Upcoming Events
  • Coppell High School hosts a College Athlete Signing Ceremony at CHS Arena at 8 a.m. on Thursday
  • On Friday, The Square at Old Town hosts the Old Town Anniversary from 7-9 p.m.
  • On Friday and Saturday, Lariettes presents its Spring Show at 7 p.m. at the CHS Auditorium
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
Karis Thomas

Karis Thomas, Staff Photographer

Karis Thomas is a senior and first year photographer for The Sidekick. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, working on photography and traveling. She also enjoys spending time outdoors whether to explore the city, run, or bike. With comments or concerns, contact her @karisthomas_ or [email protected]. 

All content by Karis Thomas
Students entering high school often have ideas about what they desire to do regarding their education in the future, but ones future is never guaranteed. The Sidekick business manager Nishant Medicharla discusses how underclassmen in high school should not be afraid of change and instead learn to embrace it.

[Photo] A letter to my past self: Life won’t always go to plan – and that’s completely OK

Nishant Medicharla, Business Manager
May 15, 2020
Eurovision is a yearly song competition in which various European countries submit a song and an artist to represent them, as they perform live in the previous winner’s country. Though this year’s Eurovision was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Sidekick executive sports editor Sally Parampottil explains why this is an opportunity rather than just a loss.

[Photo] Reenvisioning Eurovision

Sally Parampottil, Executive Sports Editor
May 14, 2020
Law movie Just Mercy, based on the bestselling book, came out this January. The plot follows defense attorney Bryan Stevenson (played by Michael B. Jordan) as he tackles a case centering around Walter McMillian (played by Jamie Foxx), who was wrongly convicted of murder.

[Photo] Just Mercy exposes prison system bias, evokes raw emotion

Nanette Pottoore, Staff Writer
April 27, 2020
Editorial 5 Resized

[Photo] Editorial: Remembering others during panic

Editorial Board
April 20, 2020
Coppell ISD is searching for community members who can be crossing guards for elementary and middle schoolers. Those hired are expected to guide students across neighborhood streets and help control pedestrian traffic.

[Photo] District in search of crossing guards for 2020-21 school year

Jillian Moore, Staff Writer
April 20, 2020
Oftentimes, movies are based on true stories in which a memorable event took place. The Sidekick executive copy and design editor Nick Pranske lists his top 10 stories worthy of a sports movie, including Kobe Bryant’s journey to becoming a basketball icon, Deflategate and Tiger Woods comeback after winning his fifth Masters title.

[Photo] Roll the tapes

Nicholas Pranske, Executive Copy and Design Editor
April 19, 2020
In spite of the negativities that the coronavirus has caused, people all over the world are working together to overcome the pandemic. The Sidekick staff writer Akansha Singh believes this puts humanity’s best side on display, as healthcare workers show up to work everyday in order to help cure those who are infected even if it puts them at risk and companies help supply needed resources such as hand sanitizer and ventilators. Graphic by Kaylee Aguilar

[Photo] COVID-19 brings out the best in us

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
April 6, 2020
Throughout the years, women’s tennis has always had a gold standard player; Helen Willis, Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams are prime examples. Sidekick staff writer Anjali Krishna analyzes the current state of women’s professional tennis.

[Photo] Filling the empty throne of women’s professional tennis

Anjali Krishna, Staff Writer
April 2, 2020
Although Coppell High School recently canceled prom, which was scheduled for April 4, dieting for prom usually becomes popular around this time of year among students. The Sidekick executive news & enterprise editor Pramika Kadari believes extreme diets before prom should be approached more carefully as they can be damaging to a person both physically and mentally.

[Photo] Future CHS seniors must tread carefully with prom diets

Pramika Kadari, Executive News & Enterprise Editor
March 27, 2020
Megan Rapinoe, Simone Biles and Serena Williams are all examples of famous female athletes who have helped create a presence of women in sports. The Sidekick staff writer Nanette Pottoore thinks women-centric sports receive less attention than men-centric sports and investigates the reasoning behind the fact.

[Photo] How a positive mindset can empower female athletes

Nanette Pottoore, Staff Writer
March 24, 2020
In 1989, five teens that came to be known as the Central Park Five were wrongly convicted of raping a 28-year old woman named Trisha Meili. The Netflix series, “When They See Us” details the boys’ unjustified conviction and how the truths of the case were uncovered.

[Photo] When They See Us: Story of the incarceration of innocent boys

Alishba Javaid, Staff writer
February 28, 2020
Cheating on tests or homework is something many students see on a day-to-day basis. The Sidekick staff writer Sreeja Mudumby thinks cheating should not be tolerated, as it takes away the value of achievements and gives a bad image to students and the school they represent.

[Photo] Column: Cheating nullifies opportunity

Sreeja Mudumby, Staff Writer
February 28, 2020
Dance

[Photo] Purpose distinguishing dance from purely performing art to sport

Sally Parampottil, Executive Sports Editor
February 21, 2020
Chess

[Photo] Don’t be a bad sport because chess isn’t one

Nicholas Pranske, Executive Copy and Design Editor
February 21, 2020
Band

[Photo] Competitive, athletic nature of marching falling under sport definition

Angela Yuan, Staff Writer
February 21, 2020
There is debate about whether certain activities are classified as sports. Although endeavors such as football and basketball are universally known as sports, it can be more difficult to define activities such as marching band, chess and dance.

[Photo] Defining a sport

Sally Parampottil, Executive Sports Editor
February 21, 2020
Rodeo, a competitive sport in which participants show off their riding and roping skills, is recognized in Texas. Coppell previously established a junior rodeo in 1960 and Coppell High School organized a rodeo team in 1975. Graphic by Kaylee Aguilar.

[Photo] Small-town rodeo history provides basis for CHS mascot

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
February 18, 2020
Cooking

[Photo] Editorial: Teach us something we actually need

Editorial Board
February 13, 2020
As a result of extreme heat, drought and high winds, fires have raged throughout Australia since September 2018. The crisis has led to the destruction of homes, habitats and lives.

[Photo] A blazing revolution: Land down under inspires climatic change

Sarah Habib, Staff Writer
January 31, 2020
An outbreak of coronavirus has infected more than 800 in Wuhan, China and a man in his 30s in Washington state contracted the virus. Attempts to keep the virus contained are being taken, including screening travelers for symptoms and sending out a warning to avoid traveling to Wuhan.

[Photo] On the Spot: Wuhan coronavirus hits Texas soil with potential case (with video)

Shreya Beldona, Staff Writer
January 25, 2020
Teens today are immersed in social media and creating an image of themselves to present to others. CHS9 student Torie Peck thinks social media has numerous negative effects on teens, including causing stress, drama and lowered self-esteem.

[Photo] Our lives captured online

January 24, 2020
In today’s time, women and racial minorities are underrepresented on TV, while the LQBTQ+ community is overrepresented. Sidekick Staff Writer Anjali Krishna believes in order to change negative stereotypes about these groups, they must be accurately represented in TV.

[Photo] Let people define themselves

Anjali Krishna, Staff Writer
January 24, 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.

[Photo] Hong Kong protests causing tension worldwide

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
January 15, 2020
While basketball originated as a white-dominated sport, the NBA currently consists majority of black players. According to Tides 2017 NBA Report, the diversity of the organization has increased over the years.

[Photo] Coloring in the lines

Sally Parampottil, Executive Sports Editor
January 2, 2020
Rather than flipping through channels or using DVDs, people in the modern era use applications such as Hulu, Netflix and Disney Plus to watch television. The Sidekick staff writer Anjali Krishna analyzes this trend, along with other changes in TV across the past decade.

[Photo] Decade Wrap-Up: Streaming services dominate decade of change in entertainment

Anjali Krishna, Staff Writer
December 18, 2019
Editorial Graphic (1)

[Photo] We can be the change

Editorial Board
December 14, 2019
Thirty states retain the death penalty, but only eight executed prisoners in 2018. Texas executed 13 of the 25 total inmates killed last year. The Sidekick staff writer Emma Meehan discusses why the death penalty should be abolished in the United States. Graphic by Kaylee Aguilar.

[Photo] Kill capital punishment in pursuit of ethical society

Emma Meehan, Staff Writer
December 6, 2019
Candidates Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders are campaigning for the 2020 Democratic primaries. Issues including college debt forgiveness, climate change and abortion are of central discussion. Photos courtesy commons.wikimedia.org and Flickr.

[Photo] Electing the decade’s first president

Nicolas Reyes, Staff Writer
December 5, 2019
2

[Photo] Teenagers developing unconventional businesses

Shivi Sharma, CHS9 Editor
November 1, 2019
Editorial Graphic

[Photo] Forgiving in the face of hate

Editorial Staff
November 5, 2019
States have varied requirements for civics education, but general civic knowledge and youth voter participation remain low. The Sidekick staff writer Akansha Singh believes there is a lack of sufficient civics education and learning about these topics can help American citizens take initiative in participating in political issues. Graphic by Kaylee Aguilar.

[Photo] Bring back robust civics education to strengthen democracy

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
October 28, 2019
A city council meeting was held at the Coppell Town Center on Oct 22. Important issues such as Municipal Court Week, citizen satisfaction and renovations to Lesley Field were discussed.

[Photo] City Council meeting discusses renovations to Lesley Field, reviews citizens’ satisfaction survey

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
October 24, 2019
Invisible illnesses are those that exist but are not directly visible from the outside. Many people suffer from symptoms of invisible illnesses such as stress, fatigue, trouble sleeping and mental illnesses.

[Photo] My pain is invisible, not imaginary

Angela Yuan, Staff Writer
October 3, 2019
Editorial Graphic 1

[Photo] Changing climate requires first step

Editorial Staff
September 26, 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.

[Photo] Much needed culture of honesty, love coming to CHS

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
August 30, 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.

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

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
August 26, 2019
This school year, Coppell High School added a C day to its traditional block schedule. On C days students will visit all eight of their classes for 40 minutes rather than the regular four.

[Photo] On The Spot: New C-Day allows for flexibility to compliment block scheduling (with video)

Nicholas Pranske, Executive Copy and Design Editor
August 16, 2019
The phrase “I love you” is often used to express affection for others. It can help strengthen relationships and show appreciation for loved ones. Co-student life editor Sally Parampottil thinks repeated use of the phrase in different situations strengthens its meaning rather than diminishing it.

[Photo] Saying “I love you” should be embraced, not discouraged

Sally Parampottil, Co-Student Life Editor
May 14, 2019
Vaping continues to be a prevalent issue affecting teens throughout the United States. Texas Sen. Nate Johnson proposed bill SB1332 in attempt to counteract the vaping epidemic. This bill requires store owners selling nicotine products to have a comptroller-verified tax permit.

[Photo] Clearing the smoke

April 16, 2019
College Admission

[Photo] State of the District: Hunt discloses upcoming policy, renovations, more (with video)

Christine Zacuai, Executive News Editor
April 2, 2019
The SAT is a standardized test that many students across the United States are encouraged to take before applying to college. It assesses students on math, reading and writing. Many teenagers experience a large amount of stress while preparing to achieve a rewarding score on their test.

[Photo] Coppell Observer: Last minute tips to prepare for the SAT

Nishant Medicharla, Export and Production Manager
March 8, 2019
Texas legislation has passed a new law where students are required to have police encounter training. Each school district will implement the law in their own way to reduce tensions between the law enforcement and the community. Coppell ISD is making sure that students have viewed the Flashing Lights video, in order to be certified for graduation.

[Photo] Flashing Lights: Texas law requires police encounter training for high school students

Nishant Medicharla, Staff Writer
November 29, 2018
Social Media and Generation Z have reached a crossroads. The youth of today is completely immersed in giant platforms run by even bigger companies. Change is necessary if both sides want to promote a healthy and safe digital environment

[Photo] Two worlds are colliding: Future of social media resting in palms of today’s youth

Andrés Bear, Staff Writer
November 3, 2018
Bandwagon hate has become a common trend in today’s society. The Sidekick staff writer Shravya Mahesh discusses her views on the matter and the reasons it may be occurring more.

[Photo] Blindly agreeing to hate harms: importance of believing in what’s right

Shravya Mahesh, Staff Writer
October 31, 2018
Amazon has introduced a store concept that does not require cashiers. Staff writer Andrés Bear explains how it can be a threat to the cashiers of tomorrow.

[Photo] A Take On: Amazon Go Stores

Andrés Bear, Staff Writer
October 17, 2018
Coppell High School GT/AP English III teacher Melissa Alexander’s talents and time management truly make her a real life superwoman. She has a passion for a variety of different activities including photography and spartan race, while still managing to teach GT/AP English 3 to her students and taking care of her recently born baby.

[Photo] Alexander-Blythe enjoys various hobbies alongside academic responsibilities

Shravya Mahesh, Staff Writer
September 4, 2018
IMG_9981

[Photo] Austin Rath

May 29, 2018
The Sidekick editor-in-chief Amelia Vanyo did not realize how much she would love journalism until she joined The Sidekick her junior year. After two years on staff, Vanyo has learned several lessons that have made her more successful than she ever could have hoped.

[Photo] Placing purpose over profit

Amelia Vanyo, Editor-in-Chief
May 25, 2018
Coppell High School senior Grant Knippa practices trumpet in the CHS band hall practice rooms during sixth period. Knippa plans to attend New England Conservatory of Music in Boston to pursue a career in classical music.

[Photo] Let the trumpets sound

Amelia Vanyo, Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2018
With a week of school left for some, seniors will be done with high school before they know it. Editorial page editor Fiona Koshy gives you some ideas as to how to spend your last days as a Coppell Cowboy.

[Photo] Coming to a close: Things to do before walking the stage

Fiona Koshy, Editorial Page Editor
May 21, 2018
Seniors across Texas make the important decision regarding which school they are committing to for the next four years of their college career. Coppell High School counselors celebrate the seniors’ dedication and hard work by bringing in a photobooth and giving out raffle prizes during sixth period.

[Photo] Decision day calls for senior appreciation

Anika Arutla, Staff Writer
May 4, 2018
“I feel like a lot of people wear makeup to cover up their insecurities, but I do it because it makes me feel more confident,” Coppell High School junior Zeke Butler said. “Obviously, nobody is perfect, there are gonna be imperfections that everybody sees and that is not something that you should feel bad about. Makeup allows you to enhance your imperfections in a way which makes people see you as a unique person. Wearing makeup brings out my true self and lets me put my creativity into something that I enjoy. Even if I seem like the weird person, I really don’t care, because I am doing something that is true to myself.”

[Photo] Humans of CHS: Zeke Butler

Nishant Medicharla, Staff Writer
May 4, 2018
Kendrick Lamar won a Pulitzer Prize for his hit album Damn. His album consists of 14 songs including Lust, Pride, and Loyalty.

[Photo] Another feather in K-Dot’s cap: Lamar bestowed prestigious Pulitzer Prize

Akif Abidi, Staff Writer
May 2, 2018
CoppellCowboysvsGarlandRams_March29 - 17

[Photo] Quest for a title

Nicholas Pranske, Sports Assignment Editor
April 24, 2018
Rock band The Voidz recently came back with a new album by the name of Virtue on March 30. The album provides songs of various rock styles while conveying meaningful lyrics and incorporating different aspects of music.

[Photo] The Voidz save rock in “Virtue” album

Andrés Bear, Staff Writer
April 24, 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.

[Photo] Coppell Observer: To sound smart, act the part

Anthony Cesario, Co-Student Life Editor
April 23, 2018
Coppell Cowboys senior center forward Francisco Redondo and junior forward Joe Ruedi celebrate after the Cowboys scored a goal during the second period of overtime at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Round Rock this afternoon. The Coppell Cowboys defeated the Spring Woods Tigers 1-0 in the Region II 6A Soccer Tournament. Photo by Karis Thomas

Week of 04/16/18

Karis Thomas, Photographer
April 19, 2018
Coppell High School junior Grace Hao stands on guard during fencing practice on April 2 at the Fencing Institute of Texas. Hao has been fencing for eight years and has committed to the University of Pennsylvania to continue her fencing career.

[Photo] Hao commits to UPENN through fencing

Nishant Medicharla, Staff Writer
April 19, 2018
Coppell Cowboys senior center forward Francisco Redondo and junior forward Joe Ruedi celebrate after the Cowboys scored a goal during the second period of overtime at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Round Rock this afternoon. The Coppell Cowboys defeated the Spring Woods Tigers 1-0 in the Region II 6A Soccer Tournament. Photo by Karis Thomas

[Photo] Cowboys double down on Tigers, earns ticket to Georgetown

Nicholas Pranske, Sports Assignment Editor
April 17, 2018
Coppell Cowboys players celebrate after winning the Region II 6A Soccer Tournament against the Conroe Tigers on April 14 at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Round Rock. The Cowboys advanced to state after defeating the Tigers 1- 0.

[Photo] Coppell Cowboys advance to semi-finals with defeat of Conroe Tigers

April 16, 2018
Coppell Cowboys senior center forward Francisco Redondo and junior forward Joe Ruedi celebrate after the Cowboys scored a goal during the second period of overtime at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Round Rock this afternoon. The Coppell Cowboys defeated the Spring Woods Tigers 1-0 in the Region II 6A Soccer Tournament.

[Photo] Coppell Cowboys advance in playoffs with defeat of Spring Woods Tigers

April 15, 2018
Many students drift off in classes instead of paying attention which can have a negative impact on their grades. The Sidekick Staff writer Pramika Kadari can relate to these struggles.

[Photo] Coppell Observer: Fighting the vicious mental battle to pay attention in class

Pramika Kadari, Staff Writer
April 13, 2018
The Sidekick junior staff writer Christine Zacuai has experienced the repercussions of taking too much on her plate when engaging in school involvement and encourages students to not exert too much of their time and energy to achieve their goals in extracurriculars and clubs. With more than 60 clubs on campus, it is important to stay involved but be wary of overextending yourself.

[Photo] School overextension: do not spread yourself too thin

Christine Zacuai, Staff Writer
April 11, 2018
March for Our Lives Dallas participants walk along the route back toward City Hall where the march began. After the march was over, speakers from around the Metroplex spoke about why common sense gun legislation is important to them.

[Photo] This is what democracy looks like

Amelia Vanyo, Editor-in-Chief
April 11, 2018
Many high school students face stress, disorganization and difficulty studying. Apps such as myHomework, can help students with these various problems.

[Photo] Apps lending a helpful hand to the forgetful, stressed student

Claire Clements, Staff Writer
April 10, 2018
New businesses are being built in Coppell’s Woodside Village next to the local Sprouts Farmers Market on the corner of Denton Tap Road and Sandy Lake Road. Businesses such as Andy’s Frozen Custard, Sunny Street Cafe, Vardiman Black Pediatric Dentist, Resort Nails and Mattison Avenue Salon Suites & Spa are being constructed in the new retail space.

[Photo] Woodside Village development to provide “gathering place” for citizens

Lili Lomas, Executive Digital Content Editor
April 9, 2018
The Coppell Cowgirls celebrate after scoring their fifth goal during the second half of the game on April 3 at Stade Postell Stadium. The Coppell Cowgirls defeated the Mesquite Horn Jaguars 5-0.

[Photo] Lady Jaguars no match for Cowgirls on playoff pitch

April 5, 2018
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