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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
Sri Achanta

Sri Achanta, Executive Editor-in-Chief

Sri Achanta is a senior and the executive editor-and-chief of The Sidekick. She finds joy in finding narratives within conversations to create compelling stories.

In her free time, you can find her reading fantasy and mystery novels, her personal favorite book being Legendborn by Tracy Deon. Sri also enjoys painting still life, prefering acrylic paint over oil paints anytime. One of her favorite artworks is a sculpture by Michelangelo called the “Pietà”. 

Sri is always up for a good plate of sushi or a meal at her favorite restaurant, Siam Thai, where she gets her go-to favorite dish which is spicy drunken noodles. She loves to top off her dinner with her favorite drink, Matcha tea. She also never passes on an opportunity to hang out with her friends and family. Her favorite childhood show is “The Wizards of Waverly Place” and she’s currently on her fourth rewatch. To contact her, you can email her at [email protected] or on 'X' (@Sriachanta_ ).

All content by Sri Achanta
Dallas Jesuit quarterback Charlie Peters looks for an open receiver on Sept. 29 against Highland Park at SMU’s Ford Stadium. The Coppell football team plays the Rangers in the Class 6A Division II Region I area playoffs at Ford Center in Frisco on Thursday at 7 p.m. Photo courtesy Jaxx Rigelsky.

Scouting the opponent

Sri Achanta and Ava Johnson
November 15, 2023
The Sidekick executive editor-in-chief Sri Achanta eats a Krispy Krab Roll from Sprouts on Oct. 18. Achanta explains how her journey as a pescatarian for the past four years has helped shape her personal destiny.

Letter from the editor: It’s been four fishy years

Sri Achanta, Executive Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2023
Coppell High School senior Isha Rahi holds her piece titled “A Daughter’s Burden.” Rahi is president of National Arts Honors Society and uses art as a medium to advocate for South Asian women.

Rahi uses art as medium to advocate for social change

Sri Achanta, Executive Editor-in-Chief
October 30, 2023
Coppell sophomore Ansh Singhal and junior Pranav Vegiraju run during cross country morning practice at Buddy Echols Field, preparing for the upcoming regional meet in Lubbock. The CHS cross country team competed at the District 6-6A meet on Friday with the boys placing first.

Cross country boys claim back-to-back district championships

Sri Achanta, Executive Editor-in-Chief
October 18, 2023
Coppell ISD joins several school districts in a lawsuit against the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The TEA commissioner failed to detail the performance, methods and procedures, according to the A-F accountability system, that will be used to rate schools prior to the school year.

[Photo] District joins accountability lawsuit against Texas Education Agency

October 12, 2023
House Bill 100 failed to be approved as lawmakers couldn’t reach a compromise on implementing school vouchers into Texas education. The implementation of school vouchers has been a widely debated topic in Texas over the past few years.

To vouch or not to vouch?

Sri Achanta and Anushree De
October 3, 2023
The Sidekick executive editor-in-chief Sri Achanta encourages students to stick with things they may not love. Throughout her years on The Sidekick, Achanta has grown from being apathetic towards writing to embracing it.

Letter from the editor: Embrace the things you don’t love

Sri Achanta, Executive Editor-in-Chief
September 28, 2023
Coppell High School senior Ansh Lala serves as the vice president for Coppell Band. Lala traveled more than 10,000 miles this summer marching for the Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps and performing in more than 40 competitions.

[Photo] Lala takes on Boston as youngest member of prestigious marching band

September 21, 2023
Coppell High School senior Zahra Shaikali spent eight weeks of her summer interning at Southwest Airlines. She worked in the LEAD Ops and Scheduling Department and plans on using this experience to major in computer science.

[Photo] Expanding her horizons: Shaikhali takes off with Southwest Airlines

September 15, 2023
Coppell senior outside hitter Daki Kahungu tips over the net against Plano West at CHS Arena on Friday. The Lady Wolves defeated the Cowgirls 25-8, 25-17, 25-23.

Cowgirls dig up confidence but fall short to Plano West

Sri Achanta, Executive Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2023
The Talk: Senior Overalls Edition

The Talk: Senior Overalls Edition

Sri Achanta, Executive Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2023
Coppell senior opposite hitter Mira Klem and senior middle blocker Alena Troung block against Royse City at CHS Arena on Aug 22. The Coppell volleyball team plays Plano West tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. in the first district match.

Cowgirls battle it out against Plano West for first district match of season

Sri Achanta, Executive Editor-in-Chief
September 7, 2023
The Coppell football team revisits its defensive strategy after a close game with Sachse in hopes of extending its winning streak to tomorrow’s game against South Grand Prairie. The Cowboys face the Warriors tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Gopher-Warrior Bowl in Grand Prairie.

[Photo] Cowboys solidify defensive line, preparing for battle against Warriors

August 31, 2023
Coppell High School Lariettes perform during halftime on Friday at Buddy Echols Field. Coppell defeated Sachse, 44-41, in the season opener.

Coppell victorious in season opener against Sachse

Sri Achanta, Executive Editor-in-Chief
August 30, 2023
Coppell senior wide receiver Luca Gtosoli secures a touchdown against Sachse during the fourth quarter to bring the score to 41-34, with Coppell leading at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. Coppell defeated Sachse 44-41, in the season opener.

[Photo] Cowboys victorious after back and forth battle against Sachse

August 26, 2023
The fentanyl crisis recently leaked into educational spaces. Coppell High School student resource officers are now training in the use of Narcan, a drug utilized to aid in opioid overdose, in order to protect students from fentanyl and other drug-related crises.

The silent killer

Angelina Liu, Sri Achanta, and Manasa Mohan
May 19, 2023
Yaamini Jois

Yaamini Jois

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
May 18, 2023
Meghna Kulkarni

Meghna Kulkarni

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
May 18, 2023
Saniya Koppikar

Saniya Koppikar

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
May 18, 2023
Manasa Mohan

Manasa Mohan

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
May 18, 2023
Shrayes Gunna

Shrayes Gunna

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
May 18, 2023
Angelina Liu

Angelina Liu

Sri Achanta , Executive News Editor
May 18, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 5/15 – 5/21

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
May 15, 2023
On Saturday, shots fired in Allen Premium Outlets left nine dead with seven others injured. Allen Premium Outlets, located about 30 minutes away from Coppell, is closed indefinitely after the incident.

Shooting at Allen Premium Outlets leaves nine dead

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
May 12, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 5/8 – 5/14

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
May 8, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 5/1 – 5/7

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
May 1, 2023
Coppell resident Ranna Raval is a candidate running for Place 4 on the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees. Raval is an advocate for easy access to education for all children.

Place 4: Ranna Raval

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 26, 2023
Irving resident Jobby Mathew is a candidate running for Place 7 on the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees. Matthew is an advocate for building educational programs to prepare learners for the future. Jobby Mathew

Place 7: Jobby Mathew

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 26, 2023
Coppell resident Julie Waters is a candidate running for Place 5 on the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees. Waters is an advocate for district funding and finding a way to retain teachers.

Place 5: Julie Waters

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 26, 2023
Coppell resident Samit Patel is a candidate running for Place 4 on the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees. Patel is an advocate for finding a way to retain teachers.

Place 4: Samit Patel

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 26, 2023
Coppell resident Jonathan Powers is a candidate running for Place 4 on the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees. Powers is an advocate for fiscal transparency. Jonathan Powers

Place 4: Jonathan Powers

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 26, 2023
Coppell resident David Caviness is the incumbent Place 5 Coppell ISD trustee running for reelection. Caviness is an advocate for better teacher retention measures.

Place 5: David Caviness

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 26, 2023
New Tech High @ Coppell senior Aman Chiniwala embraces his Lakeside Elementary fifth grade Math/Science teacher Melissa Warren after his speech honoring her. Coppell ISD held its annual student recognition banquet commending the top 5 percent of the graduating class on Tuesday.

Top 5 percent graduating seniors honored at annual Academic Recognition banquet

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 26, 2023
Behind the Ballot: Coppell ISD Board of Trustees election

Behind the Ballot: Coppell ISD Board of Trustees election

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 26, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 4/24 – 4/30

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 24, 2023
Coppell Pinkerton Elementary School Physical Education teacher Colleen Michaelis talks to the Coppell High School junior class at CHS Arena about her experience losing her son to fentanyl abuse. As fentanyl use and overdose cases rise in high schools and near Coppell, CHS raises awareness through a mandatory assembly about its fatality.

A pill that kills

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 17, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 4/17 – 4/23

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 17, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 4/10 – 4/16

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 10, 2023
Coppell sophomore Nevaeh Carter scores against Lewisville at the Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex on Tuesday. The Cowgirls lost, 13-3, to the Farmers.

[Photo] Cowgirls fall to Farmers in district play

April 8, 2023
The Sidekick Crossword: April 6

The Sidekick Crossword: April 6

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 6, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 4/3 – 4/9

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
April 3, 2023
On Feb. 13 the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees voted to approve the proposed bond package to be a referendum on the ballot for the May 6 election. The bond package totals $321.511 million and includes renovations to athletic facilities, the addition of fine arts buildings, lifecycle replacements of technology for students and staff and improvements to campus security.

Building for tomorrow

Manasa Mohan and Sri Achanta
March 31, 2023
Coppell High School juniors Anish Kalra, Dhroov Pathare and Trishay Naman placed second in the Biomedical Engineering category at the Texas State Science and Engineering Fair on March 25. Both Coppell teams placed second in their respective categories. Dhroov Pathare

CHS doubles up on second placements at state science fair

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
March 29, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 3/27 – 4/2

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
March 27, 2023
Coppell senior pitcher Andrew Schultz pitches against Marcus at Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex on Tuesday. Coppell lost, 5-0, to Marcus.

[Photo] Cowboys unable to keep up with Marauders in loss

March 22, 2023
Twenty-five Coppell High School DECA members qualified for the International Career Development Conferences on March 11 in Dallas. ICDC qualifiers will travel to Orlando, Fla. on April 22-25 to compete with students around the globe.

[Photo] Coppell DECA sets finalist record at state, sends 25 to ICDC

March 22, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 3/20 – 3/26

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
March 20, 2023
Coppell ISD is evaluating the idea of a four-day school week starting in the 2024-25 school year. Various neighboring school districts have also been considering this option over the course of the past few months.

CISD explores abridged week for 2024-25 school year

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
March 14, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 3/06 – 3/12

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
March 6, 2023
Coppell High School sophomore Sophie Depew performs “Stealing Souls” 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

[Photo] Purely Rhythmic creates tropical dream in steel pan performance

March 5, 2023
Coppell High School sophomore Melora Dominic created artworks titled “Floral Photoshoot” and “Fading.” Dominic qualified for State VASE for her art piece “Floral Photoshoot” last year and continues to use art as her creative outlet.

[Photo] Student of the Week: Dominic channels creativity through art

March 2, 2023
On Friday, Coppell Student Media was announced as a finalist for a 2023 Online Pacemaker award from the National Scholastic Press Association. This marks the eighth time CSM has been a finalist for the award. Photo courtesy NSPA

Student journalists soar to new heights, land coveted NSPA finalist nomination

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
February 27, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 2/27 – 3/05

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
February 27, 2023
Coppell High School junior Hannah Greenberg processes DNA in an agar gel to a readable strand to be sent to sequencing at Monson neurology lab at UT Southwestern in August. Greenberg looks to pursue an occupation in the medical field. Photo Courtesy Hannah Greenberg

Greenberg carving biomedical pathway through hands-on research

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
February 25, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 2/20 – 2/26

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
February 20, 2023
Coppell senior forward Lillian Edger takes possession from Plano junior midfielder Madison Chapel on Monday at Buddy Echols Field. With a 3-0 victory, the Coppell girls soccer team ended its losing streak, and plays against Lewisville next week.

Cowgirls fight back with 3-0 win against Plano

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
February 14, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 2/13 – 2/19

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
February 13, 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: Comparison is the thief of joy

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
February 10, 2023
The DART Silver Line is under construction along Belt Line Road on Friday. DART’s Silver Line will feature an overhead bridge that will run over Belt Line Road and the line is expected to run by 2025.

Silver Line to run through Coppell, providing community connections

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
February 9, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 2/6 – 2/12

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
February 6, 2023
Freezing rain and sleet fall and cover the streets of the Parkside Community in Irving on Tuesday. All administration buildings and schools in Coppell ISD are closed on Tuesday due to inclement weather and possible unsafe road conditions.

Winter storm hits North Texas, district closes due to inclement weather

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
January 31, 2023
Coppell High School junior Olivia Willey performs in CHS Cowboy Theater Company musical production “Mamma Mia!” Willey takes on the lead role in short film Spencer Stone is in the Building, marking a major acting endeavor.

Stepping onto the silver screen, Willey lands role in short film

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
January 30, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 1/30 – 2/5

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
January 30, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 1/23 – 1/29

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
January 23, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 1/16 – 1/22

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
January 16, 2023
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 1/9 – 1/15

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
January 9, 2023
In 2021, Texas state representative Matt Krause drafted a list of potentially controversial books that he suggested be banned from libraries across the state, some of which are available to read in the Coppell High School library. Krause created this list as an auxiliary to House Bill 3979, which banned curriculum that discusses any topics of discomfort, including critical race theory.

“We have the right to read”

Manasa Mohan, Angelina Liu, and Sri Achanta
December 22, 2022
A proposal to relocate Coppell Baptist Church, the town’s first church built in 1948, along with its adjoining annex to make space for new multi-development complexes was considered at the Coppell City Council meeting on Tuesday. The council concluded that the church and annex will continue to reside in their current location.

Old Town Coppell church to remain at current location

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
December 17, 2022
Coppell junior Karissa Godhia and freshman Elizabeth Anne Urick practice on Thursday at the Coppell Field House. The Cowboys placed a first at the Coppell Round-Up with a score of 5-0 on Nov. 18.

[Photo] Wrestling secures 5-0 win at Coppell Round-Up

December 12, 2022
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 12/12 – 12/18

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
December 12, 2022
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 12/5 – 12/11

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
December 5, 2022
Coppell High School math teacher Ian VanderSchee was named CHS 2022 Teacher of the Year. Nominees were announced on Monday and the winner was announced this morning at the CHS faculty meeting in the Auditorium. In addition to VanderSchee, nominees include AP Biology teacher Bianca Benitez, AP World History teacher Connor Blake, AP Chemistry teacher Courtney Crosby, Government teacher Michael Erickson, Head Band Director Kim Shuttlesworth, The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford and STEM teacher Michael Yakubovsky.

[Photo] VanderSchee announced as CHS Teacher of the Year from pool of eight

November 30, 2022
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year. Graphic by Srihari Yechangunja.

Capturing Coppell: 11/28 – 12/4

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
November 28, 2022
The Sidekick executive news editor Sri Achanta gives thanks to her older sister, Laasya, for paving a path and supporting her through her endeavors. Her gratitude comes from being referred to as “Laasya’s little sister” for most of her life. Photo courtesy Sri Achanta

Giving Thanks: Learning to love the shadow

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
November 25, 2022
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 11/21 – 11/27

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
November 21, 2022
Capturing Coppell is a Sidekick series detailing events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2022-23 school year.

Capturing Coppell: 11/14 – 11/20

Sri Achanta, Executive News Editor
November 14, 2022
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