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
News
On Wednesday, The Sidekick/Coppell Student Media was named a 2026 Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Crown finalist for High School Hybrid News. A CSPA Crown Award is among the highest recognitions a student publication can receive and acknowledges high-quality scholastic journalism. Photo illustration by Neev Chickermane
The Sidekick recognized for quality news as a CSPA finalist
Hiral Patel, Staff Writer • December 12, 2025

Room D115, home to Coppell High School’s student-led newspaper The Sidekick, is constantly buzzing with energy as student journalists tackle...

Future-Oriented Approach to Residential Development (FOARD) chair Margaret (Peggy) Quinn becomes emotional as Mindy Hurley recounts all of the work Quinn has done with FOARD. The FOARD task force met on Wednesday at Coppell City Hall to discuss key challenges and potential solutions for future housing in Coppell.
Multi-generational housing, board leadership top FOARD Board agenda
Ananya Narala, Staff Writer • December 12, 2025
Coppell City Council presents the firefighters with a Class 1 award on Tuesday at the Coppell Town Center. The Coppell City Council voted on consolidating Naterra International into Coppell. Photo by Yoshita Sanivarpu
Council recognizes fire department for maintaining high-quality emergency response system
Dayami Granados, Staff Photographer • December 11, 2025
Coppell High School associate principal Taylor Smith-Bothun has been named principal of Lakeview Middle School in Lewisville ISD. Smith-Bothun is in his second school year serving as CHS associate principal. Photo illustration by Pranavi Ramineni and Ayaan Haque
Smith-Bothun flying new colors at Lakeview MS
Ayaan Haque, Staff Writer • December 10, 2025
Coppell ISD ESL/Dual Language Parents, Family and Community Engagement liaison Stacy McGill spoke at the informational meeting on Thursday in the Coppell High School Lecture Hall which provided details in both Spanish and English. A bilingual college information night shared helpful information on financial aid applications and college readiness for students and their families.
Funding students’ futures at Bilingual College Information Night
Aarnav Munji, Staff Designer • December 10, 2025
Photo Galleries
Sports
Coppell junior guard Tre Watson lll scores a layup against Frisco Memorial on Tuesday at CHS Arena. The Cowboys lost to the Warriors, 77-73.
Beat at the buzzer: Coppell falls to Memorial in the final seconds
Raima Awan, Boys Sports Editor • December 11, 2025

Silence filled CHS Arena as the Coppell boys basketball team trailed by three points with six seconds of the game. Frisco Memorial had possession...

Coppell senior Xandor Estes spars with Sensei Joa Silva at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Silva Academy in Lewisville. Estes has become an internationally acclaimed athlete after being inspired to be able to defend himself against others. Photo by Elizabeth De Santiago
Finding confidence on the mat and purpose beyond it
Raima Awan, Boys Sports Editor • December 4, 2025
Coppell senior athletes signed the national letters of intent on Wednesday in CHS Arena. Twelve students signed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Photo by Naila Ali
Inked and ready: Coppell sending 12 athletes to next level
Reece Murry, Girls Sports Editor • December 4, 2025
Coppell senior offensive lineman Cooper Williams and junior lineman Eric Anguiano embrace after the game against North Crowley on Saturday at Midlothian Multi-Purpose Stadium. The Cowboys fell to the Panthers, 46 - 21. Photo by Naila Ali
Coppell falls in playoff rematch to North Crowley
Raima Awan, Boys Sports Editor • December 2, 2025
Opinions
Letter from the Editor: Bearing a reflection
Letter from the Editor: Bearing a reflection
Yug Talukdar, Executive Editor-In-Chief • December 12, 2025

Berries. Claws. Honey. These are iconic objects, maybe even a signature. Roaming through the Americas, Europe and Asia, bears have...

Coppell High School junior Isabella Garcia Delacruz and Coppell Middle School East sixth grader Macarena Garcia Delacruz engage in recreational activities at the Cozby Library and Community Commons. The Sidekick staff writer Samara George thinks libraries are underrated despite the multitude of resources they offer. Photo
It is time to renew love for libraries
Samara George, Staff writer • December 12, 2025
A people pleaser is someone who prioritizes other people’s needs ahead of their own. The Sidekick staff writer Ayesha Syed describes her gratitude for the romantic comedy 27 Dresses, which highlights the importance of taking care of yourself before others.
Giving Thanks: My rom-com of a sign to be selfish
Ayesha Syed, Staff Writer • November 28, 2025
Playing the guitar brings comfort during moments and reminds how music can be beautiful. The Sidekick staff writer Z Woodson is thankful for the opportunity to play guitar. Graphic by Z Woodson.
Giving thanks: Guitar bringing me freedom
Z Woodson and Nidhi Medicharla • November 27, 2025
Student Life
Coppell sophomore Afrida Zaman attempts to write her name on a board held by junior Hope Squad member Maeve Foley after spinning around 10 times to mimic effects of fatal vision due to drugs during Red Ribbon Week. The Coppell High School Hope Squad encourages students to care for mental health and be open to share struggles with each other. Photo by Rachel Chio
Hope Squad bringing joy across district
Z Woodson, Staff writer • December 10, 2025

Coppell High School’s Hope Squad is meant to spread positivity throughout campus. Hope Squad started at CHS9 and New Tech High @ Coppell, but...

Coppell sophomore Sidharta De won multiple awards for his achievements in debate. De found his interest in debate at 13-years-old and was selected for the USA Development Team for World Schools. Photo by Rachel Chio
Discovering passion through debate, dedication
Tareni Moorty, Staff Designer • December 2, 2025
Coppell High School seniors Nitya Desaraju and Sneha Patil illuminate their passion for henna along with a newly done design. Patil and Desaraju bring their growing talent for henna art to friends and volunteering events. Photo Illustration by Prakruti Badarayan and Chloe Smith
Henna mastery in the hands of Patil, Desaraju
Sanghika Pallela, Staff Writer • November 21, 2025
Coppell High School world history teacher Tim Dixon hoists the U.S. flag over his shoulder as a tribute to his service in the Army. Dixon’s time in the Army taught him about viewing the world in different perspectives. Coppell High School world history teacher Tim Dixon hoists the U.S. flag over his shoulder as a tribute to his service in the Army. Dixon’s time in the Army taught him about viewing the world in different perspectives.
Dixon’s march back towards history
Isabella Aguirre, Staff Writer • November 20, 2025
CHS9
Where the Sky Meets the Sea prophesying nights of wonder
Where the Sky Meets the Sea prophesying nights of wonder
Karthika Dayanand, Staff Designer • December 12, 2025

The CHS9 theater department showcases “Where the Sky Meets the Sea” by Mandy Conner as a part of “A Night of One Act Plays.” Five...

School Resources Officer Jeanie Duncan is in her first year at CHS9 and was selected as The Sidekick’s Volume 37 No.3 Faculty of the Issue. Duncan makes a difference to those around her by creating a welcoming environment for students and supporting colleagues with helpful advice. School Resources Officer Jeanie Duncan is in her first year at CHS9 and was selected as The Sidekick’s Volume 37 No.3 Faculty of the Issue. Duncan makes a difference to those around her by creating a welcoming environment for students and supporting colleagues with helpful advice. Photo courtesy by Jeanie Duncan
CHS9 Faculty of the Issue: Thriving through change, Duncan pushes for freshmen success
Hannah Vipin, CHS9 Editor • December 11, 2025
CHS9 science teachers collaborate to create lesson plans on Nov. 11. CHS9 was recognized by Solution Tree as a Promising Practices Professional Learning Community at Work for raising student achievement, marking the first step toward becoming a model Professional Learning Community (PLC) school.
Stepping towards Model PLC status: CHS9 recognized for raising student achievement
Hiral Patel, Staff Writer • November 21, 2025
Meet the 2025-26 Technology Student Association Officers
Meet the 2025-26 Technology Student Association Officers
Hannah Vipin, Yoshita Sanivarpu, Ananya Narala, Neev Chickermane, Prathi Tamara Sathish Kumar, Prisha Hooda, Riya Suresh, Zaara Shaik, and Yug Talukdar • November 20, 2025
Arts & Entertainment
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 released on Dec. 5, and is a continuation of the first film released in 2023. The Sidekick staff writer Z Woodson dives into the lore aspects in the new movie and whether or not it meets viewers expectations. Graphic by Nina Jorge
I survived the night shift: Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 review
Z Woodson, Staff writer • December 12, 2025

The final commercial ends. The lights dim. People shush each other. It’s showtime. The Five Nights at Freddy's franchise originated with...

Streaming services such as Spotify, Netflix and Disney+ have overtaken the market, pushing aside optical discs, tape formats and video rental stores. The Sidekick staff photographer Davy Thomas thinks physical media still offers upsides that streaming cannot replace.
Physical media’s comeback against streaming
Davy Thomas, Staff Writer • December 11, 2025
Jake Abry and his son Evan Abry play with bubbles in front of the Chirtsmas tree after the lighting ceremony at Andrew Brown Park East on Saturday. Coppell rang in the holidays with its annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony at Andrew Brown East.
City ushers in the holiday season with annual community celebration
Prathi Tamara Sathish Kumar, Staff Writer • December 8, 2025
Coppell show choir Vivace! performs “Bring Me Back to Life” by Evanescence on Nov. 13 at the CHS Auditorium. Coppell’s show choir Vivace! showcased its fall show featuring other Coppell ISD show choirs with the theme “Lost and Found.” Photo by Naseeha Masood
Lost notes, found voices
Naseeha Masood and Kevin Gunnampalli • November 20, 2025
Lifestyle & Wellness
Pulling pranks used to represent playful banter between close friends, but it has recently evolved into dangerous stunts that take a turn for the worst. The Sidekick staff writer Aarnav Yarlagadda discusses the line between lighthearted pranks and risky behavior.
Lifestyle lessons: Chastain championing celiac disease
Katie Park and Safiya Azam • November 18, 2025

Hosted by: Katie Park Edited by: Safiya Azam Lifestyle and wellness editor Katie Park talks to Coppell High School AP government teacher...

Coppell High School sophomore Shruti Borra jots down notes about the past day. Journaling provides a way to process emotions, recall ideas and relieve mental stress.
Finding peace in pages through journaling
Samara George, Staff writer • November 17, 2025
Buy back your time with a morning pause
Buy back your time with a morning pause
Jay Vernekar, Faculty/Staff Editor • November 13, 2025
Coppell High School AP Government teacher Eric Chastain was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2010, changing how he navigates everyday life. Chastain manages his diet by sticking to gluten-free options to better improve his lifestyle. Deepika Kumar
Championing past celiac disease with consistency
Katie Park, lifestyle/wellness editor • November 12, 2025
Current Issue – Volume 37

Volume 37 - Issue 3

Newest Comic
A frozen friendship
A frozen friendship
Chloe Vigue, Staff Designer • December 8, 2025
Podcasts
Mic check: What is the difference between club and school volleyball
Mic check: What is the difference between club and school volleyball
Clara Lane and Safiya Azam • December 4, 2025
Videos
Holiday house brings festive cheer to Coppell’s community
Maren Wiley and Nina Jorge • December 12, 2025
Weekly Staff Picks

Story of the Week

Corley named 2025-26 Teacher of the Year

Corley named 2025-26 Teacher of the Year

Neev Chickermane


Photo of the Week

“Finding confidence on the mat and purpose beyond it

Finding confidence on the mat and purpose beyond it

Elizabeth De Santiago


Design of the Week

Activist making waves through marine conservation

Activist making waves through marine conservation

Varshini Avula, Srithika Dasari


Post of the Week

Post of the week
Zaara Shaik, Akshata Ghosh