Iniya Nathan CHS9 Editor

THE BEAT FROM CHS9 Conger goes from newsroom to classroom

Nathan Cheng

Staff Writer

@WalterBotell

Immigration can be an arduous and anxiety inducing process, one CHS9 Spanish teacher Reyna Conger knows well. Graduating with a degree in journalism from la Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Venezuela, Conger moved to the United States in 2000 and earned a teacher certification in 2014 before moving to Coppell in 2016 to teach in Coppell ISD.

What is your professional background?

I am from Venezuela and my first career was in journalism. I moved to the U.S. in 2000 to pursue a master’s degree in communications [at Georgia State University]. In 2002, I got married and moved to Texas. I stayed home and decided to become a certified teacher eight years ago.

How did you pursue journalism in Venezuela?

I graduated as a journalist in 1995. I worked in Venezuela for seven years before I decided to move to the U.S. The school was called Universidad Catolica Andre Bello in Caracas .It is one of the best schools in Venezuela.

Why didn’t you pursue journalism in the United States?

I tried to do an interview with CNN in Spanish because my English wasn’t good. It didn’t go very well and I also needed a sponsor for my work visa because I was still an international student. My school in Venezuela did not provide a sponsor so I wasn’t allowed to work in the U.S. I could have worked for free but I decided to study.

What made you want to be an educator?

When I was in college, I was an assistant teacher for a class called “generos periodisticos” or journalist styles. It’s when you explain how to do interviews or how to write news articles and things like that. I always liked teaching. Even before I got my alternative certification, I worked part-time at the Spanish Schoolhouse for two or three years and I really enjoyed it. Before I decided to pursue teaching, I stopped for about two years to make sure that it was something I really wanted to do and it was.

When did you get to CISD?

It was five years ago. I was at [Coppell Middle School North] for one year before I moved to CHS9 and this is my fourth year here. I taught social studies to dual language kids and then the second semester, I taught Texas history and Spanish I and II. Since I moved here, I’ve taught Spanish II and III, and this is the first year I am teaching AP Spanish IV. CHS9 Spanish teacher Reyna Conger teaches her fourth period class on Feb. 17. Conger has been teaching at Coppell ISD for five years. Olivia Cooper

Yella strengthens leadership through DECA

CHS9 DECA vice president of administration Srithan Yella attends DECA monthly meeting in B hall commons on March 9. Yella plays a game with DECA members to create bonding in the club. Nick Larry

Minnie Gazawada

Staff Writer

@mridinigazawada

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CHS9 vice president of administration Srithan Yella spent his time watching “Shark Tank”. The innovative products, deliberation of sales and marketing led Yella to his calling: business.

In an effort to dive deeper, Yella attended the first DECA meeting of the school year and presented his officer election speech to lead the CHS9 DECA chapter.

“I wanted to take charge of the club and help the club work efficiently,” Yella said.

With a background of public speaking through Coppell Middle School West Youth & Government, Yella strengthens his qualifications for a future of leading himself and others.

“A good leader [when] managing a business, you take control of the team in many aspects of the business. So I feel like that would fit my personality,” Yella said.

He was one of the six individuals elected and had an interview with CHS9 DECA advisor Kim Porter prior to securing the position of vice president of administration with his leadership abilities.

“He’s got [an] authoritative voice and he will command the attention of his audience easily and immediately,” Porter said.

Yella’s duties as vice president are maintaining attendance records and merit points. His efficiency is witnessed by CHS9 DECA vice president of finance Aryan Raj.

“Srithan compliments everyone else on the team,” Raj said. “When everybody works together with Srithan, it’s effective and everybody benefits.”

Yella uses his leadership skills by organizing and conducting events, such as the popcorn fundraiser and the Chipotle Social Night. The fundraisers took place to support members’ with DECA state tournament expenses. It raised around $1,400, allowing Yella to listen to members’ suggestions and direct them through the process.

“A leader is someone who goes out of their comfort zone; at the end of that day, that’s my role,” Yella said.

Yella’s Business Plan

DECA Competitive Event: Entrepreneurship - Start-up Business Plan Favorite part of Business: Learning the processes of different business aspects and how each one is distinctive Dream Career: Managing a business as a team leader Favorite Shark: Mark Cuban

Tian pursuing artistic freedom online

Maya Palavali

Staff Writer

@mvpalovalley

Hand moving deftly from years of practice, a character comes to life on the blue tinged screen. Art is all about skill and experience, both of which CHS9 student Ivy Tian possesses.

Entering freshman year, Tian enrolled in the Art 1 Honors program offered in Coppell ISD. In school, Tian expresses her creativity freely in the ways that she likes best. She has been able to become comfortable in her environment, thanks to CHS9 art teacher Elsa Reynolds.

“Mrs. Reynolds will let you draw what you want,” Tian said. “She also gives tips that are really nice.”

Her love for art predates her enrollment into the school art program. Starting classes since age 5, Tian has been surrounded by the proper art education to help hone her skills. The steady foundation she built at a young age has allowed her to branch out as an artist.

“In fourth grade, the [art] teacher made us draw people kicking soccer balls,” Tian said. “I didn’t like that. I wanted to do my own stuff, and so I did.”

Her passion for art grew as she entered middle school.

“I didn’t get into it until I was in sixth grade,” Tian said. “I was drawing my friends and I was like ‘I want to get better’.”

Her love for digital art was found in the walls of Coppell Middle School East and a couple of apps.

“[My interest] started in sixth grade when they provided us iPads,” Tian said. “I started

with Paper 53 and graduated to Sketchbook.”

Tian entered the realm of creating fan art. With it being new, Tian turned to her favorite show at the time to help guide her. Reflecting back on fond memories, Tian realizes how she would like to revisit her previous interests. One of these interests is anime art. “I used to really like to draw Jujutsu Kaisen art,” Tian said. “I want to get back to it someday.” Digital art and sharing pieces virtually have a special place in Tian’s art. Art provides Tian peace in a sea of obligations.

“It’s not stressful if I [make art] for fun and because I like it,” Tian said.

Tian’s personality is reflected in the beautiful concepts she constructs.

“She is actually quiet and reserved,” Jiao said. “But, once you get to know her, you come to realize her demeanor is very charming and she’s full of funny quips.”

Tian makes sure to keep her art bright and optimistic.

“I try to put my personality into it, so it won’t be all serious or gloomy,” Tian said. “I’m not that type of person.”

She wants to take her love for art and use it to help herself and others. Tian is currently open for commissions to improve her skills and make a profit at the same time. She plans to use her experience in her younger years to help her create a path for the future.

“I want to go down the digital path with 2D animation or have a job and do [art] on the side,” Tian said. “I know for sure that in the future I’ll continue doing art because I don’t want to quit.”