Writer
May 6, 2024
On March 29, Beyoncé released her eighth studio album, sparking new conversations about the role of Black women in country music. The Sidekick entertainment editor Ainsley Dwyer delves into whether or not Beyoncé succeeded in creating a country album that is unique in her largely pop discography.

Column: Beyoncé tipping hat to Southern roots in “COWBOY CARTER”

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
April 30, 2024
Coppell High School staff and students viewed the solar eclipse in totality on April 8 at 1:42 p.m.. The last total solar eclipse to cross Dallas-Fort Worth occurred in 1878 and the next will not occur until 2317

A glimpse into darkness

Ainsley Dwyer and Wendy Le
April 20, 2024

[Video] Food Review: Dulce Taqueria (video)

Ainsley Dwyer and Wendy Le
April 19, 2024
On Monday, Coppell High School students experienced a total solar eclipse at 1:41 p.m. Coppell was on the path of totality and CHS scheduled an evacuation drill from 1:35-1:55 p.m. to provide students a viewing experience.

[Photo] A celestial encounter

Sahasra Chakilam, News Editor
April 9, 2024
Coppell junior first baseman Joaquin Oaxaca bats against Plano during the first inning on Tuesday at Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 2-1.

Garcia, Cowboys hold on for 2-1 victory in pitcher’s duel

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
March 28, 2024
Country music uses lyricism and instrumental music to create art that can be enjoyed by music lovers across all genres. The Sidekick entertainment editor Ainsley Dwyer thinks country music is an underestimated genre that deserves more appreciation within today’s music lovers.

Rediscovering the beauty in country music

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment Editor
March 25, 2024
Musicals have seen a decline in popularity since the 1960s yet Hollywood continues to make them. The Sidekick entertainment editor Ainsley Dwyer thinks movie musicals are not successful because of the change in the Hollywood norm to realistic acting and why people have steered away from movie musicals.

Movie musicals hitting a low note in Hollywood

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
March 1, 2024
Coppell players celebrate after Coppell senior forward Samuel Stone scores its only goal in the game with 42 seconds left in the first half at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. Coppell defeated Lewisville, 1-0, tieing them with Hebron for second place in District 6-6A.

Late first-half goal by Stone puts Cowboys on top of match

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
February 26, 2024
CHS9 Principal Cody Koontz gets his blood pressure taken by freshmen HOSA members in the cafeteria during lunch on Tuesday. In honor of American Heart Health Month, HOSA members measured blood pressure to spread awareness about heart and blood health.

[Photo] CHS9 HOSA blood pressure drive endorsing heart health, helping hone vital medical skills

Yug Talukdar, Staff Writer
February 22, 2024
At Grapevine Main Street, you can take a stroll through the Vetro Art Gallery and Glassblowing Studio and admire the artwork inside and also the restaurants, shops and historic attractions in the downtown area. The Sidekick news editor Sahasra Chakilam provides 10 date ideas for couples to enjoy together around Coppell.

[Photo] Where to take your heart this Valentine’s Day

Sahasra Chakilam, News Editor
February 13, 2024
KCBY-TV Film Fest category winners receive their awards at the end of the film festival on Jan. 31 in the CHS Auditorium. The second annual KCBY Film Fest is a celebration for students interested in filmmaking and allows them to showcase their artistic expression and creativity.

KCBY-TV showcases student filmmaking talent at second annual Film Festival

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment Editor
February 8, 2024
CHS9 cheer coach Krysten Farris (left) and Coppell JV coach Debra Sartin talk to the JV cheer squad after running a cheer during practice in the small gym at Coppell High School on Friday. Farris is in her first year as CHS9 cheer coach.

[Photo] Cheering for Farris: Teacher turns to gym after time in courtroom

Aasritha Yanamala, Staff writer
January 26, 2024
Mean Girls released in theaters on Jan. 12 and has garnered a fair share of criticism due to its perceived lack of accuracy to the 2018 broadway musical adaptation. The Sidekick entertainment editor Ainsley Dwyer thinks the movie’s positives outweigh its flaws and makes for a fun adaptation for fans of musical theater and Mean Girls (2004).

Plastics carry Mean Girls to be an appreciative film

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
January 24, 2024
The Doctor’s Office, Post Office and Carpenter of the The Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Christmas Village showcased at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on Friday. The Arboretum held its fourth annual “Holiday at the Arboretum” from Nov. 9-Jan. 5 which included a Christmas Village, Twelve Days of Christmas Gazebos and Dazzling Musical Tree.

Arboretum brings holiday spirit to Dallas

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
January 10, 2024

[Video] The Talk: Vintage or Antique?

Caitlyn Concepcion, Ainsley Dwyer, and Wendy Le
November 17, 2023
Coppell senior wide receiver Luca Grosoli rushes to the endzone, scoring Coppell’s first touchdown against Denton Guyer at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats,35-21, advancing to the Class 6A Division II Region I area playoffs.

Coppell corrals Guyer in bi-district playoffs

Rhea Chowdhary and Ainsley Dwyer
November 16, 2023
Coppell junior quarterback Edward Griffin scrambles for a first down during the first quarter against Denton Guyer at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 35-21, to make it to the second round of playoffs.

[Photo] Coppell fights through comeback efforts by Wildcats

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
November 13, 2023
Coppell junior quarterback Edward Griffin scans for an open receiver before completing a pass to junior wide receiver Tucker Cusano for a first down during the first quarter against Denton Guyer in the Class 6A Division II Region I bi-district playoffs at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 35-21, to advance to the area playoffs on Thursday with Dallas Jesuit.

[Photo] Cowboy fight lives to see another day

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
November 12, 2023
The Sidekick entertainment editor Ainsley Dwyer is thankful for her father, Tom Dwyer. She thanks him for sharing his love of history with her, creating a common interest between them.

Giving thanks: History buff runs in the family

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
November 7, 2023
Coppell senior Plunger Boy Max Scott celebrates a touchdown by Coppell wide receiver Baron Tipton during the second quarter against Flower Mound on Oct. 27. The Cowboys defeated the Jaguars, 51-21, at Buddy Echols Field.

Buddy Echols Field goes pink in final home game

Ainsley Dwyer, Kayla Nguyen, and Rhea Chowdhary
November 3, 2023
Vivace! concludes its performance by striking a pose during “Come Sail Away” by Styx at the CHS Auditorium on April 30. Vivace! has its first performance being recognized as a show choir on Friday and Saturday in the CHS Auditorium

Vivace! ready to bring thunder to year’s first show

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
November 2, 2023
For film fanatics: Movies hitting theaters the next four months

For film fanatics: Movies hitting theaters the next four months

Anvita Bondada, Ainsley Dwyer, and Elizabeth De Santiago
November 1, 2023
Coppell coach Antonio Wiley addresses his team after its 51-21 victory against Flower Mound at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. The Cowboys remain unbeaten in District 6-6A and 9-0 overall in the season.

[Photo] Clinched: Coppell corrals Flower Mound for district championship

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
October 29, 2023
Coppell senior wide receiver Baron Tipton catches a pass as Hebron junior wide receiver Gabriel White goes in for a tackle. The Cowboys host Flower Mound in its final home game of the regular season tonight at 5 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field.

[Photo] Football shifts focus to securing district championship

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
October 27, 2023
Coppell junior Lariettes lieutenant Emme Ratliff performs the iconic kick line dance during halftime at the Cowboys game against Hebron at Hawk Stadium on Oct. 20. Ratliff is one of six Lariette officers and has been an avid dancer for the past 14 years.

[Photo] Ratliff rocks her fringe to the top

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
October 25, 2023
Coppell quarterback junior Edward Griffin carries for a first down in the first quarter against Hebron at Brian Brazil Stadium on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Hawks, 49-0. Ainsley Dwyer.

[Photo] Coppell puts on offensive, defensive show in 49-0 shutout of Hebron

Nyah Rama, CHS9 Editor
October 22, 2023
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[Photo] For the record: A look into some of DFW’s most beloved music stores

Marli Field, Staff Writer
October 5, 2023
Coppell senior wide receiver Baron Tipton catches a pass from junior quarterback Edward Griffin during the third quarter against South Grand Prairie at Gopher-Warrior Bowl on Friday 9/1. Coppell defeated the Warriors, 44-34. The Cowboys face Lewisville tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field in their second District 6-6A game of the season against the reigning district champions.

[Photo] Proving their status

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
September 28, 2023
Coppell High School junior Sophie Caswell and New Tech High @ Coppell junior Sarvin Narang rehearse Coppell Theatre Company’s fall production “Harvey” in the Black Box Theatre on Monday. Rehearsals began on Aug. 28 and the show is set to be performed Oct. 6-7 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 8 at 2:30 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium.

[Photo] Down the rabbit hole of “Harvey”

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
September 20, 2023
Coppell High School class of 2002 wear their senior overalls in the student section at a pep rally. Senior overalls have been a tradition since the early 2000s as a way for senior girls to represent their school spirit and pride in Coppell.

We’re all over the overalls

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment Editor
September 20, 2023
Fluorescent lights decorate the ferris wheel and other attractions at the St. Ann Catholic Parish Community Carnival. The 30th annual St. Ann’s carnival took place Sept. 8-10 in the parking lot of the church and provided entertainment, games, rides and food to attendees.

30th annual St. Ann carnival celebrates community

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
September 15, 2023
Coppell senior setter/opposite hitter spikes over the net against Plano West at CHS Arena on Friday. The Lady Wolves defeated the Cowgirls 25-8, 25-17, 25-23.

[Photo] Cowgirls face Farmers after consecutive defeats

Aliza Abidi, Editorial Page Editor
September 12, 2023
JPMorgan Chase & Co Executive Director of Cybersecurity & Technology Controls Samit Majumdar discusses the history behind artificial intelligence to students at the Coppell Middle School East Library on Friday. The presentation discussed the history and pros and cons of AI to promote the first year of the high school credit, Fundamentals of Computer Science, at all three middle schools.

[Photo] CMSE technology seminar announces Thomson Reuters media literacy contest

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
September 11, 2023
Coppell senior outside hitter Daki Kahungu tips over the net against Plano West at CHS Arena on Friday. The Lady Wolves defeated the Cowgirls 25-8, 25-17, 25-23.

[Photo] Cowgirls dig up confidence but fall short to Plano West

Sri Achanta, Executive Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2023
Coppell senior center Alex Jackson prepares to start the play at the line of scrimmage with offensive lineman juniors Jordan Stafford and Jacob Reyes against South Grand Prairie at Gopher-Warrior Bowl on Friday. Coppell defeated the Warriors, 44-34.

[Photo] Cowboys’ fans enjoy road victory at Gopher-Warrior Bowl

September 8, 2023
American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett died on Sept 1 after four years of fighting merkel cell skin cancer at 76. Coppell High School teachers and staff remember the legacy Buffett is leaving behind through his music and charity.

Parrotheads celebrate legacy of singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
September 8, 2023
Coppell junior quarterback Edward Griffin drops back to pass against South Grand Prairie at Gopher-Warrior Bowl on Friday. Coppell defeated the Warriors, 44-34.

[Photo] ‘Great day to be a Cowboy’

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
September 2, 2023
A Coppell Band student wears the t-shirt of popular hard rock band KISS in the 1977-78 Coppell High School yearbook. Rock music is considered one of the most influential genres of music in the world and has impacted fashion, trends, slang and roles of women and minorities in the music industry.

Rock music’s evolution: Its influence on the world and Coppell

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff Writer
May 19, 2023
Coppell High School senior Trinity Tackett sings “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret” during the Senior Showcase on Sunday in the CHS Black Box Theatre. Throughout her senior year, Tackett has been inclusive and welcoming to underclassmen new to high school theater.

Tackett shining spotlight on underclassmen through courtesy

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff Writer
April 27, 2023
Coppell senior Bryan Raitz pitches in the first inning against Plano at the Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex on Friday. Coppell defeated the Wildcats, 3-0.

Raitz stars as Cowboys come out on top of pitcher’s duel against Wildcats

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff Writer
April 2, 2023
Coppell sophomore Sydney Frieder listens to drill instructions during practice on Monday at Coppell Middle School North. Frieder is an attackman for the Coppell girls varsity lacrosse team and has overcome obstacles throughout her lacrosse career.

Student of the week: Frieder attacking obstacles

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff Writer
March 31, 2023
Women’s History Month is a time of year for people to appreciate the female figures that play an important role in their lives. The Sidekick staff writer Ainsley Dwyer writes about the positive influence of her mom, Kendra Dwyer.

The woman who made me: My built in best friend

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff Writer
March 27, 2023
On Tuesday, Wagon Wheel Park Coppell residents can view the new addition of a cricket pitch. Last summer, the City of Coppell approved the construction of a cricket field after years of citizens' requests.

Coppell adapting to city’s culture by building cricket field at Wagon Wheel

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff writer
March 8, 2023
Coppell senior Tyler Schweitzer (Jack Worthing) and Jude Taylor (Algernon Moncreiff) rehearse in CHS Auditorium on Feb. 23. The Cowboy Theatre Company is taking Oscar Wilde’s "The Importance of Being Earnest" to the 2023 UIL One Act Play competition at 2 p.m. on Thursday for district competition at Lewisville High School.

Going backstage of “The Importance of Being Earnest”

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff Writer
March 2, 2023
With the 2023-24 course registrations ending soon, many students are unsure what courses are a good fit for them. The Sidekick staff writer Ainsley Dwyer compares Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses to help students decide the path that’s right for them.

AP or IB: Deciding how to meet academic success

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff writer
March 1, 2023
Coppell High School Debate team earned national wins at the California Invitational Berkeley Tournament on Feb. 20. Coppell’s World Schools team placed first in the nation and senior Lincoln-Douglas debater Hunniyah Ahmad placed ninth speaker overall.

Golden debaters: Team brings home top honors from prestigious Berkeley tournament

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff Writer
March 1, 2023
Your Own Sidekick is a Sidekick series where staff members answer questions and offer advice on various topics. Stories will be posted weekly on Fridays. Graphic by Srihari Yechangunja.

Your Own Sidekick: How to navigate peer pressure

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff Writer
January 27, 2023
Music is a form of art which many people can connect with. The Sidekick staff writer Ainsley Dwyer thinks that music should not be held to a definition of whether it’s good or bad, rather if a person forms a deep connection with it. Graphic by Douglas Zambrano.

There is no definition of good music

Ainsley Dwyer, Staff Writer
January 27, 2023
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