• Coppell ISD is on Thanksgiving break through Sunday, Dec. 1. Classes resume Monday, Dec. 2.
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
Anthony Cesario

Anthony Cesario, Executive Editor-in-Chief

Anthony Cesario is a senior and the Editor-in-Chief of The Sidekick. When he isn’t keeping up to date with all things music related, he enjoys exploring nature trails and discovering obscure Wikipedia articles. You can contact Anthony at @anthonycesario_ on Twitter or [email protected].

All content by Anthony Cesario
Former Sidekick editor-in-chief Anthony Cesario describes Taylor Swift's folklore as a "once-in-a-career type of album."

Swift passes down stories of human condition on ‘folklore’

Anthony Cesario, guest writer
July 30, 2020
With the pressures kids and teens face in their lives, entertainment can be a much-needed source of self-acceptance. The Sidekick editor-in-chief Anthony Cesario emphasizes how important entertainment, including the 2018 film Love, Simon, was to his own self-acceptance.

You get to exhale now

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
April 28, 2020
Dua Lipa released her sophomore album, Future Nostalgia, on Friday. A combination of both new and old sounds, it was preceded by lead single “Don’t Start Now”, her highest charting song in the U.S. to date.

‘Future Nostalgia’ is seamless combination of old and new

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
March 30, 2020
Coppell ISD changed grading practices for the fourth nine weeks to reflect either a passing or failing grade in a class, as opposed to numerical grades. This is one of many district-wide changes that have come about due to school closure and COVID-19. Graphic by Anthony Cesario

[Photo] CISD implements new pass or fail grading policy for fourth nine weeks

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
March 27, 2020
The modern music industry faces a major issue in the unequal treatment of females as compared to males. The Sidekick editor-in-chief Anthony Cesario discusses the extent of the problem and why all artists should be held to the same standard.

Girls just wanna be equal

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
March 24, 2020
The Sidekick editor-in-chief Anthony Cesario details how life has changed because of the recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. He emphasizes the goals and mission of The Sidekick during uncertain times such as these.

Letter From the Editor: Issuing the truth in midst of confusion

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
March 16, 2020
Coppell High School band director Brandon Slovak answers a question from senior Mohsin Ali in his All About Bills class. Seniors are participating in #Adulting Day classes to learn more about real-world skills.

[Photo] On the Spot: The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, but how do you change a tire? (with video)

Anjali Krishna, Staff Writer
March 4, 2020
Coppell High School hallways are filled with many different types of students, from those who block the hall to those who walk too slow. The Sidekick editor-in-chief Anthony Cesario brings attention to the types of students who get on everyone else’s nerves in the CHS hallways.

Coppell Observer: Grievances from a wary hallway traveler

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2020
Today is Texas Independence Day. Teachers and students discuss the importance of Texas Independence Day to them and their way of commemoration.

[Photo] On the Spot: Texans celebrate Lone Star State’s birthday (with video)

Sarah Habib, Staff Writer
March 2, 2020
Coppell freshman wrestler Scout Carrell runs a snake on Lovejoy freshman Brindley Eaton during the Knockout Sportswear Cowgirl Classic on Dec. 6 in the CHS Arena. Carrell advanced to the 2020 UIL Girls State Championship in the 110 pound weight class, which was Feb. 21-22 at the Berry Center in Houston.

Scouting her way to state

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2020
The Sidekick editor-in-chief Anthony Cesario details his experiences with writing and fencing and how his expectations of himself have affected his enjoyment of those activities. He discusses the importance of not comparing our accomplishments to others.

Letter From the Editor: Living in the shadow of our own expectations

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2020
Selena Gomez released her first album in five years, Rare, on Friday. Described by Gomez as her “diary from the past few years”, it was preceded by “Lose You To Love Me”, her first ever No. 1 single.

Gomez’s ‘Rare’ fails to live up to title

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
January 14, 2020
The Coppell boys swim team placed first in the Tex Robertson Invitational at the YMCA of Highland Lakes on Jan. 4. The team goes to Southlake for the District 6-6A Championships from Jan. 17-18 at the Carroll ISD Aquatics Center.

Swimming

Anthony Cesario, Executive Editor-in-Chief
January 10, 2020
The sound of 2019

The sound of 2019

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
December 20, 2019
The Sidekick editor-in-chief Anthony Cesario plays the piano at age 9 (left) and stands in the space where his piano used to be in his living room as a high school senior (right). Cesario took piano classes for eight years and stopped playing when he was a freshman.

Letter From the Editor: Reflecting upon experiences before decade ends

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2019
Camila Cabello released her sophomore album, ‘Romance’, on Friday. The album was made to “sound like what falling in love feels like” and was preceded by her No. 1 collaboration with Shawn Mendes, “Señorita”.

On ‘Romance,’ Cabello tackles humanity’s most complex emotion

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
December 11, 2019
The Sportlight: Life centering around pool for Mishra

The Sportlight: Life centering around pool for Mishra

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
November 11, 2019
Coppell juniors kicker Skyler Stricker (No. 37) and defensive back Zach Stricker (No. 4) watch with senior kicker Andrew Espindola (No. 26) from the sidelines during Coppell’s first home district game against Hebron on Oct. 5. The brothers are both deeply involved in their respective sports but also make time for student ministries and family.

Stricker twins tackling sports, ministry, family

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2019
The PSAT is Wednesday and will be taken by all Coppell High School sophomores and juniors. Student testing room assignments can be found in the main hall and outside the large gym.

On the Spot: Sophomores, juniors to take annual PSAT (with video)

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
October 15, 2019
The Sidekick Editor-in-Chief Anthony Cesario visits the nature trail at Wagon Wheel Park over the summer. Exploring trails is one of Cesario's favorite activities in Coppell.

Letter From the Editor: Appreciating hometown during final year in Coppell

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
October 1, 2019
Coppell High School senior Ram Castro records a draft introduction about gun control for his Easy Politics channel during eighth period on Sept. 17. Castro has been creating videos for his Easy Politics YouTube channel and Instagram page @easypoliticsusa.

Making politics easy, one post at a time

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2019
The Penny Podcast – Episode #018

[Video] The Penny Podcast – Episode #018

September 1, 2019
Coppell High School seniors Naomi Mulumba and Neveah White work on an assignment using their iPads and Apple Pencils during Angela Barnes’ eighth period Astronomy class on Friday. This year, CHS students have received a new iPad Air, keyboard and Apple Pencil.

What you missed this summer (1 of 3): CHS students receive new iPads

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
September 1, 2019
Taylor Swift’s seventh studio album, Lover, released Friday. Preceded by No. 2 singles “ME!” and “You Need to Calm Down,” Lover broke the Apple Music records for most pre-saved album by a female artist and most pre-added pop album on its first day.

Swift exchanges tear-stained guitars for paper rings on ‘Lover’

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
August 26, 2019
15 years since “Friends”

15 years since “Friends”

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
May 13, 2019
CHS AP/IB students showcase their art on display on Thursday night in the CHS Commons. Students who are involved in AP/IB art classes have worked on their pieces all year and showcase their artwork on tables and on display.

From flowers to faces, art show displays student talents

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
May 3, 2019
Tonight, the Coppell High School AP/IB art show is in the CHS commons from 6-7:30 p.m. More than 200 pieces from more than 50 artists will be on display.

Colors of CHS: Art Show to illustrate student work

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
May 2, 2019
Enjoy sunny days with these summer cookout recipes

Enjoy sunny days with these summer cookout recipes

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
April 30, 2019
The Han Gil Hotel is located in Dallas and was shut down on March 7. While active, drug deals, violence, sexual assault and deaths occurred at the hotel, which has impacted current and former Coppell High School students.

Han Gil Hotel brings drug discussion startlingly close to home

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
April 1, 2019
Song of the Week: "All My Favorite People" - Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne

Song of the Week: “All My Favorite People” – Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
March 26, 2019
Spring into the new season with these delicious recipes

Spring into the new season with these delicious recipes

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
March 20, 2019
Coppell High School sophomores Jordan Buffington, Roshni Patel and Bushes Issa work on portraits and shading during seventh period on Friday in CHS teacher David Bearden’s Art l honors class. To celebrate Youth Art Month, Art l is in their portrait unit to strengthen their skills as visual drawers.

Youth Art Month paints portrait of students, staff at CHS

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
March 8, 2019
Avril Lavigne released her sixth studio album, Head Above Water, on Friday. It comes six years after her previous album and references her personal struggles with Lyme disease.

Lavigne sinks below expectations on ‘Head Above Water’

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
February 21, 2019
The Sidekick staff has voted on its choices for the best in entertainment this year. There are six different categories.

The Sidekick staff votes on the best of 2018 entertainment

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
December 6, 2018
Rita released her sophomore album, Phoenix, on Friday. Entertainment editor Anthony Cesario enjoyed the songs released prior to the album, but felt disappointed in the album as a whole.

Ora is reborn on ‘Phoenix’, but she does not quite soar

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
November 27, 2018

Lights, camera, action

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
November 14, 2018
Coppell High School sophomore Christiana Reimer illustrates a flower on a notecard in David Bearden’s second period Art I class on Oct. 29 for the geocache art experiment. In the project, students hide their artworks around the school and leave hints for other students to find them.

[Photo] Art I students hide drawings, find relationships through geocache project

Sofia Guerrero, Student Life Editor
November 6, 2018
Song of the Week: “Sweet but Psycho” - Ava Max

Song of the Week: “Sweet but Psycho” – Ava Max

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
October 24, 2018
The Sidekick Entertainment Editor Anthony Cesario goes for a walk on Sunday in his neighborhood. Walking has benefitted Cesario through decreased stress, improved mood and a greater appreciation for the outdoors.

Why walk it off is not just empty advice

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
October 22, 2018
Feast on these friend, family-approved fall recipes

Feast on these friend, family-approved fall recipes

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
October 15, 2018

Voting Registration || On the Spot 2018 from KCBY-TV on Vimeo.

On the Spot: Calling all eligible students to make their voice be heard (with video)

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
September 27, 2018
Book of the Week: Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

Book of the Week: Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
September 27, 2018
Yesterday, teens crafted crowns at the Cozby Library and Community Commons’ Teen Nite Tonight event. The event’s theme was the CW show “Riverdale”; in the Archie comics the show is based off, the character Jughead wears crowns.

Teens enjoy treats, television at Teen Nite Tonight

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
September 21, 2018
Ridiculing other peoples’ interests can often be more hurtful than one would think. Entertainment editor Anthony Cesario shares his and other Coppell High School students’ experience of being judged for their interests and why they feel it is wrong.

I live for me, not for you: The toxicity of ridiculing others’ interests

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
September 14, 2018
Song of the Week: “Electricity” — Silk City, Dua Lipa

Song of the Week: “Electricity” — Silk City, Dua Lipa

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
September 11, 2018
Easy school lunches for your difficult school days

Easy school lunches for your difficult school days

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
September 6, 2018
During third period on Monday, Coppell High School AP/GT Physics I teacher Cynthia Lee answers class questions regarding the notes in order to help students study for an upcoming test. The first unit of the year is motion and learning how to correctly use significant figures which will then help students throughout the rest of the year.

Q&A: Fresh out of college, Lee bringing new energy to physics classroom

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
August 30, 2018
Ariana Grande released her fourth studio album, Sweetener, on Friday. Sweetener is Grande’s first major music release since the terrorist bombing that took place at the Manchester show of her Dangerous Woman tour on May 22, 2017.

‘Sweetener’ review: Grande’s fourth album is anything but bland

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
August 21, 2018
Denton Creek Elementary contains a school garden which students contribute to in order to teach them how to nurture and be aware of the environment. Maintaining a school garden is one aspect which CISD encourages in order to create a healthy school zone.

Combination of nutritious practices, physical education makes CHS healthy zone school

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
May 24, 2018
Interactive: Best places to get a bite to eat in Coppell (Part 3 of 5)

Interactive: Best places to get a bite to eat in Coppell (Part 3 of 5)

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
May 18, 2018
After school today, Round-Up staff members and Coppell Cowboys football players unloaded the yearbook trucks and divided the arena into alphabetized sections. Yearbooks will be distributed tomorrow in the arena from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. for those who pre-purchased.

Round-Up preparing to distribute yearbooks, memories

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
May 10, 2018
Song of the Week: “The Way I Am” - Charlie Puth

Song of the Week: “The Way I Am” – Charlie Puth

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
May 8, 2018
Song of the Week: "2002" - Anne-Marie

Song of the Week: “2002” – Anne-Marie

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
April 30, 2018
Campers enjoy participating at Camp Pike in Colorado last summer. Camp Pike offers multiple opportunities for student campers, including hiking, backpacking, zip lining and rafting.

Becoming one with nature: Camp Pike offers spiritual opportunities for current freshmen, juniors

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
April 27, 2018
As students are busy competing for better academic results, some teens may feel isolated or feel like they are not as smart as their friends. The Sidekick co-student life editor Anthony Cesario gives tips on how to sound smart at school and put an end to this.

Coppell Observer: To sound smart, act the part

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
April 23, 2018
Song of the Week: "Tears (feat. Caroline Polachek)" - Charli XCX

Song of the Week: “Tears (feat. Caroline Polachek)” – Charli XCX

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
April 16, 2018
Coppell High School senior Taylor Leathers suffered a major back injury during freshman year which has prevented her from continuing her passion of dance. Nonetheless, she has used her experiences as a positive influence in her life.

Leathers takes life-changing injury, transforms it into personal growth (Part I)

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
April 13, 2018
Coppell High School sophomore Anjali Satpathy stands with her original artwork, entitled “To the Bone”, which she entered in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) competition on Feb. 24. Satpathy is also one of several CHS students volunteering at the Junior VASE event on Saturday at Coppell Middle School North.

A new generation of artists: CHS students participate in VASE competition, volunteering opportunities

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
April 10, 2018
Song of the Week: “Try Me” - The Weeknd

Song of the Week: “Try Me” – The Weeknd

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
April 2, 2018

[Video] On the Spot: Campus celebrates Jund joining over the hill club (with video)

Anthony Cesario and Fiona Koshy
March 30, 2018
Marching protesters lift their signs and lead chants in support of gun control. On Saturday, protesters gathered to speak out against gun violence in the March For Our Lives in Dallas.

Young Dallas activists advocate for change in March For Our Lives (with video)

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
March 25, 2018
Song of the Week: "My Enemy (feat. Matt Berninger)" - CHVRCHES

Song of the Week: “My Enemy (feat. Matt Berninger)” – CHVRCHES

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
March 19, 2018
Photos courtesy Parker Odette, Catherine Yang, Vaishnavi Danda, Ashley Benhayoun, Tanya Bhutani, Rohil Verma

Trip around the world: students open up about their spring break

Fiona Koshy, Gracie Blackwell, Anthony Cesario, and Farah Merchant
March 17, 2018
Creativity Showcase: Sophomore Daphnie Tian

Creativity Showcase: Sophomore Daphnie Tian

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
March 9, 2018
Coppell High School sophomore Anthony Cesario reflects on his journey of discovering his passion for writing. Encouraging others to follow in his footsteps, Cesario hopes that students will have a fulfilling high school experience.

Pursuing passions: Finding your niche in high school

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
March 8, 2018
Coppell High School sophomore Anna Judd practices her original piano composition on Sunday at her house. Judd composes many pieces of music, one of which she will be performing at the Purely Rhythmic percussion concert tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the CHS auditorium.

Marching to her own tune: Judd pursues future in music composition

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
March 2, 2018
"Imaginary Pet" by Shriya Vanparia

Creativity Showcase: Sophomore Shriya Vanparia

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
March 2, 2018
Song of the Week: "God Save Our Young Blood" - BØRNS, Lana Del Rey

Song of the Week: “God Save Our Young Blood” – BØRNS, Lana Del Rey

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
February 27, 2018
The Coppell Cowboys and Cowgirls golf teams will be holding their first Sweetheart Run this Saturday at Andy Brown Park East. It will consist of a 5K and one-mile Fun Run.

Be a sweetheart, participate in run to support CHS golf teams

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
February 16, 2018
Guests prepare to be crowned king or queen of the Night to Shine prom in the assembly room of St. Ann Catholic Parish on Friday. The Night to Shine prom, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, gives people with special needs ages 14 and older an opportunity to have their own prom experience.

People with special needs get Night to Shine at St. Ann Parish (with video)

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
February 15, 2018
The 60th Annual Grammy Awards took place on Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The awards show garnered mixed reviews from critics and Coppell High School students alike, with some praising the emotional performances and others criticizing the lack of diversity in the awards.

From rightful winners to best performances, students offer opinions on 2018 Grammy Awards

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
February 2, 2018
Sophomores Pooja Cheruku and Laasya Madana collect the donations they received through their drive held on Jan. 13. All donations, including clothes and toiletries will be donated to the Salvation Army in order to raise awareness for the issue of homelessness.

HOSA team tackling homelessness in community awareness project

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
January 27, 2018
Camila Cabello dropped her debut album, ‘Camila’ on Friday. Within 24 hours, the album topped the iTunes album charts in 100 countries, breaking the record for most No. 1 positions by a female artist’s debut.

On debut ‘Camila’, Cabello aims for authentic sound

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
January 18, 2018
Many singers, actors and actresses including Millie Bobby Brown broke into the public eye last year. Based on their success in 2017, several stars show great potential for their endeavors in 2018.

New year, new faces

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
January 16, 2018
Coppell High School sophomores Shriya Vanparia, Dania Nesar, Trisha Narwekar, Harsha Alexander, Eva Theel and Rifhat Sindhi wrap donation boxes for their Habitat for Humanity supply drive at their first club meeting on Thursday, Nov. 9. They will be collecting home supplies until Dec. 15.

Sophomores kick off first year of Habitat for Humanity Club with supply drive

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
December 8, 2017
Valley Ranch PTO Board co-president Ritu Sethi, Coppell ISD Trustee Anthony Hill, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Deana Dynis and Dean of Public Health at West Coast University Sharonda Wallace sort through question cards based on their thoughts on education at the first Educational Summit at Richard J. Lee Elementary on Thursday night. This card sort is one of the activities that will allow Coppell ISD to analyze feedback for their strategic design efforts.

CISD implementing strategic design efforts to improve community involvement in education

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
December 5, 2017
Stress-free holiday season recipes for your sweet, warm, savory desires

Stress-free holiday season recipes for your sweet, warm, savory desires

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
November 28, 2017
Taylor Swift released her long-awaited album Reputation on Nov. 10. According to Nielsen Music, it sold 1.05 million copies in the United States in its first four days, already making it the biggest selling album of 2017.

‘Reputation’ review: Well worth the wait

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
November 27, 2017
Coppell High School seniors Henry Noel, Ashwin Suresh, Cole Calabro, John Coffee, Ashley Miznazi, Rachel Behrnt, Haley Wafford and Marissa Green stand with KCBY-TV adviser Irma Kennedy at the Lone Star Emmy Awards at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio on Saturday. KCBY had nine nominations in six categories, winning five, including the Best Newscast Award.

KCBY wins Best Newscast at Lone Star Emmy Awards

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
November 16, 2017
When students move out on their own, they must be able to live independently with the skills they have learned in their life. For many, the only way to learn real-world skills is through school.

The future is stressful — school should help

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
November 9, 2017
Students at Coppell High School are so focused on grades and GPA that their social lives start to suffer. As students start to feel isolated, their levels of stress can increase.

Plan for tomorrow, live today (not the other way around)

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
October 26, 2017
Coppell High School— Pilar Castro-Zena helps a student upload a project to Google Drive during sixth period on Oct. 20. She aims to help students improve with various computer programs designed to help further their knowledge in the field.

Castro-Zena’s passion, experience brings new perspectives to STEM classroom

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
October 23, 2017
Water fountains at Pinkerton Elementary in Coppell resemble those that are planned for Coppell High School. They allow students to fill their own water bottles and see how many plastic bottles they have saved.

Senior gifts remain to be found

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
October 18, 2017
The Coppell High School library encourages students to participate in Banned Books Week. Inside the library, there is a shelf dedicated to banned books promoting freedom of speech.

Banned Books Week 2017: Why books are ‘challenged’, how students can participate

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
September 29, 2017
For 15 years, Wikipedia has provided readers with general information on millions of different topics. The graphic above shows how Wikipedia has evolved over the years, from its conception to becoming one of the world’s most popular websites.

How Wikipedia can be used effectively by students for research, projects (with video)

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
September 24, 2017
Music and awards shows, such as the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 27, allows people to come together through a common love of music. Listed above are the awards given out during the live airing of the 2017 VMAs.

How music unites people, tackles universal issues at VMA show

Anthony Cesario, Staff Writer
September 6, 2017
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