The Sidekick - May 21, 2009

the

sidekick

Coppell High School

185 W. Parkway Blvd. Coppell, TX 75019

www.coppellstudentmedia.com

Year in Review allieperison

02 SEPT newseditor

Students and teachers received a bit of unforeseen news when an extra day off for students was unexpectedly added to Labor Day weekend because of flooding in C Hall. The flood was caused when a pipe burst, leaving 30 classrooms damaged.

23-27

MAR This year, after spring break, CHS tested a trial pilot block scheduling system. After the pilot, a student survey was posted for students to evaluate what they thought of the block schedule. The majority of students found the block schedule better, so on May 4, CHS presented implementing the block schedule for next year to the school board.

11 APR

This year marked the 50th anniversary of CISD. Current and former students and teachers joined the celebration including decades worth of scrapbooks, uniforms, yearbooks and technology.

The festivity gave attendees a look at how the district has changed throughout the years.

Vol 20, No. 7

May 21, 2009

Graphic by Yogesh Patel

DEC19

Class of 2009

After receiving an offer from Southlake Carroll, associate principal P.J. Giamanco took his new position as principal of Carroll’s ninth and 10th grade campus. Despite his decision to go to one of CHS’s biggest foes, the community was sad to see him go.

“” It’s one of those things that happens. A line broke. It just broke at the wrong time.

Associate Principal P.J. Giamanco

Although CISD is not facing a large deficit, it still has some financial problems.

With the North Lake property finally about to be finished, the attorney fee has left a hole in the pocket of CISD. Along with this, the high schooll building is getting older and is in need of some renovations.

“

The seven period day was overwhelming for students. It’s like a hamster on a wheel, running as fast as possible, but getting nowhere.

”

Social Studies department head Valerie Garnier

CHS is not the only place that has seen its fair share of changes this year, the Coppell community has undergone some transformation. Coppell has become a part of the green revolution. Recently, in an effort to become more environmentally friendly and encourage recycling, every Coppell family home was given a 65 gallon recycling bin.

“

We have an entire future ahead of us, not just on our graduation day, but every

”

day. And maybe we cannot choose the hurdles that each of us will undoubtedly face.

But we can choose to jump over them or to stay stuck. Life’s greatest paradox is that it is its own bumpy, winding road -- but we control the wheel.

2 0 0 8 G R A D U AT E S A M A I YA M U S H TA Q ’ S VA L E D I C T O R Y A D D R E S S

Triumphs in soccer, Students find voice in football define year presidential election Junior Dallas Riney of the Coppell Cowboys reaches above and beyond an Allen player on a Dec. 2 basketball game.

Photo by Kelly Emerson

blakeseitz

sportseditor Ups and downs—every season has them, as do every team. Coppell High School is no different. The Cowboys and Cowgirls had their share of bumps and bruises, but ultimately the year can be labeled a victory, culminating in several deep playoff runs and two state championships.

At the beginning of the year, 5ATexasfootball. com predicted Coppell would finish fifth in District 6-5A. This wasn’t as much a slight as it was a declaration of the district’s level of competition—Region I was widely accepted as the toughest region in Texas, with 10 teams ranked in the state’s top 25.

Of the eight districts in Region I, District 6-5A was considered the most competitive. For a short while it seemed these preseason mutterings had some validity, espe-

cially after a 57-41 loss to Highland Park was seen as a grim premonition for future games against higher-scoring opponents like Southlake Carroll.

That was where all similarities with the speculations ended—Coppell rallied to pummel Weatherford and Mansfield Summit and then extended its streak to three in a 57-53 double-overtime thriller against Southlake Carroll, who hadn’t been defeated by a Class 5A district opponent in, well, ever.

The Cowboys rounded out the season in spectacular fashion with a lastminute string of victories to clinch a playoff spot. Then, in a 31-17 bi-district playoff victory against Justin Northwest, the Cowboys broke through to the second round, a feat it had not matched since the turn of the century and since its designation as a 5A school. see GIRLS pg. 19

daphnechen

opinionseditor If one word were to symbolize this past year, it might be change.

The change-obsessed United States presidential election of 2008, the 56th in our history, assembled an unprecedented number of unusual and unpredictable firsts.

The first woman to run for a major party nomination with a serious chance at winning, capturing more primaries than any other woman in history. A maverick Republican presidential nominee running with a female governor from Alaska. A number of candidates who poked fun at themselves on Saturday Night Live. And ultimately, our first black president, Barack Obama.

Throughout it all was the theme of change. The theme of young people, of hip-and-happening youth, of the dubiously-named President Barack Obama delivers remarks on tax reform in the Grand Foyer at the White House, May 4, in Washington, DC. (Olivier Douliery/ Abaca Press/MCT)

Generation Z. “We went through a time when there was a lot of apathy about the elections,” U.S. History teacher Rita Bauer said. “But I think, and maybe this is just being cynical in my ‘old age’, but I think younger people are concerned that the government’s not done things the right way, that they’ve not followed through on their commitments. They want to see something different in the hopes that it could be something better.”

Many students felt encouraged to learn more about politics by teachers and peers, participating in the mock presidential election and watching clips of the debates in class.

“It was the first one that actually mattered to me, because when you’re in high school, you actually talk about it with people,” junior Paul Blazek said. “I always liked talking about see CHANGE pg. 18

02

academics

thesidekick may 21, 2009

Debating part of the past for Mozynski christinageller

featureseditor

When you type Kate Mozynski into Google, the site automatically recognizes her. In fact, it finds 160 results for her name, and every single one of them is about her; thanks, in part, to her success in debate.

A one-woman powerhouse, Mozynski captured the state title in Foreign Extemporaneous Debate at the 2009 Texas Forensic Association’s state tournament, a rare feat for a female debater.

“Extemp is maledominated; Foreign Extemp is extremely maledominated,” Mozynski said. “I’m used to being the only girl.”

Foreign Extemp requires debaters to know every detail about all parts of the world. National topics include the Middle East, World Economy and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

“She has to know world leaders in every country, politics in every country, social issues in every country,” debate coach Glenda Ferguson said. “She has to just know things most teenagers – most adults – don’t know.”

At each tournament, debaters draw three questions, choose one and are only allowed the use their files of articles and textbooks, called “sources,” to help brush them up on the topic. Mozynski relies on her three large blue tubs – which are so heavy she had to pay overweight fees when she traveled to Boston for competition – filled to the brim with information to help her through her allotted 30 minute planning time. Inside each tub is a section for each country with subsections on certain issues. For example, the Middle East contains folders on Islamic imperialism, women’s rights, and relations with the U.S. “I research it all myself, highlight it all, filleit all, memorize it all,” Mozynski said. “I’ve been doing this event for four years but not one of these articles are over a year old.”

Mozynski pulls her information from a variety of sources, including The Economist, The New York Times and the Council on Foreign Affairs.

“The Council on Foreign Relations is my best friend,” Mozynski said as she pulled the AP Hu-

man Geography textbook.

“Books. I read a lot of books. I don’t think you can get the same depth from a newspaper article.”

Fellow debater Risha Bhattacharjee attributes how her well-read Mozynski is to her success.

“She’s always reading The Economist and other magazines to keep herself up-to-date,” Bhattacharjee said. “She’s at school until seven or eight at night printing off articles and reading them and highlight them – just trying to keep

herself up-to-date with everything that’s going on in the world.”

However, it is her knowledge of philosophy that Mozynski credits her success to.

“I like to incorporate a lot of philosophy [into my arguments],” Mozynski said. “I think the best way is to use philosophy and back it up with imperialism information. That’s the way to make a really good argument.”

When the 30 minutes are up, speakers then perform in front of a panel of judges. At most competitions judges choose the top two competitors from a room of six to eight people to advance.

However, at nationals, Mozynski competes in six rounds and the judges will take the best scores from all rounds to decide which debaters advance to quarterfinals. The process continues until the final round and one competitor is named national champion.

Competitors are judged on how well they cover the topic, use of sources to show how wellread they are, speaking style and speaking ability.

“She’s a very good

of nationality,” Hong said.

“My family, I think we’ve moved like thirteen times. I never had like a home, per se, in the tradtitional sense.

Home is wherever I’m staying. I have all my relatives in Korea, but then I have my education and my academic ideas and ideologies in the United States.”

His biggest struggle when he came to the states was adjusting to the language barrier, especially since Hong’s family planned to move back to Korea after his father got his degree. After three years in America, Hong and his family moved to Coppell to establish roots near his father’s new architecture job.

It was then Hong finally learned English and began developing his academic identity. To the sur-

prise of many, being valedictorian of his high school class is not a key factor in Hong’s sense of self.

“I was never that good academically in middle or elementary school.

My identity is not in being part of the academic circle,” Hong explained. “Not only is that really shallow, that’s really boring. I like to think of myself more as a thinking person.”

It is Hong’s dedication to thought that astounds students and teachers alike.

Latin teacher Jeremy Varnell has had the unusual experience of teaching Hong for four and a half semesters, a product of Hong’s unexpected move to Korea halfway through his sophomore year that required he repeat classes

after he returned. According to Varnell, who was the teacher Hong chose to honor at the annual Top 5% Banquet, such challenges haven’t held Hong back from being a motivated, striking individual.

“He’s always been very diligent, very studious.

What’s been really cool to see is how he has become more desirous of actually making an impact rather than just having all his knowledge get buried inside his head,” Varnell said.

“He’s become much more interested in making some actual difference in people’s lives. He’ll be one of the people who is changing the world.”

Although Hong will always be able to indicate his status as valedictorian on resumes, it is his dedica-

Photo by Gina Canata Senior Kate Mozynski sorts through the debate tubs from previous years.

speaker,” Bhattacharjee said. “Her speaking is very fluid and she has this great voice that carries really well, that has a lot of weight.”

This is her third year competing against 200 other debaters at Nationals, held in Birmingham, Ala. this year on June 1419. Mozynski qualified for Nationals by placing first in district for the National Foresnic League and aadvanced to UIL State competition after placing first at regional competition in Lubbock. In the past, Mozynski has made it to semifinals at Harvard and placed first at Colleyville Heritage High School, Garland and UT-Austin.

“Kate hasn’t placed below second in a really long time,” Ferguson said.

“She wanted to be the best and she has.”

Despite her success, Mozynski says she doesn’t plan to continue debating at the College of Wooster, located in Ohio. However, she’d like to help other students find a joy in debate.

“I realize I can’t not have all this stuff in my life,” Mozynski said. “I’d love to have an assistant coaching position [at a local high school].”

tion to excellence and passion for people that will set him above the pack for the rest of his life. However, all else aside, Hong is truly a unique individual with a fresh perspective on the world. When asked about what he likes to do, he mentioned reading, Disney movies and music.

“I really like music.

I sing and whistle a lot at home,” Hong said. “I don’t really have a favorite music; I think there’s beauty in everything.”

In the end, it is neither Hong’s academics nor his unusual Korean-American identity that define him.

Instead, what makes this young man stand out are his passion for people and willingness to see beauty in every step.

Different life experiences propel Hong Chanhwa Hong at a young age in Korea.

Photo courtesy Chanhwa Hong

audreywhite

co-editor-in-chief To most students at Coppell High School, his face is recognized as one of the 14 lining the wall honoring National Merit Finalists. In the upper academic echelons, his name is whispered with understood reverence.

From among a graduating class of nearly 700, senior Chanhwa Hong has earned the distinction of valedictorian, but anyone who knows him agrees this is not what makes him special.

“He’s a very humble person. You can easily figure this out about him if you talk to him about ser-

vice, because that’s very important to him,” Hong’s friend and senior Kris Chiravuri said. “He has a good heart and he cares about other people. He’s a person of character.”

Hong’s history is certainly an unusual one.

Born in Korea, Hong moved to the states in 2000 when his dad was accepted to study architecture at the University of Oklahoma.

This has left an unusual divide between two potential selves.

“Traditional nation state identity tells me I should choose either United States or Korea, but I don’t see it that way, I don’t like restraining myself in terms

academics

thesidekick may 21, 2009

03

Senior Scholars Sun shines on those in need gain head start

tinuing her charity organization, Sun will also be mentoring students in West Philadelphia schools.

Sun is very involved at school, but she claims that all of her activities are her favorites.

“I don’t participate in an activity unless I enjoy it,” Sun said.

Sun is a Red Jacket, National Merit commended, a leader on the award winning Academic Decathlon team, a member of NHS, the president of NSHS and the class of 2009 salutatorian.

After four years at CHS, Sun is excited at the prospect of being on her own, getting to make her own decisions and getting out of Texas. Looking for-

ward, Sun will attend the University of Pennsylvania and plans to major in business. She remembers on her years at CHS with many fond memories with few regrets.

“If I could do something different, I would do what I really wanted to do, extracurriculars that I wanted to do, but that I didn’t think I would have enough time for,” Sun said.

“Looking back, I could have managed my time more efficiently and had time to do things.”

Tessa Martin has been friends with Sun since 6th grade.

“She’s a good listener, and I’m going to miss not having every class with her and being able to rant to her,” Martin said.

Sun’s achievements and actions speak loudly for her, along with all who know her.

“My perfect future would be one where I’m living the American dream with a family, a job and I am successful,” Sun said.

Sun’s teachers and friends have only good things to say about her.

“She brought a lot of enthusiasm to the [Academic Decathlon] team as well as a large knowledge base,” AcDec sponsor and economics teacher Donnette Alexander said.

“She wants to do well and she also helped others do well. She is very funny and bright, and just a lot of fun to be around. She cares about the other people on the team and she wants them to do well too.”

lieve her to be more than equipped for such a program as well.

“Vicki told me once that she used to struggle with English because it was her second language. It was almost ironic to me because her writing and reading skills are so exceptional and she is so quick as a student,” AP/GT English III teacher Eileen Krueger said. “Vicki is tailor-made to do something like this, and I’m definitely going to miss her next year but at the same time I’m so proud of her.”

Aside from the program, Yang is confident a college like USC will have much to offer. She wishes to double-major in business administration with emphasis in cinematic arts and also psychology. Her longterm goal is to one day be a lawyer.

“I sort of figured that you can’t go to a school like USC and not do something that has to do with film, so I included the emphasis on cinematic arts along with my business major,” Yang said. “It’s going to be a good way to incorporate liberal arts with a business program.”

Some students entering college at a younger age than most might have problems adjusting to the change, but Yang feels that at 17, her age will not be a factor in her abilities at USC. “I’ll only be one year younger than most of them so it’s not too bad, and this is something I’ve thought about doing for awhile,” Yang said.

In addition to her acceptance into the Resident Honors Program, Yang will take part in a special freshman Global Leadership Program, which offers leadership seminars with guest speakers, a trip over spring break to China to study business and ultimately gives students head-way into career opportunities later in their lives.

Of course, the road to success does have its downside. Yang is saying goodbye to Coppell High School with a year less of memories than most students, but she is sure her choice of USC is the right one.

“I’m definitely going to miss all of my friends but I know that we’ll keep in touch,” Yang said.

melissabrisco

staffwriter

blakewatson

staffwriter

For a small number of seniors at Coppell High School, this school year has been unique in more ways than one. On top of the traditional significance of their senior year, 31 students from this graduating class who participated in the Senior Scholar program reaped additional benefits; some will graduate high school with as many as 42 college credit hours.

The program has done well for its first year in operation, drawing praise from other communities, even being featured in The Dallas Morning News, but the real question to ask in order to assess the true effectiveness of the program is ‘What happens next?’

Exactly how is the Senior Scholar program preparing students for a full-blown college experience?

“I’m taking a lot of classes,” senior scholar participant John Rusch said. “I took a music appreciation class [at North Lake College] because I want to major in something involving music in college.”

By taking the course at North Lake, Rusch, who will attend the University of North Texas this fall, acquired credit towards his college major. In total, Rusch will have 38 credit hours when he graduates

high school. That means Rusch will be entering college in solid sophomore territory.

Rusch’s case is typical of most students in the program. The trend seems to be all about planning ahead.

Kyle Curry, another senior scholar, jumped at the opportunity to gain college credit. In particular, Curry has taken the opportunity to polish up his math.

“I’m going to the University of Arkansas this fall,” Curry said. “I hope to graduate with a degree in engineering… [To get ready for that] I took college algebra and trigonometry classes.”

Additionally, Curry has taken other courses he finds interesting such as psychology and sociology.

These classes are an example of the sort of broadranging courses students will encounter after high school.

It is no secret that many universities require ‘basic’ courses to be taken during a student’s college career (English for example), supplementing a student’s specific studies. The Senior Scholars allows students the chance to knock out these courses before graduating high school.

That way, by the time they get to college they can leap right into their specific degree path.

Senior and salutatorian Whitney Sun shines inside the walls of CHS with her academic achievements, and outside with her generosity and charity.

Sun’s achievements can be seen in every aspect of her life. She excels in more than just academics.

One of Sun’s most admirable achievements is the creation of her own nonprofit organization.

“I have my own nonprofit organization called Generation Education,” Sun said. “I started it with a friend in 9th grade and every year at the beginning of the year we raise school supplies for kids in the less fortunate areas of DFW. We also hold book drives that go international. My friend and I were just talking about what we could do to help out the community and starting a non-profit organization seemed like a simple way to give back.”

Making the basis of the project about school supplies and education was an easy decision for Sun. “I think education is undervalued these days,” Sun said. “There is a misconception that it has to be really expensive, so we are just trying to help out with the basics like school supplies and books so everyone has the opportunity to learn.”

Making her organization has taken a lot of work, but the success of the organization has proved that it was worth Sun’s while.

Photo courtesy Whitney Sun Senior Whitney Sun face paints during a volunteer activity for one of her non-profit programs.

“To get supplies, we applied for a grant from Youth Venture, they are basically our sponsor organization and we get $5000 a year,” Sun said. “My friend and I also donate personal money. We raise money by asking for donations and we hold drives for the non monetary part.”

Sun makes sure the books and supplies go to deserving individuals.

“We just sent the supplies from our Christmas drive to the Austin Street Shelter in Dallas,” Sun said.

“For the Fort Worth area, we go through G.R.A.C.E. And for the hospitals we have to buy new books, so we give those to them separately.”

In addition to con-

Yang skips senior year to attend USC

reneerohani

staffwriter Junior Vicki Yang will be skipping her senior year at Coppell High School to attend the University of Southern California’s Resident Honors Program, a prestigious program for students from across the nation who are chosen for their academic performance, maturity, leadership and activeness in the community.

Yang first heard of the program in the early fall of her junior year while preparing for the PSAT. “I got a brochure about it in the mail and it looked pretty interesting,” Yang said. “I decided to research some more about it and I applied and found out I was accepted in March of this year. It was a complete shock to me.”

Resident Honor students function independently as college freshmen by getting the chance to obtain college credits applying toward the remainder of their high school requirements, while getting them ahead in their academic career.

Photo by Tyler Morris Senior Vicki Yang works on her art work at the end of the year and adds a last minute touch up.

The program provides three essential benefits for students: they are automatically admitted to the school’s Honors Program, guaranteed at least a quarter of their total tuition, named the Deans’ Scholarship and set to graduate a year early.

With only 20 to 30 students from around the world getting into the program a year, it is highly selective and the application process is a rigorous one.

“Students who get in are ones who are ready to get ahead and academically

and socially prepared for college,” Program Advisor for the Resident Honors Program Allison DeRaad said via e-mail. “We are delighted that Vicki will be attending our program in the fall.”

Yang’s teachers be-

academics

04 thesidekick may 21, 2009

Financial factors decide college paths lucianamendes

staffwriter With the economy in a recession, seniors are basing decisions for their future college on financial circumstances more than in the past years. Increasing numbers of graduates are choosing to attend community colleges rather than large universities.

“When I tell people I am going to North Lake next year I get mixed reactions and feel as if I have to explain my decision,” senior prom queen Carmela Salerno said. “I’m paying my own way through college. Going to North Lake for a year provides me with the opportunity to gain the same basic credits I would at more costly universities for less and without

the stress of having to pay student loans in the future.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with staying at home for another year.”

The benefits of attending community college at a time of economic recession such as this are many. Coppell seniors attending North Lake College will not have to pay a extravagant tuition cost because they can continue to live at home.

Moreover, these students will have the opportunity to receive transfer scholarships in the future if they choose to move to a four year university. Community colleges typically provide smaller classroom settings than larger schools and a more supportive environment.

Students taking dual credit courses can obtain college credit hours through high school without having to pay tuition. Before the end of senior year, many have enough hours to save money “I strongly promote dual-credit courses for students,” Coppell High School counselor Debra Fruithandler said. “If you plan it correctly it gives you a tremendous value for basic credits. Basically, it is a leg up for students planning to stay in-state because they can get one full year under their belt for no cost.”

The appeal of attending community colleges is greater now than ever since college tuition is escalating and the economy is waning.

“I didn’t even apply to other schools,” senior Haley Green said. “I knew I was going to North Lake.

It just makes things easier on my family financially.

Both my parents went to community college before transferring to a large university so I was expected to do the same. Maybe after a year or two I will transfer to University of Texas, but for now I am fine with North Lake.”

Families are struggling to figure out how to pay for college. According to the U.S. Department of Education, currently 8,497,438 Free Applications for Federal Student Aid have been processed for the 20092010 year. This represents a 19.2 percent increase from the previous year.

One year early, Hughes graduating in top 5 percent

Photo by Gina Canata Junior Noelle Hughes will graduate from CHS this year and plans to major in chemistry and minor in art at the University of Texas at Dallas.

lorenhughes

staffwritter With time devoted to extra-curricular activities, social lives, part-time jobs and numerous pre-AP and AP classes, very few juniors can say that they have been honored enough to graduate high school a year early.

For junior Noelle Hughes, not only can she say this, but she can also proudly say that she is graduating in the top five percent of the senior class above her.

“I filled all my requirements so I decided to graduate early,” Hughes said. “I’m excited to begin a new part of my life.”

Since freshman year, Hughes has devoted her time to AP and dual credit North Lake Community College classes on weekends and during summer vacations. As a fresh-

man, she was also in Algebra II pre-AP GT, which is two years ahead of most other freshmen in math.

“When I taught Noelle, she always wanted to understand every detail of every concept,” Algebra II Pre-AP GT teacher Ian VanderSchee said. “She was very motivated to succeed in all of her classes.”

Alongside her success in academics, Hughes is also a talented artist and pianist.

Last year, she participated in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) and won a medal for her artwork.

“I painted two paintings for VASE,” Hughes said. “It was a new experience for me to enter my artwork to be assessed by a judge.”

Not only has Hughes achieved numerous accomplishments academi-

cally and artistically, she has managed to hold on to a few valuable friends that she must leave behind a year early.

“I’ve been friends with Noelle for about six years,” junior Jacilyn Watts said. “She treats her friends with the same respect and ambition as her work, and she is always honest in all she does.”

Next fall, Hughes is set to attend the University of Texas at Dallas with the help of a full academic scholarship.

She was also offered a scholarship to the University of Houston before finalizing her decision to attend UTD. “Like any parent, of course, I’m proud of her,” Hughes’ mother Diane Hughes said. “I hope she carries with her the pleasure to learn, dedication to a cause and commitment to

her community. This is success, since it is these qualities that allow true productivity in life, no matter how one performs or does.”

Hughes will major in chemistry to work towards her aspiration of becoming a doctor and minor in art.

“I am not surprised that Noelle is graduating early,” VanderSchee said.

“She already possesses the study habits and moral character that many college students lack. I wouldn’t be surprised if she graduated college early as well.”

Despite Hughes’ extremely successful achievements, she fears experiencing home sickness and leaving her friends their senior year while she is at college.

“It’s thrilling to be graduating early,” Hughes said. “I know I will be taking many wonderful memories with me.”

On the other hand, large universities are also feeling the hit. Many colleges are seeking to discover how many students they accept will actually show up in the fall.

“Many universities accepted more students than usual this year,” Fruithandler said. “They are concerned that enrollment may be less due to parents not being able to come up with enough funds.”

Last year, 18 percent of the graduating class elected to attend community or two-year colleges. The exact percentage of high school seniors graduating in 2009 has not yet been calculated but is speculated by counselors at Coppell to be significantly higher than previous years.

Coppell offers a variety of rigorous courses to highly motivated and academically talented students.

Advanced Placement classes give students the opportunity to boost GPA points while receiving college hours. This helps cut down on the costs of university, but not by very much.

“Students and parents are thinking long and hard about attending more prestigious out-of-state schools,” Fruithandler said.

“They’ve begun questioning whether or not there is a relative benefit and if they can receive a comparable education in-state. More so this year than in the past, there are a number of diligent parents learning about how to obtain scholarships as well as financial aid. ” Graphic by Samantha Spaans

media

thesidekick may 21, 2009

05

Round-Up editor Suges to continue yearbook in college Photo by Kelly Emerson Senior KCBY directors Jessica Campbell, Gianluca Cuesta and Alexis Talley all plan to study media-related majors in college.

KCBY seniors bid farewell to CHS melissaflandreau

co-editor-in-chief Listening to program directors Gianluca Cuestas, Alexis Talley and Jessica Campbell talk about their time on KCBY, it doesn’t come as much of a shock to find that all three will be pursuing a degree in a media field at college. The love and passion they have for their craft is evident in everything they say. “[Media] is your imagination coming to life,” Cuestas said. “There’s nothing that is limited. Anything you can imagine, you can make happen, whether it’s through real footage or animation or editing. You have everything at your hands.”

Next year, Cuestas is taking his imagination to Brigham Young University, where he plans to major in broadcast journalism. Specifically, Cuestas wants to focus on automotive journalism, writing about the car industry, something that has been his passion since he was a kid. The decision to attend BYU, however, wasn’t as easy as identifying his major.

“BYU is known for being the school that Mormons go to, and I converted to the religion earlier last year, but I didn’t really

have an idea [before that],” Cuestas said. “But being that I just converted, it’s the perfect place for me to go, where I can learn in the field that I want to study, as well as grow spiritually.”

For Talley, though, the University of Oklahoma has always been a part of her future. Next fall, she plans to major in broadcast journalism and minor in public speaking, degrees she hopes will allow her to break into the field of sportscasting.

“Since I was 8, my dad has taken me to all the OU home games, because he went to OU, and of course, everyone on my dad’s side went to OU, so going to game after game after game, watching the sports for my entire life, I knew I was set to go there,” Talley said. “You learn so much in KCBY and it makes you more confident, so after doing this for three years, I just knew it [broadcast journalism] was my calling.

Talley and Cuestas have both worked on KCBY for the past three years, spending countless hours working to get their segments done and putting the show together.

“They [Alexis and Gianluca] spearheaded the organization from the very beginning,” Kennedy said.

“I’ve known them both for three years, and the growth has been phenomenal. I think if they continue with the same dedication and passion that they have right now, there’s no limit to what they can do.”

Campbell, however, started the year as special projects director and was promoted to program director midway through the year.

“Jessica’s role has been really tremendous to watch this year; we couldn’t have done it without her,” Kennedy said, noting Campbell’s part in segments such as the counseling video and the recent Shattered Dreams program. “She’s been a great leader to complement our other program directors to help lead our team.”

Next fall, Campbell will attend the University of North Texas, where she will pursue a film major, though she is entertaining the idea of transferring to the University of Texas at Austin to study in its film program. Her ultimate goal, she says, is to work as a producer on films.

“It’s [media] a rush: It’s kind of like being stressed, but at the end, it’s a really self-rewarding hobby,” Campbell said. “It’s

something I enjoy, and with a lot of productions, I can throw in music, and you get to work with a group of people – and that’s really what I like to do. It’s just like a big puzzle, so it’s a lot of fun.”

And while her role on the show changed, Cambell’s work ethic and ability has always remained constant. Her time on KCBY has prepared her well for her classes next fall, giving her the background she needs to make it in her field.

“It’s [KCBY] taught me how to communicate with people, as far as what it takes to put together a production, whether it be a short film or a special project,” Campbell said. “It’s been the one class where I have self-initiative and I’m not being told what to do. It’s definitely helped me grow.”

Through events such as Shattered Dreams and coverage of the AFI film festival, this year’s three program directors have made an incredible impact on KCBY. With their dedication and skill, don’t be surprised to find their names scrolling across the television screen in the future – whether it is at the end of a sports broadcast, a car show or even a film.

Closing remarks: yearbook seniors jillclaxton College?

Texas Tech Major: Photography How would you want people to remember you?

I would like people to remember me being fun and all of the good times I had with my friends.

Who is someone in the school you look up to?

I look up to Mr. Hunt because he has done a lot for the school and all the students and always tries to get to know everyone.

What is your biggest fear about college?

I fear that I am not going to work hard enough and fall behind.

morganwilliams kaitlynmeans Major: Film (director specifically) College?

University of Texas High School was: unpredictable.

College?

Texas Tech or Texas A&M

staffwriter

For students to enroll in the Round-Up yearbook staff at Coppell High School requires a major commitment. The staff dedicates hours of work to making the yearbook the best the school has seen. However, yearbook is not just a fun high school hobby for senior Myka Suges who sees it as her career.

“Myka is very creative and hard working if the staff or any of the editors needed help, she was always there to answer our questions or give us advice for our spreads,” senior Emily Hull said. “I consider her to be one of my best friends, and I have yearbook to thank for bringing us together.”

Suges has been involved with many yearbooks in CHS, three, and one at CMSW. She signed up for the yearbook staff at Coppell Middle School West and fell in love with it. Ever since third grade, Suges has enjoyed writing and Yearbook gave her that opportunity.

“I absolutely fell in love with yearbook after eighth grade and it just made me want to build a career out of it,” Suges said.

After middle school, Suges joined the RoundUp staff her sophomore year. Suges was elected to be academics editor her junior year and editor-inchief as a senior.

“This experience has taught me a lot,” Suges said. “For instance, it has taught me to manage time, make deadlines, and how to produce a good publication.”

After being accepted into the journalism school at University of Oklahoma, Suges decided she either wants to go into magazine publishing or advertising.

“Myka has worked her way up the ladder of the yearbook staff and really grew in her design skills and her writing skills,” Round-Up adviser Rachael Pellegrino said. “I’m very proud of her pursuing those things at Oklahoma.”

Since she had such an amazing experience with yearbook in high school, Suges has also interviewed on April 29 and supplied samples of her work to apply to be on the OU Sooner yearbook staff. Suges found out on May 5 that she made the University of Oklahoma yearbook staff. To make the OU Sooner staff is a very prestigious honor, considering that many of their yearbooks have won a number of awards. The Sooner 2007 yearbook was also ranked one of the top two yearbooks in the country by CSPA in 2008.

“I am really excited that I made it and now I cannot wait to go up there and start working on it,” Suges said.

Suges hopes that by being a member of the yearbook staff will help with her major in magazine or advertisement, build her portfolio and get her name out in the media world after she graduates. Another benefit of being selected as a staff member is members are paid for the work they do.

“Since I have to pay out-of-state tuition at Oklahoma, the money I get paid for being on the staff would go towards my tuition and help it a lot,” Suges said.

Major: Psychology Best movie ever? The Holiday

Worst movie ever? My first short film called Saturday, but then again I am probably my toughest critic.

What’s your advice to underclassmen?

Take duel credit because you get a lot of time off.

What are the school reading books you like the most?

The book I love the most is The Giver from middle school and I still go back and read it to this day.

What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed at CHS over the 4 years you’ve been here? There have been a lot of different teachers and I cannot recognize any.

Best thing to take on a deserted

What High School Musical character would you want to be and why?

I would want to be Gabriella because she is shy and really smart.

island? I would take a boat so I can get off the island.

gabymoran

Photo by Kelly Emerson Myka Suges, editor-in-chief of the 2009 Round-Up yearbook, works on her senior project which is a scrapbook that will hold memories from her senior year since all of the pages of the yearbook are completed.

06

media

thesidekick may 21, 2009

Sidekick seniors put down pens for college ellencameron

staffwriter While The Sidekick has evolved this year to include a new Web site, the students have grown as well, both in style and age, as some prepare to take flight and leave for college.

The Sidekick has five senior editors, from editors-in-chiefs Audrey White and Melissa Flandreau to editors Christina Geller (features), Page Warner (photography) and Amy Piper (graphics).

There are also four staff writers Scott Appleton, Lyndi Conradt, Blake Watson and Anna Casey.

In addition, business managers Brittany Nieh and Jenny Park as well as photographer Gina Cannata and graphic artist Samantha Spaans will also graduate.

The students have various experiences with the paper. While some have had been on staff for two or more years, for many, this is the first and will be the last year of being a staff writer.

Conradt did not take the journalism prerequisite, however she made it on staff this year.

“I’ve always enjoyed writing and always enjoyed reading The Sidekick and wanted to be part of it, but I couldn’t because of scheduling,” Conradt said. “I

Laughing off a great year, Sidekick seniors put their time on staff behind them and look toward bright futures.

didn’t have the background going into this year, so I had to learn all the random journalistic rules and learn them to the best of my ability.”

Spaans, Casey, Watson and Cannata are also first year staff members.

Spaans, who will attend Texas A&M, has a particularly unique experience with the paper. First

semester, she took independent study in graphics.

She did not join staff with her cousin Conradt until the second semester of this year after Piper insisted she join.

“Amy really needed another graphic artist and it worked out perfectly that I was able to,” Spaans said.

“This is the one extracurricular activity that Lyndi

Pagels behind a new lens

Photo courtsey of KCBY Senior Jim Pagels was a active member of KCBY and will pursue communications further at UT.

angelaalmeida

centerspreadeditor Behind the camera lens, his audience calls him a genius.

“He is a remarkable guy,” junior Scott Bower said. “His segments are like watching Lord of the Rings, at the very end all you want to do is watch it several times over again.”

Behind a desk, his teachers consider him to be quite the student.

“He is one of the brightest and most engaging students I’ve ever had,” history teacher Kevin Casey said. “He’s exceptionally well-rounded.”

Yet senior Jim Pagels considers himself to be a rather normal guy, find-

ing amusement in even the simplest of things.

“I have an unbreakable addiction to Minesweeper,” Pagels said. “You know that game that you press on the numbers and the bombs come up?”

As a member of KCBY-TV, National Merit finalist and varsity tennis player, Pagels is well-versed in balancing his social life with academics. In KCBY, Pagels has been the mastermind behind many legendary segments, such as MTV Cribs with Brad Hunt and his personal favorite, “I’m Going to Prom.”

“I have a thing for making rap videos,” Pagels said. “I feel like it gives me street cred.”

Beyond his humorous influence, however, Pagels has excelled greatly in academics. With a 2160 on his SAT and ranked No. 12 in the class, it is evident that although Pagels might mess around in the halls, he is sincere in the classroom.

Top universities across the nation have also taken an interest in Pagels, such as Columbia University, Northwestern University, the University of Texas at Austin and Stanford University. Pagels has sided with the UT honors program to save money for graduate school.

Although he jokes that he is “going to double major in psychology and reverse psychology,” in actuality, he plans to major in a media field. Furthermore, he looks forward to college, like most other seniors, with a bittersweet feeling.

“I’m excited to be with people who share my interests,” Pagels said. “But I’m going to miss all my friends and experiences in Coppell.”

If one cannot get enough of Pagels, there is always YouTube. As an account holder himself, Pagels his past KCBY segments posted. Undoubtedly, Pagels has left CHS better than when he found it. Only time will tell what impact he will make on UT and beyond.

and I have in common.”

For many staff writers, The Sidekick represents a last chance to try out a new hobby before retiring the pen for college.

“I don’t plan to continue journalism, but I do plan to continue writing,” Watson, who will attend Hendrix College in Arkansas, said. “If you’re a writer you can do everything.”

Photo by Tyler Morris

Former staff writers and current business managers Park and Nieh have also learned from their experiences but have no intentions of continuing with business and advertisements when they attend UTA in the fall.

“Being business manager has given me insight to the world of business and finances,” Nieh said.

“But I’m really not looking into business; I’m thinking more about political science, law, or maybe even fashion.”

However, Cannata seeks to continue with photography at Providence College in Rhode Island.

“I’m not sure about what publication, but I might continue photography, even if it’s just on my own,” Cannata said. “I’ve really liked being able to see my own photos in the newspaper final product.”

Piper, who became graphics editor in January, will also continue her Sidekick experiences as she goes to Texas State University to major in precommunication design.

The contributions of the class are evident in pages of articles and photographs, printed both in The Sidekick and other publications. This graduating class will also have been the first to operate The Sidekick Online, which won The Dallas Morning News Day junior award for best Web site.

“Not every class is going to have people in different areas who excel,” The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford said. “You could fill out a staff with just these seniors and be fine.

Each has something that makes them stand out.”

07 media Hail to the chiefs: White and Flandreau to depart thesidekick may 21, 2009

daphnechen

opinionseditor “I didn’t know Melissa freshman year at all…”

“I know I met Audrey sophomore year because we were both on staff...”

“It was on the bus when we met to visit The Dallas Morning News offices one day. We sat next to each other on the bus.”

“I don’t know, what did she say?”

“And then we just progressively became friends…”

“I’m going to give the wrong answer, aren’t I?” “…And now we rock at life.”

Although the details may be fuzzy, it is clear a shared love for writing and journalism brought seniors Audrey White and Melissa Flandreau together three years ago as staff writers for The Sidekick. The two friends will soon graduate as co-editors-in-chief of their student newspaper.

“I have a journal from when I was in fourth grade that says I want to be a writer,” Flandreau said.

“I remember always liking writing. I wrote a story when I was little about going to the movies with my grandpa.”

Not surprisingly,

White’s roots as a writer mirror those of her counterpart.

“I’ve been writing since I was teeny tiny, like 4 years old,” White says.

“Markers and construction paper, and I would write short stories.”

In the communications industry, Flandreau and White are something of a triple threat, with skills in writing, page design and editing. White served as editor-in-chief for the 2007-08 school year, when Flandreau was features editor.

In 2008, The Dallas Morning News recognized White for her opinions writing, awarding her honorable mention in The Dallas Morning News High School Journalism Day for her portfolio of columns.

In addition, she served as a Student Voices columnist. “[Audrey], as a writer, has a really distinct voice,” The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford said. “You could line up 50 stories and I could pick out the one that’s Audrey’s because she has a really distinct way of writing.”

Likewise, Flandreau has made a name for herself as a Student Voices columnist, in addition to winning

tragedies, from her parents’ early divorce and father’s death in 2001 to the cycle of substance abuse which plagued her older brother during her middle school years. “ Everyone has their issues and their Photo by Page Warner o b s t a c les, Seniors and The Sidekick editor-in-chiefs Melissa Flandreau and Audrey White will but if you attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and UT Austin, respectfully. let that be acclaim for her page de- tor and 2007 graduate Miwhat defines signs, including first place chelle Flandreau, her older you, then you’re not going in the News Page Design sister, now a sophomore to be happy with yourself,” Portfolio category by The journalism student at the White said. “I believe that Dallas Morning News.

University of Missouri. they’ve helped shape me for “To see [Melissa] “I love my sister, I re- the better. They’ve made me develop into a really good ally do, but it’s been really a stronger person, a more reporter and taking on big- hard for me to feel like my driven person. They’ve givger stories each year, I was own person when every- en me empathy, just knowproud of her for doing that,” one’s calling me Michelle ing that I’m not alone.”

Wofford said. “And as far and I answer to Michelle Senior staff writer as layout design, she’s one automatically,” Flandreau Anna Casey, who has been of the best ones. She’s one said. “It hurts your sense of friends with White since of the best ones we’ve ever identity, I guess… I just try freshman year and Flanhad. One of the best things to remind myself that I’m dreau since third grade, about our paper this year is not making these decisions remembers a friendship how it looks on page one.” because she did, that this is that began when Flandreau Flandreau in particu- what I want to do to.” threw “the best birthday lar has fought to carve out a White, through her party in the third grade.” unique niche as the succes- success as a journalist, has “I think Melissa has sor of former features edi- struggled with a series of definitely left an impact

“Even before she was an on staff when she was in journalism, I could tell that as a writer she was more advanced than most students, and she was already a good copy editor,” Wofford said.

“She was opinions editor because I thought opinions was her strength, but as time goes on, I’ve also seen more of her skills with news.”

She interned with The Dallas Morning News in the summer of 2008, writing two front page stories and four Metro Section front page stories, and was a member of their Student Voices panel for 2007-08.

“I kind of hit the ground running,” Geller said. “I got there and even

Association Mosaic writing competition.

Though her success in writing has played an important role in her high school experience, it does not define her. Geller was a clarinetist and a member of the colorguard in the CHS b a n d from her f reshmen to junior y e a r, placi n g seventh in the 2 0 0 7 Texas 5A Marching Band Competition and 13th at the 2005 Super Regional Bands of America Competition.

of excellence,” Casey said.

“She sits next to me at the computer, and if I’m writing something that’s first draft and it’s not worth anything, she says, ‘You know, you can’t put a comma there.’

It’s this constant ‘you can always do better.’”

Flandreau and White will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Texas at Austin, respectively. Both were encouraged by the universities’ strong journalism schools and hope to continue writing in college.

Behind them, Flandreau and White leave behind them a legacy of a major redesign and the creation of www.coppellstudentmedia. com, the online version of The Sidekick introduced in 2008-2009.

“I spent more time in D115 than any other room in the high school,” Flandreau said. “It’s going to be hard leaving something like that behind just because I spent so much time and effort, and at the end of the day, who really cares about a high school newspaper?

And the answer is that I do.

I cared about it a lot.”

With their departure, The Sidekick recognizes the first and the last hail to the chiefs.

Geller experiences journalism beyond CHS newsroom ellencameron

staffwriter

Senior Christina Geller is no stranger to the power of the pen. Used to editing feature stories for The Sidekick, reporting for The Dallas Morning News and writing various award-winning stories, pens have come in handy for Geller.

Geller is the current features editor of The Sidekick and served as opinions editor last year, her first year on staff. The year before, she was awarded the 200607 Achievement Award in Journalism at Coppell High School.

“I never really thought about doing it, but I had a friend who was a senior who read my English essays and told me I should do something with journalism,” Geller said. “I think it helped that I had written two stories for the senior issue and one for the issue before that so I got through the groove of editing before joining staff as an editor.

“Coming in I didn’t think anyone would really talk to me and I was hesitant because [opinions editor Libby Davis] had done good job, and I didn’t want to let that part go.”

Geller needed a bit of coaxing to before embarking on what became an illustrious high school career.

It was primarily encouragement from The Sidekick advisor Chase Wofford that pushed her to try out for editor.

though I didn’t have my own desk or computer, I was given an assignment.

I just kind of had to go for it.”

Even outside of journalism, Geller has proven herself to be an exceptional writer, placing first in the Coppell Gifted

Geller is also actively involved in community service. She was a core member of the Dyslexia Advocacy Service Learning

Project with former CHS student, Laura Seaman, which was named the best service learning project by Region 10 Service Learning Institute.

Next year, Geller will attend Clark University in Worchester, Mass. while her family goes in the opposite direction to their new home in Bozeman, Mont. Her younger brother Jack remains at the Texas Academy of Math and Science (TAMS) in Denton as a senior.

“Christina is true to her own ideas and comes up with a great product,” editor-in-chief Audrey White said. “I’m upset that she’s moving after this year, it’ll make it that much harder to see her.”

While it will be difficult for Geller to return, as holidays at home will no longer be in Coppell, her influence will linger over the paper as she writes for Clark University’s newspaper The Scarlett.

“I can’t say enough about how much Christina has done,” Wofford said. “She’s going to be missed.”

Christina Geller College?

Clark University Prom was: Expensive If you had an infinite amount of money, what would you spend it on?

Education for girls in Pakistan and the Middle East and books for children in Africa and for me.

Teachers you will miss?

I’ll miss my newspaper advisor, Mr. Wofford, because his class is definitely my comfort zone. I’ll miss talking with Ms. Alexander, my economics teacher because she gives great book recommendations, and I’ll miss Ms. Peddy because she gives great course and college advice.

Do you have any weird quirks?

I like making lists – homework lists, books to read, to do lists. I rarely actually complete the things I list, but I make them nonetheless.

What’s your biggest regret?

I try not to mark my life by regrets, but I have lost a lot of good friendships over the years and I miss them.

If you could choose, what era of time would you want to be in? I love almost every period of history for some reason or another, but this is the only period where women are not completely oppressed.

Number of I Rock CHS shirts you have?

Two – one for my internship at The Dallas Morning News and another for spending three months working on the Sustainability Expo.

08

editorial page

thesidekick may 21, 2009

Editorial

Hunt’s farewell to class of 2009

A class to remember walks away During an outdoor pep rally in the fall of 2005, cheerleaders asked each grade to individually “Do it, do it, do it GO GO GO!” Seniors, juniors and sophomores each yelled, chanted and waved fists accordingly.

Then it came time to “See the FRESHMEN do it!”

In an unanticipated show of spunk and sass, the entire freshman class sat down.

Since that fateful pep rally, the class of 2009 has stood up and stood out in immeasurable ways. It has maintained that spunky, sassy flare that made it the bane of pep rallies, applied in slightly more productive ways since freshman year.

Seniors may not have started any unforgettable traditions, but they leave behind an unparalleled legacy of fun and passion.

This fun and passionate way of life is on display on the wall honoring Coppell’s 14 National Merit Finalists and marches in the footsteps of every Red Jacket. It pours off the senior bridge, whether in the form of a tossed dummy or just a particularly loud conversation.

It is heard in every song sung by the awardwinning choir as well as in the story shared by the decorated One-Act Play Translations, not to mention in the swish of the soccer

ball hitting the net during the girls’ state championship tournament and in the cheers of the elated crowd as Coppell defeated Southlake Carroll in the most memorable football game in recent history.

The class of 2009 will always be remembered as a group that made its own way through four years of high school. Those four years were spent by singing, by laughing, by sassing – and by sitting.

It all started with lots and lots of sitting.

Put your guns up, Class of 2009, and congratulations.

To the Seniors Class of 2009: Congratulations on an amazing school year! This year’s senior class has been an incredible group of young people who have demonstrated strong leadership skills in every facet of Coppell High School.

Whether it was in academics, athletics or fine arts, the Seniors of ‘09 excelled at every level. We started the year with an extra long Labor Day weekend after the Great CHS Flood of ‘08, had a double over time 57-53 win against Southlake Carroll, saw some extraordinary productions including Footloose and The Curious Savage, had some fun with my two palm pilots while showing off my crib, cheered our band to a 3rd place win at state marching and our girls soccer team to a State 5A Championship, observed a moving and emotional program with Shattered Dreams and even survived the swine flu; the seniors did it all with style, class and great pride as they “rocked CHS” in all they did and with all they accomplished.

It has been my privilege and

honor to be your principal these past three years. This group of seniors has taught me so much this year....how to be a leader from my involvement with Red Jackets, what it means to serve others through the Blood Drives, Hope for Africa, Dig for the Cure, Invisible Children and Red Cross, how to laugh at myself and have fun with the Talent Show, the KCBY skits and the Prom Rap and most importantly how to display pride and spirit for your school with some crazy pep rallies that ended with mohawks or the battle of the sexes; this year has been one fantastic journey!

I applaud you for what you have done and look forward to what you will do. The world is a better place because you are in it and I have confidence in knowing our future is in very capable hands.

God Bless, Best of Luck and remember... Cowboy Fight Never Dies!

Brad Hunt Coppell High School Principal

Editor-in-chiefs pass the torch

Staff  Gaby Moran  Jenny Park  Amanda Peck  Nathan Reck  Lisa Richardson  Renee Rohani  Andy Tabor  Maddie Walters  Blake Watson  Peyton Wood  Bayley Zarrehparvar Photographers  Gina Cannata  Kelly Emerson  Tyler Morris  Katie Quill Graphic Designers  Yogesh Patel  Amy Piper  Samantha Spaans Adviser  Chase Wofford The Sidekick is the official student newspaper for Coppell High School. Its purpose is to inform, entertain and provide an educational resource for its readers. This newspaper is a public forum for student expression and thus student editors make all content decisions.

The Sidekick is a member of ILPC, NSPA and JEA. The Sidekick was the NSPA Pacemaker Finalist in 2002, The Dallas Morning News

best newspaper honorable mention in 2006 and best Web site in 2009. It received the Award of Distinguished Merit in 2003 and 2008 and is a Bronze Star recipient for 2009 from ILPC. The editorials and columns presented in this paper reflect the view of their writers.

Advertisements are sold as full, 1/2 page, 1/4 page and 1/8 page sizes in black and white or color.

For more information you may reach the adviser in his classroom (D115) or by phone at (214) 496-6239.

The Sidekick welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters must be signed before consideration for publication. Send letters to cwofford@coppellisd.com or bring them by D115.

Photo by Page Warner Next years editor-in-cheifs juniors Daphne Chen and Allie Perison pose with this years senior ediotrin-cheifs Melissa Flandreau and Audrey White at the newspaper banquet.

It’s weird to think this is the very last thing we’ll write for The Sidekick.

After three years, 22 issues and countless hours spent scrambling to finish the paper before deadline, Visit The Sidekick www.coppellstudentmedia. it’s finally time for us to say goodbye. (And cue the com today! sappy music.)

We could say a lot of things about finishing our final issue and finishing high school, too – the opportunities are endless; when one door closes, another opens. But the thing is, it’s not always that simple to leave behind the things you love. What makes it easier, though, is knowing that what you leave is in good hands.

coppell

Editors-In-Chief  Melissa Flandreau  Audrey White News Editor  Allie Perison Opinions Editor  Daphne Chen Features Editor  Christina Geller Entertainment Editor  Chris Nguyen Sports Editor  Blake Seitz Centerspread Editor  Angela Almeida Photo Editor  Page Warner Business Manager  Brittany Nieh Staff Writers  Hubert Adjei-Kontoh  Satvika Ananth  Scott Appleton  Travis Bremner  Melissa Brisco  Ellen Cameron  Anna Casey  Lyndi Conradt  Caitlin Conner  Rebecca Fowler  Ashleigh Heaton  Natalie Hill  Loren Hughes  Divya Kumar  Luciana Mendes

student

media

After acting as coeditors-in-chief this year, we are passing the torch to Allie Perison and Daphne Chen. We’re passing on the editing and the stress and the annoyance that comes with running a high school paper. But more than that, we’re passing on the ability to make a difference at the high school, to inform others and build friendships with the only other people who understand what we mean when we say, “Please, for the love of all that is good, make your edits.”

This past year, The Sidekick has covered a lot of memorable events, from a pipe bursting in the hallway to the presidential election

as it affected CHS. From the smallest stories to the largest ones, we’ve been there through it all. And that, we think, is the most important part of a high school paper. We act as the witnesses to what happens in the halls and report what we find to the best of our abilities. And we can think of no better people to help lead this charge than Daphne and Allie.

This may be goodbye for us and the rest of the class of 2009, but it’s just the beginning for the rest of the students here. Good luck, and keep reading!

-Melissa and Audrey

fine arts

thesidekick may 21, 2009

09

Madrigal gets fired In her honor Blanton to continue up for new career dancing for mother

caitlinconner

staffwriter

Facing fires, running into burning buildings and saving lives aren’t the typical items on the agenda of a normal college freshman.

Senior Travis Van Winkle, however, is one exception.

Van Winkle, upon graduation, will enroll at Collin County Community College as well as the nearby fire academy in hopes of becoming a full time fireman.

“I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter, but I never really thought about it seriously until this past Christmas,” Van Winkle said. “I went on an official ride with my cousin who works at a station in Frisco and got to really witness everything they do.”

Van Winkle not only has a passion for extinguishing flames but also a background in singing.

Photo by Katie Quill Van Winkle has been in choir for seven years and a Senior Travis Van Winkle will prepare for a career as a firefighter next fall at the Collin County Community College. member of Coppell High School’s Madrigals all four years of his high school ca- Marines but I’ve always had homes or major businessreer. Van Winkle previously that fear in the back of my es. It’s like a second set of wanted to major in music mind of all the real danger paramedics; wherever they but opted to secure a more in that profession,” Van go, firefighters go.”

Next year, Van Winpermanent job before he Winkle said.

H i s kle will begin his college pursued his s o l u t i o n schooling with a two year dream of was to course that will cover his becoming a It’s like a second help local- certifications and his baprofessional set of paramedics; ly. Though sic freshman academic musician. wherever they go, this dan- classes. He will then begin “If I firefighters go. ger is no another two year course at can start less immi- a fire academy where he with a career Senior Travis van Winkle nent than we will gain all of his crein fire fightin fighting dentials and complete his ing and settle down somewhere, then fires, Van Winkle will have physical abilities exams.

Though many would hopefully I can go back and the opportunity to build achieve becoming a profes- his life in his community shy away from the intense sional musician later with which might not have been physicality of the training, Van Winkle only has one something to fall back on possible with the Marines.

“Most people don’t initial fear once he comif it doesn’t work out,” Van realize that firefighters pletes the academy.

Winkle said.

“What worries me Van Winkle’s deci- don’t just put out fires,” Van sion to pursue fire fighting Winkle said. “They respond most is knowing that I was also influenced by his to fatal accidents on the could walk into any builddesire to enlist in the armed highways where they could ing and not come out,” get hit by passing cars to Van Winkle said. forces.

“I wanted to be in the dangerous gas leaks in

“

”

In light of tragic death, senior finds peace through dance bayleyzarrehparvar

staffwriter Sixteen years ago, senior Hailey Blanton could be found kicking and screaming to avoid dance lessons. Now, she attributes her growing love of dance to the woman who started it all: her mother.

“I hated dance, just hated it,” Blanton said.

“But my mom made me go to classes. I was two years old.”

Over time, Blanton began to portray the qualities of a true extrovert. As she began to grow, so did her love of dancing.

Suddenly, Jill Blanton, mother of Hailey and Matt, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, which began to overtake her body and spread to her thyroid.

Mrs. Blanton passed on Dec. 15, 2007.

“After my mom died, I have dedicated every dance to her and the connection I feel to her when I dance is what keeps me going,” Blanton said. “She was the mom at every rehearsal and at every practice so I can always feel her there for me.”

Hailey’s father Bert remembers Ms. Blanton’s dedication. He attributes the children’s successes to their mother’s commitment.

“Jill was the best and most awesome mother ever,” Bert said. “She was previously a physician’s assistant and decided to retire to be a full-time mom.

She dedicated herself to the arts and to Matt’s sports. She really rubbed off the love she had on me

Photo courtesy Hailey Blanton Senior Hailey Blanton, pictured with her mother, strives to honor her mother’s memory by continuing dance training.

and I am truly blessed to sica Campbell at the 2008 have the two amazing chil- Senior Talent Show.

“When Hailey asked dren I do.”

To begin to cope with me to dance with her I her loss, Blanton wowed knew it was such a big role audiences at the 2007 CHS and I wanted to portray Senior Talent Show with a exactly what she wanted,” performance full of heart Campbell said. “I was nervous, but I felt so honored. and emotion.

“My friend Avery When her dad cheered at Spangler and I were going the end I began to feel the to ‘kidnap’ my mom and rush of emotion so deeply. take her to the talent show I was shocked at how brave Haileyand put has been her wheeland she chair front After my mom died, gets such and cenI have dedicated strength ter,” Blanever dance to her and courton said. “I and the connection age from wanted her I feel to her when I her dad.” to see me The dance again, dance is what keeps Blantons but she died me going. have found four days Senior Hailey Blanton a stronger before the bond in life talent show. now that So when I got on stage, I just talked, they are more reliant on I had nothing written on each other.

“My daughter is totalpaper, and I dedicated it all ly unstoppable,” Bert said. to her.”

As Blanton finds a “She has attitude, leadergreater passion in her dance, ship, she is extroverted, she she realizes she and her dedicates 110% energy and mother share a connection she is purely inspirational.

Everything Hailey does, from her mother’s past.

“I have a picture of my she just does it and that mom when she modeled supplies me with inspirathat I always keep,” Blan- tion.”

As Blanton ventures ton said. “She just looked so beautiful and I always feel to Oklahoma City Unisuch a bond to her when I versity next fall to major in dance and I know I am do- theatre and minor in public ing what she loved and now relations on a scholarship, her family will miss her opwhat I have come to love.”

The road to coping timistic spirit.

“I want Hailey to with a traumatic experience has not been easy for the never change, never give up, Blanton family. But Hai- always fight, do what’s right ley once again danced for and best, and she’ll always the woman she so admires be happy,” Bert said. with friend and senior Jes-

“

”

10

fine arts

thesidekick may 21, 2009

Ringhausen tightens Kennedy’s passion her belt to pursue opera becomes her future divyakumar

staffwriter

Opera singing is often thought of as part of the days of corsets and horsedrawn carriages, no longer existing in today’s technological world. To senior Tori Ringhausen, however, opera is not a thing of the past but rather a career dream and goal for the future.

Ever since she was a young girl, Ringhausen has focused on singing as both a career and hobby. A participant of choir throughout middle and high school and a performer in school plays, performing and singing on stage has always been a large part of her life.

Early in high school, Ringhausen decided on musical theatre as her choice of college education. Last year, however, as she watched Romeo and Juliet with her choir class, a new career path struck her.

“After watching the play, I knew I wanted to study opera,” Ringhausen said. “The way that it was performed and the intensity of the actors struck me as amazing and it seemed like such an exhilarating life choice.”

Since then, Ringhausen has focused her energy into making the best

of what high school musical career she has left. As an active member of Vivace!, Ringhausen manages to channel her spirit to others around her as well.

“Working with Tori makes Vivace! so much more fun,” sophomore Vi-

going no matter what.”

Fully aware of the unstable lifestyle opera could provide, Ringhausen has chosen several music related back up choices, such as musical theater, to help support her as she attends college at SMU. “ To r i has a voice Senior Tori that is powerRinghausen ful and unforperforms her solo, from gettable,” Vi“Footloose”, vace! sponsor “Let’s Hear it for Jeff Schulz the Boy”, at a fall said. “She will pep rally. be an asset to any college Photo by program she Katie Quill enters—she is very dedicated and will succeed.”

Graduating with a major in vocal performance and a Master’s degree in opera seems to be an area vace! member Mackenzie that many people close Orr said. “She’s always in a to Ringhausen think she good spirit and never hesi- would be perfect at.

“It’s a little bit of a tates to help whenever anyrisky career path,” Orr said. one asks for it.”

Ringhausen has “But knowing Tori and her performed at a variety of dedication and her focus churches and areas because to what she does, I do not of her desire to do what she doubt that she’ll be able loves along with the con- to succeed in her choice. stant motivation of her best Choosing crazy things that friend, 2008 CHS graduate other people wouldn’t dare do and then enacting them Tiffany Cassius. “[Tiffany is] my main perfectly is something that source of inspiration,” Tori is good at, and someRinghausen said. “She’s al- thing I’m sure will carry her ways helping me out and throughout the rest of her persuading me to keep on life.”

audreywhite

for movies with art, you get animation. 3D animation is a rising industry right now, even with special effects and stuff, so it’s a good job to look into. I thought that would be a good direction for me to go.”

Choosing Loyola Marymount was a no brainer for Kennedy; the

And having my sister nearby is awesome.”

The Kennedy sisters A brush stroke. A have always had a close mouse click. The attachrelationship, and being in ment of a twig. Smooththe same department at ing of clay. Every detail Marymount will give them matters to senior Caitlin the chance to deepen their Kennedy, and it shows in bond and work together. her art.

“The best thing is hav“Caitlin is very coming family near me, someplex,” AP art teacher Tamone that reera Westervelt ally knows me,” said. “Every Ashton said. idea she pres“There is like no ents is always one I know out really complihere, so it will cated, not only be nice to have in how she someone I can wants to build just bug and we it but also in can chill.” the concept or C a i t l i n’s idea. The bigspirit, love of ger the better. people and pas“ S h e sion for her subcan paint, she ject will serve can draw, she Photo by Kelly Emerson her well in the can use the Senior Caitlin Kennedy concentrates on her art project future. In the computer, she during her AP Art class. She will be attending Loyola end, it all comes can do three Marymount to pursue graphic design. back to art. d i m e n s i on a l “I love how you can work. She’s truly one of the most well rounded art school combines an excel- take a simple idea that, to students we have. That’s lent animation program a normal person, would be going to serve her really with a prime location and just a concept, like carpet or well. She’ll be at the top of Christian roots. In addi- a door or light, and you can tion, Kennedy’s older sister, transform it into something her game.”

Kennedy plans to at- 2008 CHS graduate Ash- that means something comtend Loyola Marymount ton Kennedy, is a film stu- pletely different,” Caitlin said. “Different people can in Los Angeles and study dent at Marymount.

“It is in California, get different meanings out 3D animation with the hope of pursuing a career where most of the anima- of artwork.” tion production companies It is perhaps Ashton in digital animation.

“I’ve always known are located,” Caitlin said. “I who describes her sister I wanted to do something really want to get intern- best.

“She’s shy but she’s with art,” Kennedy said. ships, so being out where “I was trying to think of all of that is happening is a dramatic, and she has a things that really interest good idea. It’s a private Je- heart of gold,” Ashton said. me. I love watching mov- suit college, and I’m Catho- “She’s so unique.” ies, so combining my love lic, so it was very appealing. co-editor-in-chief

McKee marches toward Baylor University A high school drum major continues love of music in college

peytonwood

staffwriter

Photo by Katie Quill Seniors Will McKee and Shawn Izadi and junior Arnold Hechanova march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City.

At Friday night football games, fans watched him climb high onto the podium in his black uniform and conduct the Coppell High School band.

Now, drum major William McKee is extending his band career beyond CHS. McKee will attend Baylor University in the fall, where he will play the trumpet for the Golden Wave Band. McKee started playing the trumpet in sixth grade at Coppell Middle School North and continued in high school.

While in high school, McKee made the All-State band all four years of high school—about one percent of the 250 band members selected for All-State have the privilege of saying they were in All-State since their freshmen year. But, the pressure was greater than ever as he went for the fourth title.

“This year was especially difficult because I’ve made it [All-State] my first three years and I’ve progressed each year, so, physically, it’s not as hard, but it’s mentally challenging,” McKee said.

The pressure McKee felt during his final audition for All-State was somewhat like how he felt going into auditions for the Golden Wave Band.

“I’m used to going into auditions and knowing I’m one of the best there,” McKee said. “But [at Golden Wave auditions], I was competing against the best players in the entire state.”

Along with having a phenomenal marching band, Baylor’s church music program sparked McKee’s attention and helped in his decision. After graduating from college, McKee plans to pursue a career in church music and wants to lead worship. McKee played at various churches throughout high school and, along with playing the trumpet, he plays the guitar, piano, organ and also sings.

“He has been enriched musically by the

CHS music program and has built his own personal music skills,” mother Billie McKee said. “He has developed a love for music and wants to be able to transmit that to others and encourage that in others as they participate in worship.”

There is no doubt McKee’s position as a performer and drum major has helped him in his decision to attend Baylor and continue working with music.

“I liked conducting people and helping people out,” McKee said. “Working with different types of people and a large number of people was difficult, so I had to find out what makes them click and want to do their best.”

The difficulty of working with so many individuals with different talents is immense but has ultimately made McKee a better leader and will assist him in his future endeavors.

“He actually commands people’s respect but he’s also personable, approachable and a good listener,” associate band director Mike Davis said. “He understands the dynamics

of a group.”

McKee’s brother Alex, a 2006 CHS graduate, was also a drum major in high school. It seemed as though there would be competition between the two and pressure for William to live up to Alex as a leader, but Alex instead served as a mentor.

“I am old enough to appreciate what he is doing and in this point in our lives I just want what is best for him,” Alex said. “I could talk to him and help him because I had a unique perspective since I had already gone through what he was going through.”

With the help and support of his family, friends and directors, McKee’s years in band were both enjoyable and rewarding. Now, he will march right into Baylor and his future as a leader.

“I’ve really enjoyed all four years here, each year has been different and I’ve learned to do different things,” McKee said. “I’m really looking forward to going to Baylor and enjoying all the Baylor traditions.”

fine arts

thesidekick may 21, 2009

Steven and Will Smith: the wonder twins ashleighheaton

staffwriter Singing, dancing, acting, performing – these are just some of the words that come to mind when describing senior twins Will and Steven Smith. Known throughout the school for their performing gifts, the brothers have set the bar for sibling talent – Steven being the Mr. Do-It-All (theater edition) and Will focusing on his studies with oboe and music performance.

And unlike other students focused on fine arts in high school, both have committed themselves to transforming their passions into their careers.

Though Steven is recognized for his acting work around the school and community (most notably in his recent roles as Ren in “Footloose” and Manus in the CHS OneAct play “Translations,”) his true passion is in set design. From the wacky 2007 “Seussical the Musical” set to the simple-yet-powerful scene for “Translations,” Steven has been the CHS drama department’s design guru.

“Steven is one of the most talented students that has come through the drama department,” theatre department director Lisa Tabor said, “and it’s just amazing each year how he gets better and better at everything he does. He’s so talented in so many different areas, and he’s 100 percent passionate about what he does and is always there.”

Next year, Steven will attend the University of North Carolina Schools of the Arts Design and Production Department to major in Scene Design. He was also given the program’s

11

willsmith High school was...

Awesome.

Biggest fear about college?

I don’t want to get there and for it to be terrible. I don’t want to get there and be all excited about playing oboe and then having it stink and for me to hate college and dropout.

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner with Jesus.

Photo by Gina Cannata Seniors Will and Steven Smith will split ways for college. Will plans to continue to study music at Oklahoma City University, but Steven will study scene design at the University of North Carolina.

“Rising Star Award,” designating Steven as the top applicant for the UNCA design program.

“I fell more to the scene design aspect because I’m an artist, too – it really pulled me in,” Steven said.

“I’m OK with not being able to act as much because that’s what I want. I get to focus on one thing as opposed to doing all of it. I’m happy about that. I’m happy to pick one and just go.”

Will, on the other hand, has been the pride and joy of the CHS band program through his outstanding accomplishments on the oboe. He has been in the top band out of five bands since freshman year and also made All-Region, All-Area and All-State every year – the first in school history along with senior William McKee to make All-State four years in a row in Class 5A. “He’s very talented, he works very hard and he understands music very

quickly – in style and tone production,” CHS band director Scott Mason said. “A lot of things come to him very naturally that other students have to work on quite a long time.”

Will plans to continue his musical aspirations next year at Oklahoma City University, which is one of the nation’s top music performance schools, to major in music performance on a full scholarship resulting from his outstanding audition.

“I want to be a college professor, I think, or freelance, which is where you get any performing jobs that people ask you,” Will said. “But I ultimately want to play in the pit orchestras in New York.”

Though both are attending highly esteemed colleges, neither got there purely on an academic basis.

“You don’t have to be top 10 percent, top 15 percent to get a big schol-

arship,” Steven said. “We’re going to places that produce really successful students, and we didn’t get there because of high GPA and high class ranks – we got there because we worked hard at what was important to us.”

But how will the two manage without their mirror near them? Evidentially, very well. Both agree that they do not always get along and that the time apart will be good for them.

“I like that he is going to a place that makes him happy and that it is not the same place as me,” Will said. “Now people won’t mix us up all the time and we won’t have to be around each other every second of the day. I’ll miss him, yeah, but it’ll also be nice.”

Needless to say, the boundless talent and character the Smith twins have brought to CHS will be missed and hailed as a legacy for years to come.

“Emily is a beautiful dancer and I believe she has the talent that the Rangerettes are looking for,” 2003 CHS graduate and 64th line Rangerette Cali Hoffman said. “When I was a Rangerette I thought we were very talented, but looking at what the Rangerettes are made of now, they are phenomenal.”

fully prepare a young lady for Rangerettes, but Emily should have a good idea of how strict everything will be,” Lariettes coach Julie Stralow said. “It is almost like being back in high school, but instead of principals, parents and directors watching your every move, it is officers and other team members who are just one year older than you.”

Clancy has

danced at a number of local dance studios including Ballet Academy of Texas, Coppell Dance Centre (formally Coppell House of Dance), Excite and Everybody Fits, where Clancy is currently employed as a dance teacher.

In preparation for the tryouts, Clancy has been working out at Express Fitness everyday, taking dance classes and doing high kicks around the Cottonwood Creek Elementary School track.

“I know it’s a little silly and weird, but it seems to help,” Clancy said.

Best movie ever?

The Emperor’s New Groove.

Worst movie ever?

Don’t Mess With the Zohan.

stevensmith High school was...

Long.

Biggest fear about college?

I do not want to not sleep. I’m afraid of working too hard.

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Patti LuPone, because she’s my favorite celebrity who no one knows about.

Best movie ever?

Superstar with Molly Shannon.

If you could live in any time period, which would it be?

‘50s to 60s because they had sweet hair.

Clancy dances to Rangerette Dance Team nataliehill

staffwriter

For senior Emily Clancy, dancing comes as second nature. After performing for 13 years, Clancy will continue her love of dance in college as she tries out for the prestigious Kilgore College Rangerettes this summer.

“Being on one of the most amazing teams [would be] an honor,” Clancy said.

“They are known across the country. I would get the opportunity to travel all over the world.”

The world renowned Rangerette Dance Team was started 70 years ago

by Gussie Nell Davis and became the first women’s precision drill team in the world. Having such a history makes Clancy’s opportunity to audition for the team a once in a lifetime chance.

Clancy began dancing at age five and has gradually worked her way up to be a college level dancer.

After being a part of CHS Silver Stars and then progressing to be a three-year line member on Lariettes, Clancy feels she is as prepared as she can be for the audition.

“I don’t think anything can

Tr youts, which are held in Kilgore, TX on the week of July 19, consist of a workshop. Hopefuls will be taught a Photo courtesy Emily Clancy kick and jazz dance Senior Emily Clancy performs her and will go through solo routine. a series of judg-

ment nights such as Model Night, where the girls will display their body type in a simple leotard and answer questions into a microphone, and Talent Night, where they will perform one of their talents, dancing or otherwise.

Clancy will be performing her solo routine from this year’s competition season.

“She embodies everything for which the program stands... a young lady with poise, class and charm,” Stralow said. “Emily also has an incredible work ethic and self discipline which will serve her well in whatever she ends up doing in life.”

The tryout will be on July 23 in front of outside judges and the previous year’s Rangerettes.

“If I could give any Rangerette [helpful] advice, I would say to be confident in what you are do-

ing in tryouts,” Hoffman said. “Have fun, make new friends and take in everything you learn.”

Clancy plans to major in psychology and hopes to later be an elementary school counselor. Clancy also hopes to transfer to the University of Oklahoma after Kilgore graduation.

As a “side job” after she finishes school, Clancy is considering teaching dance classes, depending on how her dance experiences go throughout college.

“Dancing past college is a big ‘if ’,” Clancy said.

As she continues to train for her audition, Clancy keeps in mind why she chose this unique path out of high school.

“Dancing brings a lot of joy to my personality,” Clancy said. “It’s molded me into the person I am today and [I just want to] continue my passion of dancing.”

indepth

12

1

2

g n o College:

H Stanford University a Human Biology with an w Major: h emphasis on economics SAT: 2340 an h Nickname: Chan Man C

Senioritis symptoms:

indepth

by Anna Casey & Renee Rohani

Eight hours of sleep, extreme case of procrastination and more Facebooking How would your friends describe you: They’d say I have a childish sense of humor and imagination.

Fear about college: I’m scared of all the smart kids.

ia

An

7

Philip

Beatrice Huang

Lee

College: University of Texas at Austin Major: Engineering SAT: 2310 Quirky Study Habit: I have to study shirtless.

Celebrity crush: Megan Fox Senioritis Symptoms: Late to school almost every day Favorite class: Multi-variable calculus Any fears about college: Forgetting to go to class

Favorite CHS teacher: There’s too many. Mr. Vanderschee, Mrs. Ascher, Mr. Damrau, Mr. Puryear

8

9

College:

New York University

Major: Business

SAT: 2240 Scariest school experience: Favorite font: Freshman year band camp Australian Sunrise Organization you wish you’d Favorite teacher: been involved in: Tennis Mr. Griffin Favorite quote: Get Well Soon!

Whoever said nothing is impossible

never tried slamming a revolving door.

Senioritis symptoms: I sort of just stopped studying

Han Yu

en r Warr

3

Sumne

College: SMU Major: Business and Biology

SAT: 2100 Nickname: Beatsie

Wheatsie How would your friends describe you: I hope my friends think I’m someone that they can talk to.

Class you wish you took:

AP Chemistry with Mr. Puryear

Celebrity crush: Jason Mraz

Beatrice is… a walrus.

I can’t live without... “LOST”.

Any fears about college: At CHS, I get to say hi to people.

In college, there won’t be anyone to say hi to.

College: University of Illinois Major: Chemical engineering Best moment in high school: Going to the calculus bowl

and placing third.

Weird quirk: The angrier I get, the more Asian I sound.

Favorite TV show: Anything on the Food Channel.

Any regrets: I never was able to do everything I wanted to.

Gloria An is… persistent.

or

Gl

4

As the senior class prepares for graduation, the top 10 students will continue to excel into college.

Here are the best and the brightest at Coppell High School.

13 Whitney Sun

College: University of Pennsylvania Major: Business Celebrity crush: Seth Myers from SNL I can’t live without... hand sanitizer.

How would your friends describe you: With adjectives you probably wouldn’t believe.

Hidden talent: I can fit a whole slice of pizza

in my mouth.

High school was… an experience I needed to have.

Whitney Sun

College: Brown University

Major: Math

SAT: 2180 Nicknames: Sum Sum, Sumi When I was little, I wanted to be… a spy because they live under the radar.

Crowning accomplishment:

Winning the chocolate milk mile Best partner on a project: Ben Wilson because he’ll make you laugh the entire time.

College:

Stanford University Major: Psychology

ACT: 34

Nickname: Bin Bin

Most embarassing moment: I was walking down the school stairs, and I head-butted the person in front of me Any hidden talents: I can blow spit bubbles

Favorite thing about CHS: Mr. Hunt

Favorite class: Spanish Literature What did you want to be when you were little:

I always wanted to be a dog or a tree.

Binna Kim

5

College: University of Arkansas Major: Accounting

SAT: 2160 Number of ‘I rock CHS’ T-shirts: three Class you wish you had been involved in: AP Chemistry Underclassmen you will miss the most: My sister, Kailee Martin Favorite teacher: Mrs. Meyers, my

sixth grade math teacher

I can’t live without... food.

Tessa is... done with high school.

Favorite Font: Comic Sans

6

n i t r a M a s Tes

College: SMU Major: Business SAT: 2200

Best high school experience: Winning the Madrigal Festival my sophomore year

Number of ‘I Rock CHS’ T-shirts: five Most embarrasing moment:

Running into stationary objects every day Underclassmen you will miss the most:

Grayson Hollis

Celebrity crush: Adam Brody

Advice to underclassmen: Get more involved

Je en n Ngu J yen

10

Photos by Tyler Morris Graphics by Amy Piper

14

fine arts

thesidekick may 21, 2009

Margiotta follows after Stralow’s footsteps With the help of her coach, a Lariette makes her way to TCU amandapeck

staffwriter The process for choosing which college to attend can be long and frustrating for many seniors. Fears of making the wrong choice, along with overwhelming thoughts of being away from home, are haunting.

Senior Sarah Margiotta had fears until she found the perfect fit at Texas Christian University.

It is not only the right place for her but also her coach’s alma mater, Julie Stralow.

It offers Margiotta the opportunity to study in the school of journalism and the nationally ranked business school, which are the fields she has always wanted to study in.

“I think it is the perfect choice for me,” Margiotta said. “The journalism and business schools offer really great programs that are exactly what I’m looking for. Since the school is relatively small, it is exciting to know I’ll have the opportunity for more one-on-one communication between me and my professors.”

Lariette Captain

Margiotta spent several hours applying for colleges but did not have too much trouble deciding that TCU is exactly what she has been looking for.

“This choice of which college to go to is a really big decision, but as soon as I walked onto the TCU campus, I just got this feeling that it is where I’m meant to be,” Margiotta said.

When Stralow learned Margiotta was looking into TCU, it not only became an advantage for Margiotta but it was fun for Stralow, as well.

“Sarah will be the first Lariette under my direction to go to TCU and I am so excited for her,” Stralow said. “I really think TCU is a special place, and Sarah’s intelligence, creativity and easy-going demeanor will help her feel right at home on campus.”

In drill team, the Captain and director become very close and, for Margiotta, to be following Stralow is unique and fun.

Even though Margiotta will no longer be involved with drill team, Stralow can guide her with advice about school and what to do in her free time in Fort Worth.

Sarah’s older brother, Scott, who graduated from Coppell in 2005, is also at TCU

sarah margiotta High school was_________. an unforgettable experience and the perfect preparation for the new challenges to come.

Photo by Page Warner Lariette coach Julie Starlow and senior Sarah Margiotta show off their Texas Christian University pride. Margiotta will be attending the university next fall to study in journalism and business.

and is able to give Sarah any advice she needs about the school.

“Since Sarah’s older brother is currently a TCU student I don’t have to sell her on it, but I am able to give her a girl’s perspective on the fraternities and sororities, the different majors, and things to do in Fort Worth,” Stralow said.

“I still go to as many TCU football games and dance concerts as I can so I will

undoubtedly check up on Sarah next year.”

Senior Lauren Peterson, one of Margiotta’s friends and fellow Lariettes, also agrees that TCU is a great fit for Margiotta.

“I know Sarah will absolutely love it at TCU,” Peterson said. “It has everything she needs and even though I wish I was going to be closer to her, I know we will visit each other often. I know she is happy to

City. Although Liu considered several different technical schools, they lacked a strong music and arts program. After visiting Columbia, Liu felt it was the best decision for the purpose of her higher education.

While the music program is strong at Columbia, Liu is most looking forward to experiencing New York and Photo by Page Warner its occupants first Senior Annie Liu plays the flute. Instead of majoring in music, she will go to hand.

Columbia Universtity next fall to major in mechanical engineering.

“I love meeting new as a flute player. Since then, people, and New maddiewalters her dedication to her musi- York City is such an instaffwriter cal studies has become well credible place because you known, especially after she always have something to French philosopher received placement in the do,” Liu said.

Rene Descartes once said, Texas All-State competiLiu’s affable spirit and “It is not enough to have a tion twice during her high ability to make friends is good mind; the main thing school career. well known among CHS is to use it well,” a quote “Annie is probably the students. From her leaderwhich directly applies to hardest working person I ship in band to her warm Coppell High School se- know,” senior and long-time personality in the classnior Annie Liu, who will friend Brenna Walden said. room, Liu is an exemplary begin her collegiate educa- “She made All-State her friend and student. tion at Columbia Univer- sophomore year but didn’t “I’ve known Annie sity in the fall. make it her junior year. She since the sixth grade and Liu’s future in me- didn’t let that allow her to I have so many favorite chanical engineering paired give up and worked even things about her,” senior with her musical talent will harder this year, becoming band member Catherine most likely lead her on the a two time All-Stater in the Cage said. “She draws ranpath to success. process.” dom pictures that make Liu began her musiLiu’s musical affinity you smile no matter how cal career in the sixth grade is one of the reasons she bad you feel and she is very in the Coppell Middle decided to attend Columhumble in everything she School North Cadet band bia University in New York does, which is hard to do

especially when you’re good at everything like Annie is.

I don’t remember ever seeing her not smile. She is amazing to talk to and so understanding – she is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet.”

Along with her great attitude, Liu is well known for her smarts. With a prestigious level of learning ahead of her at Columbia, Liu is anticipating becoming an engineer and has decided that her focus will be on mechanical engineering. “[Through Excite], I’ve been able to apply all of my learning in high school by doing things that other high schoolers can’t say they have, like building a solar car and launching a rocket,” Liu said.

In the future, Liu wants to become a NASCAR engineer but also thinks that it would be exciting to work with Lockheed Martin, a multinational aerospace manufacturer and advanced technology company. It is currently the world’s largest defense contractor.

With a lifetime of potential achievements ahead of her, Liu’s future is so bright she might as well wear shades – or goggles, to be more exact. “[Annie] is really smart and I know that she will go far with everything she aspires to do,” junior Hannah Allen said.

have Mrs. Stralow’s advice and encouragement too.”

Margiotta is very happy with the decision she made and cannot wait to attend TCU this fall.

“Even though it will be difficult saying goodbye to my friends and family, I’m excited for a new beginning,” Margiotta said.

“I can’t wait to meet new people and to be able to get involved on campus at TCU.”

Who is someone at CHS you look up to and why?

Mrs. Stralow. She comes to school every day at 7 A.M. to lead a team of 67 tired teenage girls and succeeds in getting us motivated, moving, and having fun together.

How would you like people to remember you?

I hope people remember me for me -- passionate, driven, and down-to-earth.

What do you regret?

I know it sounds cheesy, but I have no regrets!

Liu to continue engineering in Big Apple annieliu Major: Mechanical Engineering If you could have dinner with someone, who would it be and why?

Jamie Tworkoski because he’s the founder of To Write Love on Her Arms and I think what he would have to say would be very enlightening. I think he understands a lot about life and the pain that sometimes comes with it.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Flight, because I like being outside and I think I’d like being in the clouds.

If you could be in any movie, what would you be in and why?

It hasn’t come out yet, but I’d want to be in Up because I like the idea of doing that living up in the clouds.

What was the most enjoyable class you took at CHS? Rocket Class “S.A.S” - I was the only girl in the class, which was interesting and it was really fun to build a rocket and launch it.

features

thesidekick may 21, 2009

15

Daly to follow independent spirit to Scotland satvikaananth

staffwriter

When he was in 10th grade, senior Ryan Daly received a 25 out of 100 on his Advanced Placement World History essay. Two years later, he has moved past this score and plans on studying history… in Scotland.

Daly, whose family is from the United Kingdom, has been interested in history since a young age.

“He decided to study it in about the eighth grade,” Daly’s mother Anne Daly said. “His interest grew through my father and grandfather both being in the World Wars.”

His grandparents took active parts in World War II during which, their house was bombed. Daly enjoyed hearing the stories of the war and also was interested in the piece of tailfin from the bomb, which his grandfather still has.

With plans to attend the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland, Daly is

returning to the home of his mother’s ancestral family to major in medieval history.

Daly’s visits to Scotland certainly influenced his love for history and his college decision. His mother, having left Scotland at an early age, spent much of her time around Saint Andrews, and Daly’s grandfather attended the school as well.

Daly looks forward to visiting his family in Scotland and enjoying a different pace of life from that in Texas.

“Scotland is pretty much the opposite of Texas,” Daly said. “It is wet, cool and much more relaxed than here.”

In terms of college life, Daly believes it will be similar, though he expects there to be more traditions to follow than at an American university.

Daly applied to several other colleges, including University of Texas at Austin, Grinnell College in Iowa and University of

Edinburgh in the U.K. He chose Saint Andrews over Edinburgh since it will give him the best possible history education and also provides a great cultural experience.

Having visited Scotland in the past, Daly is familiar with its environment and history. Being able to study there will provide him the opportunity to learn more about the history in Europe and pursue his passion for the subject.

“History allows us to see how the world is shaped,” Daly said. “It makes sense to go to a place Photo by Gina Cannata already full of history to study [the sub- Senior Ryan Daly plans to study history at the University of Saint Andrews, the oldest university in Scotland. ject].” the center of medieval his- the United Kingdom and said. “That independence Studying in Scotland tory study. In addition to working with museums or is reflected in Ryan’s charwill give him quick access many libraries and scholars, in the academic field. acter.” to many sites of histori- he will also be in close range Scotland, a country With many good cal interest in the United to architectural digs, recre- with a limited self-gov- memories, Daly will take on Kingdom and continental ated villages from different ernment that is within the the next leg of his journey Europe, both of which are time periods and points U.K., is fitting for Daly’s in life with an opportunity

From band to military bootcamp

of interest like castles and battle fields.

Although he is unsure exactly where his history major will lead him, Daly envisions himself either studying law or staying in

character.

“The country has a strong independent streak and has often called for separation from the U.K.,” World and Medieval History teacher Kyle Dutton

to go back to his origins.

“It’s sort of like he’s going full circle,” Mrs. Daly said. “He will be returning to the place our family came from, a place he loves.”

Seniors defy odds to join service academies Photo by Katie Quill Seniors Tyler Cupp and Austin Gillham proudly displaying their Navy and Marines pride before they head off in the fall.

melissabrisco

staffwriter As the summer draws near, seniors Austin Gillham and Tyler Cupp will have more on their mind than just relaxing before college. The two will be busy preparing for boot camp and officially being a part of the U.S. Navy, for Cupp, and the U.S. Marine Corps, for Gillham.

The two have both joined the military to help pay for college but hope to get much more than that. “[I hope to gain] discipline and all the good things the military has to offer,” Cupp said.

There was more to the allure of the military for Gillham.

“I wanted the challenge of it,” Gillham said.

“I want leadership abilities and the technical skills.”

Following his time in college, Gillham will be required to work one weekend a month on base.

While enlisted, Gillham will attend Texas A&M Galveston and be involved in the ROTC and Cupp will attend the Naval Community College, depending on where he is sent. The boys will still be able to be a part of the ac-

tivities that they enjoy.

“I plan on joining the band because it pays for pretty much everything,” Cupp said.

Cupp and Gillham have been busy preparing for this huge commitment.

Aside from numerous hours working out, both boys have been a part of the CHS marching band for all four of high school.

“I think that the leadership and responsibility will help them,” associate band director Mike Davis said. “Also, they have to keep up with a schedule and the fact that other people are relying on them. All of their other band experiences will help them.”

No matter what happens after graduation, both will look back on their high school years with happiness and pride.

“I’m most fond of my band memories,” Cupp said. “I’ve been a part of the marching band for four years and getting third at state meant a lot to me. I’m a section leader, and it felt great to be a part of that. [I really valued] my relationship with Mr. Mason; he helped me so much. Whenever I would get in trouble, he would always snap me

back into shape.”

Gillham attributes his best memory to the football team’s victory over Southlake.

“I remember it was an extremely intense night,” Gillham said. “We were all paying attention and holding our breaths. It was one of the best and most exciting football games that I’ve ever seen.”

There are many unknowns and apprehensions in road ahead for the two, but the possibility of deployment is not one of them.

“I’m most worried about not getting to do the job I signed up for,” Gillham said. “It’s an open contract, so I can sign up for a job, but they can switch me if they need me somewhere else. I’m not planning on being deployed, but I can be and if they ask me to go, I will; I wouldn’t mind.”

Enlisting in the military is a huge commitment and provides many difficult tasks that can test each member, but the boys mentor and band director believes that it will be beneficial for them.

“I’m sure it will be a good thing for them,” Davis said. “They are good kids.”

ellencameron

staffwriter

Few college students enroll in class knowing they have not directly paid for their tuition, but that the bill will come after graduation and be paid in sweat and blood during service in armed forces.

Coppell High School seniors Travis Hinds, Mitchell Hansen and Cameron Vickroy will all attend service academies in the fall. They are just some in CHS’s long history of students to attend these prestigious schools.

Hinds and Hansen will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point while Vickroy will enroll in the United State Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

“It’s kind of perfect,” Hinds said. “I get a job for the next 10 years. It’s completely paid for with your tax dollars and I get to be the best I can be.”

However, the application process was far from perfect for the students. While the process itself is complicated enough, since applicants must have a congressional nomination to even apply in the first place, Vickroy

faced additional challenges.

“I had broken my leg last summer five days before fitness assessment that goes with applying,” Vickroy said. “When that happened, I thought my chances to go were pretty much over, but I came back, and I was able to run what my times were before the accident in January when I was supposed to still be unable to run.”

With a titanium rod, two screws and a medical waiver, Vickroy plans to complete the physical requirements as normal.

Proving his drastic comeback from an unfortunate mishap during a band practice that broke his femur, he even managed his second best time ever running this spring.

Hinds faced similar physical problems. After initially failing eye examinations due to astigmatism in his right eye, Hinds was retested and eventually granted a waiver.

However, the arrival of acceptance letters does not mark the end of the students’ tenacity, which was augmented by their time and experiences at CHS from Hansen’s wrestling to Hind’s taekwondo history.

“Wrestling helped me prepare because it’s very self-driven and motivating,

so you learn a lot of responsibility,” Hansen said.

The colleges promise to offer more rigorous challenges, though.

“From what I have heard, it’s all about finding your limits and setting goals you know you can’t reach just to see how close you can get,” Hinds said.

The seniors intend to reach different goals by attending their respective academies.

“I want to serve the country and it’s a great education,” Vickroy said.

“I want to go into the Air Force and it’s the best path to being an officer.”

While all are required to serve in the armed forces, their ultimate aspirations vary; Hinds hopes to serve as an air assault ranger, Vickroy as a fighter pilot, and Hansen intends to serve his time and earn a degree in engineering, though his horizons are not limited to the armed forces.

Last year, 2008 CHS graudate student Jason Stiles attended West Point.

The year before, Hansen’s own brother began at the academy.

“Having my brother there has showed that I could go there,” Hansen said. “It’s an actual place, and it’s obtainable.”

features

16 thesidekick may 21, 2009

Johnson offers ‘fresh’ perspective on future chrisnguyen

entertainmenteditor It’s prom night. Hundreds of Coppell High School students fill the room. Senior Jordan Johnson, under the stage name of Jay Fresh, is ready to perform.

However, despite being a relatively new performer, Johnson does not have any “Lose Yourself ”type jitters. No, he’s ready, knowing full well what to do once he gets on the stage. He listens through his songs, anxious to just get out there.

“I used to be nervous when I started performing,” Johnson said. “But now, I know everything’s good, and I actually work better under pressure.”

This confidence is an innate part of Johnson, from his full dive into music to his first step into a full-fledged music career.

After graduation, Johnson plans to attend the Oceanside, Calif campus of Media Tech for a year before attending the University of North Texas to acquire the skills of the music business, such as audio production.

His music career was natural evolution from avidly listening to hip hop and rap.

“Me and my brother used to just freestyle,” Johnson said. “We’d just go to parties and just freestyle with our friends and stuff

like that.”

Despite the lack of musical lessons as a child, he adapted quickly to the ins and outs of music, picking up rhythm in no time, and by his freshman year he began recording. “[His musical ability] didn’t come as a surprise to me,” Johnson’s mother Arietta Johnson said. “He has always looked to try different things.”

His parents originally had some hesitation but opened up to the idea, lending him both resources and support.

“I work for corporate America,” Arietta said.

“And I want him and his brother to find exactly what they want to do. It doesn’t have to be a four-year college then to a corporation.

Jordan is very artistic, and he has quite an opportunity to do whatever he loves.”

With his own studio in the closet of his room and the use of GarageBand among other software, Johnson has been able to take his music to another level. He gathers inspiration from a wide array of artists, from Lil Wayne and Nas to Neyo and Ginuwine.

He also enlists the help of friends and students, including senior Jeremy Mutuc. “[ Johnson] heard about me making some beats and just asked if I would make some for him,” Mutuc said. “I’d make

Photo by Tyler Morris Senior Jordan Johnson performed at prom April 18 in Dallas, one of his three performances that he did with the school.

something and send it to him. He’d tell me if he liked it or sometimes we would get together. It was just kind of knowing what sounded right.”

While Johnson enjoys writing lyrics, it is the actual performances, which gives him the greatest satisfaction, performing at the pep rally, talent show and prom.

“Prom was good and my favorite because before we were just trying to fill up our fan base,” Johnson said.

“I did ‘How I Roll’ and ‘I’m Looking Flashy’ and at the end, I just did a freestyle over a beat by [my friend] Ryan Parr off the top of my head. The crowd was getting into it and all.”

However, with all his effort put into music, Johnson has also branched out, becoming a one-man entrepreneurship machine. In addition to a Facebook and MySpace page, he recently started a line of casual Tshirts called Motion and soon hopes to sell his songs

on iTunes in the upcoming weeks. By the end of the summer, Johnson plans to finish his first album. Yet, despite these large valleys, he has one simple goal driving him.

“Basically, I just want to make good music,” Johnson said. “Music is pretty much flowing and depending on the youth right now.

As long as good music is being made, everything else is good.”

Arietta knows that wherever Johnson may end

up in the entertainment field, he will do it all while looking flashy and certain in his vision.

“When he was three, he asked us to take off his training wheels off his bike,” Arietta said. “We were just like, ‘No way’ because he was so young. But he kept asking and we did it. And he just took off without any training at the age of three.

That’s when I knew that wherever he goes, he will continue to be confident.”

Seniors decide to room with familiar faces lyndiconradt

staffwriter Applying for college is an extremely time-consuming process. During the seemingly never-ending, weeks-long ordeal, students have essays to write, references to track down, transcripts to acquire and Social Security numbers to memorize.

Even after the scramble of an application process is over and the longawaited college acceptance letter has arrived in the mail, soon-to-be-freshmen have a roommate to find.

While some Coppell High School students are opting for the traditional route and going potluck, others will soon be sharing a suite with a more familiar face.

Seniors and incoming Texas A&M freshmen Clayton Mulvihill and Ryan Edwards will not say their goodbyes at graduation along with the rest of their class. Instead, the two are set to share not only a campus and a major (mechanical engineering), but also a dorm room.

“I’ve visited friends who are in college now and they’ve ended up with bad roommates,” Edwards said.

“I’m glad I’m rooming with Clayton because everybody loves him. He’s a great guy who shares my morals and

Photo by Gina Cannata Seniors Clayton Mulvihill and Ryan Edwards are two soon-to-be graduates who will be rooming together at Texas A&M.

won’t be a bad influence on me.”

The two are both known as easygoing guys and do not anticipate fighting or the roommate drama so often forewarned against by parents.

“The only thing is our pingpong rivalry,” Mulvihill said. “That could be a potentially friendship-ending issue.”

Edwards, on the other

hand, disagreed.

“Pingpong could pose a problem,” Edwards said.

“But it won’t cause as big a rift as our foozeball rivalry.

Now that’s what we really have to watch out for.”

Seniors Molly Salmon and Emily Hull, who will both attend Texas A&M, have also chosen to start out the college life with a friend close at hand.

“I didn’t want to room

with a best friend because I think I’d get sick of her, but I didn’t want to go potluck and end up with someone crazy,” Hull said. “Molly and I just became friends this year through yearbook, so I thought it’d be a good in between.”

The two also plan to pursue different avenues of interest in order to make sure they do not spend too much time together.

“We’re both going to rush,” Salmon said. “But we plan to pledge to different sororities, so that way we’ll have an opportunity to meet new people and have different groups of friends.”

Going off to college is a time when most say goodbye to not only close friends, but family as well.

For senior Claire Levell, however, this won’t be the case.

The future University of Texas at Austin student plans to room with her sister and 2008 CHS graduate Amy Levell, who currently attends UT Tyler.

“I’ve known I wanted to go to UT since eighth grade,” Claire Levell said.

“Amy’s my best friend, and she’s been with me for everything that’s happened my whole life. I’m so excited that I’ll get to experience UT with her too.”

Because the two are related and have gotten along well in the past, they both feel any issues which come up will be survivable.

“I’m a morning person and Claire’s more of a night owl, so that might be a problem,” Amy Levell said. “But we’ll make it work. We’ve shared a room before and lived to tell the tale. And this time there won’t be any Barbies to fight over.”

Whether these pairs of roommates-to-be are acquaintances, best friends or even sisters, all are confident they have made the right decision.

“I’m looking forward to going to college and meeting new friends,” Salmon said. “But I’m happy I’m not leaving high school entirely behind. If anything goes wrong or comes up, I know Emily will be there for me.”

features

thesidekick may 21, 2009

Advice

Senior

By Rebecca Fowler Staff Writer

17

Seniors give their last words of advice on how to survive high school.

Students have all heard the cliché advice from seniors, such as “study hard,” “make good grades” and “stay away from the senior bridge,” but is that really all these graduates learned during their four years at Coppell High School?

Aside from the vast amount of knowledge they gained from classes and teenage life in general, seniors have also learned a few things about the school which may benefit the rest of us.

Photos by Kelly Emerson or courtesy MCT Campus

What is the best parking strategy? What are the best hallway routes?

With thousands of students in the parking lot and hallways, it can be challenging to avoid signing that ominous red binder.

“For junior year, I left my house at 7:30 and got the perfect parking spot,” Shinn said.

“Just come to terms with the fact that you are going to have to park out in Africa, so suck it up and walk,” senior Chelsea Owen said.

“The back hallways [are the best hall routes], because there aren’t as many people standing in the way,” senior Corrine Smith said.

“A combination [of back and main hallways] gets you there the fastest,” Chelsea Owen said.

Owen suggested trying to leave class as soon as the bell rings or waiting a few minutes afterwards in order to avoid the crowd.

What is the best elective to take?

What is the best food to eat for lunch?

“The Uncrustables in the store [are the best to buy] because they only cost a dollar,” Rachel Henderson said. “[I like] something crunchy because it makes me feel full,” Corrine Smith said.

Senior Rachel Henderson claims Nutrition and Food Science is one of the most fun electives at CHS because you get to cook—and eat—in class.

Another interesting option is golf with coach Kirk Richardson, an elective senior Laura Devers loves. However, for those preferring to remain indoors, senior Madeline Rehm recommends Principles of Education and Training (formerly called Prep for Parenting).

What is the best way to study?

Where is the best place to eat in the cafeteria?

“I make stories of what I’m studying,” Corrine Smith said. “It helps me to hear and see it.”

“Memorization-based topics such as vocabulary are best just memorized,” senior Tristan Nguyen said. “If the list is long, memorize over three to five days. If the list is short, go for a quick memorization right before bed.”

Seniors confirm that procrastinating just makes things worse and that flash cards are often an effective study tool. When studying, however, it is important to know when to stop and let sleep work its magic.

“Generally, you have to find what works for you,” Nguyen said. “I stopped studying as I began to pay more attention to class.”

“[Eat] closer to the stage because it is not so cold every day,” senior Laura Devers said. “[The best place is] by the school store,” senior Matt Shinn said. “You’re closest to the food.”

Where are the best places to go for off-campus lunch?

“Panda Express [is a good place to go] because it is far enough away that underclassmen can’t walk there,” Rachel Henderson said.

Shinn agreed, saying that nearby restaurants get crowded more quickly. “[The best places are] nice and easy: Sonic or Mooyah because they are both filling and cheap,” Corrine Smith said.

What is an easy way to raise your GPA?

What should you do if you are bored in a tech class?

Seniors recommend reading random Wikipedia pages, finding a puzzle or game to play, looking up songs, playing Sudoku, doing homework from other classes or checking grades on Portal.

“Take AP classes to keep your GPA high, stay awake and pay attention, and then get your buddies to work with you in the remaining class time to finish your class work or homework,” Tristan Nguyen said. “Why work so ‘hard’? Simply put, I haven’t taken home any real homework in nearly three years, and I’ve taken AP classes each year.”

Where are the best bathrooms and water fountains at CHS? “The bathrooms by the senior bridge [are the best] because they are the most clean,” Henderson said.

Nguyen said it is a “fact of life” that all male bathrooms are disgusting. However, he claims that the ones in the main hallway by H hall are the worst, since they are frequently used by those watching sporting events.

As far as water fountains go, Madeline Rehm and senior Amy Sentementes have different views on the ones under the freshman stairs are the best.

“The water fountain in the cafeteria [is the best] because it is always cold,” Henderson said.

“By the senior bridge is the best,” Matt Shinn said.

Any last words of advice?

Though choosing the best water fountain and hallway routes may seem like extremely trivial parts of your day, they are part of what makes your high school years memorable and what CHS’s seniors can look back on and laugh about in years to come.

“Don’t worry,” Matt Shinn said. “Freshman year goes by fast.”

“Don’t walk slow, and don’t be afraid to push people in the hall if you need to get by,” Madeline Rehm advised.

“For incoming seniors, don’t get double stacked flex,” Tristain Nguyen said.

“Your senior year will be much more leisurely if you arrive one hour late, and you’ll also get to enjoy leaving early. Both of which are very nice things. Why? Student drivers are very rude.”

“Have fun in high school because it really flies by,” Rachel Henderson said.

“Don’t waste your time worrying, everything will be fine.”

18 Change: Obama as president thesidekick may 21, 2009

CONTINUED from pg.1

controversy because it’s fun to argue your point.”

The widespread use of technology and social networking as a source of news encouraged many of the younger generation to follow the election more closely in mediums such as Facebook and Twitter (follow Obama on the username “whitehouse”).

In fact, the final preelection Gallup Poll Daily tracking survey reveals that Obama won with “heavy backing from those with postgraduate educations, young adults (male and female alike), and nonchurchgoers”.

Sixty-one percent of the 18-29 age group voted for Obama, compared to 39 percent for Senator John McCain.

“More people are tuned in to the Internet, reading blogs, watching YouTube, seeing things on computers so they could actually see the person and not just getting a news commentator’s opinion on them,” Bauer said.

Even though the majority of students at CHS were not old enough to vote, they still held convictions about the importance of the 2008 race on their lives.

“For me, it was really memorable because this is kind of leading into my adulthood, my college experience, my future life,” junior Cameron Frysinger

features

Strudwick, Mayberry cooking up future

Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT President Barack Obama attends a rally organized by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to mark Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the state capitol in Columbia, South Carolina, on Jan 21.

said. “It’s kind of like a springboard into what’s to come. It’s going to take a lot of work to undo the wrongs of the past events, but it’ll happen, sooner or later.”

For many, the election was an inspiring and hopeful one.

“It showed [young people] that you can do anything and you shouldn’t let other people limit you or try to hold you back,” junior Kalyn Mullins said. “Anything is possible now.”

But what do teenage students really want and expect from a man who lives in a white house in Washington, D.C., far away from the dim hallways of CHS? As it turns out, a lot.

“Of course, you want more honest politics and keeping the trust that

Obama’s trying to create among the American people,” Frysinger said. “And hope that they’re able to keep that trust and keep that focus and work towards the future.”

Blazek, a self-identified Republican, holds out hope for conservative reforms.

“I’m kind of pro-life, so I’d like to see legislation on that, but I’m not expecting anything,” Blazek said.

“I think less government and less spending.”

And senior Krystin Galvin, who will be attending Baylor University in the fall?

“Get us money for college.”

At Coppell High School, all eyes are on Obama.

Photo by Katie Quill Senior Alex Strudwick mixes ingredients for a chocolate cake in her home. Strudwick is one of the students who will attend the Culinary Institute of America in New York.

melissaflandreau

co-editor-in-chief

Chocolates and Confections, Hearth Bread and Rolls, Lunch Cookery and Italian Cuisine aren’t typically listed in the curriculum for most colleges, but at the Culinary Institute of America, these courses are the norm.

And for seniors Alex Strudwick and Kyle Mayberry, that’s just fine with them.

This fall, both Mayberry and Strudwick are planning to attend the CIA’s campus in Hyde Park, N.Y. where they will pursue their dreams of working in the culinary field. Though both will be at the same institution, each will be pursuing a different major.

“I want to be a pastry chef, and that’s the only school that has a Bachelor’s degree for baking and pastry,” Strudwick said. “I’ve always known I wanted to work hands-on with something, but I didn’t know that it was baking and pastry until I really started getting into food.”

Mayberry, on the other hand, will work to earn his Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts.

“I’m just excited to see what I get to do,” Mayberry said. “I’m more excited than nervous.”

Applying to CIA is similar to normal college admissions and includes submitting an essay, grades and the usual background information. The main difference, however, is appli-

cants are required to have six months of commercial kitchen experience, in which at least 50 percent of the items are made from scratch.

Strudwick earned this requirement through working at the Hilton Garden in Lewisville. A self-proclaimed “kitchen intern,” Strudwick worked in the kitchen cooking and doing prep work for banquets. After taking hotel and restaurant management, Mayberry worked in hotel kitchens, where he learned useful information about knives and other kitchen knowledge.

Both Strudwick and Mayberry also took nutrition and food science, taught by Amanda Scott, which helped prepare and motivate them for a career in the culinary field.

“They’re both really hard workers,” Scott said.

“They’re good kids; they’re sweet kids. I couldn’t ask for better students.”

While choosing the CIA as the next step in their education might not have been the most conventional choice, cooking has always been what they loved, as well as something they’ve enjoyed with their families.

“For me, it relieves stress, and I’ve kind of known [I wanted to cook] since I was really young,” Mayberry said. “When I grew up, my mom always included me in cooking, so I developed a passion for it.”

Strudwick, too, often experiments in the kitchen

with her family.

“I like to cook with my niece and nephew and try and get involved with them, so when I want to cook cupcakes or something fun, I’m like, ‘You guys want to come over and help me decorate them?’” Strudwick said. “Sometimes [I cook] with my dad because he knows a lot. He wanted to own his own restaurant a long time ago, and he still aspires to do that, but he has to get us through college.”

Both Strudwick and Mayberry cited aspirations of owning their own restaurants someday, a dream that would help be made possible by graduating from the CIA. “Alex is hard working, and I think she really knows what she wants to do – she’s sure of herself,” senior Megan Thompson said, who cites a homemade granola bar as her favorite dish Strudwick has made for their anatomy class. “She’ll really succeed because she loves it so much; she’d so much rather go home and cook than just watch TV.” So while most students will head off next year to math and science courses, Mayberry and Strudwick will travel to New York to make their dreams happen. Dreams that, thanks to cooking, are endless.

“You can play with so many tastes and textures, and you can create almost anything when you have the stuff for it,” Strudwick said. “There’s no limit – I love that.”

sports

19

thesidekick may 21, 2009

Senior athletes leave large shoes to fill

Graphics by Samantha Spaans

Girls soccer, lacrosse take titles CONTINUED from pg.1

Its run would end there with a crushing 5628 area playoff loss to Allen, who later won the state championship, but overall the season was a triumph.

Meanwhile, a bittersweet moment for Coppell tennis, which had entered the 2008 season with a 53 match winning streak.

Coppell fell to Southlake Carroll 17-2 on Sept.

22. The match marked the end of Coppell’s on-court dominance as it would finish third in district. But a six-year undefeated streak is a six-year undefeated streak nonetheless, and it will likely be remembered for its accomplishment, not its end.

The spring season was more perhaps more momentous than the fall—a mixed bag of the anticipated and the unanticipated, if you will.

The basketball season ended first. While the girls team would finish last in district, the boys team earned a playoff berth with a district record of 6-4.

They advanced two rounds in the playoffs, narrowly sliding past Keller Central, then fell to Cedar Hill, who lost in the finals of the state competition.

Later, 11 wrestlers (six boys and five girls) qualified for the state tournament.

Senior Yadinma Nwaiwu

even broke through to the finals in the 215-pound weight class, where defaulted due to a shoulder injury.

Then a bombshell hit with football coach Bob Shipley’s abrupt departure to Class 3A Brownwood.

A few confused weeks later and after several promising interviews, Joe McBride was selected as Shipley’s successor.

“Going into next season, I hope to develop tougher kids and a championship mentality,” McBride said.

Only time will tell if the former Frisco Liberty coach can live up to his considerable and heady reputation.

At the beginning of the spring season, the safe money said girls soccer was destined for a rebuilding season. The team had just lost five seniors, one to No. 8 ranked Florida and another to No. 19 ranked Texas. Conventional wisdom states teams do not recover from losses like that.

Apparently no one told this to the Cowgirls.

After falling to Flower Mound Marcus twice in the regular season (by a score of 1-0 both times), the team (down, coincidentally, 1-0) rallied behind sophomore Chioma Ubogagu in the second half to win by the dramatic margin of 4-1.

Three victories later (after toppling No. 1 ranked

San Antonio Reagan in the state semifinals) the girls closed out a perfect postseason and earned a state title with a 3-2 victory over The Woodlands.

“The reason we were so successful this year was the fact that we loved each other,” Stricker said following the win. “Our heart, not talent, led us to win state this season.”

The last triumph of the year, however, has not been baseball as expected.

The baseball team, widely regarded as a state championship contender this year, did not disappoint early, barreling to a 12-game streak in district play. Then the streak was broken by Lewisville in a disconcerting 3-1 upset. The Cowboys clinched district but lost in the first round of the playoffs to Grapevine in a 5-0 blowout.

Instead, the endgame hero was boys lacrosse, which finished its season second in district behind Plano West. They won decisively in playoffs, finishing Memorial High School 20-7 in the semifinals and knocking off Stony Point High School 22-4 in the finals.

This season has had its ups and downs, not to mention a fair share of surprises, but in most lights it can be seen as a striking success.

nathanreck staffwriter

Without the luxury of drafting players or recruiting talent to build a program, high school athletics hinge on the development of each player as he or she moves through the program.

Each year’s success in high school sports normally corresponds with the performance of seniors. Not only do coaches look to their seniors for the big hit or clutch basket, they also look for leadership on the court during a close game and off it during the monotonous routine of daily practices.

Football will lose its leading rusher, Evans Okotcha, and two top receivers, Jordan Tollet and Jaxon Shipley (granted Shipley was a sophomore), the boys soccer team will lose 14 players, six of which will play in college and the baseball team will lose a class which had it ranked number one in the state at the start of the season.

Other sports have a much smaller group graduating this spring, but the programs will nonetheless miss the

production and leadership will count on younger that their seniors brought players to set examples to every game. as they prepare for next “Although our se- fall. nior class was small, [Sally “Four senior men Downs, Lexi Ornell, and and three senior ladies Molly Cook] have contrib- were in the top of the uted a great deal to our vol- lineup for fall team tenleyball program,’ volleyball nis, so approximately coach Sherri Hankins said. half of the team con“It is going to be tough sisted of seniors. In into replace them because dividual spring tennis, they brought a solid work six players earned the ethic and dedication to our right to travel to the team.” regional tournament At first glance, the and all six were seniors,” boys basketball team faces tennis coach Jane Jackwhat appears to be a simple son said. task— replacing one senior.

“Although this seBut when nior class that senior will be Although this is point missed, I guard Jacob senior class will be have high Montez, missed, I have high e x p e c t a the team tions that expectations. leader in the folassists and tennis coach Jane Jackson lowing points, that group has task becomes much more learned a huge lesson difficult. from their leadership.”

“It’s very unusual to So while this sehave only one senior on a nior class moves on, 5A basketball team, but leaving huge shoes to be that’s what we had for the filled across the board, 08-09 season. But when they also leave behind that senior is Jacob Mon- lessons in leadership tez, then the class of one and an example of how is amazing,” coach Brad to succeed.

Chasteen said.

Now it is up to Even with the varying the class of 2010 to number of players graduat- step up and claim the ing from each individual leadership positions left sport, it is evident that ev- empty and to continue ery coach will miss their to build a tradition of senior’s production, and success.

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20

sports

thesidekick may 21, 2009

Hudson sprints off to sunny San Diego lyndiconradt

staffwriter

Seniors enter college looking for new friends, experiences and a higher education.

What most hope to do without is the forewarned freshman 15 weight gain. For senior Tom Hudson, however, this should not be a problem.

After running cross country at Coppell, Hudson will continue his career at the University of California-San Diego.

“Not running in college was never really a question for me,” Hudson said. “It’s been a part of my life for the past six years. It’s what I do.”

Hudson first became interested in running through his older brother, 2004 CHS graduate Sam Hudson.

“Sam’s always been one of my biggest inspirations,” Hudson said. “I’ve looked up to him my whole life.”

Sam and Tom’s mother Michelle Hudson said the brothers’ shared interest has improved their abilities

and brought them closer.

“They’re able to push each other to work harder,” Michelle said. “And now that Sam lives in Plano, the two are able to train together more often.”

Training certainly paid off as far as Hudson’s running career is concerned. Hudson ran on varsity three of his four years at CHS, placed in the top 10 at the regional meet both his junior and senior year and competed at the state level twice, coming in

and be a part of more than one activity.”

Unlike some student athletes who opt to take on a relatively easy major in order to avoid extra stress, Hudson is set to study biomedical engineering.

“Members of my family have been hit with some tough medical problems over the last few years,” Hudson said. “I want to study biomedical engineering to try and combat Not running in college that.” was never really a quesAfter graduating, Hudson tion for me will either besenior Tom Hudson come a doctor or go into the re23rd and 31st respectively in search field. class 5A. “I’m not sure Hudson is more than what I’m leaning toPhoto by Gina Cannata just an athlete, however. ward as of right now,” Senior Tom Hudson ran varsity track three of his four years at Coppell, and will continue to run at the UniHe’s also a member of Na- Hudson said. “I’m tional Honor Society and hoping to get good versity of California-San Diego next fall. Hudson plans to study biomedical engineering. serves as president of the field experience in though, so the first part of dissecting DNA in one of ethic, he’s self-driven and recycling club. both and then figure “Running has always out what my strengths are. that shouldn’t be a prob- the college’s labs, one thing’s he’s goal-oriented,” coach for sure: Hudson has a suc- Roxanne Farris said. “I been my main focus,” Hud- UC San Diego is the No. lem.”

Whether he’s up at 6 cessful career ahead of him. know he’ll go on to do great son said. “But I think it’s 2 biomedical engineer“He’s got great work things at UC San Diego.” important to get involved ing school in the nation a.m. training for a meet or

“

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Role model captains move on andytabor

staffwriter

To play volleyball, you must be a leader to succeed.

Seniors Sally Downs and Lexi Ornell have exemplified their roles on the team as leaders on and off the court.

Downs began playing volleyball in seventh grade and never looked back, playing on the A team from then until she was called up varsity as a sophomore in high school. She also played club volleyball with Texas Advantage (TAV)

during high school.

In December, Downs verbally committed to play at Stony Brook University in New York. Downs visited the university with her mother in December on an official visit.

“I was nervous because it was my first time visiting the players and coaches,” Downs said. “I wanted to make a good first impression on the visit.”

During her time at Coppell, Downs enjoyed playing district rivals.

When asked about her biggest high school rival only

Photo by Page Warner Senior captains Lexi Ornell (left) and Sally Downs (right).

one team came to mind.

“Marcus,” Downs said. “That’s really all I have to say.”

One light moment this season was engineered

by Downs. As a pregame warm up in the locker room, she organized “dance parties” in which the players listened to music while dancing around.

“Some of the girls weren’t getting into the dance too much,” Downs said. “So I had to yell ‘dance parties are mandatory not optional’ and when I said that the whole team just started laughing. It shows just how close the team was.”

Co-captain Ornell is also continuing her volleyball career in college. She will walk on at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. but could end up receiving a scholarship as early as the end of sophomore year.

“It was a win-win situation,” Ornell said. “My parents grew up in Boston so I really like the area and I have the opportunity to play volleyball there.”

Ornell began playing club volleyball in sixth grade. She was also bumped up the varsity level her sophomore year.

During this season there were some differences over leadership. With two leaders exhibiting different styles it was difficult sometimes for the Cowgirls to come together.

“Lexi was a calming leader who led by example,” junior Deirdre Pajares said.

“Sally really fired up the team and made us want to

work hard.”

Junior Kirstin Hazelrigg recognizes the teammate’s differences as well.

“They balanced each other out,” Hazelrigg said.

“Lexi had more people skills, while Sally was more knowledgeable about volleyball. It was an interesting balance.”

Throughout the year the team members would tend to follow one leader or the other.

Junior Taylor Meade is a big fan of Downs and her leadership style.

“Sally is a natural leader,” Meade said. “She knew how to improve the people around her instead of only improving her own game.”

Freshman Bear Bass benefitted from Ornell’s leadership as a freshman on varsity.

“Lexi was all for the team and not just for herself,” Bass said. “She was really nice and had a good attitude whenever I needed help with my game.”

Either way, both leaders helped make this volleyball year a success. Predicted to have a down year, the Cowgirls were in a threeway tie for first place and eventually ended up third because of an unlucky coin flip. The Cowgirls made it to the area round before being ousted by Plano West.

With both Ornell and Downs at the lead, the Cowgirls enjoyed success this season. As for Downs and Ornell, both leaders will be remembered as two of the most successful Cowgirl volleyball players of all time.

sports

thesidekick may 21, 2009

21

Tennis rivalry will continue in college Ex-doubles partners head off to competing Arkansas schools

annacasey

staffwriter For the past four years, senior tennis players Laura Palomino and Libby Hedeman have been teammates, but soon they’ll be bitter rivals. Palomino and Hedeman will play tennis for opposing schools from the Gulf South conference.

Palomino, awarded with an athletic scholarship, committed to Arkansas Tech University earlier this spring. She plans on studying Computer Science and Engineering.

“I got other offers,” Palomino said. “But Arkansas Tech was everything I liked in a school.”

Hedeman, Coppell’s team captain, will attend Harding University in Arkansas in the fall. Harding offered her a monetary incentive: an academic scholarship. After her visit to campus earlier this spring, she was ready to commit.

“I’ve been undecided all year,” Hedeman said. “It’s a relief to finally know.”

Hedeman and Palomino have supported each other through very successful seasons. In the fall, the tennis team qualified for

regionals. This spring, Palomino, honorable mention all-district in girls singles, and Hedeman, first team all-district in girls singles, received alternate for Regionals.

“Our friendship is very supportive,” Palomino said. “But when we’re playing on the court, we get serious.”

Competitive by nature, Hedeman and Palomino are ready for the challenge of collegiate level athletics. “[CHS coach Jane Jackson] has thrown a lot of different experiences at

“

Our friendship is very supportive, but when we’re on the court, we get serious.

”

senior Laura Palomino

me,” Hedeman said. “So now I can adapt my game.”

Jackson is eager to sing the praises of her tennis players.

“Laura has worked very hard, and she’s not afraid of practice,” Jackson said. “Libby is a fierce competitor too, and she’s everybody’s friend.”

With a history of success, undefeated in district for seven years until the

fall season, the CHS tennis team is known for demanding excellence.

“The long-standing tradition of winning at Coppell will hopefully carry over to my Harding career,” Hedeman said.

Throughout the past two seasons, Palomino was the top varsity girl tennis player.

“Laura was my No. 1 girl,” Jackson said. “She played the toughest matches we had to play.”

Palomino and Hedeman’s tennis talents will be stretched in a new way next year, possibly even playing against each other in doubles. They won’t find out their schedule until later in the summer, but both schools are relatively small, so the chances are good.

“On the court, we have a certain respect for each other,” Hedeman said.

For both of these senior girls, next year will be a challenge, balancing academics and athletics.

“I would tell them to make sure they keep it a game, not a job,” Jackson said. “Make sure they keep it fun while playing at the highest level.”

Hedeman’s concerns are a little more mundane.

“I’m most worried the tennis uniforms won’t be as cute as my Coppell ones,” Hedeman said.

Lineman Favreau commits next four years to SMU travisbremner

staffwriter On Aug. 7, senior Jordan Favreau committed his next four years on the gridiron to Southern Methodist University. On July 1, he will enroll and begin preparing for the upcoming football season.

SMU has signed six offensive linemen in its 2009 recruiting class. The Mustangs had a difficult 1-11 season last season and is looking to get some new faces to change the feel of the program under second year head coach June Jones. SMU offensive line coach Dennis McKnight thinks Favreau can make a difference.

“He’s a man child,” McKnight said. “For a 6-3 guy he can really move, he’s much more athletic than you think. He’s got real upside.”

Favreau, along with the other incoming freshman and current SMU offensive line, will compete for time on the field in their first season. Favreau is staying positive and focused.

“I think there’s a chance I’ll start,” Favreau said. “It just depends on how well I pick up the new offense and their plays.”

Favreau knows nothing will come easy in the transition from high school to college football but he is ready to embrace something new. Price Clifford, Coppell’s offensive coach, former running backs’ coach, looks at Favreau and sees a very good player with a positive mental state.

“Jordan does so many things well,” Clifford said.

“He has quick feet, he is strong, produces leverage on run and pass plays and has a

never quit attitude which allows him to beat the best around.”

It is that devoted mentality that senior offensive lineman Bradley Oh, who is attending Stephen F. Austin University but unsure if he will walk-on, says will only bring good things to Favreau.

“Jordan will do very well at SMU,” Oh said.

“He’s a smart kid, really

dedicated and a hard worker on and off the field; he has a chance to start as a true freshman.”

Favreau was named to the first team All-District 6-5A as a senior. Clifford recalls his performance this year.

“There are many things I remember about Jordan’s play for me this year,” Clifford said. “His ability to protect the QB on pass plays is amazing.

I don’t think he gave up a sack this year and his tenacious nature when he plays.

Let’s just say he is very aggressive.”

Before he had officially signed with SMU last August, Favreau had attracted interest from two other schools, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt, but did not make official visits.

“They [SMU] were the school that showed the most interest in me,” Favreau said. “They seemed to want me more than the other schools.”

Favreau will begin working toward his degree in July in SMU’s respected Cox School of Business.

Graphic courtesy Brad Sutton

Photo by Tyler Morris Senior Libby Hedeman (left) was awarded an academic scholarship to Harding University and senior Laura Palamino (right) was awarded an athletic scholarhip to Arkansas Tech University.

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thesidekick may 21, 2009

Nationally recognized Dinka and Sadler team leaves footprint score big in college nathanreck

staffwriter

Once a program has been around for a while it becomes harder to identify which qualities make one senior class stand out from another.

The boys soccer program has made the playoffs a regularity, has a state title under its belt and consistently sends players to college programs. Maintaining success is all that can be asked for.

“This senior class continued the tradition of success,” coach Shayne Bybee said. “They finished two places higher in district than last year’s team, went a round deeper in the playoffs than we did two years ago and won 35 games over the past two years.”

Thirty-five wins in two seasons and a playoff run that was halted by the eventual state champion Plano shows how the team performed well as a whole, but the senior class was also able to achieve individually.

Senior forward Ben Hill was one of only three Texas players among the 80 listed on the NSCAA/ Adidas Boys High School

All-America Team and was named District 6-5A MVP. “It was really an honor to be named an All-American and to be recognized at a national level,” Hill said.

Hill was also joined by fellow seniors J.R. Ellis, Rizvan Ceka and Steven Haltom as first team all district honorees, while Matt Speanburg and Jackson Savage received second team honors.

Many of the players excelled off the field as well, as nine seniors received academic all state honors for their work in the classroom. These seniors were Josh Barton, Taylor Basso, Ceka, Austin Fink, Haltom, Josh Hayes, Taylor Johnson, Chis Jordan and Jackson Savage.

All of the seniors are looking forward to building on their success at the high school level academically, but six of the seniors are also looking forward to playing soccer in college next fall.

Ben Hill will be attending SMU, while Steven Haltom and J.R. Ellis will both go to St. Edward’s.

University Also continuing to play soccer in college are

Cole McCarter for Hardin Simmons, Rizvan Ceka for Ouchita Baptist and Jackson Savage for Harding. So while their soccer careers at the high school may be over, they are looking forward to the new challenges that college soccer will bring.

The senior class is not leaving the program empty handed, though, as they have prepared the junior class to step into the roles that they will leave vacant.

“The juniors will need to take on the leadership of the team, but then they should have another great season,” Barton said.

Bybee agrees.

“We’re hoping that younger players will step into the leadership roles that are now vacant and that they [have learned] to be better leaders by seeing what the seniors did that worked,” said Bybee.

So as this senior class leaves and hangs up the Coppell jerseys they look ahead to a new set of obstacles to conquer and back to a junior class that is prepared to step in and take over a program with a tradition of success.

Photo courtesy Jay Savage Next fall, six senior boys soccer players will advance to play in college; Ben Hill (SMU), Steven Haltom (St. Edward’s Univeristy), J.R. Ellis (St. Edward’s), Cole McCarter (Hardin Simmons), Rizvan Ceka (Oachita Baptist) and Jackson Savage (Harding University).

Photo courtesy Julie Scott Seniors Laura Sadler (left) and Dominique Dinka (center) face off against a Woodlands defender.

small feel of the campus.

“The professors are really flexible there and it isn’t that big of a school so the teachers are all on hand,” Dinka said.

Left outside midfielder Sadler chose Stephen F. Austin for many of the same reasons, including the school’s reputation for winning their conference almost every year.

“I didn’t want to start out at that big of a school and I really like the small classroom size there,” Sadler said. “It’s also a really pretty campus and they treat the athletes really well.”

Though the two are excited to move forward to college ball, they both agree they will miss many aspects of soccer including the close bond between the girls and spaghetti dinners.

“I’ll miss how the team bonded together and went from really separated, due to new players, to being a family,” Dinka said. “We came together and achieved something really big.”

In addition to helping win a state championship, Sadler left her own personal mark on CHS when she was named MVP of state.

She was named to second team All-District her freshman year and first team

All-District her sophomore through senior years. Sadler was awarded the “Fighting Hard for the Team” award by her teammates, an award which Stricker considers one of the most valuable achievements in the program. She was also named state player of the year.

Dinka, whose senior year was her first at CHS, has also made a name for herself in the Cowgirls program.

“Dominique is a really quiet girl but she has a lot of mental toughness as far as her drive on the field,” Stricker said. “She’s quiet but tenacious.”

Both girls attribute their success throughout the year to their passion for the sport and the drive that keeps them going.

“It’s just something I’ve always done and I love the competition,” Sadler said. “It also teaches you a lot of lessons outside of soccer like good communication and leadership; I like the things that I can carry away from it.”

Dinka and Sadler are waving goodbye to CHS but not to soccer. Though their red and black will be replaced, their memories of Cowgirl family will stay with them for life.

regional tournament for junior and senior year.

“Austin Beck is a great four years and was named all-district second team young man,” coach Terry his freshman year and all- Galbraith said. “He has been an exdistrict cellent exfirst team ample for his sophoAustin is a great the other more, juplayer and golf next players to nior and year is going to be follow and senior different without the CHS years. him there. boy’s golf Beck junior Blake Van Patten program was also will truly named miss him all-region second team his junior year as a person and player.”

During the summer and named district champion medalist this year. Also, of when high school golfbecause Beck is in top 7% ers typically select the colof CHS, he was named an lege that they will attend, academic all-state for Texas Beck faced the decision of high school golfers for his whether to attend a small

college and play golf or pursue his academics. While every athlete dreams about becoming a professional, Beck understands the difficulty of achieving this goal.

Therefore, he elected to attend Texas A&M and focus more on his education.

“I have no regrets about not committing to a college for golf, but I am probably going to have second thoughts later on in my life,” Beck said.

Now that Beck will just play golf as a recreational sport, he is excited about going to Texas A&M in the fall, where he hopes to become an industrial engineer.

caitlinconner

staffwriter

Many senior soccer Cowgirls are hanging up their red and black jerseys at the end of the year to pursue new activities in college. For seniors Laura Sadler and Dominique Dinka, however, the ball keeps rolling.

Both girls signed with colleges’mid-season, Dinka with the University of Central Oklahoma and Sadler with Stephen F. Austin University. Coach Chris Stricker couldn’t envision two better suited players.

“They both have the work ethic it takes and that’s what it’s honestly all about,” Stricker said. “You have to love the game and both of them do, but you also have to have the drive to get through all the early morning practices and other things that come along with it. Any girl that has gotten through all four years of my program is prepared mentally and physically to go play in college.”

Forward Dinka is excited about attending the university. In addition to the excellent soccer program, Dinka enjoys the

Souders shelves woods, irons for college textbooks gabymoran

staffwriter

Coppell has had many students who have gone to college and utilized their athletic abilities for a little longer. One of CHS’s most promising athletes has decided to change his course from golf to education.

Senior Austin Beck has been playing golf since he was 5. His grandfather, Jim Watts, played golf throughout his life and wanted to pass his knowledge and enjoyment of the game onto another family member.

That member became Austin, who, after play-

ing with his grandfather a couple times started to love the sport.

“Since my dad was never taught to play golf, my grandpa wanted to share that experience with me,” Beck said.

After playing golf for fun for a few years, Beck began to search for an instructor to help him get into competitive golf.

He eventually chose Peter Murphy, who travels around the world, but still comes to Frisco and teaches his students, such as Beck.

“Austin is a great player and golf next year is going to be different without him there,” junior golfer

Blake Van Patten said.

With Murphy’s help, Beck began to compete when he entered sixth grade. He did exceptionally in several tournaments; such as in the 2007 Randy Smith AJGA in Lubbock, a national tournament where he placed fourth and the 2008 AJGA at Southern Oaks in Fort Worth, a national tournament where he placed sixth. At one point this year he was ranked 60th in the nation and seventh in the state of Texas.

In addition to the national tournaments, Beck also did well in high school golf.

He qualified for the

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sports

23

thesidekick may 21, 2009

College baseball awaits CHS standouts blakeseitz

sportseditor

This year, seven senior baseball players signed with college programs, six to Division-I schools. Among this group is Zak Hermans, who signed last November with Princeton University, proving that brains and brawn are perhaps not as separate many people think.

Hermans picked up the bat at age 5, and made the switch from Little League to Select play at 11.

Upon entering high school, he undertook an important role change.

Whereas he had played second and third base interchangeably until freshman year, the coaching staff began honing his throwing arm and eventually put him on the mound.

“I really didn’t pitch much going into high school,” Hermans said. “I had a strong arm, but I was really wild. I guess [Coppell coach Don English] saw potential so that year I pitched a lot on freshman team and continued to develop there.”

And develop he did— in his past two years as starting pitcher, he has recorded 143 strikeouts.

“The last two years he’s been outstanding on the mound, and his velocity’s risen as he’s matured physically,” English said.

But Hermans is versatile as well, batting sixth in the lineup this year with a .355 average, 13 RBIs and one home run.

“What we didn’t anticipate as much as his pitching ability is that he’s really swung the bat well this year and been a force offensively for us,” English said.

Predictably, Hermans’s actions began to catch the attention of college recruiters, but if his

strikeout tally brought on the big-name baseball programs, his academics attracted the Ivy League Schools. Hermans will graduate in the top five percent of his class, is a member of National Honor Society and was commended on his PSAT. After being pursued by such academic heavyweights as the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard and Yale, Hermans selected Princeton, where he will study economics. “[Princeton looks] for players who want to develop in every area of their life, and that’s Zak Hermans,” Princeton coach Scott Bradley said.

Bradley went on to say that the program depended on athletes like Hermans, who he envisions will start as early as next year.

“Our top priority for this recruiting class was to find some high-end pitching,” Bradley said. “We’re going to lose a four-year pitcher to graduation and a junior [pitcher] to the draft, so we needed students who were going to come in and compete right away. That’s something we think Zak Hermans will be able to do.”

Although Hermans picked the bookish Princeton over baseball giants such as the University of Texas, he feels that he is in no way limiting himself.

While he has no definite plans for his future career, he knows he will jump at the chance to play major league ball if offered.

“Princeton always gets a few guys drafted every year so I don’t feel like I’m giving up on any baseball dreams at all,” Hermans said. “I’m going to work hard in my athletics and my academics just like I did in high school and hopefully the choice will be clear after that.”

davidwalsh

zakhermans

austinelkins

College attending: Princeton University Major: Business Position: P / IF Advice to underclassmen?

“Take care of your grades freshman and sophomore years. Don’t wait.”

How do you want people to remember you?

“As someone who wasn’t afraid to be different.”

If you could be any comic book hero, who would you be and why?

“Spiderman because Peter Parker has a nerd image but Spiderman is so cool; everything works out for him.”

What’s your biggest regret?

“Not being able to do the musical junior year.”

College attending: University of TexasArlington

College attending: Dallas Baptist University

Position: P / OF

Position: 3B / SS

Advice to underclassmen: “Be on time.”

Best movie ever?

“The Patriot or Braveheart.”

Best school reading books?

“The only one I liked was The Natural.”

What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed at CHS? “The carpet.”

“They’ve worked hard, had fun and wanted to play together as long as they possibly can. So they’ve been outstanding; best I’ve ever had.” -coach Don English jonathanwalsh

College attending: University of Texas Position: C If you could be any comic book hero, who would you be?

“Superman because Superman’s the man.”

Best movie ever?

“Old School.”

chadkettler

College attending: University of Oklahoma Position: P / SS If you could choose, what era of time would you live in?

“The ‘60s because the cars were awesome.”

Prom was: “Tiring.”

tylercannon

College attending: Lon Morris College Position: P Do you have any weird quirks?

“Not that I know of.”

Biggest fear about college?

“Getting into too much trouble.”

michaelapple

College attending: McLennon Community College Position: P / 1B If you had an infinite amount of money, what would you spend it on?

“I’d disperse it wherever it could do the most good.”

Souders to wrestle in Olympic program Senior to attend Marion Military Institute in preparation for 2012 scottappleton

staffwriter

Over the past four years, senior Austin Souders has collected a wide array of medals for his achievements on the Coppell wrestling team. In the near future, Souders hopes to obtain a bigger prize: an Olympic medal.

“I’ve met several Olympic wrestlers and I have seen how it can open up so many doors and opportunities,” Souders said.

“I love wrestling and meeting people through the sport and I cannot wait to travel the world.”

After wrestling on varsity all four years of high school, Souders is taking his skills to Marion Military Institute in Alabama with a partial wrestling scholarship.

At Marion, he will be training under Dave and Jim Hazewinkel, who are twins and were both members of the 1968 and 1972 United States Olympic teams. They were also the first twin brothers to be on the same Olympic team at the same time.

Souders has already put together a strict timeline to achieve his goal. He will attend Marion for two years to wrestle and train under the highly achieved Hazewinkel twins, after which he will take a year off from college to dedicate as much time as possible

towards his Olympic training for the 2012 Olympic Games.

“I will have to be really dedicated if I want to do this,” Souders said. “I’m going to have to limit myself on the typical college life.”

Souders understands the amount of dedication and time this is going to take. However his parents are providing their full support.

“You don’t know how many opportunities like the Olympics are going to come around,” Olga Souders said.

“I’m very excited and proud for Austin. I think every kid who enjoys an extracurricular activity and has the opportunity to pursue it should go for it.”

Already the road towards the Olympics has

been challenging for Souders. He recently underwent shoulder surgery to repair some of the torn ligaments he sustained from high school wrestling.

However, Souders still has the perseverance and dedication to continue on down the road.

“Everything I do for the sport −even if I’m not successful or blow out my shoulder− I’d be ok with that because I still have such a passion for the sport,” Souders said. “And I could still say I’ve accomplished something great.”

Souders’ parents credit his high school coaches in guiding their son to be such an outstanding wrestler.

“I can’t think of any better group of coaches than [former coach Carl] Stralow and [current coach

Chip] Lowery,” Olga Souders said. “The coaches really changed Austin’s life. Success in a sport should be contributed to those that mentored you.”

Lowery said talent alone will not lead Souder to the Olympics.

“He has the talent.

He needs to now take that talent and mix it in with preparation and determination. Desire is the start of the long road.”

In return to having such great coaches and mentors, Souders is returning the favor and is currently training his sister, freshman Avery Souders, for high school wrestling.

“My sister is new to the sport,” Austin said. “And I want to do whatever I can to help her out so she can have the same wrestling ex-

perience I did. It also gives us time to bond.”

At Marion Military Institute, Souders will study business and history. Later, after his experiences with wrestling, Souders hopes to start pursuing a degree in theology.

“I think if anybody works hard and prepares enough they can accomplish great and mighty things,” Dalton Souders said. “He is going to be training under great coaches however he is going to have to work hard, and he is going to have to be willing to make sacrifices.”

Despite setbacks like surgery and an intensive schedule after college, Souders hopes to make it to his goal and compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

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thesidekick may 21, 2009

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