• 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
Arman Merchant

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer

Arman Merchant is a senior and a third-year staffer on The Sidekick. He enjoys his time watching football, listening to music and walking his dog. With comments or concerns, contact him at @arman_merch or axm6226@g.coppellisd.com

All content by Arman Merchant
The Penny Podcast - Episode #042 + COVID-19 Update

[Video] The Penny Podcast – Episode #042 + COVID-19 Update

March 13, 2020
Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett departed from the team on Jan. 5. The Sidekick staff writer Arman Merchant discusses the impact of this departure upon Dallas Cowboys’ fans in Coppell.

Will decade of mediocrity come to an end with new hire?

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
February 6, 2020
During eighth period today, students and faculty evacuated after the fire alarm went off in B hall. Although it was a false alarm, it was good practice for students and faculty if a real fire were to occur.

Dusty smoke sensor leads to unexpected evacuation

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
January 24, 2020
The Sidekick staff writer Arman Merchant believes sports are ways for students to grow lifelong skills and friendships in a fun way. Merchant argues that sports are valuable extracurriculars and their importance is not overrated.

Participating in sports enables skills for future

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
January 17, 2020
Campus grounds near thee parking lot at Coppell High School was flooded after heavy rain over night and this morning. The heavy rain came after a record high temperature of 81 degrees Wednesday, light snow Saturday and tornado warnings Friday.

On the Spot: Weather changes impact school day

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
January 16, 2020
Coppell sophomore guard Ryan Agarwal attempts to make a play in the CHS Arena earlier this season against Timber Creek. The Cowboys play Irving tomorrow in the CHS Arena at 8 p.m.

Coppell basketball look to ride past Tigers in district play

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
January 9, 2020
Friday Night Live (FNL) is the disciplinary action for students who fail to meet the deadline for their schoolwork. Coppell High School Principal Laura Springer used FNL during her time at Coppell Middle School East.

Springer brings old policy for increased productivity

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 19, 2019
CHS Lariette seniors Irene Son, Emma Strong, Maya Mohan and Gillian Perry perform their senior show at the final pep rally of the year. The pep rally was conducted to engage the audience for the last football game of the season.

Cowboys ride away

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 8, 2019
Coppell senior wide receiver Jan Rivera returns a kickoff against Flower Mound on Friday night at Neal E. Wilson stadium. The Cowboys fell, 62-47, in their sixth district game of the season, eliminating them from playoff contention.

Shootout ends playoff hopes

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 2, 2019
Coppell sophomore quarterback Landry Fee gets ready to snap during the game against Irving in the annual Homecoming game last week at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowboys face Flower Mound tonight at 7 p.m. at Neal Wilson Stadium.

Cowboys with final chance to clinch playoff berth

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 1, 2019
Students in Sandy Kirkpatrick’s third period forensics class work on a murder mystery crime scene lab at the Coppell High School Library on Monday. Students look at different crime scenes around the library and work to solve each case.

On the Spot: Forensics department using creative approach with crime scene analysis

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
October 9, 2019
Coppell senior wide receiver Jan Rivera is tackled after a catch in the red zone. The Cowboys fell short in their first home District 6-6A game, 35-27, against Hebron on Friday night at Buddy Echols Field.

Hawks survive late Cowboys surge

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
October 5, 2019
Coppell sophomore defensive back Charlie Barker returns an interception on Sept. 27 against MacArthur at Joy and Ralph Ellis Stadium in Irving. Coppell takes on Hebron tonight at 7 p.m.

Cowboys looking to fly past Hawks in home district opener

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
October 4, 2019
CHS speaks: How has the return of Principal Ms. Springer changed the environment at CHS?

CHS speaks: How has the return of Principal Ms. Springer changed the environment at CHS?

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 30, 2019
New Tech High @ Coppell sophomore Arwyn Sullivan practices taekwondo at Grapevine Mills NTA Center on Sept. 19 from 5-8 p.m. Sullivan is now part of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Team and will be competing in their tournaments.

Love for taekwondo creates national recognition for Sullivan

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 25, 2019
Coppell sophomore wide receiver Anthony Black attempts to make a catch in the endzone. The Cowboys won their first home game of the season, 17-10, against L.D. Bell on Friday night at Buddy Echols Field.

Coppell with momentum as it heads into showdown with state champs (with video)

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 7, 2019
Coppell junior quarterback Ryan Walker sets up to pass against Sachse at Williams Stadium on Aug. 30, a 33-30 Sachse victory. The Cowboys plays LD Bell tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field.

Cowboys look to find redemption in home opener

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 5, 2019
Coppell football defensive coordinator Justin Merchant discusses with the defense during the Cowboys season opener against the Sachse Mustangs last Friday. With more than 15 years of experience, Merchant hopes to improve the defense while preparing his athletes for the future.

Coach’s Box: Merchant looking to make a difference on, off the field

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 4, 2019
Coppell senior quarterback Kevin Shuman rushes down the sideline against Sachse on Friday night at Williams Stadium, in Garland. The Mustangs defeated the Cowboys, 33-30, in the regular season opener

Mustangs ride past Cowboys in season opener (with video)

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
August 31, 2019
The Coppell football played in the annual spring game on May 16 for the 2019 season. The Cowboys start the season tonight against Sachse at 7 p.m. at Williams Stadium in Garland.

Cowboys open season with unfamiliar faces, same strategy

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
August 30, 2019
The Black team junior quarterback Drew Cerniglia rushing towards a first down during the annual spring football game. The Black team came up on top 14-7 during the friendly game.

Late score lifts Black past Red in annual spring football game

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
May 17, 2019
Manisha Reddy

Manisha Reddy

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
May 17, 2019

On the Spot: Round-Up distributes yearbook, yields year of memories (with video)

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
May 10, 2019
Coppell High School junior Jackson Walker practices running before school Tuesday morning at the Buddy Echols Track. Walker is preparing for the state track meet this weekend.

Current school records set up continued success for Walker

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
May 9, 2019
Teacher of the Week: Anderson love for environmental science with focus on future

Teacher of the Week: Anderson love for environmental science with focus on future

Arman Merchant and Laura Amador-Toro
May 7, 2019
Coppell High School senior Amit Benedict mimics Dirk Nowitzki’s signature fade away shot to commemorate the player’s 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki announced his retirement Tuesday in a sentimental speech to the crowd at the American Airlines Center following the Mavericks’ game with the Phoenix Suns.

On the Spot: NBA legend’s career comes to close, opens door for next generation (with video)

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
April 12, 2019
The Sidekick’s Student of the Week is Coppell High School sophomore Andrew Henry, who spends a lot of time at the Skate Park - Toyota of Lewisville Railroad Park. Henry enjoys playing guitar in his band, Pipeline, as well as supporting local bands around the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Student of the Week: Love for music turns into future for Henry

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
March 29, 2019
Four players from the Coppell girls basketball team, including senior forward Rowan Hassman (No. 31), junior center Nicole Obialo (No. 23), were named to the District 6-6A All-District first team. Coppell junior guards Jordan Nelson and Kennedi Rogers were named to the second team.

4 Cowgirls receive all-district recognition

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
March 22, 2019
On Feb. 5, a community forum was held to inform parents of the dangers of vaping and marijuana usage with teens. The forum also explained possible ways students can purchase these substances.

Coppell explores dangers of marijuana and vaping with community forum

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
March 6, 2019

GT/English lll students use creative approach with visual argument project from misuni k on Vimeo.

On the Spot: GT/English III students use creative approach with visual argument project (with video)

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
February 6, 2019

On the Spot: Psychology students learn to relieve stress with yoga (with video)

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
February 1, 2019
Coppell sophomore Emma Sherrer runs to keep her eyes on the ball on Tuesday Jan. 29 at the CHS arena. The Coppell Cowgirls defeated the Irving Tigers 75-36.

Love for sport turns into future for Sherrer

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
January 31, 2019
Coppell High School students wait in line to get into the c store during b lunch. The c store is open for all three lunches and serves Chick-fil-A on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

C-store sees string of recent thefts

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
January 25, 2019
Video: Coppell High School students speak on Student Council "New Year, New Me" week

[Video] Video: Coppell High School students speak on Student Council “New Year, New Me” week

January 16, 2019
Coppell High School seniors John Cashimere, Mathew Roddman, Caden Davis discuss a strategy for digital game English IV Asylum LA activity. The English IV teachers have worked on a new way for students to learn about tree well known books, “Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth” is the main focus of the activity.

English lV department offers new spin on classic books

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
December 14, 2018
Coppell High School senior guard Tariq Aman directs his teammates while waiting for a pass. The Cowboys defeated Rockwall Heath, 59-55, on Tuesday in the CHS arena.

Overtime run lifts Cowboys over Rockwall-Heath

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
December 13, 2018
CHS9 biology honors/GT teacher Cathy Douglas spent the last 18 years at Coppell High School, and has more than 27 years of teaching experience. Douglas recently won the first Teach of the Year award at CHS9.

Heart of it all: Experience, love of science drive Douglas to teach

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
December 7, 2018
Video: Coppell High School students react to Stan Lee's death

[Video] Video: Coppell High School students react to Stan Lee’s death

November 26, 2018
Coppell High School APUSH student dresses up as a social activist for the “We Are One” project. Students had to represent a piece of the Antebellum time period for this assignment.

On the Spot: APUSH students reenact Antebellum period through We Are One (with video)

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 12, 2018
Video: Social media in the U.S. Texas Senate race

[Video] Video: Social media in the U.S. Texas Senate race

November 8, 2018

Mock Gubernatorial Election from Devan P Patel on Vimeo.

On the Spot: Mock election introduces students to voting process (with video)

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 8, 2018
Junior varsities sophomore cheerleaders Katy Kryzak, Taylor Kniff and senior varsity cheerleader Laurie Sanford takes a picture with the winning bingo players on Friday Sept. 23 at Coppell High School. Once you yell bingo and match all the spots you can win a prizes such as gift cards, money, and more.

Cheer Bingo brings back old-fashioned fun

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
October 1, 2018
Coppell senior wide reciever Rasheed Noel runs the ball through the MacArthur defense to later score a touchdown. The Coppell Cowboys played against the Cardinals at Buddy Echols Field with the Cowboys winning the score of 28-21.

Second half rally sends Cowboys past MacArthur

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 30, 2018
Coppell High School senior running back Ryan Hirt runs past Allen Eagles on an outside run at Buddy Echols Field on Sep. 20 The Cowboys lost to the Allen Eagles, 21-0.

Cowboys look to fly past Cardinals in homecoming matchup

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 28, 2018

Suicide Awareness Month from KCBY-TV on Vimeo.

Best-selling author visits CISD for community forum on suicide awareness (with video)

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 21, 2018
Coppell volleyball coach Julie Price celebrates her 500th career win, with her team. The Cowgirls swept the top-ranked Byron Nelson 25-16, 25-20, 25-18 on Aug. 28.

Price makes history with 500th career win

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 18, 2018
CHS students buy homecoming tickets for $35 during C lunch on Sept. 17th during the second week of sales. Tickets will be sold through next week during all lunches before the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, Sept. 29. Prices will rise to $45 at the entrance.

Excitement in the air as students purchase homecoming tickets

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 17, 2018
A new school year brings a simplified change in the schedule with four blocks per day.

New school year brings change to bell schedule

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 11, 2018
Coppell High School senior running back Ryan Hirt runs past Blue Raiders players on an outside run. The Cowboys defeated the Blue Raiders, 41-7.

Coppell rolls past Blue Raiders as it heads into showdown with state champs

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 8, 2018
Coppell Cowboys senior Jonathan McGill defenses the ball against Sachse Mustangs during the fourth quarter on Aug.31 at Buddy Echols Field. The Coppell Cowboys defeated Sachse Mustangs 30 - 28.

Cowboys look to ride past Blue Raiders

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 7, 2018
The Coppell High School varsity volleyball team huddled together to pray before its game against the McKinney Lady Lions. The Lady Lions took the victory in four sets last Tuesday in the CHS Arena.

Coppell loses to McKinney High in four sets

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
August 24, 2018
Coppell High School premier class is presenting a senior showcase. The seniors who are in theater had written, directed, acted, and costumed their own original ten minute one man show which is showcasing on May 4. and May 5.

Drama students saying farewell with final performance

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
May 1, 2018
Coppell High School shooting guard and point guard senior Mary Luckett takes a shot from the free throw line. The Coppell varsity girls basketball team played against John Paul II on Tuesday winning the game 64-49.

Cowgirls soar past Lady Cardinals

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 29, 2017
Coppell High School senior small forward Kevin Galvin shoots a layup during the game against the Trinity Trojans at the Coppell High School Arena on Nov. 29. The Coppell Cowboys defeated the Trinity Trojans, 58-49.

Cowboys ride fast start en route to victory over Trojans

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 29, 2017
Coppell high school junior wide receiver Jonathan McGill celebrates a interception during the game against Rowlett Eagles at Buddy Echols field on Nov 17th. The Coppell Cowboys defeated the Rowlett Eagles 37-6, and will now advance to the second round of playoffs.

Cowboys get defensive in bi-district victory

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 18, 2017
Coppell Cowboys junior running back Ryan Hirt runs ball in hand as he makes his way to the end zone during the first quarter on Nov. 10 at Buddy Echols Field. The Coppell Cowboys defeated the Richardson Eagles, 49-14.

Showtime: Coppell football begins its quest for a state title with playoff opener

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 17, 2017
The Coppell Cowboys march out with American Flags before the game on Nov. 10 at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowboys commemorate the men and women that dedicate their lives to the United States for Veterans Day.

Cowboys fly past Richardson to soar into playoffs

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 11, 2017
Skyline Raiders junior wide receiver Nate Hister tackles Coppell Cowboys junior wide receiver Jonathan McGill after McGill catches a pass during the fourth quarter on Nov. 3 at Forester Stadium. The Coppell Cowboys defeated the Skyline Raiders 31-19.

Regular season concludes tonight for Cowboys on Senior Night against Richardson

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
November 10, 2017
The Cowgirls volleyball team plays their homecoming game against Lake Highlands on Friday night in the arena. The Cowgirls won all three sets 25-23, 25-19, 25-21.

Cowgirls volleyball defeat Lake Highlands at home

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
October 15, 2017
Coppell junior safety Jonathan McGill carries the ball during the first quarter of Friday night’s game at Buddy Echols Field. McGill had two touchdowns for the Cowboys as they defeated the Jesuit Rangers, 63- 41.

Cowboys win big against Jesuit with dominating performance

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
October 1, 2017
Coppell High School junior wide receiver Blake Jackson looks to run the ball after a pass from senior quarterback Brady McBride during the game against Allen Eagles at Allen Stadium. The Coppell Cowboys fell short to the Allen Eagles 35-23.

Cowboys looking for revenge against Jesuit

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 29, 2017
Cheer Bingo’s round three winner Lisa Pehl celebrates winning the round with her friends and family on Friday night at Coppell High School during the cheerleaders annual bingo fundraiser. The event has been held for more than 20 years and helps raise funds for the cheerleading program.

Cash, MacBooks, drones among prizes at annual Cheer Bingo

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 25, 2017
Coppell High School senior defensive specialist Ava Racz sets to junior Amarachi Osuji at the Coppell High School Arena against Pearce on Tuesday night. The Cowgirls defeated the Lady Mustangs, 25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 25-14, in their first home district game.

Cowgirls defeat the Lady Eagles in district match

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
September 16, 2017
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