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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
Sreeja Mudumby

Sreeja Mudumby, Executive Editorial Page Editor

Sreeja Mudumby is a senior and the executive editorial page editor for the Sidekick. Sreeja is primarily a writer, and this is her third year on the Sidekick staff. Apart from The Sidekick, Sreeja likes to read thrillers, listen to R&B music and go to restaurants with her friends. If you have any questions, feel free to contact her through her email [email protected] 

All content by Sreeja Mudumby
Tracy Tran a staff writer on The Sidekick. The Sidekick’s executive entertainment editor expresses how Tran has influenced her time on staff.

[Photo] Tracy Tran

May 13, 2022
Joanne Kim is a staff writer on The Sidekick. The Sidekick staff writer Anushree De expresses how Kim has influenced their time on staff.

[Photo] Joanne Kim

May 13, 2022
Anjali Krishna is the executive editor-in-chief of The Sidekick. The Sidekick staff writer Shrayes Gunna expresses how Krishna has influenced his time on staff.

[Photo] Anjali Krishna

May 13, 2022
High school can feel like a time where one needs to accomplish every task possible. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Sreeja Mudumby thinks being selective about what one puts their time into will result in a successful high school experience.

One last time, for myself and for you

May 13, 2022
Coppell High School senior varsity tennis captain Vinay Patel hits a forehand during practice at the CHS Tennis Center on Oct. 18. Patel and fellow senior Lindsay Patton earned their way to the Class 6A State Tennis tournament on April 26 at the Northside Tennis center in San Antonio.

Mixed-doubles duo achieves dream of advancing to state

May 8, 2022
Coppell junior first baseman Emily Fischetti prepares to field against Plano East on March 25 at the Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex. Fischetti is currently a softball coach for the 6U Unos team and wants to be a special education teacher.

Covering all bases

April 25, 2022
From George Coppell to... climate change

From George Coppell to… climate change

April 24, 2022
Coppell High School senior Om Agarwal wrote a physics textbook, AP Physics I Mechanics: Crash Course, to aid struggling classmates. Agarwal balances a tutoring business at his house where he teaches AP physics, AP chemistry and AP calculus while being the president of the Creative Problem Solvers Club in India.

Establishing a momentum of leadership

April 19, 2022
Coppell High School DECA members broke the school record of 17 International Career Development Conference qualifiers with 34 on Feb. 26 in Houston. ICDC qualifiers will travel to Atlanta on April 23-27 to compete with international students.

DECA doubling record with 34 ICDC qualifiers

April 4, 2022
From George Coppell to...diversifying beauty standards

From George Coppell to…diversifying beauty standards

April 1, 2022
Coppell junior kicker Nic Radicic kicks an extra point against Sachse on Aug. 27 at Homer B. Johnson Stadium in Garland. Radicic and Coppell junior double back Braxton Myers have been selected to play in the All-American Bowl on Jan. 7, 2023 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Only one call away

March 24, 2022
Student journalists work just as hard as many professional journalists; harder if you consider the course load we have to balance alongside our work. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Sreeja Mudumby thinks many people don’t respect student journalists despite the work they do.

Student media deserves just as much respect as mainstream media

March 4, 2022

[Video] Video: Adventuring into Girl Scout Cookies

February 15, 2022
Coppell High School students dance to Bollywood songs during freestyle in Heritage Night. Heritage Night was on Friday to honor the different cultures at CHS. Photo by Sreeja Mudumby.

[Photo] Heritage Night: a colorful celebration of cultures

February 15, 2022
Many people believe there are special requirements to be a writer. However, The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Sreeja Mudumby thinks anyone can write if they put their mind to it.

Anyone can be a writer

February 11, 2022
Coppell senior Anna Kate Terry shoots against Dallas Ursuline Academy on Thursday at CMS North Field. Coppell lost to Ursuline, 9-7. Photo by Olivia Short.

Slow start dooms girls lacrosse in loss to Ursuline

February 11, 2022
Coppell ISD closed its campuses on Thursday and Friday due to icy roads and inclement weather. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Sreeja Mudumby thinks this decision was beneficial during this dangerous time.

#TheLocalLens: School closure offers safety, convenience for students and faculty

February 5, 2022
Coppell High School AP statistics teacher Lowell Johnson and STEM teacher Stan Burnett participate in Talk about it Tuesday with fellow staff members in the ROC on Feb. 1. CHS faculty and staff are engaging in optional bonding activities this semester to build relationships.

Teachers participating in optional bonding activists to engage in collaboration

February 3, 2022
With a Black Jamaican mother and a white father from Ohio, Coppell High School senior Miller is biracial, but identifies themselves as Black because of their rich culture. Miller celebrates their heritage during Black History Month as they believe it is a big part of their identity.

#BlackHistoryMonth: The show behind the curtains (with video)

February 3, 2022
Coppell Independent School District (CISD) has introduced a new two-minute warning bell before the end of passing period. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Sreeja Mudumby thinks the bell is a beneficial addition to reduce tardies.

The Local Lens: Saved by the bell

January 27, 2022
Newspaper headlines announce the passing of influential figures. The Sidekick staff writer Shrayes Gunna delves into the importance of taking the death of important figures as an opportunity to learn.

Pro/Con: Are modern influencers iconic or inappropriate?

January 9, 2022
Coppell High School’s Heritage Night moved from Dec. 3 to Feb 11 due to student conflicts with other events. Heritage Night is a night where families and students can share their culture with dances, rituals and traditions.

Heritage Night rescheduled for Feb. 11 to increase turnout

December 9, 2021
CHS9 freshman guard Landry Sherrer shoots a free throw against Richardson Pearce at Coppell High School Arena on Friday. Sherrer is on the varsity as a freshman and has a twin sister, Mallory Sherrer who plays on the junior varsity team.

Freshman bringing new game, familiar name to varsity squad

December 8, 2021
Coppell High School senior Rose Park, sophomore Sarang Goel and junior Jeffery Wang work on their sustained investigation project during their second period AP drawing class. Park has taken art classes since elementary school and is currently a graphic design intern for The Dallas Morning News.

Park’s pencil exploring patterns, prose

November 19, 2021
The Sidekick executive editorial page editor has been working in Kumon Coppell East since September. Mudumby is grateful for her job because it helps her learn valuable skills that can help her in the future.

Giving thanks: An avenue of discomfort

November 19, 2021
Coppell South Asian seniors Rudra Raval, Jaserah Chowdary and Arsalan Rivsi wear culturally significant clothing while juxtaposing the classic American diner. In recent years, South Asian immigration has risen significantly within Coppell, and Coppell ISD continues to develop and diversify to accommodate new incoming students.

Making a new home

November 5, 2021
From George Coppell to Navaratri

From George Coppell to Navaratri

October 17, 2021
Many people, including students, are familiar with the phrase, “The early bird catches the worm,” establishing the idea that people must wake up at the earliest hours of the morning to be successful. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Sreeja Mudumby thinks waking up early is not the only way to achieve your goals. Illustration by Esther Kim

Late birds also get worms

September 29, 2021
Coppell High School senior Gautam Rao interviews computer engineer Vish Turaga for his Day As A Professional YouTube channel. Rao started his channel in November of last year and posts educational videos about various career fields.

Day in life contributing to Rao’s future days in life

September 24, 2021
Coppell High School senior Lauren Chamberlain uses a hula hoop to trace a circle for her parking spot design at the CHS parking lot on Saturday. Seniors were able to paint their assigned parking spots from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Senior class embracing parking lot as canvas for creativity

September 20, 2021
Coppell juniors Andrew Mullen, Karthi Partipan and Samuel Martinson run during cross country practice before school at Buddy Echols Field on Thursday. Mullen started running cross country in seventh grade and now runs on the varsity team.

Running away, then towards the finish line

September 14, 2021
Coppell High School senior Ashely Kim sketches for her sculpture project for IB Visual Arts II in E105 on Sept. 13. Kim, who is the President of the National Art Honor Society, wants to become an architect in her future.

Student of the week: Kim imprinting in current leadership roles for future aspirations

September 14, 2021
Influencers are looked up to by young adults and teenagers, who consider them role models. The Sidekick’s executive editorial page editor Sreeja Mudumby thinks influencers are unfairly burdened with moral expectations and should not be considered role models.

Ask yourself who your influencers are

August 31, 2021
Tea time Tuesday: What are students opinions on masks?

Tea time Tuesday: What are students’ opinions on masks?

August 31, 2021
The Sidekick executive editor-in-chief Sally Parampottil accomplished countless awards academically and in all categories of high school journalism including Miss CHS and placing first in the nation for the National Student Press Association’s Editorial Leadership Best of Show. Parampottil is widely respected by peers and teachers, and will attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall. Photo illustration by Angelina Liu

Don’t look away from the arms of a moment

May 28, 2021
Following a brief period of lowered COVID-19 cases, a recent surge of cases in April has left India grappling with a second wave, making it the country with the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world currently. Source: Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.

India’s COVID case spike spurring increased caution among locals

May 17, 2021
Andy Brown Park has four locations: West, East, Andrew Brown Jr. Community Park and Central Field. Andy Brown Park was voted The Sidekick’s best place to take a walk in Coppell.

Best place for a walk: Andy Brown Park

May 17, 2021
The name Akhila originates from Sanskrit and means “whole” or “complete.” The Sidekick CHS9 editor Akhila Gunturu thinks everyone should learn how to pronounce names correctly in order to respect the person.

[Photo] Mispronouncing names = misunderstanding identities

May 13, 2021
The Sidekick executive editor-in-chief Sally Parampottil thinks everyone should watch the Olympics despite their interest in sports because the emotion elicited from the event transcends knowledge of the actual sport.

[Photo] Peace on Earth achieved with every Olympics

May 12, 2021
The 2020-21 school year has been quite the roller coaster. The Sidekick communications manager Sreeja Mudumby expresses how this year has shaped her into a better person.

Outer glow down, inner glow up

May 11, 2021
Over the past century, the English language has shaped and evolved in ways that the roaring twenties could never have imagined. As time has gone on, The Sidekick communications manager Sreeja Mudumby shares how early English has maintained its influence from the past and the present day twist on the English language.

Slang haters do not pass the vibe check

April 26, 2021
People’s expectations of themselves can often lead to feeling like a failure. The Sidekick communications manager Sreeja Mudumby thinks people should start perceiving themselves for who they are as opposed to who they are not.

A world full of failures is a failed world

April 26, 2021
Coppell High School senior Vinay Munagapati draws a portrait in AP drawing teacher Michelle Hauske’s second period on Thursday. Munagapati is working on a horror maze video game and will pursue video game design at the University of Texas at Dallas in the fall.

Unnamed but untamed: Munagapati developing, pursuing video games

April 23, 2021
Coppell High School senior Ghufran Murtuza creates a 3D model for a CAD designing competition that will take place last Saturday for CHS Technology Student Association (TSA) club in the engineering room on Friday. More than 50 members advanced to state competitions which took place yesterday.

Technology Student Association members qualifying for state competition

April 16, 2021
Coppell senior Hannah Francis competes in Coppell’s annual Santa Slam Meet at the CHS Arena. The Coppell girls wrestling team took home the District 6-6A title on Saturday at Allen High School with a total score of 111.

Girls wrestling brings home district title

April 14, 2021

[Video] #Starworld: Varughese singing her way to the top

March 30, 2021
Coppell junior midfielder Aoi Suzuki rushes downfield against Plano on Friday at Clark West Field. Immigrating from Japan three years ago, lacrosse has helped Suzuki adapt to her new life and provided opportunities to create new bonds through competition.

Coast-to-coast: Suzuki playing lacrosse to better adapt to American environment

March 8, 2021
Families exit the Coppell Arts Center after the Coppell High School Cowboy Theatre Company’s annual Senior Showcase on Friday. The Senior Showcase features seniors expressing themselves through two monologues.

Theater broadcasting performances for annual Senior Showcase

March 1, 2021
Coppell High School senior Social Butterflies Club president Jillian Richter writes a letter to the senior citizens of Coppell at Andy Brown Park on Thursday. Letters and other ongoing projects from the club provide the elderly an outlet to avoid loneliness during this pandemic.

#SJW2021: Back to the Featured Part 2: Previously featured students highlighting importance of journalism

February 26, 2021
The Cowboy Theatre company will be hosting its annual senior showcase tomorrow at 7 p.m. Though the event is guest list only, it can be viewed live on CHS Theatre’s Vimeo channel.

CHS theater to broadcast performances for annual senior showcase

February 25, 2021
Women all over the world fear the idea of walking alone in the dark. The Sidekick communications manager Sreeja Mudumby expresses her concern of not being able to walk alone in the dark due to her gender and corrupt societal norms.

Shining a light on our nightmare

February 24, 2021
Students taking the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests in April and May need to be present in person at CISD campuses. End of Course (EOC) assessments administered for high school credits include English I, English II, English III, algebra I, algebra II, biology and U.S. history.

STAAR tests administered in person with precautions

February 19, 2021
The streets of Coppell are covered with snow and are in freezing temperatures. Due to the recent loss of power, students have had to adjust to the difficulties in many ways such as turning on the fireplace and going to warm homes.

Students learning to adapt during periodic power outage

February 17, 2021

“More alive than I’ve ever been” (with video)

January 25, 2021
According to The Sidekick communications manager Sreeja Mudumby, cursive has become outdated, but it is still being introduced in elementary school classrooms. Mudumby thinks replacing the cursive requirement with American Sign Language will help young children. Graphic by Ava Gillis.

“Sign here, please”

January 19, 2021
The Sidekick communications manager Sreeja Mudumby has been dancing since she was 5 years old. Starting in Bangalore, India and now here in Coppell, dance has been a constant which has helped her adapt.

Dance to express, not impress

December 16, 2020
Coppell junior Maria Husain practices at the CHS Indoor Facility on Dec. 7. Coppell hosts its annual Santa Slam tournament tomorrow at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. in the CHS Arena.

Husain grappling for human rights

December 9, 2020
Coppell junior Claire Jiang warms up for the intrasquad meet on Nov. 21 at the YMCA. After Coppell High School was limited to virtual learning only for five days, the Coppell swimming team returned to action on Friday with an intrasquad meet at the Coppell YMCA.

Swim back in water for intrasquad meet

November 30, 2020
The Cowboy Spur- Episode 6

The Cowboy Spur- Episode 6

November 21, 2020
Project Querencia members and Coppell High School junior Gautam Rao, Coppell sophomore Sanjitha Sreemushta, Coppell sophomore Shraavya Pydisetti and Coppell junior Revant Kanakamedala put together care packages for teachers at CHS. Project Querencia was founded by Pydisetti in June to help make a change in the community.

Comfort in the chaos

November 20, 2020
Coppell senior Krithi Medhuri competes in the girls 200-yard medley on Feb. 1, 2020 at the Lewisville ISD Westside Aquatic Center. The intrasquad meet will take place on Friday from 1:40 p.m. at the Coppell YMCA.

Swimmers prepping for intrasquad meet before break

November 19, 2020
Through the challenges of COVID-19, our mentalities become more adaptable. The Sidekick communications manager Sreeja Mudumby shares how she is thankful for her growth over the past few months and how plants can be seen in a similar light.

Giving thanks: from a seed to a tree

November 17, 2020
Diwali, the festival of lights, is largely celebrated by Hindus and includes activities such as fireworks and enjoying food with family and friends. The Sidekick communications manager Sreeja Mudumby discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the celebration and what Diwali means to her.

Celebrating festival of lights amidst darkness

November 17, 2020
Coppell ISD posts signs when cleaning is in progress in classrooms in order for students and faculty to be aware of a possibly contaminated room. CISD follows all CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of students. Photo by Lilly Gorman

COVID-19 student cases rise post-homecoming week on campus

November 6, 2020

Thom Hulme

November 3, 2020
Incumbent Thom Hulme and Dr. Neena Biswas are candidates for Place 4 in the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees election. According to results updated by Dallas County, Biswas won with 10,856 votes compared to Hulme’s 10,427 votes.

Behind the Ballot: Coppell ISD Board of Trustees

November 3, 2020
Grapevine business owner Ginger Blazek shares helpful flavor tips in her kitchen where she runs her new business, Baked By Ginger, on Sunday. The Sidekick staff writer Sreeja Mudumby explores Blazek’s journey of running former Coppell bakery Zenzero for eight years.

Secret ingredient is Ginger

October 29, 2020
Coppell AP literature teacher Matthew Bowden wears his Dodgers gear to show his support for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are playing against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Dodging COVID-19 (with video)

October 22, 2020
The Coppell swimming & diving team hosted their first meet of the season, Trinity Dual, on Oct. 9 at the YMCA. Swimming with the home advantage was unexpected for the Cowboys, as the YMCA is a smaller pool.

Coppell takes victory at the first swim meet of the season

October 17, 2020
The Sidekick communications manager Sreeja Mudumby grew up loving to read books which capture her imagination. However, like many others they reach high school, Mudumby now does not have the time for leisurely reading and has to settle for required reading for school, which she often finds monotonous.

The long lost art of reading

October 13, 2020
CHS9 Spanish teacher Rosa Brown explains an upcoming project to a student during fifth period on Oct. 2. Brown immigrated from Chihuahua, Mexico and is a Spanish II teacher at CHS9.

Latina and beyond

October 5, 2020
Struggles of online school

Struggles of online school

September 28, 2020
Coppell senior Jackie Gamborino backhand volleys against Plano West on Friday at the CHS Tennis Center. Coppell lost to Plano West, 13-6.

Tennis stands together after defeat against Plano West

September 26, 2020
Former Coppell defensive midfielder and CHS 2020 graduate Montse Lomeli races down Buddy Echols Field on Feb. 10 against Marcus last season. Lomeli is attending Northumbria University this fall in Newcastle, England, and plans to major in sports management while playing soccer. Sidekick file photo.

Leaving Coppell comforts

September 23, 2020
The city council budget meeting took place on Tuesday. The Coppell city council announced the new budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. Graphic by Blanche Harris

City council proposes budget for new fiscal year

September 9, 2020
Coppell senior Chelsea Romas earns a full golf scholarship to Texas Tech. Romas plans to major in business and finance along with playing golf. Photo courtesy Chelsea Romas.

The driving force

September 8, 2020
Coppell High School AP Statistics teacher Lowell Johnson taught students in Kenya as a Peace Corps service. Johnson taught math and English in the school in order to help facilitate learning in a third world country. Photo courtesy Lowell Johnson

From Kenya lessons to Coppell classrooms

September 8, 2020
Due to COVID-19 and distance learning, changes have been made to the college admission processes. Seniors applying this year have some unanswered questions about processes such as SAT and ACT requirements. Graphic by Samantha freeman.

COVID-19 prompting students to adapt to new college admission processes

August 27, 2020
During Monday evening’s Coppell ISD Board meeting, the district revealed new safety guidelines that will be followed once in-person school opens on Sept. 8. Richard J. Lee Elementary, Valley Ranch Elementary, Lakeside Elementary and Wilson Elementary received the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) student leadership award. Graphic by Sreeja Mudumby.

[Photo] Board reveals new safety protocols in preparation for students on campus

August 25, 2020
Coppell High School honors Physics teacher Cynthia Lee enjoys rating movies on IMDB. So far, she has rated 630 movies in various genres.

Scoring more than just papers

May 15, 2020
CHS9 is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning began on March 23. Freshmen are completing school work online prior to their transition to the Coppell High School campus for the 2020-21 school year. Photo by Shivi Sharma.

Early endings, new beginnings

May 14, 2020
The Sidekick sophomore staff writer Sreeja Mudumby provides various tips to keep a healthy mindset during quarantine. Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, citizens have been practicing social distance for weeks to reduce risk of contagion.

Simple tips to reduce COVID-19 anxiety

May 1, 2020
Coppell High School sophomore Rylie Bonner plays Juror 3 in the CHS student-directed play “12 Angry Jurors” on Feb. 21 in the CHS Black Box. The CHS theater department is making changes to the next play, “The Theory of Relativity,” to make it a virtual one. Photo by Camila Flores.

COVID-19 confines year-end programs in the fine arts departments

April 9, 2020
The Sportlight: Syeda knocks it out of the park with soccer, religion

The Sportlight: Syeda knocks it out of the park with soccer, religion

April 3, 2020
Coppell golf coach Jan Bourg talks about her interests and hobbies during a video interview with the 2017-18 Sidekick staff. Bourg is also an AP Calculus teacher and licensed scuba diver.

Coach’s Box: Bourg diving into golf, calculus

April 2, 2020
Coppell sophomore Sky Schuller releases at the Coppell Relays at Buddy Echols Field on Feb. 29. Schuller broke the Coppell pole vaulting record with 13 feet at the Coppell Relays, the 100-meter hurdles record with 14.56 seconds at the Coppell Relays and again with 14.10 seconds at The Colony Invitational on March 5 and tied the high jump record with 5 feet 6 inches at both the Flower Mound Relays on Feb. 22 and The Colony Invitational on March 5. Photo by Tracy Tran

Reaching for the sky

March 27, 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.

Column: Cheating nullifies opportunity

February 28, 2020
Coppell City Council members discuss potential decrease in annual revenue for Coppell at the meeting at Town Center yesterday. Issues such as a possible 16% decrease in revenue and the process of answering census questions were discussed.

[Photo] City bracing for reduced revenue starting in October

February 26, 2020
Coppell High School sophomores Kelly Kim, Eden Kim and New Tech High @ Coppell senior Marlee Moe play the flutes at the Mid-Winter band concert on Tuesday in the CHS Auditorium. The annual concert showcases every band including CHS9 bands (Symphonic and Concert), Symphonic Band 1, Symphonic Band 2, Concert Band 1, Concert Band 2 and Wind Symphony.

Coppell Band serenades audience at Mid-Winter concert

February 8, 2020
The Coppell High School band is having a Mid-winter concert on Feb. 4 and Feb. 6. The concert will take place in the CHS auditorium.

Coppell Band to serenade audience in Mid-Winter concert

February 3, 2020
The Coppell hockey team won the High School Division 2A State Championship at the Children’s Health StarCenter in Mansfield on Sunday.

Hockey team wins state over Denton County

January 31, 2020
The flu season is the time of year when the flu is the most prevalent and spreads rampantly. However, there are many ways for people to prevent from contracting the virus.

Flu season signals precaution for all students and teachers

January 29, 2020
New Tech High @ Coppell junior Isabella Enriquez, with sophomore Brendan Raley and junior Raquel Andrews, directs rehearsal for the upcoming Coppell High School student-directed play “12 Angry Jurors” on Monday, Jan. 13. The play, a gender-neutral version of the original play, “12 Angry Men”, is showing from Feb. 21-23.

Enriquez shines in spotlight as student director

January 23, 2020
The coding club practices various types of code at CHS9 after school on Friday. The coding club was formed by CHS9 student Mukund Raman and his father, Kalyan Raman, at the beginning of the school year.

Problem solvers: Freshman coders capture regional crown

January 6, 2020
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