• Coppell ISD is on Thanksgiving break through Sunday, Dec. 1. Classes resume Monday, Dec. 2.
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
Neha Desaraju

Neha Desaraju, Entertainment Editor

Neha Desaraju is a senior and the entertainment editor for The Sidekick. Usually she writes things, sometimes she codes things, and occasionally she designs things. She’s always an organizer. She also loves data journalism. You can probably find her writing (or coding) at 2 a.m. or singing and making music at 2 p.m. Reach out to her at [email protected].

All content by Neha Desaraju
Best place to get takeout: Palio's Pizza Cafe

Best place to get takeout: Palio’s Pizza Cafe

Neha Desaraju, Entertainment Editor
May 17, 2021
Best place for a photoshoot: The Sound at Cypress Waters

Best place for a photoshoot: The Sound at Cypress Waters

Neha Desaraju, Entertainment Editor
May 17, 2021
Best place for a COVID-safe activity: Old Town Coppell

Best place for a COVID-safe activity: Old Town Coppell

Neha Desaraju, Entertainment Editor
May 17, 2021
The residents of a diverse town like Coppell are blessed with a variety of appearances and manners of speaking and style of dress. However, those who deviate from the norm are deemed irresponsible or unrespectable. The Sidekick advertising and circulation manager Trisha Atluri argues that this shouldn’t be the case.

[Photo] Throw away the handbook of respectability

Trisha Atluri, Advertising/Circulation Manager
May 12, 2021
The Cowboy Spur - Episode 16

The Cowboy Spur – Episode 16

Blanche Harris, Neha Desaraju, and Joanne Kim
March 6, 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

[Photo] Waging an inevitable war (Part 3)

Avani Kashyap, Daily News/Assignment Editor
February 26, 2021
Many people are not looking forward to Valentine’s Day on Sunday due to their single status. The Sidekick executive editor-in-chief Sally Parampottil discusses the activities people without significant others can enjoy on this holiday of love.

[Photo] Coppell Observer: Valentine’s Day as a single pringle

Sally Parampottil, Executive Editor-in-Chief
February 11, 2021

[Video] #Starworld: Abigail Turner rifling with color

February 5, 2021
A myriad of new state legislation, COVID-19 expenses and old budget changes has made an impact on the Coppell ISD 2020-21 proposed budget in the form of a $7 million projected budget deficit. The Board of Trustees has proposed solutions to combat this deficit.

Not in the books: Board faces months of deliberating on budget with projected $7 million deficit

Neha Desaraju, Entertainment Editor
February 1, 2021
Instagram accounts posting infographics explaining topics, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, dramatically rose in popularity last summer. The Sidekick entertainment editor Neha Desaraju thinks sharing such content can be harmful to the movements they claim to support.

It’s time to end the era of Instagram infographics

Neha Desaraju, Entertainment Editor
January 28, 2021
The Cowboy Spur- Episode 10

The Cowboy Spur- Episode 10

Blanche Harris, Neha Desaraju, and Joanne Kim
January 17, 2021
New Tech High @ Coppell senior Isabella Zeff has been an actress for six years, completing her last year in the Coppell High School theater program in Studio Premier 2. A storyteller at heart, she loves film and books and delights in a well-written story.

Love of storytelling through generations influencing Zeff’s love of cinema

Neha Desaraju, Entertainment Editor
December 23, 2020
After online end-of-course exams last week, Coppell High School and Coppell ISD are responding to adjustments to testing requirements for graduation. Spring exams are set to be online, while individual graduation committees seek to fill in the gaps.

Testing graduation requirement upheld

Neha Desaraju, Entertainment Editor
December 17, 2020
Monday night’s Coppell ISD Board of Trustees regular meeting included updates from the district on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting operations and social-emotional learning programs. The district emphasized keeping students and staff engaged while addressing their emotional needs during this time.

District recognized, updates to social-emotional learning at Monday’s board meeting

Neha Desaraju, Entertainment Editor
November 2, 2020
Theatre Coppell founder Wheelice “Pete” Wilson was a major influence in building the Coppell Arts Center. The Coppell Arts Center’s 30-year history culminates in a facility that connects local arts groups to the broader community.

“Dream come true”: Coppell Arts Center hoping to become local cultural landmark

Neha Desaraju, Entertainment Editor
October 19, 2020
Newsroom Bunnies #1: "Nostalgia"

Newsroom Bunnies #1: “Nostalgia”

Neha Desaraju, Entertainment Editor
August 21, 2020
Speed Typing

Speed Typing

Sally Parampottil, Andrés Bear, Shravya Mahesh, Charlotte Vanyo, Karen Lu, Shivi Sharma, Neha Desaraju, and Trisha Atluri
May 15, 2020
Catherine Yang

Catherine Yang

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
May 15, 2020
Coppell junior pitcher Michaella Baker swings against Cedar Hill on March 7 at the Coppell ISD Softball Complex. Baker verbally committed to Odessa College on April 8 and hopes to pursue teaching and coaching.

Love for teaching, softball driving Baker’s Odessa College commitment

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
May 12, 2020
This easy roasted cauliflower requires just five ingredients and is surprisingly easy to make. Switch out the spices to further customize the flavor.

Beat social distancing boredom with these healthy vegan recipes

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
April 3, 2020
This week, Coppell High School is closed due to concerns over COVID-19 exposure. Students are encouraged to stay at home, and it is an opportunity for students to catch up on sleep and explore other passions. Photo illustration by Neha Desaraju and Adisri Mohapatra

Making the best of break

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
March 18, 2020
Coppell High School chemistry teacher Amy Snyder embraces CHS senior Cole Krautkramer after being given her banquet invitation on Thursday during fifth period. Every year, each student in the top five percent chooses a teacher to honor at the Coppell Education Foundation Recognition Banquet, which is April 20 at the Embassy Suites DFW North in Grapevine.

It takes a village

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
February 28, 2020
Coppell junior midfielder Tyler Wendel passes from his dodging spot on Saturday at Coppell Middle School North. The Cowboys take on McKinney at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Coppell Middle School North.

[Photo] Cowboys striving for more disciplined defense against McKinney

Meer Mahfuz, Staff Writer
February 12, 2020
Coppell junior defender Colton Delk blazes past Brayden Hassel on Saturday at Coppell Middle School North. The Cowboys won their first game of the season against Kingwood, 20-13.

[Photo] Dominant offensive performances marred over by lack of defensive discipline as Cowboys win first game of season

Meer Mahfuz, Staff Writer
February 10, 2020
One of the best ways an individual can make a difference in waste output is through becoming more conscious of what we buy. The Sidekick Student Life Editor, Neha Desaraju discusses decreasing spending during holiday seasons.

Stop buying excessive gifts for Valentine’s Day

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
February 4, 2020
Coppell sophomore Hazel Salinas wrestles Allen in a bout Saturday. The Coppell wrestling team competed in the Coppell Round-Up pre-season tournament on Saturday in the CHS fieldhouse, placing first by winning a majority of the bouts.

Cowgirls round up at top in six-school takedown

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
November 25, 2019
Coppell sophomore Rebeca Centeno prepares to bump against Hebron in the CHS Arena on Oct. 4. Centeno also runs for the Coppell cross country team.

Centeno spikes, races with dual identity

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
October 31, 2019
Coppell High School seniors Keerthi Durairaj, Penelope Gummelt and Katherine Hollen recreate the ancient sculpture, "Laocoon and His Sons", in Michelle Hauske's second period art history class. Students are recreating the ancient Olympic Games through AP Art History Olympics.

On The Spot: AP Art History reviews unit on Greek art with mock Olympics (with video)

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
October 18, 2019
Socio-economic and cultural problems in the U.S. affect Native Americans disproportionately due to the lingering effects of colonialism-induced prejudice, according to The Sidekick junior student life editor Neha Desaraju. Desaraju thinks making Indigenous Day a federally recognized holiday would decrease indigenous erasure and draw attention to these issues.

Calling Columbus Day Indigenous Day is not just a preference

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
October 14, 2019
Coppell High School art teacher Michelle Hauske demonstrates motion to her fifth period Art II Drawing class. Hauske is The Sidekick's first teacher of the issue.

October Teacher of the Issue: Hauske gives insight in art through experience in museum

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
October 1, 2019
Aylor Rix is one of the new assistant principals at Coppell High School. She has the most recent experience teaching in a classroom as an algebra and statistics teacher at CHS last year.

What you missed this summer (2 of 3): New assistant principals bring new ideas to CHS with previous experience in education

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
September 30, 2019
First responders from all over Texas and the U.S. get ready to start their climb for the Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Renaissance Tower in Dallas. First responders climbed 110 flights of stairs on Saturday to remember those who died resulting from the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in New York.

First responders climb 110 floors to “never forget” 9/11 Saturday

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
September 13, 2019
First responders wait in gear before the climb at a previous Dallas 9/11 memorial stair climb, where firefighters, police, and emergency personnel climb 110 flights of stairs to honor first responders who died at due to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This year’s climb is tomorrow at the Renaissance Tower. Photo courtesy Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

First responders to participate in stair climb at Renaissance Tower, memorial for 9/11 deaths

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
September 6, 2019
Penny Podcast - Season Finale - Episode #016

[Video] Penny Podcast – Season Finale – Episode #016

May 18, 2019
Two hundred fifteen runners completed the annual 5K Run to Fund on Saturday at Andy Brown East after a rain delay. The run is a fundraiser for Coppell ISD’s physical education department.

Run to Fund runners endure rain delay at annual Education Foundation 5K

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
May 17, 2019
Isha Thakkar

Isha Thakkar

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
May 17, 2019
On Saturday, the Coppell ISD Education Foundation is hosting its annual Run to Fund at Andy Brown Park East to raise money for the physical education departments. Walk up registration tomorrow morning is $40 for the 5K and one-mile run.

Education Foundation to host annual Run to Fund Saturday

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
May 10, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #015

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #015

May 10, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #011

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #011

April 11, 2019
Billie Eilish’s WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? came out March 29. This is her first full-length album, despite already having released many chart-topping hits.

‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’ album review: Eilish’s debut album tells a perfectly unexpected story

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
April 8, 2019
Sarah Carrick, owner of the store Jacaranda Gift Shop located in Old Town Coppell, recently approached city development coordinator Matt Steer about creating a mural beside her shop to bring in customers. The City of Coppell is considering a mural ordinance that would regulate murals in Old Town Coppell, since currently murals are not allowed anywhere in Coppell.

City of Coppell discusses new mural regulations for Old Town Coppell

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
April 4, 2019
Best Place to Study: The Cozby Library

Best Place to Study: The Cozby Library

Umama Suriya and Neha Desaraju
April 3, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #009

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #009

March 29, 2019
Coppell High School tennis players get framed pictures on the wall inside the CHS tennis center when they become champs or super champs. Tennis players become champs and super champs by winning a specific number of qualifying tournaments through the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

Champing up

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
March 27, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #008

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #008

March 21, 2019
Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel released today in theaters. The Sidekick staff writer Neha Desaraju praises the movie for its accomplishments in developing a strong female lead.

Captain Marvel smashes female stereotypes, burns through expectations with flying colors

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
March 8, 2019
The Humanist Academy is an Acton-affiliated micro school that opened up two years ago in Irving. Acton-affiliated micro schools utilize concepts such as the Socratic method and the hero’s journey to teach students values essential to learning.

Despite the name, micro schools have big aspirations

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
March 8, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #006

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #006

February 28, 2019
The Sidekick staff writer Neha Desaraju edits a story on Thursday in the newsroom. Desaraju enjoys writing for The Sidekick as well as contributing ideas to help the program’s content grow.

Journalism is where my voice, imagination collide

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
February 28, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #005

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #005

February 21, 2019

OTS ACT from KCBY-TV on Vimeo.

On the Spot: Juniors taking ACT today (with video)

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
February 20, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #004

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #004

February 14, 2019
Coppell High School sophomore Tony Shi is known for playing a pan flute made out of plastic straws during passing period. If high pitched recorder-like sounds are coming from the CHS halls then just know it’s Shi.

Student of the Week: Meet the man behind the straw instruments

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
February 8, 2019
On Jan. 30, CHS Red Jacket applications officially opened to current Coppell High School juniors. The Red Jackets are a select group of seniors who serve as ambassadors and leaders to the CHS community. All applications are due Feb. 20.

Red Jacket applications officially open, representation wanted

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
February 7, 2019
Many wrestlers struggle with staying in their weight class. Sophomore staff writer Neha Desaraju talks about the impact weight classes have on female wrestlers.

For female wrestlers, losing weight is a source of positivity

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
February 5, 2019
Student of the Week: Duarte shows passion, empathy through music, medicine

Student of the Week: Duarte shows passion, empathy through music, medicine

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
February 4, 2019
Penny Podcast - Episode #002

[Video] Penny Podcast – Episode #002

January 31, 2019
Coppell freshman Ryan Agarwal keeps an eye on the ball on Tuesday Jan 22 at CHS arena. The Coppell Cowboys lost to the Lewisville Farmers 71-57.

Basketball starts small, turns into passion for Agarwal

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
January 28, 2019
Coppell police department’s senior administrative secretary Sara Fulton recieves recognition for over 20 years of hard work on the force.

City to recognize popular outgoing administrative assistant

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
January 24, 2019
In 2018, Oxford and Merriam-Webster listed the top words of the year. Sophomore writer Neha Desaraju brings awareness to these words and their meanings.

Let’s be more aware in 2019

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
January 18, 2019
During seventh period, Coppell High School seniors Amanda Lasky and Kaitlyn Sork make Christmas trees for the centerpiece of the teacher luncheon. The Student Council teacher luncheon will be held on December 20 at 1:15pm in the Large Commons.

CHS cultivating culture of kindness

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
December 6, 2018
Coppell Middle School eighth grader Graham Gorman goes to the First United Methodist Church auditions for their annual musical, this year’s being “Beauty and the Beast”, in the main church sanctuary on November 30th. Gorman sings “I Think I Got You Beat” from “Shrek the Musical Jr” for directors Emily Baker and her daughter Erin Baker in the smaller choir room.

FUMC’s “The Beauty & the Beast” promotes positivity, diversity in musical, auditions

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
December 4, 2018
The First United Methodist Church put on the production West Side Story in 2010. FUMC has been producing musicals since 2001, and will be holding auditions for its 2019 show, The Beauty & the Beast, today and tomorrow.

Coppell FUMC’s “The Beauty & the Beast” auditions today, tomorrow

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
November 29, 2018
The Coppell City Council honors Police Chief Macario “Mac” Tristan for his service to the City of Coppell. Tristan will be retiring effective Dec. 2 at the City Council meeting on Nov. 13.

City names Tristan Appreciation Day for retiring police chief

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
November 15, 2018
Beto O’Rourke is the Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate elections taking place today. Although he is white, he has a background in a Hispanic town and has the voice that Texas needs to sway U.S. Senate decisions.

A Take On: O’Rourke might be the best thing for Texas right now

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
November 6, 2018
Coppell High School alumni Kevin Rutledge talks about his experiences in college to two current Red Jackets at breakfast. He graduated in 2010 and is excited to see the new arena and football field.

CHS hosts Red Jacket reunion for first time in 10 years

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
October 29, 2018
Coppell High School has invited all current and former Coppell Red Jackets to a reunion on Friday. The Red Jackets will have the opportunity to attend a breakfast, the pep rally and the football game. Sidekick file photo.

CHS to host 10-year Red Jacket reunion Friday

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
October 18, 2018
During C lunch, Coppell High School students wear Nike merchandise in the cafeteria on Sep. 12. Students wear Nike merchandise including clothes, shoes, and lanyards. Photo by Gabby Nelson.

Nation reacts to Nike’s ad campaign featuring Kaepernick

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
September 29, 2018
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