• 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
Varshitha Korrapolu

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager

Varshitha is a senior and the Communications Manager for The Sidekick. In her free time, she is up for a rigorous taekwondo workout, a relaxing bike ride, or a classic dessert. She has a fond appreciation for writing and enjoys reading articles about science and medicine. If you have any questions, feel free to contact her through email ([email protected]).

All content by Varshitha Korrapolu
CHS9 student Maya Dudhyala transfers her design from a paper to a slab during seventh period on May 6. Dudhyala has been doing art since kindergarten and plans on taking a variety of art classes throughout high school.

[Photo] Dudhyala using art as a media of relaxation

Minnie Gazawada, Staff Writer/Designer
May 13, 2022
Coppell High School senior Chandana Sirigireddy is ranked No. 8 in the graduating class of 2022. Sirigireddy will attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall and is majoring in finance.

Chandana Sirigireddy

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
May 11, 2022
Coppell High School senior Natasha Banga is ranked No. 3 in the graduating class of 2022. Banga will attend Stanford University in the fall and major in public policy and computer science while pursuing the pre medicine track.

Natasha Banga

Sri Achanta and Varshitha Korrapolu
May 11, 2022
New Heights: Class of 2022 top 10 redefining success

New Heights: Class of 2022 top 10 redefining success

Shrayes Gunna, Sri Achanta, and Varshitha Korrapolu
May 11, 2022
Coppell High School senior Lily Arancheril committed to Nova Southeastern University’s seven-year doctor of osteopathic medicine program. Admitted students follow a three-year study in any undergraduate major, and receive their bachelor’s degree after their first year of medical school.

Arancheril, Konatam accelerating to medicine by choosing elite program

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
May 9, 2022
Coppell High School senior Lily Arancheril committed to Nova Southeastern University’s seven-year doctor of osteopathic medicine program. Admitted students follow a three-year study in any undergraduate major, and receive their bachelor’s degree after their first year of medical school.

Lily Arancheril

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
May 9, 2022
Cottonwood Creek Elementary School’s weather station was proposed by CCE dyslexia therapist Leslie Helwig in efforts to provide a hands-on learning opportunity for students. The weather station was installed in February and students use it before getting ready for the Cottonwood Creek News Network show in which the daily weather, lunch and announcements are reported on.

Helwig channeling inner meteorologist through weather station at CCE

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
April 30, 2022
CHS9 AP human geography teacher Annie Fillers helps CHS9 student Ashwath Jagtap with a practice multiple choice question as the students are preparing for the upcoming AP exam. Fillers graduated from the University of North Texas in 2018 and has been teaching at CHS9 since.

Fillers follows heart through teaching social studies

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
April 19, 2022
CHS9 English teacher Erin Begle assists CHS9 student Sriya Meduri with English I STAAR EOC practice questions during third period on Wednesday. Begle started teaching at CHS9 this school year and the CHS9 student council recognized her as February teacher of the month.

[Photo] Begle coaching empathy through literature

Yaamini Jois, Staff Writer
April 4, 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.

[Photo] CHS9 teacher spotlight brings kindness, tolerance to classroom

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
April 1, 2022
Coppell High School IB History of the Americas teacher Kyle Dutton creates a monthly playlist dedicated to each month’s holidays, events and celebrations. The playlist opens the social studies department’s staff meetings and promotes the department to faculty .

Dutton’s social studies playlist lifting spirits through song

Shrayes Gunna and Varshitha Korrapolu
March 24, 2022
Coppell junior defender Malkam Wallace defends senior middie Logan Hazlewood at practice on Tuesday at Lesley Field. Wallace is a dual sport athlete that portrays commitment and savors bonds with his teammates.

Wallace embodying genuinity, enjoying brotherhood on the field

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
March 24, 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.

[Photo] iLead fostering leadership skills in juniors

Iniya Nathan, CHS9 Editor
March 24, 2022
Coppell High School junior TSA president Apurva Betgar, senior TSA treasurer Adarsh Pulasseri and junior Kadhir Vivekanandan Kalavathy work on their VEX Robotics project in Mike Yakubovsky’s third period practicum in engineering class on Tuesday. Betgar has grown from a shy individual to a strong leader and challenges the stigma around women in STEM.

Insecure to bold: Betgar transforms from timid member to vocal leader

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
March 22, 2022
Coppell High School senior Shruti Shukla sings her favorite song, “Mere Dholna,” composed by Pritam Chakraborty, on March 8. Shukla has been singing Hindustani music since age 5 and takes exams administered by an Indian music organization, Pracheen Kala Kendra.

In the Spotlight: Shukla resonating with Indian culture through Hindustani music examinations

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
March 22, 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.

[Photo] Medford teaching from young age

Manasa Mohan, Advertising and Circulation Manager
March 11, 2022
Got You Covered is a series detailing five events involving Coppell High School and Coppell ISD happening this week. It will be posted every Monday for the rest of the 2021-22 school year.

Got You Covered: 2/28 – 3/6

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
February 28, 2022
The Winter Olympics took place in Beijing from Feb. 4-20. The Sidekick communications manager Varshitha Korrapolu writes about how much the Winter Olympics has influenced her since she started watching them in 2014.

Non-sports enthusiast mesmerized by the Olympics

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
February 25, 2022
Coppell High School students walk to fourth period as the warning bell rings on Feb. 17, with two minutes remaining before class starts. On Jan. 18, CHS implemented a two-minute warning bell before the tardy bell to remind students to get to class on time.

Warning bells assist in mitigating tardies to classes

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
February 25, 2022
CHS9 Spanish teacher Alicia Prado assists freshmen Safa Ahmed and Sabah Udin with an activity about conjugating verbs in the present tense during seventh period on Feb. 14. Prado was named the December and January Teacher Spotlight for her dedication and innovative learning style.

[Photo] CHS9 December, January teacher spotlight teaching through experience

Anette Varghese, Student Life Editor
February 22, 2022

[Video] Video: Adventuring into Girl Scout Cookies

Sannidhi Arimanda, Staff Photographer
February 15, 2022
Coppell High School junior Adi Bamroo competitively races karts at K1 Speed Richardson. Bamroo has been surrounded by racing since age seven, but started karting four months ago.

Bamroo speeds through ranks in competitive racing

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
February 4, 2022
Coppell Independent School District (CISD) has introduced a new two-minute warning bell before the end of passing period. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Sreeja Mudumby thinks the bell is a beneficial addition to reduce tardies.

The Local Lens: Omicron variant impacts families, not only students

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
January 27, 2022
CHS9 Technology Student Association (TSA) parliamentarian Chandana Pagadala codes her website about French desserts for a principles of computer science assignment on Thursday. Pagadala is interested in computer science and wants to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.

Pagadala blasts off into STEM as TSA parliamentarian, computer science student

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
January 19, 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.

Freshmen shine in Cowgirls’ first soccer scrimmage

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
December 14, 2021
Booster club buttresses IB program through multiple avenues

Booster club buttresses IB program through multiple avenues

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
December 10, 2021
Coppell senior forward Michelle Pak dribbles against Hebron on Feb. 6 at the Buddy Echols Field. The Cowgirls play their first scrimmage this year against Lebanon Trail at Buddy Echols Field Monday at 7:30 p.m.

New teammates, head coach to begin play against Lebanon Trail

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
December 10, 2021
Singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran released his latest album,=, on Oct. 29. The Sidekick communications manager Varshitha Korrapolu writes about how the album portrays different stages of his life through deep and meaningful lyrics.

Sheeran traveling through stages of life in latest album

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
December 6, 2021
The Sidekick communications manager Varshitha Korrapolu spars at Valley Ranch Taekwondo on Monday. Korrapolu expresses gratitude for taekwondo and how it has made her the person she is today.

Giving thanks: Taekwondo is my natural high

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
November 19, 2021
Coppell High School junior Adi Patel checks the control panel of the Czech Sport Cruiser N919TM aircraft at Thrust Flight flight school on Oct. 23 at Addison Airport. Patel is obtaining his pilot’s license and wants to join the U.S. Air Force.

Limitless mindset propels Patel towards Air Force

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
November 1, 2021
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Video: 39 seniors named National Merit Semifinalists

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
October 26, 2021
Parents and other adults tend to impose their opinions and lifestyle on young adults. However, The Sidekick communications manager Varshitha Korrapolu thinks young adults should be allowed to make their own choices, as they are capable of making good decisions on their own and that an adult should serve as a helpful guide that nudges the child towards the right decision.

Little people can make big decisions

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
October 25, 2021
New Tech @ Coppell junior Juan Cordova performs as Queto Muguruza in Coppell High Theatre’s production “Trap” in the Black Box on Friday. “Trap” was the first show the program has been able to put on without masks since the pandemic.

Audience members kept at the edge of their seats during “Trap”

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
October 24, 2021
Coppell High School senior Adarsh Pulasseri, with his parents Santhosh Perincheri Karunakar and Jayalakshmi Nair, holds a yard sign outside of the CHS Library at the National Merit Semifinalists Recognition on Oct. 4. National Merit Semifinalists have the opportunity to earn the honor of National Merit Finalist and scholarships.

39 seniors named National Merit Semifinalists

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
October 12, 2021
The Coppell Police Department discusses the importance of having a National Night Out at the Coppell City Council meeting on Tuesday. National Night Out was an approved holiday for a crime and drug prevention event by the city council.

Site plan approved after following revisions by city council

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
September 29, 2021
Coppell High School’s Chinese Club shares its purpose to educate students on the culture and language of China, but also to encourage them to volunteer in hallmark events on Friday. The campus held a club expo during all lunches, where interested students could learn all about the school’s various organizations.

Students attend club expo to explore school activities

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
September 17, 2021
The Buddy Echols Field video board was revealed at the football game against Plano Prestonwood Christian Academy on Sept. 3. The board was renovated over the summer.

Stadium receives new, improved video board from 1Vision Media

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
September 15, 2021
Coppell tennis starter Riki Koshimizu warms up for practice on Thursday during fourth period. Koshimizu has been on the Coppell tennis team since his freshman year on JV1 and moved up to varsity within a year.

Koshimizu utilizes ‘double-edged sword’ in tennis rise (with video)

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
September 13, 2021
Coppell High School anatomy and physiology teacher Jodie Deinhammer instructs her fifth period class on Wednesday. Deinhammer returned to CHS and was the Coppell Middle School East science and gardening teacher for five years.

Teacher of the Week: Deinhammer returning to her teaching roots after five years at CMSE

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
September 7, 2021
College application season has begun and along with it comes waves of stress for teenagers. The Sidekick communications manager Varshitha Korrapolu conveys the eagerness and excitement high school seniors have to go through this process.

Coppell Observer: College applications: the culmination of the high school experience

Varshitha Korrapolu, Communications Manager
September 1, 2021
Best place to study: Cozby Library and Community Commons

Best place to study: Cozby Library and Community Commons

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
May 17, 2021
Coppell High School Round-Up adviser Sallyanne Harris discusses the end of year banquet with CHS senior section editor Naomi Kho in the yearbook room on May 6. Harris is retiring at the end of this school year after nine years of teaching at CHS.

Gentle personality, strong soul: Harris leaves legacy at Coppell after nine years of shaping student journalists

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
May 13, 2021
Coppell High School senior Sydney Williams dances to “Come Sail Away” on April 24 at the CHS student parking lot during the Vivace! Virtual Show recording day. Williams is heavily involved in the Coppell choir program and plans on pursuing business and legal studies in the music and entertainment industry this fall at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

Williams means business as she heads to Music City to continue education

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
April 27, 2021
Coppell Middle School East eighth graders Stayton Slaughter and Erin Robins created a petition to change their middle school’s main source of energy to solar power on March 31.. Slaughter and Robins took up this project to encourage sustainability efforts in Coppell.

Ambitious duo on their way to turn big dream into reality

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
April 26, 2021
Coppell senior golfer Chelsea Romas finishes a swing on Sept. 23. The Coppell girls varsity golf team won first place at the Class 6A Region I Tournament to advance to the state tournament.

Cowgirls golf conquers regionals, advances to state after six year absence

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
April 21, 2021
Last night, the Coppell City Council posed questions and concerns to Oncor area manager Kita Hobbs, approved a zoning request made by the City of Coppell Planning Department, and made a series of public announcements. Coppell City Council meetings are held virtually on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Zoning request for lift station approved, frustration from winter storm met with Oncor representative at council meeting

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
April 14, 2021
Coppell senior golfer Andrew Chow practices his putting on Jan. 31 at Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving. The Coppell boys varsity golf team won second place at the District 6-6A Tournament and advanced to regionals.

Amped up second round results in unexpected 2nd place finish

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
April 1, 2021
Coppell senior golfer and University of Texas at San Antonio commit Lauren Rios finishes a swing at the Cowboys Golf Course on Oct. 13. Rios is one of many Coppell athletes who have verbally committed to collegiate athletics.

Girls golf battles adverse weather conditions, advances to regionals with 2nd place district finish

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
March 24, 2021
Rap music is often associated with negative connotations such as violence and gangs. The Sidekick staff writer Varshitha Korrapolu thinks rap music is a powerful genre that should be relieved of its cynical views.

Opinion: Give it a listen, think again

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
March 1, 2021

Small size but sweet charisma: Wojick implements bubbly personality in pole vaulting despite height (with video)

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
March 1, 2021
Today marks the last day of Student Journalism Week, which is Student Press Freedom Day. The Sidekick’s Varshitha Korrapolu outlines the challenges student journalists face such as censorship, COVID-19, handling racial justice coverage, and civil engagement/election news.

#SJW2021: Student Press Freedom Day shines light on student journalists fighting long standing challenges

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
February 26, 2021
Coppell senior forward Jocelyn Alonzo kicks against Plano West senior midfielder Karsen Aguirre at Buddy Echols Field on Tuesday. Coppell defeated Plano West, 1-0.

Re-energized second half propels Cowgirls past Wolves

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
February 24, 2021
Coppell junior midfielder Michelle Pak dribbles against Hebron on Feb. 6 at the Buddy Echols Field. The Cowgirls host Plano West tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.

Cowgirls host Plano West as district play resumes

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
February 22, 2021
CHS9 biology teacher Hilary Schieffer grades assignments during her first period class on Feb. 8. Schieffer was chosen for CHS9’s January Teacher Spotlight. Photo By Precious Onalaja

Schieffer embracing teaching career despite new environment

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
February 17, 2021
The Sportlight: Sivakumar grasping wrestling, words of wisdom as a novice

The Sportlight: Sivakumar grasping wrestling, words of wisdom as a novice

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
February 11, 2021
Coppell High School junior Nikita Nair is very vehement about the extracurricular activities she is involved in. Nair has been participating in Quiz Bowl for about five years, is one of the few top ranking female players and actively serves the community.

Student of the Week: Nair excelling in Quiz Bowl; making a difference through advocacy

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
February 4, 2021
As young people continue to become excessively active on the internet, the environment created has begun to take a harsh mental toll on teenagers. The Sidekick staff writer Varshitha Korrapolu discusses the perilous effects of social media and the internet.

Rise of an intangible poison

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
February 1, 2021
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn in on the steps of the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. Local government enthusiasts share their thoughts about the inauguration.

America United: President Biden installing positivity, hope in local government enthusiasts

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
January 22, 2021
Coppell junior attack Luke Moyer runs a drill during practice at Lesley Field on Wednesday. Luke and his brothers, juniors Scott and Jack, all participate in Coppell athletics. Photo by Angelina Liu.

Never quit, never die: Moyer brothers display competitive spirit across multiple sports

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
January 15, 2021
Coppell High School senior Social Butterflies Club president Jillian Richter writes a letter to the senior citizens of Coppell at Andy Brown Park on Thursday. Letters and other ongoing projects from the club provide the elderly an outlet to avoid loneliness during this pandemic.

Social Butterflies Club forming bonds with senior citizens

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
December 7, 2020
The Sidekick staff writer Varshitha Korrapolu emphasizes that healthcare workers are truly heroes because they continue to fight COVID-19 for the greater good. Korrapolu thinks her interest in becoming a doctor outweighs the dangers that healthcare workers face.

Passion prevails over perils in healthcare field

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
November 20, 2020
New Tech High @ Coppell junior Faiza Rahman practices a piece in Coppell choir director Bona Coogle's seventh period class on Nov. 2. With COVID-19 restrictions put in place by the Center for Disease Control, choir competitions and performances have been held online.

Coppell choir takes on virtual performances, competitions

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
November 10, 2020
Coppell senior co-captain Rishita Uppuluri hits a backhand during her doubles match against Marcus on Sept. 18, 2018 as a sophomore. Uppuluri values the relationships she has created during her four years on varsity tennis more than winning or losing. (Sidekick file photo)

Four-year letterman values relationships with relentless play on court

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
November 5, 2020
Women and people of color still face discrimination both in our community and globally. The Sidekick staff writer Varshitha Korrapolu discusses their struggles and how we can help minimize them in Coppell.

Opinion: People of color and women have suffered enough

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
October 23, 2020
On Thursday, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence had the first and only vice presidential debate of the campaign in Salt Lake City. Although the debate was heated, the candidates were civil compared to the Presidential debate that took place on Sept. 29.

Did the Vice Presidential debate fare better than the chaos that occurred last week?

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
October 9, 2020
Coppell senior midfielder Jojo Alonzo participates in soccer practice on Tuesday in the CHS Field House. Despite COVID-19, athletes are continuing to play sports with adjusted fitness habits.

Opinion: Coppell athletes modifying fitness regimens to adapt to COVID-19

Varshitha Korrapolu, Staff Writer
October 6, 2020
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