• 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
Iniya Nathan

Iniya Nathan, Student Life Editor

Iniya Nathan is a senior and the Student Life Editor. In her free time she likes writing fiction and reading books. You can contact her at [email protected]

All content by Iniya Nathan
Coppell High School Honors Anatomy & Physiology teacher Jodie Deinhammer assists juniors Harini Hariharan and Nazia Quadri with their standard synthetic urinalysis lab in third period on Monday. Deinhammer was selected as The Sidekick’s Volume 34 Issue 6 Teacher of the Issue.

Teacher of the Issue: Deinhammer’s gap year decisions becomes lifelong

Iniya Nathan, Features Editor
May 19, 2023
Coppell High School Spanish teacher Emily Holmes discusses project guidelines with her students during sixth period on March 21. Holmes was selected as The Sidekick’s Volume 34 Issue 5 Teacher of the Issue.

Teacher of the Issue: Holmes’s love for Spanish brings her into her teaching journey

Iniya Nathan, Features Editor
April 4, 2023
Teacher of the Issue: From traveling with Peace Corps to economic consulting, Dr. Johnson applies past experiences to teaching

Teacher of the Issue: From traveling with Peace Corps to economic consulting, Dr. Johnson applies past experiences to teaching

Iniya Nathan, Features Editor
February 14, 2023

Video: 8 Questions with a… theater student

Iniya Nathan, Features Editor
January 23, 2023
Coppell High School sophomores Sriya Meduri, Mahika Patki and Saanvi Gaddam listen to remarks made by the Coppell City Council after their presentation on heart health for their HOSA competition. The Coppell City Council met on Tuesday night to also hear from the Smart City Board and citizens on recommendations they have for the city.

Council to brand Coppell as a smart city by 2024

Iniya Nathan, Features Editor
January 11, 2023
Coppell High School AP World History teacher Connor Blake shows his seventh period class an example of a properly structured document based question (DBQ) on Dec. 2. Blake has been selected as The Sidekick’s Volume 34 No. 3 Teacher of the Issue.

Teacher of the Issue: Blake off to a quick-start in education, follows his childhood passion

Iniya Nathan, Student Life Editor
December 15, 2022
Coppell High School English teacher Richard Orlopp chats with students during his third period for his IB English IV class on Oct. 26. Orlopp was selected as The Sidekick’s Volume 34 Issue 2 Teacher of the Issue.

Teacher of the Issue: Orlopp hops through jobs before finding his calling

Iniya Nathan, Student Life Editor
November 4, 2022
CHS9 AP Human Geography teacher Haley McDuffee plays “Speed Vocab” with her first period class on Oct. 26 to help students review before a test. McDuffee has taught at CHS9 for two years.

[Photo] McDuffee culminates a lively yet efficient classroom atmosphere

Sahasra Chakilam, Staff Photographer
October 28, 2022
The Sidekick Student Life editor Iniya Nathan reviews Till, a movie based on a true story about Mamie Till-Mobley, an educator and activist, who pursued justice for when her son Emmett Till was lynched in 1955. Nathan writes about strengths of the movie, and how it gives a historical perspective about a tragic time in America.

Till: Beautiful representation of a mother’s fight for justice changing the Civil Rights Movement

Iniya Nathan, Student Life Editor
October 26, 2022
Coppell Mayor Wes Mays with support of City Council Place 5 member John Jun proclamates October 21, 2022 as Korean Hanbok Day at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Korean Hanbok Day was approved to encourage Coppell residents to celebrate Korean culture.

Council declares Oct. 21 as Korean Hanbok Day, October as Arbor Day Celebration Month

Iniya Nathan, Student Life Editor
October 26, 2022
Personal finance expert David Wilson talks to Money Matters students on how to go through college debt free in the Coppell High School Lecture Hall during first period on Friday. Wilson was featured in Borrowed Future, a documentary on the student loan crisis which Money Matters students are watching in class.

Money Matters students learn from personal finance expert

Iniya Nathan, Student Life Editor
October 24, 2022
Coppell senior Lakshana Parasuraman plays against Plano in singles, winning 6-0 6-0 on Tuesday at the CHS tennis center. Coppell beat Plano, 17-2. Senior Night is the last home match of the season and celebrates seniors for their last season at Coppell High School.

[Photo] Coppell tennis commemorates seniors against Plano

Anushree De, Advertising and Circulations Manager
October 6, 2022
Coppell High School AP and Honors chemistry teacher Court- ney Crosby assists sophomores Yashitha Chunduru and Nayan Gandra and in completing their one-on-one honors chemistry quiz in seventh period. Crosby was selected as The Sidekick’s Volume 34 Issue 1 Teacher of the Issue.

Teacher of the Issue: Crosby continues to call Coppell home

Iniya Nathan, Student Life Editor
October 3, 2022
Coppell High School juniors (top row) Mehak Gandotra, Sana Shine, Pranathi Kommaraju, Sahasra Bajjuri, (bottom row) Swati Kulshrestha, Nandini Petluti, Mahek Khandelwal and Akshadha Challa lead Think Kids, the youth chapter of international nonprofit organization: Think Peace. Currently, Think Kids is focused on a Cycle to School project with a goal of providing bicycles for children in India who live too far from school to walk, limiting their access to education.

Thinking of kids outside our borders

Iniya Nathan, Student Life Editor
September 15, 2022
Nicholas Larry is a staff photographer on The Sidekick. The Sidekick’s CHS9 editor Iniya Nathan expresses how Larry has influenced her time on staff.

Nicholas Larry

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
May 13, 2022
Coppell High School Madrigal Choir performs “April is in my Mistress’ face” by Morley in the CHS Auditorium for its Spring Concert on Tuesday. The concert featured songs performed by the CHS choir at this year's UIL competition.

Final choir concert showcases sweepstakes performances

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
April 27, 2022
CHS9 Student Council treasurer Aiden Song applied for his position to represent the student body and improve his leadership and communication skills. Song aspires to hold the same position next year.

CHS9 Student Council Treasurer: Aiden Song

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
April 15, 2022
Into the lives of the CHS9’s student council leaders

Into the lives of the CHS9’s student council leaders

Iniya Nathan, Trisha Atluri, Anushree De, Manasa Mohan, and Tracy Tran
April 15, 2022
CHS9 social studies teacher Shanna Clapp elaborates on the factors that affect economic growth and development after the students in her AP human geography third period class gave short presentations on Wednesday. Clapp has been teaching at CHS9 for two years and was named February teacher spotlight.

CHS9 teacher spotlight brings kindness, tolerance to classroom

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
April 1, 2022
Michaels customer marketing tech Sachin Shrey discusses loyalty and engagement with members of the iLead Student program on March 10 at Coppell Middle School West. iLead Student exposes selected Coppell juniors to leadership and volunteering services.

iLead fostering leadership skills in juniors

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
March 24, 2022
Plano goalkeeper saves a shot during Friday’s match against Plano at Buddy Echols Field. The Coppell girls soccer team defeated Plano, 2-0.

Cowgirls’ freshmen score victory against Plano

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
February 20, 2022
On Dec. 2, CHS9 special education teacher Erika Chavez, pictured with CHS9 assistant principals Robert Goff, Jessica Lynch and Principal Dr. Cody Koontz, was announced CHS9 Teacher of the Year. Chavez has worked in Coppell ISD for five years, spending the last four at CHS9. Photo courtesy Emily Harrison

CHS9 Teacher of the Year chosen for phenomenal work

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
February 7, 2022
Coppell High School health science teacher Ray Pool assists sophomore Vidhath Mandala during first period on Jan. 25. Pool returned to teach at CHS this year after teaching at Argyle High School and Krum High School the past eight years.

Familiar face returns with same caring desire for helping others

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
February 7, 2022
From George Coppell to... being out of the closet in professional life

From George Coppell to… being out of the closet in professional life

Iniya Nathan and Angelina Liu
December 10, 2021
CHS9 student Om Patel prepares a Subway sandwich while on the job in Lewisville on Dec. 4. Patel runs a Subway with the help of his mother while simultaneously balancing school and other activities.

Patel learns business skills by managing Subway

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
December 9, 2021
Coppell High School junior Tanai Prathapam trims a wood block to fit his CO2 dragster for his engineering class during first period on Friday. Prathapam is a UNICEF officer and an aspiring engineer.

Prathapam puts effort in the present to pursue engineering

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
December 9, 2021
Two brothers, two journeys, two goals (with video)

Two brothers, two journeys, two goals (with video)

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
November 3, 2021
New CHS9 assistant principal Robert Goff previously worked at Sherman ISD. Goff taught biology, physics, space science, integrated physics and chemistry, and coached football, basketball, track and powerlifting.

Goff brings energy, enthusiasm to district

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
October 7, 2021
CHS9 student Arya Catna was selected as the Texas State Merit Winner. Catna was awarded for her research on a mulch blanket used to maintain proper conditions for plants, allowing them to thrive through harsh periods of weather.

Catna counters winter freeze with ingenuity

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
October 5, 2021
People share their opinions everyday on their interests, politics, TV shows, food and more. The Sidekick’s CHS9 editor Iniya Nathan thinks many people hide behind their thoughts being an opinion in order to say hurtful things.

You’re not entitled to your ignorance

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
September 27, 2021
New CHS9 assistant principal Jessica Lynch served as ESL facilitator at the campus for three years. Lynch graduated from Coppell High School in 2006, and her father, Clay Phillips, was Coppell city manager from 2008-17 and her mother, Terry Phillips, was a CHS secretary from 2000-18.

Lynch following family legacy in serving hometown

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
September 17, 2021
CHS9 Principal Dr. Cody Koontz is welcomed with a surprise celebration which was organized by assistant principal Jessica Lynch. The event was held to congratulate Koontz on the completion of his doctorate level degree.

CHS9 surprises Koontz to celebrate doctorate

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
September 7, 2021
Tuesday was the first day of school in Coppell ISD. CHS9 students walk around the halls during passing period looking for their class. The building is full since there is no virtual learning option for grades 7-12 this year.

#CHS9Family together in person on the first day of school

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
August 18, 2021
Sprouts Farmers Market on W. Sandy Lake Road is currently hiring. The Sidekick staff writer Iniya Nathan scopes out local businesses for Coppell teenagers looking for summer jobs

Interactive: Job hunting help for teens

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
May 14, 2021
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar based on the cycles of the moon. This year, Ramadan is celebrated from April 12 to May 12.

Muslims celebrating Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr despite social distancing restrictions

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
May 14, 2021
Coppell High School senior Sydney de León was accepted into Pace University for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater. This is a highly selective program that accepts about 26-28 students each year from all over the world.

Local star follows dreams afar

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
April 26, 2021
Coppell High School AP chemistry teacher Amy Snyder receives her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on March 9 at CVS Pharmacy in Southwest Arlington. Teachers nationwide have been eligible to get the vaccine since March 8. (Photo courtesy Amy Snyder)

District teachers protecting classrooms by getting COVID-19 vaccine

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
April 12, 2021
Coppell City Council Place 5 member John Jun picks up trash as a part of the Coppell Lions Club at Duck Pond Park on Saturday. Jun has been picking up trash around Coppell in a way to better support his community.

Jun serving community through picking up trash

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
March 10, 2021
Texas Tech University tennis professional Robert Barry runs a drill with his intermediate tennis class at the CHS Tennis Center on Wednesday. Barry has been coaching at the CHS Tennis Center since 1999.

Barry relentless after two decades of teaching chosen craft

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
March 9, 2021
Lou Duggan was the executive director of the Coppell Nature Park before retiring last year. Duggan spent 20 years gathering volunteers and spreading his vision to form the Coppell Nature Park and the Biodiversity Education Center. His name was added to the building in honor of his contributions.

Duggan leaves green mark on city

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
February 11, 2021
Coppell Middle School West artistic and choir director Allison Hartzell leads vocal warm ups with her class on Friday at CMSW. Hartzell has always loved to sing and became inspired by her high school choir director, which led her to work in music education.

Hartzell’s enthusiasm for choir inspires those around her (with video)

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
February 3, 2021
Video: CHS Reacts to Biden's Inauguration

Video: CHS Reacts to Biden’s Inauguration

Nandini Muresh and Iniya Nathan
February 3, 2021
Coppell coach Ryan Dunlevy talks to Coppell senior forward Jojo Alonzo and defender Addison Martin at Buddy Echols Field before the Cowgirls’ scrimmage against Mansfield on Dec. 15. Dunlevy enjoys duck hunting and building furniture outside of coaching girls soccer.

Duck hunter building memories through furniture construction

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
January 13, 2021
Snow falls on Harris Street in Coppell on Sunday for the first time this year. The last record for the measurable amounts of snowfall in the Dallas-Fort Worth area was winter of 2015, reaching 5.8 inches in total.

DFW area receives measurable amounts of snowfall after five years

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
January 12, 2021
Due to COVID-19, school has changed a lot this year and has been difficult for some. Coppell High School teachers give advice on finding a career and navigating through these times of struggle.

Asking teachers: Career advice from top educators

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
December 17, 2020
Coppell sophomore guard Allyssa Potter dribbles down court at the CHS Arena against Richland on Dec. 1. Potter spent her free time during last spring’s stay-at-home orders refining her basketball skills to become a better player.

Potter making thousands of weekly shots

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
December 7, 2020

Neena Biswas

Iniya Nathan and Lilly Gorman
November 3, 2020
Incumbent Thom Hulme and Dr. Neena Biswas are candidates for Place 4 in the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees election. According to results updated by Dallas County, Biswas won with 10,856 votes compared to Hulme’s 10,427 votes.

Behind the Ballot: Coppell ISD Board of Trustees

Sreeja Mudumby, Iniya Nathan, and Lilly Gorman
November 3, 2020
Coppell High School sophomore Ashley Zhang was chosen as one of 14 Texan students who will have their art featured on the 2021 Don’t Mess with Texas calendar. Texas artists from kindergarten to 12th grade compete in the statewide art contest.

Art keeping state beautiful

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
October 27, 2020
Coppell junior golfer Lauren Rios practices her drive at the Cowboys Golf Club on Oct. 13. Rios enters the fall season after recovering from heart surgery in December.

Back on course

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
October 20, 2020
Coppell High School junior Davion Belford wears a Black Lives Matter mask in the Horseshoe during C lunch on Wednesday. CHS students have been using masks as a form of self expression during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unmasking a new fashion statement

Iniya Nathan, Staff Writer
October 16, 2020
Coppell High School Band members perform at the first home football game of the season against L.D. Bell on Sept. 6. CHS9 student Iniya Nathan thinks marching band should be considered a sport.

Leveling the marching field

Iniya Nathan, Guest Writer
February 25, 2020
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