• 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
Maya Palavali

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist

Maya Palavali is a senior and the Staff Cartoonist for the lovely The Sidekick. Her favorite thing in the world is her dog, Romeo, and expressing her opinions. You will most likely find her listening to her amazing playlists through earbuds (with the wire, of course.) You can find out more with the twitter handle @mvpalovalley.

All content by Maya Palavali
A last 900dbye: Romeo’s new beginning

A last 900dbye: Romeo’s new beginning

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
May 26, 2023
In a whirlwind of different paths, it can be hard to create a set path to complete in life. The Sidekick staff cartoonist Maya Palavali reminisces on her journalistic start and describes a lesson she has learned throughout her time in high school.

Senior column: C’est la vie

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
May 19, 2023
Romeo’s 3/7 class periods: The best block

Romeo’s 3/7 class periods: The best block

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
May 18, 2023
Sch001 F001: Romeo’s monotonous Monday

Sch001 F001: Romeo’s monotonous Monday

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
May 15, 2023
Sew Much Fun owner Gail Reeser has been designing spirit wear for Texas high schools for 25 years. Specifically, Reeser partners with dance teams across the state of Texas to create merchandise.

Corners of Coppell: Reeser threading together work, family fun

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
May 12, 2023
Final 20: Romeo’s hidden talent

Final 20: Romeo’s hidden talent

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
May 12, 2023
Spring C13aning: Romeo’s organized mission

Spring C13aning: Romeo’s organized mission

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
May 8, 2023
CHS9 student Yuvan Sampath competed in Principles of Business Management and Administration roleplay event on April 22 at the DECA International Career Development Conference on April 22-25 in Orlando, Fla. Sampath attributes his success to his extracurricular activities. Photo by Swarra Mudgalkar

Sampath making business world his stage

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
May 5, 2023
The Sidekick staff cartoonist Maya Palavali poses in front of a cactus at Joshua Tree National Park in Palm Springs, Calif. Palavali recounts a funny adventure from her vacation to the desert town.

The Twist: A prickly surprise

Maya Palavali, Staff cartoonist
May 4, 2023
Rock ‘n’ Ro11: Romeo’s rockstar dream

Rock ‘n’ Ro11: Romeo’s rockstar dream

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
April 27, 2023
The Italian Renaissance exhibit in the Dallas Museum of Art showcases the painting and sculptures of the time period. Coppell High School AP Art History classes visited the Dallas Museum of Art on March 30.

Putting learning to the test

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
April 17, 2023
Pun-derful work

Pun-derful work

Maya Palavali and Srihari Yechangunja
April 17, 2023
Pop star Taylor Swift came to the Arlington AT&T Stadium as a part of her Eras tour for three nights. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan reflects on her experience of attending the concert.

[Photo] Swift sparkling in Broadway-style concert

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
April 6, 2023
Quality content is worth paying for

Quality content is worth paying for

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
April 6, 2023
Coppell High School junior Swarra Mudgalkar interviews CHS seniors Mau Sigler and Graham Gorman on the red carpet in the CHS vestibule prior to the KCBY-TV Film Fest commencing on Friday. The film festival was revived after a decade-long hiatus and showcased three different types of segments including broadcast, sports and special features and attendees had the opportunity to vote for their favorite segments of each act throughout the night.

Lights, Camera, Action: A successful return of the KCBY-TV film festival

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
April 5, 2023
Florida announced its plan to block the pilot AP African American Studies course from being taught in its high schools. The Sidekick editorial board believes that either the whole course should be provided or it should not be an option statewide. Maya Palavali

[Photo] Editorial: AP African American Studies curriculum should not be “cherry picked”

Editorial Board
April 3, 2023
April Fool5 plan: Romeo gets pranked

April Fool5 plan: Romeo gets pranked

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
April 1, 2023
Unlike basketball or football, dance is not widely recognized as a sport, rather simply as an art form. The Sidekick staff photographer Shreya Ravi believes that dance should be viewed as an equal to other conventional sports.

[Photo] Dance is not just artistry, it’s athleticism

Shreya Ravi, Staff Photographer
March 22, 2023
Women’s History Month is a time of year to celebrate the women who play an important role in our lives. The Sidekick staff cartoonist Maya Palavali expresses her appreciation for her maternal grandma, Vijaya Chalemela. Photo courtesy Sreekanth Palavali.

The woman who made me: There is no language barrier for love

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
March 20, 2023
7 pinches too many: Romeo’s St. Patrick’s day lesson

7 pinches too many: Romeo’s St. Patrick’s day lesson

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
March 17, 2023
KCBY-TV is hosting its 2023 Film Fest on March 31 at 7 p.m. in the Coppell High School Auditorium. The event is taking place for the first time since 2013 and will showcase student-made films. Graphic courtesy Fatima Syed/KCBY-TV.

KCBY-TV revives film festival after a decade hiatus

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
March 9, 2023
A collection with many memorable moments from junior and senior years for many staff members. Staff cartoonist Maya Palavali explains her appreciation for The Sidekick along with the reason why she joined.

#SJW2023: A coincidence that became a choice

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
February 24, 2023
#SJW2023: Why is Romeo a journalist?

#SJW2023: Why is Romeo a journalist?

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
February 24, 2023
Coppell High School junior Nadia Monani dances to a semi-classical Indian medley in the CHS Commons on Thursday night. The Junior World Affair Council (JWAC) hosted its annual Heritage Night to celebrate the diversity at CHS.

A night highlighting the heart of Coppell: its culture

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
February 17, 2023
On Wednesday, Civil Rights activist Jasper Rowe spoke to the African-American studies class in the Coppell High School Lecture Hall for Black History Month. Rowe is a lawyer from the Civil Rights era who played an important part in the desegregation of schools.

Rowe inspiring the future of Black rights activists

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
February 16, 2023
Coppell High School students dance to Bollywood songs during freestyle in Heritage Night in 2022. Heritage Night is tomorrow to celebrate the different cultures at CHS.

Annual Heritage Night shines spotlight on cultural pride

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
February 15, 2023
Will you be 9?: Romeo’s Valentine

Will you be 9?: Romeo’s Valentine

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
February 14, 2023
Coppell High School’s Technology Student Association (TSA) chapter hosted the annual regional competition for the first time. The event happened Friday and Saturday where schools in the region competed in different technological events. Photo courtesy Apurva Betgar

Coppell TSA hosts regional competition for first time

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
February 13, 2023
Coppell Ultimate Frisbee team senior head captain Ethan Horng aims during practice at Wagon Wheel Park on Monday. The Coppell Ultimate Frisbee team was founded as a school sponsored club in 2022 and competes in the DFW area as well as state and college tournaments.

Ultimate Frisbee team provides unconventional community

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
February 8, 2023
Your own Sidekick is a Sidekick series where staff members answer questions and offer advice on various topics. Stories will be posted weekly on Fridays.

Your own Sidekick: How to get over an embarrassing moment

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
February 3, 2023
Romeo in the snow: winter edition!

Romeo in the snow: winter edition!

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
February 1, 2023
No tres-passing: Romeo learns a lesson

No tres-passing: Romeo learns a lesson

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
January 27, 2023
The state of California has many environments, ranging from beaches to deserts. The Sidekick staff cartoonist Maya Palavali explains the lesson she learned about Palm Springs, Calif.

The Twist: A vacation mishap

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
January 17, 2023
6cessful outfits: Romeo visits the Pup Gala

6cessful outfits: Romeo visits the Pup Gala

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
January 4, 2023
Coppell High School senior cheerleader Sydney Benson welcomes the Coppell football team onto Buddy Echols Field on Sept. 23. Coppell High School held its annual Homecoming pep rally to celebrate various school groups and promote school spirit prior to the game against Plano West.

Versatility of a smile

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
January 3, 2023
Coppell High School has a reputation for its academic competition among its students. The Sidekick editorial board thinks in the long term benefits of partaking in the rigorous climb to the top.

[Photo] Editorial: Respect the race to be first

Editorial Board
January 3, 2023
10tative inquiry: Romeo’s realization

10tative inquiry: Romeo’s realization

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
December 9, 2022
Art has many uses and reasons to create. The Sidekick staff cartoonist Maya Palavali thinks art should be for anyone interested in creating, opposed to individuals classified as talented.

Anyone can be an artist

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
December 6, 2022
A piece of art can often speak volumes to a person who connects to it. The Sidekick staff cartoonist Maya Palavali explores her appreciation towards “The Starry Night,” a painting by Vincent Van Gogh that she holds close to her heart.

Giving Thanks: My inevitable connection

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
November 24, 2022
Sibusiso Ncube-Socks is a freshman on varsity basketball and strengthens his playing skills by applying academic principles. Ncube-Socks has an extensive basketball background which has helped him adjust to playing at the varsity level.

A perfect formula for basketball

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
November 22, 2022
With academic and social events, it can be hard to get all of the dates in order. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan expresses her gratitude to her Google calendar for its usefulness.

[Photo] Giving Thanks: Months at a glance

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
November 23, 2022
Mayor Wes Mays congratulates members of the Coppell Municipal Court. The Coppell City Council approves to name the week of November 7-11, 2022 as Municipal Court Week.

City council celebrates Municipal Court Week

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
November 9, 2022
As politics has taken a bigger role in everyday life, the importance of young voters casting their ballot is as important as ever. The Sidekick editorial board believes in the duty to vote, no matter your political perspective.

[Photo] Editorial: What is “political,” really?

Editorial Board
November 3, 2022
Romeo8that: Halloween costumes

Romeo8that: Halloween costumes

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
November 2, 2022
Every fall, companies integrate pumpkin spice products into their marketing campaigns. The Sidekick staff cartoonist Maya Palavali delves into the inherent problem behind this tactic.

The Twist: The inevitable return of pumpkin spice

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
October 24, 2022
Coppell senior middle blocker Allie Stricker spikes against Flower Mound after an assist from Coppell senior setter Taylor Young in CHS Arena on Friday. Flower Mound defeated the Cowgirls, 3-1.

Cowgirls lose intense district match against Flower Mound

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
October 23, 2022
Coppell senior outside hitter Skye Lamendola blocks against Plano at Coppell High School Arena on Friday. Coppell hosts Flower Mound at 6:30 p.m. at CHS Arena on Friday.

Cowgirls energized for key district match against Flower Mound

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
October 20, 2022
Coppell ISD cooperative strategies officer Cindy Powell speaks on the economic status of CISD and in specific improvements needed in CISD schools. The meeting addressed the district’s need to develop student retention and enrollment rates as well as updates The ESSER funds.

CISD on track to improve enrollment rates and student retention

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
October 18, 2022
Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance Ensemble performers Edward Dogbe, Kweku Codrington and Ande Jones play the drums during the Kaleidoscope festival at Andy Brown Park East on Oct. 8. Coppell’s annual Kaleidoscope festival highlights the diversity of the community through a display of art, culture and music.

Kaleidoscope festival shines light on local hearts

Maya Palavali, Staff Writer/Designer
October 17, 2022
Lostthe1: ice cream rhythm and blues

Lostthe1: ice cream rhythm and blues

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
October 14, 2022
In the age of technology, many have the belief that the younger generation is overly dependent on it. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan proposes the viewpoint of societal technological comfort instead.

[Photo] We aren’t addicted, we’re just comfortable

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
October 14, 2022
Coppell senior outside hitter Daki Kahungu kills against Plano at CHS Arena on Friday. Coppell hosts Lewisville at 6:30 p.m. at CHS Area on Friday.

Cowgirls serve up confidence against Lewisville

Maya Palavali, Staff Writer/Designer
October 6, 2022
The video-based social media platform TikTok has risen in popularity since its creation in 2016. The Sidekick staff cartoonist Maya Palavali explains how the app has had a large influence on the music industry.

A new era of tunes

Maya Palavali, Staff Writer/Designer
October 6, 2022
Coppell High School AP Environmental Science teacher Maxx Lazos taught at Dallas ISD for a half year prior to teaching at CHS. Lazos followed his mother, Rebecca Ann Lazos, as a teacher and has been teaching in Coppell ISD for four years.

Lazos creating a tight knit family in E106

Maya Palavali, Staff Writer/Designer
October 4, 2022
Teenagers often struggle to find a balance in their schedule, especially when overworking at their jobs. The Sidekick thinks teen workers should, if they have the financial means to do so, advocate for themselves as a student and as an employee.

[Photo] Editorial: Part-time jobs should not cause full-time problems for high school students

Editorial Board
October 3, 2022
Coppell took on the Dallas Jesuit boys and Dallas Ursuline girls tennis teams on Friday at the CHS Tennis Center. Coppell came away with a 20-8 victory and hosts Plano on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Coppell tennis bounces back with win against Jesuit and Ursuline

Maya Palavali, Staff Writer/Designer
October 3, 2022
Palavali_Ready4Skool_0930_2

Ready4Skool: morning routine

Maya Palavali, Staff Writer/Designer
September 30, 2022
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