COPPELLSTUDENTMEDIA.COM C O P P E L L H I G H S C H O O L 1 8 5 W. PA R K W AY B LV D . C O P P E L L , T X 7 5 0 1 9
DECEMBER 2018
THE NEW YEAR Why the future is looking younger than ever
VOLUME 30 • ISSUE 3
STORY BY KELLY WEI PAGES 12 - 13
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
SAYING GOODBYE
PG. 3
N E W S Principal secretary Terry Phillips retiring after years of work, dedication to Coppell High School.
FREEING FASHION
PG. 15
S T U D E N T L I F E Graduate Macy Kincaid and junior Hannah Cechin start affordable, local clothing line.
NEW SPACES
PG. 18
E N T E R T A I N M E N T City breaks ground for Coppell’s new Arts Center, set to be complete in spring.
NEWS DECEMBER
2
THE SIDEKICK
C E LEBR ATIN G TEN YEAR S
FROM THE EDITOR
I
don’t remember when my family stopped putting up Christmas decorations, but I remember the exact moment it started mattering. Last winter, the lack of lights and stockings, the missing tree in the corner of our living room, the absent presents; all of it struck me abruptly. I wasn’t particularly shocked or saddened by this realization - Christmas had been slowly fading away from us for years—rather, I was more surprised by how much I suddenly missed all of it, after years of hardly noticing. Amusingly enough, my family has kind of become the Grinch of our own Christmas. Our disinterest comes from a combination of never having enough time, having no close relatives outside our three-person unit (excluding my Chinese grandparents, who don’t celebrate the holiday), and “just not being into it enough”. Celebrating the birth of Jesus isn’t a prominent part of Chinese culture - and after 20 years in the United States, the holiday apparently still hasn’t stuck for my mother. My stepfather, meanwhile, is Jewish. For us, it’s satisfactory to simply soak in the good mood of the holiday season. Being born and raised in the United States (and where each December, I am bombarded at school with paper snowflakes, classroom elves and holiday jingles), Dec. 24 sits a little closer to my heart. Possibly because of this, a greater effort was made by my family to celebrate the holidays when I was a child. as we went through the motions of setting up a tree and hanging up lights. As I grew older, however, each piece to the perfect picture fell away, until December became just another month. I had never minded this - even without all the boisterous decorations, simply being with family during this time of year warms my heart and leaves me content. Nevertheless, last year marked the first time Christmas felt abruptly empty and reminded me of the importance of details. Something as small as a missing string of lights to illuminate your porch may completely change your mood or thoughts - a fact I believe can be adapted across various aspects in our lives. It’s easy to be swept away with the craze of the year’s end and forget to enjoy the small things: a cup of coffee in the morning, a compliment from a friend, nice weather. Maybe you don’t need a decked-out home to feel up to pace with the season, like my family - but I think everyone can benefit from a little light, a little attention and a little care.
Pitcher leads Coppell Student Media to first Pacemaker finalist In celebration of Coppell Student Media’s 10 year anniversary as an award-winning news website, The Sidekick editor-in-chief Kelly Wei spotlights a past editor of the program in each 2018-2019 issue. The December Issue features 2012-2013 editor-in-chief MICHELLE PITCHER. Michelle is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley.
KELLY: How did you come to join the paper? MICHELLE: I took the Intro to Journalism course. I’m not sure how much of the infrastructure is still in place right now, but back then, it was a lot of freshmen who had their sights set on [joining] Sidekick or KCBY. It was the [pre-requisite class] so I took it, and Wofford had actually [taught] my older sister in the journalism class when she was a senior, and she took it as kind of a blowoff class. He was a little nervous, thinking I would be just as much of a troublemaker, but I absolutely fell in love with it.
KELLY: In regards to Coppell Student Media, how big a role did that website play while you were on staff? MICHELLE: So, actually, while I was on staff we did an overall redesign of the website. Coppell Student Media was the critical element. The print edition for us was a once-a-month, for a week-and-a-half, we would frantically do it. Wofford really drove home the importance of posting regularly [on the site]. We had staffers assigned for each day to do blog posts and a new partnership with KCBY. KELLY: Yes, we partnership, actually.
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MICHELLE: OK, that’s really neat. All of those things really helped put us on the map. Then, our senior year, we were nominated for an Online Pacemaker*, which was super exciting. It was the first time we’d ever been nominated for that. For all the time and effort the editors, staffers and adviser put into the site, it really paid off.
I applied to be opinions editor my first semester on The Sidekick, I just thought, “what the heck”. He took a chance on me and gave me the position, so I was opinion editor my sophomore year, and editor-inchief my junior and senior years. KELLY: And what was your experience on Sidekick? MICHELLE: It was a lot of fun. I had a really good contemporary group of writers and reporters. I don’t know if it was unusually fun, but it was pretty dang fun. (Laughing) It really felt like a family and we really gave [The Sidekick adviser] Wofford a lot of hell. It made me want to continue journalism in college. The Sidekick FILE PHOTO
Kelly Wei
Editor-in-chief Michelle Pitcher listens as a spokesperson from Jostens speak about a new program that allows communities to share photos at the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention on April 12, 2012.
EDITOR- IN-CHIEF
UPC O MIN G E V E NT S DECEMBER 2018
JANUARY 2019
SEMESTER EXAMS Dec. 18-21 Brain breaks, latenight cramming, study sessions and much-needed coffee to be expected for upcoming semester exams.
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STUDENT COUNCIL LUNCHEON Dec. 20 Show some love for CHS teachers this holiday season at the first-ever at the Student Council Teacher Luncheon.
GROUP PICTURE DAY Jan. 11 Cheese! Show your pearly whites and your club T-shirt for the CHS Group Picture Day for Round-Up yearbook.
INSTAGRAM @THESIDEKICKCOPPELL
SELF DEFENSE CLASS Jan. 17 Kapow! Knee kicks and safety tactics are now here for senior girls at the Coppell Police Women’s Self Defense classes.
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DECEMBER NEWS
COPPELL HIGH SCHOOL
“What we all want to do is be the best for our kids and just be the best versions of ourselves for them.” P. 5
News CHS9 TEACHER OF THE YEAR P. 4
EXPLORING MENTAL ILLNESS P. 4
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TEXAS LAW ON POLICE ENCOUNTERS P. 5
CHS cultivating culture of kindness, warmth NEHA DESARAJU STAFF WRITER @nehades_
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As students walk through the hallways of Coppell High School, there is increasing indication of the school and its students and faculty preparing for the holiday season: teachers’ doors display wreaths, classrooms are filled with gingerbread scents and students can be seen wearing knit sweaters. Among these preparations, however, include evidence of a common theme at CHS: kindness. Organizations such as Student Council, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and more perform acts of kindness for the school and the community to give back, while teachers host activities for their students to show their kindness to one another. AP Chemistry teacher Amy Snyder, who is active on Twitter (@SnySciCHS), asked her students to tweet kind things they have done for other people or compliments for their peers with the hashtag #SnyceStuff2018. The results? Almost 600 tweets, with a
potential reach of almost 9,000 individual users. Most tweets were posted on the day before Thanksgiving. Students tweeted things such as, “Tutored two different students in math,” or “Thankful for the family that raised me and cared for me”. Snyder also posted on her Twitter along with a picture of thank you notes spread out on her table, “A few [CHS] teachers had their kids write thank you notes, and these were in my mailbox. I’m not [crying]...yes, yes I am. I am definitely crying at their sweet words.” Red Jackets sponsor Aylor Rix also thinks the implementation of Cowboy Camp, which started the year with activities about integrity, has helped promote kindness and core values important to the faculty and students based on the fundamental purpose statement. Spearheaded by English IV teacher Courtney Orloff, the English department collected socks and trash bags from students and teachers to make over 75 bundles. Orloff then drove to East Lancaster Avenue, the neglected, homeless part of the Metroplex, and passed them out.
According to Orloff, the residents of Lancaster Avenue said that socks, trash bags and undergarments are some of the things they needed most because people do not think to donate them as much as they do food, toys, clothing and other donation items. “It is super important to cultivate kindness [and giving back], because we take a lot of things for granted. And I think that especially during the holiday season, that sense of urgency for gifts...I think when we give it just puts things in perspective and what’s really important and how we have so much even though we’re still wanting all of the time,” Orloff said. According to Orloff, having a tighter-knit community with only three grade levels has helped to promote kindness culture at CHS, providing a more intimate connection between students. NEHA‘21 can be reached at nsd4173@g.coppellisd.com.
Photo by NEVEAH JONES
C H R I S T M A S K I N D N E S S During seventh period, Coppell High School seniors Amanda Lasky and Kaitlyn Sork make Christmas trees for the centerpiece of the teacher luncheon. The Student Council teacher luncheon will be held on Dec. 20th at in the Large Commons.
Phillips retiring after two decades with CISD KAREN LU STAFF WRITER @_karenlu_
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very time Coppell High School Principal Dr. Nicole Jund calls out “hey, Terry”, her phone turns on as if she said “hey, Siri”. This playful attribution of Terry Phillips to an all-knowing, voice-controlled assistant is only a slight hint to the trust and reliance many have put in her in over the years. After almost two decades of working at CHS and a lifetime of living in Coppell, Phillips’s retirement does not imply her presence is disappearing from the community; in fact, the legacy she has created will last as long as the city itself. Coppell has become an integral part of Phillips in every sense of the word: she was raised in Coppell as part of the 1978 graduating class and joined the district in 1998 as the In-School Suspension supervisor for Coppell Middle School West before moving on to the high school in Student Services as the assistant principal secretary in 2000. In 2006, she became the principal secretary—a position intrinsic to CHS. “In the administration, we always joke around there’s that one secretary that pretty much runs the school,” associate principal Sean Bagley said. “That’s Mrs. Philips.” Even before her role as principal secretary, Phillips has proven her worth to the CHS administration. Back in 2000 when Phillips was secretary for then assistant principal Mike Jasso, he recognized Phil-
Photo by BREN FLECHTNER L A S T I N G L E G A C Y Coppell High School principal secretary Terry Phillips is retiring after almost two decades of working at CHS. Phillips was raised in Coppell as part of the 1978 graduating class and joined the district in 1998 as the In-School Suspension supervisor for Coppell Middle School West.
lips’s importance and irreplaceability. Phillips served as Jasso’s secretary while he was CHS principal from 2012-2017. “I counted on her to keep me on track,” Jasso said. “Quite frankly, my successes as an assistant principal and my successes as the principal later on largely depended on her. I owe her a huge, huge thanks.” For Jund, the short 18 months working with Phillips has not lessened Phillips’s impact on her in the slightest. “[Working with her] is just good,” Jund said. “I know that’s not a very complex SAT word, but there’s nothing but positives that come from her. She takes care of all of us and puts our needs before her
own. Not everybody is put together that way, and that makes her a pretty extraordinary person.” “My favorite part is watching the students grow,” Phillips said. “It’s just fun seeing those freshmen come in and become leaders: national and international leaders. That’s what I love about our school. We nurture our students and grow them into leaders and to be important community members; we give them the opportunity to grow and learn.” Phillips has spread her time and effort beyond just the CHS building; along with her husband, retired Coppell City Manager Clay Phillips, she has made a long-lasting impact on the numerous fac-
ets of Coppell. In 1993, Phillips played an essential role in establishing Sunday School at GracePoint Church, and after substituting in the classes, she became the school director her third year. Her involvement in pioneering a school at her church is simply the tip of the iceberg regarding her activity within the community. Most of all, more than just the material items Phillips is leaving behind, it is the way she has personally impacted the lives of others that will remain the most memorable piece of her legacy. Phillips was CISD Superintendent Brad Hunt’s secretary when he was CHS principal from 2006-2011. “She has a legacy of caring, of commitment, of loyalty,” Hunt said. “She has set the bar very high and really is an invaluable member of the team. She’s leaving behind a legacy of spirit and pride; her blood truly bleeds Coppell red and black.” The 2018 fall semester is Phillips’s last working in CHS, but the end of her time as principal secretary does not signify the end of her involvement within Coppell. In the past 20 years, the Phillips have not missed more than four football games and plan to keep cheering on the Coppell Cowboys in the stands; their involvement with the community does not end with their retirement. “We are part of the community by DNA,” Clay Phillips said. “It’s in our being.” KAREN ‘20 can be reached at kll7800@g.coppellisd.com.
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NEWS DECEMBER
THE SIDEKICK
THE LATEST FROM CHS9
Hoque, Priest exploring themes of mental illness through self-written, directed play S A L LY P A R A M P O T T I L STAFF WRITER @sparampottil
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he subject of theatrical works has no boundaries and CHS9 students Emma Hoque and Sophia Priest are taking full advantage of that. The two girls are writing a full length script titled “Out of My Head” which deals with mental health through the personification of mental illnesses such as body dysmorphia, anorexia and depression. “A lot of times adults, especially parents and administrators, will be like, ‘oh, that’s just teen angst, you’ll be fine’ but then for some people, it doesn’t go away,” Priest said. “Some people carry it into adulthood and don’t know how to deal with it because their parents told them it would go away. They keep living on that false hope.” The story follows teenagers with completely different backgrounds. Each suffers from a mental illness which is physically represented onstage by other actors, providing something visual for the audience to recognize as antagonistic forces. So far, the first act is almost complete and the general idea of the second act is developed but needs to be written. The process of writing such a story is long. Hoque and Priest first developed their characters, drawing inspiration from their friends and their own experiences. Further research on mental health was done to make a well-rounded depiction of mental illnesses. Both contributed to one of the main messages they want to send to audiences: mental illnesses are not the same for everyone.
“We talked to so many of our friends that we knew have anxiety or depression,” Priest said. “Every person described it in a different way. We had to meet in the middle [for the script] without it being, ‘this is exactly what anxiety is like’ or ‘this is exactly what depression is like’.” The characters and setting came together as Hoque and Priest formed their plot. The man versus self conflict is brought to life onstage in a way audiences could more easily recognize as a man versus man conflict. “It’s not [the character’s fault] that they [are suffering from mental illness], so we need to show another person [onstage] who they are fighting against,” Hoque said. “They don’t want those feelings, they don’t want those thoughts, so they are trying to fight it. The personification helps present it like man versus man instead of man versus self.” Despite the heavy material, the play comes in the form of a dark comedy. “It has some touchy subjects that some people are scared to talk about,” Priest said. “We used very funny moments to be like, ‘oh wait, I shouldn’t be laughing because it’s really sad but I’m laughing anyway.” The hope is audiences can relate to the characters onstage and empathize with them. With a stigmatized topic such as mental health portrayed in a live production comes a more personal connection between the characters and the audience members. It also provides representation for a demographic that has been slowly increasing its share of discussion. SALLY ‘21 can be reached at scp7918@g.coppellisd.com.
Photos by LILLY GORMAN
P L A Y W I T H A P U R P O S E CHS9 Emma Hoque and James Stevens rehearse “Almost Maine” in the black box at CHS auditorium on Sunday, Dec. 2 (top). CHS9 Sophia Priest performs in the play “Almost Maine” in the black box on Saturday, Dec. 9 (bottom).
MODELING MERIT
First-ever CHS9 Teacher of the Year awarded to Douglas CHRISTINE ZACUAI EXECUTIVE NEWS EDITOR @chriszacuai
Photo by BREN FLECHTNER
Hands-on. Everyday champion. Funny. Growing. Caring. When asked for a single word that describes CHS9 AP/ GT Biology teacher Cathy Douglas on a simple but touching video - her students had nothing but good things to say for the first ever CHS9 Teacher of the Year recipient. Held in the CHS9 library on Dec. 5, the faculty and staff featured fresh and familiar faces who cheered on a teary-eyed Douglas. “I’m surprised, honored and overwhelmed,” Douglas said. “I just can’t believe it. I’m so happy.” Opening in August, the freshman campus followed the same guidelines
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set forth by Coppell ISD for the process of Teacher of the Year. “This is a close-knit group and we’re a family,” CHS9 Principal Cody Koontz said. “As such, we had really good nominations this year.” Nominees for the award this year include English I teacher Deb Sartin, World Geography teacher Brittany Scruggs, and AP Human Geography teacher Ryan Simpson. A fervent supporter in Douglas’s hard work and passion, husband Trey Douglas found it hard to even keep the good news to himself at home - ultimately surprising her at the ceremony. “It’s awesome. She’s just a really good person eveyrwhere she’s at,” Mr. Douglas said. For future teachers, Douglas advises to teach with sincerity, but above all, prioritize student-teacher connections. “The relationship piece and engaging kids in their lessons,” Douglas said.
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“Every kid is important and every child matters. That’s just what I believe.” A veteran who “bleeds red”, Douglas has spent 27 years of her life in education, with 18 of these years being in CISD teaching biology. Douglas also leads as the coordinator for CHS9 Science Fair and sponsor for the CHS9 Science Olympiad Team. “My absolute passion is to pass on the love of science education to students,” Douglas said. “I’m so lucky to do that everyday.” Overseeing the judging process, Koontz and administration owe the accomplishments of the award to the wide selection of well qualified nominees on campus. “It’s bittersweet in that we have so many amazing teachers, so it’s hard to single one out,” Koontz said. “In the same breath, I’m so proud to see them nominate one another.” CHRISTINE ‘19 can be reached at cnz6920@g.coppellisd.com.
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DECEMBER NEWS
COPPELL HIGH SCHOOL
5
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Texas Law requiring all students to have police encounter training
Senate Bill 30 The 85th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 30, known as the Community Safety Education Act,
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NISHANT MEDICHARLA STAFF WRITER @nishantnm1
tarting this school year, Texas legislation has passed a bill requiring all high school students to have proper training in the process, procedures and legal rights of citizens in possible police encounters. Approved in 2017, Senate Bill 30 requires both school districts and charter schools to provide instruction to students in grades 9-12 on proper interaction with peace officers during traffic stops and other in-person encounters through a 16-minute video made by the state. “The new law goes into effect this school year for students who are currently freshmen and will apply to new freshman classes in years going forward,” Texas Education Agency (TEA) media relations and social media manager Lauren Callahan said, via email. “Students who are currently sophomores, juniors or seniors are not
impacted by this legislation.” Coppell ISD plans to enforce the video made by the TEA by the end of the first semester. “We know in some communities there is an issue regarding trust between law enforcement and the community,” Texas Senator Royce West said in the Flashing Lights video. “This particular legislation is designed to ensure we address that particular issue. We are addressing that issue through training in the academies, our law enforcement, our schools and our driver’s education programs.” If the student has watched the video, their teacher will document it on a roster provided by the campus. This was done during Coppell High School seventh period classes prior to Thanksgiving break. “What the legislation requires is that we make a delineation on the transcript that you have participated in it,” Coppell High School Principal Dr. Nicole Jund said. “We have role sheets like for STAAR or EOC testing where each teacher makes
to establish instruction including curriculum on proper interaction with peace officers during traffic stops and other in-person encounters. T E X A S E D U C AT I O N AGENCY Graphic by KAYLEE AGUILAR F O L L O W I N G R E G U L A T I O N S Texas legislation has passed a new law where students are required to have police encounter training. Each school district will implement the law in their own way to reduce tensions between the law enforcement and the community. CISD is making sure that students have viewed the “Flashing Lights” video, in order to be certified for graduation.
sure the student was there.” If the student has not viewed the video, the CHS administration will pull that student out of class to view the video. Students who have not been verified will not be certified graduation. “It is a compliance responsibility of the school district,” Jund said. “It is my job to ensure that you have done it.” Provided by the state, a course guide to assist the lesson and teachers was given to facilitate the instructional process. Even though the law is not supposed to impact current sophomores, juniors and seniors, CISD has planned to make all high school students in the district watch the video due to varying graduation rates, making it easier to confirm that the video has been seen by students. Some on campus have shown support for the law, including CHS Student Resource Officer Reggie Walker. Before becoming an SRO, Walker often experienced students who were not able to communicate with during a routine traffic stop due to nervous feelings. “High school students are the ones who are just turning 16 and getting their driver’s license for the first time,” Walker said. “So when they get pulled over for the first time, it is very stressful. From my previous years of being in patrol, whenever I would pull over a teenager, they would not know what to do. ‘Do I open my door, do I get out, do I leave my window up?’ If they have a general idea of what to do, it would make the traffic stop less stressful.” Likewise, CHS students think the new law is beneficial. “It was helpful because I did not really know what to do when you got pulled over, but in some ways the information was a little obvious, such as being in view when the police officer approaches,” CHS sophomore Blanche Harris said. “But a lot of it was helpful - like putting your hands on the steering wheel and little things like that.” NISHANT ‘20 can be reached at nxm6285@g.coppellisd.com.
Openness, commitment characterize 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year winner Murray
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CHRISTINE ZACUAI EXECUTIVE NEWS EDITOR @chriszacuai
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Utter surprise and joy overcame Coppell High School Special Education teacher Melissa Murray on Nov. 28 as her name appeared on the arena jumbotron as year’s Teacher of the Year. “I was in shock,” Murray said. “It was just a wonderful feeling.” The CHS arena roared with applause and excited hugs in celebration for Murray, who was one of 10 nominees for the distinguished award. After a nearly two month process, CHS administration is confident in its selection for the recipient this year.
“Just the why behind what she does in the classroom, the selfless nature of her work, her commitment to her kids and building connections for her kids,” CHS Principal Nicole Jund said. No stranger to Coppell ISD, Murray has taught for 20 years and at the high school for 13 years. “There’s never been a more deserving person,” husband Phil Murray said. “Not everyone sees all the countless hours and effort she puts into developing the curriculum and the compassion she has for her students.” Her open and collaborative method of teaching is known by those around Murray, who equips her style of teaching with a certification in seven various subjects ranging from Resource Math, Co-taught Physics, Algebra II and Geometry. Murray remains modest to her accomplishment despite being showered by proud smiles and adoration from
close friends, colleagues and loved ones. “We don’t need recognition but it’s nice that something like that happens. It makes you feel like what you been doing matters,” Murray said. Murray sees teaching as nothing but a job that needs to be done. “What we all want to do is be the best for our kids and just be the best versions of ourselves for them,” Murray said. Along with Murray, CHS teachers John Watkins, Malloy Phillips, Michael Brock, Melissa AlexanderBlythe, Kristin Davis, Evan Whitfield, Cameron Tiede, Don Kemp and Angela Barnes were nominated for this year’s Teacher of the Year. “There’s so many people here that are in this profession because [we] love kids, it just happens to be that only one person can get it,” Murray said. “So many people deserve this.” CHRISTINE ‘19 can be reached at cnz6920@g.coppellisd.com.
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EDITORIAL DECEMBER
THE SIDEKICK
2018-2019
Staff EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP CHASE WOFFORD Staff Adviser KELLY WEI Editor-in-Chief CHRISTINE ZACUAI Executive News Editor NICHOLAS PRANSKE Executive Sports Editor EDITORIAL LEADERSHIP CLAIRE CLEMENTS Editorial Page Editor ANTHONY CESARIO Entertainment Editor SOFIA GUERRERO Student Life Editor BREN FLECHTNER Photography Editor PRAMIKA KADARI Copy Editor WRITERS Akif Abidi Laasya Achanta Anika Arutla Andrés Bear Shreya Beldona Neha Desaraju Ryan Dyke Natalie Gilliam Christie Hernandez Karen Lu Shravya Mahesh Nishant Medicharla
Emma Meehan Arman Merchant Sally Parampottil Nicolas Reyes Sydney Rowe Nolan Sanders Shivi Sharma Akansha Singh Umama Suriya Charlotte Vanyo Camila Villarreal Sarah Woo
PHOTOGRAPHERS Stephanie Alvarez Camila Flores Laura Amador-Toro Lilly Gorman Neveah Jones Disha Kohli
THE SIDEKICK VIEW Gabby Nelson Anthony Onalaja Rishitha Penmetsa Aubrey Phillips Mari Pletta Rishika Rakwal
DESIGNERS Kaylee Aguilar Carson Allen Gwynevere Bonacci Ryan Kim Bailey Lai
Bella Mora Jacob Nelson Sujeong Oh Olivia Palmer Shriya Vanparia
THE SIDEKICK is the official student newspaper for Coppell High School. Its purpose is to inform, entertain and provide an educational resource for its readers. This newspaper is a public forum for student expression, with staff members (with assistance from their adviser) making content decisions. The editorials and columns in this paper reflect the view of their writers. The Sidekick is a member of Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) and Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA). The Sidekick welcomes all letters to the editor, but letters must be signed before consideration for publication. Send letters to cwofford@coppellisd. com or bring them by D115. Advertisements are sold as full, 1/2 page, 1/4 page and 1/8 page sizes in black and white or color. C O N TA C T U S (214) 496 6239 / cwofford@coppellisd.com 185 W. Parkway Blvd. Coppell, TX 75019
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Taking advantage of New Year’s Resolutions
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ne of the highlights of the holiday season is New Year’s Day, and with it comes the time for New Year’s resolutions. Whether it is hitting the gym everyday, spending less money on unnecessary items or simply complimenting others more, people should embrace New Year’s resolutions, despite certain criticisms the tradition faces. The end of December is naturally when many reflect on their actions and behaviors that year, which makes New Year’s Day a good time to act on those reflections and commit yourself to change. As holiday vacations wrap up, New Year’s Day brings out a refreshed version of yourself, giving you the energy to commit to a new set of goals. For Coppell High School students, as well as many students around the nation, a new semester begins within a week of the year’s beginning, cleaning the slate for their class grades. According to Forbes, more than 40 percent of Americans declare resolutions around Jan. 1, which means if you do the same, you will have an abundance of support surrounding you - many of your friends are likely to be striving toward their own resolutions. That support will push you to go on that run and to resist buying that expensive dress. According to ScienceDaily, exercise companions increase people’s fitness; the same logic applies to a wide variety of resolutions. Some may say these “impulsive” or “unrealistic” goals are pointless as they are far too likely to fail. Although statistically most New Year’s resolutions crumble by springtime, why does that mean the resolutions should not be made? The possibility of failure does not mean it hurts to try something. If you are determined to workout regularly for the
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entire year but begin fumbling halfway through March, what is the harm? At least you tried, and at least you exercised for those few months. If you had not made the goal, perhaps you would not have hit the gym at all. And anyway, if you are truly perseverant, you can always be one of the people whose goals do not fail - generally, the success of your resolution is in your own control. Others argue we should always be striving to improve ourselves, rather than only in January. While this is true, we can still choose to make concrete goals for the year on a specific day, while also bettering ourselves in general throughout the following months. Furthermore, there is no law that says you can only set goals once a year. If you desire, you can always reform your goals in the middle of July, or at any other time. Making specific resolutions will lead to more success than aimlessly thinking “I want to be a better person”; making them at the beginning of the year, when you have a clean, new slate, will excite you for the coming months. When you have goals, you have something specific to strive for something to hold yourself accountable against. So, go ahead and buy that gym membership. Go ahead and sign up for guitar lessons. Go ahead and learn that language. You have the opportunity not just for a new year, but a better you. H AV E A N O P I N I O N ? We are always happy to consider tips and guest columns from all community members. Email cwofford@coppellisd.com with your suggestions, feedback, stories or letters to our editors.
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DECEMBER OPINIONS
COPPELL HIGH SCHOOL
Opinions PRO/CON: NASA P. 8
BANDWAGON HATE P. 9
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“It’s so much easier to go along to get along.” P. 9
HOLIDAY TRAVELS P. 9
“Accept yourself” more than cliché Attaining appreciation for skin color despite prejudice, cultural stigma NISHANT MEDICHARLA STAFF WRITER @nishantnm1
The Sidekick staff writer, Nishant Medicharla learns to welcome his differences and embraces self-love and positivity.
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hroughout my childhood, I have always wondered what it would feel like to have light skin. How it would feel to be someone other than “dark”? This thought would always come up partly because I grew up in an Indian society where being “fair” was desired and learned about American history where being white was favored. This question has always been within me, but as I have grown up and started exploring the world, I have begun to agree with the cliché that you should appreciate yourself for who you are. The resentment towards the color of my skin started on the annual field day at Mockingbird Elementary School in 2008, when I was in the first grade. A peer came up to me and said “you are the darkest Indian I have ever seen.” I was completely distraught. I felt like someone ripped my heart open. I honestly do not know why I felt that way. I felt like being dark was an insult. I thought that being the fairest was the way to go. This was not the last of the remarks I would get about my skin color. Throughout elementary, middle and even high school, I have been called “Blackie Chan”, “burnt”, “roasted” and sometimes a “slave”. While some of these remarks came from my friends, some would also come from random people in the school hallways. But rather than getting hurt by my peers, what got to me the most is how my family reacted to it. Some of my aunts, uncles, even grandparents, would
sometimes ask why my skin has gotten so dark. They would say I am always in the sun, or I do not wash my face enough. Sometimes, I would even feel a little bit discriminated by my mom’s side of the family, who are all light-skinned. One of my closest friends, Coppell High School junior Suprita Ashok, had also encountered some of these problems from her family. Like me, she thinks these family members have good intentions but still feels the emotional pain of such comments. “As an Indian of darker skin, I have faced a lot of derogatory comments from my peers, and close family members,” Ashok said. “I know they are all really good people and they love me to death, but that does not stop them from using my skin against me. They talk as if it is a problem having darker skin. I love my culture, but I wish some things could be a little progressive”. While I know my family never tried to offend me, I was frustrated with the fact that being fair was considered handsome and beautiful. Why couldn’t being dark be a type of beauty too? I used to feel bad about these remarks and would try to do anything to change the color of my skin. I would apply random Indian lighting creams or apply turmeric paste on my face everyday. I was willing to try any product that would lighten my skin. While some might say I am a boy and should not care about outward appearances, I still desired to look “decent”. I wanted to be tall and fair so that I could gain that recognition. But after years of strenuous efforts to l i g h t e n my skin, I realized none of this would work, because this is how I am made. I have learned to accept myself and shrug off the remarks I still get today. Nowadays, I tell people I am a unique person whenever the subject of my skin color comes up. Throughout the years, with greater social media presence and inspirations from others just like me, I have learned to embrace the fact that not everything revolves around being the fairest and that everyone has their own type of beauty. We all should be thankful we have
“Because this is how I am made. I have learned to accept myself and shrug off the remarks I still get today.”
Photo by LAURA AMADOR-TORO
L E A R N I N G T O L O V E O N E S E L F The Sidekick staff writer Nishant Medicharla has learned to overcome the remarks that have been made by many in regards to his skin color. Medicharla has learned to agree with the cliché that you should appreciate yourself and be happy with the way you are.
a working body, and we should learn to accept the fact that not everyone will look like what society wants. When everyone comes together with different body types and skin colors, it creates a type of spectrum that allows humanity to connect, and that’s what is really beautiful. So whenever you hear the cliché to
accept yourself or be happy with the way you are, truly take it to the heart. You should not change the way you are for others; others can change their ways for you. NISHANT ‘20 can be reached at nxm6285@g.coppellisd.com
OPINIONS DECEMBER
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PRO AND CON
SHOULD WE INCREASE FUNDING FOR NASA? Yes: How expanding the budget for NASA pushes us forward ANDRÉS BEAR STAFF WRITER @_andresbear
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umanity’s fascination with the deep, starry unknown has followed the species since the early stages of its history. The forefathers of stargazing established the need to study our black sky and its twinkling lights. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was founded in 1958 by the United States government to study these unknowns. At the height of the space race, NASA brought the United States to the moon on its masterful Apollo 11 mission. The federal agency went on to progress the study of space and its many unknowns. Those technological advances came at a price, however enough to make one small step worth billions. “The focus of the issue should be shifted to where the money is going,” Coppell High School junior president of the Aerospace and Rocketry Club Tomas Olivas said. “The agency is currently focusing on lunar missions, which are important. However, Mars missions and the further studying of our atmosphere and climate should take priority.” A 2014 study by the National Research Council found that a manned mission to Mars must require less than $220 billion. The agency, as of 2017, operates on a $19 billion budget, which only takes up about 0.5 percent of the U.S. annual federal budget. NASA receives small numbers compared to the $590 billion set aside for defense or $939 billion for social security according to the White House’s U.S. Budget Rundown. It can be argued those two categories are more important than funding a trip to Mars, but there is a glaring issue with that line of thought. If not now, then when? “NASA’s budget should definitely be increased,”
“Space is the final frontier. Humanity only has one way to go and that way is up.” CHS senior vice president of the Technology Students Association Alexander Gross said. “If [NASA’s] budget increased to one percent of the federal budget, it would have the ability to advance research on Mars exploration and beyond.” The money currently being funneled into NASA is a hindrance to the pace and scale of its projects. If the agency received more money, it could greatly advance its progress on current ventures such as the Space Launch Program and Mars 2020 Rover projects. NASA’s projects take time and money to develop, launch and maintain. Even if NASA does not receive
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a significant budget increase in the near future, President Donald Trump might have already set things in the right direction. On Dec. 17, 2017 Trump initiated the Exploration Campaign. The campaign works as a refocusing for the agency’s current and future projects. The campaign would put forward NASA’s work on getting Americans back to the moon, a manned trip to Mars and further exploration of the cosmos. The campaign could be all NASA needs to restructure itself and promote the overall advancement of the human species. That prospect is excluding my proposed budget increase. Not only would the budget increase supplement the campaign’s efforts, it would also allow for future efforts to sprout more quickly and easily. “Space exploration is the definite future,” CHS AP Physics teacher Dayna Bryant said. “We need to put some more money into it. NASA is definitely the foundation for our country’s space exploration.” Space is the final frontier. Humanity only has one way to go and that way is up. The future of Earth has natural and man-made destruction written all over it. One day, the entire species will have to fling itself towards the great unknown. However, we will not be completely running away from our past - we will be running towards the future NASA, or any other space trailblazer, set out for us. ANDRÉS ‘20 can be reached at cab8902@g.coppellisd.com.
No: The downsides to working with NASA, work to be done on Earth NOLAN SANDERS STAFF WRITER @nolansanders
According to a study conducted by UNICEF, 20,000 children die from living in poverty each day. People all over the world are starving to death, and while those of us who are financially well-off wonder when we will have our chance to send a man to Mars, the people in poverty that are dying from hunger are wondering where their next meal will come from. It is unfair to funnel billions of dollars into a space project while people on the other side of the world, who have no way to provide for themselves or their families, are struggling in the dirt in desperate need of help. There are definitely more humanitarian things we can do with the bulk of the money the taxpayers fund National Aeronautics and Space Administration with, even if a few scientists are out of a job. NASA reported a $19 billion fiscal year in 2017. There are roughly 550,000 homeless citizens in the United States. Using half of NASA’s budget in order to shelter and feed the homeless folks living stateside would totally eradicate homelessness in
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the U.S. altogether. Feed A Billion, a non-profit company dedicated to serving one billion meals across the world to those who need it most by 2020, has the ability to serve 10 meals with only $1. If this company was equipped with just one quarter of NASA’s budget -$4.75 billion- Feed A Billion could theoretically serve 16 meals to each person living in poverty on Earth -roughly three billion people. There are countless humanitarian efforts we can implement with even a fraction of the NASA budget. Charity for natural disaster victims, reconstruction, funding for the Red Cross Association, funding for local soup kitchens, homeless shelter and day care, the Peace Corps, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF,
“The needs of the man have been ignored and the needs of the few have been made priority.” the World Food Programme and others. The list is endless. “While we are spending a lot of money on science and space and whatnot, there are people who are starving and living in poverty that need our help, especially after a disaster occurs,” American Red Cross member Kimberly Townsend said. “There is a lot of good to be done but we need the proper funds to do it.” The U.S. government has engaged itself in a new kind of space race, in which rather than facing off with a second world superpower, NASA is competing with private companies such as SpaceX that are advancing technologically at a quicker rate than NASA. In order to get the upperhand in this race, the needs of the many have been ignored and the needs of the few have been made priority. At this point in time, humans do not need to venture into space. Humans do, however, need food, water and shelter, and without these things, human life cannot be sustained. “I really like the idea of exploring and going further into space, but there’s a lot of people in need right now,” Coppell High School junior Tyler Rose said. “We could definitely use the money we’re spending on the space program to feed people and give them homes. The people in need are more important than exploring planets in the solar system.” While exploring the final frontier has its appeal to a star-gazing species, we have to put humanity ahead and provide for it before expanding into outer space. If we leave problems unsolved on Earth, how can we rationalize or justify settling on Mars? The world we live in is a broken one, and escaping to outer-space is not a viable option. It is in humanity’s best interests to fix the planet it is native to before venturing further into the galaxy. NOLAN ‘20 can be reached at njs6233@g.coppellisd.com.
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DECEMBER OPINIONS
COPPELL HIGH SCHOOL
GETTING OFF THE WAGON
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How blindly agreeing to spite harms S H R AV YA M A H E S H STAFF WRITER @shravyamahesh
EXAMP
LES OF
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ATE
• Cri ticizin everyon g Talyor Swift e else is be when sh cause politica e lly invol became ved • Dis liking a just bec political can id ause m ost of T ate witter dislikes them • Ha ting th because e Dallas Cow boys everyon e i s they’re s doing b aying ad • Lau ghing a t so everyon meone when e else is .
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hen Taylor Swift took to Instagram on Oct. 7 to encourage people to vote, the people on the internet both applauded and criticized her for her sudden political involvement. I was more interested in the sheer number of people who claimed Swift was “uncanceled” or admitted they never disliked her. The hate itself is no surprise – the young singer has faced a rocky couple of years full of controversy and romantic drama, her reputation tarnished to the point where she penned an entire album to prove herself innocent. Yet those who hated without reason remained a mystery to me. This kind of hate is rampant in modern media, with thousands of instances just a mere Twitter search away. For example, people openly voice their distaste for Scarlett Johansson due to her frequent
whitewashed roles, though the amount of say she gets in the issue is debatable. While many have logical, thought-out reasons for hating on people or things, too many just agree with everyone else on their opinions. This is not a new phenomenon. Much of the racism and prejudice in history is a result of bandwagon hate. Few held a personal grudge against those targeted, yet the prevalent belief at the time was skewed. “We know [these stereotypes] to not be true, but [due to] fear [and] ignorance, that [becomes] the negative bandwagon,” Coppell High School AP Psychology teacher Kristia Leyendecker said. “With any sort of racism, sexism, religionism or other -ism you want to call it, they’re all impacted negatively by a bandwagon.” This can work the other way around as well, rather than the “-ism”s being impacted by the hate. “Bandwagon hate is a hard thing to quantify because we [only] see the results,” CHS U.S. History teacher Kevin Casey said. “But racism is certainly the genesis of bandwagon hate.” Today, our platform for self-expression
• Rid iculing Youtu 2018 b ecause be Rewind it’s po hate it. pular to
Graphic by KAYLEE AGUILAR
F O L L O W I N G T H E R U L E S Bandwagon hate has become a common trend in today’s society. The Sidekick staff writer Shravya Mahesh discusses her views on the matter and the reasons it may be occurring more.
is much more easily accessible due to the internet, so we see every instance where someone voices their dislike and overestimate how many people share that opinion. I too am guilty of mocking people along with others, of disliking unpopular things without a reason, of snickering along with others at someone I barely know. After all, if everyone else is, surely I should too, right? That thought is what manifests in our minds before we laugh along with everyone else or blindly agree. But why do we bandwagon hate at all? Personally, as well as for many people may age, I do it to fit in. “Perhaps if [teenagers] are challenged on their thoughts and feelings that are contrary to the rest of the group, they fear they’re not going to be able to stand up for themselves or to be able to defend their position,” Leyendecker said. “It’s so much easier to go along to get along.” When my friends rant about people I barely know, I somehow laugh along and agree. My personal fear of being ostracized kicks in and suddenly I’m saying something I don’t really believe in. “Some people very passionately drive people up [when they state their opinion, so I agree] because this person has such a passion and reason [for believing what they do],” CHS junior Tejasvini Tummuru said. “I just get caught up in other people’s passion.” For others, it is culture. If a particular belief, albeit negative, is held by a family through generations, it is difficult to lose that mindset. The only way to combat it is to stand up for what we individually believe. It may seem daunting to disagree with those who disagree with our beliefs, but we must remain confident what we believe is right and educate those around us. Maybe then we would live in a more amenable society where we would feel comfortable to express our dissenting opinions. Maybe then, instead of an excess of bandwagon hate, we can have an abundance of bandwagon love. SHRAVYA ‘20 can be reached at smm8670@g.coppellisd.com.
CH RIS T M AS T R AV E L S
From sunny Florida to chilly Virginia to dry west coast ANIKA ARUTLA STAFF WRITER @anikaarutla
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iving on the southern tip of the northeast for most of my life, I grew up in what is the ideal holiday atmosphere. Christmas Day, it would be below freezing, with a few exceptions, with a light layer of snow covering the ground like a blanket. However, as my family traveled more during the holidays, my perspective on the holidays changed. Most of my winter breaks were spent ice skating around a rink in the middle of Reston Town Center in my former Virginian hometown, drinking addicting Starbucks peppermint mochas and bundled up in my warmest winter sweaters and boots. When I moved to Charlotte, N.C., it was
the same way. It was not the northeast, but it was close enough. The air was still cool and the people were still very much enthusiastic about the holidays. While I lived in Northern Virginia, we never actually spent the holidays in the city of Washington D.C. Living in a smaller city such as Charlotte, downtown was one of the only places to go. Even though it was not snowing, the fog that filled the city and the atmosphere itself brought out the spirit. That same year, my family drove to Florida for winter break. This would be the second time we spent the holidays in Florida. The first time was when I was 11 and we stayed in Orlando the entire time, jumping from one amusement park to another. In Orlando, the typical holiday feeling did not differ since we were surrounded by Christmas decorations and activities.
The second time we went down to Florida, we were glued to the coast and the sunny Florida beaches. This was one of the first times I had spent Christmas wearing shorts and tanning, forgetting the fact it was even the holidays until there was an occasional Christmas tree. In fact, we spent Christmas Eve parasailing in the Florida Keys and Christmas Day driving up to Tampa. Last winter break, we went to California. This was my first time on the west coast as well as my second consecutive year without snow during the holidays. I had to admit that I had grown so accustomed to the cold that not feeling it threw the entire holiday season into turmoil. We spent Christmas Day driving through the California desert to Las Vegas and that night walking the Vegas Strip. The overwhelming amount of
decorations and watching the fountains in front of the Bellagio hotel added a new meaning to holidays. In addition, when I was standing under Hogwarts at Universal Studios and the familiar Winter Ball music from the Harry Potter franchise started playing, I remember thinking there was no other place I wanted to be. It is a great experience to be able to spend the holidays in different parts of the country and see their definition of the holidays. Nevertheless, I will be traveling back up to Northern Virginia soon for the holidays. I am excited to bundle up in my favorite sweater and boots as I watch the snow fall, going back to my definition of the holidays. ANIKA ‘20 can be reached at asa7712@g.coppellisd.com.
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STUDENT LIFE DECEMBER
THE SIDEKICK
“We don’t just want to sell clothes and have that be the end of it.” P. 15
Student Life THE KOREAN WAVE P. 11
STUDENT PROFILES: LOVE FOR LANGUAGES P. 14
CHEAP, TRENDY CLOTHES FOR COPPELL P. 15
A fireproof heart: Beyer continues to serve others through health science department Gary Beyer is currently a health science teacher at Coppell High School. His previous profession as a fireman for the Coppell Fire Department stands as justification and experience for his current teaching. In a world of stories waiting to be told, Beyer’s tale of perseverance rises to the top. ANDRÉS BEAR STAFF WRITER @_andresbear
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isregarding his past profession, Gary Beyer is quite prone to spark fires - those in the hearts of his students at least. With a background as a hardened firefighter, his story stands out as an inspiring tale for the young, scrub-wearing individuals he teaches. Each piece of firefighter apparel and memorabilia found in Beyer’s classroom carries an abundance of memories and weight. His time as a firefighter paramedic for the Coppell Fire Department (CFD) gave him the opportunity to serve the people of Coppell. The process to become a firefighter in the United States is geared toward a younger demographic. The physical nature of firefighting requires individuals who are willing to endure harsh conditions both mentally and physically. “As a firefighter, you see people having their worst day,” Beyer said. “It takes a certain outlook on life to want to help those who cannot help themselves.” Beyer powered through the necessary prerequisites, such as fire school, and landed a position at the CFD in 2000. His portfolio was already extensive before joining. He carried an associate degree in Fire Science, a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Administration and had prior experience in the field of Emergency Medical Services. His position at the CFD meant riding on fire trucks and ambulances which burst onto the scene in hopes of saving lives or preventing them from being lost, all of which required the application of health-based knowledge combined with the ability to act on the spot. When he was not wearing personal protection equipment, he was a training paramedic for the CFD. He practically ran an employee training program for newly inducted firefighters. He taught them the niche aspects of the CFD such as its computer systems and the expected station behavior. Two years before Beyer retired in 2017, doctors found traces of lung cancer in his body. They took out his left lung. “I could never do a job where I was not trying to help somebody,” Beyer said. “I’ve always been that way, and I
cannot think of ever not being that way. People say, ‘Are you sorry you went into the fire service?’ I say, ‘No, I was only sorry I waited so long.’” A deep appreciation for Coppell and a personal inability to “do nothing” ultimately led him to teach at Coppell High School as a Health Science teacher the same year he retired. He did not start with a blank slate in education, however. Beyer taught at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth part-time for 20 years in the Emergency Medical Services department. Beyer currently teaches two senior practicums, Emergency Medical Technician and Pharmacy Technician. Both programs allow for students to leave high school with an official certification under their belts. Beyer taught the Principles of Health Science and Health Science Theory his first year at CHS. “It is really amazing and impressive that he was both a firefighter and a paramedic,” CHS junior Julia Bulgarelli
said. “I’m sure he grew and learned a lot from those experiences not a lot of people have had.” Beyer has taught for two years at CHS. He does not want his age to be a hindrance to the connection he has with his students - so he built a train set in the middle of his room. He wants them to know that they can still have an imagination, that they can still dream to reach their goals at any age. “My favorite thing about Mr. Beyer is his desire for his students to succeed without him,” CHS Health Science teacher Suzanne Paylor said. “He makes them work hard and has real conversations with them about their progress. All of his students will be better prepared for life outside of high school.” It is ironic, in good taste, that Beyer eventually found himself in an educator position. He never stopped serving the community despite a fight with lung cancer; he simply wielded his fire axe in a new direction. The fire truck shifted gears, he buttoned up his scrubs and is now teaching the future of Health Science. ANDRÉS ‘20 can be reached at cab8902@g.coppellisd.com
“It takes a certain outlook on life to want to help those who cannot help themselves.” GARY BEYER HEALTH SCIENCE TEACHER
Photo by CAMILA FLORES
M O V I N G F O R W A R D Coppell High School Health Science teacher Gary Beyer is a former firefighter at the Coppell Fire Department. Beyer’s experience in health science has since shaped his current position as an educator.
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DECEMBER STUDENT LIFE
COPPELL HIGH SCHOOL
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Korean Wave: How shared interest in culture creates entertaining community
Photo by SARAH WOO
E X P A N D I N G C U L T U R A L H O R I Z O N S Members of the Korean Culture Club enthusiastically play a Korean pop song guessing game to start off their meeting in Coppell High School choir director Bona Coogle’s room. The Korean Culture Club meets after school every Monday in room F101. SARAH WOO STAFF WRITER @syw6338
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lasting K-Pop, laughing students and illegible tally marks on a small whiteboard describes a small glimpse of the atmosphere of Korean Culture Club (KCC). Every Monday in room F101, the club welcomes stuzdents of all backgrounds to unite through one common interest: Korean culture. Some join to learn the language. Others join to dance, play games and experience each and every small aspect of Korean culture. Either way, people
are able to join an exciting community through a breakthrough phenomenon. “I feel like K-Pop is what’s making Korean culture popular in the U.S.,” Coppell High School junior David Yoo said. “People are dancing and singing to it all over YouTube and social media.” Evidently, the K-Pop wave is not slowing down. With BTS speaking at the UN General Assembly this past September, NCT being the first K-pop act to be named Apple Music’s “Up Next artist” and LOONA winning the MTV Europe Music Award, K-pop groups are making a name for themselves worldwide. However, even outside of music, the
impact of the Korean wave has become just as prevalent in everyday products. “Korean culture in general has gotten really popular recently, not just K-Pop,” CHS junior Melissa Ramirez said. “I’ve seen Korean beauty products, clothes and food everywhere.” The rapid spread of Korean culture, especially inside the doors of the small choir room, has shown it has done more than just improve people’s Korean. Diving deep into the culture, members of the club get to embrace all of Korea’s cultural differences through interactive games, various songs and complex dances. “Even though I’m Korean, I get to
share my culture with non-heritage people in the club,” CHS senior Jeongmin Park said. “It’s cool people with different backgrounds can come together with one shared interest, which for us, is Korean culture.” The unique presence of the Korean culture is leaving a lasting impression on many. “It’s really important to embrace all different kinds of cultures, especially in this day and age,” Yoo said. “It helps you get more connected with your community in a different way.” SARAH ‘20 can be reached at syw6338@g.coppellisd.com
FR IEN DS S INC E : S AV IT H A AN D AN USH A
“We have a cul de sac that we go to every time we go biking, and we just sit there and talk. It’s like our [own] place.” S AV I T H A S R I N I VA S A N SENIOR
“There was this one time where [Srinivasan] was in anatomy. She likes to wear her [sandals] to school, but she forgot that she had a lab. So she comes up to me, without asking, and [casually] switches shoes with me.” A N U S H A M I T TA L SENIOR FRIENDS SINCE FRESHMAN YEAR Coppell High School seniors Savitha Srinivasan and Anusha Mittal joke around in the Black Box Theatre. Srinivasan and Mittal met on the first day of freshman year while waiting at the bus stop together. Photo by Laura Amador-Toro
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CENTERSPREAD DECEMBER
THE SIDEKICK
DECEMBER CENTERSPREAD
COPPELL HIGH SCHOOL
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End of a decade marks beginning for emerging generation BY KELLY WEI, EDITOR-IN CHIEF
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What will keep the U.S. apart, may also push the country together President Donald Trump’s election in 2016 marked the apex of an unprecedented age of political division and polarization. Since, Republican and Democratic tensions have come to blows on matters of immigration, free trade and other nation-defining policies, and neither party shows many signs of backing down. In light of this political atmosphere, one of the most influential developments in the social sphere is an increase in youth involvement and the spotlighting of minority groups speaking up for their rights. “Most of the modern youth is independent, moderate and they see the political divide and they don’t like it,” AP Government teacher Bybiana Houghton said. “They want to see more candidates that can go or find a middle ground between both parties or both ideologies, but it’s just hard because neither want to come in the middle. The youth are looking for policies that provide more services, [policies] that are for climate change and their view is more of unifying the nation through the economy, through social services.”
Youth-led culture resting at the heart of it all Often times, culture defines and lies at the heart of society. In a world that is both more interconnected and divided than ever before, the need - and ability - to forge platforms for communication is crucial. From K-pop and hip-hop emerging as mainstream music genres to all-ethnic cast films such as Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, globalization is on the rise. “[Culture has] all become more interconnected, because as the Internet is growing, every culture is now available,” said junior Eda Kim, vice president of the Coppell High School Korean Culture club. “I see people who aren’t a part of my particular ethnicity or race that are enjoying something that I am a part of, that they are not predisposed to until just recently. [Through the] Internet, people are getting more in touch with it and interconnecting with a lot more people. [Culture] is just going to expand.”
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WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR ANTHONY CESARIO, EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR CLAIRE CLEMENTS AND EXECUTIVE NEWS EDITOR NICHOLAS PRANSKE.
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TWITTER @CHSCAMPUSNEWS
Beginning with Black Lives Matter bringing awareness toward police brutality and racism, the past five years has witnessed more stories and narratives stepping out into the light. From women speaking out against sexual harassment and abuse through #MeToo demonstrations to the March For Our Lives movement following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Fla., it is especially important to note that the figureheads spearheading these initiatives and movements are largely the youth. After the Parkland shooting, Coppell High School senior Khushi Khandewal became one of the many young people who are deeply passionate about social issues. Khandewal decided to get involved and was one of the students who organized the CHS walkout in connection to March For Our Lives in March. “Whatever is happening in this country right now, it determines my future and the future of those around me, and I don’t want to be living in a country where my voice doesn’t matter,” Khandewal said. “I want to see a good future for our generation and the generations that come after us. I want a future I feel safe in, a future where I know my beliefs and the beliefs of everyone around me matter.” The technology available at the fingertips of young people and an increasingly globalized culture can be a source of inspiration and motivation to contribute to the recent rise in movements and protests. As we move into 2019, social media may play a larger role in youth involvement in politics. Whether it will be positive or negative remains to be seen.
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he 2010s have proven to be a tumultuous nine years, rife with divisiveness, economic uncertainty and rapid technological changes that have both expanded society’s capacity for progress and called into question security risks and ethical debates. Mental health, police brutality, and self-acceptance are some of the most pressing issues standing at the forefront of this decade, ushered into the limelight by a surge in social media usage. The role young people play in the development of these issues is as paramount to 2019 as the developments themselves - looking past the Gen Z meme culture, highwaisted jeans and hop-hop music, there is real value in what the emerging generation is bringing to the table. The world today is drastically different from what the world was in 2010, full of fast-moving and startling changes. Given that so much is being propelled by the youth, however, 2019 can be considered to be as much of a conclusion to the decade as a beginning to the next one. From social justice to entertainment, here are predictions from The Sidekick on what to expect in the new year.
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New movements, voices will seize the spotlight
Looking local: Coppell’s frame for the future Big changes are already in full swing. Canyon Ranch Elementary, Coppell ISD’s newest campus to keep up with the growing population of students in the district, opens next fall. This is along with the new Coppell Middle School West and large-scale renovations at the new CHS9, along with other impressive changes, is indicative of Coppell’s commitment to progressing the community toward a new vision. With Coppell’s Vision 2030 and, more recently, Vision 2040 plan, the city is looking toward a future through the help of community engagement. Development, transportation and government are only some of the areas Coppell will be aiming to improve upon within the coming years. It will be taking account feedback from citizens of all ages, including Coppell youth. “Youth now, in 2040, are going to be the people that have roots here, that are looking at buying a home, or starting a business, or moving somewhere where they want their kids to be in a good school district,” community programs manager Molly Bujanda said. “It’s really important for youth to have a say in shaping their town. [Vision 2030 and 2040 are] a really important opportunity to just be able to, unfiltered, have your say on what you want your town to shape up like and the city to prioritize.”
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STUDENT LIFE DECEMBER
THE SIDEKICK
ST UDEN T P R OF I L E S : LO VE F O R LAN GUAGES SARAH ALAGOOD SOPHOMORE
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I
MOIRA HUMPHRIES SOPHOMORE
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF CHINESE?
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE ASL CLASS?
“The characters because I like writing them down. The hardest part for me is speaking it, but writing and learning the words is cool. The radicals are really interesting because it helps you decipher the meanings of some words, but sometimes [it can be] totally random.”
“I’ve always liked working with my hands, and I was always very twitchy too. I would fidget all the time which was really annoying, so I was thinking that would take energy out of my hands. So I signed up for ASL knowing that I would be able to move my hands.”
SHRUTI NAIR SENIOR
IB FRENCH V
CHINESE II
CIERA HILL JUNIOR
AP SPANISH IV WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT SPEAKING SPANISH?
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT FRENCH CULTURE?
“I have a lot of friends that speak Spanish. Every time I go to their house, it’s always so nice to be able to communicate with their parents. Being able to communicate and have that relationship still even though we don’t speak the same first language, that’s really important and also special because I wouldn’t have been able to have that if I didn’t take Spanish.”
“I like how they’re so laissez faire about a lot of things. They’re very like ‘whatever you do in your private life’, whatever you do in your house behind doors, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re a good person in general. I feel like that’s a really good philosophy to live your life by.”
Shattering stereotypes: a balancing act in the duality of acting and athletics “There is a good amount of support from friends and family, but I am definitely not judged whatsoever.” M AT T H E W O ’ Q U I N N SOPHOMORE
Musical theater holds even more stereotypes than general theater, as it encompasses singing, dancing and acting. It is a sharp contrast from the hypermasculine football, but O’Quinn n a generic high school movie, stereotypes said he has always felt a lot of support. run rampant, from the pink clad popular “I’m definitely not judged for being an chicks to the acne prone nerds. They actor,” Coppell High School sophomore are all stuck in their roles, and those Matthew O’Quinn said. “There is a who dare to step out of that role face good amount of support from friends severe repercussions. and family, but I am definitely not Two major stereotyped groups are the judged whatsoever.” Sophomore Colin Proctor is also an actor. He was in the same Take One class as O’Quinn. He is also a member of the JV cross country team. “I’m supported in all of it,” Proctor said. “We have so many choices in what we want to do here. [CHS] isn’t really biased towards anyone. Some people want to do theater, and they’re fine with it. [Other] people want to do math or science or football, and they’re cool with it, whatever they want to do.” Sophomore Will Kraus both works as a technical theater student and plays safety on the JV Red football team. Though many of his friends are often surprised to hear that he is a part of tech theater, Kraus finds it to be an important part of his life. Photo by SALLY PARAMPOTTIL “It opens up my range a little,” Kraus said. “I don’t feel very feminine because I’m in tech theater, I just feel D U A L I T Y R I S E S Coppell High School sophomore Colin Proctor (right) works on a scene like I am me.” with CHS sophomore Sydney de Leon in Karen Ruth’s third period Broadway Bound class on S A L LY P A R A M P O T T I L STAFF WRITER @sparampottil
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athletes and the theater kids. The former are powerful and masculine, although sometimes stuck up and lacking in intelligence. The latter, typically regarded as more feminine, are creative and occasionally seen with brightly colored hair and strongly applied makeup. Despite the image of unbreakable group boundaries, there are multiple students at Coppell High School who ignore contrasting stereotypes and participate in both the athletic and theater departments.
Sept. 7. Proctor is a member of the JV cross country team and is also an actor. The Sidekick staff writer Sally Parampottil discusses how actors and athletes are stereotyped based on their interests.
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SALLY ‘21 can be reached at scp7918@g.coppellisd.com.
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DECEMBER STUDENT LIFE
COPPELL HIGH SCHOOL
15 Student, graduate entrepreneurs reselling trendy fashion for less, donating profits CAMILA VILLARREAL STAFF WRITER @fliipthewriter
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ashion has always been part of 2018 Coppell High School graduate Macy Kincaid’s life, and now she has a business to profit from this passion. It began with an interview at the World Trade Center in Dallas that allowed Kincaid and CHS senior Kyla Freeman access to high-end clothes on wholesale. With this advantage, they came up with the idea of starting a resale business called Vie Free. First they buy clothes, then they sell them for what customers consider to be discounted prices. This is not Macy’s first experience in the fashion industry. She had previously managed a more informal fashion resale Instagram page called Macy’s Closet. The girls spent much time into choosing Vie Free as the name, with vie meaning “be” in French. “Vie Free, for us, was a message of freedom,” Kincaid said. “Freedom in your style, size and the person you want to be. We wanted to have some meaning behind it. We don’t just want to sell clothes and have that be the end of it.” As Vie Free took off, Kincaid and Freeman gathered their old clothes and their friends’ clothes to sell. They even went to thrift stores, buying cheap pieces of clothing and adding their own little touches to them for a refreshing look. On their Instagram page, viefree_, they announced a grand opening on Nov. 17 for people to shop at Kincaid’s house. The turn out was similar to the slow, lazy Sunday when it happened - a norm for any starting business. “We obviously weren’t expecting [business] to be booming the first time. That takes time and it really can’t be rushed,” said Kincaid, “Every person that came to the sale bought something, so I would say that’s a good start.” Vie Free underwent a slight change
in management when Freeman decided to take a step away from Vie Free and focus on other important aspects of her life. CHS junior Hannah Cechin stepped up and became Kincaid’s new business partner. Now, the goal is to put up an online store and start making their own clothes around May. They want to sell all types of fashion, from vintage to edgy and “boho” to girly. At some point, they would even like to sell men’s clothing. “The hardest part about starting a business is advertising it,” Cechin said. “Well - it’s not too difficult because of social media, but getting people to actually come out and buy our clothes is really hard.” Throughout the journey, Kincaid and Cechin are thankful to be able to acknowledge the unending support from their friends and family. Whether it be a few more helping hands or simply active and supportive customers, the two girls are reinforced by the people in their lives. “They’re doing really well,” CHS sophomore Sarah Kamel said. Kamel played an important role in the early days of the business by helping the girls buy, modify and sell their clothes. “They’ve come a long way and I think their determination and attitude will help them go far.” As they progress, Kincaid and Cechin have decided to donate a portion of their profit to a charity of their choice that they have yet to look into. They are hoping to have the cause set by spring when they expect business to flow in a little steadier. They have not made much profit, but they hope that will change as the new year begins. Kincaid plans on pursuing a fashionrelated career in college. She hopes to set up a boutique in Arkansas, an idea she got from a successful Arkansas-based boutique called RiffRaff initiated by a high school student. If all goes well, she’d even like to make a clothing line out of it.
Photo by BREN FLECHTNER
S T A Y I N G I N S T Y L E Coppell High School junior Hannah Cechin and CHS graduate Macy Kincaid decided to get into fashion and begin their own fashion resale company, Vie Free. Kincaid and Cechin have decided to donate a portion of their profit to a charity and Kincaid plans on pursuing a fashion-related career in college.
CAMILA ‘21 can be reached at cxv8266@g.coppellisd.com.
TE A C HER O F T H E IS S U E
shelby
ROOM B215 / AP U.S. HISTORY How did you end up teaching history at Coppell High School? I was a student [at Coppell High School] and was a history major at UT Austin. So I put my history degree to use in teaching. A lot of my friends that were history majors went on to be lawyers, different things: you could kind of go in all sorts of different directions. But I started teaching middle school in Irving and then came to Coppell High School.
Coppell High School AP United States History teacher Scott Shelby has been selected by The Sidekick as the December Teacher of the Issue. Shelby enjoys spending time with his family, and hopes students take away a love of history from his class.
How do you think the way history is taught has changed since you were a student? When I was a student it was a lot of “just read the textbook and answer the questions at the end of the chapter.” Now in AP U.S. History, we do read the textbook but we try to have as many interactive or Living History experiences as possible to where the kids really experience it. We’ve had a mock trial, we’ve had socratic seminars and the Constitutional Convention and things like that to try to make it a little bit more tangible. What is something interesting about you that people may not know? I think my students know that I spent a whole
lot of time with my family because I have three kids that are 8, 6 and 3 years old. They take up most of my time. I’ve also always loved sports. So now as opposed to just sitting at home or watching sports on TV, I’m watching my kids play a lot. Why do you think teaching history is important? The one thing I want for them - even if they’re an A, B, C student or [if they are] failing my class - is to appreciate history a little bit more than the study of “a bunch of old dead white guys” (for U.S. history). To understand that history is a story, but it’s the story of us and it tells us how our world today and how people interact with each other has developed over time. It’s not just that somebody woke up as a conservative or a liberal with certain feelings on issues. The only way to kind of “forecast” decisions today is to understand history. I tell my students all the time: we look back at history and we question. We don’t understand why there is such racism or whatever it may be. If you study history then maybe our leaders and whoever is in government or even ourselves can make better decisions.
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ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER
THE SIDEKICK
Entertainment CULTURES AND TRADITIONS P. 17
NEW COPPELL ARTS CENTER P. 18
“The story’s fantastic, and Belle’s a good role model for young girls.” P. 18
HOLIDAY DRINKS P. 19
CHS graduate Ford makes mark on big screen marginalized in the past – co-star Jacob Lince is on the autism spectrum himself Madison Ford is a former Sidekick entertainment editor and Coppell High School graduate. Now, she is an actress and starred in the 2018 drama/ – and going forward, she hopes to fantasy film Nathan’s Kingdom. participate in more meaningful projects with the same resonance. “What made the booking of this so introduced me to another path that up to important and special for me [is that] it’s ANTHONY CESARIO that point I hadn’t considered weaving my first feature film, and it’s not only ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR into my life, my future,” Madison said. a lead role in which you get to do a lot @anthonycesario_ “Since then, I’ve continued to write as of work as an actor, but it’s a very wellwell as act. That’s helped with acting as rom discovering a passion for well, because you’re continuing to learn written role, especially for a woman,” writing to landing the lead role about the world and about people’s Ford said. “This role was kind of a dream in the 2018 film Nathan’s Kingdom, stories in a way that’s not so insular. [It] role. I felt very lucky and blessed, and I Coppell High School and Columbia gave me more tools and different avenues was also very excited about the film in University class of 2016 graduate to pursue storytelling and be a more general, because they had big goals and they succeeded in accomplishing those Madison Ford is fulfilling dreams she m u l t i f a c e t e d goals.” never expected to have. person.” N a t h a n ’s When Ford was young, she did Ford was Kingdom is not consider becoming an actress; she actually attending currently in wanted to be an astronaut. However, college when she its festival run she spontaneously decided to audition auditioned for and has been for “Barney” while she was attending Nathan’s Kingdom. receiving rave Wilson Elementary. Despite not getting She returned reviews. the part, Ford was noticed by a local to Los Angeles “ [ Fo r d ] agent and signed with them, before during her O L I C E R M U Ñ O Z attending Cathryn Sullivan’s acting school year for NATHAN’S KINGDOM WRITER AND DIRECTOR brought more than just school in Lewisville, where she fell in a couple rounds being a very love with the craft. of callbacks and good actor, “I like the opportunity [acting] gives chemistry reads. she brought you to understand life experiences “Most actors worry about themselves; that are not your own, or also that it they think more about the performance this human quality as well,” Muñoz provides an outlet for you to understand and less about listening. Most actors said. “Once the cameras stopped rolling, your own life experiences well but are self-conscious,” Nathan’s Kingdom she didn’t just step away to do her own in a deeper way,” Ford said. “I’ve had writer and director Olicer Muñoz said. thing, she hung out with us. She’s also moments in acting where the character “Madison is none of that. Madison is a really smart storyteller. If she had has some scene and the combination of a professional actor who listens and questions she would bring them up, the writing and acting have made me because she listens, she puts the acting because she always wanted us to make realize something about myself that I first and she puts herself last. She’s the best possible movie together.” Ford is also able to boast a unique didn’t before.” completely confident in her craft, she’s Ford decided to join The Sidekick her confident as a person and she’s what family dynamic not many other people can say they have: her mother, Aileen junior year of high school as a staff actors strive to be.” Ford, still lives in Coppell and is also writer. As a senior, she became the Ford appreciates the film for an actress as well as a jazz musician. entertainment editor. its acknowledgement of the talents “Joining Sidekick and journalism of performers who may have been Madison’s younger sister, Mia Ford,
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“She’s what actors strive to be.”
is an actress, too – and she was also a staff photographer for The Sidekick her sophomore year and a member of KCBY. “[Acting has] created a really special bond between [me and Madison] because we can share so much with each other and you always have someone to relate to throughout the challenges of this business,” Mia said. “It’s really nice to always have someone there to confide in, and she knows exactly what you’re feeling and exactly what you’re going through.” Madison also finds herself inspired by Mrs. Ford, who has been a role model in her life and has pushed her to be focused and driven. Referring to Mrs. Ford as her “guiding light and north star,” Madison appreciates her mother’s support of her career and the way she lives her life. “I always said to [Madison and Mia], if you’re doing this to be rich or famous, you’ll be very miserable, because you have to love the art of it and the craft, and they totally do,” Mrs. Ford said. “They’re both incredibly humble and they do it because they love acting.” Madison has been living in New York for the past six years, but at the start of next year she will be moving to LA. She looks forward to the future and fostering more meaningful relationships while taking advantage of her talents. “The older I get, the more important putting meaningful work out there is for me,” Madison said. “As I go forward, I want to act more, I want to write more, and I want to be a thoughtful person while I’m doing that.” ANTHONY ‘20 can be reached at avc5954@g.coppellisd.com
NATHAN’S KINGDOM NATHAN’S KINGDOM is a drama/fantasy film featuring a man, Nathan (played by Jacob Lince), who is on the autism spectrum, and his opiateaddicted teenage sister Laura (Madison Ford), as they search for a kingdom that only exists within their imaginations.
Rating from IMDB
Photo courtesy Madison Ford L I F E O N T H E C A R P E T Madison Ford is a 2012 Coppell High School graduate and former entertainment editor of The Sidekick. Ford has a passion for writing and acting, and plays the character Laura in the 2018 film Nathan’s Kingdom.
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DECEMBER ENTERTAINMENT
COPPELL HIGH SCHOOL
C U LT URES AND T R A D I T I ON S D UR I N G T H E H O LI D AY SEAS ON
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With the diverse community at Coppell High School, the holiday season means different things to different people. From recipes to simple traditions to attending events, the variation at CHS is incredible. Follow these students through their adventures during the holidays. Story by Anika Arutla
New places, new memories Coppell High School sophomore VARSHINI SURESH takes the holidays as an opportunity to travel and experience them in different ways. Suresh’s family takes long drives to nearby states such as New Mexico and takes trips down to the ocean to cities such as Galveston. For Suresh, it is either the beach or snow. Every year Suresh visits Grapevine’s Gaylord Texan Resort to see the ice sculptures. In addition, since she was 4, her family drives to Plano to see Christmas lights.
“During the holiday time, my sister and I have a bake off where we each bake a cake out of scratch. In my family, we make Victoria sponge cake from scratch filled with raspberry jam and whipped cream. This is probably my favorite and the only desert my mom can bake without messing it up in some way,” Suresh said.
Family and feasting
“On Christmas we go to our lakehouse to spend time with our family and have a big meal and then give presents. We emphasize having our whole family together, a lot of my cousins who don’t live in Texas anymore fly in and we all spend the holidays together,” Dodd said.
Celebrating two cultures Coppell High School junior NINA FERNANDES spends the holiday season celebrating two prominent holidays; Christmas and Hanukkah. One typical Hanukkah tradition Fernandes does is play dreidel. Instead of attending a synagogue, she celebrates at home. Every night during Hanukkah, the Fernandes family goes out and buys candles to light the manohara and afterwards, says a prayer. They cook ladkuhs, potato pancakes that go well with sour cream and applesauce, they also make chocolate coins called Hanukkah gelts and donuts which are all traditional Jewish dishes.
Coppell High School junior JUSTIN DODD starts off the holiday season by attending holiday parties and setting up a tree in the beginning of December. He commemorates the holidays by participating in Advent events such as Advent calendars, lighting candles at church and Advent wreaths. Each Sunday during December, Dodd and his family light a different candle on the wreath and on Christmas they light the center candle. Furthermore, on Christmas Eve he goes to a service in church. On Christmas Day, his family makes baked potatoes, turkey and green bean casseroles and spends the day at their lakehouse on Elberta Lake in East Texas.
“My mom is the one who’s Jewish so we put more importance into the actual reason behind the celebration. We read the story of Hanukkah on the first night of Hanukkah, and so we focus on the historic aspect of it and like why we’re doing it. Whereas for Christmas it’s just a time for us to exchange gifts,” Fernandes said.
Getting in the spirit “One thing my family does every Christmas is baking, but not just regular cookies. We typically make a Goan Christmas sweet called kulkuls. The smell in the kitchen is amazing and always reminds me of home and family. Every year we also make sorpotel, a pork dish and puris to eat the sorpotel with,” Mascarenhas said.
In Coppell High School senior ISABEL MASCARENHAS’s house, the typical anticipation on Christmas morning does not occur. Instead, Mascarenhas opens presents after her family attends church that morning. Mascarenhas goes Christmas caroling with her friends, plays games and sees “The Christmas Carol” with her family. Her family also sets up two different Christmas trees, one that is decorated very elaborately and one that is for her and her siblings to experiment with.
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ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER
THE SIDEKICK
Coppell FUMC’s “Beauty & the Beast” begins production NEHA DESARAJU STAFF WRITER @nehades_
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he silence in the chapel is pressing. The back rows are dotted with students of varying ages on their phones or speaking in hushed tones with their parents. The kids are waiting for their auditions for the First United Methodist Church of Coppell’s production of “The Beauty & the Beast”, which will be on Feb. 28 and Mar. 1 and 2. Coppell Classical Academy seventh grader Anna Head is one of the young singers and actors who plans to audition. When she walked into the audition room, the judges, Emily Baker and her daughter Erin gave an enthusiastic welcome. Emily and Erin have been a part of this team doing the shows for a long time. Emily has been directing the shows for almost 16 years now. Erin participated in the shows through her seventh and 12th grade years, and has been the vocal coach for three. “We like these shows because of how fun it is to do it with the kids, especially the Disney ones,” Emily said. The students were diverse in every way. Some were long-time veterans of theater such as Prestonwood Christian Academy freshman Faith Lee, who has been acting
since fourth grade. “At my old school [in South Korea], theater was a big thing,” Lee said. “And so I started out doing theater just because my friends did it, but then I decided that I enjoyed it.” Cconfidence and positivity is reflected in the directors who put together the show every year. “What I love most about [the play] is that it includes all kids,” choreographer Whitney Bollinger said. “This is an open, safe space for anybody who wants to do a musical. It really starts a lot of kids’ love for musical theater.” Set and lighting designer Sylvia Pollard appreciates the production for the many roles it offers young actors. “The story’s fantastic, and Belle’s a good role model for young girls,” Pollard said. Bollinger and Pollard kept under wraps the details of how they planned to accomplish some of the show’s challenges, such as a scene where the Beast must transform and float in the air. “That is all theater magic,” Bollinger said. “You’ll just have to come and see the show.” Photo by LILLY GORMAN
READ MORE AT COPPELLSTUDENTMEDIA.COM NEHA ‘21 can be reached at nsd4173@g.coppellisd.com.
C E N T E R S T A G E Coppell Middle School North eighth grader Graham Gorman sings for directors Emily Baker and her daughter Erin at the First United Methodist Church on Nov. 30. Gorman is auditioning for FUMC’s production of “Beauty and the Beast”.
City breaks ground on new arts center Main Stage Theater: 441 Patrons - 2,200 square feet of stage space. Multi-Purpose Space: 100-165 patrons, 2,000 square feet. Used for community and arts organizations. Flexible Theater: 195 patrons - 2,200 square feet. (Seating can be moved around)
Construction begins for $17 million facility to house theaters, multi-purpose space CLAIRE CLEMENTS EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR @cclements825
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oppell’s new Arts Center, scheduled for completion in spring 2020, will open new doors for local artists both literally and figuratively: they will have a greater space in which to practice their art. “[I am most looking forward to] not having to share a space like we have to share now,” Coppell Chorale President Bethany Henze said. “We only have one working theater here, so we have to rotate. We’re on top of each other a lot, the orchestra can’t perform, so that’s very exciting.” Currently, the Coppell Chorale, along with Theatre Coppell, share the Center for the Arts building at 157 S. Moore Road in Coppell. The use of the current building will be determined in spring 2020 upon the opening of the new arts center. The arts center groundbreaking was Monday, but the development of the arts center has been a project of the City of Coppell since 1997, when the development
of Old Town Coppell, where the new arts center will be located, started. While the initial idea may have started in the 1990s, the idea started to become reality in January 2017, when the city agreed to work with architecture company Corgan. The arts center will have a main stage theater, flexible theater, a multi-purpose space for rehearsals and meetings, a gallery and a studio space. It will host live performances from Theatre Coppell and the Coppell Chorale, along with other arts groups. The budget for the facility is $17 million, funded by Coppell Recreation Development Corporation (CRDC), a sales tax revenue fund. “It became clear the community wanted a little bit more emphasis on the arts and culture when we did our [Coppell Vision] 2030, so we are just thrilled that we are finally moving ahead with this,” Coppell Mayor Karen Hunt said. Coppell Vision 2030 was made in 2009 to establish strategies to maintain Coppell’s diversity and safety, as well as to improve upon the offering of services and gathering places for the community. The
arts center is a part of this. “I know there are multiple arts groups that, when they are doing recitals, have to go outside of Coppell,” Hunt said. “This is another place for Coppell to gather and experience arts and culture in the community, which is the part that is exciting.” Not only does the arts center provide excitement for local artists, it also offers a new, different opportunity for citizens. “I’m very excited about the arts centers,” Coppell Arts Council President Pete Wilson said. “This is another centerpoint [for Coppell],” Perhaps most important for both citizens and artists alike is the center provides an important factor of culture for Coppell. “Art is priceless, art is everywhere in the community, and everyone, whether they realize it or not, probably dabbles in some sort of art, whether it’s singing or dancing,” Henze said. “There are so many ways art just touches our lives that I don’t think everyone is aware of.” CLAIRE ‘20 can be reached at cec4824@g.coppellisd.com.
Photo by DISHA KOHLI
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UP C O M IN G E V E NT S : A W HIMSI CAL WIN TER AKANSHA SINGH STAFF WRITER @akanshas120
Whether your idea of celebrating the holidays is witnessing a bright spectacle of lights and sound in a parade or simply strolling through a park to absorb the nuances of the holiday spirit, there will be something in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for you to enjoy. These are some of the most interesting exhibits and activities running through the winter season. DALLAS ARBORETUM 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
The Dallas Arboretum has an outdoor “The 12 Days of Christmas” exhibit. The theme of the garden decorations is inspired by the classic Christmas song. Open Wednesday through Sunday nights, visitors can stroll through the exhibit and see glass-encased gazebos, each of which are decorated for a different day in the song with bright, mechanical objects. Small choirs perform throughout the day along with other music to accompany the decorations. “The art form of the opera, the visuals, the music, the backdrop of the gardens - it’s just a one-of-akind experience.” Dallas Arboretum vice president
BY K E L LY W E I , EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Texas may not be expecting snow this year, but the pleasant chill in the air is as good a reminder of the coming holiday season as any. With winter weather sparkling on the horizon, many of us find ourselves in want of something warm to keep us company through the holidays— and what could be better than a steaming mug of heavenly goodness? Here are some classic holiday drinks my best friend and I love to indulge in, each with our own added unique kick.
of advertising and promotions Terry Lendecker said. “You get all the senses and it’s elaborate,” From a gold pear tree decorated with rhinestones and a sole shimmery partridge to 12 drummers revolving in a circle, the 0.75 mile walk, illuminated by lights and enhanced by music, makes for a pleasant night. Tickets can be purchased on the Dallas Arboretum website.
DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART LATE NIGHTS
GAYLORD TEXAS RESORT AND CONVENTION CENTER ICE!
DALLAS SYMPHONY CONCERTS
The Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center provides a chilly winter experience in its annual attraction “ICE!”, featuring two million pounds of ice sculptures delicately crafted by artists from Harbin, China. The resort has kept “ICE!” as a tradition, keeping the sculpted ice as well as activities such as snow tubing in nine-degree temperatures. This year’s theme is based on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Coppell High School junior Suprita Ashok visited “ICE!” with a friend last year and plans to visit again over winter break. “Everything was so painstakingly detailed; each room was a tiny part to a big story,” Ashok said. “We were given jackets to keep us safe in the nine-degree air and employees sold hot chocolate at the end of the exhibit.”
On the third Friday of each month, the Dallas Museum of Art remains open until 11 p.m. During Late Nights, visitors can partake in scavenger hunts, go on tours of the museum, watch concerts and learn more about art around the community. Late Nights is featuring concerts by Rockestra and jazz saxophonist Drew Zaremba on Jan. 18. ORCHESTRA
JANUARY
Combining repertoire from classical music and modern pop, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra lightens the winter season with a variety of music. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is performing three concerts in January. Mahler’s Song of the Earth, described by the famed composer Leonard Bernstein as Mahler’s greatest symphony, will be Jan. 10 to Jan. 13. Dvorak’s New World Symphony (Jan. 17 to Jan. 19) features Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 performed by 22-year old Jan Lisiecki. The Music of ABBA (Jan. 25 to Jan. 27) features classic songs such as “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen”. AKANSHA ‘20 can be reached at axs8044@g.coppellisd.com.
R E CIP E O F T H E IS S UE
Seasonal drinks to keep you warm through the holidays
Hungry for a bite? Some snacks that would go well with these beverages include: graham crackers, butter biscuits, marshmallows, fruit snacks, almonds and other assorted nuts, ice cream, gingerbread and a plate of classic chocolate chip cookies.
Orange and Jujube Cider Cinnamon-Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix This hot chocolate mix will not only keep you toasty, but give your palette a refreshing, spicy kick. The mix will last about three months on the shelf. INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •
1 3/4 cups nonfat dry milk powder 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup creamer 1/2 cup baking cocoa 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 10-15 peppermint candies or 2-3 candy canes 1 cup miniature marshmallows 3/4 cup hot milk
DIRECTIONS 1.
Unwrap peppermint candies and place in Ziploc bag. Crush with a pestle or other heavy object. If you are using candy canes, break them into smaller segments beforehand. 2. Combine milk powder, sugar, creamer, cocoa and cinnamon in a large bowl; mix well before adding marshmallows. 3. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to three months. 4. To prepare one serving, dissolve 3 tablespoons hot chocolate mix into hot milk.
With its cozy sweetness and pleasant tang, cider has long been a personal favorite. I have added a twist using jujube fruits, my mother’s favorite organic sweetener for drinks. This recipe serves eight. INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •
8 cups fresh apple cider or apple juice 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1 cup dried jujube fruit 1 orange, cut into slices 8 cinnamon sticks 1 cup sweetened whipped cream
DIRECTIONS 1.
Heat the cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, jujubes and orange slices together in a saucepan. 2. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the mixture is hot; stir well. Jujubes should ideally soften and crack. 3. Strain the cider into a pitcher or individual mugs. 4. For an additional flourish, add cinnamon sticks, dried jujubes and a twirl of whipped cream on top.
Classic Hot Butterbeer Butterbeer is the beloved fictional drink from Harry Potter. Not to worry – you won’t need to have read the books to enjoy this sweet, fizzy drink. This recipe is inspired by Spoon University and makes six servings. INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •
1 pint of vanilla ice cream softened 1/2 stick butter, at room temperature 1/3 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 24 oz. vanilla cream soda (cold)
DIRECTIONS 1.
Allow ice cream to soften for about 30 minutes, while bringing butter to room temperature for about 2 hours. 2. Blend butter, sugar and spices in large bowl. 3. Add ice cream and freeze for 10 – 20 minutes. 4. Heat cream soda in a pot until warm but still carbonated (at least 3 minutes). 5. Fill each glass with a scoop of ice cream mixture and pour warmed cream soda over ice cream.
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SPORTS DECEMBER
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Sports BASKETBALL NORMS SHIFTING P. 21
“It was a milestone for him because he made finals. I don’t think anyone was expecting that because he was a sophomore.” P. 22
SOCCER PLAYER RELOCATES P. 22
SWIMMER BREAKS RECORDS P. 23
Cross country makes history by winning state SYDNEY ROWE STAFF WRITER @syd218
On Nov. 3, the Coppell High School girls cross country team won their state championships, marking the first time a team in their position has seized this win. Although the boys team did not accomplish the same achievment, sophomore boys runner Evan Caswell set some of his own records.
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he uncontrollable emotions, numerous tears and various high-pitched screams characterized the Coppell cross country team at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock on Nov. 3. The girls team left with its first state team title and a new boys 5K school record. The cross country team trains year round in the blistering cold or melting heat, rain or shine. The runners’ dedication to the sport has paid off majorly this season. To open its season, the team travels to the Run Across Texas camp, a week-long running camp in far west Texas. The camp allows Coppell to train with some of the top schools in the state, including Southlake Carroll and Prosper. “The athletes get to ride in vans with other schools’ coaches and at the same time they bond with other schools’ athletes,” cross country and coach Nick Benton said. “It shows our athletes other kids are working just as hard as they are.” Throughout the season, the athletes all had varying performances in their races. Where some would have their good week, other girls struggled. No matter the results week to week, the girls focused on themselves and their goal of taking home the state title. “It was exciting [to have this kind of season], we knew we hadn’t reached our full potential,” sophomore runner Chloe Hassman said. “At the same time, it made us nervous because we knew we would all have to have a good race the day of the meet.” This year, the district realignment pitted Coppell against some of the top-placing teams in the state early on in the championship season. While the boys team failed to advance out of the district meet by four
points, the girls advanced with a second place finish. season,” Benton said. “We knew he was going to be At region, the girls slipped through, securing the good, after I finally convinced him to come to camp fourth and final spot to the state meet. and after experiencing it, I think he gained a lot of “[Getting fourth] at regionals was a big blow to confidence in himself.” everyone’s confidence,” Hassman said. “It felt like, at After placing ninth at the regional meet and setting that point, everyone had dismissed us and I think that a new school three mile record, Caswell decided to made a lot of us really angry.” chase the 5K record at his first state appearance. After the regional results, Milesplit, a large “At the beginning of the season, I didn’t know that company based around race results, released their I was going to break the school record,” Caswell said. predictions for the Class 6A girls state cross country “[Benton] was really motivating and he was always meet at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. The confident in all of our abilities.” organization did not even predict Coppell to be in the top three. SYDNEY ‘20 can be reached at Cross country meets are scored on a team’s top ssr6043@g.coppellisd.com five athletes based on their number position in a race; the lower the score, the better. From the spectators’ cheers, the athletes were able to determine they were P ho to in a decent position. co ur “[As] we were in the last mile passing te sy spectators, I could hear people say ‘oh my gosh, that’s Coppell’s fifth runner,’ and I knew we had a good chance at something great,” Coppell senior runner Rowan Hassman said. “I looked around and I couldn’t see any Southlake girls and I didn’t see Flower Mound’s third runner anywhere near me.” Coppell beat its two largest competitors - Flower Mound and Southlake Carroll. Flower Mound finished second and Carroll was fourth, just short of a podium position that they have held for over a decade. “We weren’t expected to win,” Rowan Hassman said. “Other teams coaches came up to us after the race and congratulated us. One said how surprising it was that we won, and asked us if we were expecting a result like this.” The boys team did not leave the state meet without a mark on the school’s history either. Coppell High School sophomore runner Evan Caswell was the only boy to make it out of the district and regional meet. At the state meet Caswell set a new S E I Z I N G T R O P H I E S On Nov. 3, The Coppell High School school record for the 5K run. girls cross country team raises its trophy for the 2018-2019 “Last year [Caswell] was a JV runner and he State Championship at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. This started running really well at the end of track year’s runners won the first state team title in school history.
Photo by AUBREY PHILLIPS R A C I N G F I E R C LY The Coppell High School senior Maddie Hulcy, sophomore Chloe Hassman, senior Rowan Hassman and junior Shelby Spoor return back to the track after their daily morning run on Dec. 4. On Nov. 3, girls cross country won the 2018 Class 6A state championship at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.
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“It felt like, at that point, everyone had dismissed us and I think that made a lot of us really angry.” CHLOE HASSMAN CHS SOPHOMORE CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER
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Changing the game from 30 feet back NICHOLAS PRANSKE EXECUTIVE SPORTS EDITOR @nick_pranske8
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ny long-time basketball fan remembers, or at least knows of, the 1988 NBA Dunk Contest, in which the legendary Michael Jordan slammed one down from the free-throw line. They also remember Sports Illustrated photographer Walter Iooss’s picture of it. But do they remember the Golden State Warriors’ guard Stephen Curry’s 62-foot buzzer beater three? What about the other 2,128 3-pointers he made from 2009-2017? The game of basketball is changing and it is only getting farther out. In the 1999-2000 season, Seattle SuperSonics guard Gary Payton - the league leader in 3-pointers - shot 520 threes, only making 177 of them. In 2015, the peak year of Curry’s shooting, he attempted a whopping 886 and made 402 of them, more than tripling Payton’s made shots. The idea of shooting threes is not NBA-exclusive - not even close. My brother, Jackson, who recently started his seventh grade basketball career at Coppell
Middle School East, plays against kids who hoist up threes from their shoulder from 25 feet back. While this is not a good testimony to the success rate of threes, the argument stands - even younger players are taking after the pros. Coppell High School senior guard Isaiah Hoang, who upholds this trend, has been working on his 3-point craft since he first saw guys such as Curry on TV. “All the coaches I’ve had never got mad at me for shooting threes,” Hoang said. “But they always wanted me to take not just good threes, but great ones. One that doesn’t have a defender in face or is too far back. They have to be great.” But the 3-pointer is not the only shot players are taking, obviously. The second most frequent shot is from inside three feet - the famous post shot. It is all about the risk. Taking a shot from three to 10 feet should be a better choice than a 30-footer. In fact, as much as Hoang appreciates the value of a 3-pointer, he recognizes what is the better shot for him. He realizes that a 10-foot jump shot is a higherpercentage shot than a long three. This is usually the case, but when it involves someone such as Curry, who is a great shooter from anywhere on the court, the right decision might be to take a couple steps back.
Graphic by BAILEY LAI S H I F T I N G S H O T S Recently 3-point shots in basketball has been increasing in not only number, but also success rate in all levels of basketball. Executive Sports Editor Nicholas Pranske informs about the greater success shorter players have when scoring in basketball.
When Curry launches one from 30 feet out, he is usually not touched by a defender. After all, who would be foolish enough to step up on a good ball handler such as Curry? Step up on him just to let him dribble right around you for an easy layup? That would just be embarrassing. That mindset leaves players like Curry wide open to drain a jaw-dropping shot. There is minimal risk when one is wide open. By the time one gets to high school, he/she is able to recognize that. Thus, Hoang takes advantage of them. Being on the varsity basketball team, Hoang uses the 3-pointer as not only a method of scoring, but a way of misdirection. “If I’m in a game and I make four threes in a row, [the defender] might play a little tighter on me,” Hoang said. “That will open up the opportunity to drive on him or shoot a mid-range [jumpshot].” This pulls in a whole new option to the 3-point shot, similar to a run-pass option in football, where the quarterback has to read the defense and make a quick decision to either keep the ball or hand it off to the running back. When shooting a three, Hoang has to read the position and proximity of the defender in order to make the choice to either get the shot off, pass it away or drive. This is the ideal situation for a shooter - three options, all to make the defender wrong. The only other low-risk shots in the NBA are free throws and layups. Because one cannot draw a foul on every play - despite how good his flop-acting is (yes, James Harden, we see you) - the next best option is the layup. A simple shot off the backboard, even over a six-foot-eight defender, is more likely to go in than a mid-range jump shot. But likelihood of success is not the only factor that plays into this; it is about the stigma. Well, there are multiple stigmas. For one, the awesome feeling of swishing a three in someone’s face or (not that I have know the feeling) throwing down a monstrous dunk over someone. It is also about the boring stigma of “settling” for a jump shot. Since when is taking an safe, open jumpshot considered “settling”, or considered weak for not driving all the way? Well, maybe it is not about it being called weak or settling for a shot. Maybe, just maybe, it actually works. According to NBA.com, at the end of last season, the Houston Rockets set the NBA record for most 3-pointers shot in a season at 1,184. This, of course, beat their record from the previous season by three. Not-so-coincidentally, the Rockets averaged 111.1 points per game, coming in at fourth place in the league in that aspect. One of the craziest shots one could have taken 20 years ago has become the norm of a basketball - and it is improving the game. NICHOLAS ‘20 can be reached at nep4594@g.coppellisd.com.
UP C O M IN G HO M E G A M E S
BOYS BASKETBALL VS. FLOWER MOUND Jan. 8
GIRLS BASKETBALL VS. LEWISVILLE Jan. 22
BOYS SOCCER VS. MARCUS Feb.1
GIRLS SOCCER VS. IRVING Feb. 5
22
SPORTS DECEMBER
U P - A N D - C O M I N G TA L E N T
Peeks selected as sole freshman on varsity
THE SIDEKICK
Bracho relocates, settles into Coppell soccer team PRAMIKA KADARI COPY EDITOR @pramika_kadari
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Photo by DISHA KOHLI O N E O F A K I N D During eighth period, CHS9 defensive midfielder Bailey Peeks warms up for soccer practice on Dec. 5. After practicing with the Cowgirls JV1 team for a while, Peeks was the only freshmen who was moved up to varsity. AKIF ABIDI STAFF WRITER @akifabidi
Last season, the Coppell girls soccer team consisted of 25 players, of which a majority was underclassmen and only two were seniors. Though the young team was somewhat inexperienced,it still had a successful seasonwinning the District 9-6A championship and fighting its way to the Class 6A Region II semifinals. However, this season, the Cowgirls’ roster only holds a single freshman: defensive midfielder Bailey Peeks. Coppell girls coach Ryan Dunlevy sees a bright future for Peeks as a Cowgirl. “She has the right attitude and the right approach to practice every day, she comes in and does exactly what we ask of her at full speed every practice,” Dunlevy said. “She is a very technical and coachable player.” Playing soccer since age 4, Peeks was one of the few eighth grade players whose performance during the Coppell Middle School East soccer season last year caught the eyes of CHS coaches. But after practicing with the Cowgirls JV1 team for a while, Peeks was the only freshmen who was moved up to varsity. “She is working really hard to understand our approach and our style, and I have been very impressed with the way she is playing,” Dunlevy said. “For me, there was no question she is a varsity level player as a freshman, and I expect her to contribute to our success this year.” Maza Ozymy is a sophomore at CHS and also Peeks’ teammate on the Cowgirls. “Bailey is a great teammate. Her performance on the field is really good for a 14-yearold,” Ozymy said, “She is always working hard in practice and pushes through hard training sessions.” With her first season match Dec. 29 against Denton Ryan, Peeks looks forward to what her high school career has in store for her. AKIF ‘20 can be reached at asa2606@g.coppellisd.com.
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any consider moving once during high school difficult, but Coppell High School junior Richard Bracho had to do it twice - from Venezuela to Kentucky two years ago, then from Kentucky to Coppell in August. Although he has needed to adapt to a multitude of new surroundings, one thing has always stuck with him: soccer. “I played soccer all my life,” Bracho said. “All my friends [in Venezuela] were playing, it was a big sport in the country. Soccer is the best sport, I watch it all the time and it’s a lot of fun to play.” Along with the rest of Coppell’s soccer players, Bracho tried out for the boys team at the beginning of the school year and was placed on the junior varsity. After moving to the United States, Bracho faced a wide spectrum of changes - everything from school size to the national language was new. While in Venezuela he practiced soccer in the evening, in Coppell he practices in the morning, giving him more free time after school. The changes were not necessarily bad, but adaption is always a challenge. “Everything is different,” Bracho said. “Here, it’s more safe. People are different here than there. The school was the main change - making new friends, new teachers, new soccer team, [and doing] tryouts again.” Soccer gives him something to lean on. “Through soccer I made friends more easily, met new people [and] they helped me a lot,” Bracho said. “Because they knew I was new, they helped me with everything - meeting people, getting to know things. My best friends are on the soccer team. Because those are people I spend most of my time with. We play soccer everyday, practice together, talk a lot.” CHS junior Anthony Flemming, who first met Bracho during tryouts, is one of his good friends. “I wasn’t immediately friends with him,” Flemming
said. “I just gradually introduced myself. I liked him, so I hung out with him. As a person, he has a wonderful personality. He’s so funny, I love him so much. As soon as I introduced myself, and just by the way he introduced himself to me - you know first impressions they mean a lot - I just knew we were gonna be great friends. It was awesome. He’s a good guy, overall.” Bracho generally plays center defensive midfielder. The position is yet another change for him, as he was usually the striker in Venezuela, but his strengths as a player help him execute the new position successfully. “I think [his position] is the perfect spot for him,” Coppell coach James Balcom said. “He reads the game well. He plays quick, gets the ball off his foot quick, is able to see things on his field that midfielders his age sometimes don’t see. He does a good job reading the game. “[Because of] his good vision, he’s able to see the whole field, work the ball side to side. ” As he is only 5 feet and 4 inches tall, Bracho’s small size can sometimes be an obstacle to overcome. “The physical part of the game is really important,” Balcom said. “Being his first year in Coppell, we’ve had to work to get some strength on him. A year of working will help his game physically. Bracho is appreciated by people in the program for both his positive personality and on-field contributions to the team. “He is not a ball hog, he passes the ball a lot,” junior team manager Santi Ceniceros said. “And he brings a good set of skills to the team. His ball control, his agility and his low center of gravity [are strengths]. His ball control has improved a lot since the beginning of the year as well as his strength.” Although he still has a couple more years until college, Bracho has already decided he wishes to play soccer for whichever university he attends. “I love the sport, I want to play soccer all my life,” Bracho said. “Everytime I play soccer, I try to do better and do my best.” PRAMIKA ‘20 can be reached at psk7733@g.coppellisd.com.
Photo by MARI PLETTA F I T T I N G I N Coppell High School junior Richard Bracho (left) plays defense against CHS sophomore Oliver Isenberg during practice in the fieldhouse on Nov. 28. Bracho is originally from Venezuela and moved to Kentucky two years ago, and this school year moved to Coppell where he enjoys his passion.
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DECEMBER SPORTS
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PUSHING FOR PERSONAL BEST
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Pretorius dives in deep with determination, discipline S A L LY P A R A M P O T T I L STAFF WRITER @sparampottil
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oppell High School junior Johan Pretorius set the Pinkerton Fitness Center pool record for the 100yard backstroke in Texarkana during the TISCA invitational meet. The next day, he broke that record, beating his previous time. He was not satisfied when he saw his time of 52.2 seconds. “It was close, but it wasn’t my personal best [of 51.4 seconds],” Pretorius said. “At first I was angry because I hate adding time and I added a little bit of time.” This mentality helps drive Pretorius in his swimming career. Pretorius made the varsity swim team in his freshman year, breaking the school record for the 100 backstroke with a time of 53.1 seconds. From then onwards, he worked hard to rep-
resent Coppell. His most notable event was the trip to state during his sophomore year, which Pretorius secured by placing second in the 100 backstroke in regionals. Despite feeling under the weather at state, Pretorius swam relatively well, placing 11th in finals. He also broke his previous school record with his personal best. “It was a milestone for him because he made finals,” Mastebroek said. “I don’t think anyone was expecting that because he was a sophomore.” His performance is not specific to competitions, as Pretorius puts in everything he has during practice too. Rather than planning on swimming in and after college like one would assume, Pretorius aims to attend the Naval Academy. There, he wants to become a Navy SEAL. This would mean an incredibly strict diet and intense workout routine. Though the degree of the regimen would drastically increase, the concept would not be new to him. His current practice schedule means 20.5 hours of swimming per week. That is a little more than 12 percent
of his week spent in the water. His dedication to keeping his healthy food patterns strong has been noticed by his coaches and teammates alike. “He works hard on his eating and nutrition,” sophomore swimmer Cole Tramel said. “If we go to restaurants on a travel trip, he’ll always gets the healthiest option. He’s very adamant about that.” With his current training and intense passion, becoming a Navy SEAL is not too unrealistic. However, that is a goal for the far future. There are other goals, smaller goals, that he can focus on for now: winning in state in his senior year, making it to junior nationals this year or even beating his personal best for the 100 backstroke to set another school record. Second place at regionals, going to state, setting a pool record in Texarkana. All of this is still not good enough for Pretorius. With his determination, work ethic and dedication, he knows he still has room to grow. SALLY ‘21 can be reached at scp7918@g.coppellisd.com.
M A K I N G A S P L A S H Coppell High School junior Johan Pretorius accepts his medal for the 50-yard butterfly with CHS seniors Emil Aaltonen and Elieser Gonzales at the Vaquero Battle on Nov. 9 at the Coppell YMCA. Pretorius was the only CHS swimmer to go to state last year and set a pool record, with a time of 51.4 seconds, at the TISCA invitational in Texarkana.
Photo by STEPHANIE ALVAREZ
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