• 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
Claire Clements

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor

Claire Clements is a senior and Executive Editorial Page Editor on The Sidekick. You can usually find her signing in her church, listening to Korean music or doing her IB homework. With comments and concerns, contact her @cclements825 or [email protected].

All content by Claire Clements
The Sidekick staff writer Blanche Harris, executive sports editor Sally Parampottil and executive editorial page editor Claire Clements talk about how they celebrated Easter this year.

Video: How Christians celebrate Easter

Blanche Harris, Sally Parampottil, and Claire Clements
April 17, 2020
The Dallas area boasts numerous exciting activities and experiences to enjoy over Spring Break. The Sidekick staff members Shravya Mahesh, Anjali Krishna, Claire Clements and Angela Yuan share their favorite must-see springtime local destinations.

Celebrate springtime with exciting local attractions

Shravya Mahesh, Anjali Krishna, Claire Clements, and Angela Yuan
March 6, 2020
Coppell High School senior Chris Houston shares his presentation on clean water during Angela Barnes’ fourth period Astronomy class. Astronomy students are creating presentations based upon a goal they chose from the United Nations.

Students promoting sustainability in presentations for Climate Reality Project

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
March 4, 2020
Coppell Middle School East eighth graders Ana Jesayen and Abhinav Ala share daily announcements via live broadcast system during second period. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Claire Clements thinks Coppell High School should have actual announcements rather than being recommended to visit the Coppell High School website.

Claire’s Corner: It’s time to make announcements

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
February 28, 2020
Coppell junior defender Emma Hubert fights for possession against Hebron at Buddy Echols Field on Tuesday. The Cowgirls defeated the Hawks, 4-3.

Second half rally gives Cowgirls crucial district victory

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
February 26, 2020
Coppell sophomore forward Michelle Pak dribbles against Flower Mound at Buddy Echols Field on Feb. 11. The Cowgirls play Hebron tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field.

District’s top seed on the line against Hebron

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
February 24, 2020
Coppell High school astronomy and earth space and space science teacher Angela Barnes in her tiny home’s kitchen, on Feb 2. Barnes has been living in her new home for about nine months to be more energy-efficient and reduce her carbon footprint.

Big things come in small packages

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
February 3, 2020
Today is Student Press Freedom Day, a day which recognizes the rights of student journalists. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Claire Clements thinks that student press freedom is especially important to the opinions section.

#StudentPressFreedomDay: Student press freedom allows voices to be heard

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
January 29, 2020
Protesters march to Dallas City Hall at the 2020 Dallas Women’s March on Jan. 19. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Claire Clements discusses the importance of people identifying as feminists.

True feminism is for everyone

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
January 28, 2020
The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Claire Clements wears a hearing aid daily in order to improve her hearing abilities, which most students at Coppell High School are unaware of. Clements deals with people refusing to repeat what they say every day.

Claire’s Corner: Don’t say never mind

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
January 12, 2020

Local Guides: Getting a taste of holiday-themed coffees around Coppell (Video)

Nishant Medicharla, Claire Clements, and Christie Hernandez
December 15, 2019
CHS Principal Laura Springer congratulates IB teacher and coordinator Michael Brock as Teacher of the Year. IB students and teachers, administrators, counselors and district leaders came to support Brock’s Teacher of the Year award during fourth period in the main hallway on Wednesday.

Brock wins Teacher of the Year with humility, passion

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
December 5, 2019
Coppell High School Principal Laura Springer and The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Claire Clements stand together. Clements believes using the phrase “OK Boomer” should simply be a harmless joke, not something to divide generations.

Claire’s Corner: OK Boomer deepens generational divides

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
December 2, 2019
American Tea + Coffee is a local tea and coffee shop that sells a variety of teas, such as Matcha Green tea. The Sidekick staff writer Sarah Habib writes on how tea is a better alternative to coffee for both health and cultural reasons.

[Photo] Spilling the Tea about Tea

Sarah Habib, Writer
November 15, 2019
Coppell cheerleading coach Alexis Irons reviews the correct movement for basketball chants at the Spirit of Texas gym during eighth period on Wednesday. Irons taught at Coppell High School three years ago and has returned as an English lll teacher as well as cheerleading coach.

Coach’s Box: Irons leads cheer in building strong relationships, supporting other teams

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
November 20, 2019
Volunteers at the Korean Festival perform a Traditional King’s Korean Parade with drums, horns and customary closing on Saturday at Carrollton Asian Town Center. The festival celebrates Korean culture with music, food, ceremonies and various vendors.

Korean Festival encourages cultural diversity, enjoyment

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
November 19, 2019
The Korean Festival, which features opportunities such as trying on hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, is in Carrollton Asian Town Center on Saturday. The Korean Society of Dallas hosts an annual Korean Festival which features local Korean art, Korean food and live entertainment to give many Korean-Americans an opportunity to reconnect with their culture.

Korean festival to present opportunities for cultural enjoyment

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
November 15, 2019
Women are still struggling to find the same place in the sports industry as men. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Claire Clements believes that it’s time to fix this issue.

It’s time for equality for women in sports

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
November 8, 2019
The stress of applying to college has increased in recent years with the expense of tuition and the competitiveness of admissions. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Claire Clements thinks seniors should spend more time enjoying senior year instead of fretting about the future.

Claire’s Corner: Struggling with college burnout

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
October 24, 2019
The Penny Podcast - Episode #023

[Video] The Penny Podcast – Episode #023

October 7, 2019
Seventeen’s third studio album, An Ode, released Sept. 16. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Claire Clements gives a glimpse into her opinion on the album.

“An Ode” gives Seventeen new reputation in latest album

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
September 28, 2019
The Penny Podcast - Episode #019

[Video] The Penny Podcast – Episode #019

September 6, 2019
Girls and boys are faced with a double standard for what they can like. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Claire Clements shares her own experiences of being part of this standard.

Let girls have their Puka shell necklaces

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
August 30, 2019
In recent years, the issue of academic integrity has come of great importance. To combat problems such as cheating, Coppell High School issued a variety of new practices this year, including an updated phone policy and new iPads.

Much needed culture of honesty, love coming to CHS

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
August 30, 2019
Earlier this year, CHS9 students Umang Kaushik and Svayam Sharma discovered that they could both unlock one phone using Face ID. This highly improbable occurrence raised concerns about the security of their apps, including banking and personal information, on their Apple phones.

Kaushik, Sharma, beat one in a million odds

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
May 8, 2019
Jenn Sun, sophomore

Jenn Sun, sophomore

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
May 8, 2019
Cole Krautkramer, junior

Cole Krautkramer, junior

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
May 8, 2019
Fariha Islam, senior

Fariha Islam, senior

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
May 8, 2019
Patrick Parker, junior

Patrick Parker, junior

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
May 8, 2019
CHS Through Fashion

CHS Through Fashion

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
May 8, 2019
The Sidekick editorial page editor Claire Clements and her mom, April Clements, bond in her classroom at Travis Middle School in Irving. Coming from a family of teachers has shaped Claire’s perspective on the teachers she’s had in school.

Celebrating teachers as literal superheroes

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
May 6, 2019
Coppell High School junior Daphne Pham watches the mock Shattered Dreams accident on Thursday in the parking lot. Shattered Dreams is held every two years and is intended to show students the effects of drunk driving.

Shattered Dreams reveals behind-the-scene stories of pain, tragedy

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
April 5, 2019
Shattered Dreams is a program that demonstrates the impact drunk driving can have on students. Shattered Dreams 2019 is tomorrow throughout the school day.

Shattered Dreams to interact with students, teach impact of drunk driving

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
April 3, 2019
Many people in the service industry face a lot of pressure to keep up with their job. The Sidekick editorial page editor Claire Clements uses satire to discuss how to make their job easier.

Coppell Observer: How to be the best customer in the world

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
March 8, 2019
Song of the Week: "Sucker"- Jonas Brothers

Song of the Week: “Sucker”- Jonas Brothers

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
March 8, 2019
Lula B’s Oak Cliff Antique is one of the many thrift stores in the Metroplex, and is located 1982 Fort Worth Ave in Dallas. The popularity of thrifting has significantly increased over the past few years, with the environmental future of the world at the forefront of many minds.

Setting a new trend

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
February 28, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #002

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #002

January 31, 2019
Growing up as a girl comes with many stereotypes. Claire Clements, The Sidekick editorial editor, describes her experiences with these stereotypes.

My pink skirt doesn’t define me, and it shouldn’t define you

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
January 23, 2019
The Coppell Arts Center is currently under construction in Old Town Coppell on the intersection of Travis and West Main Street. The center is scheduled to open in November 2019 and will contain a main stage theater, a flexible theater, a multi-purpose area and additional work space.

City breaks ground on new arts center

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
December 5, 2018
What does Thanksgiving mean to you?

What does Thanksgiving mean to you?

Claire Clements and Laura Amador-Toro
November 16, 2018
Local Korean artists in the Dallas area exhibit their artwork at the Korean Festival on Saturday, November 10 in Carrollton Asian Plaza. The Korean Society of Dallas hosts an annual Korean Festival which features local Korean art, Korean food and live entertainment to give many Korean-Americans an opportunity to reconnect with their culture.

Korean Festival promotes unity in South Korea, United States

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
November 12, 2018
On Saturday, Nov. 10, the Korean Society of Dallas is hosting the annual Korean Festival in Carrollton. The festival will feature cultural performances, food and art.

Korean Festival of Dallas to celebrate culture through variety of events

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
November 9, 2018
One Shot: “Shoot Out” - Monsta X

One Shot: “Shoot Out” – Monsta X

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
October 31, 2018
On Oct. 26, Coppell High School junior Saha Saleh gets her blood drawn at the blood drive. The blood drive was held by HOSA and took place all day in the small gym.

Campus donates to save lives through HOSA blood drive

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
October 27, 2018
The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) organization calendar depicting the events for October. HOSA is hosting a blood drive this Friday in the Coppell High School small gym, for all students and teachers 16 and older.

HOSA to hold blood drive Friday

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
October 25, 2018
During KCBY’s third period class, seniors Vinny Vincenzo, Shania Khan and Misuni Khamankar discuss and watch videos to gain inspiration for their upcoming projects in adviser Irma Kennedy’s classroom. On Thursday, The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences named KCBY the Best Student Newscast in the nation.

KCBY named nation’s top student newscast

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
October 19, 2018
Delosha Payne is the new American Sign Language teacher at Coppell High School. Joining the district has been an exciting experience for her, as she teaches the language she loves and sees students grow in skill in ASL.

Q&A: With variety of experiences, Payne brings fresh take to language

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
October 15, 2018
Technology Spotlight- Amazon Go Stores

Technology Spotlight- Amazon Go Stores

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
October 15, 2018
Song of the Week: “Wow Thing”- Seulgi, SinB, Chungha and Soyeon

Song of the Week: “Wow Thing”- Seulgi, SinB, Chungha and Soyeon

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
October 9, 2018
Claire Clements, The Sidekick editorial page editor, talks about her experience as a dancer and explains why she decided to quit. Before quitting in September 2017, Clements danced for eleven years.

Reflecting on a year without dance; a quitter does not equal loser

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
October 3, 2018
Posters for the daily dress-up themes hang on the senior bridge on Monday, September 24. The Student Council organized dress-up themes and other activities during homecoming week to foster school spirit.

[Photo] Students dressing up, sharing school spirit through homecoming week

September 28, 2018
Coppell High School junior Varsha Chintapenta works on drawing images from her phone in Michelle Hauske’s AP Drawing class. This class involves developing different skills such as drawing and creativity.

[Photo] The importance and benefits of mandatory art credit in high school

Nolan Sanders, Staff Writer
September 28, 2018

Untitled from Sai V on Vimeo.

CISD College Night allows students to gain experience, information from ideal colleges (with video)

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
September 19, 2018
From Sept. 7-9, the St. Ann Catholic Parish hosted its annual carnival right outside of the church on Samuel Blvd. Since 1993, families flock to the carnival every year to enjoy themselves on rides and eat a variety of food.

[Photo] Despite rain, community enjoys annual St. Ann’s carnival

Sofia Guerrero, Student Life Editor
September 12, 2018

[Video] Video: Remembering Countless Lives Lost on 9/11

Claire Clements and Sofia Guerrero
September 12, 2018
On Aug. 30, NSPA awarded the 2017-18 Round-Up yearbook, “Much More Than”, the All-American Rating. Staff members are especially proud of this recognition as they said this edition of the yearbook was very detailed.

Yearbook receives All American Rating for hard work

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
September 7, 2018
Beginning this year, security measures will be now more heavily enforced at the Buddy Echols stadium during athletic events for the 2018-2019 school year. This includes the enforcement of past policy concerning backpacks, pre-game searches, with the addition of monitoring from security personnel and local officers from the Coppell Police Department.

[Photo] CISD prioritizing stadium security measures to keep staff, students safe

Christine Zacuai, Executive News Editor
September 4, 2018
Coppell High School theater director Karen Ruth watches as three students perform a part of a Greek tragedy. Ruth, along with many new theater directors, are bringing several changes to the theater department this year.

Theater department welcomes various changes with open arms

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
August 31, 2018
CHS junior Tarun Rayapati works on a terrestrial environment in IB I Biology with Rebecca Wheatley in room E208 on Tuesday. The mesocosm project focuses on building either an aquatic or terrestrial environment using collective materials that can sustain itself for four weeks.

[Photo] On the Spot: IB Biology I classes sustaining life in new mesocosm project (with video)

Christine Zacuai, Executive News Editor
August 28, 2018
Coppell High School students are rushing to get their school supplies this fall. Several students splurge on more high-quality, aesthetic school supplies, in order to insure their productivity.

Coppell Observer: How to be aesthetic in school

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
August 24, 2018
Coppell High School opened its doors to students on Wednesday for the first day of classes. Students experienced several changes, including the relocation of bus loop to the west side of the campus near the field house.

Coppell High School students are welcomed to familiar halls, unfamiliar changes

Claire Clements, Opinions Editor
August 15, 2018

Latest edition of CLAM displays students’ creative side despite production scare

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
May 24, 2018
In America, 1 million people are deaf. Here are good ways to deal with a deaf person.

Coppell Observer: How to be a good hearing person

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
May 10, 2018
Coppell High School senior and valedictorian Agnibho Roy works on classwork during AP Spanish Vl today. Roy, as well as the rest of the top 5% of the senior class, who are being recognized tonight at the Academic Recognition banquet.

On the Spot: Exceptional academics honored at Academic Recognition banquet

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
April 24, 2018
Coppell High School junior Kusha Khandelwal walks out with her poster at the Coppell High School walkout today in the track. The walkout was attended by approximately 700 high school students in support of gun control and school safety.

Students taking action (with video)

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
April 20, 2018
For years, disabled people, such as Deaf people, have never had representation in media. With movies such as Wonder Woman and Black Panther coming out, it is time for disabled people to be represented.

Representation in media extends greater than race, gender

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
April 16, 2018
Many high school students face stress, disorganization and difficulty studying. Apps such as myHomework, can help students with these various problems.

Apps lending a helpful hand to the forgetful, stressed student

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
April 10, 2018

Standardized testing scores become bad news for students

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
April 5, 2018
On March 1st, j-hope of popular Korean boyband BTS, released his first solo album titled ‘Hope World’. His album, consisting of seven songs, became an instant hit, topping charts and breaking records.

BTS rapper j-hope brings hope into the world with record-breaking album

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
March 23, 2018
Coppell High School IB junior students Anu Uppal, Karvi Bhatnagar, Dwija Dammanna and Sahana Ramasamy chat in the hallway during sixth period on International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 yearly to honor the movement of women’s rights in America.

On the Spot: Women rocking the world in marches, movements on International Women’s Day

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
March 8, 2018
In the last few years, the music genre known as K-pop has grown in its following in the U.S. However, what makes this growth unique is that many people cannot understand it.

South Korean music continues to pop in U.S.

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
March 7, 2018
ESports has been growing in popularity for the last decade all across the world. This growth has reached Coppell, with the creation of the eSports club.

Football, basketball, soccer and League of Legends?

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
February 17, 2018
Coppell High School Art students decorate the hallways with multi-colored yarn as part of a project regarding fiber arts and space on Feb. 5. Gabrielle Duggan, a UNT professor from New York, came in to teach the students how space can be used as a medium of art and be transformed into something completely new.

On the Spot- Unique art using yarn greets campus on Monday

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
February 7, 2018
On Friday, Jan. 26, Coppell high school varsity swimmers competed at the districts meet. 24 swimmers have made it to regionals, which is considered a great improvement from last year.

CHS swimmers make a splash at district meet (with video)

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
February 1, 2018
Coppell High School students wear different supporter shirts such as Debate Darlings, Swimming Sweetie, Broadway Babe and Respira Royalty. These supporter shirts raise money for different organizations and are a CHS tradition that students enjoy wearing.

Supporting fellow students by giving the shirt off of their backs

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
December 7, 2017
The family of Coppell High School weightlifting coach and outdoor adventures teacher Bill Parker supports him at the Teacher of the Year ceremony in the CHS Arena on Dec. 4. Bill Parker was awarded as Teacher of the Year for 2017 for his exemplary work ethic and success as a teacher and coach.

Parker wins Teacher of the Year for charisma, inclusiveness

Amelia Vanyo and Claire Clements
December 4, 2017
Coppell High School swimmers do their team chant before the meet at the YMCA. Coppell High School's swim team competed Friday in the Vaquero Battle Meet.

Vaquero Battle swim meet unites CHS swimmers in fun competition

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
November 12, 2017
On Nov. 10, the Coppell High School swim team is hosting a Vaquero Battle Swim Meet at the Coppell YMCA. The Vaquero Battle will be a friendly competition for the Golden Cowboy Trophy.

Swim team fostering friendly competition at Vaquero Battle meet

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
November 10, 2017
Coppell city residents visit Lakeside Elementary School Tuesday afternoon to vote in a city election for Constitutional amendments. Having such local elections gives citizens the chance to induce a direct impact on our democratic government.

Election Day allows for Coppell residents voices to be heard

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
November 8, 2017
Coppell seniors Gabi Badillo, Anna Wilcox and Sophie Wilcox discuss their practice laps with Coppell swimming coach Marieke Roberts during swim practice on Oct. 19 at the Coppell YMCA. Roberts encourages the swimmers to continue working hard to improve their speed and persistence in the pool.

Badillo, Wilcox pave way for Coppell High School swim team

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
November 2, 2017
Former forensic scientist for the EDA and Coppell resident Tamara Keller conducts a presentation on drugs in the Coppell High School lecture hall on Oct. 26. Keller informs Coppell parents and students on the dangers of drug use and the preventative measures they can take to protect their students.

On the Spot: “Drug Trends and Awareness” teaches Coppell parents on the dangers of substance use

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
October 30, 2017
During fourth period, Coppell High School choir students in Acappella Mix Music are practicing solfege as they follow Choir director Bona Coogle. Students are divided by vocal range such as sopranos, altos, tenors and basses.

Choir students represent Coppell High School at All-State

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
October 27, 2017
CISD School Board Superintendent Brad Hunt and President Tracey Fisher listen to speakers give their presentations. The Board of Trustees of Coppell Independent School District meeting was held Oct. 23rd to discuss matters of the district.

Board meeting discusses future of Coppell schools

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
October 26, 2017
Coppell High School junior Karvi Bhatnagar dances her arangetram at Triveni Kala Sangam in Delhi, on July 9, in front of Indian National TV and Radio. An arangetram is the debut on-stage performance of a student of Bharatanatyam. Courtesy of Karvi Bhatnagar.

Bhatnagar shines through classical Indian dance on national TV

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
October 16, 2017
A petition on Change.org has gained attention about cancelling the STAAR test in favor of using those funds for Hurricane Harvey Relief. This is the overall budget for Texas, the amount of money being spent for STAAR and the amount of money needed for Hurricane Harvey relief.

Texans petition to cancel STAAR test for Hurricane Harvey relief

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
September 22, 2017
Many dresses at the Swap N Shop event held at the Brandenburg's residence in Coppell were to be purchased for a good cause on Saturday. For certain dresses that were purchased, donations were being made out to those who were affected by Hurricane Harvey relief.

Coppell family hosts dress sale to raise money for Hurricane Harvey relief

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
September 11, 2017
This Saturday is the dress swap n shop event in Coppell. There is about 200 dresses from several different areas in the Dallas metroplex.

Dress ‘swap n shop’ happening in Coppell this Saturday

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
September 8, 2017
Starting this year, 10th graders are receiving new iPads. The iPad Air, which is the newest one, shows very little change technically and physicall compared to the older one, the iPad 4.

New iPads for sophomores bring up questions at CHS

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
September 8, 2017
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