• Friday is a holiday for all Coppell ISD students.
  • Coppell High School hosts IB Diploma Awards & New Candidate Induction at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
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
Elena Gillis

Elena Gillis, Graphic Design Editor

Elena Gillis is a senior and the graphic design editor for The Sidekick. She is an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate. She has an inexplicable love for Draco Malfoy and ampersands and can usually be found listening to Taylor Swift and petting cats. To contact, she can be found on Twitter at elenamg24 or email her at [email protected].

All content by Elena Gillis
Coppell senior Nora Rodriguez pitches against Flower Mound during the first inning at Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex on March 22. A four-year varsity player, Rodriguez will play college softball at Texas Southern University.

[Photo] Rodriguez ends CHS softball career, awaits future at TSU

Sally Parampottil, Co-Student Life Editor
May 17, 2019
The Sidekick news editor and Coppell High School senior Christine Zacuai wears a traditional and formal Chin outfit, which is usually woven by a loom. Zacuai immigrated to Texas at 2 years old from Hakha, Myanmar.

[Photo] A dual identity

Christine Zacuai, Executive News Editor
May 10, 2019
Brothers CHS9 student Walker Polk and Coppell High School junior Hudson Polk have both played baseball since a young age. The Polk brothers made the varsity baseball team as freshmen and can see the benefits of playing together.

[Photo] From home to baseball diamond: Polk brothers catch opportunity to bond, play baseball together

Sofia Guerrero, Co-Student Life Editor
May 7, 2019
The Sidekick executive sports editor Nicholas Pranske boards his first flight from DFW Airport to John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif. on April 25th. Pranske attended the 2019 JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention in Anaheim, Calif.

[Photo] Winging it

Nicholas Pranske, Executive Sports Editor
May 7, 2019
Former Coppell High School graduate Trevor Stange recently graduated from Turning Point, a Coppell ISD program at Victory Place. Stange, an offensive lineman, signed to play football at Kansas State in December.

[Photo] Turning Point sees largest graduating class of the year

Laasya Achanta, Staff Writer
May 6, 2019
Coppell High School sophomore Tallulah Rushton practices her routine at Texas Dreams Gymnastics on March 18. Tallulah heads to the gym from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and her training consists of conditioning, vault, beams and floor.

[Photo] Rushton bounds through adversities

Shreya Beldona, Staff Writer
April 12, 2019
JC’s Burger Bar opened its Coppell location on April 2, which is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The restaurant has a wide variety of menu options, complimentary ice cream and an arcade.

[Photo] JC’s Burger Bar fry-nally opens, welcomes Coppell community

Christie Hernandez, Staff Writer
April 11, 2019
part3

[Photo] Standing in the wake of devastation (Part 3)

Kelly Wei, Editor-in-Chief
April 8, 2019
Coppell High School senior Jayashree Ganesan and junior Prayaag Gupta participated in the UIL Cross Examination Debate state meet at the University of Texas at Austin on March 23. Ganesan and Gupta reached the quarterfinals while debating whether the U.S. government should reduce its restrictions on legal immigration.

[Photo] Year of research, preparation culminates in debate UIL state tournament

Karen Lu, Staff Writer
April 4, 2019
Coppell High School GT/honors chemistry teacher Sorelle Kimball talks with students after taking solubility graphs during seventh period on March 20. Kimball has been selected by The Sidekick as April Teacher of the Issue.

[Photo] April teacher of the issue: Keep an ion Kimball, encourages students, shares love for animals

Christie Hernandez, Staff Writer
April 4, 2019
The Coppell boys soccer team celebrates after senior goalie Austin Simigian blocks Denton Guyer’s Penalty kick to steal the victory for the Cowboys at Falcon Stadium in Lake Dallas. After a scoreless regulation and two overtime periods, Coppell won, 0-0 (4-3), in the Class 6A Region I bi-district match

[Photo] An exhilarating finish: Cowboys triumph over Guyer in penalty shootout

Akif Abidi, Staff Writer
March 29, 2019
Coppell High School senior Maddie Hulcy works on the Shattered Dreams project in the KCBY studios during second period on Tuesday. Hulcy is the KCBY senior producer and a member of the program’s executive team; she is also a top runner on the CHS cross country team.

[Photo] Hulcy balancing athletics and journalism, shining in both

Pramika Kadari, Copy Editor
March 28, 2019
Coppell High School senior Trevor Holmes plays his trumpet during seventh period on March 25. Holmes placed first chair in the state for the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Convention.

[Photo] Holmes places first chair in state, keeps up with dynamics of music

Sofia Guerrero, Co-Student Life Editor
March 27, 2019
Coppell sophomore Sydney Ingle shortstop catches a pop fly during third inning at Complex Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex on Friday. The Cowgirls lost to Jaguars, 3-2.

Cowgirls take a loss against Flower Mound

Bren Flechtner, Photography Editor
March 25, 2019
Coppell senior Nora Rodriguez pitches against Flower Mound during the first inning at Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex on Friday. The Cowgirls lost to the Jaguars, 3-2.

[Photo] Flower Mound edges out Coppell in first matchup of season

Emma Meehan, Staff Writer
March 25, 2019
Four players from the Coppell girls basketball team, including senior forward Rowan Hassman (No. 31), junior center Nicole Obialo (No. 23), were named to the District 6-6A All-District first team. Coppell junior guards Jordan Nelson and Kennedi Rogers were named to the second team.

[Photo] 4 Cowgirls receive all-district recognition

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
March 22, 2019
Coppell High School senior Mary O’Connor talks about the organization “Equality Now” for Goal 5: Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform in Angela Barnes’s seventh period Astronomy class. Students in Earth and Space Science and Astronomy classes picked one goal for which to create an action plan.

[Photo] Reaching beyond

Nicholas Pranske, Executive Sports Editor
March 8, 2019
On Thursday, State Representative Julie Johnson welcomes Coppell Mayor Karen Hunt during the Town Hall & Legislative Update at the Cozby Library and Community Commons. Hunt was among the community members who attended the event, which discussed state budgets and bills impacting House District 115.

[Photo] On the Spot: Localizing legislation (with video)

Christine Zacuai, Executive News Editor
March 8, 2019
Coppell High School junior Lauren Kellett jumps 18’4” in long jump on Saturday, March 2 at Buddy Echols field, winning first place.

[Photo] Cowboys, Cowgirls shine at annual Coppell Relays

Emma Meehan, Staff Writer
March 8, 2019
Coppell ISD is in the midst of hiring its next district athletic director. The announcement is expected to be made at the CISD Board Meeting on March 25.

[Photo] New CISD athletic director to be announced this month

Christine Zacuai, Executive News Editor
March 5, 2019
Coppell High School 2012 graduate Madiha Lakhani launched her own makeup brand, Madz Cosmetica, earlier this year. Madz Cosmetica is selling liquid lipstick that is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan and hydrating.

[Photo] Monetizing Passion

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
March 1, 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.

[Photo] Setting a new trend

Claire Clements, Editorial Page Editor
February 28, 2019
#relationships is a stand-up comedy and verbatim theater showcase, presented by the Coppell High School Studio Premier classes, and also contains mature content. This showcase is tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the CHS Black Box Theatre.

[Photo] Theater to hold showcase as fundraiser for students advancing to national competition

Shravya Mahesh, Staff Writer
February 27, 2019
Coppell junior Adam Moussa guards the ball against Keller Timber Creek on Feb. 19, at CHS Arena. Moussa shot a three in the final 20 seconds of the BI-District Playoffs to send the Cowboys to a 53-51 win. The Cowboys are moving on to the Championship against Lake Ridge on Feb. 21.

[Photo] Coppell basketball flies past Falcons with winning 3-pointer

Nicholas Pranske, Executive Sports Editor
February 21, 2019
Coppell High School senior Delany Bell goes through the hearts on the senior bridge on Feb. 14. Student Council worked on a project to distribute paper heart cards to the entire student body. Every student in the school has their own paper hearts with personalized for the recipient, containing a touching message.

[Photo] Student Council spreads message of inclusivity with personalized paper hearts for student body

Shravya Mahesh, Staff Writer
February 14, 2019
Olé's owner Olegario Herrera arrived back in the U.S. and bought back the restaurant, and took up the challenge of remodeling and expanding it. Olé's closed in December, Olé's Neighborhood Tex-Mex is located 600 E Sandy Lake Rd, Coppell, TX.

[Photo] Olé’s Neighborhood Tex-Mex reopens after renovation

Nicolas Reyes, Staff Writer
February 12, 2019
Fashion Fiesta Designer KiPresha and Sandy Kaur Gill, a social media influencer from Toronto walk the runway at Shots by Bhavya 1st Annual Fashion at Ervay Theater on Feb. 10. CHS Bhavya Vasireddy presents a cultural fashion show with designers in the metroplex.

[Photo] Shots by Bhavya 1st Annual Fashion Show

February 10, 2019
Fashion Fiesta Designer KiPresha and Sandy Kaur Gill, a social media influencer from Toronto walk the runway at Shots by Bhavya 1st Annual Fashion at Ervay Theater on Feb. 10. CHS Bhavya Vasireddy presents a cultural fashion show with designers in the metroplex.

[Photo] Shots by Bhavya 1st Annual Fashion Show

February 10, 2019
Coppell High School senior Namratha Mohan has been in Health Occupations Student of America (HOSA) since freshman year. Mohan is currently serving as HOSA’s President.

[Photo] Student of the Week: Mohan’s HOSA experience through leading program, leaving legacy

Sally Parampottil, Co-Student Life Editor
January 25, 2019
Coppell midfielder Sebastian Blaas dribbles upfield during the match against Macarthur on Jan. 22 at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowboys defeated Cardinals 5-1.

[Photo] Cowboys open district games with a 5-1 win over Cardinals

Sydney Rowe, Staff Writer
January 25, 2019
Coppell High School administrative assistant to the principal Amy Stroh talks with CHS administrative assistant to associate principals Lynn Anderson. Stroh’s promotion came after the former principal’s secretary, Terry Phillips, retired in December.

[Photo] Stroh enters role of principal’s secretary, powered by experience of previous positions

Sally Parampottil, Co-Student Life Editor
January 22, 2019
Coppell High School Theatre Director Karen Ruth and Coco Kleppinger discuss helpful tips when auditioning for a character with students on Jan. 10. Coco Kelppinger is currently a casting associate and has helped cast such feature films as IT, Burden, and Game Night. Photo by Bren Flechtner.

[Photo] Hollywood casting associate visits CHS select theater students (with video)

Charlotte Vanyo, Staff Writer
January 15, 2019
Thirty-six percent said they made to feel the most important thing about them is their looks, which is influenced by society’s definition of beauty. The Sidekick Staff Writer Umama Suriya discusses her struggles with insecurities and how society has effected women.

[Photo] Beauty from within

Umama Suriya, Staff Writer
January 11, 2019
During fifth period, Coppell High School seniors Gabby Cavlcanti, Kendall Edmonds discuss a strategy for digital game English IV Asylum LA activity on Wednesday, Dec. 13th. The English IV teachers have worked on a new way for students to learn about tree well known books, “Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth” is the main focus of the activity.

Asylum English IV: Escape Activity

Bren Flechtner, Photographer Editor
December 13, 2018
Coppell High School seniors John Cashimere, Mathew Roddman, Caden Davis discuss a strategy for digital game English IV Asylum LA activity. The English IV teachers have worked on a new way for students to learn about tree well known books, “Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth” is the main focus of the activity.

[Photo] English lV department offers new spin on classic books

December 14, 2018
Since 1998, Coppell Community Gardens’ inclusive environment is one that its volunteers have taken advantage of, inviting organizations such as Coppell’s Nation Charity League chapter. The plants are harvested are donated to Metrocrest Services food pantry. Photo by Bren Flechtner.

[Photo] 20 years of good thymes at Coppell Community Gardens (with video)

Charlotte Vanyo, Staff Writer
December 12, 2018
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.

[Photo] Student entrepreneurs selling trendy clothes on the cheap

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
December 12, 2018
Coppell High School principal secretary Terry Phillips is retiring after almost two decades of working at CHS. Phillips was raised in Coppell as part of the 1978 graduating class and joined the district in 1998 as the In-School Suspension supervisor for Coppell Middle School West.

[Photo] Phillips retires after two decades with CISD, leaving behind lifelong legacy

Karen Lu, Staff Writer
December 10, 2018
Corky’s Gaming Bistro has a variety of retro arcade games, escape rooms and axe-throwing. It was voted The Sidekick's best dining and entertainment of 2018.

[Photo] The Sidekick staff votes on the best of 2018 entertainment

Anthony Cesario, Entertainment Editor
December 6, 2018
On Wednesday morning, CHS9 Cathy Douglas is awarded Teacher of the Year for the 2018-2019 school year at the ninth grade campus in the library. Douglas, with CHS9 Principal Cody Koontz, Assistant Principal Chase Vaughn, and Assistant Principal Ashlee Graham is the first recipient of the award for the campus.

[Photo] Modeling merit: First-ever CHS9 Teacher of the Year awarded to Douglas

Christine Zacuai, Executive News Editor
December 5, 2018
Coppell High School Custodians spend hours each day cleaning the school, many students at CHS do not pick up their trash. Suriya talks about what students can do to help their school environment to be a cleaner campus.

[Photo] As loyal students, help out by picking up the trash

Umama Suriya, Staff Writer
December 4, 2018
On November 26, Jersey Mike’s on Denton Tap Road was robbed by a lone armed robber around 8:45 p.m. The armed robber collected around $2,500 between the register and safe, Coppell Police posted on Twitter there is an up to $1,000 reward to any person who can bring forth valuable information about the robbery.

[Photo] Robbery on Denton Tap, $1,000 reward posted

December 3, 2018
Coppell High School Emergency Medical Technician and Pharmacy tech teacher, Gary Beyers has set up a miniature holiday village and a large wintertime train set display in and out of A110. The Christmas village has fake snow and music, with a train track set up inside his room. A wreath hangs on Beyer’s door.

[Photo] On the Spot: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in health sciences (with video)

November 30, 2018
On Wednesday morning, Coppell High School Special Ed Teacher Melissa Murray is announced as the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year in the arena. Murray, with CHS Principal Dr. Nicole Jund, has been in the district for 20 years and has been teaching at the CHS for 13 years.

[Photo] Openness, commitment characterize 2018-19 Teacher of the Year winner Murray

Christine Zacuai, Executive News Editor
November 28, 2018
Coppell High School sophomore goaltender Romy Thibeault helps Junior Rookies at Dr Pepper StarCenter in Farmers Branch on Nov. 13. Thibeault works at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter where she coaches the Junior Rookies, a group of both boys and girls ages 9-14, bringing her signature personality to the rink.

[Photo] Fully immersed

Sally Parampottil, Staff Writer
November 28, 2018
Coppell High School Principal Dr. Nicole Jund and assistant principal Ryan Lam present CHS teacher Cameron Tiede with his Teacher of the Year nomination on Nov. 15. A total of 10 teachers were nominated, and the winner will be announced on Nov. 28 in the CHS Arena.

[Photo] Top nominees surprised with Teacher of the Year nominations

Pramika Kadari, Copy Editor
November 23, 2018
The Coppell High School football team played Southlake Carroll on Saturday at Dragon Stadium for Class 6A Region I bi district playoffs. The Cowboys fell to the Dragons 54-10, to end their 2018 season.

Cowboys lose to Dragons in first round

Bren Flechtner, Photographer Editor
November 20, 2018
Coppell players share a hug with assistant coach Blake Johnson after the playoff game at Dragon Stadium on Nov. 17. The Carroll Dragons ended the game, 54-10, over Coppell, ending the Cowboys’ season.

[Photo] Old foe ends Cowboys’ season

Nicholas Pranske, Executive Sports Editor
November 19, 2018
Coppell sophomore running back Jason Ngwu evades defenders against Irving Nimitz at Joy & Ralph Ellis Stadium last Friday. The Cowboys play again tomorrow against Carroll at 2 p.m. at Dragon Stadium in Southlake.

[Photo] Survive and advance

Nicholas Pranske, Executive Sports Editor
November 16, 2018
Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert speaks with an attendee at the annual Red Ribbon Week Committee Breakfast at the Wyndham Garden North Hotel in Dallas. The breakfast is hosted by different chambers annually to spread awareness about drug usage to local students and community leaders.

[Photo] A fighting message: Calvert warns students, community of prominent dangers of drug usage

Christine Zacuai, Executive News Editor
November 14, 2018
Sandy Lake Amusement Park, the park permanently shut down on Oct. 17, has been special place for families to visit for almost five decades. Most recently, the park was known to many in community for hosting company picnics and field trips.

[Photo] Sandy Lake Amusement Park closes gates after almost five decades of memories

Sydney Rowe, Staff Writer
November 13, 2018
This morning, a group of voters support Julie Johnson for Texas State Representative for the 2018 general election outside of Coppell Town Center. Representatives give out cards and information about candidates that will be elected for local, state, and congressional level.

[Photo] Record national early voting turnout make up 2018 midterm election

Christine Zacuai, Executive News Editor
November 6, 2018
For the past several months, Texas senator nominees Ted Cruz and Beto O’Rourke had competed for the votes of Texan citizens for the 2018 midterm election. It was announced on Nov. 7 that Cruz had won the election and would reassume office as U.S. Senator for Texas.

[Photo] 'Tough as Texas', Cruz keeps Texas red

November 9, 2018
Political signs are lined along the road to Coppell Town Center on Sunday, Nov. 4 for the upcoming mid-term election on Nov. 6. This election will determine which candidates will be elected at the local, state, and congressional level.

[Photo] Part 4: The search for the solution to CISD’s funding dilemma

November 2, 2018
CHS9 assistant principal Chase Vaughn visits with freshmen Sam Ko and Pranav Swarna while on bus duty after school on Oct. 26. Vaughn has returned to Coppell ISD, and has worked at Coppell Middle School North in 2008 and Coppell High School in 2010 as a teacher and coach.

[Photo] Q&A: Classroom to office: Vaughn returns to Coppell as assistant principal

Christine Zacuai, Executive News Editor
October 30, 2018
Coppell senior Jonathan McGill recently committed to play to college football at SMU. McGill has grown to be one of the Cowboy’s most prominent defensive backs on the field and a dreaded threat for the offense.

[Photo] A big step forward: McGill commits to play football at SMU

Akif Abidi, Staff Writer
October 30, 2018
Coppell High School seniors show off their decorated, custom-made overalls at Buddy Echols Field. Seniors spend weeks, even months, choosing between fabrics, trims, patches - fabricating each detail for their overalls.

[Photo] Unity through creativity

Sarah Woo, Staff Writer
October 29, 2018
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