• Friday is a holiday for all Coppell ISD students.
  • Coppell High School hosts IB Diploma Awards & New Candidate Induction at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
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
Manasa Mohan

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor

Manasa is a senior and the Executive Editorial Page Editor for The Sidekick. You can most likely find her watching a movie, hanging out with friends, watching yet another sitcom comedy TV show, or crafting another Spotify playlist. You can contact her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @Manasa_Mohan_7

All content by Manasa Mohan
For most students, high school is a time of personal growth as they step into their identity. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan reflects on how her time on the staff has led to her finding and becoming confident with her voice.

Senior column: Empowered by expression

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
May 19, 2023
The fentanyl crisis recently leaked into educational spaces. Coppell High School student resource officers are now training in the use of Narcan, a drug utilized to aid in opioid overdose, in order to protect students from fentanyl and other drug-related crises.

The silent killer

Angelina Liu, Sri Achanta, and Manasa Mohan
May 19, 2023
Freshman Spryidoula Angeli advanced to state and won a state medal for her work “Too Many Goldfish?” in the 2023 Visual Arts Scholastic Event. VASE is a competition held every year in Texas to recognize distinguished artists across regions.

Spryidoula Angeli

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
May 19, 2023
Freshman Shruti Pritmani advanced to state and won a state medal for her work “Putting On A Mask” in the 2023 Visual Arts Scholastic Event. VASE is a competition held every year in Texas to recognize distinguished artists across regions.

Shruti Pritmani

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
May 19, 2023
Nine CHS9 art students advanced to the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) held in San Marcos on April 28. Freshmen Aarush Gotur, Spyridoula Angeli and Shruti Pritmani received state medals, with Safiya Azam receiving the highest honor of a Gold Seal.

Freshmen bring back accolades from state VASE in Austin

Yaamini Jois, Sruthi Lingam, and Manasa Mohan
May 19, 2023
Coppell High School senior Emily Chang is the Senior Class president and is an active member in HOSA. CHS students voted on the 19 most influential seniors in the graduating class of 2023.

Emily Chang: Charismatic

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
May 19, 2023
Coppell High School senior Mihira Kada is the choir president and Vivace dance captain. CHS students voted on the 19 most influential seniors in the graduating class of 2023.

Mihira Kada: Exuberant

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
May 19, 2023
Dupe culture has risen in popularity in recent years. The Sidekick’s executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan thinks that dupe culture has created pressure to keep up with the newest trends and the accessibility of dupes has created a toxic culture possibly leading to an endless cycle of waste.

Faux pas to faux chic

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
May 18, 2023
Aliya Zakir

Aliya Zakir

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
May 18, 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
Coppell High School junior Elise Howe is a member of the CHS Cowboy Theatre Company and Coppell Debate. Whether it be through arguments or scripts such as “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Howe uses words to guide her through her co-curricular activities.

Howe employing words as a double-edged sword

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
May 10, 2023
CHS9 student Yuvan Sampath converses with fellow Coppell High School competitors at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Fla. on April 22-25. Sampath attributes his success to his extracurricular activities.

[Photo] Sampath making business world his stage

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
May 5, 2023
Coppell High School juniors Swarra Mudgalkar and Bunker Harris set up camera equipment to interview KCBY-TV seniors on the red carpet. The KCBY-TV Film Fest was held on March 31 and transformed the CHS Vestibule and Auditorium into a Hollywood venue to showcase student filmmaking in Coppell.

KCBY-TV Film Fest returns to highlight standout student segments

Manasa Mohan and Wendy Le
April 18, 2023
Pop star Taylor Swift came to the Arlington AT&T Stadium as a part of her Eras tour for three nights. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan reflects on her experience of attending the concert.

Swift sparkling in Broadway-style concert

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
April 6, 2023
Coppell Band members celebrate in the Band Hall on Thursday after learning it qualified for the Midwest Clinic in Chicago in December. Coppell High School is one of five bands in the nation to be invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic.

Coppell Band wind symphony making school history, qualifies for elite Midwest Clinic

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
April 6, 2023
Coppell High School junior Swarra Mudgalkar interviews CHS seniors Mau Sigler and Graham Gorman on the red carpet in the CHS vestibule prior to the KCBY-TV Film Fest commencing on Friday. The film festival was revived after a decade-long hiatus and showcased three different types of segments including broadcast, sports and special features and attendees had the opportunity to vote for their favorite segments of each act throughout the night.

[Photo] Lights, Camera, Action: A successful return of the KCBY-TV film festival

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
April 5, 2023
On Feb. 13 the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees voted to approve the proposed bond package to be a referendum on the ballot for the May 6 election. The bond package totals $321.511 million and includes renovations to athletic facilities, the addition of fine arts buildings, lifecycle replacements of technology for students and staff and improvements to campus security.

Building for tomorrow

Manasa Mohan and Sri Achanta
March 31, 2023
March being Women’s History month is a time to celebrate the influential women and the impact they have had in our lives.The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan expresses her gratitude to her older sister, Namratha Mohan, for making her who she is today. Photos courtesy of Manasa Mohan

The woman who made me: Two are better than one

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
March 28, 2023
Over the last century, artificial intelligence has grown from simply being a topic in fiction storytelling to a rapidly expanding field that impacts many aspects of one’s life. Due to advancements in AI, including the introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022, there have been debates about its impact being positive or negative with regards to education, the workplace and more.

Decrypting the future

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
February 14, 2023
Disney movies such as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Tangled” and “Aladdin” present toxic relationships to the audience as ideal. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan thinks Disney has created bad role models for young children by focusing on conforming to society’s standards.

The fairytale ending is not what we thought it was

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
February 10, 2023
For seniors, tuition is a large factor to consider when applying and committing to college. Student loans, scholarships and grants are all feasible ways students can pay for college.

Breaking down college tuition

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
January 20, 2023
In 2021, Texas state representative Matt Krause drafted a list of potentially controversial books that he suggested be banned from libraries across the state, some of which are available to read in the Coppell High School library. Krause created this list as an auxiliary to House Bill 3979, which banned curriculum that discusses any topics of discomfort, including critical race theory.

“We have the right to read”

Manasa Mohan, Angelina Liu, and Sri Achanta
December 22, 2022
The Sidekick Crossword: Dec. 12

The Sidekick Crossword: Dec. 12

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
December 12, 2022
Advocating for climate change legislation has been of relevance in recent years. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan thinks that though performative stunts do bring awareness, they catch the attention of social media more often than organizations that lobby for specific change.

Climate change protesting has gone too far

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
December 12, 2022
With academic and social events, it can be hard to get all of the dates in order. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan expresses her gratitude to her Google calendar for its usefulness.

Giving Thanks: Months at a glance

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
November 23, 2022
Coppell senior middle blocker Allie Stricker spikes against Flower Mound after an assist from Coppell senior setter Taylor Young in CHS Arena on Friday. Flower Mound defeated the Cowgirls, 3-1.

[Photo] Cowgirls lose intense district match against Flower Mound

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
October 23, 2022
In the age of technology, many have the belief that the younger generation is overly dependent on it. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan proposes the viewpoint of societal technological comfort instead.

Pro/Con: Is technology convenient or consuming?

Manasa Mohan and Saniya Koppikar
October 14, 2022
In the age of technology, many have the belief that the younger generation is overly dependent on it. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan proposes the viewpoint of societal technological comfort instead.

We aren’t addicted, we’re just comfortable

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
October 14, 2022
Halloween is most recognizable for the fun costumes people wear to celebrate it; however, it is important to recognize that some outfits are not costumes and should not be worn as such. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Manasa Mohan thinks people should consider the negative effects their Halloween costumes might have on specific groups of people.

Drawing the line between costumes and cultural appropriation

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
October 3, 2022
Coppell senior middle blocker Ekwe Anwah spikes against Plano East senior opposite hitter Kinsey Killion at the CHS Arena on Tuesday. The Cowgirls defeated Plano East, 28-26, 26-24, 22-25, 25-21.

[Photo] Coppell ensures a victory against Plano East in four sets on Senior Night

Yaamini Jois, CHS9 Editor
September 21, 2022
Coppell High School sophomore Shreya Sivakumar picks up a plate of pasta during C lunch on Friday in the cafeteria. Since 2020, all elementary students were eligible for reduced-price or free meals but due to a change in the U.S. Congress budget, students now need to file an application to receive reduced-price or free meals.

Elementary students no longer receiving free lunches

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor
September 9, 2022
Many students who first enter high school hear the phrase, “high school flies by.” The Sidekick advertising/circulation manager Manasa Mohan agrees with this sentiment and describes her high school experience.

Where did all the time go?

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
May 12, 2022
Coppell High School Color Guard concludes its performance of “Toy Factory” at the CHS Arena on April 3. CHS Color Guard won third place at the North Texas Colorguard Association (NTCA) state competition.

Color guard flying to new heights at NTCA

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
May 12, 2022
Anxiety disorders are often generalized simply as stress, when the two are actually very different from each other. The Sidekick advertising/communications manager Manasa Mohan explains why people shouldn’t lean into the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and how harmful it can be to those with them.

Please don’t tell me to calm down

Manasa Mohan, Advertising/Circulation Manager
April 22, 2022
From George Coppell to... CHS experiences with Ramadan

From George Coppell to… CHS experiences with Ramadan

Manasa Mohan and Sri Achanta
April 16, 2022
CHS9 student council vice president Rhea Choudhary uses her role to foster the inclusive community established by the school. Throughout this school year, Choudhary has worked to create a positive environment and help members interact with the community more often.

CHS9 Student Council Vice President: Rhea Choudhary

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
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
Coppell councilmember John Jun discusses the repeal of the code of conduct with city attorney Robert E. Hager during the city council meeting on Feb. 22. During the meeting on March 10, the council discussed short term rentals and approvals for construction projects.

[Photo] HOA members address short term rentals at Tuesday’s council meeting

Yaamini Jois, Staff Writer
March 11, 2022
CHS9 biology teacher Brittany Medford lectures her third period class on March 3 about the relationship between structure and function, which is a topic in the body systems unit. Medford started teaching at CHS9 at the beginning of this school year and graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2016.

Medford teaching from young age

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
March 11, 2022
Coppell councilmember John Jun discusses the repeal of the code of conduct with city attorney Robert E. Hager during the city council meeting on Tuesday. In addition to approving the repeal, the council approved of a curfew hours for minors ordinance for another three years.

Curfew hours, repeal of code of conduct approved by council

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
February 23, 2022
Coppell senior Meher Saini, sophomore Roma Jani, and seniors Joseph Matthew, Meghna Gopinath, Sumita Bhattacharya and Katie Arrington stand together as those selected to be All-State musicians and as alternates. Jani, Matthew, Gopinath and Bhattacharya and junior Anagha Dharmavaram will be going to San Antonio for the TMEA All-State convention on Feb. 9 (not pictured: Anagha Dharmavaram).

14 CHS students named as TMEA All-State musicians

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
February 1, 2022
The Coppell girls soccer team opens its home District 6-6A schedule tonight against Plano West at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowgirls are coming off a 2-1 victory over Plano to open district play.

[Photo] Cowgirls soccer to face Plano West at home tonight

Anjali Vishwanath, Daily News/Assignment Editor
January 28, 2022
Class ranks for Coppell High School’s class of 2023 will be released soon. The Sidekick advertising/circulation manager Manasa Mohan thinks students should stop letting class ranks determine their self-worth.

Class ranks are just another number

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
January 25, 2022
Coppell freshman defender Summer Chen passes down field with minutes left in the second half against Frisco Lebanon Trail. Monday’s match at Buddy Echols Field was the first scrimmage for the Cowgirls, with the Cowgirls winning 5-0.

[Photo] Freshmen shine in Cowgirls’ first soccer scrimmage

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
December 14, 2021
Coppell High School seniors Purvi Dhasmana and Tanmayi Akasapu enjoy a picnic at Andy Brown Park East on Nov. 24. The Sidekick advertising and circulation manager Manasa Mohan thinks family is more than just a blood-related bond between people.

Blood-related family is only part of the story

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
December 6, 2021
The Coppell ISD All-City Band performed on Thursday in the CHS Auditorium. The band played four pieces, “Fiesta Espanola”, “Morning Mist”, “Caverns of Sonora” and “A Builder’s Dream” and was led by conductor William Owens.

All-city band concert preparing students for high school program

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
November 19, 2021
Coppell High School head band director Kim Shuttlesworth delivers a speech to the band program before the Bands of America competition in St. Louis. Band placed third in the competition, making history with Coppell’s highest rank and highest score.

Band’s Carousel program achieves unprecedented accomplishment in St. Louis

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
November 1, 2021
Coppell High School junior Siya Sangani designs social media posts on Canva for DiLucci CPA Firm. Sangani makes Instagram, Twitter and Facebook posts and has been an intern for DiLucci CPA Firm since May.

Sangani weaving passion for art, business together in internship

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
October 27, 2021
The Cowboy Theatre Company performs their production of “Trap” by Stephen Gregg during the dress rehearsal in the Coppell High School Black Box Theatre on Tuesday. “Trap” opens on Friday at 7 p.m.

Theater dabbling in new genre with “Trap”

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
October 21, 2021
Coppell High School on-level and honors chemistry teacher Chris Stricker explains the concept of atom attributes to his third period class on Thursday. Stricker has worked in CISD for 26 years.

Teacher of the Issue: Stricker instilling habits, values in his students 

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
October 5, 2021
New Coppell High School assistant principal Brian Hussey transferred from New Tech High @ Coppell, where he taught American studies and AP Seminar. Prior to that, he worked in Philadelphia at the National Constitution Center and the Multicultural Academy Charter School and Science Leadership Academy at Beeber.

Hussey honoring students’ stories as new assistant principal

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
September 15, 2021
Coppell ISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt announces raffle ticket winners at the Lariettes Spaghetti Dinner in the CHS Commons on Friday. The Lariettes Spaghetti Dinner is an annual tradition that features a catered meal, baked goods and a raffle for various prizes.

Lariettes bond with community at spaghetti dinner

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
September 5, 2021
The Coppell High School Lariettes perform at the football game against Sachse High School at Homer B. Johnson Stadium on Friday night. After being replaced with an online raffle and auction last year because of COVID-19, the 31st annual Lariettes Spaghetti Dinner will be held in the CHS Commons tomorrow.

Lariettes back for 31st annual spaghetti dinner

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
September 2, 2021
Kondapalli emphasizing unity, camaraderie amongst her teammates

Kondapalli emphasizing unity, camaraderie amongst her teammates

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
May 13, 2021
Coppell High School AP English III teacher Emily Pickrell holds a tutoring session over the topic of rhetorical analysis on Thursday in C hall. Pickrell tries to balance this year’s new changes whilst ensuring her students gain skills that can be used in future endeavors from her class.

Pickrell hoping students grow as thinkers, writers

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
May 13, 2021
Coppell High School aerobic activities and dance I teacher Julie Stralow leads her sixth period class through aerobics warm-ups on April 23 in the small gym. Starlow was selected by The Sidekick staff as the sixth Teacher of the Issue for the 2020-21 school year.

Stralow strives to teach students to enjoy the movement of dance

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
May 13, 2021

Owens paving her own path with role of drum major

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
April 26, 2021
Coppell High School senior Qiling Yeo organized the Virtual Club Expo in November. Yeo receives student of the week for helping put together zoom meetings alongside a Student Council representative and CHS head counselor Ann Cinelli for new CHS students in the fall semester. Photo by Nandini Muresh

Yeo constructing community for new students

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
April 23, 2021
Gia Oswal is the CHS9 Student Council secretary for the 2020-21 school year.

Gia Oswal

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
April 2, 2021
March celebrates Women’s History Month, which has special significance for many. Women involved in the Coppell High School community share what this month means to them as leaders of major clubs and organizations.

Women’s History Month inspiring change by honoring accomplishments

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
March 26, 2021
Coppell High School AP and honors chemistry teacher Courtney Crosby teaches a lesson on solubility during her second period class on Wednesday. Crosby has been selected for The Sidekick teacher of the week and has taught at CHS for two years.

Teacher of the Week: Crosby changing what “mistake” means for students

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
March 12, 2021
The State of Texas Academic Assessment of Readiness, or STAAR, was recently announced to be required for algebra I, English I, English II, biology and U.S. history students to take. When People’s Newspapers readers were polled, most parents of children taking the STAAR test believed it should not be given this year, and if it required in-person attendance, most states their child would not participate.

Don’t make star students take the STAAR; they’ve been through enough

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
March 9, 2021
Got You Covered is a Sidekick series detailing five events happening at Coppell High School the following week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2020-21 school year.

Got You Covered: 3/8-3/14

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
March 8, 2021
Coppell High School junior Rudra keeps tabs on volunteer hours and works on creating projects for the CHS EcoClub as secretary. The Eco Club’s goal is to bring together a community focused on helping the environment throughout Coppell.

Rudra Krishnamurthy

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
March 4, 2021
Abhinav Yarlagadda

Abhinav Yarlagadda

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
March 4, 2021
Coppell High School sophomore Roma Patel leads the gardening committee for the CHS EcoClub through her position as vice president. The Eco Club’s goal is to bring together a community focused on helping the environment throughout Coppell.

Roma Patel

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
March 4, 2021
Coppell High School junior Adarsh Pulasseri helps the CHS EcoClub meetings run smoothly with his position as president. The Eco Club’s goal is to bring together a community focused on helping the environment throughout Coppell.

Adarsh Pulasseri

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
March 4, 2021
Coppell High School sophomore and EcoClub vice president Roma Patel, junior treasurer Abhinav Yarlagadda, junior president Adarsh Pulasseri and junior secretary Rudra Krishnamurthy put together projects, volunteer opportunities and meeting in order to benefit our environment. The Eco Club’s goal is to bring together a community to better the environment throughout Coppell.

EcoClub Creating Sustainable Future

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
March 4, 2021
Coppell kindergarten teacher Annmarie Vincenzo holds her Great Employees Matter plaque in Canyon Ranch.Elementary on Wednesday. Vincenzo was nominated for this award by her colleagues for going above and beyond with her teaching.

CISD honoring 12 district GEMS with awards

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
January 22, 2021
Winter break starts Saturday for Coppell ISD. The Sidekick staff writer Manasa Mohan shares a list of popular winter-themed attractions in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for people to enjoy over the holidays.

Celebrating winter season with outdoor DFW holiday attractions

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
December 18, 2020
Coppell High School senior Jacqueline Gamborino plays drums at her house on Monday. Gamborino has been playing the drums ever since she was little and is on the Coppell tennis team.

Gamborino becoming her own individual through extracurriculars

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
December 17, 2020
During the pandemic, the safest dining options are outdoors. The Sidekick staff writer Manasa Mohan shares her list of the best COVID-19-friendly outdoor dining when the weather allows.

Counting down Coppell’s top 10 outdoor dining restaurants

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
December 16, 2020
As we approach the end of this semester, some students may feel exhausted or experiencing academic burnout from a tiring year. The Sidekick staff writer Manasa Mohan provides tips on how to stay motivated and finish the year off strong.

Preventing academic burnout with simple tips

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
December 15, 2020
Pro/Con: Is online learning effective?

Pro/Con: Is online learning effective?

Trisha Atluri and Manasa Mohan
December 10, 2020
Through the pandemic, a majority of Coppell ISD students are attending school online. The Sidekick staff writer Manasa Mohan discusses that although online students have the same curriculum, they have different mindsets and methods regarding online learning.

Con: Online learning necessary but not as effective

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
December 10, 2020

Satish spreading joy through Random Acts of Kindness Club

Manasa Mohan, Staff Writer
October 23, 2020
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