• 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
Akansha Singh

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer

Akansha is a senior and second-year staff writer on the Sidekick. She plays the violin in the Lone Star Youth Orchestra and is the president of the Society of Women Engineers at CHS. She loves to travel, try new foods, ride her bike, and spend quality time with friends and family. You can contact her at axs8044@g.coppellisd.com and follow her on Twitter @akanshas120.

All content by Akansha Singh
Social distancing has seen the conclusion of in-person high school classes and events for the 2019-2020 school year. High school seniors, due to graduate in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, miss out on end-of-year traditions and ceremonies and face an uncertain future, but have also found time to explore new passions and reflect. Graphic by Shriya Vanparia

Seniors grapple with unusual graduation, reflect on high school

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
May 15, 2020
In spite of the negativities that the coronavirus has caused, people all over the world are working together to overcome the pandemic. The Sidekick staff writer Akansha Singh believes this puts humanity’s best side on display, as healthcare workers show up to work everyday in order to help cure those who are infected even if it puts them at risk and companies help supply needed resources such as hand sanitizer and ventilators. Graphic by Kaylee Aguilar

COVID-19 brings out the best in us

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
April 6, 2020
Coppell ISD changed grading practices for the fourth nine weeks to reflect either a passing or failing grade in a class, as opposed to numerical grades. This is one of many district-wide changes that have come about due to school closure and COVID-19. Graphic by Anthony Cesario

CISD implements new pass or fail grading policy for fourth nine weeks

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
March 27, 2020
Rodeo, a competitive sport in which participants show off their riding and roping skills, is recognized in Texas. Coppell previously established a junior rodeo in 1960 and Coppell High School organized a rodeo team in 1975. Graphic by Kaylee Aguilar.

Small-town rodeo history provides basis for CHS mascot

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
February 18, 2020
The Penny Podcast - Episode #038

[Video] The Penny Podcast – Episode #038

February 13, 2020
Thirteen members of the Coppell High School Band are in San Antonio to perform with other All-State musicians through Saturday. These 13 students have been selected along with approximately 1700 students to perform in an ensemble at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic/Convention in front of thousands of people. Photo by Camden Southwick

All the way to All-State: Musicians advance through dedication, meticulous practice

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
February 13, 2020
Martin Flores and his daughter Sandra Flores dance together to “I Loved Her First” by Heartland during the Cottonwood Creek Elementary Father-Daughter dance on Friday night. The dance was organized as a PTO fundraiser, as a way to benefit CCE and bring the community together.

CCE holds inaugural Father-Daughter Dance

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
February 8, 2020
The Sidekick staff writer Akansha Singh thinks a free student press is important for local communities and their campuses. Singh commemorates Student Press Freedom Day and hopes others recognize the importance of student journalists. Photo illustration by Nishant Medicharla

#StudentPressFreedom: Press freedom is freedom for us all

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
January 29, 2020
Coppell basketball coach Clint Schnell talks to Mesquite players on Dec. 10 in the CHS Arena following the nondistrict game. Schnell has been the head Coppell boys basketball coach for two years.

Coach’s Box: Schnell teaching students character through basketball, English

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
December 18, 2019
Coppell High School junior Amogh Waranashiwar rehearses his etude for the band’s TMEA All-Region auditions starting today at 5:30 p.m. at CHS. Brass and percussion auditions are today, with woodwinds yesterday and advancing musicians returning on Saturday for the Phase 2 round.

Campus hosting competition for region’s best musicians

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
December 4, 2019
Owner of family-operated Gideon Math and Reading Center Wendy Coppedge records and files student booklets with daughter Stephanie and son Boston at family-operated Gideon Math and Reading Center on Oct. 26. Wendy became involved in the supplemental reading program after she enrolled her children in a program when they were younger.

Gideon fostering community support through 25 years of education

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
November 4, 2019
States have varied requirements for civics education, but general civic knowledge and youth voter participation remain low. The Sidekick staff writer Akansha Singh believes there is a lack of sufficient civics education and learning about these topics can help American citizens take initiative in participating in political issues. Graphic by Kaylee Aguilar.

Bring back robust civics education to strengthen democracy

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
October 28, 2019
Boys golf Varsity I members come together after the Eaton Eagle Invitational on September 28 at the Golf Club Fossil Creek. The Varsity I golf team won the Eaton Fall Classic tournament at The Golf Club Fossil Creek on Sept. 27-28 and Varsity II came in second.

Boys golf breaks records, sets sights on trailblazing season

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
October 21, 2019
Democratic Presidential Candidate Beto O’Rourke looks into the audience cheering for him after his speech addressing immigration issues, gun reform, climate change and healthcare. Beto O’Rourke held his rally at The Theatre at Grand Prairie on Thursday as a counter rally themed “Rally Against Hate.”

O’Rourke holds “Rally Against Fear” to counter Thursday’s Trump rally

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
October 18, 2019
Coppell High School senior Smrithi Venkatraman talks about upcoming events to National Art Honor Society members on Thursday after school in E105. Venkatraman is the president of NAHS for the 2019-20 school year.

Q&A: NAHS president Venkatraman gives back, spreads love for art

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
October 1, 2019

On the Spot: Senior quotes, panoramic reintroduced in yearbook (with video)

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
September 30, 2019
Chase Vaughn is one of the new assistant principals at Coppell High School. He brings a unique perspective to the administrative team because he was an assistant principal at Plano ISD last year.

[Photo] What you missed this summer (2 of 3): New assistant principals bring new ideas to CHS with previous experience in education

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
September 30, 2019
Presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke speaks to a crowd of supporters on Sunday at the Plano ArtsCentre. After Thursday’s debate in Houston, O’Rourke concluded a short series of campaign rallies in Texas with calls for both ideas he has mentioned throughout his campaign and firmer stances on issues.

O’Rourke calls for stronger, more decisive Democratic action at Sunday’s Plano campaign rally

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
September 16, 2019
Coppell High School English teacher Benjamin Stroud discusses rhetorical purpose with his fourth period Honors English II class on Friday. Stroud is a new teacher at CHS and hopes to teach students about argument and reading.

Q&A: Stroud to teach students about rhetoric, reading

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
September 16, 2019
The Penny Podcast - Episode #020

[Video] The Penny Podcast – Episode #020

September 16, 2019
Activists voice their support for the #NeverAgain movement during the March For Our Lives rally in Dallas on March 24. Calls for gun safety legislation, prominent through the March for Our Lives, have been renewed due to recent mass shootings.

Mass shootings drive renewed calls for gun legislation

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
September 8, 2019
The Penny Podcast - Episode #017

[Video] The Penny Podcast – Episode #017

August 23, 2019
Coppell High School senior Neha Dharmapuram sang “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” by Monali Thakur at the Shots by Bhavya 1st Annual Fashion show on Feb. 10. Dharmapuram has traveled the country and earned the semifinalist position in India’s televised Padutha Theeyaga singing competition, and she now hopes for a future in Bollywood or Tollywood.

Dharmapuram finds purpose in song, dance

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
May 16, 2019
The women’s rights movement has been growing in the United States since the 1800s. Recently, women’s roles in government have increased; one example is Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2016 leading to six women running for president in 2020.

Political gains for women providing promise for America’s future

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
May 8, 2019
During Tuesday’s Coppell City Council meeting, council members vote on additional budgets to various new projects as well as old ones. The Coppell City Council awarded the Biodiversity Education Center (BEC) a bid to construct a new outdoor classroom for their facility, and approved a new amendment presented by Tyler Technologies regarding additional software.

City awards bid for Nature Explore Classroom at Biodiversity Center

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
March 28, 2019
The environment is facing a plethora of issues, many of which fall under the umbrella of climate change. These issues include carbon dioxide emissions, rising sea levels and deforestation.

Climate Change

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
March 19, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #006

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #006

March 1, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #004

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #004

February 14, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #002

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #002

January 31, 2019
Coppell residents Tara and Todd Storch, pictured with their children Ryan (Coppell High School 2017 graduate) and Peyton (CHS senior), created the Taylor’s Gift foundation for organ donation following the death of their daughter, Taylor, in a 2010 skiing accident. Last November, Taylor’s Gift became a part of the Outlive Yourself foundation in partnership with Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA).

Storch outlives herself, new organization helps others do the same

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
January 16, 2019
Superintendents discuss the approval of the new principal for Canyon Ranch Elementary, Ashley Minton, at the CISD Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 17 in the Vonita White Building. At the regular meeting on the fourth Monday of the month, the CISD Board discusses new ideas including new zoning boundaries.

Trustees approve naming of Minton as new elementary school principal

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
December 18, 2018
A storefront along Main Street of Grapevine sparkles with lights and festive Christmas decorations to celebrate the holiday season. Grapevine is known for its name “The Christmas Capital of Texas” for its annual decorations, parade, and the North Pole Express train.

Whimsical Winter

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
December 7, 2018
Ola Olaleye and Awab Ahmed show their support for Beto O’Rourke at his UTD rally on Oct. 6. UTD students and other members of the public attending to hear O’Rourke speak about his platform and the upcoming election.

[Photo] Part 3: As political climate heats up, teens developing opinions on key issues

Nicolas Reyes, Staff Writer
October 31, 2018
O'Rourke and Cruz have taken stands on numerous crucial issues, having very different approaches to these issues. These are just some of the issues the candidates have represented on their platform. Graphic by Carson Allen

Part 1: Cruz, O’Rourke facing off in pivotal Texas senate election

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
October 29, 2018
Coppell High School senior Saige Culler performs with the Lariettes during the pep rally on Oct. 18. Culler was a cheerleader throughout her first two years of high school, but became a Lariette her senior year.

Handstands to High Kicks

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
October 24, 2018
Posters for the daily dress-up themes hang on the senior bridge on Monday, September 24. The Student Council organized dress-up themes and other activities during homecoming week to foster school spirit.

Students dressing up, sharing school spirit through homecoming week

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
September 28, 2018
Coppell High School teacher Michael Egan teaches the members of Russian club the basics of the language after school. Egan is fluent in six languages, with Russian being his first language.

Club bringing together Russian speakers in shared passion for language

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
September 21, 2018
The alphabet and the phrases “love” and “USA” in American Sign Language (ASL) are displayed on a carpet in CHS ASL teacher Delosha Payne’s classroom. The ASL alphabet is the basis of the language.

[Photo] Strengthening hands, knowledge through sign language

Pramika Kadari, Copy Editor
September 8, 2018
CHS engineering teacher Pilar Castro-Zeña mentioned how she has quotes written on her walls on August 24th, 2018. She explains how it keeps the work space more positive and welcoming for her diverse group of students, and the particular quote is her favorite.

Captivating classrooms: Castro-Zeña, Hauske creating unique environments

Akansha Singh, Staff writer
September 4, 2018
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