• 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
Anvita Bondada

Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Editor

Anvita Bondada is a senior and the CHS9 Editor for The Sidekick. 

She originally joined The Sidekick because of her love for writing, and has expanded her skill set by trying photography, design and podcasting. She loves to write stories of all kinds, especially features, reviews and columns. 

Outside of The Sidekick, she loves consuming all sorts of media ranging from music to movies and enjoys journaling, baking and doing her nails. You can contact her at [email protected], or Instagram (@anvitabondada).

 

All content by Anvita Bondada
As Christmas approaches, many places become decked out in lights and festive decor. The Sidekick CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada shares places to celebrate and embrace festivities.

Four places to embrace your holiday spirit this year

Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Editor
December 19, 2024
CHS9 student Chloe Chang practices the violin in the Coppell High School Band Hall on Nov. 18. Chang qualified for the UIL Orchestra All-Region competition and has an ardent passion for the violin. Photo by Anvita Bondada

[Photo] Chang exploring notes through violin

Akshaya Ashokanand, Staff Writer
November 22, 2024
CHS9 Principal Dr. Greg Axelson teaches a lesson on conjugations to Reyna Conger’s Spanish II class during eighth period on Oct. 18. Axelson holds a raffle every month for him to take over two class periods, giving teachers a break.

Axelson trading offices for classrooms

Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Editor
November 18, 2024
Striped Box Boutique owner converses with customers at the Holiday House fundraiser. Holiday House was open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Coppell High School, where local vendors sold products for the holiday season.

Holiday House brings handmade winter spirit to local shoppers

Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Editor
November 12, 2024
Freshmen Student Council executive board stepping into action

Freshmen Student Council executive board stepping into action

Anvita Bondada, Hamza Zakir, and Katie Park
November 11, 2024
CHS9 student Tapasya Shah aims to foster a community environment. Shah was elected as one of six student council executive officers.

[Photo] Tapasya Shah

Katie Park, Staff Writer
November 11, 2024
CHS9 student Hema Punuri strives to create everlasting friendships and improve mental health resources on campus. Punuri was elected as one of six student council executive officers.

[Photo] Hema Punuri

Katie Park, Staff Writer
November 11, 2024
CHS9 student Esha Polishetty hopes to engage community involvement on campus and hone her socialization skills. Polishetty was elected as one of six student council executive officers.

Esha Polishetty

Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Editor
November 11, 2024
CHS9 student Niam Patel wants to exercise his leadership skills and create new opportunities. Patel was elected as one of six student council executive officers.

Niam Patel

Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Writer
November 11, 2024
CHS9 student Angelisse Gomez hopes to bring the student body together. Gomez was elected as one of six student council executive officers.

[Photo] Angelisse Gomez

Hamza Zakir, Staff Writer
November 11, 2024
CHS9 student Jacob Patterson is eager to create an exciting environment at school. Patterson was elected as one of six student council executive officers.

[Photo] Jacob Patterson

Hamza Zakir, Staff Writer
November 11, 2024
On Sept. 30, the CISD Board of Trustees voted to consolidate Pinkerton Elementary School, impacting the community. The Sidekick staff writer Neha Nathwani recollects her experience at Pinkerton and how it has shaped her into who she is today. Photo illustration by Anvita Bondada and Safiya Azam

[Photo] Once a Pinkie, always a Pinkie

Neha Nathwani, Staff Writer
October 29, 2024
CHS9 English teacher Christopher Arney is the Leo Club sponsor and head of EF Tours. Growing up with ADHD and feeling confined by a private school environment, Arney aspires to create an open environment within his classes. Photo illustration by Anvita Bondada and Pranavi Ramineni

[Photo] CHS9 Teacher of The Issue: Arney’s childhood experiences shaping teaching approach

Jay Vernekar, Staff Writer
November 4, 2024
Coppell sophomore outside hitter Brooke Felix passes at CHS Arena on Oct. 18. Felix has been playing volleyball since sixth grade and takes pride in the community around her. Photo by Manasa Borra

Felix fostering community within volleyball program

Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Editor
October 28, 2024
Coppell sophomore middle blocker Finley Penniman blocks against Flower Mound in CHS Arena on Friday. The Cowgirls lost 25-22, 25-21, 26-24, to the Jaguars.

Cowgirls fall short in tight match to Flower Mound

Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Editor
October 26, 2024
CHS9 students Dee Raibourn and Claire McSpadden rehearse “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in the Dome on Sept. 16. The show brings a seasonal production to CHS9 theater as Halloween approaches.

[Photo] Freshman theater brings seasonal show to stage with “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

Aashi Panchal, Staff Writer
October 22, 2024
CHS9 English I teacher Megan Wells competes in pageants, operates a therapy business and coaches the Coppell High School cheer team outside of the classroom. This is Wells’ first year at CHS9.

[Photo] Wells welcomes CHS9 through cheer, guidance

Greeshma Marathu, Staff Writer
October 17, 2024
CHS9 students Claire McSpadden and Dee Raibourn rehearse “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in the Dome on Sept. 16. The show is set to be performed Oct. 24, 25, 26 at 7 p.m. in the CHS9 Dome.

[Photo] Headless Horseman riding into Coppell: Freshmen bring “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” to life

Pranavi Ramineni, Staff Writer
September 27, 2024
Coppell High School AP Psychology teacher Nathan Allison displays pictures of his travels across 20 countries on his bulletin board in B227. Allison, a new teacher at CHS, is the leader of the Coppell Educational Travel Program and the founder of Teachers Traveling Abroad.

Allison builds personal awareness through travel

Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Editor
September 18, 2024
CHS9 AP Human Geography teacher Kevin Pakarinen leads a game of Jeopardy! with human geography topics in his eighth period class on Sept. 8. Pakarinen was voted as October CHS9 Teacher of the Issue by CHS9 faculty members for his enthusiasm and ability to connect with students.

CHS9 Teacher of the Issue: Pakarinen guiding students through personal interests

Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Editor
September 18, 2024

[Video] On the Record: Hart coding her way to Amazon

Anvita Bondada and Rhea Chowdhary
September 13, 2024
On Wednesday, Dr. Greg Axelson was announced as the new principal of CHS9, replacing Dr. Cody Koontz. Dr. Axelson previously served as the principal of CMS North for seven years. On Wednesday, Dr. Greg Axelson was announced as the new principal of CHS9, replacing Dr. Cody Koontz. Dr. Axelson previously served as the principal of CMS North for seven years. Photo courtesy Coppell ISD

Axelson named new principal at CHS9

Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Editor
June 21, 2024
CHS9 students play a game of tug-of-war on the football field on Friday. CHS9 held its fourth annual Cowboy Fest to celebrate the end of the school year and boost school spirit.

Expanded Cowboy Fest brings festivity to freshmen

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
May 20, 2024
Watching movies can be an activity that alleviates stress. Staff writer Anvita Bondada discusses how her routine of watching a movie every Saturday has become a beloved habit of hers as it allows her to wind down from the pressures of school.

Moving with movies through junior year

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
May 17, 2024
Newly elected Ramesh Premkumar stands with his family as he gets sworn in for Place 5 at the Coppell City Council Meeting on Tuesday. The council swore in the mayor and Places 4, 5 and 6, and approved the zoning plans of new buildings at Coppell High School.

Mayor, Places 4, 5, 6 sworn in at council meeting

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
May 16, 2024
Field trips can be a great way to get students excited about content inside the classroom by showing them their usages outside the classroom. The Sidekick staff writer Anvita Bondada explains how going to D Magazine on a Sidekick field trip made her even more passionate about journalism, and how field trips in other classes can be beneficial as well.

Column: The trip is worth the time

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
May 13, 2024

[Video] The Talk: The Limitations on Field Trips at CHS

Anvita Bondada and Wendy Le
May 13, 2024
Coppell High School teacher Linda Jurca has taught special education for 22 years. Jurca is retiring this year, as she plans to volunteer and travel the world.

Jurca transitions to new beginnings

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
May 7, 2024
The Sidekick staff writer Anvita Bondada walks to lunch with features editor Anushree De, which is a daily ritual for the two. Bondada considers De a role model to her.

An ode to The Sidekick’s seniors: Anushree De

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
May 6, 2024
Campaign signs line the street in front of City Hall on Saturday, May 4 in Coppell. Ramesh Premkumar won the City Council Place 5 election and Nichole Bentley won the School Board Place 6 election.

[Photo] Premkumar, Bentley win local election for Place 5, 6

Nyah Rama, CHS9 Editor
May 5, 2024
CHS9 AP Computer Science Principles teacher Seneca Hart converses with freshman Joyce Tao. Hart is a strong advocate for women in STEM, and is the instructional manager of nonprofit organization Girls Who Code.

Hart eclipses gender barriers in computer science

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
April 25, 2024
Chief financial officer Diana Sircar explains how Coppell ISD is funded at the Coppell High School Commons at Thursday evening’s Budget Community Dialogue. District administrators addressed Coppell ISD’s strained budget and called for feedback from attendees.

District shares budget challenges, seeks ideas at Budget Community Dialogue

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
April 5, 2024
Songwriter Faye Webster's music consists of acoustic ballads while incorporating various emotions like sorrow, melancholy, passion and love. The Sidekick staff writer Anvita Bondada reviews Webster’s album Underdressed at the Symphony and comments on the indulging aspects of the album, the captivating lyrics and the overall soothing tones.

Webster transcends genres on Underdressed at the Symphony

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
March 28, 2024
Coppell freshman Anna Grace Gauntt practices at CHS Small Gym on March 1. Gauntt is the CHS9 cheer captain and leads through a positive mindset.

Bringing spirit to success

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
March 27, 2024

[Video] The Talk: The Flip Side of the Flipped Classroom

Anvita Bondada and Wendy Le
March 22, 2024
In a pool of 4,577 Coppell High School graduates from 2019 to 2022, 43 percent went to either Texas A&M, University of Texas at Austin or University of Texas at Dallas. Students' mindsets have changed as the trend indicates seniors are leaning towards the same familiar college options.

Make a selection

Sahasra Chakilam and Anvita Bondada
February 8, 2024
Coppell junior forward J McGill breaks past Hebron defense at Buddy Echols Field on Tuesday. The Cowboys beat the Hawks, 3-0.

Coppell victorious over Hebron, 3-0

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
February 8, 2024
Coppell senior forward Gareth Meza Murillo dribbles against Azle at Buddy Echols Field on Jan. 19. The Cowboys plays Hebron at 7:30 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field on Tuesday.

Boys soccer seeking district win against Hebron

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
February 6, 2024
Flipped classrooms can leave students fatigued as teachers opt for video lectures that students must watch at home. The Sidekick staff writer Anvita Bondada explores the reasons behind this shift, its potential harm to students and the debate surrounding its place in high schools.

We do not deserve a pre-recorded education

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
January 19, 2024
Coppell High School juniors Aishi Biswal, Amrita Vittal and Jada Parker present how interacting with nature eases anxiety. CHS Anatomy & Physiology classes present ideas of booths to target mental health issues.

[Photo] Anatomy students plan for May mental health fair

Elizabeth De Santiago, Staff Writer
January 8, 2024
Coppell ISD director of Career and Technical Education Josh Howard discusses new CTE certifications in a school board meeting at the Vonita White Administration building on Monday. The board announced Dwight Goodwin as the new executive director of technology of CISD, and reviewed changes to the CTE program.

School Board introduces new technology director, discusses new CTE course

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
December 13, 2023
Coppell High School senior Ana Jesayen serves as Coppell Choir vice president, Vivace! dance captain and Madrigals Queen. Jesayen is in her seventh year of choir and uses singing to tell her story.

Jesayen ignites emotion one song at a time

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
December 6, 2023
Coppell High School senior Charlotte Selby gives back to the DFW community through participating in the nonprofit CANstruction’s yearly can sculpture competition, which was created to help provide food to local families in need. Selby has been teaming up with her father’s architectural firm to compete since August 2020.

Selby combines creativity, community service through canned canvases

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
December 5, 2023
On Sunday, Coppell residents gathered for the annual Holiday House fundraiser, which took place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Coppell High School. Local vendors got the opportunity to sell their products and make memories with the community.

Holiday House brings winter spirit to community through handcrafted goods

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
November 13, 2023
The Sidekick entertainment editor Ainsley Dwyer is thankful for her father, Tom Dwyer. She thanks him for sharing his love of history with her, creating a common interest between them.

[Photo] Giving thanks: History buff runs in the family

Ainsley Dwyer, Entertainment editor
November 7, 2023
The Sidekick staff writer Neha Nathwani works on her laptop as Coppell High School senior Sirini Karundasa sleeps on her shoulder. Nathwani is grateful for the sanctuary that the Cozby Library and Community Commons provides.

[Photo] Giving thanks: The cozy Cozby Library

Neha Nathwani, Staff Writer
November 2, 2023
For film fanatics: Movies hitting theaters the next four months

For film fanatics: Movies hitting theaters the next four months

Anvita Bondada, Ainsley Dwyer, and Elizabeth De Santiago
November 1, 2023
Many have watched Barbie movies as children and the brand has inspired many to reach for their dreams and believe in themselves. The Sidekick staff writer Anvita Bondada is grateful for Barbie as it is a meaningful part of her childhood and encourages her to connect to her inner child.

Giving thanks: Get your sparkle on

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
November 1, 2023
Drum Majors Lindsey Won, David Reyna, Sid Bellam, Ananya Balaji, and Trinay Akula Kamalesh pose with Coppell High School Principal Laura Springer on Oct 21 at Pennington Field. Coppell Marching Band competes in the UIL State Marching Band Contest on Oct. 30-31 in San Antonio. Photo courtesy Coppell High School Band

Marching Band advances to UIL State Marching Band Contest

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
October 26, 2023
CHS9 students Samantha Gelman and Teo Petrov rehearse for this year’s fall show, “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind.” The show runs from Oct. 26- Oct. 28 at 7 p.m at the CHS9 Band Hall.

[Photo] CHS9 theater enlightened to present “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind”

Greeshma Marathu, Staff Photographer
October 26, 2023
AP Precalculus students collaborate on an assignment during Karie Kosh’s seventh period on Tuesday. Coppell High School introduced AP Precalculus to its curriculum for the 2023-24 school year.

[Photo] New AP Precalculus course empowers students with math skills

Pranavi Ramineni, Staff Designer
October 26, 2023
Coppell High School Larriettes march down West Parkway Boulevard in the 2023 Homecoming Parade on Oct. 11. The annual Homecoming Parade features different Coppell organizations walking to cheer on Coppell’s football team in its Homecoming game on Friday.

Homecoming parade brings light to Parkway Boulevard through school spirit

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
October 19, 2023
Public speaking can come as a challenge to many high school students, oftentimes leaving them in a state of nervousness. The Sidekick staff writer Anvita Bondada has advice on things that students can do in order to improve their public speaking and fear of it.

Dear CHS: Don’t be afraid to speak up

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
October 18, 2023
The Talk: Is homecoming worth it?

The Talk: Is homecoming worth it?

Sahasra Chakilam, Anvita Bondada, Neha Nathwani, and Wendy Le
October 17, 2023
Freshmen often feel overwhelmed when they start high school, with many questioning what their focus will be, who their friends are, and what clubs to join. In contrast, upperclassmen wish they could go back to enjoy their freshman year more, free of the stress that comes in the later parts of high school.

Freshman Forecast: How to navigate your freshman year

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
October 2, 2023
New Coppell ISD policy states that any student caught with an e-cigarette on school grounds on second offense will be sent to Victory Place @ Coppell. New Texas law requires all school districts to increase penalties for students who bring e-cigarettes to school.

[Photo] Clearing the haze

September 28, 2023
Jack Philips talks to Coppell High School students on the new development project at City Hall. Architects from Samit Patel Design Studios came to the Coppell High School Lecture Hall on Wednesday to teach Art II sculpture students about landscape architecture, and announce an opportunity to submit design ideas for a new project at City Hall.

Samit Patel Design Studios announces architecture contest for art students

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
September 25, 2023
CHS9 head theater director Eugenia Montoya, gives stage directions to freshmen Samantha Gellman, Lena Gay and Teo Petrov in the CHS9 Dome on Monday. The CHS9 Theatre Company is performing “Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind” from Oct. 26-28.

Creation of CHS9’s fall theater production, “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind”

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
September 20, 2023
Coppell High School junior Sophie Caswell and New Tech High @ Coppell junior Sarvin Narang rehearse Coppell Theatre Company’s fall production “Harvey” in the Black Box Theatre on Monday. Rehearsals began on Aug. 28 and the show is set to be performed Oct. 6-7 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 8 at 2:30 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium.

Down the rabbit hole of “Harvey”

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
September 20, 2023
Coppell High School senior Zahra Shaikali spent 8 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.

Expanding her horizons: Shaikhali takes off with Southwest Airlines

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
September 15, 2023
Valley Ranch Elementary School garden volunteer Doris Patrick holds her prestigious Heroes for Children Award in the VRE Garden of the Stars. The Heroes for Children Award is given to residents who commit time and support toward public schools, in which Patrick was one of 15 in Texas to receive the award.

Patrick buds new beginnings for students at VRE garden

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
September 12, 2023
JPMorgan Chase & Co Executive Director of Cybersecurity & Technology Controls Samit Majumdar discusses the history behind artificial intelligence to students at the Coppell Middle School East Library on Friday. The presentation discussed the history and pros and cons of AI to promote the first year of the high school credit, Fundamentals of Computer Science, at all three middle schools.

CMSE technology seminar announces Thomson Reuters media literacy contest

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
September 11, 2023
Coppell High School junior Akshat Athale converses with an attendee at Saksham fundraiser. Athale founded his nonprofit, Saksham, in the summer of 2022. Photo courtesy of Akshat Athale.

Athale garnering new experiences through financial literacy education

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
May 19, 2023
Coppell High School senior Jessica Mendez-Gil participates in girls wrestling and is on track to pursue medical studies. CHS students voted on the 19 most influential seniors in the graduating class of 2023.

Jessica Mendez-Gil: Inspirational

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
May 19, 2023
Coppell High School senior Shrayes Gunna is the Student Council historian and Senior Class treasurer, a Red Jacket, a World Schools debater and The Sidekick's student life editor. CHS students voted on the 19 most influential seniors in the graduating class of 2023.

Shrayes Gunna: Eloquent

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
May 19, 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: How to unwind after AP exams

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
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
Lana Del Rey’s new album Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd is about her personal struggles expressed through music. Read The Sidekick staff writer Anvita Bondada’s review to learn more about the various unique songs in her newest set of musical masterpieces.

Del Rey cuts deep on Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
May 1, 2023
Coppell resident Martha Lopeztello finishes her Kolam painting in the Cozby Library and Community Commons Library meeting room on April 18. The library held a class for Kolam painting, an art form practiced in South India.

Video: Cozby Library and Community Commons encouraging diversity through Kolam painting workshop

Divya Sivalenka and Anvita Bondada
April 28, 2023
CHS9 students dance together in the small gym during the Sadie Hawkins dance on Friday in the gym on campus. The dance’s theme was “Family Vacation” and was organized by the CHS9 Student Council.

CHS9 Sadie Hawkins dance creates lasting bonds between students

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
April 24, 2023
Coppell High School senior Jamie Park toys with makeup and fashion to express her emotions and portray new aesthetics. Having founded her own crochet business, Jamie Couture, Park hopes to continue to explore fashion and design in college. Photo courtesy of Jamie Park.

Park channeling creativity through fashion, makeup

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
April 11, 2023
Miley Cyrus released her eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation, on March 10 with lead single “Flowers” reaching a peak of No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Staff writer Anvita Bondada believes the album fails to showcase Cyrus’s talents and potential.

Cyrus makes primitive return to pop music with Endless Summer Vacation

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
April 5, 2023
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