Volume 27 Issue 2

WE ARE CHS

PAGES 12-13

c o p p e l l s t u d e n t m e d i a . c o m Volume 27 | Issue 2 | November 2015

INSIDE Mental Health

Star Wars

Nathan Sims

Managing Editor Mallorie Munoz addresses mental illness and gun violence PAGE 8

With the film set to release in December, experience the trilogy with hardcore fans PAGE 16

Finding a good balance; Nathan Sims shows us how to excel in both running and academics PAGE 21

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

Teacher of the Issue

written by Lili Lomas Staff Writer

Clarke’s relationship with students brings sense of comfort to the classroom

Anatomy and chemistry teacher Stefanie Clarke has captured her students with her charismatic personality and hands off teaching style. She has become very special to them by not only helping them in the classroom but also by extending genuine care and friendship to each one of them.

After taking a five year break from teaching to raise her twin girls, Clarke is in her second year back at Coppell High School teaching several science classes.

Last year she had six periods of Biology and currently has three anatomy classes and one basic chemistry class.

Now that her children have started elementary school, Clarke is back to teaching, a job she was drawn to because of the rigor of Coppell Independent School District’s curriculum and because she finds it fitting for her social personality.

“I get to socialize all day,” Clarke said when asked what one of her favorite parts of her job is. She gets to direct her energy toward the education of students while photo by Alexandra Dalton sharing her bubbly personality with others.

Coppell High School Anatomy teacher Stefanie “She’s so peppy and she’s never in a bad Clarke goes over a assignment with her sixth mood,” CHS senior Nathan Ballard said period class on Oct. 27 at Coppell High School. about Clarke’s character. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in a bad mood.” It’s pretty All anatomy classes completed the annual pig much repeating what he just said, so you dissection the previous week and are continuing to can cut it out. finish the chapter.

Clarke stands out among teachers as she is always talking to her students and is

able to build meaningful relationships with them. She is known for offering helpful advice on personal problems just as a close friend would.

“You can just go to her with any problem even if it’s not school related and she’ll talk to you,“ junior Sage Smith said. “You just want to be her best friend.”

Indeed, many people, especially those who work with her the most, notice Clarke’s ability to relate to students and believe it is a big part of what makes her a great teacher.

“A lot of [her success] is her relationship with students,” Anatomy teacher Michelle McDowell said.

McDowell recognizes her colleague’s skills and how she is more than just about following one particular teaching style.

“She is extremely flexible and is able to adjust her teaching to the needs of her students,” McDowell said.

Clarke also describes her classroom as having a very laid back style that puts more responsibility on students to take hold of their learning. She believes every student’s situation is different so their education should be tailored to their own learning style.

“I’m there for support, but I want my class to be student lead,” Clarke said.

This sense of independence and comfortable relationship between student and teacher are the unique aspects of Clarke’s classroom environment and make Anatomy class meaningful.

Congratulations to the Teacher of the Issue, Stefanie Clarke.

City council member survives breast cancer

Hinjosa-Flores attains new outlook on life written by Thomas Rousseau Staff Writer Brianna Hinojosa-Flores, a mother of two, and a member of Coppell City Council, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2013.

Coming to terms with such a diagnosis can be difficult; however, Hinojosa-Flores is back to work at the City Council and shares her experience with other survivors and those facing the struggle.

“I had what’s called triple negative breast cancer, stage two, I had eight rounds of [chemotherapy] over 16 weeks and then because of how aggressive the type of breast cancer I had was, I chose to do a double mastectomy and reconstruction,” Flores said.

Triple negative breast cancer is unresponsive towards more precise drug therapies; it is brought about by a hereditary gene that, when mutated, is the cause for upwards of half of all breast cancers.

“The chemo affected my liver so I ended up having six surgeries over the last two years, and my last surgery was February of this year,” Flores said.

Chemotherapy is the use of specific

chemical agents or drugs that treat cancer by being harmful to the causative agent of the disease. The chemicals eventually circulate through the body and are metabolized by the liver. In Hinojosa-Flores’ case, some of the drugs used caused unintentional harm to her liver.

Hinojosa-Flores is now an ardent supporter of the Pink Soles in Motion, Coppell’s organization for fundraising and charitable actions for victims of cancer.

“I have done the three day walk which the Pink Soles in Motion have done. I did it in 2011 with some friends and I have done the Susan G. Komen events all my life just because I believe in the cause but I had no family history of breast cancer,” HinojosaFlores said. “I didn’t know anybody who had breast cancer, now I am part of that club.”

The struggle did not end for HinojosaFlores when the doctors found no signs of cancer, as many issues linger on for survivors. Side effects from long treatments range from weight gain to anxiety and fatigue.

“I considered myself a survivor from day one, I have always gone through this journey as a survivor,” Hinojosa-Flores said. “Having two young kids, I feel great

photo by Amanda

Hair

One of many breast cancer survivors, Brianna Hinojosa-Flores, gathered at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting in Coppell at City Hall, sharing the details of the Soles in Motion organization. October was declared Breast Cancer Awareness month by Coppell Mayor Karen Hunt. because I fought the fight not just for myself but really for them because I wanted to

see them grow up and I knew I needed to do whatever I needed to do.”

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

photo by Megan

written by Meara Isenberg Staff Writer @mearaannee When junior Nicole Rewerts returned to class after an off-campus lunch on Friday, Oct. 2, she found Coppell High School in disarray. Teachers were leaving class for unknown reasons, parents were trying to pick up their kids in the middle of class and there were whispers of a gun somewhere in the school.

The rumors and speculation that followed a tweet sent on Friday morning alluded to the false belief that there was a weapon on campus, prompting a school wide investigation.

Throughout the day, Rewerts learned more and more about what was going on from her Twitter feed and her classmates but found that the information she was receiving was not necessarily true.

“People didn’t know what was happening,” Rewerts said. “The fear of the unknown made things build off of each other and become bigger and bigger, it made people scared.”

The rumors didn’t stop there. False

statements were passed along to parents by their students or by other parents to fill in the gaps of what the students did not know for sure.

“Parents soon found out and the school was notified,” Rewerts said. “There was a whole panic because the school wasn’t confirming anything.”

One such parent was Kim Lucas, mom of a CHS freshman, who initially heard a story far from the truth.

“I got a call from another mother who said, ‘have you heard? There’s a gun at the high school and a bunch of kids are leaving,’” Lucas said.

Instead of jumping to conclusions, Lucas investigated further and learned that it was just a suspicion. She texted her son David to make sure he was still comfortable being at school.

“I was a little nervous and scared,” Lucas said. “Once I texted David, he’s pretty level-headed, I felt like if he thought it was safe, he was probably safe.”

Ms. Lucas decided to let him finish out the school day but kept receiving calls that day that would put any mother on edge.

“Some moms were saying that kids saw

the gun or someone took a picture of the kid with the gun,” Lucas said. “I thought if that was the case, they would identify him and find him.”

Meanwhile at the high school, the student parking lot was much busier than usual at 2 p.m. Rewerts did not decide to go home, though many of her friends left early.

“I think people had a reason to be scared with everything that happened in the Oregon college the day before,” Rewerts said. “School is like your safe place.

If something threatens that, I understand how people could feel scared, and I feel like they have every right to leave if they feel like they need to.”

Rewerts thinks if the school had informed students and parents of what was going on sooner, the rumors may not have been blown out of proportion to the extent that they were.

“The school kind of has the definite word and the reason this got so out of hand with people telling each other was because the school wasn’t saying anything and people didn’t know what was happening,” Rewerts said.

Winkle

CHS Principal Mike Jasso released an email statement regarding the events on Oct. 6, confirming the school was never able to substantiate the rumor that there was a weapon on campus.

The buzz surrounding the incident showed just how quickly false information can spread, however Mr. Jasso also recognizes the benefits of being connected.

“Many of you, your classmates and your peers, alerted [faculty and administration] as soon as you saw those [tweets],” Jasso said. “That’s how we became aware of it and of course that’s when we began to address it.”

One of the most important things Mr. Jasso wants students to understand is that they were never able to verify that there was a weapon on campus.

“Had we been any more worried about that, we would have gone into lockdown to further secure the campus and those kind of things,” Jasso said. “The key term is that we take it seriously. We talked to, I lost count of how many kids following up on this tweet... trying to not leave any stone unturned.”

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

RISING TO THE TOP Is academic pressure too intense for CHS students? written by Sakshi Venkatraman News Editor @oompapa1 As freshmen transition to sophomores and as sophomores transition to juniors, success-driven students increasingly begin to stand apart from the majority.

There are many facets that make up a modern day high school “success”. These include a high grade point average (and a subsequently high class rank), a good Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score and participation in clubs and extracurriculars. The pressure to balance these scholastic aspects along with friends, family and personal life leaves many students overwhelmed and begging the question: what sacrifices do I have to make to be an academic success story?

“The types and amounts of pressure [on students] have definitely increased,” Coppell High School Principal Mike Jasso said. “There tends to be a culture of competitiveness [at CHS] and that can be healthy. But when taken to an extreme, what happens sometimes to some of the kids here at the high school, is that they don’t lead a balanced lifestyle. They lose perspective on the importance of academics; there is also a need for social and emotional well being.”

Jasso said the pressures students experience today are much higher than the pressures on students “even five or 10 years ago”. In recent years, being an “A” student has become not just common, but it has become the norm amongst highly achieving students.

The GPA cutoff for that class of 2016’s top 10 percent remains at 5.40, according to Naviance Career and College Readiness Platform. There have also been record breaking numbers of students achieving the title of National Merit Finalist or Semifinalist, with 36 this year alone.

“We do have kids [at CHS] who choose to challenge themselves for very genuine and very good reasons by taking large numbers of Advanced Placement classes,” Jasso said. “Pressure, in and of itself, can be a positive thing when it is handled well. .”

Although working hard certainly bears fruits, students who aspire to graduate in the top of their class claim to be feeling the pressures of “making it big” academically.

“There is a lot of stress with homework,” top five percent junior Meghna Suresh said. “I feel like teachers are not even giving us any time between the all-nighters we pull. It’s like, you go to school, you go home, you start your homework right away and you are still pulling an all-nighter. If teachers give us lessons to do at home, and a project to do on top of that, how are we supposed to finish it all? Imagine that times seven. That’s our workload.”

Jasso encourages teachers to be mindful of this workload and guide students on their journey for a valuable, meaningful education. “[Teachers should] be mindful of the amount of work [they assign],” Jasso said. “As a principal I would say, let’s assign work that is meaningful and necessary versus busy work..”

Suresh describes her struggle to keep the balance between her core class work and her extracurricular activities, which include choir and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

“Choir is very intense,” Suresh said. “You have to perform your level best even if you have a test the next period. Extracurriculars totally put us to a standard; even though they should be relieving our stress, they are still adding to it.”

Suresh notes that another addition to the weight on stu-

dents’ shoulders is the grade-centric environment of high school, specifically CHS. “There are cliques at our school based solely on ranks,” Suresh said. “You are popular, among your group, if you have a high enough rank. You are looked at as almost godly; everyone respects you. If you [don’t], people treat you like crap.”

Although most of this affinity for higher ranking seems to be centered around the students, Suresh says that teachers contribute to the division as well.

“Some teachers are emphasizing grades more than learning and I feel like it should be the opposite,” Suresh said. “Students should want to come to school to learn the material, not to get a certain grade. ” From the multifaceted standpoint of grades, Suresh says parents play an extremely important role in the amount of pressure on their children.

“How do you pay back your parents for all they do for you?” Suresh said. “You pay them back by making them happy. How do you make your parents happy? By getting good grades. Their identity is based on their grades.”

Though the outlook of some students may be that reducing academic pressures, homework and course intensity may benefit the student body, teachers of these high intensity courses do not necessarily agree.

Advanced Placement U.S. History (APUSH) teacher Diane de Waal, for example, says that her class, being one of the most material intensive ones at the high school, prepares kids for what they will face in higher education and future jobs.

“I have taught for over 25 years and [high school] is much more intense now, I agree with that,” de Waal said.

“The sad part of that is that it leads people to make poor choices. I really do not know where that pressure comes from but it seems to bring out the worst in people.”

De Waal and her team of APUSH teachers rigorously plan the homework schedule to try and give students periods where they do not have the usually daily reading homework.

“I don’t think I would [make any changes to the [College Board material],” de Waal said. “You have to understand the scope of history from beginning to where we are now. The material is pretty condensed, if not too simplified.”

In 2007, de Waal’s daughter, Caitlin, graduated ranked No. 5 from CHS, so the former AP Human Geography teacher has had a firsthand taste of the high expectations from top students.

“For those who want to get to the top of society both economically and socially, you are going to have to work to get there,” de Waal said. “That is really the American mantra.”

Regardless of the workload, de Waal says that the collaboration and material learned in high school can translate to the rest of a student’s life, shaping their experience college and in future jobs.

“In [AP U.S. History], for example, it is really about who we are as Americans and the role that we play in the world,” de Waal said. “It is about training your brain to be who you want to be.”

As far as academic pressures are concerned, Jasso advises students to seek support of teachers, parents and counselors in their endeavors to rise to the top.

“Ultimately, [students] have to continue to reevaluate their situation to determine: is this goal still my goal and is it a worthy goal and I am willing to pay the price to reach that goal,” Jasso said. “That gets back to having a support system and involving parents in [academic] decisions.”

photo by Mallorie

Munoz

CLIMBING TO THE TOP 2016 GPA CUTOFF FOR TOP

IS

10% 5.40

2016 CLASS HAS (A RECORD BREAKING)

36

NATIONAL MERIT

FINALISTS OR SEMIFINALISTS

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

JFK AFTER 52 YEARS

Sills witnesses history on fateful day in Dallas

photo courtesy Thomas

photo by Alexandra

Dalton

written by Lina Pyon Staff Writer @linalinaapril In 1960 an American icon was voted into office and in three short years was fatally shot, here in Dallas.

On Nov. 22, 1963, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated in Dealey Plaza, in downtown Dallas after escaping four other assassination attempts during his presidency, and Coppell High School U.S. history teacher and coach Thomas Sills was present at the tragic event.

Kennedy was campaigning in Texas for two days to bring the Democratic party together. This was still a tense time for the Kennedys because their oldest son, Patrick Kennedy, had died on Aug. 9, 1963 a few days after birth. This made the Texas trip, which included stops in Houston and San Antonio before Dallas, the first long public appearance for first lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

Kennedy was a very different president from his predecessors. He brought a lot of radical new ideas and vision, but not all were well received by the American people, notably in the south. His vitality and youth, however, were very popular among many. “[I was] amazed at and pretty much infatuated with [Kennedy], even at 9 years old,” Sills said. “I loved history back then. The Kennedys, they were like the Camelots.”

Sills and his father were fervid supporters of Kennedy, and excited for his trip to Dallas. Having loved history as a child, Mr.

Sills

On Nov. 22 1963 Kennedy is making the turn at Main and Houston Street. Coppell High School U.S. History teacher and coach Thomas Sills and his father was present. His father is visible in the white cap beside the president’s car and Sills in just below him hidden from view.

Sills could not contain his animation.for Kennedy’s visit.

Being 9 at the time, he was restless, filled with eagerness for the appearance of the president. He saw people in windows, people in the streets, people behind, in front, all around him.

And that is when he and his father sensed something.

“Something was not right,” Sills said.

“Something was different.”

The multitude of people seemed normal to Sills, but his father thought otherwise.

“There’s not enough security here,” his father had said. “These people should not be able to hang out the windows and in a limo that doesn’t have any kind of protection on it.”

The situation turned downhill from there.

Sills and his father were standing across the reflecting pool between Elm Street and Houston Street. The presidential limo turned the corner where they were standing and entered Elm Street where the fatal shot was fired.

The idea of a gunshot seemed crazy so he and the other people around him were not frightened, until the second shot rang out which caused President Kennedy to fall over and a shocking reaction from Jacqueline Kennedy.

“Seeing his wife crawl up on the back [of the car]...at 9 years old I was thinking ‘what in the world is she doing?’” Mr. Sills said, “Well, she was actually [gathering] a piece of his brain. She was in shock, she thought he might need it later.”

Police were beginning to question people about what they heard or saw. The next deci-

sion that Sills’ father made was a very smart one for the safety of his life.

Sills’ father told him that he did not need to tell anyone that he was at the assassination until he was 18-years-old so that he could make his own decisions later on in life about what he experienced and not become a witness.

He kept that promise and he never broke it until he turned 18.

“I was scared to death,” Mr. Sills said.

With all the conspiracies surrounding who killed JFK and why, he did not want to let people know what he experienced, fearing the people who might not want that knowledge out.

Years later, the entire situation is still perplexing to him.

“I can’t read enough about it,” Sills said.

Looking back onto the day of the assassination, certains things have stuck out to him, especially the protocol. In addition to the crowd being allowed to be very close to Kennedy, official security was lacking also.

“The freakiest part for me was, before they made the turn they took all the security, the secret servicemen, off of his car, they were walking by his car,” Sills said.

Sills believes that this consolidated the conspiracies surrounding the CIA being connected to the death of John F. Kennedy.

Years later, his story has become more known. Sills is now an official member of the Oral History Collection at The Sixth Floor Museum which preserves the legacy of John F. Kennedy.

Sills being a United States History teacher and witnessing a huge event had history has

impacted the way he communicates and teaches his children.

“He was very knowledgable and had lot of passion about the subject... He left a very big impression on me,” former student Collett Skaggs said.

Skaggs had Sills as an U.S. history teacher during 2007-2008 even going on a class field trip to the JFK museum. Sills went through the museum with them giving them additional information since he was present during the assassination.

“It spurred up extra interest, it’s one of those events I’m more interested in than other events because of all of his knowledge and passion toward it and all that information he was able to give to us.” Skaggs said.

Sills’ personal experience affected Skaggs in a way she could never have learned in a traditional way.

“The event seems a lot more real too, it brought it to life instead of just being in a textbook.”

Skaggs is now a teacher at Denton Creek Elementary. Having a teacher with such an eventful past and being able to share that with his students has impacted the way she teaches today.

“I’m a teacher so it kinda shows me the importance of relating things and giving life experiences to help involve and create interest in my students to helping them more,” Skaggs said.

For the people that he has told about his story to, they will forever remember his special eye witness story. For Sills, he will always keep his memory with him and always remain a part of history.

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

EDITORIAL

Love and learn

High school relationships whether romantic or platonic are worth having High school teaches students many things about life, whether it is intentional curriculum or it is a byproduct of the student atmosphere.

Life changes a whole lot once you leave the halls of high school, although it depends on who you ask, and whatever you learned up until that point is all you have to work with. So it becomes important to not shy away from experiencing that which life has to offer.

Some will dig their head into their work and miss out on making the friends that could teach them just as much in the long term as their studies. Of course there is a moderation to everything, but sometimes it is who you know and what you know that makes the difference after you graduate.

Romantic relationships have their benefits, too. Again, moderation is key, but it could give

valuable experiences that could help later on down the line. It can be hard to determine whether a relationship is detrimental or not immediately, but more often than not they can be experiences that help someone grow as a person. Learning how to take into account another person can change the way you think, and how you view relationships as being a giveand-take.

Even though a vast majority of high school relationships will not end as happily ever after, they seek to teach individuals about what works and what does not.

The predominant goal in high school is to be prepared for life afterwards, but life afterwards is not just paperwork and class periods.

There are friends, families and relationships that can make all the difference.

Ever yone should go at their own pace with what they decide to do with friends, or those they see as more.

At the end of the day, it is what the individual is comfortable with. The possibility that something could end badly is hardly a reason to not give these types of things a shot.

These experiences only prove to be helpful later on in life. After you graduate from college, employers will not be looking for the candidate with the highest GPA, but the candidate who knows how to deal with people. Learning this early on in high school is crucial, and having romantic and friendly relationships with others is extremely helpful.

This is not to say that you have to have a boyfriend or girlfriend in high school to succeed; it is

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Adviser

Managing Editor

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

Chase Wofford Rachel Buigas-Lopez

Mallorie Munoz

Joseph Krum

The Sidekick is the student newspaper for Coppell High School and is published six times per school year.

Webmaster and Graphics Editor

The newspaper is a member of National Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Interscholastic League Press Conference.

Managing Editor

Sloane Samberson

EDITORIAL LEADERSHIP News Editor

Student Life Editor

Editorial Page Editor

Sports Editor

Sakshi Venkatraman Emma Cummins

Amy Roh

Manu Garikipati

Marcus Krum

The editorials and columns presented in this paper reflect the views of their student writers and not Coppell High Schoool or Coppell Independent School District.

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP Communications Manager

Shannon Morgan

STAFF WRITERS

T.J. Andres Gracie Blackwell Victor Carrasco Eric Cashimere Pranathi Chitta Avery Davis Favor Emenyi Aisha Espinosa Valeria Gil de Leyva Elena Gillis

PHOTOGRAPHERS Chelsea Banks Sruthi Boppuri Ale Ceniceros Alexandra Dalton Riley Galloway

DESIGNERS

Austin Banzon

much more than that. Just going on a date or two can expose you to a world unknown, even if you may not choose to jump into that world until college. Even then, simply having friendships with different types of people, and opposite genders, can improve your ability to transfer into the real world and do so smoothly.

Sure, it might not end well.

Sure, it might hurt. However, with the right mindset, you can only end up stronger. As clichĂŠ as it sounds, go and give it a shot. Because as long as you are careful, there is not much to worry about.

High school is when all teens are cutting their proverbial teeth on the dating game and the social game, so do not be afraid to give it your best go. Ending up cynical and jaded is no way to enter the real world, if you end up failing a time or two, welcome to the club along with everyone else.

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The Sidekick welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters can be emailed to cwofford@ coppellisd.com or delivered to the D115 newsroom at Coppell High School. A current email address and first and last name for the writer must be included for the letter to be considered for publication.

Contact The Sidekick: 214-496-6239 cwofford@coppellisd.com 185 W. Parkway Coppell, TX 75019

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

Watching vs. playing a

and most importantly attending games, it wouldn’t be nearly as successful as it is now.

No one cares or knows more about a team than loyal fans. Whether someone plays the sport or not is irrelevant to how much they support and understand it as a fan.

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anu Gari kip

ati

A majority of students at Coppell High School attend football games or participate in the game by some means every Friday night in the fall and be effective fans, without having any prior background playing football. Not everyone is athletically talented or gifted enough to play a sport, even if they truly enjoy the sport.

Fans are necessary to sports team’s revenues. Without the NFL’s millions of dedicated fans purchasing merchandise every season, creating fantasy leagues

grap

written by Kelly Monaghan Staff Writer @kellyymonaghan “Did you hear about Oscar’s amazing goal in the first half of the Chelsea vs. Manchester City game?”

“What do you know?

You don’t even play soccer.”

If you’ve ever fielded a comment like this one, you are not alone.

All throughout my childhood, I’d had little to no interest in soccer despite my dad and brother’s attempts to show me the sport. I even remember being put into a soccer camp as a toddler and crying enough to get picked up early.

But it was not easy to avoid the sport when I was constantly attending my brother’s soccer games and hearing my family’s conversations about it. So I picked up information about it here and there but only about enough to get me through watching the World Cup every four years.

Then the summer before my freshman year, NBC Sports started airing the Barclays Premier League, which is England’s (or arguably the world’s) most competitive soccer league. This may not seem that interesting but it was a big step in increasing the popularity of the soccer all over America, since unlike most of the world it’s not the dominant sport.

My dad introduced me to all 20 of the different teams and some top players and day by day I learned to like it more. I realized there’s a lot more to watching a sport than just knowing a few people on the best teams.

And now, two years after my initial introduction to soccer, I consider myself very knowledgeable. I know the team dynamics, managers and stadiums of over twenty teams. I even have the discipline to wake up at 6 a.m. some mornings to watch games (because of the time difference with England).

Why music shaming needs to be stopped

written by Aisha Espinosa Staff Writer @aishaespinosa1

graphic by Manu

Garikipati

Most people have a favorite song, or a favorite artist. Whether it be some song on the Billboard Top 40, or by an obscure artist that only a handful of people know, people have lyrics they connect to, or songs that they have stuck on permanent repeat.

But, we as a society have let a new type of judging become more prevalent - music shaming. In short, it is the act of criticizing someone for having a different taste in music.

People have always had music tastes that differ from what is popular. No two people are going to like the exact same types of music, just like no two people agree on every little thing. And while some people chalk it up to teenagers being teenagers, music shaming goes a little deeper.

It criticizes people for liking their favorite band or artist - in essence, the music that sounds good to their ears. Our favorite choices stem from what sounds and lyrics we connect with the most, making music an inherently personal thing. Music pat-

terns that appeal to us are not necessarily a choice that we make. According to an article by The Guardian, we like music based on dissonance levels and chords in a song.

We also connect to lyrics - one line may take us back to a really good childhood memory, or a night out with friends that left us feeling invincible.

Because music is so personal, being judged for taste in music has a little more sting. I have been on the receiving end of more than a few “oh you listen to them?” or “who even listens to them?” comments.

Hearing your favorite artist insulted in front of you, or having stereotypes made about you because you listen to a certain band leaves you feeling low.

Music shaming is juvenile, hurtful, and overall, pointless. It does nothing but create points of dislike between people, when music itself is such a powerful connector.

Sharing a mutual love for NEEDTOBREATHE let me connect with a couple of college students at the last concert I attended. My best friend’s roommate and I forged a new friendship because we love the same artist, and have supported her from the beginning of her career.

So the next time you ask someone what music they like, curb your initial reaction and take the time to actually listen to a song or two before you judge. Who knows?

Maybe you’ll make a new friend, or find a new favorite artist to add to your playlist.

THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

Mental health in the United States to be underfunded and underrepresented

written by Mallorie Munoz Managing Editor @munoz_mallorie “Do we need to do a better job in mental health?” former governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee said in wake of the Umpqua Community College shooting. “You bet we do.”

As a society, we tend to blame mental illness every time a mass shooting takes place. There is a trend in politicians responding to tragedies with a mental health call-to-action. Unfortunately, mental health has become increasingly popular to discourse, but do nothing about.

“We have to do our very best to find them [someone with a serious psychiatric condition] and cure them and help them,” former governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney said.

Considering the present conditions, I would hope that this is not our “very best.”

Today, there are more people with mental illness living in nursing homes, prisons or complete homelessness, than there are in mental institutions. To be exact, there are 10 times as many people diagnosed as mentally ill sent to jail than to institutions created for the sole purpose of improving mental health. This is true because of the way we handle, or really, do not handle, mental illness.

The first step in improving mental

health care conditions is to get people talking about mental illness in the first place.

Too many are unaware of the 61.5 million adults affected by mental illness. Unfortunately, it appears to take a tragedy to spark the conversation.

The second step is simple education. It is natural as humans to leave the

problems of anyone but ourselves unconsidered.

“We are living in a system that rewards self-interest,” Coppell High School AP Psychology and economics teacher Jared Stansel said.

Despite this accustomed state of selfishness, it is imperative that mental health is acknowledged, respected and improved by society.

Part of the reason mental health is not often discussed, is be-

graphic by Manu

Garikipati

cause it is often portrayed as dangerous and deadly by the media. It is the politicians that are looked to every time an event such as a mass shooting take place, and it is the media that provides a platform for them.

If everyone, including said politicians, were better educated on the topic, perhaps it would be accepted that violence is arbitrary, as dismal as it may be, and that the population of those diagnosed are ordinary people that need help.

The third step is to allocate more public funds for mental health care. The reason so many people with psychiatric conditions reside in various inappropriate places is because of the fact there is nowhere else to go. So many cuts have been made in mental health care.

So many patients have been kicked out, billed more, or most commonly, never admitted in the first place. Nearly 60 percent of adults diagnosed with a mental illness went untreated in 2011. This is not because they simply chose not to, but is because treatment is unaffordable for so many.

Budget cuts consistently have robbed from the mental health care system, to the point that there is not much left to take. When over half of those in need of care are left in the dark, suicide rates rise drastically, and the few homicides that are committed by someone mentally ill rise as well.

“Try to take someone with schizophrenia, who may think that everybody is trying to kill him, and then you let him out on the streets, with people who do not know his condition, you can imagine what might happen,” Stansel said.

This is one of the reasons is imperative the conditions of mental health care improve. Patients are being denied and kicked out of the few functional institutions that exist because they do not have the funds for it. Refusing people that genuinely need help and treatment is dangerous and inhumane.

In order to improve the state of mental health, the public must be aware of the ongoing problems faced by those with a mental condition.

THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

Grades over learning

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Cheating in high school caused by apathy towards education system

written by Sakshi Venkatraman News Editor @oompapa1 “Cheaters never prosper.” It is an ageold adage that most of us were brought up with since kindergarten.

However, experiencing high school in one of the most academically challenging districts in the state of Texas, many students are discovering that the proverbial phrase might not hold much meaning anymore. Cheating has become a livelihood for students of all grade levels and a method for making the grade without taking time to learn the information.

But what leaves many teachers confused is that it is no longer the lazy, undedicated learners who cheat out of apathy. It is, in fact, the opposite, as the modern era has given rise to a new breed of cheater: the overly-dedicated, hardworking one who will do anything and mow down anyone to achieve his desired grade.

My advice to anyone looking for the root of the problem: stop, reevaluate, forget everything you think you know. The classic approaches to “getting around the system”subtle peeks to the left and right, a piece of paper taped to a shoe, answers written on an arm - are long dead. Students need only know the right people and they can walk into any test knowing all the answers in order, plus how to show adequate work for each problem.

It is a desperate shade of grey, one that cannot be overcome by any one person.

There is questions society must ask itself again: Why do kids cheat?

photo by Alejandra

It is clear that laziness is not the only factor in any of these situations. What is indubitable is that the body of learners who engage in this black market care about every aspect of school except the education part of it. Education is in the back seat of the car being driven by grade point average and class rank. It is plain and simple: students who cheat do not care a b o u t learning anymore.

Learning nowadays feels more about speed than about actually educating ourselves. When I go home every evening, I hardly worry about the materi-

Gomez

al I am studying but I worry relentlessly about how much time it will take me to do it and how long I will have to stay up to get all my homework done.

Competition is fierce and I can say from experience that many teachers do not understand the half of it. Work, upon

work, upon work creates an environment in which dedicated students who want to be successful have to sacrifice most of their time and life to schoolwork and homework.

I spend more hours working in a day than my mom does. The only difference is, I get paid in GPA points, not in cash.

This is in no way using pressure to justify cheating, just to provide a new perspective to adults who have the misconception that all cheaters are immoral people who conspire to tear down their classmates’ to push themselves up.

Although I have no doubt there are some people like that, most cheating arises from a place of utter desperation. When it is 2 a.m. on a Monday night, you are barraged with homework and feel like you have not slept in days, studying for a test is most likely the last thing on your mind.

The best people can make the worst choices when they feel they have no other option.

Another thing to keep in mind: cheating breeds more cheating. Because of academic pressures, students feel that if others are getting answers, they should too, so as to not be at a disadvantage when it comes to a curve on the test or a certain question that is harder than the others. The scramble to get the answers may come from students who feel the subject matter was not taught properly or fully. Feeling weak on a topic is just another stimulus to use other means to get through the test or quiz.

Cheating is not justifiable and students are aware of that just the same as they were five or ten years ago. Higher standards for success and lower care for education creates an aura of apathy towards the rules. What starts as cheating may bloom and grow into a distance from the true objective of education: learning.

When choosing between sleep, grades and moral standing, many students have made their choice.

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

Xiong chess talent shines, earns respect of experienced players written by Sakshi Venkatraman News Editor @oompapa1 At the young age of 14, Coppell resident Jeffery Xiong is already making his mark in the world of chess.

In July, Xiong’s application to excel to Grandmaster status was approved by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) after he placed second in the U.S. Junior Closed Championship chess tournament on July 15 in St. Louis, Missouri.

This makes him the second youngest Grandmaster in the world and the first Grandmaster from Texas in 30 years.

One of the turning points in Xiong’s career was his performance at the Chicago Open in May. “I did not have a good start,” Xiong said.

“But I kept fighting and never gave up and I finished strong.”

The next big moment for him was the Closed Championships, hosted by the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis. It is an annual invitation-only event for the 10 best players in the nation under the age of 20. Held from July 6 to16, it was Xiong’s fourth time participating. The first time he was chosen in 2012, he was only 11, making him the youngest player ever to be chosen.

Xiong was ranked first in the tournament draw, but lost to the second rank, 15-year-old Akshat Chandra, because of an intense, highly anticipated round seven match that ultimately ended in a draw. The drawn match put Jeffery behind Chandra and ultimately cost him the championship title.

“I would say I did not handle the pressure well, it was very intense,” Xiong said.

“I played some good moves and was able to build a strong advantage; I thought I found a killer plan to win it decisively, but I had missed his defensive resource. Because of that, I was not able to win the game.”

Although disappointed by the unexpected loss, Xiong managed to learn from his mistakes and take away positives from the competition.

“Lots of lessons have been learned,” Xiong said. “Like mental toughness and don’t celebrate too early. I have also enjoyed my friendship with other players. We are rivals, but we are also good friends.”

Homeschooled now, Xiong has been playing chess since he was five, when his photo courtesy Austin

Fuller

father introduced him to it. Because of his talents, he has already been awarded a fouryear scholarship to the University of Texas at Dallas, with the chance to compete for their accomplished chess team.

“It has been amazing to see how this sport has helped him to grow his intelligence, his character, his discipline and his strong desire to be a winner,” Jeffery’s father Wayne Xiong said. “He certainly has lost a lot of games during these years, but he has been able to stand up stronger every time, he takes it as a learning and growing opportunity. I believe this will build him into a winner in life, regardless what he does.”

In 2010, Xiong represented the United States at the Word Youth Chess Championships and won co-champion in the under-10 division. He describes this as one of his favorite moments in his career. This victory also earned him the mentorship of Garry Kasparov, Russian Grandmaster and former World Chess Champion.

“He is the best chess player in the history of humankind,” Xiong said. “It has been incredible for me to learn from him.”

Although Xiong travels frequently across the country with his father to participate in chess tournaments, he is backed by the support of his family back home in Coppell.

“I don’t see his him as often as I did before [he began traveling],” Jeffrey’s sister and Coppell High School junior Meryl Xiong said. “We used to hang out a lot, but now he spends a lot of time working on his chess, which is admirable. If he wants to do this seriously he needs to put in the time and spending all that time is not a burden for him. He never gets tired of chess. I’m very proud of him.”

Xiong’s long term goals include representing the United States at the World Chess Olympiad and winning many gold medals.

“I am just a kid and I am focusing more on my further development,” Xiong said. “It is clear that I have a long way to go to become a top player in the world.”

To watch Xiong’s round seven match at the Closed Championships, scan here

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

Haas, Gonzales give fresh interface for tutoring

written by Aisha Espinosa Staff Writer @aishaespinosa1 When Daniel Gonzalez and Harrison Haas met, they had no idea that a simple desire for a job would lead to owning a company. Both seniors at Coppell High School, Gonzalez and Haas have taken a new spin on tutoring.

The idea evolved when Gonzalez and Haas were discussing possible jobs. When Haas expressed an interest in tutoring for a company like Gideon or Kumon, Gonzales suggested something else.

“I said ‘why not just make one?’” Gonzales said. “I used to live in Florida, and I used to tutor for a company that was pretty similar.”

The pair took the idea and ran with it, eventually creating TutorMe Texas, a student-run tutoring company that caters to the Coppell/Valley Ranch/Grapevine area.

The name was designed to be short, and memorable.

“I’ve heard the businesses work if they have a simple name,” Haas said. “Texas is for local, and TutorMe is for the service provided. It’s easy to remember.”

Gonzalez and Haas have been running their company for four months, and have 15 student tutors, consisting of juniors and seniors at CHS. To become a tutor for the company, students must go through a rig-

orous interview and application process, and list standardized testing scores and their grade point average.

“Basically, they have to be well-rounded people who aren’t just going to be there sitting down and showing you how to do a problem,” Gonzalez said. “They have to make sure you understand it make sure you know what you’re doing and make you feel like you’re going to be successful in your studies.”

In addition to a good academic record, Haas said that they also have to be social, beyond the skills it takes to teach another student how to write a passage or how to solve a statistics problem. They match tutors to students based on subjects.

“It’s really cool because it’s all really flexible,” CHS senior tutor Giselle Peng said.

“It’s up to you to decide when you’re doing it, and it’s pretty independent on the tutor’s part. And you get paid pretty well.”

One tutoring session costs between $25 and $45, depending on the length of the session. Students have a choice between recurring one hour, one and a half hour, and two hour sessions. Individual sessions can be booked, but an additional fee of $3 will be charged.

Though Haas and Gonzalez are seniors, they are planning to continue their company beyond high school graduation.

Depending on which colleges they attend, the two have to figure out new system of

management.

“We’re planning on not willing it down, but having a junior now that works with us maybe take over the managership for a while, or maybe figure out a way to manage it from college,” Haas said. “There is plan to continue, but we’re just not sure how yet.”

For now, the two seniors are focusing on balancing business management and the workload with senior year. The most important thing they have to do is divide time.

“Sometimes that means not being able to study for a test, because you have to an-

swer phone calls or schedule something,” Gonzalez said. “Once you get used to it, you kind of know how to divide your time, because you want to see your company grow and be successful.”

To learn more about TutorMe Texas’ services, scan here

Mallorie Munoz Coppell High School seniors Harrison Haas and Daniel Gonzales work individually in AP Economics teacher Miranda Portteus’ class on Oct. 30. Haas and Gonzales founded TutorMe Texas, a company that employs CHS students as tutors for students in Coppell. photo by

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LAUGE PEDERSEN | SENIOR | DENMARK

The culture in Denmark is a lot more laid back. There is a lot less formal stuff, but we also have a lot more responsibility as kids.

We are forced to grow up quickly. In the United States, people are forced to be teenagers. In Denmark you would have your son in the first grade bike to school by themselves, that’s common to do.

Americans listen to a lot of national and state, when you hear about something in Washington, you worry about it in Texas. People think that that happens everywhere. When I was a kid, I would bike to school, bike home. I wouldn’t be in contact with my mom until I was home. After, I would have after school activities, I would go home. I didn’t have a lot of contact with my parents, I would just go. When I was 8 or 9 and I got bored I would just walk out of my home. My family tries to be as Danish as we possibly can. We focus a lot on maintaining trust, a lot of kids get tracked because their parents don’t trust them. Me and my parents focus a lot on having faith and trust in one another, they treat me as an adult. At some point they have to treat you like an adult.

NESMA HASSAN | SENIOR

When you think of Egypt, thin falafel come to mind, but it’s Egyptians presented the wor culture and heritage: things li Other than being Egyptian, I’m hijab (head scarf) is a big pa to Coppell High School every represents a lifestyle. It does many people think of it. My h of my religion and beliefs. I h present myself and my religi clear misconceptions and sh with the hijab (head scarf) an become such a melting pot o and families. That’s what I lo

Information from: coppelltx.gov

ORIGINS

E T I N U

COPPELL

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Melting pot environment diversifies community, brings new perspectives

BY SLOANE SAMBERSON, MANAGING EDITOR, @SLOANESAMBERSON Australian Muslim writer Randa Abdel-Fattah once said, “We are, at almost every point of our day, immersed in cultural diversity: faces, clothes, smells, attitudes, values, traditions, behaviours, beliefs, rituals.” No matter where you live, whether in the United States or across the globe in the eastern hemisphere, AbdelFattah’s statement holds truth. Cultural diversity is ubiquitous.

Just walking through the halls of Coppell High School, you are immersed into a mixing pot of different races, cultures and religions - even more so when at a community event. With nearly 40,000 people living in the Coppell, each member has their own roots, their own beliefs, their own story.

Many Coppellians have come from great distances, having to adapt to southern culture, but still remember and appreciate their roots in their day to day life.

Everyone has an identity, this identity being influenced by where and how they grew up.

In appreciation of cultural diversity in Coppell, six CHS seniors from around the world discuss the differences and similarities of where they grew up in comparison to Coppell, resolve cultural misconceptions and express how they incorporate their origins into southern culture.

AISHA KHAN | SENIOR | PAKISTAN

I think it’s very close knit and people don’t understand that a lot of stuff that’s culturally acceptable there, is not culturally acceptable here. But it makes sense because of their surroundings. Like even though not all girls cover [themselves] because the government doesn’t force them, for their environment ,it’s understandable why they always have to cover rather than here where they ask why you have to cover. My favorite part about [Pakistan] is the food. I’m one of those people that loves buying everything fresh, so I like that you can go to the market every day and buy the food every day that’s new. That’s why the food there is so fresh which I really like. Even the milk [in Pakistan] tastes better than milk here, because milk here is so processed.

JENNA SONG | SENIOR | KOREA

The thing about Korea is that it has such a big entertainment culture like Kpop and Kdramas, and I think that really brings everyone together. It even brings other cultures, too. Since it brings people together. Other cultures like it, and it’s like Korean culture connects everyone in a way. Another thing I think is different is that [growing up], my parents really valued respect than other cultures.

My parents were really big on respecting your elders and there are specific manners you have to follow that kind of follows that Korean culture. The last thing would be the food. In America, you only have to have a meal, right? But for Koreans, you have to have the side toppings, and the rice and then you have to have the banchan, which are the Korean side dishes, too. So you get a little bit of everything.

R | EGYPT

ngs like Pharaohs, hummus, and s much more than that. Ancient rld with thousands of years of ike paper and the pyramids. m also a practicing Muslim. My art of my life that I bring with me yday. This simple piece of fabric s not represent oppression as hijab is a walking representation hope that through the way I ion, I can help promote dialogue, hatter stereotypes associated nd Islam in general. Coppell has of a diverse group of individuals ove about living here.

SANSKRITI AGARAWAL | SENIOR | INDIA

Mumbai is like the New York of India, it is very very crowded and no one cares about what you are doing.

Everyone is into their own life all the time. It is very different there because people somehow seem to be culturally bound, but they do not have the same culture. Like New York, everyone is not born in Mumbai, I was not born in Mumbai. A lot of people are from South India where they have 50 different cultures and some are from the very north with the mountain culture, from the west you have Bengali.

It is like a cultural hub for everyone; if you compare it to New York, not really, but if you compare it to Texas yes. The houses here are big, the people here are spacious, they have a lot of space. Everything is grand.

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

SOME SELL HAMBURGERS SOME SELL KNIVES Working for Vector Marketing is not your conventional high school job written by Sloane Samberson Managing Editor @SloaneSamberson For Coppell High School seniors Corey Sparrow, Tristan Maher and Nicolas Brigis, going to work looks a lot different than the “typical” high school job.

No aprons, roller skates, name tags or visors. Rather, button down shirts, ties, a set of high-quality knives and in hand, a blue binder labeled with the word: “Cutco”.

Vector Marketing is a single-level direct sales company that sells Cutco Cutlery. Cutco, which is based out of Olean, N.Y., is the largest manufacturer of kitchen cutlery in the United States.

What attracts students to work with Vector Marketing is the flexible schedule, weekly pay and gaining sales experience. According to the Vector Marketing website, 85 percent of sales representatives are students.

Like any job, potential employees have to go through an interviewing process, but what differs at Vector Marketing is that potential sales representatives have to go through an intense training program.

“In the training program [sales rep-

resentatives] receive extensive training on goal setting, time management, selling, personal development and communication skills,” Lewisville, Mid-Cities and Sherman senior district manager Michael Dobson said. “Reps go through the same training that marking classes do at universities like Purdue and Illinois State. The goal of training is to develop skills for life while learning how to sell Cutco.”

For Maher, Vector Marketing found him, rather than him finding Vector Marketing.

“I was recommended for the job by someone I went to school with when I went to [New Tech High@Coppell],” Maher said. “To be honest, I was not attracted to the job, even during the interview and training, I thought it was super weird, but I also thought there could be valuable lessons learned. I went in with the mindset of trying it out for two weeks, now seven months later I am so glad I stayed with it.”

As far as day to day job activity, representatives prospect a market: anybody who is married, over 30-years-old and owns a home. They role play and use a script on how to contact people through phone calls or text messages to

see if they would be interested in seeing a demonstration.

“On the actual appointment they would demonstrate and explain the Cutco products, starting with creating a need, developing credibility, explaining features and benefits, then dropping down or closing a sale,” Dobson said.

“We call this ‘shopping with a customer’ once they are interested.”

Sales representatives are in charge of their own schedule; meaning that they can work as much as they want or as little as they want.

“Working for Vector Marketing is unlike a normal high school job because you aren’t paid a minimum wage salary per hour, you are paid for how much and how hard you work which makes you more motivated to work,” Sparrow said.

With that being so, sales representatives make a lot more money than if they worked a minimum wage job. For each demo completed representatives make a $15 base pay. If a representative makes a sale, they can make 10, 15, 20, 25 and up to 30 percent off of how much they sell.

“When I worked at a golf course, if I made $400 in two weeks, I thought that was so much money,” Maher said.

“But over the summer, if I made that

in a week with Vector Marketing, I was bummed.”

The students gain many skills while working at Vector Marketing. Sales representatives develop communication, business, networking, goal setting and time management skills.

“With the development of these skills I have pushed myself in every way and have redefined what I am capable of and what I want to do in life,” Brigis said.

“Before working with Vector Marketing I didn’t know where I wanted to go to college, or what I wanted to do once I found a college. Now I know I want to go to UNT Denton for a six year masters in BCIS/Business.”

For Dobson, who has been a district manager for nearly 10 years, has seen Vector Marketing change hundreds of kids’ lives due to the real world skills they gain.

“It is not peer based motivation, it’s more positive success speaking, how can we help influence these kids lives, how can we make them better,” Dobson said. “It’s not a boss-employee mentality rather a partner mentality. The more we help them grow as a person, the more they are going to sell accidentally just because the product Cutco sells itself.” photo courtesy Michael

Dobson

Sales representatives and managers gather at the Lew 1.2, the Lewisville’s branch of Vector Marketing, for the weekly team meeting. Lewisville, Mid-Cities and Sherman district manager Michael Dobson conducts the meeting in which he gives tips and instructions on how to successfully sell Cutco knives, as well as recognizes and hands out awards to representatives who sold a commendable amount of knives the previous week.

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november 2015

CHS senior and sophomore dance to an ethnic rhythm to connect with heritage written by Amy Roh Student Life Editor @rohmyboat As the sounds of drums and guitar echo off the walls, Coppell High School senior Ko’a Moe dances to the beat in her floweradorned skirt. Her ankle tattoo of arrowheads, the traditional malu symbol, and hibiscus flashes underneath the colorful fabric.

“Whakarongo ki ke tangi ote koremakoe ki te tangi au mere i kurangi ki runga i te ru ote waka taki timu,” the makeshift band sings the traditional Maori song.

Moe, who is Samoan, is a hula dancer.

Ever since she was 6 years old, Moe has been familiar with Polynesian dance, and now dances regularly for reasons both cultural and personal.

Moe first began dancing because of her mother who wanted to instill cultural customs in her children. But after moving from Washington and other various states, the family found it difficult to stay in touch with its cultural roots due to the small Polynesian demographic.

“I wanted them to get back into their culture because in Coppell there’s no Polynesian culture, other than what I give now, but

photos by Amanda

Hair

At the Euless Family Life Center, Coppell High School sophomore Keke Moe practices an upbeat Polynesian dance on Oct. 24.

Moe is involved in the male warrior style of Polynesian dancing, and has been for years.

that’s not enough,” Koa’s mother Moa Moe said. “They used to dance when they were little but as they grew older, they got away from it when we were living in places that had no cultural influence.”

Pacific Islanders make up 0.2 percent of the U.S. population, which makes it the lowest demographic in the country. Finding cultural communities is a difficult feat in itself.

However, the family found a Polynesian dance group based in Euless called A Touch of Paradise when they performed at oldest brother Roger Moe’s graduation.

As if it were fate, Mrs. Moe recognized that one of them in the group was an old friend.

“I found this group and it just so happened to be with someone I knew from years ago,” Mrs. Moe said. “I really want them to get involved with this group and they told me about [A Touch of Paradise]. So it’s been about a year now since then.”

Moe then began practicing with A Touch of Paradise, which opened a whole new set of challenges.

“When I started back up after taking so many years off, I really struggled with the Tahitian because my hips didn’t quite get the movement but it’s one of those things where when you get it, you have it,” Moe said. “You just have to make it go faster or slower and control it better.”

Moe has been dancing officially with A Touch of Paradise for a year, and has performed in various locations. Notably, at the Texas State Fair last year, which was a pinnacle in her dancing performance.

Not only was it meaningful in scale, but also another way to spread Polynesian culture.

“It was cool because I’ve never actually performed in such an open area where people could just walk by and be like, ‘Oh! Hula dancing, that’s cool!’, because Texas doesn’t really have that,” Moe said. Moe also performs with her younger brother KK Moe, who became involved with it about the same time as Moe. “I wanted to do it because my [older] brother did it for his graduation and I was like, ‘[Wow] I really want to do that,’” KK said. “It’s cool because [other performers] are brother and sisters too, so it’s like family here.”

Many might assume that Polynesian dancing is simply “doing the hula”, similar to the dancing portrayed in popular media.

However, there is much more to the dances than just a simple shake of the hips.

“You always have to stay bent and you have to move your knees for your hips to actually move,” Moe said. “You also have to keep your upper body relaxed and it’s just your hips that are moving.”

Not only that, but there are unique versions according to certain Polynesian countries.

Under the umbrella of Polynesian dance, there is Tongan, Tahitian, Maori, Hawaiian and Samoan.

“Tahitian is more of the grass skirts and shaking of the hips,” Moe said. “That’s the one that has all of the hip movement and is very mechanical. With Hawaiian dancing, you’re telling a story. I think it’s prettier. It’s slow and drags on. Then there’s Samoan dancing, which is the sasa [for girls], and a slap dance[ for boys]. The guys do the haka, and that’s like a Maori warrior dance.”

Although hula dancing is a normal activity for Moe, it

is rare to see practice between regular American students. When CHS senior and close friend Thomas Du found out, he was surprised to say the least.

“I [said], ‘Dude, that’s really cool,’ and I asked her to show me,” Du said. “I tried it myself and totally failed. Apparently you’re supposed to keep your feet together and shake your hips. You have to be so flexible, it’s ridiculous.”

Moe often performs during luaus, special events and even graduations, all of which require hours of hard practice. Add on schoolwork, wrestling and acapella juggling them all can become stressful.

“It’s annoying being so sore from wrestling and then I’m in here and they’re telling me to bend my knees lower and have my arms straighter,” Moe said. “Once [wrestling season] starts, it gets a little hectic but I try to do this so I don’t lose it.

However, the importance of staying rooted in her heritage has kept Moe from giving up.

“I like that it’s a cultural thing, because I think a lot of places, especially Hawaii, is losing its culture but because of hula dancing and luaus, [it’s] helping it keep its culture,” Moe said. “It’s cool because I’m Samoan so I know the dance of my people. It’s more for the cultural aspect, for sure.”

Hula dancing has also helped to develop other parts of Moe’s life that go beyond cul-

tural identity.

“Dancing is always advantageous and beneficial to the student in terms of growth, self awareness, confidence and socializing,” A Touch of Paradise dance instructor Fran Galeaí said. “In these areas I have seen [Moe] grow.

There is still so much to learn about the Polynesian dance, and performing it is possibly the best way to spread this knowledge, both for Moe, and fellow performers.

“We do all of the dances instead of just hula, because there’s more to the Polynesian dance than just hula,” fellow dancer Amalani Latu said. “I love how we get our audience to see that. With technology, culture’s kind of going away but we still keep the traditions alive.”

photos by Amanda

Hair

Coppell High School senior Ko’a Moe performs one of her many dances influenced

by Polynesian culture at the Family Euless Life Center on Oct. 24. Moe has been connected with Polynesian dancing along wil hula dancing since she was a child.

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THE SIDEKICK

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november 2015

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Loyal fans anticipate return of sci fi saga written by Kelly Monaghan Staff Photographer @kellyymonaghan Coppell High School English teacher Zach Sherman stood up at his brother’s wedding as he prepared to give his best man’s speech. Instead of an expected poignant story, he began speaking about his childhood memories with his brother regarding Star Wars.

“Han Solo and Chewbacca were our favorite characters growing up,” Sherman said. “The theme of [my best man’s speech] was using that as an extended metaphor for our relationship.”

Star Wars is arguably one of the most successful movie franchises. After six films, a spin off, and a few television series, the love for the story spans many generations. The space epic is set “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away,” and follows the journeys of several characters as they adventure through space.

The original Star Wars film was released in 1977. The success of the initial George Lucas film resulted in two sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, finishing off the trilogy.

The massive popularity of the franchise led to a prequel trilogy being released between 1999-2005. However, as the case with many revivals, for fans of the original series, these prequels did not quite compare to their predecessors.

In 2012, Disney bought the rights for the Star Wars as well as the Indiana Jones franchises from Lucasfilm. After this, the production for the first movie in the third sequel series was announced.

“My first reaction was, ‘awesome,’ and then that was followed by trepidation of, ‘please don’t be as bad as Attack of the Clones and The Phantom Menace,” CHS English teacher William Visco said.

Many actors, such as Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, from the original series are returning for the new film, but trailers also introduce new faces and characters, without actually revealing much of the plot.

Another new change will be the director. All six of the previous films were written, produced, or directed by George Lucas. The upcoming movie will be directed by science fiction and action director J.J. Abrams, who is known for directing the most recent Star Trek films as well as Super 8.

Presale tickets went on sale directly after the newest trailer was released on Oct. 19. Websites such as Fandango.com and MovieTickets.com crashed after extreme traffic. It is important to note that the movie will not even be coming out until Dec. 18. Further, the film broke the IMAX record for presales.

“As I started learning more in terms of who the director was and how they were filming, I became really excited,” CHS debate teacher Brian Bloss said. “Once the new trailer came out it sold me as something worth being really excited for.”

Some fans will be attending an all day marathon the Thursday the film comes out. The marathon will begin at 1 a.m. and the films will play in chronological order leading up to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Visco is planning on going with his son, whose name was inspired by the franchises’ popular protagonist, Luke. “[The marathon] will be cool because I’m going to be one of the first people to see the movie,” Visco said. “However since it is over Christmas break, I am going to take Luke to that movie, even though he’s only 2. That will definitely be the first movie my son sees in a movie theater.”

Excluding current and diehard fans, the film is attracting a lot of popularity from

a new audience. New graphics and effects are much more pleasing to a newer generation, especially compared to how dated the older films may look.

This does not mean that only teachers and adults appreciate the series as a whole.

Many students are fans of the movies because of their parents’ influences.

“My dad introduced me to the franchise when I was 8 years old,” CHS junior Pam Mason said. “I had to stay home from school because I was sick, so we watched all three of the original trilogy together.

About 10 minutes into the first film, I was in love.”

Newer viewers are also excited because the experience of going to a theater to watch a Star Wars movie is brand new to them.

“I never thought that they would make another film and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for fans,” CHS junior Alton Udeh said. “The movies have had a big effect on my life because they were some of the first I ever saw, and I loved it all.”

However for some of the older fans, the experience will be very nostalgic.

“My parents tell me that I saw Return of the Jedi in theaters when I was 4 years old,” Sherman said. “My brother and I would constantly trade Star Wars roles and play with figurines. [The movies were] on constant replay in my house from the ages of 4 to 12.”

Whether you can quote every line of the movies, or you just saw the trailer and became interested, the hype of the film seems very well deserved. The Star Wars saga seems to have something for every movie watcher, whether it be lightsaber action scenes, epic romances or high quality backgrounds and CGI. For Star Wars fans, the adventures awaiting them in this upcoming film aren’t so far far away.

THE SIDEKICK

november 2015 FARMERS BRANCH - With the growth of the vinyl record industry, Josey Records will be hard to miss when traveling down the newly reconstructed Interstate 635.

Josey Records owner Waric Cameron originally wanted to open a boutique, but when he and his friends discussed opening a record store, that idea seemed the best of the two.

“Dallas had no music in this fashion,” Cameron said.

When people walk through the doors of Josey Records, they are instantly hit with endless wall to wall space, and a barrage of vinyl, 45s and everything else in between.

In one corner sits a number of turntables, free for anyone to use if they would like to play a record from the shelves. In others lies T-shirts, records and a place to sit and look at music magazines.

In the 1970s, vinyl records were what iTunes is now. Josey Records has attempted to bring that culture back to North Texas.

According to the Dallas Observer, Josey Records was voted number one best vinyl records store in Dallas.

Cameron thinks vinyl records will always hold an antique essence that cannot be changed with time.

“I don’t think [vinyl records] will ever become mainstream,” Cameron said.

There is a reason for vinyl record resur-

gence in the last couple years, as Cameron explains.

“It’s the physical aspect of it; you take the vinyl, take the record out, put it into a turntable and listen to it,” Cameron said.

hop on the

17

The younger generation has now started to catch onto this “cool” movement happening in Dallas. From observation, younger kids came to Josey Records with their parents, perusing the aisles with wonder filled in their eyes.

“The young generation is starting to realize that they aren’t getting anything for their money when they get music online or when using iTunes,” Cameron said. “Vinyl is getting something for your money.”

High school kids have strolled into the doors of Josey Records as well, talking about various bands and if they were going to buy something or not. Young adults, middle aged men and women, even pre-teens stopped by too. It just shows how music can reach people at so many different levels regardless of age.

Overall, coming to Josey records is an experience. When you walk the aisles, you are walking through an art gallery of music history. Everybody there is in their own world, taking a time machine back to the 80s.

Josey Records has perfected the art of buying, selling and displaying vinyl records, keeping alive such a classic form of music, by passing it on to younger generations and hopefully, generations to come.

vinyl express

photo by Mallorie

Munoz

at

josey records written by Eric Cashimere Staff Writer

“ T h at’s what I think kids are now starting to catch on to, it’s really cool. It forces you to pay attention.”

Typically, the clientele at Josey Records ranges from 18 to 65 years old.

“Music lovers have no age,” Cameron said.

Fall playlist to get you ready for the season

by Pranathi

graphic by Austin

Banzon

Chitta, Staff Writer, @prannydacheetah

When thinking of the fall season, the first thing that comes to mind is anticipation for the holidays. The following songs are some that get me prepared for the upcoming school holidays and festivities because of their mellow yet energizing beats.

Track

Artist

Venice

The Lighthouse and The Whaler

The soft introduction reminds me of leaves falling and the beginning of autumn. This is a perfect song to start off the day since it is not too slow or too fast.

The rhythm is set to a perfect pace and beat. With all the pressure with school and extracurricular activities, this song gives me a chance to take a moment

Jeena Jeena

Atif Aslam

I rarely listen to Indian music but lately, with the influence of a few friends, I began listening to it. This song screams fall since it has a slow tempo but makes you feel alive at the the same time. This song makes me want to close my eyes and just let everything go. Even if you do not listen to Indian or other international music, I highly recommend this song.

Renegades

X Ambassadors

Thanks to the well known Jeep commercial, I was introduced to “Renegades”, a song that has an uncommon tune among popular music trending now.

The X Ambassadors is a unique band in that its songs exhibit a new style of music that is rarely encountered.

Crystallised

The xx

The xx never fails to satisfy me. Even though this is an old song, I enjoy listening to the mellow tune that creates anticipation in me. This anticipation reminds me of the many holidays and activities that are in store this season.

Say My Name (feat. Zyra) – Jai Wolf Remix

ODESZA and Jai Wolf

I enjoy listening to the remix much more than the original song since the remix brings out the true rhythm of the song. I like ODESZA since they always make unique songs and incorporate different tastes into its music. I highly recommend this song and the artist when you want to listen to something different or unique.

Ease

Troye Sivan

“Ease” reminds me of the calmness of fall and the warmth that the season will provide. I often listen to this song and other songs by Sivan while I study.

Unlike the previous songs I chose, “Ease” has one constant rhythm, which helps me to concentrate when I am studying. In addition to this album, Sivan is releasing another highly anticipated album soon.

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015 graphic by Rachel

Buigas-Lopez

Adams’ cover sings a different tune

Indie ar tist brings new life to each song of Taylor Swift’s popular album written by Elena Gillis Staff Writer @elenamg24 Taylor Swift has continuously proven herself to be a next-level artist, but what happens when established indie artist Ryan Adams puts his spin on it? Adams has taken Swift’s most recent album, 1989, and made it into a chilling collection of tracks with emotion almost the polar opposite of Swift’s approach.

“Welcome to New York” The first thing you notice is Adams has taken this preppy ballad played by small town dreamers everywhere and turned it into a Springsteen-esque song depicting a quarter of the dreaming that Swift’s version does. The song starts out slow and gradually builds, as Swift’s does, but he sings as if he is already in New York and not as happy about it, whereas hers sounds like a girl dreaming of a life that is bigger and better. Adams frequently sounds as if he is just stating facts. The overall sound is much less pop and much more “from the heart.”

“Blank Space” Whereas Swift’s song is a laugh in the face of the media that has taunted her for years, Adams sounds as if he is painting a picture of what he would like to have, but when he says, “So it’s gonna be forever, or it’s gonna go down in flames,” it is like he is proposing this dream to someone, but they would have to agree, and he still knows in the back of his mind that it could go either way. Adams’ version is filled with longing and wistful dreaming and carries a sharp contrast between the tunes. One sounds upbeat and daring, the other is dreary and contemplative.

“Style” “Style” is, by far, the most upbeat of all of Adams’ covers. He sounds as if he is describing the moment, whereas Swift seems to be recalling what used to be.

She seems to be singing about a collage of memories from the past where she is saying that while the moment might be

over, they will always have the memories.

Adams’ song is packed with anticipation, while Swift’s sound seems reminiscent.

“Out Of The Woods” While Swift’s version of “Out Of The Woods” is injected with a very upbeat sound, Adams’ version sounds almost haunted. Swift sounds as if she is reminiscing and trying to get over a relationship, and then something reminds her of them and she realizes that she is out of the woods. Adams’ versions sounds like he is still in the woods, desperate to get out.

“All You Had To Do Was Stay” The sound of “All You Had To Do Was Stay” differs from the message it seems to carry, while in the original, the sound matches the message. Swift’s version seems to say, “Well that is too bad for you you could have stayed,” whereas Adams’ rendition seems to say, “Why did you not stay?” It seems like he is almost over a relationship, but is trying to convince himself that he is already over it. They follow the same plot, but not the same perspectives.

“Shake it Off ” Adams has turned the happiest track on the album into a slow, sad song, which is not necessarily a bad thing. While Swift’s rendition is all about ignoring the haters and being the best version of yourself, Adams portrays a scenario where the haters have already gotten to him and he’s trying to deal with pushing them away. Swift basically says, “You can say what you want about me I do not care,” and Adams is saying, “You can say what you want about me and I’ll pretend it does not matter but let me express my sadness in this song.” He builds up his own confidence as the song goes on, which is similar to the way that the original builds up excitement.

“I Wish You Would” Adams’ version of “I Wish You Would”, in contrast to Swift’s, sounds troubled and light. Listening to the original lyrics, though, his version actually fits the message better. Swift’s version is very lively, despite her lyrics, whereas Adams’ resem-

bles more of a break-up song. He seems to be dreaming of what used to be, which gives off a very haunted sound.

“Bad Blood” Once again, Adams and Swift’s versions greatly contrast in messages. Swift’s says, “Oh no we do not like each other and that is your loss” and Adams’ conveys the message, “Now we do not like each other and I do not know what to do.” His version comes off as still hurt, and Swift is just fueling her fire. When first listening to the “Bad Blood” cover, I contrasted the two sounds as being in the middle of a fight versus preparing for one, the former being Adams’ cover, and the latter being the original. Adams is fighting a battle he is not sure he can win, whereas Swift is fueled with energy.

“Wildest Dreams” Again, the original and the cover contrast greatly in sound, but it is not between happy and sad like it has been before. Swift’s sounds a lot more dreamlike.

It sounds like she is painting this scene for us. Adams’ sounds dreamlike too, but in a different way. Swift sounds like she is telling a story and Adams sounds like he is begging someone to be with him, even if it is just in their wildest dreams. The original conveys a more passionate tone, whereas the cover comes off as a proposal, like the lyric, “Say you’ll remember me.”

“How You Get The Girl” Adams’ cover of “How You Get The Girl” carries a tune completely the opposite of the original. While Swift’s is a pop sounding, upbeat ballad, Adams’ sounds like he is telling someone what they could do to get him to come back. It is filled with longing and reminiscing, while Swift’s sounds like she is telling someone what they could have done, but now it is too late and she is over it.

“This Love” Adams sounds almost like he is relieved in his version, like he had been agonizing over the loss of an important relationship for a long time. This song conveys both his former agony and his present relief. In

Swift’s original song, she sounds relieved too, like she has been looking for this and it is finally in front of her, and she is expressing her relief. She ignores that the relationship had been gone, but is finally back. The songs tell similar tales, but almost from two different perspectives: the dumper and the dumpee.

“I Know Places” Adams’ “I Know Places” sounds happy and sad at the same time, as Swift’s does.

Adams’ actually sounds more playful at some parts, though. Both songs convey the same message that the lyrics hold, a tale of a great love that has been poked at by outsiders. Swift’s actually sounds more desperate to hide, though. Adams’ sounds more like he recognizes the anguish but he would rather relish in the joy.

“Clean” Adams’ “Clean” cover takes Swift’s lyrics and turns them almost into a recollection. His version comes with a tone of, “yes this happened,” whereas Swift’s is, “let me tell you a story.” She sounds more relieved, but it is like after the fact. She is remembering what had happened and now she is glad it is over. Swift turns the somber words into an upbeat ballad. Adams has less of a personal feel to it. While the original brings up some of the pain, the cover sounds more upbeat. It brings up the feeling after the fact. Gladness, almost, that any trace of the person was gone. The two renditions tell a very different story.

I do not think that one version is better than the other as much as they are better fit for different situations. Swift’s version is very upbeat and happy, whereas Adams’ dwells on the negatives. Listening to two songs that are so alike but so different drew attention to the one aspect that remained the same no matter the version- the songwriting. Adams’ versions unlocked the deeper meanings in Swift’s lyrics, and it only amplified both versions.

The messages in the song were not found in the song itself, but in the artist.

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

Salata brings fresh flavors to Coppell written by Wren Lee Staff Writer @LeeLaurenWren You step into the polished atmosphere as your stomach growls. A balloon carrot waves at you from its home in the corner. Food is spread out in front of you.

Welcome to Salata.

Located near Zoe’s Kitchen on South Denton Tap Road, Salata is a fresh new taste for Coppell. Opening on Oct. 15, this new restaurant offers customizable salads fit to your tastes. With a line of healthy foods, one can dine on a range of foods from pesto chicken and falafel to artichokes and avocados. You can top off your salad with your choice of dressing, including two fat-free (mango and sundried tomato) options.

A gleaming metal bowl filled with your favorite vegetables is passed from person to person. More tasty treats join their edible brethren in the bowl. You lick your lips in anticipation. You eye the lone carrot sitting on

top, mentally marking it as your first victim.

A man with a warm smile offers you your choice of protein. You pick “Pesto Chicken” at random, remembering both the words pesto and chicken from your former cooking endeavors from years gone by.

Your bowl continues down the line like a product on a conveyor belt. The next lady says, “What dressing would you like?” You pause. “What is your suggestion?” you ask.

She gestures at the “Fresh Herb Vinaigrette” You nod and watch as she doles out a scoop onto your fresh greens.

Your salad is tossed; the dressing mixed in.

You eye the lone carrot sitting on top, mentally marking it as your first victim.

The soup is next, and the smell of tomato bisque fills your nostrils. You request for the thick, crimson soup and a basil asiago roll.

Both are favorites of yours.

With a bowl loaded with colorful vegetables and fruits, you take a seat at the

window. Gazing out at the cars whizzing by, you spear a slice of carrot and place it in your mouth. Crunch. You chew happily, savoring the freshness of it all.

With all the choices, it is difficult to choose your salad components. After contemplating about my proteins, I chose the pesto chicken. Surprisingly, the pesto was not a punch to the gut but, instead, a light taste that complimented the chicken well. The tomato soup was mildly acidic. It reminded me of my days sitting in a Panera cradling a bowl of tomato soup and nibbling on a grilled cheese sandwich while my mother talked business.

When your stomach is bursting with healthy foods you rarely eat (which is your fault entirely), you rise. You take in the room once more. The elegant decor is simple yet effective. The staff all wave their farewells as you take their leave. You wave back.

Good-bye, Salata, good-bye. You mentally note to come back here soon.

photos by Alexandra

Dalton

Salata opened on Oct. 15 in Denton Tap Road. It offers gourmet salads that you can personalize with a variety of fresh ingredients.

Five ingredient recipe that makes a crowd pleasing Thanksgiving Ripe Olive Salad

written by Sloane Samberson Managing Editor @SloaneSamberson

For many, when it comes to Thanksgiving, thoughts of roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie come to mind. For me, the thought of my grandmother’s Ripe Olive Salad comes to mind first, and is usually the first thing on my plate (in great quantity).

My grandmother’s mother created this recipe back in the 1920s, and since then not a Thanksgiving has gone by that we have not had it as an addition to our hearty feast.

This recipe is simple, so do not worry about allotting a lot of time to throw it all together, but do be prepared for all of your relatives to ask for the recipe come Thanksgiving Day.

INGREDIENTS 1 cup sliced black olives 1 cup pecans, chopped 1 cup hard boiled eggs, chopped 1 cup tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup mayonnaise

DIRECTIONS 1) Drain can of sliced black olives. Dry off with a paper towel then place in large bowl.

2) Chop pecans, hard boiled eggs and tomatoes. Place in bowl with olives.

3) Fold in mayonnaise gently until pecans, olives, eggs and tomatoes are lightly coated.

4) Add salt & pepper to taste.

5) Refrigerate for up to five days for the freshest taste, adding more mayonnaise as needed. photos by Sloane

Samberson

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

MORE THAN BLACK

AND WHITE

Placing blame, yelling at referees should be reconsidered by athletes, spectators

written by Joseph Krum Managing Editor @joseph_krum Whichever angle you look at the incident at the John Jay vs.

Marble Falls high school football game in San Antonio, it does not look good.

For all who do not know, during a high school footballgame on Sept. 4, a referee allegedly made racist remarks, which then caused the coach on the John Jay High School team to use explicit language to the point of ‘He is going to (expletive) pay for this’. The football players, defensive backs Michael Moreno and Victor Rojas, took the matters into their own hands and blindsided the referee from behind during a play late into the game.

As a result, both of the players were suspended from the team for the rest of the year and from the school for an indefinite amount of time while being put on investigation with the school district

and the county. The coach, Mack Breed, who allegedly told the players to hurt the referee has resigned, yet there has been no punishment handed out from the University Interscholastic League for the players or the coaches.

Throughout this incident, there are many people to blame. For one, it’s the coach’s fault for telling the players that the referee “needs to pay”. In no instance should that be acceptable language to talk to a kid, especially a kid who looks up to you. However, the players should not have taken the matters into their own hands and blown the coach’s orders way out of proportion. And even if the coach had told them to hurt the referee, some would hope that they would use common sense and not do it.

One last angle is to put some blame on the referee, who allegedly used racist remarks addressing hispanic and black players on the John Jay team. Whether or not it is in a game or in any situation, it is never OK to use that kind of language.

One aspect that could have played a factor in this reaction of the players is how players are growing up with a society that abuses and yells at officials. Whether it’s a bad call or not, players, especial-

ly of a younger age, are seemingly more and more OK with the idea that they can yell and complain at a referee.

I cannot say that I am a perfect human being and do not yell at the officials one of my games every once in awhile, because I do. But yelling at someone for their mistakes is not something we should do. Especially in football, referees have to make snap decisions, and sometimes they are wrong. But it doesn’t seem right that we should abuse them for a mistake that they make.

Yet there was a line that was crossed when the John Jay players slammed into the back of the referee from behind, blindsiding him.

There was even a similar incident that also crossed the line in a Texas high school playoff game in 2008.

Former Euless Trinity player Elikena Fieilo, in a playoff game against the Allen Eagles, showed the same lack of sportsmanship that the two Jays players did. On the second to last play of the game, Fieilo streaked across the field and slammed into the referee from behind. That one play had an effect that pulled multiple Division I offers away from Fieilo and changed his entire life.

Another aspect that played a

role in this incident is how the players look up to their coaches and what they say. Even though what the coach said was absurd, the players took it to heart since he was their coach.

As a football player, even if you do not agree with what the coach is saying, you do it. You do not only do it because you look up to the coaches, but the fear of being chewed out and letting the coaches down makes you want to do whatever orders they bark out.

Players also look up to their parents, who can be much, much worse at yelling than the coaches.

In one of my games earlier this season, a questionable call was made by an official and the stadium erupted in boos and shouts.

Later in that game, after the other team scored, a parent screamed at a player – who was not even his kid – to “wake up”, before proceeding to yell at the coaching staff for a bad play call.

Yet it’s not just in high school that parents can get bad. Coppell Youth Soccer Association referee Ryan Storch has had some trouble in the past with dealing with parents.

“I was refereeing a 6-year-old game and I accidentally called the time for the end of the game 30

seconds short,” Storch said. “The parents yelled at me, saying that there’s still 30 seconds left, but the kids didn’t even notice. They were just trying to have fun. It was ridiculous.”

Whether the 30 seconds remaining in that game mattered or not, the parents should not be yelling at the officials about timekeeping like that. The parents’ jobs should be to encourage their kids to have fun, not to be a terrible example of how to act.

Overall, everyone has some fault in this, whether you like it or not. The referee, if the allegation of racist remarks is true, should never have said anything like that to the players. His only job is to regulate the rules of the game, not to affect the players.

The coach should never have brought up the referee while talking for the players, even if what the referee said was true. He could have easily just called the head of the Texas Association of Sports Officials and gotten the situation handled that way. And finally, the players should have never acted in such a harsh way, even if the coach had told them to. The players should have never retaliated at an official, the only thing that they should be worried about is playing the game.

photo by Mallorie

Munoz

21

THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

photo courtesy Tamera Westervelt Coppell High School juniors Nathan Sims (left) and Alan Huo (right) run neck and neck at the District 7-6A Meet at Bob Jones Park in Southlake on Oct. 19. Sims placed sixth, right behind Huo who placed fifth. For Sims and Huo, this seasons meet results were a constant back and forth between placing above the other.

Captain and exemplary student Sims juggles two important tasks in his toughest year of high school Early to rise, late to bed, Coppell High School junior and varsity cross country captain Nathan Sims runs on ambition and self discipline from the moment he wakes up at 5:30 a.m. for cross country practice, to 10:30 p.m. when he falls asleep after an evening full of homework, waiting to start it all over again.

Sims discovered his passion for long distance running in seventh grade while in Coppell Middle School North’s athletic program.

“Before then, none of us knew that [he could run],” Nathan’s mother Sarah Sims said. “He continued running [cross country] through eighth grade, but did track as well. The summer before his freshman year he did a running camp that a friend had told us about, and I think that’s when he realized he really enjoyed running.

He also realized he could continue to improve by learning strengthening and flexibility techniques.”

Since freshman year, Nathan has been a part of the Coppell High School cross country team, each year progressing in his running abilities. Upon assuming the role of a varsity captain as a junior, Nathan’s views of the cross country team began to change.

“It is a whole new perspective of the team just because I have a lot

of responsibility over the runners,” Nathan said. “Being a role model and leader not only through my training but making sure everybody else is doing what they are supposed to be doing correctly.

Making sure everyone is staying positive and on the right track.”

First year cross country coach Nick Benton already sees Nathan’s effectiveness as a leader in the short time he has been a coach at CHS. “Nathan’s strengths as a captain on the cross country team is his work ethic and the way he leads by example,” Benton said. “He is one of the hardest working athletes in the program and our younger athletes respect him because of this.”

Not only is Nathan managing this important role of being a varsity cross country captain, but he is also an exemplary student.

Nathan is taking three Advanced Placement (AP) classes as well as a dual credit U.S. History class at North Lake Community College, and exceeding in all of them. Two days out of the week, Nathan is also tutoring a student on geometry.

“I see that Nathan genuinely enjoys learning,” Mrs. Sims said.

“He’s self motivated and very set in that realm. He just likes to learn.

He likes to learn new things and challenge himself.”

What aids in Nathan’s ability to balance both tasks is his self-discipline.

“When he comes home, whether it’s from school or tutoring, he’s not one to mess around and play games; he comes home and does his homework because he doesn’t want it hanging over him,” Nathan’s father Jerry Sims said. “Something that really helps him is that he has his priorities in line. His faith first, schooling second and then his running. At times, when running has gotten in the way he has opted for school, which blows my mind sometimes. It is his self-discipline that helps him a lot.”

To help keep Nathan on track, his parents are proactive with his busy schedule.

‘‘

schedule or back off from a few things. Again, Nathan is pretty self aware, so he is fairly good at regulating himself. We’re not afraid to speak up, and most of the time he’ll listen if we have sound advice and reasons.”

Nathan’s parents support him in all his endeavors, but try to focus on the present rather than look forward to the future.

“That is important because we don’t look at this as Nathan’s future,” Mr. Sims said. “We don’t look at running as if it is going to be his profession the rest of his life.

We try to make sure he is enjoying it and that he doesn’t feel a lot of

I’ve been running with Nathan since the sixth grade and his hard work has definitely influenced the way I run. Nathan shows fearless courage at every race and truly has a passion for running.

Alan Huo, junior

“We usually try to get in front of [Nathan’s schedule], before he is over committed,” Mrs. Sims said.

“Before he signs up for new stuff, we talk about it. He doesn’t always agree with us on that, but we do try to talk through things and figure out if it is feasible to add to his

‘‘

written by Sloane Samberson Managing Editor @SolaneSamberson

pressure. I think that has helped make him a little more successful because he truly enjoys running, it is not a burden.”

For this cross country season, Nathan has high hopes both for himself and for the rest of his team.

“Right now I am looking to-

wards qualifying for state,” Nathan said. “That’s not just my goal, [Benton] wants that as well. Alan Huo also wants to qualify, so we are all working together on that.

Besides qualifying for state, by the end of the season I would like to get my 5K time below 16 minutes.”

Huo is a junior and varsity cross country runner at CHS. He has been greatly impacted by Nathan’s leadership.

“Nathan’s work ethic is unparalleled on the team and his dedication to the program rubs off on the runners around him,” Huo said.

“I’ve been running with Nathan since the sixth grade and his hard work has definitely influenced the way I run. Nathan shows fearless courage at every race and truly has a passion for running.”

Nathan’s positivity and optimism has really aided him in managing his hardest year of high school and lead role on the cross country team.

“Junior year is incredibly tough,” Nathan said. “Even in the first six weeks it had been really hard. I’m just trying to stay motivated and keep my friends motivated. We are constantly talking about college, just looking towards the future, and I think that is the best thing that we can do. Knowing that all this hard work is going to pay off for something. A lot of it may seem insignificant in the moment, but it will all be worth it in the end.”

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

New coaching staff brings life to basketball team written by Kathryn Rudd Staff Writer @rudd_kathryn It is no secret that the girls basketball program has never been in the limelight when it comes to Coppell High School sports. However, with a completely fresh coaching staff, this might be the year.

New Coppell girls basketball coach Kristin Davis is in her ninth year of teaching and coaching.

“A job opened up and I heard from a friend it’s a great place to be,” Davis said.

She has been involved in programs in Sunnyvale, Temple and Northwestern High Schools in Texas.

Davis and assistant Courtney Christenson, the junior varsity I coach, along with Keith Pierce, Tommy Sills and Colleen Fex are, according to Davis “putting an emphasis on everyone”.

“It’s great. All five of us are really enthusiastic,” Davis said. “There is a completely new attitude on the court.”

Christenson shares the excitement about the future of Cowgirls basketball.

“We’re a humble group of coaches,” Christenson said. “We’re looking looking forward to the girls experiencing small successes in games that ultimately lead to big successes. If we experience early success, I feel like the sky[‘s] the limit. Our girls seem very determined to redefine what a Cow-

girl basketball player is.”

There is a large group of sophomore and junior girls fighting for spots on the JV and varsity rosters.

“As of right now, we’re trying not to make any cuts. Instead of a Freshman A and B team, there will be a JV team I and II,” Davis said.

With starting the year with different coaches, the players are excited about bringing a new energy to the game.

Junior, forward/post Chidera Nwaiwu shares her enthusiasm for this transition.

“They are an energetic group of coaches so it will be exciting to see how they liven the season up. This year I feel like each coach is trying to get to know each individual player and really cares about team development,” Nwaiwu said.

Davis had success in her other programs and is trying to bring her philosophies to Coppell.

“What makes a good team is just that, ‘team’,” Davis said. “Make sure there isn’t that every man for himself look. We don’t need stars.”

With building blocks like these in place, the future looks positive for the Coppell Cowgirls this season.

“It’s a rebuilding kind of year. They’re excited and we’re excited just to see what we can be capable of this season,” Davis said.

photo by Amanda

Hair Head Coach Kristen Davis instructs the players as they compete in Thursday night’s scrimmage in the CHS large gym. This is Davis’ ninth year teaching and coaching, but first year being the head coach of the girls basketball team at Coppell High School.

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THE SIDEKICK

november 2015

SHIFT in youth sports written by Reid Valentine Staff Writer @reidv9

A subtle change in American youth sports is corrupting the system in which we learn teamwork, and the way to compete. If not recognized, it could be detrimental to the new generation of Americans.

Specialization is defined as the act of limiting one’s ability to one facet of an opportunity, and it could very well be ruining youth sports. Kids are being forced to pick one sport at an age as young as 7. This is not acceptable.

Overuse injuries, widely thought to be caused by single sport specialization, are at an all time high. Elbow injuries in baseball and softball have increased five fold in the past decade according to StopSportsInjuries.org. Even more frightening is that the average number of overuse injuries per year is increasing, while the mean age is decreasing.

Athletes, mainly children, that are specialized in one sport account for around 50 percent of overuse injuries according to the “Project Play” initiative. Overuse injuries, as opposed to acute injuries, are due to a long process where the bones or ligaments wear down over time and finally give way.

Rusty Greer, former Texas Rangers outfielder and my former baseball coach, told me, “[The] repetitive motion of a single sport can have a negative impact because the muscles never really have a chance to recuperate.” Greer went on to say, “as you grow older and as the body develops, it can handle the repetition of a single sport.”

A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health stated that there was a linear relationship between athletes who participated in one year-round sport and overuse injuries.

Another offspring of sport specialization in adolescents is the burnout rate. When someone becomes burned out in

Specialization unacceptable, does not allow for proper development

a sport, they no longer enjoy the game and have fun, often leading them to quit the sport all together. One can point to the pressure a child faces to please their parent who may have spent thousands of dollars for training, as the reason burned out kids continue to play. Coaches may also make players feel like they have no choice but to specialize.

Proof of this increase of burnout in kids is highlighted in a 2014 article posted by the Wall Street Journal. The numbers show that from 2008 to 2012, there was an 8.3 percent decrease in youth basketball participants aged 6 to 18 years old; that is a decrease of over 500,000 kids. The three other mainstream youth sports in America (football, soccer, and baseball), experienced an average decrease of 6.6 percent in that same time.

These alarming numbers are an indirect reflection of the parental and coach-based urge for kids to choose one sport over others, and in many circumstances the athlete is not in favor of specializing.

When an athlete no longer has fun in the sport, it ceases it’s main purpose as an activity, a game. As a first person witness to kids who were burned out in a certain sport, they lack the drive that is not only mentally weakening to them, but also to their teammates.

Where has the fun gone? Spontaneous games of football or baseball seem to almost be extinct, when only a generation or two ago an adolescent could not go a week without playing a pick-up game.

As a high school and club athlete myself, I can tell you that the desire to go outside and play only for fun is not always present. Exhausted by ever growing amounts of school work, and daily practice for my high school baseball team, the energy just isn’t there.

But, I am in 10th grade, and although I am not fully matured, my body can take on more repetitive motion than that of a younger kid. The fact of the matter is, the number of middle and even elementary schoolers that could identify with the lack of desire for pick up games is outright insane.

The newfound demand for sports specialization at a young age is due to parents and kids convinced of the idea that focussing solely on one sport will refine their skills enough to move on to the college level. When in reality, most college athletes come from a background of playing multiple sports.

The American Medical society published a 2013 survey

conducted with college athletes, and found that 88 percent of them played more than one sport as an adolescent. So, the common misperception that colleges are looking for recruits that only played their main sport as a child is false.

The conception that the earlier you single out the sport you play, the more work you can put into developing your skills to a higher level than others is just not true. While it may enhance the certain athlete’s ability to become a 12-year-old superstar, the idea is illogical.

Not only are colleges recognizing the value of multisport athletes, professional sports organizations, such as the Dallas Cowboys, acknowledge it as well. Chris Hall, the Assistant Director of College Scouting for the Cowboys, disagrees with the basis of it.

“Kids being forced to focus on one thing is widely thought to better develop them, when it actually ends up burning [them] out,” Hall said.

Hall also mentioned that he has recruits take a questionnaire, and he estimates that at least three out of four respond with having played more than one sport.

According to multiple Coppell High School athletes, positive effects come from participating in various sports.

“I wouldn’t have been as athletic,” sophomore Pierce McFarlane said.

He also later conveyed that the multiple sports he plays (football and baseball) develops skills like speed, coordination, and strength, leading him to be more prolific in both sports.

Parker Rodman, a sophomore basketball player at Coppell, identified with the fact that choosing one sport can restrict the potential of athletes.

“Specializing in one sport can prove to have a negative effect on adolescents, it limits their horizons to one specific area,” Rodman said.

Sport specialization is detrimental to kids, and it is ruining the very foundation of youth sports. The facts prove why this movement cannot continue, but the real question is, will anyone take action?

Through awareness of the facts, parents and athletes alike must recognize the epidemic that is youth sport specialization. Only then, will we recognize what we truly love sports for, enjoyment.

Youth participation in organized sports: 2008 vs. 2012

graphic by Rachel Buigas-Lopez Information from: The Wall Street Journal

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THE SIDEKICK november 2015