• The Cowboy Theatre Company shows The Old Man and the Moon in the Black Box at Coppell High School Thursday through Saturday.
  • CHS takes its senior panoramic picture at 10 a.m. on Wednesday
  • Coppell High School hosts signing day for athletes at 8 a.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
Saniya Koppikar

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor

Saniya is a senior and the entertainment editor for The Sidekick. She is entirely too committed to her Goodreads Reading Challenge, enjoys music and obscure words, and dedicates a large amount of her time to being in the CHS Band. You can contact her at [email protected] and find her on Twitter @SaniyaKoppikar.

All content by Saniya Koppikar
When venturing beyond one’s comfort zone, the first emotion one feels is often negative. The Sidekick entertainment editor Saniya Koppikar reminisces on finding the joy in dealing with uncomfortable situations throughout her time on The Sidekick staff.

Senior column: Learning to love a hassle

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
May 19, 2023
Coppell High School senior Ananya Agarwal is the HOSA president and is a CHS Eco Club officer. CHS students voted on the 19 most influential seniors in the graduating class of 2023.

Ananya Agarwal: Selfless

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
May 19, 2023
Coppell High School senior Jeffrey Wang is a Red Jacket and is deeply involved in the art program. CHS students voted on the 19 most influential seniors in the graduating class of 2023.

Jeffrey Wang: Visionary

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
May 19, 2023
The Sidekick’s 19 under 19 highlights Coppell High School’s stand-out Cowboys and Cowgirls who have devoted their high school careers to leading the school and the community. The following 19 students have been nominated by peers due to their exceptional influence and outstanding contributions that have earned them recognition as some of the most promising leaders of CHS. The Sidekick presents your 19 under 19:

The Sidekick’s 19 under 19

Manasa Mohan, Yaamini Jois, Saniya Koppikar, Anvita Bondada, Sameeha Syed, Nyah Rama, Sahasra Chakilam, Angelina Liu, and Aliza Abidi
May 16, 2023
Notelove DFW’s new board of directors, announced on April 7, presented the original board with flowers and certificates to commemorate the organization’s transitioning leadership. Notelove DFW hosted its Spring Concert in the Coppell High School Black Box Theatre on May 10 in honor of Mother’s Day and the graduation of the original board of directors.

Notelove spring concert commemorates graduating directors, Mother’s Day

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
May 15, 2023
The Sidekick Crossword: May 8

The Sidekick Crossword: May 8

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
May 8, 2023
Coppell Band revealed “Major Scale,” its varsity show for the 2023 marching season, on Friday. The show will feature the concept of scale, musically and visually contrasting the big and small. Photo courtesy Kim Shuttlesworth.

Band announces 2023 marching show “Major Scale”

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
May 7, 2023
The Sidekick Crossword: April 27

The Sidekick Crossword: April 27

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
April 27, 2023
Coppell High School junior Sunya Ajani was named Miss Teen Lewisville on March 12. Ajani has been competing in pageants around the Metroplex since September and is currently preparing to compete in the Miss Texas Teen pageant in June.

Behind the crown

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
April 26, 2023
All Young Adult (YA) novels are categorized alphabetically by the author's last name at the Cozby Library and Community Commons for easy access to teens. The Sidekick entertainment editor Saniya Koppikar thinks young adult literature is the key to restoring readers’ connections with the books they read.

“Teenagers today want to read about teenagers today”

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
April 17, 2023
As streaming has become more popular, competition in the industry has exponentially increased, many streaming platforms have turned to canceling shows that are not profitable after the first or second seasons in order to maximize profits. The Sidekick entertainment editor Saniya Koppikar thinks as long as the appreciation of art and storytelling is forgotten in favor of profits, the cancellation storm will rumble on.

Loss of longevity in television threatens longform storytelling

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
March 7, 2023
Coppell High School percussion performs “Surfside” in CHS Auditorium on Saturday. CHS and Coppell Middle School percussion students presented their annual Purely Rhythmic show featuring guest artist CJ Menge. Photo by Sri Achanta

Purely Rhythmic creates tropical dream in steel pan performance

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
March 5, 2023
Coppell Percussion will perform its annual fundraising event Purely Rhythmic on Saturday at Coppell High School Auditorium. This year’s event will feature professional steel pannist CJ Menge. Photo by Meghna Kulkarni

Purely Rhythmic set to feature professional steel pannist CJ Menge

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
March 2, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott announced a statewide plan limiting access to TikTok relating to data privacy legislation. Since then, TikTok has been blocked on government-issued devices and WiFi networks on schools and universities across the state.

Data privacy concerns contribute to Abbott’s statewide TikTok limitations

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
February 16, 2023
The Sidekick Crossword: Feb. 14

The Sidekick Crossword: Feb. 14

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
February 14, 2023
Koppikar_guidetocourseregistration_2/10/23_1

Your guide to 2023-24 course registration (Interactive)

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
February 10, 2023
New Year's resolutions, even if initially motivated, often fizzle out as the year continues. The Sidekick entertainment editor Saniya Koppikar shares how one can carry their resolutions further.

New year, new you

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
February 1, 2023
Koppikar_Crossword_1_31_23

[Photo] The Sidekick Crossword: Jan. 31

Srihari Yechangunja, Executive Design/Interactive Editor
January 31, 2023
The Sidekick Crossword: Jan. 17

The Sidekick Crossword: Jan. 17

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
January 17, 2023
Notelove DFW chapter performers bow at the end of the organization’s holiday sing-along on Wednesday in the Coppell High School Black Box. The DFW chapter of Notelove is a 501(c) certified non-profit aiming to provide free music education to youth in North Texas.

Notelove holiday sing-along brings cheer to community youth

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
December 15, 2022
The Sidekick Staff's Albums of the Year

The Sidekick Staff’s Albums of the Year

Saniya Koppikar and Josh Campbell
December 15, 2022
The Sidekick Staff's Songs of the Year

The Sidekick Staff’s Songs of the Year

Saniya Koppikar and Josh Campbell
December 14, 2022
After the release of Enola Holmes in 2020, Netflix has already followed with a sequel by the name of Enola Holmes 2. The Sidekick staff writer Saniya Koppikar channels in to determine if the film holds a flame to its predecessor, or perhaps burns even brighter. Graphic by Noor Fatima

Enola Holmes 2 finds mystery in history

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
December 1, 2022
The Sidekick Crossword: Nov. 29

The Sidekick Crossword: Nov. 29

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
November 29, 2022
The Sidekick entertainment editor Saniya Koppikar collects mugs with her family, along with caps, postcards and figurines. Koppikar is grateful for the history and stories the collections allow her to be part of.

Giving Thanks: To a hoarder’s dream

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
November 21, 2022
The Sidekick Crossword: Nov. 21

The Sidekick Crossword: Nov. 21

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
November 21, 2022
The Sidekick Crossword: Nov. 14

The Sidekick Crossword: Nov. 14

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
November 15, 2022
The Sidekick Crossword: Oct. 24

The Sidekick Crossword: Oct. 24

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
October 24, 2022
Coppell senior runner Asheer Jiwani crosses the finish line with a time of 17:07.41 at the Flower Mound Invitational at Shadow Ridge Middle School on Sept. 10. Jiwani placed 12th overall in the varsity men’s 5K race.

Back with vengeance

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
October 21, 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.

Pro/Con: Is technology convenient or consuming?

Manasa Mohan and Saniya Koppikar
October 14, 2022
Technological advancements have always changed society in monumental ways. The Sidekick entertainment editor Saniya Koppikar thinks as of late, this influence has progressed past a comfortable level.

Technology is taking over

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
October 4, 2022
The Sidekick Crossword: Oct. 3

The Sidekick Crossword: Oct. 3

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
October 3, 2022
The Sidekick Crossword: Sept. 26

The Sidekick Crossword: Sept. 26

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
September 27, 2022
The Sidekick Crossword: Sept. 19

The Sidekick Crossword: Sept. 19

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
September 19, 2022
On Aug. 15, Coppell High School junior Rishika Porandla independently published fantasy novel Letalis which was influenced by author Donna Tartt and books like Dance of Thieves by Mary E Pearson. Porandla drew inspiration from power struggles in the current political atmosphere to connect readers from reality to her fantasy world. Photo by Angelina Liu

Porandla navigating political reality in self-published fantasy novel

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
September 13, 2022
The Sidekick Crossword: Sept. 12

The Sidekick Crossword: Sept. 12

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
September 12, 2022
A balloon installation with the iconic State Fair tagline, “Howdy folks!” decorates the tasting and media room of the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center after the conclusion of the Big Tex Choice Awards winners announcement ceremony. The Big Tex Choice Awards selected a winner for the Most Creative, Best Taste - Sweet and Best Taste - Savory titles on Aug. 28 at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center, after judges tasted and rated each of the ten finalists decided upon earlier this summer.

Big Tex Choice Awards launch State Fair season in North Texas

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
September 7, 2022
The Sidekick Crossword: Aug. 29

The Sidekick Crossword: Aug. 29

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
August 29, 2022
On June 10, the Coppell High School Cowboy Theatre Company announced Lisa Stucker and Grace Hellyer as the new head director and technical director for the 2022-23 school year. Stucker and Hellyer have worked together since 2018 at Grand Prairie High School, and take over the positions from previous head director and technical directors Karen Ruth and Brittany Young.

Theater department welcomes new head, technical directors

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor
June 19, 2022
KCBY graduates leaving lasting legacy

KCBY graduates leaving lasting legacy

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
May 13, 2022
Coppell High School added steps and sidewalks on the southeast section of campus over spring break. CHS has also added new railings near the Lecture Hall and built a sidewalk bridging the campus to public roads, intending to increase the accessibility of the campus.

Accessibility-minded construction improving staff, student safety

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
May 13, 2022
Mayer finding joy, familiarity in team camaraderie

Mayer finding joy, familiarity in team camaraderie

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
May 4, 2022
With the growing use of social media by celebrities allowing fans to see into their lives, there has been an increase of parasocial relationships in teenagers. The Sidekick staff writer Saniya Koppikar thinks fans shouldn’t expect anything more from celebrities than what they display to the public.

Celebrities are not your friends

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
April 7, 2022
Coppell High School astronomy students display their United Nations Climate Project in CHS. The UN Climate Project aims to raise awareness and engage CHS students in creating a more sustainable future.

Astronomy students chasing progress, educating on sustainability

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
March 11, 2022
Coppell High School junior Tia Milton has been part of the Coppell varsity color guard for four years. Milton is preparing to go to WGI Color Guard World Championships in Dayton, Ohio in April. Photo by Nandini Muresh

In the Spotlight: Milton tossing high, catching strong on rifle line

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
February 17, 2022
Coppell High School junior Arnav Damle records their robot for the Mark X robotics team’s YouTube channel on Sunday. The Mark X robotics team will be competing at the North Texas Regional Championship on Feb. 26. Photo by Shreya Ravi

Hitting the mark

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
February 15, 2022
Coppell freshman Monica Morales runs after the ball against Plano West at Buddy Echols Field on Jan. 28. Morales is one of six freshmen on the girls varsity soccer team at CHS. Photo by Aliza Abidi

Morales looking onwards to carve out goals

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
February 7, 2022
Coppell girls soccer coach Fleur Benatar leads the team through dribbling drills in CHS Fieldhouse on Jan 27. Benatar is moving to University of Houston to be the women's soccer assistant after one year at Coppell.

Coach’s Box: Benatar-Whitten bringing winning collegiate expertise to field

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
January 30, 2022
Coppell assistant Willis Tran talks to junior guards Saiya Patel and Alyssa Potter, sophomore guard Ella Spiller and senior forward India Howard during halftime at CHS Arena on Jan. 18. The Cowgirls host Flower Mound Marcus tonight at CHS Arena, with tipoff at 6:30 p.m. Photo by Olivia Short

Cowgirls pursuing record-breaking season in upcoming game against Marcus

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
January 25, 2022
Students reach high to take standardized tests such as the SAT and the ACT. The Sidekick staff writer Saniya Koppikar thinks recent changes to the college admissions process lowering the importance of standardized testing are beneficial to students. Graphic by Jayden Chui

Stepping away from standardized testing

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
January 24, 2022
CHS9 freshman Aishwarya Anandkumar began dancing at age 3 and has experimented in numerous Indian and American styles. She currently is part of the CHS9 Silver Stars and takes classes at the Sur Sangam dance company and Dance Machines dance studio.

Anandkumar whirling her way forward

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
December 14, 2021

Through the eyes of the office (with video)

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
December 2, 2021
Coppell golf freshman Navmi Srithaj swings at the driving range at Riverchase Golf Club on Thursday. Srithaj balances playing golf on the JV golf team alongside playing the flute in the JV marching band. Photo by Olivia Cooper

The Sportlight: Srithaj carrying dedication and balance to the course

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
December 1, 2021
Coppell High School senior Elena Hewett has been in theater and art since the beginning of their sophomore year. Hewett is working on lighting design for the Cowboy Theatre Company’s upcoming production “Spongebob the Musical” and is in IB and digital art. Photo by Aliya Zakir

In the Spotlight: Hewett deconstructing gender through visual, performance art

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
November 29, 2021
For many, music plays a large part of their daily life, no matter the format it’s consumed in. For The Sidekick staff writer Saniya Koppikar, music eases anxiety through times of stress.

Giving thanks: To my earbuds

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
November 18, 2021
Coppell senior defensive specialist Sude Item warms up before the match against Plano West on Senior Night on Oct. 26 in the CHS Arena. Item has competitively played a variety of sports including gymnastics, volleyball and soccer. Photo by Tracy Tran

From mat to court: Item leaving familiar behind in search of more

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
November 3, 2021
National Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts on Sept. 15 and ends on Oct. 15, recognizes the long-lasting contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our country and culture. At Coppell High School, the Spanish Honor Society highlights Hispanic culture. Graphic by Avani Munji

Hispanic Heritage Month setting standards for appreciation

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
October 15, 2021
Coppell High School IB English III teacher Stephanie Spaete collects her students’ posters at the end of seventh period on Monday. Like many Coppell ISD educators, Spaete has adjusted some of her teaching strategies based on her virtual teaching experiences of the past year. Photo by Meghna Kulkarni

Into classrooms, out of routine

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
October 7, 2021
Cowboy Carl hypes up Coppell High School students at the pep rally at Buddy Echols Field on Sept. 13. Cowboy Carl is a staple mascot at CHS events. Photo by Angelina Liu

A mascot and more

Saniya Koppikar, Staff Writer
October 7, 2021
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