• 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
Camila Villarreal

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor

Camila Villarreal is the Executive Editorial Page Editor for The Sidekick newspaper and the definition of an old soul. You can find her writing gentle poems during dark blue twilight hours or humming a tune to her new favorite song. You can contact Camila Villarreal at [email protected].

All content by Camila Villarreal
High school social hierarchies can be viewed in pop culture and movies such as The Breakfast Club and Mean Girls. The Sidekick executive editorial editor Camila Villereal shares what it has been like being a “social reject.”

Sincerely, “Social Reject”

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
April 28, 2021
Coppell voting for mayor and city council seats opens today and ends on May 1. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Camila Villarreal urges Coppell citizens to remain informed and vote.

The Local Mind: Don’t leave your local elections behind

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
April 19, 2021
Girls’ expectations for themselves can often be skewed by social media and the internet, being pressured to fit society's desired projections. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Camila Villarreal describes what it is like to be a “big girl” and how girls should feel proud of their body, regardless of fitting societal norms.

The heavy burden of being a “big girl”

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
March 12, 2021
The Coppell ISD Board of Trustees met Thursday night to examine the damages to district campuses resulting from February’s extreme cold temperatures. About 15 CISD facilities sustained damages and are undergoing repairs.

Board reports damages to 15 CISD facilities

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
March 2, 2021
Coppell sophomore middle Saiya Patel runs against Plano West senior middle Karsen Aguirre at Buddy Echols field on Tuesday. Patel is a dual sport athlete who plays on the Coppell soccer and basketball team.

Best of both worlds

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
February 26, 2021
Last week, freezing temperatures and snow storms incited many to stay indoors and stock up on necessities, a chain of events similar to those that took place in March. The Sidekick executive editorial editor Camila Villarreal discusses why Coppell citizens should continue to stay inside due to the ongoing global pandemic.

The Local Mind: Winter did what a pandemic could not

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
February 26, 2021
Coppell High School senior Xander Davila wears makeup in protest of restrictive gender norms. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Camila Villarreal explains why different forms of self expression should be accepted by society.

Opinion: Blurring gender norms is the future, get used to it

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
February 2, 2021
Coppell has a variety of natural areas to visit during COVID-19. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Camila Villarreal encourages bored citizens to take advantage of these public spaces in order to better appreciate the city.

The Local Mind: Playgrounds for the imagination

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
January 28, 2021
As 2020 closes, we enter another year of social distancing, quarantine and masks. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Camila Villarreal talks about facing senior year in a time in which the norm is quite abnormal on The Local Mind.

The Local Mind: Seniors strike out again

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
January 20, 2021
The Associated Press declared that Joseph R. Biden is the 46th president of the United States. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Camila Villarreal urges Americans to remain critical of political leaders despite political affiliations.

Remember: we have work to do

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
December 4, 2020
Generation Z is growing up in a time of social activism and self-expression on a different scale than ever before. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Camila Villareal expresses her gratitude for the mentality of her generation in light of these challenges.

Giving thanks: A butterfly effect for the world to remember

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
November 25, 2020
The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Camila Villarreal views football as more than just a sport during Thanksgiving. Villarreal sees football as a way to appreciate time with family.

More than a touchdown: Even casual fans look forward to Thanksgiving football

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
November 20, 2020
Coppell High School sophomore Isabelle Beach raised around $1,200 in donations for the North Texas Food Bank over the summer by selling her baked goods to her community. Beach provided 7,200 meals to those in need in the North Texas area.

Unity, love in every bite

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
October 23, 2020
The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Camila Villarreal enjoys the fall season at the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch on Monday. Due to COVID-19, fall has felt gloomy, but Villarreal emphasizes the importance of keeping the fall spirit alive.

Keeping the seasonal spirit alive

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
October 21, 2020
Coppell High School senior Yusra Mohammed photographs CHS senior Nausheen Ahmed at Moore Road Park. Mohammed’s photography is centered around cultural fashion in order to highlight the beauty of individuality.

Mohammed emphasizing beauty in cultural fashion through photography

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
September 25, 2020
The impact of COVID-19 has been much greater due to staying locked indoors for a prolonged amount of time. The Sidekick opinions editor Camila Villarreal analyzes the consequences of prolonged isolation and constant stress since the start of lockdown.

The depression epidemic

Camila Villarreal, Executive Editorial Page Editor
September 19, 2020
The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Camila Villarreal organizes her workspace at home for the first day of online school on Monday. Due to COVID-19, Coppell High School students are learning remotely from home until Sept. 8, following Dallas County’s public health order.

[Photo] Unique desk spaces providing ideal environment to start remote learning

August 18, 2020

[Video] Isolation Workout with Tracy Tran

Tracy Tran and Camila Villarreal
May 16, 2020
Coppell High School senior Bikal Sharma receives an award for being the fourth best trader during the Top Trader Competition at the University of Texas at Dallas last year. Sharma will attend Stanford University after high school and pursue a medical degree.

Hard work breeds success

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
May 8, 2020
Coppell ISD celebrated its 60th birthday last week with several at-home activities for families to enjoy. The celebration was moved to a virtual Facebook Live birthday bash due to risk of contracting COVID-19.

Coppell ISD celebrates 60 years of success

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
May 8, 2020

[Video] Video: Isolation workout with Samantha Freeman

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
May 7, 2020
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many Asian Americans and businesses have experienced racism and discrimination. The Sidekick staff writer Camila Villarreal explains why COVID-19 is not an opportunity for hate.

Coronavirus is not an outlet for racism

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
April 24, 2020
Coppell High School 2018 graduate Macy Johnson records her lines for her character Yoshiko Hiiraji in the movie Human Lost. Johnson is a theater major at Baylor University and has been building a career in voice acting since high school.

Johnson paving career in voice acting after high school

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
April 8, 2020
Coppell High School junior Sidekick staff writer Camila Villarreal plays Juror 7 in the CHS student-directed play “12 Angry Jurors” on Feb. 21 in the CHS Black Box. Villarreal played a racist character in the show, which hit close to home as she has been the victim of racists actions and comments in the past.

The other side of the coin: an up-close experience with racism

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
March 5, 2020
Coppell High School sophomore Ashrith Anumala, senior Andrés Lopez and sophomore Om Agrawal perform “Musique De Tables” on Saturday in the CHS Auditorium. This year, the Purely Rhythmic concert featured Coppell Middle School West, CHS percussionists and Grammy nominated artist Nate Smith.

Purely Rhythmic pushes boundaries of music, brings boldness to stage

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
March 1, 2020
Coppell junior attacker Dylan Colon scores the fourth point against St. John's on Friday at Coppell Middle School North. The Cowboys defeated the Mavericks, 10-5.

[Photo] Home cooking: Lax takes down Houston team

Tracy Tran, Staff Writer/Photographer
February 29, 2020

On the Spot: Fine arts students in tight quarters during band hall renovations (with video)

Camila Villarreal and Mark Santuae
February 13, 2020
Coppell Biodiversity Education Center employee Maura Reed is very passionate about promoting sustainability. The Biodiversity Center offers programs and initiatives to implement sustainability in the community.

A force of nature inside and out

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
February 6, 2020
Coppell High School juniors Jordyn Morris and Abigail Simon represent the LGBTQ+ community in Coppell. The Sidekick staff writer Camila Villarreal explores the challenge of being gay in America and the types of homophobia gay people in Coppell face on a regular basis.

Being gay is not a trend

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
January 24, 2020
Oscar nominations were released on Jan. 13. The Sidekick staff writer Camila Villarreal analyzes the lack of female directors and the industry’s decisions behind the nominations.

Oscar nominations cause controversy, outrage fans

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
January 23, 2020
Protests against the Chinese government are currently in action in Hong Kong. They initially began as a result of the extradition bill which has since been withdrawn. Violence as a result of the protests led to a decline in the economy of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong protests causing tension worldwide

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
January 14, 2020
CHS/Coppell junior sports medicine trainer Taylor Evans fills water bottles for players at the varsity girls basketball game against Grapevine on Dec. 10 at the CHS Arena. Evans works exclusively with basketball during the winter season.

Evans upholding interest in sports medicine

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
January 7, 2020
The Coppell High School freshman Symphonic Band is conducted by Kate Klontz, associate director of CHS9 bands, as it performs “Trombonanza” in the CHS gym. “Trombonanza” is written by Frank D. Cofield and features the trombone section of the band.

From marching season to concert season, band displays versatility at annual winter show

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
December 15, 2019
Coppell High School sophomores Will Manchester and Rylie Bonner work on theater project on Wednesday in the CHS theater room. With CHS no longer having semester exams, classes are finishing the grading period with other forms of summative assessments.

Teachers adjusting to end-of-semester assessment requirements

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
December 13, 2019
Many Mexicans in the United States are treated with prejudice and stereotyped as criminals or illegal aliens. The Sidekick staff writer Camila Villarreal thinks President Donald Trump has contributed to this hostility by setting an example of hatefulness and disrespect to Hispanic people.

What being Mexican has become

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
November 23, 2019
The Coppell cross country team poses for a picture this morning at their send off to the state meet. The girls begin their race on Saturday in Round Rock at 2:30 p.m. and the boys begin their's at 3:15 p.m.

[Photo] Running to state

Anjali Krishna, Staff Writer
November 8, 2019
Largely due to frequent police brutality occurring recently, American citizens’ confidence in law enforcement has greatly decreased. Although Coppell does not have an issue with police brutality, the town’s police department is still affected by the nation-wide problem.

CPD sheds light on police brutality

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
November 1, 2019
The Coppell girls soccer team high-fives each other after a warm up on Oct. 9 in the Coppell High School Field House. Cowgirls Supporting Cowgirls (CSC) is a group that promotes Coppell women’s sports in order to increase attendance at their games.

Culture of togetherness keeps Coppell female teams strong

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
October 15, 2019

On the Spot: Secretary of State Hughes promotes voter registration (with video)

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
September 25, 2019
Coppell High School special education teacher Melissa Murray gives directions to her seventh period Applied Vocational Experience class about the next preparation phase of their business and year-long class project called A Note of Hope. This business provides a service where CISD students can send anyone kind, uniquely designed notes for free.

Made from kindness, for kindness

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
September 24, 2019
The Sidekick staff writer Camila Villarreal writes about concern over desensitization to online privacy issues. Breaches in privacy on the internet have become more common in recent years.

Part of modern culture is normalizing lack of privacy

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
September 18, 2019
St. Ann Catholic Parish Church holds a carnival every fall with games, rides and classic carnival foods in their parking lot off Sandy Lake Road. The Coppell community has attended the carnival for the past 27 years.

Carnival reinforces Coppell family traditions, unites community

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
September 10, 2019
St. Ann Catholic Parish is hosting its annual carnival this weekend. The carnival takes place today from 5-11 p.m.,tomorrow from 10-11 a.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Pictured is the 2018 St. Ann Carnival, which experienced rain showers as this forecast this weekend is sunny and hot.

Autumn falls into fun with annual St. Ann carnival

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
September 6, 2019
Oscar-winning film Bohemian Rhapsody follows the story of 1980s band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury. The movie has earned over $900 million. The Sidekick staff writer Camila Villarreal discusses why these “rockumentaries” can impact younger generations by reviving the culture of their time through cinematography.

Rockumentaries introducing 80s rock music to modern youth

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
September 4, 2019
On April 27, Coppell High School 2012 graduate Madison Ford converses with Alonso Duralde about her experience starring in the film Nathan’s Kingdom, directed by Olicer J. Muñoz. The film was screened at the Dallas Angelika Film Center & Cafe in appreciation of Autism Awareness Month.

Autism awareness brought to big screen in Nathan’s Kingdom

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
May 6, 2019
Coppell High School sophomore Tiffany Mares-Camerena dances after her solo in “Another Day of Sun” from the film La La Land. The Fame musical theater class has its showcase on April 16 and April 18 in CHS auditorium.

Fame class rehearses for Coast to Coast showcase

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
April 12, 2019
Leading actor Cory Kays, writer and director Joshua Whittaker and executive producer Danny Aguilar, a Coppell resident, answer audience questions prior to the movie premiere of Looking For Andrew at the Angelika Film Center in Dallas on April 3. Looking for Andrew is a film about a group of friends who go on a road trip to find their friend Andrew and on the way they learn about who they are as individuals.

Indie film Looking for Andrew to reach larger platforms thanks to Aguilar

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
April 12, 2019
Many people have long believed the music industry no longer produces unique sounds. Recently, studies determined that today’s music is repetitive and lacks differences in sounds.

Music industry stopped being creative a long time ago

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
April 2, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #009

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #009

March 29, 2019
The Coppell High School Lariettes competed at the American Dance/Drill Team (ADTS) regionals on Feb. 23 at Duncanville High School. Coppell Lariettes won a total of 17 awards, including best soloist and highest GPA in the Large Team division.

Lariettes recognized at ATDS Regionals

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
March 9, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #007

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #007

March 7, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #006

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #006

February 28, 2019
President Trump’s State of the Union speech has garnered responses from watchers, both positive and negative. The Sidekick staff writer Camila Villarreal discusses the main points of Trump’s speech and Coppell citizen’s reactions.

Trump State of the Union speech receives mixed responses

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
February 13, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #003

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #003

February 7, 2019

[Video] Passion makes perfect

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
January 25, 2019
Former executive director for the Historic Downtown Plano Association Alex Hargis was recently hired as managing director of the Coppell Arts Center. Hargis has officially started the role on Jan 2.

Artistic drive returns Hargis to Coppell

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
January 25, 2019
The Coppell Student Media Show - Episode #001

[Video] The Coppell Student Media Show – Episode #001

January 24, 2019
Coppell High School junior Hannah Cechin and CHS graduate Macy Kincaid decided to get into fashion and begin their own fashion resale company, Via Free. Kincaid and Cechin have decided to donate a portion of their profit to a charity and Kincaid plans on pursuing a fashion-related career in college.

Student entrepreneurs selling trendy clothes on the cheap

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
December 12, 2018
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas was turned into a live-action film in 2000. On Nov. 9, the same iconic characters returned to the big screen in The Grinch. The Sidekick staff writer Camila Villarreal discusses why the latter does not live up to the former's standard.

How The Grinch stole an enjoyable cinematic experience

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
November 16, 2018
Coppell High School senior Andrew Mares warms up before his lesson at The Ballet Academy of Texas. Mares has been preparing for his upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker” in late November.

From runner to nimble dancer: Mares finds passion in ballet

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
October 30, 2018

Teacher Appreciation Week: StuCo from Dhp 2725 on Vimeo.

On the Spot: CHS teachers getting special treatment this week, courtesy of Student Council (with video)

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
October 18, 2018
Book of the Week: They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Book of the Week: They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
October 16, 2018
Students protest as a demonstration of support for tighter gun control. The student-led March for Our Lives took place in downtown Dallas on March 24, resulting in a turn out of about 5,000 people.

Pro: Protesting is more than just effective, it is necessary

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
October 11, 2018
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Book of the Week: Autoboyography by Christina Lauren

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
October 9, 2018
Song of the Week: "Lemon Boy" - Cavetown

Song of the Week: “Lemon Boy” – Cavetown

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
September 27, 2018

Court Trial | On the Spot 2018-2019 from KCBY-TV on Vimeo.

On the Spot: APUSH students reenact Boston Massacre through annual mock trial (with video)

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
September 21, 2018
Coppell High School seniors Barrett Engler and Grayson McGovern prepare to sing “Teddy Bear/Hound Dog” for student pep rally on Sep. 14 as an advance of the school's musical. This year's musical will be All Shook Up, that uses Elvis Presley's songs.

Engler dances his way into lead role

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
September 20, 2018
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