• 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
Avani Kashyap

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor

Avani Kashyap is a senior and the Daily News/Assignment Editor for The Sidekick. She loves animals and you can find her talking about her dog all day. In her free time, she enjoys doing Indian Classical Dance and spending time outdoors. You can contact her through email at [email protected] or follow her on twitter @AvaniKashyap03.

All content by Avani Kashyap
Coppell High School senior Katherine Anderson is ranked No. 10 in the CHS class of 2021. Anderson will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology and study aerospace engineering.

Katherine Anderson

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
May 14, 2021
Coppell High School senior Priya Marella is ranked No. 3 in the graduating class of 2021. Marella will be attending the New Jersey Institute of Technology in the fall with a provisional acceptance into New Jersey Medical School for a seven year BS/MD program.

Priya Marella

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
May 14, 2021
Coppell High School senior Cole Tramel is ranked No. 2 in the graduating class of 2021. Tramel will be attending the University of Texas at Austin in the fall and is majoring in Computer Science in the Turing Scholars Program.

Cole Tramel

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
May 14, 2021
Coppell High School senior Dongkyu Lee is ranked No. 1 in the graduating class of 2021. Lee will be attending Rice University in the fall and is majoring in Computer Science.

Dongkyu Lee

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
May 14, 2021
Coppell High School senior Dongkyu Lee is ranked No. 1 in the graduating class of 2021. Lee will be attending Rice University in the fall and is majoring in Computer Science.

Class of 2021 top 10 contemplate high school experiences, impart advice for students

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
May 14, 2021
For many high schoolers, issues such as cheating, deadlines and tuition serve as common concerns during senior year. The Sidekick daily news/assignment editor Avani Kashyap discusses her experience with feeling like a hypocrite when it comes to the aforementioned concerns. Graphic by Akhila Gunturu

What happens when a hypocrite recognizes their own hypocrisy?

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
May 14, 2021
Wes Mays was elected as the new mayor of Coppell in the City Council election on May 1. Brianna Hinojosa-Smith won re-election for Place 2, Kevin Nevels won Place 3, Biju Mathew won Place 6 and Place 3 will go to a runoff between Don Carroll and Davin Bernstein on June 5. Photo by Olivia Cooper

Mays elected Mayor, Place 3 heading to runoff after City Council Election

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
May 11, 2021
Texas Woman’s University awarded its prestigious Chancellor’s Endowed Scholarship to Coppell High School senior Binivaa Manandhar on March 25 in the CHS Arena. Manandhar was the only applicant out of 1,600 to receive the award. Photo by Pranati Kandi

Manandhar receives exclusive TWU’s Chancellor Endowed Scholarship

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
May 4, 2021
Coppell High School Principal Laura Springer revealed on Thursday that around 400 seniors were failing classes and in danger of not graduating on time. Administrators and teachers are encouraging students to come to school in person or join classes synchronously and are asking parents to help check students’ grades. Photo by Lilly Gorman.

400 seniors in danger of failing classes, not graduating on time

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
April 27, 2021
Coppell Student Media was awarded its fourth National Scholastic Press Association Online Pacemaker on April 10. The NSPA Pacemaker, often considered the Pulitzer Prize of scholastic journalism, has been awarded since 1927 and is the highest honor of achievement for high school journalism programs. Coppell Student Media, launched in 2008, also won Pacemakers in 2017, 2018 and 2020. Graphic courtesy NSPA

Coppell Student Media named one of 13 recipients of national Pacemaker award

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
April 19, 2021
In the last four years, late night TV shows have focused more on politics.The Sidekick daily news/assignment editor Avani Kashyap thinks late night television should not be consumers’ main source of daily news as its biased nature influences consumer’s opinions.

Con: Late night TV should not be your first news source

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
April 1, 2021
Political comedy is often at the forefront of many late night talk shows, allowing for a more light hearted delivery of the news. The Sidekick executive news editor Shivi Sharma explains how late night talk shows can be a valuable source of news.

Pro/Con: Are late night talk shows effective news sources?

Shivi Sharma and Avani Kashyap
April 1, 2021
A survey of 659 students at Coppell High School found that more than half first received their news from social media. A lack of media literacy in youth has revealed the importance of student journalism. Graphic by Neha Desaraju

Waging an inevitable war (Part 3)

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
February 26, 2021
In a survey of 12,043 U.S. adults conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2019, it was revealed that Republicans had more than twice as much distrust when compared to Democrats in a sample of 30 news sources. As trust in the media has hit historic lows in the past four years, political polarization has been increasing. Graphic by Blanche Harris

Waging an inevitable war (Part 2)

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
February 26, 2021
Coppell High School students play in the freshly fallen snow near Buddy Echols Field yesterday. This afternoon, Coppell ISD announced via email that all campuses will be closed through Friday due to inclement weather.

District extends school closures through Friday

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
February 16, 2021
Coppell High School is surrounded by snow as the parking lot ices over on Sunday. Coppell ISD will be closed for in person and virtual learning this Tuesday and Wednesday.

District closes in-person, virtual learning for next two days

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
February 15, 2021
Coppell High School students work on a geographical map assignment during the second period of the Coppell outdoor adventures class with coach Bill Parker in H107. Due to the cold weather today, a lot of classes have moved to learning indoors. Photo by Tracy T.

As neighboring districts close, CISD campuses open today to students

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
February 11, 2021
According to the poll conducted by Gallup, six out of 10 Americans have either little or no trust at all in mass media. This distrust has grown throughout the last couple of decades due to recent political views and influences. Graphic by Josh Campbell

Waging an inevitable war (Part 1)

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
February 2, 2021
Coppell sophomore power forward Julianna Lamendola takes a shot against Lewisville at the CHS arena on Friday night. The Cowgirls were defeated by Lewisville with a close score of 32-29.

Lewisville snaps Cowgirls winning streak

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
February 1, 2021
Last Thursday, Coppell ISD seniors participated in Adulting Day, where they learned life skills and lessons to prepare them for life after high school. CISD teachers and alumni hosted virtual panels throughout the day, covering topics such as Cooking, Finance, Self Defense, and Auto Maintenance. Graphic by Blanche Harris

District’s Adulting Day gives seniors an insight into life after graduation

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
January 12, 2021
The Cowboy Spur- Episode 8

The Cowboy Spur- Episode 8

Blanche Harris, Avani Kashyap, and Akhila Gunturu
December 11, 2020
The Coppell ISD Board of Trustees reviewed the district’s current $7 million deficit and possible ways to reduce expenditure on Monday night. The board discussed cutting Coppell High School’s International Baccalaureate Program, requiring CHS students to take release periods and closing New Tech High @ Coppell as possible options.

Board reevaluating programs due to $7 million budget deficit

Avani Kashyap and Shivi Sharma
December 11, 2020
Former Coppell High School algebra II teacher Michelle Bellish prepares materials for her tutoring classes on Dec. 2 outside CHS. Bellish recently retired after 32 years of teaching because of COVID-19 and now has her own math tutoring service. Photo by Tracy Tran

Traditional classroom experience preparing Bellish to explore tutoring

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
December 10, 2020
Coppell varsity junior small forward India Howard shoots against Colleyville Heritage at the CHS Arena on Friday. The Cowgirls defeated the Panthers 66-46.

Cowgirls take final preseason game

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
December 8, 2020
Coppell sophomore guard Jessie Huff drives past Richland junior Madison Jackson at the CHS Arena on Tuesday. The Cowgirls face Colleyville Heritage tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. in the CHS Arena.

Cowgirls looking to finish strong against Colleyville Heritage in final preseason game

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
December 4, 2020
Coppell High School IB English teacher Stephanie Spaete is awarded roses and a certificate in the CHS Auditorium during first period Wednesday. Spaete was named CHS’s 2020-21 Teacher of the Year. Photo by Lilly Gorman

Spaete awarded Teacher of the Year

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
December 3, 2020
Coppell High School and the Coppell High School Ninth Grade campus are moving to remote learning only from tomorrow to Nov. 18. Aramark custodial services will be deep cleaning both campuses as in person learning resumes on Nov. 19. Photo by Samantha Freeman

CHS, 9th grade campus moving to 5 days full remote learning

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
November 11, 2020
In Tuesday’s City Council election, incumbent Wes Mays won against David Bernstein for Place 3. As no candidate won the majority for Place 5, leading candidates John Jun and Jim Walker are headed for a runoff election of Dec. 8. Graphic by Pranati Kandi

Mays wins re-election, Place 5 heads for runoff in City Council election

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
November 6, 2020
Coppell High School senior Cameron Reid plays guitar at Andy Brown Park East on Oct. 21. Coppell has a rich history in the arts whether it be performing or visual.

Adding texture to paint

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
November 5, 2020
Coppell High School seniors Maggie Castranova and Ryan Walker are named homecoming queen and king on Friday at Buddy Echols Field. The homecoming court and crowning took place at halftime during the football game against Plano West.

Walker, Castranova crowned homecoming royalty

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
November 4, 2020
Behind the Ballot: Erin Bogdanowicz, City Council Place 5

Behind the Ballot: Erin Bogdanowicz, City Council Place 5

Avani Kashyap, Lilly Gorman, and Divya Joshi
November 3, 2020
PSAT testing for Coppell High School juniors is tomorrow, and all learners who are not taking the test will participate in remote learning. There will be no Zoom sessions throughout the day, but all students must complete their daily assignments in Schoology to receive attendance credit. Graphic by Blanche Harris

Coppell High School to hold PSAT testing for juniors

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
October 13, 2020
The Voter Registration Drive is Saturday at Coppell High School. The district is providing an opportunity to register to vote for the upcoming election in November. Graphic by Blanche Harris.

Coppell High School to host Voter Registration Drive this Saturday

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
September 29, 2020
On Tuesday, the Coppell Cowgirls lost against McKinney Boyd and Weatherford. Mckinney Boyd won 3-0 and Weatherford won 3-0 as well. Graphic by Tracy Tran.

Cowgirls suffer two losses against McKinney Boyd, Weatherford

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
September 24, 2020
Coppell senior Chloe Hassman and junior Waverly Hassman run during cross country practice at Buddy Echols Field on Tuesday morning. Hassman committed to the University of Pennsylvania for track and field and cross country on Aug. 22. Photo by Lilly Gorman.

Hassman commits to UPENN, finds her way back to hometown

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
September 16, 2020
Pets are ready to be adopted at the Coppell Animal Services. During COVID-19, animal adoption has increased as people stay home and are happier to have pets around the house. Photo by Lilly Gorman

Chasing the ‘pawsitives’ of COVID-19

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
September 15, 2020
During Monday evening’s Coppell ISD Board meeting, the district revealed new safety guidelines that will be followed once in-person school opens on Sept. 8. Richard J. Lee Elementary, Valley Ranch Elementary, Lakeside Elementary and Wilson Elementary received the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) student leadership award. Graphic by Sreeja Mudumby.

Board reveals new safety protocols in preparation for students on campus

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
August 25, 2020
Today, the first day of the new school year began virtually as students logged in to zoom meetings for at least the first 15 minutes of each class. As per the Dallas County public health order, school will continue virtually until Sept. 8, after which students can choose between in-person and distance learning. Photo by Chase Wofford.

Virtual start to school year emphasizes flexibility, engagement

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
August 17, 2020
Coppell ISD’s Facebook Live on Thursday evening detailed curriculum goals and sanitation procedures for the upcoming school year. CISD administrators answered questions from the community regarding procedures for in-person and distance learning. Photo by Chase Wofford.

District’s Facebook Live explains instructional, safety protocols for new school year

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
August 7, 2020
During the Coppell ISD Board Meeting on Monday evening, the start of the school year was postponed from Aug. 12 to Aug. 17. School will begin online until Sept. 8, after which in-person learning will also be offered. Graphic by Samantha Freeman.

District moves first day of school to Aug. 17

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
July 28, 2020
On Thursday, schools were prohibited from opening on-campus instruction until Sept. 8 as a result of Dallas County’s news public health order. Any school sponsored in-person activities are prohibited until this day. Photo by Shivi Sharma.

Dallas County postpones in-person school until Sept. 8 in new public health order

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
July 19, 2020
Coppell ISD released a Draft Return to School Guide on July 8 to provide information to staff and families about the requirements for in-person and virtual learning for the upcoming school year. Major points include an emphasis on relationships, mandatory masks and use of the typical grading system.

Coppell ISD proposes changes to grading, campus procedures in Draft Return to School Guide

Avani Kashyap and Shivi Sharma
July 15, 2020
Austin Elementary Principal Lorie Squalls has been named the new principal of Coppell Middle School North. Squalls has more than 20 years of experience in education and is looking forward to building strong relationships with her new students, staff, and their families. Photo courtesy Coppell Middle School North

District elevates elementary leader to CMS North principal

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
June 23, 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
On May 2, Metroplex Medical Centres conducted COVID-19 antibody testing at Coppell High School. The drive-through testing administered 450 tests to Coppell residents, first responders, healthcare providers and essential workers.

Volunteers conduct mass COVID-19 antibody testing on campus

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
May 15, 2020
Coppell High School senior Justin Dodd receives his first gifts from the Adopt a Coppell High School Senior 2020 program. The program seeks to celebrate seniors living in Coppell by nominating students and sending them personalized gifts from adopters.

Adopt a Coppell High School Senior 2020 bringing seniors recognition, celebration

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
May 12, 2020
Members of the Global Recruiters of Coppell promote their business by participating in a pop-up parade down Denton Tap Road on Thursday. In efforts to keep the local economy strong and maintain social distancing rules, residents were encouraged to order take-out from their favorite Coppell restaurant and have a picnic in their car as they watched the parade go by.

“Takeout Thursday” Parade boosts economy, morale

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
April 24, 2020
The City of Coppell is hosting a pop-up parade at 6 p.m. today to support local businesses. Residents are encouraged to order takeout from a local restaurant and watch the parade go by on Denton Tap from their cars. Photo Courtesy City of Coppell

City of Coppell hosting pop-up parade tonight

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
April 23, 2020
Given the current Dallas County shelter-in-place order, many domestic abuse hotlines have seen a fluctuation in the number of calls. With this order, many people are forced to stay at home with their abuser, making for a difficult living situation.

COVID-19 creating dangerous environments for victims of domestic abuse

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
April 21, 2020
Coppell Middle School West eighth grader Sana Abusaad won first place at the multi-district level of the International Peace Poster Contest with Coppell Middle School West Art teacher Gail Cary. Abusaad’s poster will move on to be judged at the international level. Photo courtesy Coppell ISD

Sketching the future of peace

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
April 9, 2020
CHS9 students selected as members of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy pose for a picture after their kick-off meeting on Sept. 26. The Chick-fil-A Leader Academy fosters leadership skills in high school students through Leader Labs and service projects.

Chick-fil-A Leader Academy fostering future of leadership

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
April 3, 2020
Coppell junior guard Chloe Hassman dribbles past Flower Mound sophomore forward Sarah Edmondson at the CHS Arena on Feb. 7. Hassman made the All-District 6-6A first team.

Four Cowgirls make All-District 6-6A team

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
March 14, 2020
Coppell senior guard Nicole Obialo passes around Irving junior guard Bessy Alvarado on Jan. 11 at the CHS Arena. Obialo made the All-District 6-6A second team.

Nicole Obialo

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
March 14, 2020
Coppell senior guard Kennedi Rogers goes up for a layup in the CHS Arena on Dec. 10 against Grapevine. Rogers made the All-District 6-6A second team.

Kennedi Rogers

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
March 14, 2020
Coppell sophomore forward India Howard wins possession for the Cowgirls at tipoff against Irving in the CHS Arena on Jan. 11. Howard made the All-District 6-6A second team.

India Howard

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
March 14, 2020
Coppell junior guard Chloe Hassman dribbles past Flower Mound sophomore forward Sarah Edmondson at the CHS Arena on Feb. 7. Hassman made the All-District 6-6A first team.

Chloe Hassman

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
March 14, 2020
Coppell High School senior Drew Scrivner who plays Lief in CHS Theatre’s One Act Play “Bandersnatch” holds a sword to CHS junior Matthew O’Quinn, who plays Lief’s grandfather Grehner. “Bandersnatch” is based off Lewis Carroll’s “The Jabberwocky” and was performed. yesterday night in the CHS Auditorium.

Theatre brings fantasy world to life in One Act Play “Bandersnatch”

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
March 5, 2020
Coppell High School Theatre students are performing “Bandersnatch”, a One-Act Play, in preparation for their University Interscholastic League (UIL) performance. The free performance is tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium. Photo courtesy Coppell High School Theatre.

Coppell Theatre to perform re-imagined recreation of Carroll’s “Jabberwocky”

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
March 3, 2020
Coppell High School junior Juliana Thompson edits a KCBY segment in KCBY adviser Irma Kennedy’s third period class. Thompson recently submitted a segment to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Film Festival and is currently working to reestablish KCBY Español.

Thompson advocating for thrifting, bilingual programs through work in journalism

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
February 27, 2020
Coppell freshman guard Jules LaMendola brings the ball upcourt in the CHS Arena on Friday against Marcus. LaMendola is on the varsity team and is back on the court after suffering an injury in November. Photo by Neveah Jones.

LaMendola perseveres through injury, excels as freshman on varsity

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
February 4, 2020
Denton Creek Elementary fifth graders Bruno Castillo and Eric Hall hold their trophies from the Coppell ISD Spanish Spelling Bee. Castillo won first place and is advancing to the regional competition; Hall was runner up. Photo courtesy Coppell ISD.

District’s first Spanish spelling bee highlights bilingual benefits

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
February 3, 2020
Today is Student Press Freedom Day. Student Press Freedom Day began to advocate to stop censorship of student journalists.

Student Press Freedom Day promoting value of uncensored journalism

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
January 29, 2020
As digital communication grows, the significance of words is decreasing and people are developing a more limited vocabulary. The Sidekick staff writer Avani Kashyap discusses how we need to stop normalizing words. Graphic by Shriya Vanparia.

Words: Declining in power, increasing in importance

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
January 28, 2020
Members of the Coppell Republican Women’s Club hand out wreaths during the wreath laying ceremony on Saturday.. The wreath laying ceremony was held to honor veterans buried at the Rolling Oaks Memorial Center.

Wreath laying ceremony honors veterans to bring patriotic spirit into the holidays

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
December 19, 2019
The City of Coppell is hosting a wreath laying ceremony tomorrow at Rolling Oaks Memorial Center. The ceremony is from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and is part of the Wreaths Across America organization. Photo courtesy coppellrepublicanwomen.com

City honoring veterans with wreath laying ceremony

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
December 13, 2019
CHS9 student Coodrin Cristocea moved from Germany this August. Cristocea was CHS9’s September Student of the Month.

Q&A: Cristocea adapting to U.S. lifestyle

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
December 6, 2019
Coppell English II class taught by Carla Martinez helps the Cottonwood Creek first grade class taught by Brooks Burnap write letters to Santa for the holiday season on Thursday. The visit from the first graders is an annual event to encourage new relationships between high schoolers and underclassmen.

Holiday wishlists creating new friendships

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
December 5, 2019

Forensics students relate crime analysis to personal lives

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
October 31, 2019
Coppell High School juniors Hidayah Husain and Sheikha Seif watch the 2019 Muslim Interscholastic Tournament (MIST) recap video during the first Muslim Student Association (MSA) club meeting of the school year on Oct. 15. This meeting helps club members understand the importance of the MSA.

Muslim student club working to create sense of community

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
October 25, 2019
Coppell senior golfer Jackson Newsum watches as his drive travels down the fairway on Oct. 16 at Riverchase Golf Course. He has played golf since age of 2 and intends to continue working in golf as a career.

Newsum pursuing golf, integrating sports with management

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
October 25, 2019
A city council meeting was held at the Coppell Town Center on Oct 22. Important issues such as Municipal Court Week, citizen satisfaction and renovations to Lesley Field were discussed.

City Council meeting discusses renovations to Lesley Field, reviews citizens’ satisfaction survey

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
October 24, 2019
Chorale Choir performs at the Choir Fall Concert on Tuesday at CHS Auditorium. This annual concert showcases all the variant choirs including Madrigals, Treble, Tenor Bass, Chorale, Kantorei and A Cappella.

McCord’s composition, publishing company piece highlight fall choir concert

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
October 3, 2019
Coppell High School theater director Karen Ruth discusses the plot of “Newsies” and her vision for the play, which takes stage in November. “Newsies” is the story of paperboys going on strike in New York City in the late 19th century.

Theater department integrating technology into fall musical “Newsies”

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
September 12, 2019
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