• 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
Victoria Hertel

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor

Victoria is a senior and the Student Life Editor on The Sidekick. Outside of school, she dances ballet at the Ballet Academy of Texas. She enjoys running, reading books and adores her miniature poodle dog named Sparky. You can contact her at [email protected] or find her on Twitter @veh7936.

All content by Victoria Hertel
Coppell High School has a diverse environment. The Sidekick student life editor Victoria Hertel reflects on how her time spent in the uniqueness of Coppell has brought a range of inspiration.

Learning from students

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
May 14, 2021
Coppell High School Junior, Mario Torres Ramos plays a solo original performance named “Rapture” at the CHS Area on Saturday evening through the Purely Rhythmic Percussion Concert. The money raised at the Purely Rhythmic Percussion Concert will allow the team to travel to Indianapolis, where they were invited to perform in the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) from Nov. 10-13. Photo by Nandini P.

Purely Rhythmic dazzles with student composition performances

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
May 12, 2021
Coppell High School Chinese teacher Angela Voelker plays Chineasy Tiles to help identify words and terms in C133 with her Chinese I class during her eighth period on March 11. Voelker was selected by The Sidekick staff as the fifth Teacher of the Issue for the 2020-21 school year. Photo by Lilly Gorman

Teacher of the Issue: Voelker celebrating Chinese culture through engagement

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
April 6, 2021
Coppell High School seniors Mark Suante and Hailey Wilkins go over some graphic designs in the KCBY-TV Studio on Dec. 7. Journalism is allowing students to become increasingly involved in the community. Photo by Lilly Gorman

#SJW2021: Journalism aiding students in becoming more involved in community

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
February 25, 2021
Trees are covered in snow on Sunday. Since Monday, Coppell has been navigating power outages and water shortages as a result of freezing temperatures and snow.

Teachers lending helping hands to neighbors, reaching out to friends during rolling blackouts

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
February 20, 2021
Since Monday, Coppell residents have been experiencing harsh winter weather, power outages and water shortages. As a result, many have turned to playing board games and spending time in the snow and with family. Graphic by Akhila Gunturu

Students braving impacts of power outages to spend time with family

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
February 19, 2021
The Cowboy Spur - Episode 13

The Cowboy Spur – Episode 13

Joanne Kim and Victoria Hertel
February 5, 2021
Coppell junior center India Howard defends against Marcus junior small forward Hailey Vela, senior center Alex Warren and junior point guard Abbie Barr on Jan. 22 at the CHS Arena. The Cowgirls held the lead in all four quarters, ending with a 51-40 win over the Marauders.

Coppell dominates against Marcus after halftime surge

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
January 30, 2021
The Cowboy Spur- Episode 12

The Cowboy Spur- Episode 12

Blanche Harris, Meer Mahfuz, Sally Parampottil, Joanne Kim, and Victoria Hertel
January 29, 2021
Coppell High School special education students and faculty are starting a coffee bar that will be located at the concession stand outside the cafeteria. The coffee bar will be open to CHS students and employees starting in January. Photo by Nandini Muresh

Mixing it up: Special Needs Department creates coffee bar

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
December 9, 2020

Voting for others: Campus blood drive aids pandemic shortage

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
November 3, 2020
Coppell High School algebra II teacher Hanna Treece wears all red for Red Ribbon Week and homecoming week on Monday. Treece is known to dress up for special events which enhances her spunky personality. Photo by Lilly Gorman

Treece adding flair to algebra II: Dressing up for spirit days, decorating classroom

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
November 2, 2020
Coppell High School algebra II teacher Hanna Treece wears all red for Red Ribbon Week and homecoming week on Monday. Treece is known to dress up for special events which enhances her spunky personality. Photo by Lilly Gorman

Treece adding flair to algebra II: Dressing up for spirit days, decorating classroom

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
October 29, 2020
The Cowboy Spur - Episode 4

The Cowboy Spur – Episode 4

Joanne Kim and Victoria Hertel
October 23, 2020
Coppell senior cheerleader Tenley Colclasure and freshman cheerleader Tali Colclasure practice routines at the Spirit of Texas gymnasium on Sept. 28. Despite different athletic backgrounds, the Colclasure sisters are now both a part of the Coppell cheer team.

From the stands to the sidelines: Colclasure sisters cheering together despite past sport experiences

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
October 1, 2020
Social media is widely used by teenagers. The Sidekick student life editor Victoria Hertel discusses the ability of social media to increase awareness around mental health issues and strengthen long distance relationships.

Pro/Con: Is social media an aid or adversary?

Blanche Harris and Victoria Hertel
September 30, 2020
Social media is widely used by teenagers. The Sidekick student life editor Victoria Hertel discusses the ability of social media to increase awareness around mental health issues and strengthen long distance relationships.

Pro: Social media provides sense of community, open-mindedness

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
September 25, 2020
The Cowboy Spur - Episode 2

[Video] The Cowboy Spur – Episode 2

Joanne Kim and Victoria Hertel
September 18, 2020
The Cowboy Spur - Episode 1

The Cowboy Spur – Episode 1

Joanne Kim, Sally Parampottil, Victoria Hertel, and Meer Mahfuz
September 4, 2020
Coppell High School algebra II and honors pre-calculus teacher Lucy Grimmett (right) poses with CHS9 ESL facilitator Jessica Lynch (middle) and CHS9 world geography teacher Brittany Scruggs (left) at CHS9 in their senior overalls from attending CHS. Grimmett returned to CHS this year after teaching at CHS9 for three years. Photo courtesy Grimmett

“Be safe and make good choices”

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
August 26, 2020
Graphic by Trisha Atluri 100 years ago, the 19th Amendment was ratified in the United States, giving women the right to vote. Today, Coppell High School seniors who are planning on voting in the presidential election share what it feels like to have a secure right to vote, which they would not have had a century ago.

100 years of women’s suffrage empowers today’s voters

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
August 19, 2020
The Sidekick student life editor Victoria Hertel keeps her at-home workspace organized for the first day of online school on Monday. Due to COVID-19, Coppell High School students are learning remotely from home until Sept. 8, following Dallas County’s public health order.

[Photo] Unique desk spaces providing ideal environment to start remote learning

August 18, 2020
Protestor Faith Smith leads chants to support the Black Lives Matter movement in the streets of Coppell on June 6. The Coppell Walk for Peace at Andy Brown Park East was organized by local pastors with support from the Coppell Police Department.

Just the beginning

Victoria Hertel, Student Life Editor
June 7, 2020
Dance

Dance

Shivi Sharma, Nishant Medicharla, Shravya Mahesh, Tracy Tran, and Victoria Hertel
May 15, 2020
Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony

Alishba Javaid, Sally Parampottil, Victoria Hertel, Shivi Sharma, Trisha Atluri, Shravya Mahesh, Tracy Tran, Blanche Harris, Nishant Medicharla, Avani Kashyap, Angela Yuan, Andrés Bear, Karen Lu, Samantha Freeman, Pranati Kandi, and Nicholas Pranske
May 15, 2020
With Jojo Siwa’s rise to fame came hate from people saying she should be more mature. The Sidekick staff writer Victoria Hertel explains why Siwa does not deserve the hate.

Why Jojo Siwa is a pop icon

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
May 15, 2020
On March 26 at Grapevine Springs Park, Coppell High School senior Leo Swaldi, who is attending A&M this fall, takes a photo with CHS senior Rushil Nakkana, who is attending UT Austin. With the rise in competitiveness of acceptances, CHS students’ have increased flexibility in which of the two colleges they apply to and are less bound by family traditions.

To hook ‘em or to gig ‘em

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
May 7, 2020
Coppell wrestling coach Chip Lowery (far left) takes a photo with senior wrestlers on Senior Night at the CHS Arena on Jan. 31. Lowery is also the physical education and dance department chair and off campus P.E. director.

Coach’s Box: Lowery tackles responsibilities of coaching, department chair

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
May 6, 2020
The Coppell High School BPA chapter placed in the top 10 in 21 events at the Texas State Leadership Conference (SLC), where students’ business knowledge were tested through various events. The SLC was on March 5-7 at the Sheraton Hotel in Dallas. Photo courtesy Varshini Suresh.

Let’s get down to business: BPA place in top 10 in 21 events at State Leadership Conference

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
April 23, 2020
The Sportlight: Wall continuing workouts, managing at Smoothie Factory during social distancing

The Sportlight: Wall continuing workouts, managing at Smoothie Factory during social distancing

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
April 17, 2020
The Penny Podcast - Episode #046

[Video] The Penny Podcast – Episode #046

April 15, 2020
Freshman Sumita Bhattacharyya (third from the left) stands with the 9/10 Honor Choir in November. Bhattacharyya sings on Kantorei choir at Coppell High School and has an Instagram account dedicated to music (@justsumsinging). Photo courtesy Sumita Bhattacharyya

Sumita’s Got Talent: Bhattacharyya excelling in Kantorei choir as freshman

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
April 10, 2020
“Fruit of the Dead” is a charcoal still-life of a skeleton, bowl of fruit and dimmed lantern. This piece is currently displayed at the Young American Art exhibition at El Centro College in Downtown Dallas.

Karthikeyan exploring deep meanings with artwork

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
April 6, 2020
Coppell High School senior Celeste Wang paints a sunflower for her Girl Scout Gold Award Project. She donated these paintings to abused and impoverished women, bringing positivity into their lives.

Wang paints new horizon for abused, impoverished women while juggling extracurriculars

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
April 6, 2020
The Penny Podcast - Episode #043

[Video] The Penny Podcast – Episode #043

March 27, 2020
Coppell junior and pitcher David Jeon pitched during the scrimmage against Birdville on Feb. 15 at the Coppell ISD Baseball Complex. Jeon verbally committed to playing baseball at Rice University.

Jeon hits it out of the ballpark: from Texas Rangers fan to Rice commit

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
February 26, 2020
Better Angels Skills Workshop Republican attendees discussing gun control and immigration rights at the Cozby Library and Commons on Saturday. Better Angels is a national organization that promotes civil political discussions of understanding between Democrats and Republicans.

Better Angels promoting civil political discussions between parties

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
February 18, 2020
Coppell High School librarian Trisha Goins works in her office on Jan. 28. Goins enjoys getting to know students to better recommend books to avid readers at CHS. Photo by Camila Flores

At #CHSHome: First-year librarian reads more than 20 books per month while bringing love of storytelling to campus

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
February 4, 2020
CHS9 student Ellen Jitcho is a leader in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club and attended the HOSA leadership conference at Frisco Independence High School in November. Jitcho was also a November Student of the Month at CHS9. Photo by Neveah Jones.

Jitcho standing out as HOSA officer, loyal friend

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
January 29, 2020
Coppell sophomore defender Bailey Peek steals the ball from a Little Elm midfielder during Saturday’s scrimmage at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowgirls tied with the Lady Lobos, 1-1.

Girls soccer changing up combinations in preseason scrimmage

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
December 16, 2019
On Nov. 22, Frozen II was released in theaters nationwide. The Sidekick staff writer Victoria Hertel thinks this sequel outshines the 2013 original. Graphic by Bella Mora.

Why ‘Frozen II’ is better than the first

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
December 13, 2019
Lance Tahmahkera speaks about the lives of members of the Comanche tribe from over a century ago in a set of old photos that he has preserved on Thursday. Tahmahkera travels around the country telling the stories of his tribe to keep people aware of his tribes lives and their legends.

Tahmahkera shares stories about Comanche values, Chief Quanah Parker

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
November 11, 2019
CHS9 student Alexis Frazer was voted Student Council vice president. Frazer was chosen for the position because of her work ethic and perseverance.

Alexis Frazer

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
November 8, 2019
The Cozby Library and Community Commons is hosting Lance Tahmahkera’s storytelling events tomorrow at 7 p.m. He will be speaking about the culture and history of the Comanche tribe, of which he is a descendant.

Descendant of Comanche chief speaking at Cozby Library

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
November 6, 2019
The Coppell ISD Board of Trustees discussed issues and updates about school renovations, water leakage, and FIRST on Monday night. The CISD representatives meet at the Vonita White administration building for their board meeting on the fourth Monday of every month.

Trustees provide glimpse into district’s future through project updates

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
October 29, 2019
Coppell High School sophomore Shelby Magruder and junior Emily Broome dance together at CHS homecoming dance on Saturday night at Irving Convention Center. The Coppell High School homecoming dance is held annually during homecoming week, with various CHS traditional activities.

“Remember When in Coppell” homecoming gives chance to celebrate a night to never forget

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
October 28, 2019
Coppell High School senior Zack Findley and sophomore Jasmine Gomez wear their homecoming mum and garter during passing period on Friday on the senior bridge. The homecoming dance will take place on Oct. 26 at the Irving Convention Center from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Coppell High homecoming dance to be celebrated Saturday

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
October 25, 2019
Coppell High School physics teacher Stephanie Sloane has been watching Marvel for 11 years. Sloane said she connects the most with Captain America because of his charitable beliefs and big heart.

Physics teacher Sloane displays superhero qualities as the school year unfolds

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
September 16, 2019
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