• Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt announces retirement effective at end of school year.
  • Coppell High School hosts Band High School Concert and Sight Reading UIL Region 31 competitions on Monday and Tuesday.
  • Vivace! performs “Lose Control” at the CHS Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Friday.
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
Rhea Choudhary

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor

Rhea Choudhary is a senior and the executive features editor of The Sidekick. She has found a passion for writing through the program, as she loves to be a part of stories getting told. 

When she’s not writing a feature, you can count on Rhea watching a long show; some of her favorite shows include The O.C., Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl, Suits, One Tree Hill, Friends and many more. She has been learning Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian classical dance, for the past 13 years and she completed her arangetram (solo graduation debut) two years ago.

You can contact Rhea at rxc2348@g.coppellisd.com or on X (@rhea_choud).

All content by Rhea Choudhary
The Sidekick executive editor-in-chief Sukirtha Muthiah crafts a matcha drink at her house. Muthiah finds the process of making her drinks as rewarding as the product. Photo by Rhea Choudhary

[Photo] Letter from the Editor: The art of doing it yourself

Sukirtha Muthiah, Executive Editor-in-Chief
April 1, 2025
The 2024-25 school year marks The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford’s 20th year of teaching at Coppell High School. Previously, Wofford worked as a sports reporter with multiple area newspapers.

Chasing the news: Wofford’s lessons reaching beyond D115

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor
March 7, 2025
Coppell senior midfielder Summer Chen holds possession during a match against Lewisville on Jan. 31 at Buddy Echols Field. Chen is a captain for the girls soccer team and will play collegiately at Gonzaga University.

Chen’s last kick to Gonzaga

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor
March 5, 2025
SJW2025: Sidekick alumni reporting to communications realm

SJW2025: Sidekick alumni reporting to communications realm

Sukirtha Muthiah, Nrithya Mahesh, Sahasra Chakilam, and Rhea Choudhary
February 28, 2025
Former 2015-16 Sidekick executive editor-in-chief Rachel Buigas-Lopez is now a design editor at The New York Times. Buigas-Lopez shares her journey in journalism. Photo courtesy Rachel Buigas-Lopez

Rachel Buigas-Lopez

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor
February 28, 2025
Bayley Zarrehparvar is an associate producer at ESPN, but her original journey into journalism began in The Sidekick and KCBY-TV from 2008-10. Zarrehparvar shares how The Sidekick helped her get to where she is. Photo courtesy Bayley Zarrehparvar

Bayley Zarrehparvar

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor
February 28, 2025
Richard J. Lee Elementary School held its annual spring book fair from Feb. 7-13 in the library. In partnership with Scholastic Book Fairs, books of various genres, posters and stationery items were available for students to purchase during recess.

[Photo] School of the Week: Lee Elementary teaching responsibility as eager readers manage book fair purchases

Wendy Le, Executive Social Media Editor
February 28, 2025
Coppell Middle School East sixth grader Calvin Pfaff volunteers at the toilet toss game at the Lakeside Elementary School Carnival on Feb. 1. Lakeside held its annual school carnival and silent auction, raising funds for student experiences throughout the year.

[Photo] School of the Week: Lakeside Elementary carnival creating educational opportunities with games, community collaboration

Jay Vernekar, Staff Writer
February 18, 2025

Rating Romance: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (podcast)

Safiya Azam, Rhea Choudhary, and Rhea Chowdhary
February 12, 2025
Coppell junior forward Sibu Ncube-Socks dunks against Guyer at CHS Arena on Friday. The Wildcats defeated the Cowboys, 56-44.

Wildcats overpower Cowboys in high-energy district game

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor
January 22, 2025
Coppell junior guard Isaiah Fleming scores a layup at CHS Arena on Tuesday. The Cowboys play Denton Guyer in the CHS Arena at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

Consistency key in preparation for showdown

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor
January 16, 2025
Coppell junior guard Colin Griffith scores a layup while being guarded by Keller Timber Creek junior point guard Robert Moore at CHS Arena on Thursday. The Cowboys to the Falcons, 71-62.

Second half push leads to Timber Creek victory in Tipoff Classic

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor
November 22, 2024
Coppell senior setter Carolina Ufret sets a kill attempt against Denton Braswell on Sept. 27 at CHS Arena. In September, Ufret committed to play at Emory University. Photo by Nyah Rama

One more ride: Ufret sets sights on Emory

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor
October 29, 2024
Coppell High School AP United States Government and Politics teacher Michael Erickson has been teaching in Coppell ISD for the past 17 years. Erickson is The Sidekick’s October Teacher of the Issue.

Sparking discussions past textbook pages

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor
September 25, 2024
Coppell High School substitute coordinator Julie Wilson describes her role as ensuring the best match between substitute teachers and classroom needs. This is Wilson’s seventh year working at CHS and values appreciation from staff and students, making her job rewarding.

Faculty Focus: Wilson’s commitment to building a supportive substitute program

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor
August 27, 2024
Coppell sophomore middle hitter Finley Penniman blocks against Mckinney Boyd junior middle hitter Keira Bose at CHS Arena on Tuesday. The Cowgirls lost to the Broncos, 3-1 (22-25, 25-19, 27-25, 25-23) after a back and forth match during each set.

Cowgirls fight hard, fall in competitive match against McKinney Boyd

Rhea Choudhary, Executive Features Editor
August 21, 2024
High school is a time for students to find their identity and make irreplaceable memories. Coppell senior and The Sidekick editorial page editor Aliza Abidi reflects on how her time in the program has given her resilience and determination in preparation for her future. Photo by Rhea Choudhary

[Photo] Senior column: From me to another you

Aliza Abidi, Editorial Page Editor
May 17, 2024
CHS9 therapy dog, goldendoodle Stanley Blasingame, serves as the school’s canine-assisted counselor partner. Trained by owner Amy Blasingame, Stanley’s role has positively impacted the campus’s overall atmosphere. Rhea Choudhary.

[Photo] Bringing comfort to CHS9:

Pranavi Ramineni, Staff Designer
May 17, 2024
CHS9 student Ravali Mocharla has an ambition for singing and has performed in numerous musical events in Dallas as well as Coppell Choir. Mocharla joined the choir at Coppell Middle School West and has taught herself how to play the piano. Photo illustration by Sofia Exposito

[Photo] Mocharla orchestrates musical ambition through song

Katie Park, Staff writer
May 17, 2024
Coppell High School computer science teacher Michael Finnegan found computers intriguing from a young age, growing up in a decade without personal computers or access to the internet. Finnegan is in his seventh year of teaching at CHS, and is an inspiration to many. Photo by Rhea Choudhary.

[Photo] Teacher of the Issue: Finnegan programming computer science-minded students

Sabah Uddin, Staff Writer
May 10, 2024
Coppell High School teacher Linda Jurca has taught special education for 22 years. Jurca is retiring this year, as she plans to volunteer and travel the world.

[Photo] Jurca transitions to new beginnings

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
May 7, 2024
Coppell High School junior Varsha Vijay has served as the Coppell Choir secretary for the past two years and is a member of A Capella Mixed Choir. Vijay is in her seventh year of choir and further pursues her passions by being a part of the Dallas Symphony Children’s Chorus.

Vijay’s musical journey from classical Carnatic to choir cadences

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
May 7, 2024
Coppell High School held its annual Red Jackets induction ceremony welcoming the 2024-25 inductees in the CHS Library on April 26. Red Jackets are student ambassadors at CHS, with 36 students representing their class after submitting applications and going through interviews for selection.

2024-25 Red Jackets inducted in heartwarming ceremony

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
May 6, 2024
CHS9 student Max Victory began theater as a hobby, then formed it into a career in TV and film. Victory has been acting professionally for six years in addition to participating in hockey and Coppell Choir.

[Photo] Broadway baby: Victory using theater to push his limits

Greeshma Marathu, Staff Writer
May 6, 2024
CHS9 students Sam Minteer and Rajiv Anandkumar clean up the exterior of a Mazda CX-5 SUV. Minteer and Anandkumar founded their car detailing business Bubbles and Beyond in January.

Bubbles and Beyond: Anandkumar, Minteer’s car detailing venture

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
May 5, 2024
New Tech High @ Coppell sophomore Jacob Sanders teaches Town Center Elementary School fifth grader Xavier Wick how to proportion mannequin figures for art. Each Thursday, New Tech High business students lead a service called SPARK, providing fifth to eighth graders the opportunity to learn a variety of topics.

[Photo] SPARK lighting up new affordable enrichment opportunities

Yug Talukdar, Staff Writer
April 26, 2024
Coppell High School senior Yomna Elkayer assists Town Center Elementary School first grader Maxwell Pascoe with his math project in TCE teacher Erin Naughton’s classroom on March 6. Coppell High School’s teaching and coaching practicum offers a structured pathway for students to explore their interests and gain hands-on experience within real classroom settings.

Unlocking future educators: Inside Coppell’s teaching and coaching practicum

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
March 25, 2024
Coppell sophomore Sophia Williams broke the school’s 800-meter run record set in 2010 on Feb. 24 at the Hebron Hawk Relays, setting a new record of 1:40. Williams has been in track and field since seventh grade at Coppell Middle School North, inspired by her older siblings’ athletic accomplishments.

Williams sprinting past decade-long track record

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
March 22, 2024
CHS9 freshman Diya Dasari strives to spread positivity and campaign for an organization effectively. Dasari is one of six 2023-24 Student Council executive officers.

[Photo] Diya Dasari

Emmalee Jittasupo, Staff Writer
March 7, 2024
CHS9 freshman Kohen Liu hopes to foster valuable connections with his peers at CHS9. Liu is one of six 2023-24 Student Council executive officers.

[Photo] Kohen Liu

Taylor Pham, Staff Designer
March 7, 2024
CHS9 freshman Philip Fordjour focuses on leading and organizing a team through the student council. Fordjour is one of six 2023-24 Student Council executive officers.

[Photo] Philip Fordjour

Taylor Pham, Staff Designer
March 7, 2024
CHS9 freshman Tony Zhang aims to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for each student at the school. Zhang is one of six 2023-24 Student Council executive officers.

[Photo] Tony Zhang

Taylor Pham, Staff Designer
March 7, 2024
CHS9 Sutton Rasmussen strives to be the voice of the student body. Rasmussen is one of six 2023-24 Student Council executive officers.

[Photo] Sutton Rasmussen

Emmalee Jittasupo, Staff Writer
March 7, 2024
CHS9 freshman council Shianne Bell hopes to unite students at CHS9. Bell is one of six 2023-24 Student Council executive officers.

[Photo] Shianne Bell

Emmalee Jittasupo, Staff Writer
March 7, 2024

An ode to her: Love expressed through dance (with video)

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
March 6, 2024
CHS9 student Ava Hong used charcoal for her piece titled Jealousy, in response to a rock, paper, scissors prompt. Hong is one of three to have her piece selected to represent CHS9 at the District Youth Art Month Exhibit and Awards Ceremony.

[Photo] Hong representing CISD through art

Safiya Azam, Staff Designer
February 27, 2024
Coppell senior left-back defender Manav Kapadia rushes past Plano sophomore Cade Saylor at Buddy Echols Field on Feb. 13. Kapadia is a varsity soccer player, Coppell Red Jacket and a National Merit finalist.

Kapadia kicking into each goal

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
March 1, 2024
Coppell High School senior Ava Zhang develops her skills in pattern design, manufacturing and time management skills by expanding her online store, Juicy Candy. Zhang plans to attend Cornell University as a global development major. Photo illustration by Minori Kunte.

Zhang continues entrepreneurship over next four at Cornell

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
February 14, 2024
In the Coppell City Council meeting on Tuesday, Irving resident Ziba Han addressed the significance of Texan families doing anything they can to help the families in Gaza, requesting the council to issue a cease-fire resolution. The meeting also included conversations about local road developments and upcoming events.

Local residents request council to take action in Gaza

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
February 14, 2024
Coppell tennis coach Alyssa Noonan is a recipient of the Kim Enocksen Integrity Award from the Texas Tennis Coach Association. The 2023-24 school year is Noonan’s first year coaching tennis in Coppell.

State tennis organization recognizes Noonan for leading by example

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
February 14, 2024

Donut City celebrates its 20th anniversary (video)

Rhea Chowdhary, Rhea Choudhary, and Sukirtha Muthiah
February 12, 2024
CHS9 HOSA making comeback with new leadership

CHS9 HOSA making comeback with new leadership

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
February 9, 2024
CHS9 student Masooma Fatima was elected as the historian for the HOSA Club. The CHS9 HOSA officers were elected in October for the 2023-2024 school year.

Meet CHS9 HOSA historian – Masooma Fatima

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
February 9, 2024
CHS9 student Gia Ajani was elected as the secretary for the HOSA Club. The CHS9 HOSA officers were elected in October for the 2023-2024 school year.

Meet CHS9 HOSA secretary – Gia Ajani

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
February 9, 2024
CHS9 student Vaishnavi Vishwanatham was elected as the president for the HOSA Club. The CHS9 HOSA officers were elected in October for the 2023-2024 school year.

Meet CHS9 HOSA president – Vaishnavi Vishwanatham

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
February 9, 2024
Coppell senior forward Arhan Lapsiwala shoots while being guarded by Plano sophomore Chris Hampton at CHS Arena on Tuesday. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 64-62, on Senior Night.

[Photo] Coppell squeaks by against Plano in back-and-forth Senior Night district affair

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
February 8, 2024
Coppell High School juniors Chandana Pagadala and Kyna Shah volunteer as assistant coaches for the Coppell Girls on the Run under program manager Allison Gnade. Originally founded in Charlotte, N.C., Girls on the Run is a 10-week program with bi-weekly practices where girls from third to eighth grade train to participate in a 5K.

[Photo] Running to a better future

Ishita Patra, Staff Writer
January 30, 2024
Notelove marketing director and Coppell High School junior Sophie Depew shows participants how to play the Vibraslap at the Music & Me showcase hosted by Notelove at the Coppell Cozby Library & Community Commons on Saturday. Notelove DFW’s mission is to provide people with the opportunity to experience the joy of music, without cost being a barrier.

Notelove DFW striking a chord of change

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
January 24, 2024
Katie Walker is entering her fourth year as a counselor at CHS9, previously working as a special education teacher at Coppell Middle School West. Graduating from Angelo State University, Walker has a degree in speech pathology, and she enjoys working with people.

[Photo] Get to know your counselor

Nyah Rama, CHS9 Editor
January 4, 2024
Coppell senior Davide Comparin practices his bar routine on Dec. 4. Comparin is a Level 10 gymnast at Texas Dreams Gymnastics in Coppell, previously placing first at nationals, practicing daily from 3-7 p.m.

Comparin reaching for final bar

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
December 7, 2023
Coppell High School AP Human Geography teacher Shanna Chang sits in her classroom on Dec. 1, welcoming her first-period students to prepare for their unit four reading quiz. Chang enters her fourth year teaching at CHS9, and has been recognized as Teacher of the Month multiple times.

[Photo] Chang guiding students through compassion

Greeshma Marathu, Staff Writer
December 5, 2023
Coppell High School senior Rishi Dasari holds his barry saxophone after playing for Coppell Band in the UIL State Competition at Alamodome in San Antonio on Oct. 31. Dasari is a varsity saxophone section leader for Coppell Band, a Red Jacket and Coppell Mock Trial president, holding the aspiration of pursuing law in the future. Photo courtesy Rishi Dasari.

Dasari shaping his tomorrow as an aspiring attorney

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
November 28, 2023
From the week of Oct. 23-27, students and faculty at the CHS9 campus participated in Red Ribbon Week, enforcing the elimination of drug use among teenagers. The mission at CHS9 is to help students identify the dangers and potential threats that using drugs would impact their lives. Photo by Rhea Choudhary.

[Photo] Red Ribbon Week empowering students to make informed choices

Sabah Uddin, Staff Writer
November 1, 2023
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