• 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
Meara Isenberg

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief

Meara is a senior at Coppell High School and the Editor-in-Chief of The Sidekick newspaper. She is proud to be a part of a great team of really talented people. In the future, Meara hopes to be up there with the greats, working at a major newspaper or news magazine. In the meantime, she enjoys writing music, poetry, and the occasional story for The Sidekick.

All content by Meara Isenberg
Former Sidekick Editor-in-Chief Meara Isenberg and current Sidekick C0-Student Life Editor Farah Merchant hold up the 2017 NSPA Online Pacemaker Award given to Coppell Student Media in the spring convention in Seattle. This was Coppell Student Media’s first Pacemaker award. Isenberg was a mentor for Merchant during her second year on staff.

[Photo] Letting go of the past: how former Sidekick editors have influenced me

Farah Merchant, Student Life Editor
May 25, 2018
Secondary Teacher of the Year Holly Anderson sits in her new Volkswagen Beetle, with husband Jason Anderson, in front of the school on Thursday during third period. Anderson was surprised by students and administration for her accomplishment.

[Photo] Campus gathers in excited support to present CISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Anderson with Volkswagen Beetle

Akila Muthukumar, Staff Writer
May 25, 2017
Coppell High School junior Aditya Bhavikati models the new band uniforms approved during the CISD Board of Trustees meeting Monday night. The Board also approved the purchase of three new buses during the meeting.

New band uniforms, bus purchases approved at May Board meeting

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
May 25, 2017
Cutline: On Monday, Coppell ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip announced his resignation from the district to accept the superintendent position at Frisco ISD.

[Photo] Waldrip leaving Coppell ISD for superintendent position at Frisco ISD

Sakshi Venkatraman, Executive News Editor
May 23, 2017
Coppell High School The Sidekick advisor Chase Wofford edits Editor-In-Chief Meara Isenberg’s story on May 10 during Wofford’s fourth period class. Wofford has been advisor for the award-winning newspaper staff for 12 years at CHS. Photo by Amanda Hair.

Wofford leads award-winning Sidekick newspaper with experience, passion

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2017
Coppell High School senior Karthik Gattepalli plays for the USA Under19 team. He plays an all-rounder, which means he bats, bowls (pitches) and fields (catches) every game.

Breaking down boundaries

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2017
Voters exit the polls at City Hall in the morning on Saturday, May 6 in Coppell. Positions for both the Coppell City Council and CISD Board of Trustees were made during this election.

Hulme, Caviness win election for CISD board positions

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2017
Ranjan sprints into top senior spot

Ranjan sprints into top senior spot

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2017
Love is in the air at Palio’s Pizza Cafe

Love is in the air at Palio’s Pizza Cafe

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
May 8, 2017
Voters exit the polls at City Hall in the morning on Saturday in Coppell. Positions for both the Coppell City Council and CISD Board of Trustees were made during this election.

Hulme, Caviness win election for CISD board positions

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
May 7, 2017
Coppell High School AP English IV and creative writing teacher Matthew Bowden poses with fun items in his classroom. Bowden was selected as teacher of the issue for the first time in his 19 years teaching at the high school.

[Photo] Bowden’s monstrous love for literature allows for connecting poetry with life

Lina Pyon, Co-Social Media Manager
April 26, 2017
The four Board of Trustees (left to right) Ron Hansen, Thom Hulme, David Caviness, and Vara Kuppam members answer questions during Thursday night’s CISD PTSO Board of Trustees candidates forum. The forum was held in the lecture hall at Coppell High School, and allowed the community to ask their questions as well.

Coppell ISD PTSO Board of Trustees candidate forum held at CHS

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2017
The Big Bus Switch: What it means for the students who ride the buses, and for those who drive them

The Big Bus Switch: What it means for the students who ride the buses, and for those who drive them

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
April 20, 2017
Coppell High School Principal Mike Jasso announces during a student media press conference he is leaving his position after the 2016-2017 school year. Jasso has accepted an offer to serve as executive director for secondary instruction, operations and leadership in Richardson ISD next year.

[Photo] Jasso announces departure from CISD after six years as principal

Sakshi Venkatraman, Executive News Editor
April 18, 2017
Piroshky Piroshky serves pastries ranging from savory mushroom and onion piroshkies to sweet cherry white chocolate rolls at Pike Pace Market. Family-owned and proud, Piroshky Piroshky opened in 1992 on the Seattle strip.

Small Seattle bakery greets Hummell at start of her career

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
April 9, 2017
CHS9 Principal, bus switch to Durham School Services announced at board meeting

CHS9 Principal, bus switch to Durham School Services announced at board meeting

Meara Isenberg, Coppell High School
March 29, 2017
Board of Trustees Election to determine future of education leadership

Board of Trustees Election to determine future of education leadership

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
March 27, 2017
Coppell High School freshmen Nirrangan Akilan and Aditya Putrevu work on classwork in the hallway during the power outage Tuesday morning. Using phone lights, the students were able to continue working during the outage.

Morning power outage leaves classrooms in the dark

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
March 21, 2017
Coppell High School senior Giuliana Vargas applies roses to senior Aniv Thanikella as a part of her art project for AP 3D Art and Design. Vargas transforms her 2D paintings into clothing and decorative art, combining many art forms for a unique product.

Vargas combines clothing design, watercolor to create stunning photographs

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
March 14, 2017
Coppell High School senior Giuliana Vargas applies roses to CHS senior Aniv Thanikella as a part of her art project for AP 3D Art and Design. Vargas transforms her 2D paintings into clothing and decorative art, combining many art forms for a unique product.

Week of 3/6/17

Meara Isenberg, Editor-In-Chief
March 7, 2017
Freshman students Cierra Hargraves, Kalena Jones, and Shravani Dangety in Coppell High School Algebra I teacher Marie Flynn’s classroom show parents a practice activity they performed in class during the 2017 CHS Spring Showcase. The student-led parent night from 5-6:30 p.m. offered an inside look at many CHS classrooms.

Spring Showcase draws parents, future students to classrooms after hours

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2017
The Coppell Cowgirls come together on the field during the second inning of Friday night’s District 9-6A opener against Richardson Pearce. The Cowgirls defeated the Lady Mustangs, 8-5.

Cowgirls take out Pearce in district opener

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
March 5, 2017
Ellis & Associates representative Steve Miller presents the Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award to CORE representatives Lauren Sutton (left) and Kara Lungren (right) Tuesday night at City Hall. During the city council meeting, this award was presented to the CORE to acknowledge their success in lifeguard training. Photo by Hannah Tucker.

Mayor Hunt presents upcoming events for city at City Council meeting

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
March 2, 2017
The Sidekick editor-in-chief Meara Isenberg rides a horse for the first time at Indian Princess camp in 2004. Her tribe “The Firewalkers” made her get outside and experience the great outdoors. Photo courtesy Meara Isenberg.

One step back, two steps forward: How to be okay with not being in control

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2017
Newly appointed Editor at The Citizen’s Advocate, Shawn Jex, edits a page of the Advocate’s upcoming issue on Jan. 24 in Old Town Coppell. Jex was named editor on Jan. 13, and with it, assumed many new responsibilities at the paper.

Shaun Jex assumes editor position at Citizens’ Advocate newspaper

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2017
Children squeeze to the front of the crowd of protesters to watch people walking through the arrivals gate on Sunday at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Often during the protest, which concerned the president’s immigration ban on seven Muslim majority countries, cheers would erupt every time a traveller passed through the gate to baggage claim.

[Photo] Nine detained at airport bring hundreds of protesters to Dallas

Sakshi Venkatraman, Executive News Editor
January 31, 2017
January board meeting recognizes teachers, spreads laughter

January board meeting recognizes teachers, spreads laughter

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
January 25, 2017
Coppell High School senior Thomas Donaldson works on one of his golf carts in his backyard for Tom Carts, a self run business he began on his own. Donaldson refurbishes the golf carts and sells them for profit. Photo by Meara Isenberg.

[Photo] Donaldson drives start-up golf cart repair business toward success

Lina Pyon, Co-Social Media Manager
January 25, 2017
A woman holds a handmade sign during the Women’s March on Austin on Saturday morning. The march began at the Capitol, where a crowd of 50,000 people gathered in advocacy of women’s rights and civil rights.

Week of 1/23/17

Meara Isenberg, Editor-In-Chief
January 23, 2017
Women’s March on Austin brings tens of thousands of advocates to state Capitol (with video)

Women’s March on Austin brings tens of thousands of advocates to state Capitol (with video)

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
January 23, 2017
President-Elect Donald Trump speaks in Fort Worth during a press conference on Feb. 26. The Presidential Inauguration is at 10:30 a.m. Central Standard Time on Friday. Photo by Thomas Rousseau.

Presidential Inauguration at CHS: What you need to know

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
January 19, 2017
Coppell High School senior Thomas Donaldson works on a cart in his backyard on a chilly Thursday afternoon. Donaldson, who has accomplished much through his golf cart flipping business, is working on a cart for himself.

Week of 1/16/17

Meara Isenberg, Editor-In-Chief
January 17, 2017
Coppell ISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip introduces the town hall meeting on Jan. 20 in the Coppell Middle School West Auditorium. The meeting was held to share information about the construction of a new middle school and renovation of CMS West as a freshman center.

Town Hall meeting addresses unanswered questions regarding freshman center, new middle school

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
January 12, 2017
Snow covers the trees outside the bus loop at Coppell High School on Friday afternoon. Ice covered patches of the streets, resulting in dangerous conditions and cautious drivers.

[Photo] North Texas experiences first snowfall of season Friday

Sakshi Venkatraman, Executive News Editor
January 9, 2017
The hands behind healing: Austin Street Shelter provides new beginnings for Dallas most vulnerable homeless

The hands behind healing: Austin Street Shelter provides new beginnings for Dallas most vulnerable homeless

Sakshi Venkatraman and Meara Isenberg
December 24, 2016
Board meeting poses new middle school addition, construction bid

Board meeting poses new middle school addition, construction bid

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2016
Coppell High School AP and IB environmental science teacher Holly Anderson is awarded CHS Teacher of the Year during third period Monday morning. Anderson has taught at CHS for 11 years and has a passion for educating for her students. Photo by Amanda Hair.

Holly Anderson wins 2016-17 Teacher of the Year

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
December 6, 2016
Elaborate holiday displays light up yards, faces of residents

Elaborate holiday displays light up yards, faces of residents

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
December 6, 2016
Coppell High School senior Miranda Dickson is recognized alongside the CHS girls cross country team at a Board meeting on Monday. Dickson shared her intent to attend the University of Texas for Business. Photo by Amanda Hair.

November board meeting offers student recognitions, school acclamations

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
December 1, 2016
Executive news editor Sakshi Venkatraman (left) and Editor-in-Chief Meara Isenberg (right) attend the National High School Journalism Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. The four day convention offered young journalists a glimpse into what reporting after high school is like, and taught them skills to bring back to their newsrooms.

Leadership puzzle takes shape at national journalism convention

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
November 11, 2016
Citizens dissatisfied with candidates, vote out of obligation

Citizens dissatisfied with candidates, vote out of obligation

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
November 9, 2016
Kicking it up a Notch

Kicking it up a Notch

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2016
Something New

Something New

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
October 17, 2016
Community remembers Mason for his impact on school, band program

Community remembers Mason for his impact on school, band program

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
October 2, 2016
A table full of Coppell High School students concentrating hard on the numbers on their bingo cards. Friday night Coppell Cowgirls cheerleaders held their annual Cheer Bingo in the cafeteria. Photo by Katie Wiener.

Feeling Lucky

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
September 19, 2016
Thank you for your service

Thank you for your service

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2016
Last August Board meeting brings block schedule, bond updates

Last August Board meeting brings block schedule, bond updates

Meara Isenberg, Editor-in-Chief
August 31, 2016
Coppell students, families and community members enjoy their meal at the 23rd annual Lariette Spaghetti Dinner. More than $26,000 was raised from the dinner tickets, bake sale, raffle and auction, with all funds going towards future expenses of the Lariettes for the 2016-17 school year.

[Photo] Lariettes honor Coppell Police at spaghetti dinner, unite community

Meha Srivastav, Co-Social Media Manager
August 29, 2016
The Top Ten Coppell High School students pose for a picture during the last Board of Trustees meeting on May 23.

Students, school district recognized at final Board meeting of the year

Meara Isenberg, Entertainment Editor
May 26, 2016
Election Day Results: Bond passes, new members elected to Board of Trustees

Election Day Results: Bond passes, new members elected to Board of Trustees

Meara Isenberg, Entertainment editor
May 9, 2016
Community heads to polls tomorrow for bond, school board election

Community heads to polls tomorrow for bond, school board election

Meara Isenberg, Entertainment Editor
May 6, 2016
April City Council Meeting runs smoothly

April City Council Meeting runs smoothly

Meara Isenberg, Entertainment editor
April 27, 2016
Chamber of Commerce Board candidate forum takes place at City Hall

Chamber of Commerce Board candidate forum takes place at City Hall

Meara Isenberg, Entertainment editor
April 23, 2016
Board of Trustees Election: What you need to know about the candidates and CISD future

Board of Trustees Election: What you need to know about the candidates and CISD future

Meara Isenberg, Entertainment editor
April 17, 2016
Coppell Police Chief Mac Tristan: A new take on leadership

Coppell Police Chief Mac Tristan: A new take on leadership

Meara Isenberg, staff writer
April 1, 2016
Red and Black run is back

Red and Black run is back

Meara Isenberg, staff writer
March 9, 2016
Rubio taunts Trump, prepares for primary at Dallas rally

Rubio taunts Trump, prepares for primary at Dallas rally

Meara Isenberg, Staff writer
February 28, 2016
A caddywompus City Council meeting

A caddywompus City Council meeting

Meara Isenberg, staff writer
February 24, 2016

Different kinds of dancers showcased at Lariette and Silver Star Showoffs

Meara Isenberg, staff writer
February 19, 2016
Students spread Alzheimer's awareness, citizens support bike route plan at City Council Meeting

Students spread Alzheimer’s awareness, citizens support bike route plan at City Council Meeting

Meara Isenberg, Staff writer
February 12, 2016

“Making a murderer” trial is a true crime

Meara Isenberg, Staff writer
February 5, 2016
Zentner’s unique experiences, passion for book inspires young writers

Zentner’s unique experiences, passion for book inspires young writers

Meara Isenberg, Staff writer
January 29, 2016
A lot to love about annual Be Mine Valentines Dance

A lot to love about annual Be Mine Valentines Dance

Meara Isenberg, Staff Writer
January 22, 2016
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