The Sidekick - October 2009

Senior Jinny Kim pursues

R enov ations

in golfing pastime

Coppell High School undergoes makeover with new programs, cosmetic updates

future

Sports, pg. 21

In Depth, pg. 12-13

Rehydratation key to beat heat New driving laws enforced Gaby Moran Staff Writer Three things considered essential by teenagers are a car, a late curfew and a cell phone with unlimited text messaging. Many think they can rule the world with just these, but when the three are combined, the situation can get deadly.

According to Edgar Snyder & Associates, law firm in Pennsylvania, statistics show using a cell phone or text messaging while driving contributes to 21 percent of fatal car crashes each year involving teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19. This result is estimated to grow as much as four percent every year.

Even with the knowledge that cell usage and driving is a bad combination, teenagers still do it.

“What kids do not realize is that their actions impact others,” dean of instruction Gina Peddy said.

“I believe that if they watch this video, they will have a better understanding of that.”

In the small town of Gwent, England, the local police department developed a new public service announcement video to show teenagers the effects of texting and driving. The video is very graphic, but it shows a negative example of what can happen when using technology while on the road.

“I think that not just kids, but all drivers need to see it and realize that it is reality and it can happen to anyone,” assistant principal Sean Bagley said.

The video starts with three girls in a car with the driver texting and not paying attention to the road. Her car crashes head on into another car and causes a fatal accident. It shows a very horrific scene with the teens being tossed around the car with glass and blood flying everywhere.

After the crash is over, it shows what happens to all the characters.

The driver’s friends die next to her while a child in the car she crashed into cannot get either of her parents to wake up and in a third car affected by the crash, a baby dies with its eyes still open.

The British government made this video a requirement for teenage drivers or about to be driving in the country.

As of now, the video has not yet been aired on U.S. television but it can be viewed on YouTube.

“This video can change the way people drive for the better and I believe that the new laws will help enforce it too,” assistant principal Steve Glover said.

Knowing the risks involved with texting while driving, the Texas driving laws have changed.

“I think that these new laws are going to help keep a lot more kids my age safe,” sophomore Colin Ruska said. “While a lot of people hate them now, I think they will understand their good impact on us later.”

New law on pg. 4

The Law t All vehicle occupants must be strapped in with a seat belt. t No one younger than 18 can use a hand-held cell phone while driving. t No one of any age can use a hand-held cell phone in a school zone unless it’s to make an emergency call or the vehicle is stopped. t A driving skills test will become mandatory to get a license. t The 18 hour in-car instruction needed before receiving a license has been raised to 32 hours. t The prohibitions against driving from midnight to 5 a.m. or driving with more than one nonfamily member are extended from six months to one year after obtaining a license.

Photo by Frances Ruiz Junior running back Cam McDaniel takes a sip of water to keep hydrated in the heat during football practice.

Nathan Reck

Assistant Sports Editor

Waking up at 6:15 am and rolling into the parking lot for a run at 6:30 a.m. doesn’t sound very ap-

pealing to most students, but that is the routine of the cross country team.

Day after day the team shows up early to go running, but it isn’t because they don’t like to sleep. Instead it is all done to beat

the heat.

With stories of players collapsing on the football field during two-a-day practices and athletes having to deal with dehydration during summer practices, coaches are always trying to find ways to increase the level of practices while at the same time maintaining a safe environment for athletes.

“The cross country team runs early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day,” cross country coach Roxanne Farris said. “As a coaching staff we want to have difficult workouts, but at the same time we want to make sure that no one gets hurt.”

In order to avoid dehydration the coaches also stress the importance of drinking water continually.

“The coaches are always telling us to stay hydrated by drinking water both during practice and

throughout the day,” senior runner Ashley Johnson said.

Junior runner Ryan Meade agrees. “[The coaches] always have water out before, during and after our runs,” Meade said.

The football program faces the same issue with daytime practices in the summer and early in the season. The only difference is it has to deal with the heat while in pads. Without morning practices, the football teams are forced to endure the hottest part of the day. Coach Joe McBride and his staff take the issue very seriously in order to avoid any possible injuries.

“We have an open water policy during practice, meaning that the players are free to get water whenever,” McBride said.

Coaches on pg. 20

Ramadan holiday marks new season of self reflection, fasting Ellen Cameron Staff Writer

The air is warm and sweet with the scent of foreign spices, and a rich medley of English and Pak­ istani words plays as the soundtrack to the gathering. !"#$% &#'$()*% +",-% ."% ./$% home, ready to celebrate a feast during Ramadan.

Ramadan is an Is­ lamic religious ritual last­ ing a month in which the participants awaken before the sunrise to eat, and then do not eat or drink again until after the sun has set, over 12 hours later. Fami­ lies come together at night to pray and break their fast in a traditional meal called iftari, and then rise early the next morning to begin the cycle again.

“A lot of people think it’s just not eating or drink­ ing,” senior Reihaneh Ha­ jibeigi said. “It’s a test of your devotion to belief and God and religion. You have to live your life; you can’t just curl up and sleep.”

Of course, not every­ one fasts during Ramadan.

Children are exempt until they reach a certain age which varies from family to family, as are the old and sick, but all are obligated to participate by preforming

Photo by Henna Khan A family celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan by attending the morning prayer at the Dallas Convention Center on Sept. 20.

community service or mak­ ing up days they missed later.

For some students, Ramadan presents addi­ tional challenges. In her freshmen year, senior Sar­ ah Omar passed out dur­ ing marching band prac­ tice under the desiccating August sun. Hajibeigi also collapsed during a soccer game under similar condi­ tions.

Freshman Moshera Elmougy refuses to march during band practice while

fasting, and she is not alone; senior Hiba Ibad also gives up physical ac­ tivity to observe Ramadan.

01/'*% '*% ./$% 2#*.% year I’m fasting the whole month,” Hiba Ibad said.

“Since freshman year, I’ve only fasted on the week­ ends. I’m part of the ten­ nis team, and I just told my coach I’m not playing for the next month.”

Although the inten­ sity of the hunger fades af­ ter a few days, the thirst is always there. Fasting takes

a heavy toll on the body as the metabolic rates slows to a standstill, and nearly ev­ erything consumed is con­ verted to fat for the body to burn for fuel.

But the suffering is not arbitrary, nor is it gra­ tuitous.

The emphasis is on purity, willpower, devotion and, to some extent, em­ pathy to those are starving in the world as a matter of circumstance rather than choice.

28 Days on pg. 11

news

page 2

September 2009

Evening science classes reduce scheduling conflicts Melissa Brisco Staff Writer Seven periods a day seems far too long while students are enduring them, but when trying to squeeze in required classes along with electives, seven periods doesn’t seem like quite as much. This year CHS implemented a new program in hopes of helping with that.

Having a fourth year of science created a scheduling conflict for many students, so this year the staff is offering an alternative: evening science classes.

Students were able to sign up for one of two available science classes that take place Monday nights from 5-8 p.m.

For current seniors, having a fourth year of science is not required; however, having a full senior schedule looks better to colleges and can also offer the opportunity of being in another AP class.

For freshmen, sophomores and juniors, four years of science is required, as a pillar of the state’s four by four plan.

“If I had known about the evening science classes I would’ve signed up for them because I actually intended to take a science class my senior year, but it wouldn’t fit into my schedule,” senior Michael Tapscott said. “I wanted to take a science course because it looks good to colleges to have taken four years of sci-

Photo by Melissa Brisco Jodie Deinhammer teaches her evening research and design classes about the importance of nutrion. The agenda followed in this class, not an option during the day, is similar to the classes offered at New Tech High.

more classes, students have an option of taking a flex period and it could help solve overcrowding,” Deinhammer said.

One road block that evening classes are dealing with already is communication between the students and teachers. Having the student e-mail currently down ihas been a huge obstacle.

The classes will count as a pre-AP credit, and will be taught in a different way.

The classes will be less of

the teacher standing at the front of the class and more based on service learning.

“They [the classes] will be different because there will be less direct teaching and more problem solving,” Deinhammer said.

“The students will be figuring out things themselves with projects. It will be more project based learning.”

Students in the new classes are not finding the online portion too difficult.

“The online work is alright,” senior Kelly Lim said. “We have to do discussion boards where we talk about stuff from class and we have online quizzes.”

New Tech High@ Coppell students were also given the opportunity to be a part of the classes. One such student who has embraced this opportunity is Junior Scott Dance.

“I am taking the night science classes so that I don’t have to take a science class next year,” Dance said.

“There are nine or 10 other New Tech students kids.

The classes are pretty similar [to the ones offered at New Tech], but the nature of the course is different.

The classes are basically the same. I think it’s a good opportunity.”

The classes so far have proved to be a success. Both are already full with a waiting list for next year.

Also, for the first time this year, some science classes that begand dur-

ing the school year to meet during the day have now switched to be meeting during the evenings, as well.

IB standard level Physics teacher Bill Montana’s second period class was too large to fit, so he decided to offer the option for students to have a free second period study hall in the library and instead come from 5:15 to 7:30 PM on Monday and Thursday evenings.

“My class was extremely large, I had 28 students originally,” Montana said. “I just asked for volunteers to come for evening classes because I thought it would be better for both classes to provide for a smaller and more intimate learning environment, and seven students signed up.”

Junior Priyanka Krishnamurthy is one of the students in Montana’s class who decided to take the class evening class.

“I decided to take the it because I thought it would take less time,” Krishnamurthy said. “I wouldn’t say that the classes are more difficult, I actually think that they are easier.

During second period we just go to the library. so that we can get ahead on our other work and so far, things are going fine.”

With this new development in the CHS science program, a variety of benefits are anticipated to come forth to help better fir student schedules.

ence.”

Although the physical class will be only three hours, with the remaining two hours completed online, the class will end up being the same amount time as an ordinary class taken during the school day.

Some students just decided to take the classes for something new and different.

“The class just sounded fun and interesting,” senior Shaylee Zuagg said.

Through the online

portion, students are given their assignments which will be due by the next class through Blackboard.

Due to the fact that this was the first year to try out the program, only two classes were offered: preAP chemistry and research and design (a nutrition based class) taught by Jeb Puryear and Jodie Deinhammer respectively.

“They are offering night classes this year so fourth year science is an option, students can take

an outdoor venue.

Other changes include wider community participation, more cultures involved and a children’s naturalization ceremony.

With the help of the Museum of Culture and other small groups, countries such as China, India, Ghana and Kenya were represented along with other nations at this year’s celebration.

Before the celebration, at 10 a.m., a children’s naturalization ceremony took place. Homeland Security approached the festival last year asking if they could put on the event before the festival. Mayor Jayne Peters and councilwoman Brianna Hinojosaflores attended to welcome the new citizens. Children said the pledge and sang the national anthem.

There was plenty to do for both adults and children. Booths with activities like origami, painting and henna tattoos were all available. Festival goers were also treated to a play performed by children that included songs and stories about their culture. Other festivities included a lion dance, a fashion show, kung fu, and a Chinese yoyo demonstration. Local busi-

nesses also played their parts by providing food. Fat Daddy’s Burger House, Healthy Me Foods and Kaurina’s Bubble Tea all supplied some of the cultural delicacies.

Coppell High School students also got involved. The Junior World Affairs Council ( JWAC) worked booths with brochures and informed community members about different cultures.

“The Festival of Nations promotes awareness,” JWAC sponsor Rita Bauer said. “It Photo by Katie Quill is about celebrating our differences Different booths at the Festival of Nations on Sept. 12 featured individual trinkets from the different cultures and seeing how represented in Coppell. Shown above are the elephant carvings, made in the Indian culture. meaningful they are. We all have homelands. Booths dis- it’s our opportunity to be nity and expose my son to things we value and cher- played jewelry, sculptures, involved in the world. As stuff he doesn’t see everyish that we need to share clothing and instruments, foreigners we don’t always day,” Coppell father Mark and appreciate about each all original to the nation’s have that chance.”

Standfill said. “It’s a way other.” culture.

Coppell residents for us to look at the way the Despite heavy rain, “My family and I put came out to enjoy all the world is changing.” the festival was a beauti- on the Chinese booth,” sights and sounds the fair Despite ending early ful spectrum of colors with Coppell resident Johnny had to offer. because of rain, the Festival people dressed in vivid Sun said. “We like to show“This festival is a great of Nations is considered a outfits traditional to their case our culture because way to share in the commu- success by participants.

Festival displays multitude of cultures in Coppell Allie Perison Editor-In-Chief

On Sept. 12, Coppell citizens had the opportunity to explore the world without leaving the suburbs. The Festival of Nations took place at Coppell’s Town Center Plaza.

This year’s Festival of Nations event marks the second celebration of culture in Coppell. Last year, Coppell librarian Amy Pittman-Hassatt founded the event as a way to highlight and appreciate the diversity in the community.

“People come to the library and have very culturally diverse backgrounds,” Pittam-Hassat said. “We want to celebrate the fact that we are all here and give everyone an opportunity to meet their neighbors.”

While last year’s Festival of Nations was considered a success, it left room for improvement. This year, public service librarian Jennifer Perryman was in charge of putting on the affair and wanted things to be bigger and better.

Having the event at the Town Center Plaza gave the library a chance to expand the festival because more people could be fit in

news

September 2009

All the president’s men: a shift in power Rebecca Fowler Staff Writer As most seniors with Facebooks already know, there has been a shift in the senior class officers. Due to “unusual circumstances,” involving a Facebook comment, formerly elected president An Nguyen was replaced by former vice president, Mac Vu. Though this change took place unexpectedly over the summer, Vu expects a smooth transition and no apparent change for 2010 seniors.

“I know An was going to do a great job, and I want to continue what he started,” Vu said.

Both Vu and Principal Brad Hunt expect the year to carry on normally with plenty of fundraisers and preparation for prom and graduation on the todo list.

“We want to make this as seamless and professional as possible,” Hunt said.

Though Nguyen is understandably disappointed with the change, he realizes that the class officers do not ultimate-

page 3 Naviance helps seniors decide on careers, majors Mary Whitfill Staff Writer

Photo by Frances Ruiz Senior Mac Vu (left), former vice president of the senior class, replaced senior An Nguyen after administration and parents saw an inappropriate comment by Nguyen on Facebook.

lydo the decision making for the school—though it helps with proposing various fundraisers and activities—and that, as president, he would not have had an extreme amount of power.

“I would want to be president again if I had the chance,” Nguyen said. “But, the only influence I would have would be to present ideas, and with what’s happened, I wouldn’t be taken seriously.”

Nguyen said that the allotted two fundraisers for prom have already been established: class t-shirts and

the talent show, leaving the president with few other responsibilities.

“One of the main reasons I ran for president was to be able to speak at graduation,” Nguyen said.

“And if there was any way I still could, I would do it in a heartbeat.”

The basis for the issue began on Facebook and ended with the involvement of parents and the administration. However, Nguyen claims that people have come to take social networks too seriously and that they should be used

Graphic by Daphne Chen

$55,000 The cost of prom last year $2,500 The amount of money the senior class has raised thus far

for fun. Hunt, on the other hand, expects the class president to be a responsible leader both in and out of school.

Though there will not be a vice president, senior class operations will continue as planned, and the rest of the class representatives will keep their former positions, with Caitlin Matheny as secretary, Andy Tabor as treasurer and Emily Mankin as historian.

“I don’t want any spite towards this or anger from the administration,” Vu said. “An has been one of my friends since the sixth grade, and I hate to see him leave.”

The senior class officers have a long road ahead of them, with a prom fund currently totalling $2,500 for a dance that will likely cost $55,000.

CHS’ new Family Connections by Naviance program has been installed to ease student’s troubled minds and help them make necessary choices about college and careers. A link to the Naviance web site is available on the CHS homepage under the counseling, college preparation tab.

“The program helps people discover their college of preference, major, and available scholarships,” counselor John Crook said.

A personality test provided by Human eSources helps students decide what majors and careers best fit their personality type. Once a student has decided on a major, a list of around 500 colleges is provided for them to do further research and choose.

After a college has been added to the student’s prospective list, information such as application deadlines, contact information and web sites are automatically provided for them to do more research.

“I have seen how useful it is to students and their parents in other districts,” counselor Debbie Fruithandler said.

The goal of Family Connections by Naviance

is to help juniors research colleges, find an appropriate major and compile a list of choice colleges by fall of their senior year. The program allows counselors to be involved with the student’s choices and decisions without having to meet directly with them.

“Counselors can add scholarships to lists and make recommendations,” Crook said.

CHS has been looking into getting this program for three years.

Last spring, the counselors began to register 2010 sophomores, juniors and seniors using names, birthdays and IDs. The program allows juniors and seniors to check their GPA and class rank.

Naviance can also predict how likely a student is to get into the college of their choice.

The program will look at the extracurricular activities, grades and standardized testing and will show how many students with the same general application were accepted.

Because the program is new, many students don’t know what it is, or even that it is an available resource. Juniors will be getting an introductory course through the computer lab while seniors have been introduced to the program in their English classes.

MAP trying to chart course through student skepticism Daphne Chen Editor-In-Chief On Sept. 3 and Sept.

17, CHS students took 30 minutes out of their school day to talk about gossip and bullying with what was likely to be a classroom of unfamiliar students. MAP (My Advisory Program), pioneered by assistant principal Laura Stout, is sign of the new determination of school officials to bring the 2,800 students of the high school together.

“Administrators, teachers, parents all said that this is one thing we needed at school,” Stout said. “School is not just about learning and academics, it’s about forming and creating character, about the person as a whole.”

The first two sessions will be followed by 10 more in the future on topics such as ethics (two weeks), citizenship (two weeks), cliques and leadership.

“They should be icebreakers and start conversations, because they’re teen-related issues,” Stout said. “These issues aren’t things that we usually just sit around and talk about.”

However, many student expectations going into the first MAP meeting were cynical.

“I think it’s more or less a waste of time, but if it makes class shorter, it’s worth it,” junior Shannon Conrad said. “It’s a little cliché and it’s probably going to die down pretty fast.”

Ultimately, the stated purpose of the MAP program is “to help students make connections with students of other grade levels, mainly freshmen connecting with seniors to have someone to go to for answers.”

So did it happen?

“We sat silently for half an hour and let the teacher talk, and when she didn’t talk, nobody did,” senior Kyle Wilkinson said.

“They played [the game] ‘I Never’ in here.”

Meanwhile, sophomore Ryan Boger was the one wishing for games.

“It was kind of boring,” Boger said. “You wish you would have done activities, because sitting there was really boring. The same people would be the only ones answering.”

Perhaps it did not go as well as hoped for by school administration.

However, Stout and other school officials are aware of this and taking note to make future mentoring sessions a better experience.

Photo by Frances Ruiz Freshmen Alyssa Ringhausen and Bethany LaPrade check the schedules in the hallways to figure out which classroom they are in for their mentoring (MAP) classes.

“It might just require a change in perspective,” Stout said. “We’ve talked to teachers about ways to conduct their classes better, about how we have to sit with the kids instead of standing at the front of the room lecturing, and make it a more intimate environment. It’s a process.”

English teacher Nanette McMurtry agrees.

“It takes buy-in,” McMurtry said. “I think that’s where it faltered today. It’s for a short time, it’s not of-

ten, and there’s not really a chance to build that connection in a way that fosters community.

After hearing seniors discussing the first MAP session on gossip in her AP English Literature class, McMurtry stood up to encourage the seniors to speak up if they had opinions.

“You know you have the ear of Mr. Hunt and Mrs. Peddy,” McMurtry told the class. “Tell them what happened, tell them what you think. They value

your input, especially because you are seniors now.”

MAP is part of the five-year strategic plan, and the school tested a pilot twice-a-week mentoring program last school year.

Students for the program were chosen randomly, much like they were assigned random classes this year for MAP. “We wanted kids with different backgrounds, different talents, different interests, because that’s the way it is here,”

Stout said.

She pointed to the example of James Madison Memorial High School in Madison, Wis., which divided its student body into four “neighborhoods”, and within that even smaller units called “backyards”.

Within these cross-grade level groups, teachers and students meet every week to foster communication and connections.

“It’s more to fit our school, but this isn’t just something we dreamt up last night,” Stout said. “It’s been in the works for three years.”

Contrary to rumors being circulated, Stout warns that teachers are counting absences. Unless students have legitimate reasons for leaving, such as Dual Credit, underclassmen and upperclassmen alike are required to be in the classroom.

“I don’t want kids to look at it as a waste of time, especially seniors,” Stout said. “They might feel like they don’t need it, but it’s about them helping and contributing to younger students. They have a lot to say about what to do differently, what you be involved in, what didn’t you know that you wish you did. I can’t share that.”

news

page 4

September 2009

New charter school offers differing opportunities for students, causes controversies among Coppell citizens Angela Almedia Opinions Editor A new addition has been added to the realm of Coppell education: Manara Academy. As the second charter school in Coppell, Manara’s opening on Aug. 24 marked a milestone in local education.

Manara, which opened in the former Christ Our Savior Lutheran church on Heartz Road, has open-enrollment for all students in elementary grade levels. However, the environment at Manara differs greatly from that of Coppell ISD schools, as its program focuses itself on Expeditionary Learning (ELS).

“We are the only school in Coppell that uses the Expedition method of teaching,” Manara French teacher Sophia Alami said.

“Students learn hands-on by doing instead of listening to teachers stand in front of a room saying one plus one equals two.”

In addition to Manara’s interactive teaching philosophy, the school also offers an array of specialized language classes, such as those in both Arabic and French. Furthermore, as of later this year ,Manara will be offering gender separate classes as well.

As a charter school, Manara prides itself on having the independence of a private school with the responsibility of a public school. Seemingly, the school is funded by the State Board of Education, which chose Manara as one out of the 215 schools to grant an open-enrollment

TRAFFIC ISSUES Satvika Ananth Staff Writer

Photo by Henna Khan Controversy surrounding the issue of Coppell’s new Manara school continues to exist. Many nearby residents disagree with the school’s location and are still loudly protesting, despite the fact that the school has already opened on Heartz Road.

charter.

In turn, Manara is given greater liberty to expand beyond the school’s boundaries and further implement the ELS teaching style.

“We have about 12 field trips a year and work what we did on the field trips into the curriculum,” Alami said.

Many Coppell residents, however, initially aimed at the school’s Hertz

Rd. location confronted the opening of Manara with traffic complaints. After agreeing to a re-zoning request, which includes a 10foot “no-play buffer zone” and bus loop construction, Manara was approved to open as scheduled.

“Everything is running smoothly,” Coppell Mayor Jayne Peters said.

“The school is even offering meetings, which is an excellent opportunity to

interact with neighbors and deal with their concerns.”

Later this month, Manara is projected to schedule another meeting.

Despite the apparent concerns, however, the school has brought diversity to Coppell.

“It (Manara) brings a different type of educational model, from the standpoint that not all the kids learn the same way,” Peters said.

Manara Academy, a new charter school in Coppell, faced a great deal of opposition while being approved by the Coppell City Council, and one of the most pressing of those was the traffic issue.

The City Council meetings, normally fairly banal, reached a boiling point this summer with the introduction of a proposal to open the Manara Academy. People from across Coppell came forth with concerns about the new school.

“Most people on Heartz were concerned about traffic issues,” City Planner Clay Phillips said. “They were worried about parents using the residential streets to drop-off [of students.]”

However, the area had already been zoned for a school, as the building has previously been used for the Christ Our Savior Lutheran school.

This made the transition to a new school easier, though concerns were still held since some students would be coming from outside of Coppell city limits.

These students would have to be bussed into the school, and could potentially clog traffic in the area. To alleviate the matter, the Planning and Zoning Committee of Coppell asked the school to increase the size of drop-off lanes so they could double as bus loops. This lowered the traffic in the area considerably.

“Enrollment was not as high as the school predicted, so there isn’t much back-up in the lanes,” homeowner Linda Mays said. “We are worried however, about people parking in noparking zones.”

To make sure parents do not park illegally, staff members will be monitoring the lanes outside the school on both London Way and Heartz.

In terms of other security, some residents worried about the increase of noise, and the safety of children walking to school. The Coppell Police Department went through their regular process to ensure the safety of the neighborhood.

“We introduced ourselves to the faculty, and explained the process to them,” Deputy Police Chief Steve Thomas said. “We treated the opening of this school just as we would any other school in the district.”

New law puts brakes on phones, teen drivers continued from pg. 1 These new laws state while riding in a car, no matter where you are sitting or your age, every occupant must wear a seatbelt or the driver can receive a fine up to $200. No one younger than 18 can use a hand held cell phone while driving and no one of any age can use a hand held cellular device in school zones unless car is stopped.

“I agree that the new law will make the roads safer, but it is an inconvenience to many drivers,” senior Morgan Peccarelli said. “I won’t be 18 until April and it’s going to be hard to realize I cannot call people even though I have been doing it for a year and a half now without having to worry about getting a ticket.”

Some new rules of the road are that drivers under the age of 18 cannot be on the road between midnight and 5 a.m. In addition, the rule that allowed only one

Graphic by Scott Bennett This British video was created to warn teenager drivers about the dangers of texting while driving.

In the U.K., the showing of this video is mandatory for teen drivers.

other person besides family members in the car for beginner drivers for six months has now been raised to one year.

“It is really dumb because kids could be stuck in a bad situation, but they cannot leave because they don’t want to risk getting an

[after hours] ticket,” sophomore Mattie Daily said.

Other rules regarding teenagers who are taking driver’s ed must do in-car instruction for 32 hours, 18 more hours than before, and must now pass the mandatory on-the-road test.

“I do not see the point

of adding more hours when all the other age groups ahead of us only had to do 14 hours and are fine drivers,” freshman Joon Im said.

“It is like they are doubling the homework when it is not needed.”

All laws went into effect on Sept. 1.

opinions

September 2009

page 5

Twilight takedown: Is the series a worthy read?

The Twilight phenomenon is in full-swing, with fan conventions springing up like weeds, a million-dollar movie franchise in the works and thousands of fansites popping up on browsers. It has, with good reason, been compared to the success of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter franchise and made the relatively unknown actor Robert Pattinson a celebrity icon.

Love it or hate it, Twilight is the biggest part of our pop culture today.

I remember when I first read Twilight in seventh grade. I thought the cover was cool, but I ended up losing it under my bed until, a year later, I found it.

I picked up the book and started reading. And reading. And reading.

Despite the teasing and questionable looks I received for reading a “vampire love story”, I had comfort in the fact that the book was my discovery, something pure and fantastic for me to help me escape the daily trials of being a middle schooler. I found pieces of myself in Bella’s character and daydreamed about sparkling vampires. I was hooked.

When freshman year rolled around, I noticed something: suddenly, everyone was reading it, even the people who had rolled their eyes at me for doing so years earlier. But after awhile, I began to hear complaints I hadn’t prepared myself for.

“The writing is awful.” “The story is dreadful.”

“This book is an insult to my intelligence.”

What? Were they reading the same story I had? I began to wonder… do these people really hate the book itself, or its instant popularity?

I will admit the writing is not top notch. But even though it isn’t the work of Shakespeare, it doesn’t make it any less credible as a book, because it was written for entertainment and entertainment only. For all you English teachers out there: you should be kissing the ground Stephenie Meyer walks upon. She made you a book that gets

your students reading – not only reading, but enjoying reading.

Twilight has also created a community that extends past local boundaries. Bella’s character is an “everygirl”, someone all girls can see themselves as in some way or another, which is one of the many appeals of the series. This connection with Bella leads to universal connection between readers, creating a common ground for fans to communicate and relate on. A fan could move to a different state, mention Twilight and instantly gain a pack of friends.

(Contrary to popular belief, the Twilight community is not exclusive to women. I save a special place in my heart for the brave boys who dare to pick up the book – and usually end up liking it.)

There are a lot of cynics out there, however, who just downright despise the book who haven’t read the book. Excuse me?

How can you judge a book you haven’t even read?

The only reasonable explanation I can come up with is that people hate it because it became incredibly popular so fast (or they saw the movie, to which I say: never judge a book by its lousy movie. Ever.) The story itself is a fresh fantasy escape from our ordinary lives – and that’s all. It was not designed to become a required school reading or literary classic. Most people have issues respecting the fact that, sometimes, we all need a healthy, entertaining indulgence.

I don’t mind if you don’t like the series. Not everyone can love the book, and that’s just the way of life and human opinion. I just wish less people would bad-mouth it before actually giving it a chance.

Graphic by Yogesh Patel

Twilight Tidbits

70 $383,489,834 number of copies of the series sold worldwide, in millions

amount the Twilight film grossed at the box office

Ashleigh Heaton

“I read the first three and I thought that the first was the best. I stopped three-fourths of the ways through the fourth book because it was boring and lost my attention.”

Catherine Esquivel, senior

annual number of tourists who visit Forks, WA., the setting of the novels

1

8,000

number of times Stephen King called Stephanie Meyer “not very good” at writing

Statistics gathered from The Los Angeles Times, The Age, BoxOfficeMojo.com and The New York Times.

“It’s a good book, I read the whole series.”

Derek Crocker, sophomore

I would just like to preface this column with a very simple statement: I have read all of the Twilight series. Every single book, as soon as they came out. My opinion and any prejudice that I have is not contingent upon what I have heard about the series but purely off of what I have read.

With that being said, I think fans and critics of the series can both agree that the Twilight series is not a great work of literature.

The plot is unoriginal, the dialogue is laughable and the prose is unprofessional.

OK, maybe fans wouldn’t agree with that last part, but it is certainly safe to say that Twilight is never going to appear in any other section other than “Teen Fiction”.

This is not to say that it doesn’t make an enjoyable read – its popularity among women and men of all ages is a testament to its likeability as well as the movies that have recently generated a new wave of “Twi-Hards.”

In fact, the most recent installment of the film interpretation of the series is due for release Nov. 20.

And if last year’s results are any indicator of the potential prosperity of its successor, then we should be due for another sweep at the box offices as well as at the MTV Movie Awards and Teen Choice Awards.

But lots of movies and books are popular. For example, well-known romance novelist Danielle Steele has several books on The New York Times Best Seller list. However, romance novels typically don’t appear in the literature section of most bookstores. It doesn’t mean they’re not entertaining books – it just means that any English teacher or professor will be more than happy to explain to you the term “literary merit” and how Twilight is completely lacking in that definition.

But never fear.

There is a solution to end

this madness – because, yes, it is madness. There is a very serious problem when young women profess to be in love with mythical creepers of “I like watching you sleep” fame. Ladies, there is nothing wrong with a little bit of light romantic reading- I do it too- but there is a key to reading romance and not getting made fun of for it. Make sure it comes from the literature section.

Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is. If you think Edward Cullen is hot stuff, wait ‘till you read about Mr. Darcy. Because believe it or not – Edward Cullen is essentially an updated typical literary gentleman with vampire fangs.

But seriously, I encourage you – no, I’m begging you - please give your next choice of novel some thought before checking it out or buying it. You’d be surprised to find out the amount of good reading that’s outside of the Teen Fiction section.

The problem with the Twilight series is that it fails to fulfill the purpose of reading, which is ultimately and has always been to expand a reader’s mind while providing entertainment. While Twilight is almost superfluous in the entertainment area, it lacks entirely any kind of literary consequence.

One only needs to glance at the back cover of Twilight to understand what I mean – “About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him – I didn’t know how dominant that part might be – that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.” …I know right?

I mean honestly, are there any lessons to be learned from Twilight?

Don’t date vampires?

Maddie Walters

“The weak and fragile female character does a disservice to every female writer who has attempted for years to fight stereotypical gender roles.”

Michael Vergien, English teacher

What’s your take on the Twilight trend?

opinions

page 6

Editorial

September 2009

Comments from the Web

From hippies to hipsters, The Beatles rock every generation “This blog made me totally excited about the game! The Beatles really bring the generations together.”

- username: Margaret Blackmon

How the VMAs kinda got its groove back

Photo by Katie Quill

New teen cell phone laws a fight between habit and safety Of the slew of new driving laws that went into effect on Sept. 1, one of the most grumbled-about was the “no cell phone” rule for drivers under 18. While this law was made with good intentions, will it really be effective in changing teens’ habits?

We can see why state lawmakers have pushed for this kind of legislation.

A recent study at the University of Utah, featured in a New York Times article, found that college students using a sophisticated driving simulator showed an eight times greater crash

risk when texting. An eight-fold risk? That’s huge.

So why are we saying that these laws aren’t working?

“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today” – James Dean still embodies the quintessential, reckless, seize-theday (or your cell phone) teen. To be perfectly honest with you, we found out that even your Sidekick editorial staff is not any different.

If this law is to be effective in preventing the number of teen cell phonerelated crashes, it needs to be enforced strictly – almost brutally – to ensure that

teens even deign to look up from their touch screens in order to receive their fine.

Old habits, of which multitasking in the car is one, die hard. As far as we can see it, high school students haven’t yet felt pressured to give the law much respect or consideration.

For teens, we often fight a daily battle between convenience and safety – and the choice between cell phone usage and driving safely is often one of them.

How many of us will really choose personal safety over habits and convenience?

“There’s no amount of apologizing Kanye could do here that would be effective.

There’s nothing to excuse acting like he did. No matter if an angelic Freddie Mercury could have descended from heaven and interrupted Taylor Swift, it still would have been a jerk move.”

Glee’s second episode may be too racy “As a member of Vivace, Coppell’s Show Choir, I have been so pumped to watch a new show that represents this high school experience as opposed to the cliche. Even though I agree that it was a little risque and raunchy, I don’t think it was anymore so than Gossip Girl before that.”

- username: Erica Provost

Photo Gallery: Anatomy class pig disssection “Oh man, that’s gnarly. Did you cook it afterwards?”

- username: Zack Zoda

Visit www.coppellstudentmedia.com to read articles, comment on blogs, browse through photo galleries and more!

Chen feeling effects of recession

2009 - 2010 Staff Editors-In-Chief a!aDaphne Chen a!aAllie Perison News Editor a!aDivya Kumar Opinions Editor a!aAngela Almeida Features Editor a!aChris Nguyen Centerspread Editor a!aNatalie Hill Entertainment Editor a!aAshleigh Heaton Sports Editor a!aBlake Seitz Assistant Sports Editor a!aNathan Reck Photo Editor a!aKatie Quill Business Manager a!aRenee Rohani Webmaster a!aTyler Morris Video Media a!aBayley Zarrehparvar

Staff Writers a!aHubert Adjei-Kontoh a!aSatvika Ananth a!aAshley Attanucci a!aErin Blatney a!aTravis Bremner a!aMelissa Brisco a!aEllen Cameron a!aCaitlin Conner a!aWren Culp a!aRebecca Fowler a!aLoren Hughes a!aHenna Khan a!aJulia Kim a!aLuciana Mendes a!aGaby Moran a!aRebecca Neumann a!aMike Pankonien a!aAmanda Peck a!aPeter Sblendorio a!aAndy Tabor a!aMaddie Walters a!aMary Whitfill a!aPaige Wilson a!aPeyton Wood Photographers a!aKelly Emerson a!aFrances Ruiz a!aAditi Shrikant !aViviana Trevino Graphic Designers a!aScott Bennett a!aYogesh Patel Adviser a!aChase Wofford

The Sidekick is the official student newspaper of Coppell High School. Its purpose is to inform, entertain and serve as a resource for its readers. It is a public forum for student expression and thus student editors make all content decisions.

The editorials and columns presented reflect the view of their writers.

The Sidekick is a member of ILPC, NSPA JEA and CSPA. The Sidekick recieved honorable mention for Best Newspaper from The Dallas Morning News in 2006, ILPC Award of Distinguished Merit in 2003 and 2008 and was a ILPC Bronze Star recipent for 2009. It was awarded Best Web Site by The Dallas Morning News in 2009.

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 for consideration.

Send letters to cwofford@ coppellisd.com or bring them by D115.

- username: Dennis Ochei

Graphic by Jonathan Burks

“The recession”.

It seems like such a hackneyed term now, the cliché spin that people like to put on every news story these days. “How to stay cool – in a recession!” “People opting for ‘staycations’ – in a recession!’”. “Daphne Chen’s family has been affected – by the recession!”

Wait, what?

I never thought the recession would affect me.

Never, ever.

But it seems like it has, and unfortunately, it hit me like a ton of bricks in the face as I kept refusing to notice the signs.

My family doesn’t talk much out of habit, because I know they don’t want to worry me. They want me to focus on school, to focus on college applications and to not worry about the money I’m paying just to get rejected in my final year of high school (a $90

application fee, Stanford?

Really?).

But some things I should have noticed.

Such as: my father, who quit his job my sophomore year to venture out as the CEO of his own internet company, talking in a serious whisper with my mother in his office when they don’t know I can hear them.

Such as: my mom starting to stay home more and more often from work, claiming she needs the rest.

Such as: my mom starting to regularly stay home on Fridays, claiming she needs the rest.

And then on Mondays.

And then on Tuesdays.

And then on Wednesdays.

And then finally telling me that the company she works for is in debt to the landlord of their office building, so he changed all the locks on the doors to

prevent them from getting to their jobs.

They still don’t tell me how bad it is, except to say that my dad is now working without an income. We have “savings”. But in the course of a year, which is so often more like the blink of an eye, we went from comfortably middle-class to uncomfortably unsure of where our future lies.

And to be honest with you, I’m scared, because I know there’s not a lot for me to do.

But I try. In fact, I can’t help but try. As puny and pathetic as my efforts are, it still makes my heart ache when I see my parents working so hard in order to be able to tell me that I can go to any college I want.

This recession, like almost nothing before it, finally let me know how important this family is to me, and how important I am to them.

So I do the little things I can that everybody can do. I tell my mom I don’t need new back to school clothes – and I don’t, not really. We don’t go out to eat anymore because they say I don’t need a sushi fix every month –and I don’t, not really. I tell myself that I do not want nor do I need money to be happy or to be a family – and we don’t, not at all.

Never have, and hopefully, never will.

Daphne Chen

opinions

September 2009

Doodles hit close to home Ending my summer as most students do, I found myself basking the pleasant air conditioning of my house to avoid the scalding Texas sun. I was completely overwhelmed with boredom.

In hopes of entertaining myself, I began to go through the boxes of things my mother had accumulated through her high school and college years.

I came across a doodle she had drawn, looking as if it had been traced and retraced in a math class of some sort.

Embedded into the penciled miniature flowers, I found the words “It’s the end of the strain, it’s the joy in your heart.”

Curious of the meaning of these words, and knowing that my mother and I share a similarity in our artistry and commonly sketch lyrics, I googled the phrase and came across ‘60s sensation Art Garfunkel’s “Water of March”. After buying the aged song on iTunes, I fell in love with the simplicity of what Garfunkel had to say.

Garfunkel, in a

monotonic and rhythmic sound, lists the simple things in life that make us feel. Whether its joy, fear, sorrow, peacefulness or the randomness we all come across, Garfunkel tells us everything will come together and ultimately give us joy in our heart.

I reflected on this.

I looked over at the past year and what will change with the coming year, considering college is ap-

Illustration by Natalie Hill

proaching and I will have to leave behind the life I know. Both good and bad things have defined my life and sculpted my relationships and after the deep therapy session with myself, I have come to conclude that I love the life I live.

“It’s the little things in life that matter most,” my mother had said when I asked her about the tattered drawing from her teenage days, a life so long ago. She told me how she

remembered singing along to “Waters of March” with her best friends as they prepped themselves for their very own homecoming parade. I imagined her, big blonde hair, dancing along to Garfunkel with her friend Marilee, just as I do, singing along to The Format, and attempting to harmonize with my own best friends.

And then it hit me. The generational music gap is nothing more than changes in beats and words used as expression. Art Garfunkel listed the happy things in life and so does Owl City, The Format, The Rocket Summer and Rooney. I hope that in 30 years, my daughter will come across my old CDs, notes and doodles and find the bliss in my taste of music.

For now, though, I’ll make memories with my friends in hopes that that day will come.

Natalie Hill

page 7

First last impressions at CHS

Photo by Divya Kumar Sidekick members Loren Hughes, Maddie Walters and Melissa Brisco pose in senior attire for one of their first last days at CHS.

Monday, Aug. 24 was a hard day for my mother.

She drove her only son to his first before- school football practice, dropped off her youngest daughter at the doors of CMS East for her first day of middle school and watched her oldest daughter drive to her last first day of high school.

It was, needless to say, a tear-jerker.

As for myself, the knowledge that I was walking down the main corridor en route to my locker for the last first time was exhilarating until I was unexpectedly hit with the fact that. in a year, I would not be here.

I would not wake up at 7 a.m. to get ready for another day at Coppell High School; I would not enter into my first day of a high school class at 8:20

a.m., nor would I hear the bell ring 52 minutes afterward to signify its end.

I would be starting new somewhere else.

And with this realization came a new perspective – this year will be my last “first time”.

It is strange how sometimes the simplest concepts change the way you look at things. Now, I’m not saying that I’m seeing CHS through rosecolored glasses, but things do certainly look less bleak when you realize how close you are to moving on.

All this is not to say that the concept of going somewhere else, meeting new people and experiencing new things is an incredibly appealing one. It just has a feeling of sadness attached to it. There is comfort in our everyday regime and having to start anew is

Freedom of speech should go both ways

Pool photo by Jason Reed/Reuters/MCT President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress on health care reform on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, in Washington, DC.

On Sept. 8, the President of the United States wanted to talk to the children of the country, and people everywhere started throwing fits.

Parents called school districts to demand the live televised version of the speech, being made from a school in Arlington, Vg. not be shown to their children. They went on the Internet, television and radio and insisted that their kids should not be required to watch the speech.

School districts reacted

by doing two things. They recorded the speech for later viewing, and gave students the ability to opt out of viewing it.

What is wrong with this picture?

To preface this, I must make it clear that perhaps President Obama giving this speech during the school day wasn’t the greatest idea ever.

Perhaps he ought to have waited until the Tuesday evening to talk to students, who would then be with their parents. But regardless, the reactions and actions taken by

people were absolutely stunning.

To begin with, it says something about the state of American political factions when people react so violently to this speech. While I’m not saying that all conservatives did this, or that only conservatives were doing this, media attention was indeed focused on the right-winged response.

Even in Coppell, many parents were extremely angry about speech. What were they afraid of ? Obama leaking dreadful values into their children’s mind through subversive messaging? A subliminal message from the leftists about healthcare reform?

They seemed to have forgotten that regardless of our president’s political views, he was overwhelmingly elected to be president because the majority of America decided he would be the best next step for our country. And as has already put a great deal of emphasis on the value of education during his campaign, his inauguration and several other occasions, making a speech on the first day of school would be the logical next step in his plan to simply encourage students in America to keep up the good work.

Because that’s exactly what his message was: keep it up, kids. I am thrilled that the president of my country finds my education important enough to take time out

of his day to encourage me in my senior year. Though I did not hear the speech at all during my school day, and instead read it online, his words reminded me that I’m not going though the back-to-school blues alone, and that I’m not the only one trying to do something with my life.

Should this message, released to the public before the airing of the speech, be denied to students? More importantly, should students be able to opt out of this? Such a policy is devastating in multiple ways.

By allowing kids to not watch the speech because of personal opinions, or opinions held by their parents, schools are giving students a green light to opt out of future events. This is a precedent that can be used for kids to opt out of science dissections because it makes them queasy, analytical essays because they disagree with the assigned book’s content and group discussions in history class.

If we get upset every time our president wants to send us a message, particularly one that is in no way politically charged, we’ve got a ways to go before we actually understand that freedom of speech goes both ways.

Satvika Ananth

never easy.

But on the other hand, there is enjoyment to be found in meeting new teachers for the first time.

Although we have been taught all our lives to never judge by a book by its cover, it’s always fun to compare impressions of teachers with friends over lunch and discuss our expectations of our new courses.

And while I’ve been at this high school for four years, this year I get to experience a variety of last first time privileges which come with the honor of being a senior. For example, in the last few minutes before class started on the first day of school I was able to gaze down upon the passing crowds from the choice location of the senior bridge. On Friday of the first week of school, I was able to show off hours of hard work and creativity in my senior overalls. And on Sept. 25, I’ll finally be able to wear a white mum as opposed to red and black.

All in all, senior year has the potential to be the best year of anyone’s high school career, but with its “extra features” comes the knowledge of serious change - a bittersweet ending to a fruitful four years.

Maddie Walters

opinions

page 8

Facebook Confessionals: The essence of the exposed

Graphic by Natalie Hill

It is funny to me the way we justify things to ourselves. I had a bad day, so I deserve this piece of chocolate. I got no sleep (consensually) so chemistry seems like the perfect place.

My favorite, however, the coveted excuse we rarely speak of: John or Jane Doe accepted me on Facebook, so that in turn gives me uninhibited liberty to stalk every facet of their page.

I had a friend, let’s call her A, who once mentioned an upcoming concert. My other friend, B, responded coyly with how she had just recently “heard” about it. Subsequently, friends C and D chimed in with other coincidental news that they two had “heard” about the concert. Go to the core of this interaction and you will find one connecting tie. We all saw a status.

The worst, though, is the call. You know, the “oh my god, get online now” plea that sends you running to the computer to see an explosive wall to wall. Or the not-yet untagged picture, des-

tined to fall into the archives of photos we accumulate. Maybe even the newly-changed relationship status.

Then disaster usually hits. The profile, one heralding uncensored bliss, withholds something from us. For this profile, that taunts you solely with a name and face, is private.

Now, my friends, to add or not to add, that is the question.

Don’t be deceived, the Facebook phenomenon does not end here.

In fact, it thickens rather greatly to an interactive source: Facechat. It is deafening the ringing sound that resonates when that special someone instant messages you. Right about this time, the witty banter should commence. One can’t hesitate though, for the ambiguous person on the other end will see. The typing back and forth, second-guessing backspace key that leaves you clinging for more. That tip of the very steep and potentially hit-or-miss cliff you suspend yourself on thinking, “what are they going to say back?”

The downside of Facechat, however, can be far worse.

The moment in which that devilish green dot by their name signals that they indeed are on. So, you sit there wondering why you submit yourself to this blatant display of indifference. In essence, it is everyone’s doubleedged guilty pleasure.

Keep in mind, this rather long generalization does not apply to all. I’m sure someone somewhere out there is leading a stimulating life enough to repel this emotionally volatile trend. Simply speaking, one logs on, comments ever so sweetly on the page of another, and commences throughout their day without another thought. Applause may now sound for your stability.

I, on the other hand, know all too well this trend (hence the column), and seek out to those suffering from the same over-analysis of Facebook. Tell me wise sen-se, how can those of us guilty of the following resist the urge to explore this Internet sensation. To break the monotony of my life in Coppell I fear would not be enough.

One day, we will not be able to rely on technology to quench our seemingly “Facestalker” thirsts. That day, unfortunately, is not today.

Angela Almeida

September 2009

You can if soda can

Photo by Renee Rohani Ronald McDonald House volunteer Kevin Kendrick helps pour the collected soda cans in donation to the charity.

I’ve never been able to drink a can of Dr Pepper without first snapping off the pop tab and dropping it in my pocket. At this point, I usually receive rather bizarre looks from those around me. To the question of my somewhat abnormal practice of collecting tiny pieces of aluminum, I have one answer: pop tabs save lives.

When I was in fifth grade, my teacher told our class about the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, which provides housing to the families of children who are seriously injured and are being treated at a nearby Dallas hospital.

The Ronald McDonald House has an ongoing fundraiser in which they collect pop tabs to fund housing operations. Pop tabs contain more aluminum than an entire can of soda, and when recycled, can be exchanged for money for the organization. Because of pop tab donations, most families who stay at

Ronald McDonald House pay about $10 a night. My teacher urged each of us to start collecting pop tabs of our own, because not only was it easy to do, but we also had the chance to help other kids our age and their families.

Being so young at the time, I didn’t really understand what kind of effects my contribution could have. I began collecting pop tabs in an old shoebox I found, but to be honest, the most exciting part of the fundraiser for me was getting to snap the tabs off the soda cans. Nevertheless, the idea stuck with me and I remembered the organization and its fundraiser for many years.

Today, my mom and I have taken on the project of collecting and donating pop tabs together. This summer, we accumulated all the pop tabs we have collected over the past years and lugged them into my mother’s car to complete our donation.

Nothing could have

fulfilled that feeling of service for me more than having the chance of seeing for my own eyes what our pop tabs are going towards.

The Ronald McDonald House was clearly a place of solace for people facing difficult times in their life.

It has a comfortable living environment, an encouraging and charming group of volunteers and many loving families,who greeted us with grateful expressions.

The staff estimated we had donated about 100,000 pop tabs, which would provide the money for three families’ stay at their facilities. Getting to be a part of something like that made me feel more selfless than anything else in my life has thus far. It is incredible to me that with such a small gesture—a simple, trivial snap of a pop tab—I had actually made a difference in people’s lives.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel helpful and caring. As I learned, it doesn’t take much to make someone smile when they really need it, so why is it that we hesitate at an opportunity to reach out to others?

Or maybe you will step out of your comfort zone to pull up a seat next to the girl who sits by herself at lunch and ask her what she thought of last period’s math quiz. Perhaps you could even find time to volunteer at a local charity. Whatever your method may be, the motive should be the same: lend help to others when they are in need of it, because everyone can make a difference.

Even a little fifth grader with an old shoebox.

Renee Rohani

features

September 2009

Senior Parking Spots

page 9

Park it where it’s hot Loren Hughes Staff Writer

Senior Janelle Jex gained inspiration for her parking spot all the way from Spain. Then, she spent the night at CHS putting this vision onto the pavement where she’ll park her silver Honda Accord each morning for the next nine months.

Jex has a Hollywood theme with her parking spot, which includes the silhouette of fashion model Twiggy. It also includes a quote by Hepburn lining the side of the silhouette.

“I went to Spain over spring break and found a shirt with her face on it and I bought it,” Jex said.

“I went home and started drawing it on paper and realized it would be a great idea to paint on a parking spot.”

Jex spent over 20 hours working on her parking spot, including one stretch when she painted from 1 a.m. to 12 p.m.

From staying the night at the high school to spending days crafting together the most creative design, the class of 2010 is taking the tradition of painting parking spots to a whole new level.

Even before many students knew of the contest, which rewards the winners with free prom tickets, they were still out in numbers painting their spots. The contest wasn’t a motive for most of the students; just the tradition of

painting a unique spot was enough.

“I wanted to paint a spot because I wanted to leave my mark here at Coppell,” senior Taylor Vowell said. “I’ve never done anything like that before, and I thought it would just be fun overall.”

All in all, it took Vowell and her friends, Steven Smith and junior Bryce Heatherly, a week to find the materials for her spot and then three to four nights to actually paint the spot. Her Hollywoodinspired design consists of a portrait of Marilyn Monroe in the upper left, with Audrey Hepburn in the lower left.

“I was sitting in the living room trying to brainstorm ideas, and then, I thought about movie stars,” Vowell said. “I knew I wanted something about Hollywood because it’s what I like.”

Aside from the Hollywood theme, numerous students picked other inspirations relating to their life in some way, whether it was sports, music or just a creative way to spell out their name. Senior Kimberly Phillips created a parking spot with the Dallas Stars logo and the names of her favorite players, including Trevor Daley, Steve Ott, Mike Ribeiro and Loui Eriksson.

“I wanted to paint the Dallas Stars symbol because I wanted to show passion for my favorite team and to just show my

personality,” Phillips said.

“Plus, I thought it was a good idea to put money towards our [senior] prom.”

Students interested in painting a spot had to create their design on paper and get it approved before painting. If the parking spot they received had been painted previously, the cost was $25, and $30 if it was blank. To date, the senior class has raised roughly $1,125 from selling the rights to paint parking spots to go towards this year’s senior prom.

There will be five winners under the categories of Most Spirited, Best Support of a Club or Group, Principal’s Choice, Most Creative and Best Use of Color. The judges will be Principal Brad Hunt, senior class sponsor Shelly Redding and any other teacher opting to volunteer during after school hours. The date for when the winners are to be announced is yet to be decided.

Since few seniors painted their spots this year for the sole luxury of free prom tickets, the class of 2010 is all about carrying on the tradition and letting its creative juices flow, no matter the reward.

“Once I found out about the contest, it wasn’t even on my mind to be honest,” Jex said. “I just wanted to do something artistic.”

Winning parking spots will be posted once they’re announced at www. coppellstudentmedia.com.

“It was challanging to make Twiggy’s face look proportional because I would analyze every angle of her face and I feared it was going to look crooked. I literally never knew how difficult and time consuming painting a parking spot would be.”

-Janelle Jex Photo by Viviana Trevino

“It took me about a week and a half to paint my spot. The Dallas Stars is my favorite hockey team and paiting this spot gave me the chance to show people who may know not know that I love hockey that I do.”

-Kimberly Phillips

Photo by Viviana Trevino

“After coincidentally getting spots across from [my twin brother, Zachary], we thought that the Dallas Cowboys football field would be a great fit. We also thought it was going to be easy, but after three days in the heat, we found out we were wrong. But we are huge Dallas Cowboys fans.”

-Cameron Slater

Photo by Loren Hughes

“Painting a spot was something I could do for the last time with my best friend who gradated last year. I thought painting a spot would be fun overall, and it ended up being fun.”

-Taylor Vowell

Photo by Viviana Trevino

“I chose to paint a sheep with purple Converse because I knew that no one in the whole school would ever do such a thing. I didn’t want to be like everyone else that puts up quotes about best friends and stuff like that.

Plus, sheep and purple Converse are some of my favorite things.”

-Lauren Johnson

Photo by Loren Hughes

features

page 10

September 2009

Dorhout sheds dragon skin to become proud Cowgirl New associate principal traveled world before heading to Coppell Loren Hughes Staff Writer Last December, Coppell High School’s former associate principal P.J. Giamanco turned in his red and black for Southlake green. This year, the school’s new associate principal Leanne Dorhout has done the complete opposite, transforming from a Dragon to a Cowboy.

Before coming to CHS, Dorhout’s school days were full of adventure, something not many high school students can say for themselves. Raised in Iowa, Dorhout spent the better part of her junior year of high school studying overseas in Norway. She also studied in Wales during her college years, before graduating from Central College in Iowa with a degree in

English.

“I loved high school,” Dorhout said. “My high school in Iowa wanted me to come home from Wales for my senior year and graduation, and that’s understandable, but I had so much fun there.”

Dorhout became an English teacher at Colleyville Heritage High School upon moving to Texas almost 10 years ago.

She then became the assistant principal at Southlake Carroll High School for four years prior to accepting Coppell’s associate principal position.

“I was very familiar with Coppell, and I recognized it as a welcoming and friendly place,” Dorhout said. “I was elated when I found out I got the position because you can tell there is a lot of pride and excitement in being here.”

Dorhout is currently a student at Tarleton State University in Stephenville,

working on her doctorate in educational leadership.

To add to her full schedule, Dorhout has put forth an effort to try and build new relationships with numerous students.

“She has just jumped right in and done phenomenal so far,” Principal Brad Hunt said. “She even went on the Student Leadership Retreat and got to know the students there.”

Even though the school year is just getting started, Dorhout has already seemed to have adjusted to her new role with comfort and ease.

“When I first saw her, she looked genuinely excited to be a part of Coppell High School,” senior Janny Lim said. “She seemed so approachable and is always laughing.”

Dorhout has also already made it a mission to become as involved as possible in various extracurricular activities. Dorhout

Photo by Aditi Shrikant

New assistant principal Leanne Dorhout mingles with seniors Sarah Thomas and Grace Kennedy (left to right), before school.

can be seen at the football games and is also excited to attend other events, such as theater productions and musicals.

“She’s already a Cowgirl,” assistant principal Laura Stout said. “At the pep rally, she had her gun in the air for the alma mater

right away, and it took her no time to do it.”

Dorhout also hopes to try and instill in students the importance of enjoying the school they attend and forming relationships with their teachers.

“Sometimes teachers and administrators are

viewed as individuals who fulfill a job whereas a lot of the faculty members here desire to make a difference in their students’ lives,” Dorhout said. “These are important years in the students’ lives, and it is a privilege to be here during them.”

tion to keeping Mandarin fresh in her students’ mind this past summer with extra lessons. Furthermore, for the first part of this year, students worked on presentations as a part of the Festival of Nations to teach about the Chinese culture.

“She’s been doing great,” foreign language department head Holly Whiting said. “She and I went to a meeting with Rosetta Stone about delivering languages in a new type of way, and she has been open to it all.”

Now, as she begins teaching one of the harder languages to bridge into,

she can fully relate.

“I am a foreigner,” Wu said. “I didn’t know English well. I know how hard it is to learn a language. I still have an accent and my spelling really stinks. So I understand, and I break it down and give them more time to absorb it, especially the Chinese tonal language.

It takes time to get used to the sound and writing.”

Although she always has been been moving from one thing to another throughout her life, Wu has finally found what she truly is excited to do.

“I hope in my class everybody knows that this

is a family they can fall back onto, whether it is about Chinese or something else” Wu said. “I want them to know that I am here for them.”

Already, students have connected with the ecstatic quality she has in her class “She’s crazy fun,” freshman Alex Riggs said.

“She’s fun and organized, but she brings a crazy vibe to [Chinese class].”

Fittingly enough, Wu’s favorite Chinese character is love, featuring within it the character for heart. With teaching, she has taken what she loves and put her heart into it.

Chinese teacher ‘wu’s students with unique curriculum is my native tongue, so I am excited to share my knowledge and my passion with everybody here.”

Her class and personality have brought new light to both Coppell schools.

“It is great that she teaches the class,” New Tech director Tabitha Branum said. “She has lived there and experienced the culture. She brings an authenticity and real enthusiasm.”

Wu takes her classes beyond merely worksheets.

Last year, she introduced a bi-weekly Chinese Club at New Tech, which she hopes to bring to CHS, in addi-

Photo by Aditi Shrikant

Chinese teacher Angelina Wu immigrated from Taiwan to become a singer before deciding to teach.

Chris Nguyen Features Editor Angelina Wu had one goal when she came to America from Taiwan 13 years ago.

“I wanted to be the greatest singer in the world,” Wu said.

But now, as an Algebra I teacher at New Tech High @ Coppell and Mandarin I and II instructor at Coppell High School and New Tech, Wu has found even greater fulfillment as a teacher.

After graduating from Chinese Culture University with a major in voice and being a part of the Taipei Philharmonic Chorus, she became a piano teacher, setting the foundation for her love of teaching before

making the leap to America.

“It was very tough in the beginning,” Wu said.

“My first 10 years I was busy catching up [with] the language and culture.

It was a very big culture shock, and then, trying to make some friends [on top of that.]”

She resided in Houston during her first years in America, continuing her education at the University of Houston and then joining the Houston Grand Opera. She taught choir in various school districts throughout the state for a couple of years before settling upon teaching Chinese.

“I gave up singing, my background, to teaching Chinese,” Wu said. “It

September 2009

THIRTY YEARS continued from pg. 1

features

28 DAYS

have a prayer ses­ sion at nine and we Additionally, fasting is pray for an hour not considered “complete” and say the differ­ unless the person refrains ent verses. Being from inappropriate be­ with the commu­ haviors, such as lying and nity reinforces my stealing, which enforces faith in the reli­ the pious life during Rama­ gion.” dan.

Unlike “It’s a time for me to many Western re­ *$3&4#$+$,.56%789':$';'%*8')<% ligious practices 0=.>*%8%.'?$%."%2()%.'?$%&"#% that waxed and God. It’s a time to take re­ waned in popu­ ligions seriously and learn larity as cultures more about my religion changed, the and myself. If you need to tradition is a Pil­ make changes in your life, lar of Islam and has it’s a good place to start.” remained untouched After a month of this by time, being intense self­actualization, practiced virtu­ Ramadan ends. Eid, the ally the same way for hundreds of years. The same prayers are re­ cited in the same language with the same movements; the same foods are served.

Like the Christian eaten; the same lu­ nar calendar is ob­ holiday Easter, Ramadan is based on cycles of the moon. The holiday scoots forward by about 10 days every year, and repeats every 30 years. Ramadan itself also bears a striking resemblance to some Chris­ tian practices.

“Lent and Ramadan are very similar,” senior Sarah Omar said. “It used to be that during Lent, Christians couldn’t eat dur­ ing the day, and in the Cath­ olic church, they still can’t eat meat on Fridays. Islam is more intense, because during Lent and Rama­ dan, you’re not supposed to curse, but for Ramadan, (From top to bottom) Women pray towards Mecca to atone. Standing in line for you’re not supposed to dinner, the women stand and chat. They gather around the tasty dishes, including think impure thoughts or choley and samosas, to celebrate breaking their fast on Sept. 6. Through out the talk back or lie. It’s a re­ night, the women socialize with one another.

Photos by Viviana Trevino

last night of Ramadan, is a cause for much celebration and further serves to bring &8?'3'$*%.";$./$#<%7"@$A$#5% perhaps the most important part of Ramadan is Laylat al­Qadr, “the night of pow­ er,” which occurs on an odd day less than 10 days be­ fore the end of Ramadan.

It is considered to be the anniversary of the night the Qur’an was revealed to the Muhammad and is the pin­ nacle of the intensely reli­ gious month.

0=>A$% )$2('.$3B% :$­ come more in tune with my religion,” Ibad said. “At the mosque during Ramadan, they

Fast times at Coppell High

Staff writer Ellen Cameron fasted one week, in observance of Ramadan When I started my story on Ramadan, I decided to experience part of the culture for myself. While Ramadan is from Aug. 21 – Sept. 20, I fasted from Aug. 31 Sept. 6, and finished my week by attending an Islamic feast with a friend.

I journaled about how it so I could remember the exact details of my experience. While refraining from eating is not the emphasis of the religious experience, it does have the most physical manifestations.

and when I finally do eat, it feels gratifying. Somehow, I feel physically cleaner and more spiritual. I’ve fasted for Good Friday before, so I am already a bit used to fasting for one day.

Day One It actually feels good to fast. I’m thirsty and hungry, but I feel kind of light and tall,

Day Three I can tell Ramadan is affecting me when I have to take a nap at 5 p.m. because I can’t concentrate on

Day Two I remember why I usually avoid big breakfast, when all the food and water I consumed before sunrise cramps violently in my stomach. The rest of the day is OK. I skip a lunch of watching other people eat in favor of working on The Sidekick stories.

my homework at all. When my mom forces me to break my fast and eat dinner with my family, I’m a tiny bit relieved, because it saves me the embarrassment of breaking down myself.

two pounds I initially lost.

Also, I discover that eating gives me a sudden energy burst after spending the day feeling rather tired from lack of sleep and food.

Day Six I wake up at five, beDay Four “Are you hungry?” cause, technically, I was My dad asks when he calls supposed to be finished eatme on his way home from ing by 5:30 every morning, work. “Yes,” I tell him, not and then promptly go back to sleep afbothering ter eating to remind “While refraining from half a bahim that eating is not the emphasis gel. I leave of course of religious experience, it my friend’s I’m hungry boyfriend’s does have the most physibecause Amtgard I haven’t cal manifestations.” tournament eaten since early and six in the go home to morning. I manage to stay awake, but I don’t think it’s break my fast that night. I just my imagination that I down a bowl of my sister’s lose my balance a lot more leftover mac-and-cheese in record time. By the time than usual. my friend and her boyfriend leave my house after Day Five I skip the football a marathon of movies and game in favor of eating. I Mythbusters at one in the realize that even though morning, I’m still eating.

I don’t get as hungry durDay Seven ing the day, I’m still just as I wake up early to eat thirsty. I’ve gained back the

page 11

ONE NIGHT Day in the life of...

Senior Hiba Ibad logged what she did for one day during Ramadan

5:00 a.m.

Wake up to eat breakfast. Make sure drink lots of water and eat lots of carbohydrates.

5:30 a.m. ally humbling experience. I connect that to Lent a lot.”

Christianity has Ten Commandments; Islam, Five Pillars of Faith. Chris­ tianity has Lent; Islam, Ra­ madan. The details of Ra­ madan may be unknown, but the undertones of faith and purity has such a deep­ ly inherent connection to other religions that it may be understood after all.

The gathering of fam­ ilies to celebrate and feast is certainly a concept familiar to all religions; while the words, foods and clothes change, the undertone of faith, and happiness, and 9"B%#$?8'(*%./$%*8?$<%

Visit

www.coppellstudentmedia.com to see video and more.

Imsaak: Stop eating; Read Quaran for fifteen minutes.

5:45 a.m.

Call for Fajr Namaz (prayer)

5:47 a.m.

Go back to sleep.

7:00 a.m.

Wake up. Get ready for school.

7:20 a.m.

Catch the bus

8:30 a.m.-3:50 p.m.

School

4:30 p.m. again, and go back to sleep until I have to go to a Girl Scout meeting. When I get back, I socialize while everyone else eats at my dad’s Labor Day barbecue.

I give up staying awake and take a nap before going to fellow Sidekick staff member Henna Khan’s house for a traditional Ramadan feast. I eat traditional foods and listen to the foreign prayers, and wish very vehemently that I had one of those beautiful traditional outfits.

Afterwards, I go to an impromptu Girl Scout sleepover, and go crazy on brownies and chips. I know that after fasting, my metabolism is dead, buried and eulogized, and that everything I eat is taking the fast track to my thighs, but after abstaining for so long, I can’t find the selfcontrol anymore.

Ellen Cameron

Pray Zuhr and Asr Namaz (prayer)

4:50 p.m Go to sleep or do homework.

7:00 p.m.

Help family make food: samosas, pakoras, fruit chat, lassi

7:50 p.m.

Eat together as a family.

8:15 p.m.

Pray Magrib Namaz

8:20 p.m.

Homework

8:55 p.m.

Pray Ishaa Namaz

9:00 p.m.

Do homework

in depth

in depth

page 12

page 13

CHS makes changes for the

by SATVIKA ANANTH

Graphics by Yogesh Patel Photos by Aditi Shrikant

ing the announcements less of a guessing game for students. Additionally, the system includes an iPod docking station, which gives faculty the opportunity to play a larger variety of music during passing periods.

“The music is better, because at the end of last year they weren’t even playing any. I like to listen to it to get pumped up for class,” senior Elisa Farrell said. “The bell system is not as [easy to hear] as the previous bell, though.”

The administration is still working out the kinks in the new bell system, hoping the sound will be louder and lower pitched.

The most exciting change for many students is the new cell phone policy. Students are now allowed to use cell phones inside the building during passing periods and at lunch. They are also allowed to use texting for assignments and listen to iPods during class at the teachers’ digression.

“We are giving this new thing to students, giving them more options, and if they are abused, we will pull them back,” Hunt said.

Students are generally excited about this new policy, but there are some mixed feelings.

“People are taking advantage of being able to use [cell phones] in the hallways, but many still use them in class,” Farrell said. “I’m worried that it will be more dangerous with people walking and texting.”

In the auditorium and lecture hall, new seats have been installed, and several broken lights have been replaced. The stairwells have been replaced with new rungs which will not chip.

When using laptops, students and teachers will have an easier time getting online with the new wireless connections that have been installed. The spaceship-esque modules on the ceilings of several halls are responsible for the increased connectivity at CHS. Most of the money for these numerous changes came from either the previous bond approved by the community, or the new bond approved recently, which allocates the money very specifically for certain changes.

“No money had to be re-allocated from sports or other groups at the school to make room for the changes,” Hunt said. “This is one of our steps into the 21st century, and hopefully we will see more changes soon.”

New policies form a new school

As students entered on the first day of school, they noticed more than just new clothes, books and shoes – CHS has been given a physical and policy makeover.

One of the most noticeable changes to the school is the auditorium entrance. The entry area has been expanded to make foot traffic flow more smoothly. New doors that don’t stick have also been installed, in hopes the area will be less noisy.

“The new doors look really nice and it’s great to not hear the squeaks anymore,” senior Drew Hasson said.

Students may have noticed the water fountains are a little harder to reach now – all the fountains have been replaced and lowered, in order to be compliant with the American Disability Association standards.

The recarpeting which began in summer 2008 was finished this year, making the floors a subtle navy blue. Additionally, several parts of the school have been repainted to add some brightness to the walls.

“This campus is over 20 years old so the water fountains were not as efficient and we were wasting energy,” Principal Brad Hunt said.

“These changes are helping to improve the overall safety and beauty of the building.”

Hunt is also happy that the school is moving into the 21st century, with a virtual lab, more lenient cell phone policy and an updated PA system.

The virtual lab, located in C101, is an online learning center in which students can take classes which are otherwise not offered at CHS in order to fulfill their requirements. Several languages classes, ranging from German to Latin, are available through the popular Rosetta Stone computer program.

“This program is a great way for students to learn outside of the classroom, but outside of the school,” Social Studies department chair Valerie Garnier said. “They are self-paced with recommended guides to help them keep on track.”

The PA system, which used to be unreliable and difficult to hear, has been replaced with a newer model. Administrators hope the new system produces better sound quality, mak-

BETTER

by ALLIE PERISON In the recent months, Coppell High School has gone through a number of changes. With school now in session and students still adapting to these modifications, it is hard to imagine what the future holds for the freshly modernized school.

Twenty first century learning describes how schools are starting to rethink the old style of learning. This new approach prepares students for futures careers that may not even currently exist yet.

With this new learning method, students are expected to benefit not only now, but in years to come. As this philosophy grows, the typical teaching scenario is anticipated to change. Now, teachers have all the knowledge, but with 21st century learning students are supposed to begin using them more as resources. This means students have more control over how they learn and what mediums they use to get their education.

“I think this new style is cool because we are experiencing new things our parents never got to learn,” sophomore Shermin Punjwani said. “This will help me because as society gets more modern more things are based off of technology. It is preparing me for my future job.”

CHS is working to make its classes more fluid. Instead of every class having a completely unique curriculum, courses will start moving in a direction where they have some sort of tie to each other.

Since the new “four by four” science and math plan is in effect, more course options are going to be available for next year’s students.

Classes like humanity and astronomy will soon be added along with other new course options. With these programs, students will be able choose from a more diverse set of courses that they may hope to pursue as a career.

“We don’t want to prevent learning from happening,” Principal Brad Hunt said. “Technology is now a key part of learning, so we have to adapt.”

With the ever changing business world, students need to be prepared to use all different technological resources. Technology is an important factor in 21st century learning.

“I think the new learning style is vital to the future success of students,” English teacher Nannette McMurtry said. “Although, I think we have to understand that no matter how tech savvy we think the students are, they still need help. We just to figure out how to make it all work for education.”

Virtual classrooms are a new type of technology at CHS. Students learn from a computer program instead of a teacher in the classic school scenario. Although this is the first year Coppell has used the program, the district foresees using it more and more in the future.

“The virtual classroom is very important because it is a class and online practice,” Virtual classroom and biology teacher Laronna Doggett said. “It is shaped more like a college class so it is great practice. This way, students can get the most out of it [their college experience] in the future.”

Teachers also benefit from these technological advancements. The addition of Smart Boards and Net Books in selected classrooms have been added this year. CHS is hoping to expand the use of these instruments in upcoming years.

In an effort to assure that students can take all the courses they are interested in, CHS is offering more zero hour and eighth period classes. The classes are more like college in the fact that they only meet once a week.

Every adjustment made at CHS is in the distinct effort to better the students. With the world constantly progressing, schools have to be up to date in order to prepare students for what is to come.

“I am excited about the possibilities the future holds for Coppell High School,” Hunt said. “I am eager to see where this new style of learning can take us. It is the best way to prepare for a future we can’t foresee.”

features

page 14

September 2009

Senior proves pen is mightier than Samurai sword

POD, or print on demand, can also be used on Huq’s book in the case where Bladin cannot be found in the stores, a customer has the ability to ask the front desk to order in a copy for them to read. Bladin can be found on Amazon as well.

Huq began researching the process of a book tour slightly after this development. It was not deemed an official tour for he personally called up specific Barnes & Noble

stores to hold him, however at each store Huq had the ability to publicize his book and answer any questions surrounding it.

The knowledge of Huq’s book spread beyond just his tours, however. The topic of Bladin has been featured in two articles— one serving as a review on his life and the other a personal inspirational letter from Huq. “The main reason I wrote the book was because

I was having trouble finding things to read,” Huq said.

“I wrote something that I know I’d want to read.”

Though this is only his second year at Coppell High School, having recently moved from Florida, his natural writing skill is evident to those who interact with him.

“Sayem is one of the most determined students I have ever met,” creative writing teacher Matthew Bowden said. “This is my

sixth year of teaching this and I have never met anyone with the drive to go through the entire editing process, that too at such a young age.”

Bowden also plans to have Huq teach part of his creative writing classes when they begin their unit on novel publishing. Huq’s clear passion for writing and his experience of the process are a good source for other young, aspiring writers.

Huq plans on a future in writing, and is in the process of creating a sequel to Bladin.

“If I could go back, I’d want to go fix all the grammatical errors that I found in the book,” Huq said. “I can work towards fixing these and honing my skills for the future.”

Currently Huq is in the negotiations with a publishing company to sign a deal, requiring him to publish a book every so often.

“I can already tell that a future in writing is easily possible for him,” Bowden said. “If a company is already ready to bet that he’ll be able to throw out a good book every few months at such a young age, then I can’t begin to imagine how much better his skills will be later in life.”

To receive more information about Huq’s book, visit his website at www.edgeofblade.com.

“I loved it. Not all of the student population was there when I visited, but the ones who were seemed pretty friendly and diverse,” Faragher said. “They also went in-depth about academics in the tour and answered all of my questions.”

She also has some requirements when it comes to the school she picks.

“I’m looking for a specific kind of relaxed atmosphere,” Faragher said.

“To me, that’s more important than the academic achievements of the school.

Four years of my life are going to be spent somewhere, and I want to enjoy them.”

According to Faragher, when visiting a college, it is a must to plan ahead and contact the colleges before traveling. Tours often fill up weeks ahead and making a reservation will ensure a spot.

Although she feels optimistic about being accepted into her favorite colleges, Faragher still has some anxiety.

“My mom keeps telling me ‘Of course you’ll get in!’ But I feel like she’s jinx-

ing it,” she said. “I’ll probably blame her if I don’t get accepted.”

School policy allows juniors to receive one day per semester to visit the colleges of their choice, while seniors get two. CHS guidance counselor Mindy McMinn recommends that students begin going on college visits at the beginning of their junior year.

Some students may have difficulties finding time to see all of the colleges they want to, but McMinn said that even visiting nearby colleges can be beneficial.

“Every student should find a college to visit,” she said. “You can always find a school nearby that can give you an idea of the kind of environment and size you want in a college.”

A&M admissions counselor Luis Rodriguez agrees.

“It definitely helps to see the school,” he said. “It would be horrible to have never seen a college and then realize as a freshman that you’ve made a huge mistake.”

Rodriguez also offers an answer for those students that cannot take off from school in the middle of the week.

“At A&M, we offer one day visits to come and see a general overview of

the college, but we also have Aggieland Saturday, which is like an open house. All of the departments open their doors and talk to prospective students about curriculum and financial aid.”

The next Aggieland Saturday will be held on Feb. 21.

McMinn also gave some overall advice for students struggling to choose

which college to attend.

“Atmosphere and academics are most important,” McMinn said.

“When you visit, try and talk to other students and an administration counselor. But the most important thing to remember is to be true to yourself. No one else is going to be going down this path except for you.”

Graphic by Scott Bennett

Divya Kumar News Editor For most seniors, the last year of high school is defined by FLEX periods, college applications and upperclassmen status. For senior Sayem Huq, however, senior year means most of this, along with wrapping up the finishing touches on the process of creating his first novel.

Huq’s book, Bladin: Edge of Blade, follows the story line of Ryuu Kodachi, a ninja, and Gemori Battousai, a samurai. These two men are the last hopes for peace in their state, Bladin, and must prepare themselves to fight in war in order to ensure this, regardless of the cost.

The book follows the adventures of these characters and their ultimate outcome.

“I used to be in martial arts classes,” Huq said. “That’s where I got some of the basics of my book from and what I used for the formation of my characters.”

After two years of writing, Huq completed the novel his sophomore year. The next step in the process, claimed to be the most difficult one, was finding someone to publish it. Before publishing, Huq was to find a literary agent, or a mentor, to help him go over his book one last time before sending it out.

Photo by Tyler Morris

Sayem Hue’s (left) novel Bladin: Edge of Blade details the story of a ninja and a samurai who must fight in war to survive. Hue was inspired by martial arts classes he used to take.

At Scholastic Publishing Company, editor Adam Rev read Bladin and gave it a good review— a very high feat for a firsttime teenage novel writer.

In the end, however, Huq decided on Xlibris, a self publishing company to use for his novel.

Bladin after published was distributed to a variety of Barnes & Noble stores where it can currently be found. The option of

Visiting colleges offers seniors perspective for future Rebecca Neumann Staff Writer Although the year has just begun, many Coppell High School students are already looking towards college. Some people are enjoying and learning from their trips while others are disappointed by what they find.

Senior Ashley Faragher is in the process of deciding where to apply for colleges, and her final decision will depend heavily on the visits she takes.

“A campus tour is extremely important to me,” Faragher said.

“On the tours, they would talk about which of the majors they specialized in; that was interesting. In a way, the tour was a great source of information.”

In August, Faragher visited Oklahoma State University, the University of North Texas and Texas Tech University and is planning on taking a tour of University of Oklahoma sometime this year, but she was disappointed in most of the colleges she visited.

“I was really excited

to see their [Texas Tech’s] campus but it wasn’t at all what I thought it would be.

It has great academics for what I want to do later in life, but the tour didn’t hold up. ” For Faragher, OSU wasn’t right either.

“I didn’t enjoy the tour at all,” Faragher said.

“It’s not that it’s too big. I

didn’t like how spread out all of the buildings were.

And the tour guides weren’t really enthusiastic and they had trouble answering my questions. That didn’t give me confidence in the school.”

UNT, she says, is where she can really see herself.

Tips for College Visits Do’s

t Take the official tour. t Plan ahead and make appointments to see ad -missions counselors. t Talk to current students about their school. t Sit in on a class. t Make sure to see the dorm rooms. t Wear walking shoes. Sometimes the tours take you across the campus. t Look at the extracurricular activities the school offers. t Keep an open mind. t Ask questions. t Dress nicely, but be comfortable.

Don’ts

t Don’t have a bad attitude. t Don’t procrastinate on planning your college visits. t Don’t be quiet during the tour. If you have a question, speak up. t Don’t judge a school before you see it. Hearsay is not always reliable. t Don’t wear a T-shirt from a different college. t Don’t laugh at the crazy traditions. t Don’t bring distractions. You want to focus in or -der to fully experience the college.

September 2009

features

Meet the Presidents

page 15

They campaigned, made speeches and even gave away some buttons to earn their spots as their class’ leaders. Here are Coppell High School’s 2009-10 class presidents. Story and photos by Peyton Wood

Coleman Armes Freshmen Class

Other organizations you’re involved in: Football and track Why did you run for president?

I like helping my class and others, and I wanted to get involved and meet new people.

How did it feel when you won?

I was very, very excited because I put a lot of hard work into the elections and I care a lot about the school.

What are your goals for the class?

For school to get out earlier, to have Hawaiian Punch in the water fountains and to have a four day school week Who is your inspiration?

Brad Hunt. He’s the image of a hero.

What song gets you pumped up?

“Party in the USA.” It makes me want to party all the time.

Chase Porter Sophomore Class

Other organizations you are involved in: Coppell lacrosse and intramurals Why did you run for president?

I wanted to be a leader, and I wanted our class to be fun and to succeed and be leaders for other classes to come.

What is the best part about being president?

People know me as a leader among our classmates and I get to be interviewed by newspaper.

What is your favorite part of high school?

Doing crazy things like dressing up for theme days and just socializing with my friends in class.

Who do you have a man crush on?

Conner Yingling. He’s super attractive.

Peter Sblendorio Junior Class

Other organizations you’re involved in: Track, newspaper and National Honor Society Why did you run for president?

I wanted to be able to leave a mark on this school.

What was the hardest part about running?

It was hard to give a speech that wouldn’t make me look like a fool.

What are your goals for this year?

To keep everyone happy. Make sure everyone’s ideas can be heard and to raise money for the class.

What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you in high school?

Last year, I fell down the stairs so hard that my shoe fell off.

Mac Vu Senior Class

Other organizations you’re involved in: National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and Student Leadership Team What do you think about the change from Vice President to President?

It was unexpected but at the same time, I feel like I can make a change myself with the help of my peers.

What’s your favorite part about being president?

Getting to work with the other officers and getting to know students I haven’t met before this year.

How does it feel to be a senior?

It feels good to be at the top of the chain, but it’s going to be sad to say goodbye at the end of the year.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would make myself all knowing so I could get awesome grades and get into any college I want.

T-A-Y-L-O-R, let’s hear it for new cheerleading coach Amanda Peck Staff Writer After Tiffany Ganss decided to pass on her pom-poms, the Coppell High School administration had a hard time filling her spot as head varsity cheer coach. With only a couple months to decide on a candidate, CHS hit the jackpot when it came across Brynlea Taylor.

Coming from coaching cheerleading and teaching English at Coppell Middle School West, Taylor is now a freshman and sophomore English teacher as well as the varsity cheer coach.

“West was the reason why I felt so confident transitioning to the high school,” Taylor said.

“I loved my colleagues and the Wrangler spirit, which was so infectious. I adored coaching the Spirit Spurs cheer squad; it was the cherry on top.”

Being new anywhere

is hard, but Taylor has already made an impression with her cheer squad and students.

“I like Coach Taylor,” captain Katie Stanford said.

“She has a good attitude and many new ideas for pep rallies, practices, and games.

Ganss [was] a hard act to follow, but Coach Taylor is doing a wonderful job. My favorite thing about her is her positive attitude and excitement for coaching our team.”

The pep rallies and cheerleaders’ routines prove that Taylor is working hard.

One thing Taylor has made sure of is that each pep rally revolves around a theme including a fire and a camouflogue theme, which have added a little bit of pizzaz to the pep rallies.

“My favorite thing that has changed since Coach Taylor has come is probably the fact that every one of our pep rallies is themed,” junior Courtney Warren said. “I loved the

fact that everybody dresses and dances according to the theme. It makes things more exciting, for sure.”

Taylor is definitely not new when it comes to cheerleading. She is experienced and has always had a love for it.

“I cheered in high school and pretty much all of my life” Taylro said.

“I didn’t cheer on a team when I went to Texas Tech in order to focus on other things, but I still loved keeping up with it.”

Not only has Taylor made a good impression, but she loves CHS. To transfer from a middle school to a high school is difficult, but Taylor is handling it with ease.

“I remember telling Principal Vern Edin at West, in 2006, that I saw myself in exactly this position within five years, and I can’t believe I am actually already here,” Taylor said.

“My squad is amazing and the girls, well, I couldn’t ask

for a finer group of young, talented, spirited ladies.”

It a blessing for Taylor to be here, and the rest of CHS is happy to have her here as well. Given such a short amount of time to choose a new coach, Taylor was the perfect candidate according to assistant principal Tyler Bagley.

“Brynlea Taylor is doing a great job,” Bagley said.

“She is very energetic and has many new ideas.”

While the administration appreciates Taylor’s great success, she is enjoying being at the high school.

“I absolutely love CHS,” Taylor said.

“I do feel like a first year teacher again, which is no fun, but it has been such a blessing and an honor to teach high school English and be the Varsity cheer coach. I love Friday night football, planning the pep rallies, and watching the school go Cowboy crazy.”

Photo by Katie Quill New cheer coach Brynlea Taylor previously worked at Coppell Middle School West and has been cheering since high school.

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September 2009

TV can be educational with open minds Learning and television can go hand-in-hand “Do not watch TV,” they tell you. “TV will rot your brain,” they tell you.

Well, I beg to differ.

Sure, anything in excess is bad, and watching 15 hours of cartoons is not exactly a productive use of time. On the flip side, watching TV is not the end of the world. In fact, it can even be—dare I say it—educational.

And I do not just mean that watching the History and Discovery Channels is educational, because, well, duh. If they are not educational, they might as well not even exist.

But when stuff is entertaining and educational—well, that is just the icing on the cake.

If you watch carefully, even your favorite TV shows can be educational in some way. I acquired some of most interesting facts from TV. For example, from Disney Channel’s “Phineas and Ferb”, I learned that the hard tip of a shoelace is called an aglet.

Equally interesting

(and probably more practical) is the information I learned from “Gilmore Girls” my freshmen year.

In the episode “The Deer Hunters”, Rory studies for a Saturday test at Chilton but gets hit by a deer on her way to school. That’s the entertaining part; the intellectual part is the actual studying, where Rory and Lorelei discussed Shakespearian sonnets.

Needless to say, when we started our Shakespeare unit later that year, I was quite the know-it-all. I already knew the gist of sonnets, but more importantly, I knew the exceptions to the general sonnet rules (99, 126 and 145).

Thank you, “Gilmore Girls”.

And then there is the practical information you can learn from TV. Beyond slightly dubious life lessons, such as every crime is

in, but really, how many of those shows are there?

Even children’s television shows, while not always educational, can contain intelligent references.

I remember being proud of myself once for knowing who William of Orange was when Cindy made a snide remark to a fake-suntanned-orange Jimmy in “Jimmy Neutron”.

Moreover, “Seasame Street” is famous for including witty jokes which go Graphic by Wren Culp above chilSome televison shows can gleam day-to-day knowledge to its viewers. dren’s heads but target their can replace a fan belt with and to write a TV show a good pair of leggings and with absolutely no reference (hopefully more intelit will last you just long to the outside world would ligent) parents. It is alenough to get to a real mebe difficult. Granted, maybe most as if writers have chanic. I don’t know what in an excessively silly show to convince themselves a fanbelt is, but knowing like “The Hills,” it is pos- that working on a this makes me feel accomsible that outside knowlEllen plished anyway. edge would not be brought Cameron solvable and every woman has on make-up when she wakes up in the morning, are actual and sensible lessons. For one, from “Degrassi” I learned that you

And really, it is improbable that TV is ever “just stupid”. It is in the nature of the thing; TV shows are written by people with some amount of intellect

kid’s show has not diminished the scope of what they know and the viewer reaps the benefits.

And while passing references in shows may not be entirely educational, the matter remains that they introduce the viewer to a new concept which lingers in the mind or reminds the viewer of something they already knew.

The viewer may pick up on it and Google it if they are interested or may wallow in their own ignorance. The more times a specific show is watched, the more likely the factoid will stick.

So do not completely write off television. You could end up laughing about nerdy jokes that no one else understands and then remember whatever fact it was that made you feel so good forever, or you could end up learning something completely new.

That said, I still do not think my mom will view it as a suitable replacement for doing my homework.

Maybe some day.

Staff Writer

Quirk Publishing puts a dark The Beatles’ glorious return spin on classic Austen literature Rebecca Neumann Staff Writer Does adding to classic literature taint it or improve it? That is the question some are asking now that parodies are being made of beloved Jane Austen novels.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies came out last spring to critical acclaim, and shot up the New York Times Best Seller list, for its humorous ninja fightscenes and zombie ambushes. The story contains mostly original text from the novel, with particular plot changes throughout to add entertainment. It even cites Jane Austen as its coauthor.

Now Quirk Publishing, who produced the book, is coming out with a new Austen arrangement.

This time it is Sense and Sensibility that is host to a plague. Unlike its counterpart, however, sea monsters are the creatures attacking.

Quirk is unique in that it publishes st commissioned novels. This means that the publishers give the writer the idea and then pay them to write the book for them. The author then uses the original novel to rework their own.

Junior Hannah Burns has a conflicting view on the books.

“I liked Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” Burns said. “It was enter-

taining, but I am also a fan of the real Pride and Prejudice. Sometimes while I would read it I would think, ‘I wonder what Jane Austen would think of this.’

It makes me wonder if it’s right for them to rewrite her words.”

She’s not the only

Graphic by Scott Bennett

Sense and Sensibilty and Sea Monsters is available in bookstores today.

one who feels this way.

Many true ‘Jane Austenites’ rebuke anything but the original. Hundreds of books have been written as extensions to Austen books already, but these are some of the most popular spoofs.

Junior Lara Heersema is one Pride and Prejudice fan that has disdain for any such spin-off.

“In my opinion, it’s a bad idea for anyone to

change the book,” she said.

“I mean, it’s classic. It’s history.”

Heersema is sentimental when it comes to Pride and Prejudice.

“It took me an entire summer to read it when I was in third grade,” she said. “It has a lot of meaning for me and it is upsetting when people just decide to change it.”

But Heersema does acknowledge one good aspect of the parody.

“At least more people are more likely to read some Jane Austen now, even if it is a lot different,” she said.

Junior Hailey Armstrong has never read any Austen novels, but she says she would be more likely to if there were action scenes involved.

“I would definitely rather read Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters rather than the original,” she said. “It would probably liven up a typically boring story.”

When asked if she was still going to buy Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, despite her comments, Burns said she would.

“I read everything Jane Austen related so I’ll still read it,” Burns said. “I just think that the story is being corrupted.”

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters can be found at Barnes & Nobles and most other bookstores.

Wren Culp Staff Writer

Many people rage on about the latest bands of today. It could be Coldplay, U2, Lady Gaga or anything popular. But one band is making its music known one more time.

The Beatles have been considered one of the greatest bands to ever rock the world. Their music was adored by many fans, and now those fans have a chance to relive the great band of the ‘60’s. With the release of The Beatles box set on Sep.9, which contains all the remastered albums, fans were able to relive the good old days of flower power, peace signs and Ringo.

Fans had been waiting 22 years for this day.

“Personally, I like the idea of getting an up-to-date sound and generate more appeal to a younger audience,” CHS librarian Michael Cook said.

“All you need is love, baby.”

Many fans that were young or born in the ‘60s or prior were very excited.

“I like The Beatles, so I do like that they are coming out with it,” data entry specialist for the district Sherry Brown said.

Not only are the original followers excited, but this release is also bringing on a new generation of listeners. More and more youth

have been turned on to the music since the re-mastered version was released.

“I love their music,” said retired teacher Gloria Perry. “Their music has a timeless message that I hope reaches out to a younger audience. I think it’s great how they are pushing 70 years old and Another major Bea-

Graphic by Scott Bennett

The Beatles are back with a new box set.

tles event also happened on Sept. 9. The Beatles “Rock Band” set was released, the third installment in the “Rock Band” series. Also, Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s widow, and Paul McCartney gave the green light to put The Beatles’ back catalog on iTunes. It is the first two of four votes to come in; the other two votes come from Ringo Starr and Olivia Harrison, George

Harrison’s widow, have not been released yet.

“I am super excited to get my hands on this new chapter of The Beatles history,” Texas A&M sophomore Michael Sobolik said.

The Beatles now have new versions of Trivial Pursuit, Beatles Monopoly and a “White Album” jigsaw puzzle. Also in the works is a linen-covered box to house Beatles CDs which contains three previously unavailable books about the iconic band.

According to Best Buy in Lewisville’s sales manager Dan Morris, “The box set has been selling like it’s nobody’s business.

People that grew up during the time of flower power came in and wanted T-shirts hats and even little buttons. We sold out that day.”

According to Best Buy’s records, the box set has sold 37 copies already. They have sold 18 copies of the “Rock Band” game, and 7 copies of the deluxe Rock Band set.

“They have all been bought from people that you can tell were loaded on flower power already, and wanted some more,” Morris said.

With the Beatles box set coming out one last time, all the original fans will get to live in the ‘60’s once again.

entertainment

September 2009

page 17

Former graduate returns to bring rock n’ roll to Vivace!

Daphne Chen Editor-In-Chief

Photo by Tyler Morris

CHS 2008 graduate Tiffany Cassius teaches Vivace! choreography to “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat” from the hit Broadway smash Guys and Dolls.

When 2008 graduate Tiffany Cassius left high school after four years in the choir program, she nev­ er thought she would end up at CHS again less than a year later.

However, when di­ rector Jeff Schultz called Cassius last year and asked if she would like to help as a choreographer for Vi­ vace, she couldn’t turn him down.

0=% @8*% .$##'2$)% "C.% "&%?B%?'()%./$%2#*.%B$8#56% Cassius said, now 19. “The whole time I was like, ‘What’re they thinking?

They probably think I’m an ')'".><6 Now in her second year on the job, Cassius is taking the chance to in­ stitute some changes she would have liked to see as a student, such as including members in the brainstorm­ ing process.

“When I was in Vi­ vace, I used to get kind of irritated about always being ."3)% @/8.% ."% )"56% D8**'C*% said. “These singers have stepped up their A­game

because they’re coming up )"(>.% ?8-$% *$(*$56% E'A8,$% with their own song ideas, captain and senior Libby ,"*.C?$%')$8*5%./$?$*<6 Ainsworth said. “When The choir program she’s trying to tell us how has been rocky for the past to do moves, she’ll be like few years, having gone ‘Make your hands really through three different di­ :';% 8()% +8G% ./$?% 8#"C()5% rectors in four years and 3'-$%8%+8?'(;"%)8(,'(;%"(% four cho­ a frog!’, reogra­ or some­ “I love it. I mean, phers in thing like the same that. It who expects a high time. makes school choir to “Tif­ you laugh come up this kind of fany’s the and it crazy stuff?” only one lightens that’s re­ the mood, - Tiffany Cassius ally stuck and she through­ keeps a out the time that I’ve been straight face the entire E'A8,$56% *$('"#% FA$#B% .'?$<6 Szalkowski said. “It’s However, this experi­ better that she was in Vi­ ence has forced Cassius to vace and now she’s cho­ learn how to handle an age reographing, because she gap that sometimes put her knows exactly what our in the awkward position of style is and what Vivace teaching former classmates means as a group. We’ve and friends. had choreographers come 0=.% @8*% )'&2,C3.<<<% ."% in before and try to make keep it processional and us into a ballet troupe or remember that this is her something, and that’s just 9":%8()%./8.%./'*%'*%?B%9":56% (".%C*<6 Ainsworth said. “But once Because of this con­ you get that down, she’s an ($,.'"(5% *.C)$(.*% 2()% '.% awesome person to work easy to befriend Cassius. @'./<6 “She talks really fast Cassius is currently and she says things that assembling songs for Vi­

vace’s November show, planning to add a bit ?"#$%0#",-%(>%#"336%."%./$% repertoire to spice up the usual hip hop and jazz routines. For example, one of the songs she has chosen is the Fall Out Boy remix of Michael H8,-*"(>*%0I$8.%=.<6% “Inspiration for me can come from any form "&% $(.$#.8'(?$(.56% D8*­ sius said. “It is the most erratic thing. Like I was watching Law and Order one time, and suddenly I got this idea for a detec­ .'A$%)8(,$<6 She does have a soft spot for theatrics, choreographing per­ formances that require props, costumes and 0,#8JB%*.C(.*6< 0=% 3"A$% '.56% D8**'C*% said. “I mean, who ex­ pects a high school choir to come up with this kind "&%,#8JB%*.C&&K6 Now, all of Coppell will for Vivace’s Nov. 20 ­ 21 show. And although Cassius does not see her­ self still working at CHS after graduation, many hope that she doesn’t 0I$8.%=.6%8(B.'?$%*""(<

Kanye West turns things south after Swift diss at VMAs After several years of pain in Miami and Los Angeles, last night’s VMAs on MTV rebooted itself back in New York City. MTV kept the stage big, the celebrities camptastic and the performances coming.

Here’s a recap of the amazingly awesome, the bad and the excruciatingly painful:

THE GOOD Jackson tribute Madonna opened up the show with a simple and fitting remembrance of pop icon Michael Jackson. She recounted a date with Jackson and kept the focus on his impact as a human, not a pop star. It was nice and all, but for a man who made others speechless with his voice and moves, words were superfluous to the actual performance that came after.

Janet Jackson made her entrance, performing her only duet with Michael, “Scream.” Fierce and strong, all she had to do was hit those moves for us to know she will always remember him.

Lady Gaga’s “death”

Oh, Lady Gaga. How empty the pop world would be without you! Taking the stage for her “Paparazzi” video, she hit those notes with sass and owned that crutch. But, of course, that’s all in the video already.

What she decided she really needed to do to make her mark was to first pound

the piano for a minute, then have blood splashed all over her, before she was finally taken into heaven. This, my friends, is a performance for the books.

Beyonce

The baddest diva made “Single Ladies” sound as fresh and cool as it did nearly a year ago with a performance that brought in a lot of single ladies. Beyonce owned and copyrighted those now-infamous moves and kept the audience engaged.

But what made her really stand out that night was her graciousness after winning Video of the Year.

She said a few words before handing the mike back to Taylor Swift to let her fi-

Photos courtesy Picture Group/MTV Beyonce hands the mike back to Taylor Swift to let her finish her acceptance speech, which was interrupted by Kanye West (left). Lady Gaga appears in one of three outfits she wore at the VMAs (right).

nally say her acceptance speech. All the more for me to love Beyonce.

THE BAD Eminem’s win

I’ve got nothing against Eminem, but for him to win Best Hip-Hop Video for “We Made You” is just in bad taste. The song was atrocious enough if not for the terrible, tired pop culture-laced video. It’s not 1999 anymore, Em.

Muse’s performance Maybe I’m just a Muse hater, which I fully am, but the band’s perfor-

mance felt flat. It was surprising, given the theatrics Muse brought to their new song “Uprising.”

“Empire” invaded

All was well for JayZ’s performance until the end when Lil Mama came out of nowhere to jump onto the stage. Jay-Z tried to play it off and act cool, but his look of annoyance was front and center. Maybe Lil Mama doesn’t know the rules of the game, so let me recount them for her.

One: you do not join JayZ and Alicia Keys on stage unless you’re the awesome Beyonce. Two: you don’t that especially if you’re name is Lil Mama.

The lack of bad This year’s ceremony flew by pretty breezily in a scant two and a half hours, which is a great accomplishment. But the VMAs are notorious for the awkward, embarrassing and the just plain bad. Only Kanye West was brave enough - or stupid enough - to bring it to the show. Now that the VMAs have some momentum going, here’s hoping for some scandal next year.

THE UGLY Kanye West

Kanye West is no stranger to speaking his

mind. But to take the mike from newly minted “Best Female Video” winner Taylor Swift to announce that Beyonce’s was better? That’s just wrong. After West jumped off stage, Swift was left to stand there looking like Bambi witnessing her mother die.

Rumor has it that he and his date were escorted out shortly after.

Still, even West’ apology felt disingenuous, like a child’s excuse. Someone needs a time out!

Chris Nguyen

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page 18

September 2009

Your fall fashion dress code From plaid to jeans, CHS students know how to rock hallways with style Erin Blatney Staff Writer

Photos by Aditi Shrikant

Taking a visit to The Shack “Life takes a bit of time and a lot of relationship.”

There it is: the point of William Paul Young’s astonishing and controversial novel, The Shack. Revolving around love, relationships and trust, The Shack is a powerful story that forces its readers to expand their perception of the God they know - or wish to know.

Published in 2007, The Shack instantly soared to the top of the bestseller lists, and there are now over seven million copies in print. According to www. theshackbook.com, it “will soon be appearing in more than 30 languages around the world and in audio versions in many countries as well.”

Though The Shack has received much publicity and praise, not all of its readers are pleased or comfortable with Young’s different and debatable view of the Christian Trinity and other aspects of God and heaven. God appearing as an African-American woman who listens to secular music and eats vegetables and rice is just one of the ways Young strays from the average Christian’s visual image of their Creator.

These distinctions, however, are purposefully incorporated to prove his strong point that our limited imaginations cannot fully grasp the uniqueness

of God. Even the protagonist, Mack, claims that “all his visuals for God were very white and very male.”

The Shack’s main

The Shack digs deep into the inner workings of Christianity.

theme is cliché yet pure, that God is love and life is all about relationships.

Young takes the reader as well as Mack through a roller coaster ride of emotions. From sadness at the beginning with the death of Mack’s daughter, to happiness with the funny and peculiar Father, Son and Holy Spirit and joy when Mack finally comes to embrace his God and family, The Shack embarks on an amazing journey about a transformed life.

Although the book ends well and offers a new, optimis-

Rebecca Fowler

tic outlook on life, it is not altogether correct. Upon digging deeper, it is evident that The Shack is not theologically flawless, even if it does tie a nice bow on Christianity.

For example, at one point God, “Papa,” says, “I have been trying to make head or tail out of it, but sorry, he’s [ Jesus] got me lost.” This blatantly contradicts the God of the Bible, Whose all-knowing nature is shown in Romans 11:33: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out!”

The Shack also claims that God is not a Christian.

Though people can defend or challenge this statement with different points, it is a definite theological concern.

There is no denying that Young’s The Shack is a matchless work of literature, mainly for its forceful opinions, unique perspective and overwhelming message of love. And even though the details are not theologically and realistically sound, the book is an excellent source of reassurance for the confused and hope for the lost.

Staff Writer

Walking through the school halls usually doesn’t give you time to notice what people are doing or even wearing. But this year, it is surprisingly easy to notice the many students wearing plaid and denim.

Denim has always been worn by Coppell High School students, especially jeans. However, despite its ubiquity, students have developed new ways to make the classic denim look good.

“I see under classmen and upper classmen in my classes and it seems like denim has always been popular with them, especially jeans,” biology and anatomy teacher Jodie Deinhammer said.

Rolling up the end of the pant legs creates a shorter version of jeans without making students look like pirates. Also, denim shorts have been more visible. It is interesting to think about how denim was

once just used as a replacement for the thin material that people once worked in, and now it’s being worn simply to look good.

Denim has been around since the late 18th century when labor workers wore it for its durability.

Throughout the years, the use of denim has expanded from cowboys wearing it in

“It is not bound to a specific gender. With plaid and denim, both guys and girls are wearing it.”

- junior Kevin Bonnot western films to teenagers sporting denim clothing in the 1950s.

Today, denim has increased greatly in popularity and also in the different styles it is seen in. The once popular bell bottoms and high-waist jeans have slowly decreased in popularity and have given way to new styles such as skinny, ripped and colored jeans. Longer denim shorts and denim skirts only add to the growing popularity and diversity of denim.

Possibly seen more

than denim is the ever growing plaid pattern.

From shirts to bags to backpacks, plaid is seen everywhere. Now, plaid isn’t just for kilts and loggers anymore, but for the students at CHS as well.

Similar to when a band makes it big and their name is everywhere, the same goes for the checkered attire that is seen throughout the school.

What is it about this item that makes students only want more?

“Plaid’s just comfortable to wear and a classic look,” junior Sharon Chen said. “It’s a pattern that looks good on anybody.”

Luckily, plaid and denim have boys and girls to thank for their popularity and have progressed greatly in style as well as celebrity endorsement, since they first appeared on the scene.

“When something that is ‘big’ is open to both genders, that certain thing is definitely more popular,” junior Kevin Bonnot said.

“It is not constricted that way, and it is not bound to a specific gender. With plaid and denim, both guys and girls are wearing it. It is more popular than other styles due to its unisexual quality.”

September 2009

The fall line-up

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page 19

New TV schedule offers a little something for everyone Melissa Brisco Staff Writer Each year, a plethora of new shows are released in hopes of getting enough viewers to keep the program on for more than three weeks, and, at best, return for a second season.

Each network produces numerous shows that not only compete with other new ones but also with much loved returning programs.

This year, many of the shows are targeted to teen audiences and some have roots in the past. One program is a revival of a much loved 90s show, while another is the sister show to an already popular program.

The array of new shows is extremely diverse and many are promising.

One new show which has been receiving much buzz is the resurrection of the popular ‘90s show, “Melrose Place.” The show originally ran from July 1992 until May 1998 and was the second show in the “Beverly Hills, 90210” series. The new “Melrose Place” is the fifth series in the “Beverly Hills, 90210” franchise. It is not an entirely different show but merely an updated version.

“I watched the first episode [of ‘Melrose Place’] and I’m going to watch the rest of this season,” senior Precious Femi-Ogunyemi said. “The first episode wasn’t very good, it seems as though they just started filming randomly in the

middle of a story line. In other shows, they build relationships between the characters, but in this one they were already established. I’m going to keep watching though because it seems like it is going to get better.”

The show is about a small apartment complex located in West Hollywood and the plot revolves around its residents.

The majority of the actors are young, fresh faces in Hollywood, but a few members of the original cast will be on the new show while others will have guest spots. Two of the young actors will be playing the children of characters from the original show.

Regardless of how good the show is or how true to its predecessor it seems, one thing is sure: it will be filled with drama.

The first episode alone featured a murder mystery.

The show premiered on the CW on Sept. 8. To catch up on the drama, viewers can check out the episodes they’ve missed at the CW.com.

Another show creat-

school girl who is the object of affection of two vampire brothers - one good and one evil. All of the actors are relatively unknown.

The show seems a bit corny, but many fans of the Twilight franchise anticipated the show’s premiere which aired on Sept. 10 on the CW. To see the episodes, go to CW.com.

Fervid Twilight fan and sophomore Sarah Hillier does not plan on watching the show. “‘Vampire Dia­ ries seems to just be following the trending vampire fad among teenage girls,” Hillier said. “They seem to think that, because Twilight and “True Blood” have been successful, they can pick up on that success. My guess is that, like most other fads, this too will pass, and Graphic by Yogesh Patel the show won’t last more New TV shows are invading viewers with many great options. than a couple seasons at show is about a high school “I plan on watching most.” show choir that was once “Glee” because it looks like Also premiering this amazing and even national a show that features music fall is the comedy “Comchampions but now is a that fits into my tastes as munity” staring much loved place for misfits and dorks. well as being a comedy,” TV host Joel McHale A teacher who was in the senior Scott Bower said. from his show “The Soup” Glee club when he was “Also, as a member of Vi- and veteran comedic actor in high school decides he vacé, I feel obligated to see Chevy Chase. It is a show wants to be in charge of the how the show choirs com- about a group of quirky club and hopefully return pare.” students from all paths them to their former glory.

CW has another new of life who attend the loThe show promises show appealing to teens. cal community college set to be funny and charming “The Vampire Diaries” in Greendale, Colorado. with delightful newcomers which is oddly reminis- and form a study group. such as Lea Michele (Ra- cent of the hit book and Through the study group, chel Berry) and Cory Mon- movie series Twilight is the characters inevitably teith (football player Finn based on the book series end up learning more about Hudson) as well as veteran by L.J. Smith. The show is themselves than the curJane Lynch (the captain of about Elena Gilbert, a high riculum. The show premiere ing buzz is the highly anticipated “Glee.” The pilot episode aired last spring following the “American Idol” season finale and was very well received. The

the school’s cheerleading squad, Sue Sylvester). The show premiered Sept 9. To catch up on the fun, viewers can check out FOX.com for previous episodes.

aired on Sept. 17 and the episodes can be viewed on NBC.com.

“I am going to watch “Community” because I am a fan of Joel McHale,” senior Aleya Noor said. “I think he is really funny and I already watch his show ‘The Soup.’ I’m really excited [for ‘Community’].”

Starting also this fall is “NCIS: Los Angeles” a spinoff of the already popular “NCIS.” The new show will still be about the Naval Criminal Investigative Services, but will focus around the Office of Special Projects. The group of investigators will go undercover and try to uncover and catch criminals and divert crimes that pose a threat to America’s National Security. A few of the characters from the original “NCIS” will guest star on “NCIS: Los Angeles”, however, the regulars of the show are all new. The show premiered on Sept. 22nd on CBS. Those wanting to catch up on the show can go to CBS. com to watch the episodes they missed.

“I do not plan on watching ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ because I really like all of the characters from the original ‘NCIS’ and I do not want to start watching another show,” original “NCIS” fan and senior Alaina Wolf said.

This new, diverse array of fall shows appeals to all different audiences, and while some are more promising than others, one thing is sure: this fall: viewers will be very entertained.

Attention: the following program has been canceled

Network conflicts, bad scheduling or failure to obtain an audience are the main reasons that TV shows are canceled; unfortunately, great programs have been canceled for these vary same reasons. However, with the advent of the DVD player and a robust home video market, it is now easier than ever to watch these canceled shows.Therefore, I have created a list of the best canceled TV shows that I think are worthy of your attention.

This show usually tops the lists, and it is easy to see why. Airing on NBC from 1999-2000, this teenage drama/comedy avoided the common clichés befalling the genre, and entertained with characters different in their attitudes and way of dress but universal enough to connect with.

It is a show mainly about an overachiever named Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardenelli) who decides to hang out with the “Freaks”, made up of Ken (Seth Rogen), Daniel Desario ( James Franco), Nick ( Jason Segel) and Kim (Busy Phillips), who are seen as the outcasts of the school. However, Lindsay’s brother, Sam ( John Francis Daley), is a link to the world of the “Geeks”,

who are Bill Haverchuck (Martin Starr) and Neal Schweiber (Samm Levine).

It deals with the trials of teenage life with surprising tenderness and humor.

In an early episode, an exhausted Lindsay crashes on her bed after throwing a party, scared because her house is being destroyed.

Neal, who has a crush on Lindsay, holds her and calls the police pretending to be an old man awakened by the noise of the party.

Moments like this define the show as one which does not keep the characters at arm’s length to act as punch lines. Rather, it was a show that cared about its characters maturing but was able to show the humor of the process.

FREAKS AND GEEKS

From an objective standpoint, it is hard to see how “Firefly” was even produced. What network executive saw the script of this western space opera and thought, “This will work”?

However, it did, and exceptionally well.

“Firefly” is about the adeventures of crew of the ship Serenity.

The lead character Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) is a hardened ship captain after losing a fight in the war against the Alliance, the central government controlling the system.

He buys Serenity to live outside Alliance control and is helped by crew members Zoe Washburne (Gina Torres,) his first mate who fought on the same side during the war, Hoban “Wash” Washburne (Alan Tudyk,) her husband, Dr.

Simon (Sean Maher,) the ship’s doctor, Simon’s sister River Tam (Summer Glau,) who was smuggled on the ship by her brother.

These characters help make it such a great show.

However, the treatment of “Firefly” by FOX should be an example in ethics textbooks at any television network, because FOX basically killed the show from the beginning.

From showing episodes out of order to changing the time the episodes would air without any prior notice and leaving the show to die on the Friday night death slot, FOX didn’t give it the chance it deserved.

Though what happened to “Firefly” was tragic, the DVDS are out there, waiting to be watched by anyone who values a great show.

FIREFLY

Why, why, why was this show canceled? Brilliant cast. Hilarious writing. Top-notch guest stars.

It literally boggles the mind that FOX decided to pull the plug on this show.

With a cast consisting of Jason Bateman, David Cross, Will Arnett and Michael Cera, “Arrested Development” is a comedy about a dysfunctional family (The Bluths), which owns a huge real estate development firm. Bateman (Michael Bluth) deals hilariously with the struggles of both family and business. Even though it seems like a cliché, the show was handled origi-

nally; for example, during one episode George Bluth (Arnett), Michael Bluth’s younger brother, gains control of the company. He does this through a board meeting were he surprises the board by changing $100 into 100 pennies.

The episode has Michael trying to keep his brother from destroying the company while simultaneously trying to leave his family forever. Unfortunately for him, he cannot leave them; fortunately for viewers, the hijinks continue to be as hilarious as the aforementioned example.

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

Hubert AdjeiKontoh

Staff Writer

September 2009 sports Seitz channels Coaches act out against heat artistic in ballad page 20

continued from pg. 1

The training staff at the high school is also instrumental in avoiding heat issues throughout fall sports.

“Along with an unlimited water policy across the entire athletic department our trainers do a great job of monitoring practice conditions,” Crawford said.

“They check the humidity and temperature everyday and alert the coaches of dangerous conditions.”

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) provides an index online that relates temperature to humidity and describes the risk levels associated with each combination.

While the football team takes up the stadium, fieldhouse and practice fields after school, the band takes their places in the parking lot behind the stadium. As the band settles in for a long afternoon practice they face the same heat

issues.

“Everyone brings water to practice in order to deal with the heat,” sophomore Weston Sandfort said.

Along with current policies the administration is always looking for ways to improve practice environments and increase safety.

“There have been talks of putting air conditioning units in the weight room and the turf room,” Crawford said. “[The district]

actually set aside money for an air conditioning unit for the weight room in the last bond, but not for the turf room.”

So as stories of student athletes having heat stroke during two a days are broadcast across local news stations Coppell’s coaches and training staff have taken action by implementing water policies to help prevent dehydration and working practice times around the heat.

Photo by Frances Ruiz Marvin Parker and Cody Bonner (left and right foreground) take advantage of a water break during a JV football practice. The football program has an open water policy to prevent dehydration and strokes.

Soccer campout tradition continues Caitlin Conner Staff Writer Every Friday morning as students walk across the parking lot, they can’t help but notice the large tent sitting to the right of the main entrance along with a group of fatigued, scraggly boys sitting in lawn chairs.

These students are carrying out what has been known for years as the senior soccer camping tradition.

“Every home game, all the senior soccer guys get together and camp out at the school for fun,” senior team captain Jordan Elgin says. “It’s mostly just to hang out but it is also to support the football team.”

This tradition started with the class of 2006, when former soccer coach Mike Ridley’s son Jeff created it for hanging out and team bonding. Though the school has never given direct permission for the campout, the administration allows it.

“We have allowed them to continue the tradition as long as they follow certain rules and stipulations we’ve put in place, such as no open flames,” assistant principal Sean Bagley said.

Thursday night every senior on the boys varsity soccer team meets at the school around 8PM. First they set up their camp, this

Photo by Tyler Morris The senior soccer team prepares to camp out before the football game against the Highland Park Scots.

year consisting of three tents, an assortment of lawn chairs and one oversized husky dog stuffed animal named Balto.

Once everyone is situated, the boys make a late night trip to Taco Bell for food. From there, they boys spend the rest of the night hanging out and talking.

Most of them stay on campus the rest of the night, with some going straight from their sleeping bags to their classes. As far as “It is fun sitting out early in the morning and watching everyone walk in to school,” Elgin said. “You see tons of people that you know and some even bring us food. [Senior] Kristen Carter brought us donuts before Lariette practice the first campout.”

Senior team captain Joey McKillop and Jaxon Williams agree that their favorite part is playing Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA” and watching everyone walk in.

Each year, the seniors vote on one special junior they will allow to attend the campouts in order to properly carry on the tradition the following year. Though the decision has been made, the boys are keeping it a

mystery for now.

“We all just agree on whomever we think would be most fun to hang out with and who would carry on the tradition best once we’re gone,” Williams said.

Though the boys aren’t exactly roughing it out in the wilderness, there is nothing comfortable about the way they camp.

Every campout so far has been interrupted either by rain, tornado sirens or even friendly visits from the Coppell police. During bad weather, the boys regroup at a teammate’s house and then return to their tents once the weather dies down.

“Last campout a cop came and asked what we were doing so we explained it to him,” McKillop said.

“He was pretty cool about it. He just told us to make good decisions and then spent an hour with us talking about college and our future plans.”

For these seniors, each campout is an adventure as well as the perfect opportunity to spend time with each other. As they continue to camp throughout football season, they grow closer as a team.

Graphic by Amy Piper

A crisp drum roll and the bass of a tuba break the silence. Their simple melody is alone for a moment but joined by a company of brass—blaring trumpets and bellowing horns—seconds later.

The smallest of chills runs down my spine as the commercial ends. It’s football season once again.

Yes, football season, and a glorious one at that: the Big 12 South may be the conference to beat in college ball (despite a luckless Oklahoma loss to Brigham Young), with Texas at No. 2, Oklahoma State close behind, a strong Texas Tech program and a Baylor team that looks like it might—just might—make a bowl for the first time in 15 years.

In the NFL, the last few weeks have witnessed the unveiling of Jerry

World in Arlington, the 1.2 billion dollar construct that hopefully ushers in a new era of Cowboys football—a prospect made considerably more likely upon removal of the team’s problem children, Terrell Owens, Adam “Pacman” Jones and Tank Johnson.

The other Cowboys are looking strong as well, as new coach Joe McBride has revitalized a previously anemic defense while maintaining the effectiveness of the team’s passheavy spread. Standout junior running back Cam McDaniel, meanwhile, keeps defenses honest on the ground.

Fans across nation, regardless of team affiliation—from the cheeseheads in the inhospitable north to our own rowdy footballers in Big D—can attest to that magical feeling, the one that can is usually confined to the opening weeks of August, where a snatch of dramatic orchestral music or the clashing of helmets can trigger a full-out burst of giddiness.

A giddiness that makes you want to channel the inner bard and compose; to bring something forward to place before the feet of the gridiron gods.

Below is such a composition, titled simply An Ode to Football. Enjoy.

Falling leaf from golden tree, your descent signals the beginning of something bigger.

Soon, the clash of pads will fill the air mixed with muted grunt, elated cheer and, perhaps, the isolated sob of a Lions fan.

Every point and play from scrimmage is a cog, a cog in the machine; Football Nation is that machine.

Every quick-handed interception and artful dodge, every pick six and finesse-inspired juke is just one more for the Highlight Reel in the Sky. There’s the Ickey Shuffle and the Dirty Bird, the antics of the Fun Bunch and the Lambeau Leap, but in the end there’s no trumping the roar of the crowd.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, four days of football, that’s three days too few.

So despair not, falling leaf, as you spiral slowly to the ground, for your sacrifice is our gain in this coin toss called life.

Of course, there’s a simpler translation for all of that. One word:

Blake Seitz

football. Fans will tell you that’s all the definition you need.

Sports Editor

Photo by Tyler Morris

page 21 sports Pastime becomes larger aspiration for Kim September 2009

Peyton Wood Staff Writer Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan and Michelle Wie are just a few of the golf legends that define the sport today. With a personal best of 71, could senior Jinny Kim be another name to add to the list?

Kim has been golfing for four years and played for the Coppell girls golf team since her freshman year.

“Overall, Jinny has improved in every aspect of the game from off the tee and her short game,” girls golf coach Kirk Richardson said. “She has a tremendous work ethic. She works hard and practices all the time.”

Kim picked up golfing because of her father’s love for the sport. He has been playing for over 30 years in his spare time and strongly encouraged Kim to play. Due to her father’s expertise in the sport, he has been able to guide Kim and help her improve.

“He tries to help me by coming to watch me at practices and he tells me what I’m doing wrong so I can fix it,” Kim said. “He keeps me going and tells me to never give up.”

One of Kim’s favorite parts about golf is that she can share her passion with her dad and that brings them together and strengthens their relationship. Another aspect Kim loves is the feeling you get when you’re playing and hitting the ball well and the adrenaline that instills.

Kim has put a great

the tournament, Kim went about her regular schedule of golfing, but added in some extra workouts. Kim lifted weights and ran with a trainer to get herself prepared for the tough competition by building muscle mass and gaining flexibility and resistance.

Along with training, Kim had strategies that she hoped would get her through the weekend.

“I’m going to try to hit as main fairways and greens as I can and focus on my game and not my opponents,” Kim said. “I really need to work on my mental game and being able to recover from a bad shot instead of going down hill from there.”

Golf is a sport requirPhoto by Peyton Wood ing mental preparation and stability. CHS graduate Senior Jinny Kim, a member of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), will play in college at Arkansas-Little Rock.

Whitney Novack worked closely with Kim while deal of time and effort try. into golf. On average, Kim Kim has been a mem- they were teammates on practices at least 30 hours ber of the AJGA for two the golf team and knows a week and feels as though years and has competed in her strengths.

“Her strong suit is Riverchase Golf Club is seven tournaments already her second home. Her nor- this year, placing in the definitely her short game, mal routine consists of two top five in five of the seven that girl can get up and down, and save par,“ Nohours of putting, an hour of tournaments. hitting and finishing up by “The AJGA is one of vack said. “She’s pretty playing nine holes. the highest ranked junior solid, it just depends if she As if playing a varsity tours and is where you get has a good or bad day. It’s sport wasn’t enough, Kim exposed to a lot of good competitive but Jinny alcompetes competitively as colleges and universities,” ways seems to pull through.

She doesn’t get scared, she well.

Kim said.

The American Junior Kim’s eighth and fi- plays her game.”

Although she did not Golf Association (AJGA) nal tournament, the AJGA is a nonprofit organization Girls Championship, was place as high as she was which holds tournaments Sept. 4-7 in Greenville, hoping in the tournament, for independent golfers to S.C. at the Furman Uni- Kim came out better than compete and have the op- versity Golf Course. There she went in.

“It felt like a college portunity to be scouted by were 78 girls in the tournacollege coaches. There are ment and Kim tied for 59 atmosphere and gave me a preview of how college golf more than 5,000 golfers in with a final score of 250. the AJGA across the counIn order to prepare for will be next year,” Kim said.

Richardson agrees that Kim should not be discouraged.

“It was a tough course, but Jinny was one of few from the state to go and I know she would have liked to do better and place higher, but it’s an honor to have even been able to compete,” Richardson said.

Kim is planning on attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock next year to play on the Trojans’ womens golf team. She has been in contact with the coaches about scholarships and even though nothing is set in stone, Kim is looking forward to further pursuing her career as a golfer.

“It’s my passion and it’s been my goal since I started golfing to play in

college,” Kim said. “I’m lucky enough to have the chance to be part of such a great program.”

But after college, Kim still isn’t going to stop. She is going to try to make it to the LPGA by the time she is 30. In order to do so, Kim will be independently practicing and entering tournaments to see if she can qualify for the LPGA. This will also help her build up her resume so she will hopefully get the opportunity to coach a college golf team.

What started out as a high school pastime for Kim has turned into a lifelong dream and something that has and will continue to shape her bright future.

Parent Q&A with Ray Kim Q: How do you try to help Jinny?

A: When she started I tried to teach her the basics of the swing and I try to remind her of the things she needs to correct.

Q: Has golfing with Jinny strengthened your relationship?

A: We get to golf together a lot and we travel together a lot and sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad but it’s different than staying at home and talking. It’s a different kind of fun and a different relationship.

Q: What are do you want for Jinny and how do you hope she furthers her golf career?

A: Most parents want what’s best for their children and there’s no exception for us. I just want her to see different things, to go different places and to get memories and a good experience out of it.

Deep tennis team hopes to lead district pack Coppell is back on top after summer play, early wins against Southlake Carroll, Hebron Peter Splendorio Staff Writer

Photo by Katie Quill Senior captain Jacob Rao practices his kick serve during practice.

The school year is back in full swing at Coppell, meaning that the highly anticipated team tennis season is underway.

Along with the excitement a new season brings come high expectations.

Despite a difficult preseason which saw Coppell post a 1-7 record, the Cowboys start the year ranked No. 12 overall in the preseason state polls and for good reason. The Cowboys have a tradition of excellence in team tennis, as they have reached the regional tournament for 11 consecutive years. The goal remains the same this year.

“Right now our goal is to win district and then move to regionals,” senior Shruthi Rajashekar said.

“We won six straight district titles before Southlake beat us last year.”

The players certainly like there chances to achieve this goal. Despite watching several senior

players graduate last year, a plethora of talented underclassmen are looking to team up with the seniors andmake their mark. Players are beaming about the depth across the board on varsity among both the boys and girls on the team.

“We definately have a good team,” senior Jacob Rao said. “We have six lines of singles [on the team] and we are all pretty even. It is rare to find a team that is as deep as we are.”

The team has been inspired by the leadership, as well. Three of the top four boys on last year’s team, Blake Taylor, Chase Ross and Rao, return for their senior season this year, providing veteran leadership for the underclassmen to learn from as they strive to win the district tital and advance to regionals.

To qualify for the regional tournament, Coppell is required to be one of the top two schools in their district. They are one step closer to achieving this after kicking off the season

with an inspiring 10-9 win against the reigning district champion Southlake Carroll Dragons on Sept. 8.

“We expect to be competitive and hope that we can advance [to regionals] like we have in the past,” coach Jane Jackson said. “I feel like four of the teams in our district will have extremely strong teams, including us. Marcus, Flower Mound, and Southlake are the teams to beat.”

Marcus once again has a very deep team, especially on the girl’s side.

Southlake Carroll also sports a lineup that is filled with depth, but they saw several solid players graduate last school year and may still be searching for their identity.

Nonetheless, Coppell was satisfied with their victory, which they believe started them off on the right foot to begin the year.

The tennis players have a strong sense of unity.

They have shared countless hours of practice together

and support each other, and this should be key in the success of the tennis team over the course of the year.

“We are really close,” junior Sam Wade said. “We hang out [after] school and in tennis. I think everyone cheers well and it really brings up our morale.”

District Matches Hebron (8/15) Site: CHS Girls Doubles: 4-1 Boys Doubles: 3-2 Mixed 2-0 Girls Singles: 5-1 Boys Singles: 2-4 Result: COP 12-7 SL Carroll (9/19) Site: SLC Girls Doubles: 3-0 Boys Doubles: 3-0 Mixed: 0-1 Girls Singles: 2-4 Boys Singles: 2-4 Result: COP 10-9

September 2009 sports Record two freshman on volleyball squad page 22

Andy Tabor Staff Writer The Cowgirls volleyball team is predicted to be a contender this season for a Class 5A state championship. Joining the Cowgirls team this year are two prospects making major impacts. Both are freshman, and both are 6’1”.

Freshmen Cassidy Pickrell and Erica Bohannon will play big roles on the varsity squad. This is the first time in Coppell history that two freshman have been on the varsity squad. Coach Sherri Hankins has been patiently waiting for this extremely talented freshman class to arrive at CHS and contribute to the team.

“I have really looked forward to this freshman class,” Hankins said. “I have been watching them play since the seventh grade and am excited to see them play for us.”

The two found out they would be playing on varsity at the All-American camp at the high school before the season began.

“At first we started out playing with the freshmen,” Bohannon said. “Then later

in the camp we were pulled into the varsity huddle and told ‘this is where we would be’.”

Both girls were ecstatic to hear the news.

“It was shocking and surprising to hear we both made varsity,” Pickrell said.

“It was an exciting feeling because two freshman making varsity doesn’t happen often.”

Sophomore Bear Bass was the first freshman in 19 years to play on varsity when she was called up midway through last season.

Bass now has a prominent role on the varsity team as a setter and is thankful for the opportunity to play on the team last year.

“A big obstacle I had to overcome was being the youngest player on the team,” Bass said. “It definitely made me more mentally tough.

In matches, Bohannon starts at middle blocker, while Pickrell is the first backup for outside hitter, giving her many opportunities for playing time. Gelling with the seniors before the district opener Sept. 25 against Southlake, and then playoffs, will be paramount to the team’s success this

season.

“At first there was some pressure to prove ourselves to the older players,” Bohannon said. “Now after playing well in matches, we are a lot more comfortable with our roles on the team.”

Surprisingly, neither girl felt any pressure to fit in with the older seniors throughout practice before school.

“All of the seniors really welcomed us with open arms and never thought we shouldn’t be on varsity,” Pickrell said. “From then our relationships with the seniors have only grown stronger.”

Seniors have noticed the skill levels displayed by the freshmen and are excited for them to keep on competing at a high level.

“Cassidy and Erica are both really hard workers,” senior captain Deirdre Pajares said. “Both have improved their skill while being good team players.”

Outside of high school, the girls surprised many with their appearances in the volleyball nationals in Miami. Pickrell’s team, Texas Advantage (TAV), came away with first place in the tournament while

Bohannon at Skyline took fifth place. This tournament fields the best teams from all over the United States to compete, and for both Pickrell and Bohannon to finish in the top five is a great accomplishment.

“I don’t think people understand how incredible that is in select volleyball,” manager Kirby Preston said. “Both of their teams finishing in the top five of nationals is awesome.”

Being on successful club volleyball teams has helped the girls in school volleyball.

“Playing at high levels during nationals really showed us what to expect from Cowgirl volleyball,” Pickrell said. “It prepared us mentally and physically for the start of the school season.”

Everyone on the team has embraced freshman, helping them and making sure they are an integral part of the team on and off the court. With district just around the corner, the Cowgirls can count on these two phenomenal freshmen to perform at the highest level.

terested,” Coach Mundstedt said. “We definitely will be working on fitness portion of the game. That, plus just finding out who’s going to play what position are the most important things right now.”

Last year’s team set the bar high for the new players; the team was mostly made up of seniors who had played together since they were sophomores. After playing a solid winning season last year, the team “We were good last year, I mean really good.

But now that most of the old players have gone off to college, were hardly the same team anymore, “Philip Hanson said. “Most of the people know how to play. We’re a little short handed right now but once football’s over we’ll get some more players. All we need right now is lots of hard practice.”

Because the rugby season doesn’t start until January, the team has plenty of time to work on it’s game. The team warms up by first running drills and then moving on to handling the ball. After learning and practicing easy tactics and plays, the team wraps up by dividing up for a quick scrimmage.

“The coaches are running us pretty hard right now, but frankly we need to run hard,” Getson said.

“We’ve got a long road ahead of us if we want to live up to what the team

last year accomplished.”

Coppell rugby practices behind the fieldhouse on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

New players are always welcome.

“We need players. If

someone can’t make a practice every now and then, we aren’t going to totally bench them. People got things to do and places to be and we understand that,” said Coach Mundstedt.

Big shoes to fill for young rugby team Mike Pankonien Staff Writer The Coppell rugby team has started the year with fierce determination to rebuild the team to its former standards. Having ended the season with roughly 40 players, the team is down to 15 people.

The majority of the players are now juniors, and although most of them are relative newcomers to the team, there still remain a few veterans.

“It’s all rebuilding; no structure, no spots; were just focusing on playing,” junior Zach Getson said.

The team is now led by three junior captains; Zack Korman, Philip Hanson, and Zach Getson. All three played on the team the last year. Not only did the team gain new captains, but also new coaches.

“Our original coach moved to McKinney, so he found us two replacement coaches,” Korman said.

“Both are semi-pro rugby players.”

The new coaches, George Mundstedt and Tom McCormack, are experienced semi-pro rugby coaches from the Dallas Harlequin Rugby Club.

Having played the sport since college, they’ve both coached nine high school teams that have reached the national championships.

“It’s a great group of kids; they’re athletic, they’re focused, they’re in-

Photo by Viviana Trevino Freshman Cassidy Pickrell leaps to spike the ball. Pickrell is one of two freshman players, along with Erica Bohannon.

Event Schedule Football: Sept. 25 – against Mansfield Summit Oct. 9 - @ Southlake Oct. 16 – against Hebron Oct. 23 - @ Marcus Oct. 30 – against Lewisville

Volleyball: Sept. 25 – 5:00 against Southlake Sept. 29 – 6:00 @ Hebron Oct. 2 – 6:00 against Marcus Oct. 6 – 6:00 against Lewisville (Dig for the Cure) Oct. 9 – 6:00 @ Flower Mound Oct. 13 – 6:00 @ Southlake Oct. 16 – 6:00 against Hebron Oct. 20 – 6:00 @ Marcus Oct. 23 – 6:00 @ Lewisville Oct. 27 – 6:00 against Flower Mound

Cross Country: Oct. 9 – Coppell Cowboy Round-Up (Andy Brown)

Tennis: Sept. 29 – against Lewisville Oct. 6 - @ Flower Mound Oct. 13, 16-17 – District Playoffs (location TBA) Oct. 21 – Coppell JV Tournament Oct. 30 - Regionals Photo by Katie Quill Junior captain Zack Korman chases down coach George Munstedt, formerly of the Dallas Harlequins.

September 2009

sports

page 23

For young line, every game a learning experience Nathan Reck Staff Writer The running back, quarterback and even the wide receivers get credit when an offense is clicking, but when an offense stumbles it always seems to fall on the offensive line’s shoulders.

Whether it is fair or not for them to take the fall is up for debate, but for an offense to be clicking on all cylinders requires a solid line all the way from center to guard to tackle. They all need to play as one, opening holes and giving the quarterback time.

When a running back makes a big cut and breaks into the open, there are a group of linemen doing the dirty work and opening up holes. When a quarterback is able to step into his throw and connect for a deep touchdown it is the linemen who have given him the time and protection.

At all levels of football, and at the high school level in particular, the success of an offensive line can often be attributed to the experience of the linemen and the time they have spent playing together, rather than the talent level

of each linemen.

“Experience is the key,” Coppell head coach Joe McBride said. “Kids that return and have played at the varsity speed gain a huge mental edge on kids who have not.”

Coppell’s varsity team has faced major setbacks on the offensive line already this season, as three of their returning senior linemen are dealing with injuries that will keep them out for an unknown number of games. Both Tyler Rohde and Taylor Townley are dealing with injures, and Brandon Norton hobbled off the field during the Jesuit game.

“In order to remain competitive and on track for district we are going to need everyone else on the offense to pick up the slack,” McBride said. “There is going to be a learning curve with sophomore offensive linemen as they make the jump from freshman competition to the varsity level.”

With sophomores Jake Williams and Sam Rice seeing playing time already this year and juniors Oni Omoile and Sterling Luckey also seeing the field, the offensive line has faced a steep learning curve in terms of adjusting to the

The three-headed monster

Versus South Garland Tabor welcomes Cowboys fans to the first game of the season against R.L. Tur—South Garland.

At Jesuit Reck thinks the best defense is...Jesuit’s running game (-20 yards).

Versus Highland Park Seitz thinks Cam McDaniel should tape a ‘slippery when wet’ sign to his back.

Tabor says rainy games aren’t nearly so bad in the press box with a plate of Hard Eight BBQ. At Weatherford Seitz says Weatherford completed one pass all night. Too bad that pass was to Nic Johnston.

Reck says the intimidation factor was there—big screen, nice field, two-story press box…the result: a Coppell shutout?

to a new season,” Hunt said.

“I see another 57-53 in our future.”

game because that is what champions do,” head coach Joe McBride said.

38-7 victory over Jesuit

41-20 win over Highland Park

tonight and are glad to get the win,” Johnston said.

“We have a lot to work on with coverage in the secondary but we will be ready for next game.”

Assistant Sports Editor

Andy Tabor Staff Writer

Sophomores on the o-line

Jake Williams

Sam Rice

Solid start for McBride, 4-0 Cowboys Blake Seitz Sports Editor

Each six weeks, the three-headed sports monster of Blake Seitz, Andy Tabor and Nathan Reck comes out to pass judgement on the latest in sports. This week’s topic...football.

759 passing yards and McDaniel has rushed for 254 yards.

As the team prepares for district play, though, they know that the line and team as a whole need to continue to improve.

Through three weeks of the season District 6-5A has a 14-2 record (including Coppell’s three wins) with Lewisville and Hebron picking up the two district losses.

The Cowboys are hoping to have their seniors back on the offensive line by the time district begins, which would be a welcome improvement.

“Right now they are all just being treated as day to day,” McBride said. “We are expecting to have them back by district, but as of now our young players are gaining valuable experience for the next couple of years.”

So as the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming games both in and out of district they are relying heavily on a pair of sophomores who are making major contributions. As district grows nearer so does the return of the experience of the senior linemen.

Photo by Tyler Morris Coppell’s offensive line was key in a 42-0 win at Weatherford on Sept. 18.

45-0 win over South Garland

Andy Tabor Blake Seitz Nathan Reck Staff Writer Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor

speed and size of the varsity players.

“As an offense we had to adjust,” senior quarterback Hayden Hawk said.

“The first couple of games [the offensive line] was just getting nervous, but with more playing time they have started to gain more confidence.”

Junior running back Cam McDaniel agrees that persistence will be needed.

“The lack of experience just means that we have to be patient with our running game,” McDaniel said.

Having made the jump from the freshman team to the varsity level himself, McDaniel knows how difficult it is to adjust to the increased level of play.

“Making the move from freshman competition to varsity takes a few weeks to adjust. You have to adjust to the speed of the game, bigger hits and the overall increase of maturity,” McDaniel said.

With the young offensive line still catching up to speed of varsity defenders, the Cowboys have put up 124 points through the first three weeks of play.

Behind this inexperienced line Hawk has accumulated

In its debut game of the 2009 season, Cowboys football epitomized the axiom ‘Out with the old, in with the new.’ With new head coach Joe McBride at the helm, newly-starting senior quarterback Hayden Hawk under center and newly-starting junior running back Cam McDaniel close behind, they led the team to a 45-0 rout of South Garland.

McDaniel was the offensive workhorse of the night, putting points on the board four separate times.

Hawk, meanwhile, posted big numbers despite an often nonexistent pocket, with 184 yards in the air and a touchdown.

The defensive squad can be commended on the other side of the ball. The defensive line combined for four sacks, with senior Naveed Amirhermat bagging a pair himself. The secondary had two interceptions on the night, one by junior cornerback Bennet Okotcha and another—run back 57 yards for a touchdown— by senior safety Kevin Rutledge.

Principal Brad Hunt lauded the first game under McBride and even foreshadowed a repeat of last season’s game against Southlake Carroll.

“It’s an exciting start

Nathan Reck

The Cowboys gave The Cowboys were their fans something to big winners Friday night cheer about once again against Highland Park. with a 38-17 victory over Coppell ended up winning the Jesuit Rangers. the game 41-20, shocking The defense contin- the favored Scots. ued to shine after posting a Rain poured down on shutout against South Gar- the players throughout the land a week prior—they night, making routine plays held Jesuit such as scoreless the center “It’s an exciting start for most to quarto a new season. I of the terback see another 57-53 in first half exchange before a major our future.” giving up ordeal.

- Brad Hunt 10 points Highland late in the Park had second quarter. They held five fumbles during the Rangers to 20 rushing the wet game, resulting in yards on 11 attempts. They two turnovers. were not perfect, though, Senior captain Jeff giving up 354 yards passing Johnson had a career day and surrendering 17 points with 7 catches for 187 yards total. and one touchdown. On On the other side of the other side of the field, the ball the offense rolled, senior receiver Taylor Goeposting 38 points to fol- bel caught two touchdowns low up its 45-point effort on five receptions for 64 against South Garland. Se- yards. nior quarterback Hayden Along with home Hawk connected on 15 of field advantage, the rain 29 passes for 300 yards and helped the Cowboys contwo touchdowns. Hawk tain the high-octane Scots also had an eight-yard run offense to only 20 points. for a touchdown.

Senior free safety Nic John“We love to win, but ston had a huge game with obviously [the game] wasn’t countless big hits and two mistake free and we need interceptions. to strive to have a perfect “We played really well

42-0 win over Weatherford Blake Seitz Sports Editor On homecoming, 2008, the Cowboys defeated Weatherford 49-6.

This year’s game on the Kangaroo’s turf held less importance than last year’s, without the garish display of mums and garters, but yielded a similar result: the Cowboys won, 42-0.

Senior quarterback Hayden Hawk, usually lethal from range, proved diverse against the Roos. His balls were mainly screens and short patterns across the middle, and the majority were on target: Hawk completed 29 of 36 passes (80%) for 364 yards.

Coppell’s defensive unit was without exception, forcing Weatherford into a one-dimensional offense— the Roos accumulated 139 yards of offense, none from the sky. Their quarterback, junior Mitchael Rucker, threw six times and was off the mark all six.

Coach Joe McBride explained the shutout in terms of the high expectations he has for his defense.

“That’s our standard,” McBride said. “We tell them we expect no points.”

page 24

the sidekick

September 2009