Volume 36 Issue 2

Letter Editor from the

As I sit in my AP Calculus AB class, I stare intensely at a worksheet filled with equations and tables. Even though my teacher explained the concept just minutes ago, I have forgotten everything. All the numbers, letters and symbols blend in a calculus whirlpool and I feel a headache developing.

This headache then leads to a string of contemplative thoughts, starting with asking why I chose to take yet another math class after barely surviving AP Precalculus last year. Why did I knowingly insert myself into this mentally challenging and demanding environment? Why did I allow myself to be in such a stimulating setting when I could have been doing anything else?

It is during times such as these that I like to think back to elementary school. A time filled with carefree, joyful memories. A time when I spent my days frolicking with friends and building LEGO sets. A time when I learned how to multiply numbers, not manipulate them.

Although there is some truth to my memory of the past, I often overlook any struggles or challenges that I faced. At the end of the day, the happy memories are the ones that stick with us, so why waste time remembering the negatives, right?

Wrong.

The parts of my past that tested me or pushed me out of my comfort zone are the ones that are worth remembering.

If I had never fallen while learning how to walk, my life would be vastly different. If I had not learned how to sound out letters, it would have been difficult for me to discover my love for words. If I had given up on going to dance class because my legs hurt, I never would have discovered my passion.

If I did not have the ability to persevere through, I would not be the person I am today.

Growth is constant, always evolving. Whether mastering a math concept, finishing a 3,000-piece LEGO set or acceptance into college, my successes are only as good as the effort that I put into them.

So, even though I cannot wrap my head around derivatives right now, who knows, maybe I will look back in five years and wish that I was in high school, although I highly doubt that.

Board approves Pinkerton consolidation

Caitlyn Concepcion Staff Writer @caitlyncion

Ninety-six years of history, put to rest in six board meetings, with the last meeting being under four hours long.

On Sept. 30, Coppell’s oldest and only operating International Baccalaureate elementary school, Pinkerton Elementary School, was voted by the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees to close. The school will consolidate into undecided remaining elementary school campuses within the district.

On Oct. 23, a resolution was approved to move the IB program to Wilson Elementary School and the Dual Language Immersion program to Denton Creek Elementary School after Pinkerton closes next school year.

The consolidation of Pinkerton is projected to save CISD $2.1 million of the projected $13.4 million budget deficit from the 2023-24 academic school year.

”It is so much more than numbers on a sheet,” Pinkerton Elementary parent

Julia Valero said. “We chose Pinkerton because we wanted our kids to put their best foot forward, and it feels like that has been taken away by premature choices

that have come as an afterthought, a last ditch effort.”

Established in 1928, Pinkerton evolved into a “choice” school, permitting all CISD students to enroll into the IB Primary Years Programme, an inquirybased learning environment.

Additionally, 8% of its student population is enrolled in the Dual Language Immersion program

“I just do not understand why or how this is the only viable option,” Pinkerton parent Sadie Bauer said. “If we look at this budget crisis as a whole, is shutting down one elementary school that holds so much value and tradition going to save us from what is happening at the state level when it comes to funding?”

Since 2020, CISD has seen a decline in student enrollment at the elementary level which has compounded the district’s existing budgeting issues.

“Realistically, we cannot keep every school open and smoothly maintain operations as it is without digging into our other running expenses,” CISD Board of Trustees President David Caviness said. “To close an elementary school like Pinkerton was not something we would have liked to see happen, but it is instead a way of minimizing potential layoffs or

program cuts.”

On Sept. 30, a protest held by Pinkerton and surrounding elementary parents, faculty and students rallied to keep the school open, and lined outside the Vonita White Administration Building on Denton Tap Road.

“Basically all the memories that flood my head when I think about my time at Pinkerton are positive and I hate to see it close just because of money problems,” said Coppell High School junior Saddarth Morisetty, who attended Pinkerton. “I liked my teachers, I did not find myself dreading going to class every day like at my previous school and most of all I felt like I was getting something out of my education doing IB.”

Serving more than 13,100 learners across Coppell and four surrounding communities, the quality of education at CISD schools has been a longtime pull for new families to move into the area.

“I do not think this will stop Coppell from being a destination district,” Caviness said. “For years, our schools and choice programs have excelled in what they do and this closure should not come as an end all be all for the district going forward despite our current financial situation.”

Photo by Nyah Rama

On Sept. 30, the Coppell ISD School Board voted to close Pinkerton Elementary School. The proposed closure will save the district a projected $2.1 million.

“We’re excited to see how Fire Station No. 5 will improve Coppell’s safety and strengthen our connection with the community,” P. 4

UT Austin auto-admission rate dropping to 5%

UT Austin auto-admission rate has dropped to 5% for the class of 2026 admission cycle. The automatic admissions rules stem from a Texas law mandating all Texas public college first-year in-state students be 75% Texas auto-admit students.

Akshaya Ashokanand Staff Writer

@CHSCampusNews

Hundreds of students wager sleepless nights and hours of studying for a place in the top 6% of their high school class, earning them an automatic admission to the University of Texas at Austin. However, a change in policy puts many students’ efforts in jeopardy.

UT, one of the top universities in the state and in the nation, will drop its automatic admission percentage from 6% to 5% starting with the high school class of 2026. This change was made to adhere to certain Texas laws.

In 1997, Texas passed House Bill 588 mandating the top 10% of every public Texas high school’s class be guaranteed admission to any public Texas university, intending to increase diversity among

college students. In addition, Texas Senate Bill 175 passed in 2009 requires 75% of freshmen students at public state schools be in-state and automatically admitted.

UT dropped its automatic admission to only accept the top 7% in 2017, further dropping to the top 6% in 2019, and now the top 5%. This drop creates implications for future high school classes in regards to UT’s competitive admission standards.

Parallel to changing admission criteria, Coppell High School students have taken on more rigor in their academics. College competitiveness has motivated much of the student competition, so much so that in 2010, CHS stopped ranking past the top 10%.

Even with an increase in competition, UT remains a highly desirable school for Coppell students. According to KCBYTV adviser Irma Lazos-Kennedy, the wide array of connections and research opportunities UT makes it a top-ranked college in the nation.

“It’s always been a heavily academic school, and it has just gotten more competitive because everyone understands it is a world-class university,” Lazos-Kennedy said.

Sophomore Ravali Mocharla thinks this change will affect her class’ mindset and increase pressure towards being a high-achieving academic student.

“You see kids around you getting those perfect grades, and you compare yourself to them, and we have to understand that we have to only compare ourselves to

ourselves,” Mocharla said.

With changing academic standards, Mocharla takes a different approach to studying.

“Last year I would stress if I thought about grades left and right but this year I’ve adopted a different mindset,” Mocharla said. “My best is my best and that’s enough.”

For junior Harshvardhan Vinoth Kumar, the drop may force some to extremes such as cheating.

“Such malpractices might not have happened if the bar was not placed that high,” Kumar said. “If you are merited to go to [a prestigious university], you should go to that university. But if those merits are to be collected by cheating, then maybe the university in itself is not the best fit for you.”

Lead counselor Ann Cinelli proposes this drop will not have much effect on the difficulty of getting into UT. While the amount of people being holistically reviewed might increase, the chances of acceptance for each individual remain relatively the same in regards to the amount of students UT can accept.

The decrease in automatic-admission rate may make students feel as though they cannot have a good college experience outside of UT, but it is important to keep an open mind.

“UT is not the only school,” Mocharla said. “Texas A&M University, University of North Texas and Texas Christian University are fabulous schools with great programs that can really be the best for you.”

Business Beat: Sanctuary Books and Games unfolds comic haven

Rhea Chowdhary & Vibha Viswanath

@CHSCampusNews

Business Beat is a Sidekick video series in which staff members highlight local businesses.

“Will I remember the stories of my collection, the art, the artists?,” Sanctuary Books and Games owner Shawn Besaw said. “Yes. But will I remember the conversation I had with the person I sold it to? I will remember that a lot more.”

Tucked away next to AA Driving School and iFratelli’s Pizza in Irving, a small comic book store serves as a hub of acceptance and community. In 2018, Shawn Besaw opened Sanctuary Books and Games. Besaw started the business with his extensive collection of comic books, but it has grown into a spot where locals play games and immerse themselves in all things fiction.

“It’s humbling when a person has a bad day at work, but they come in to hang with good people, read comic books and play games,” Besaw said.

Scan the QR code to watch media editor Rhea Chowdhary and photography editor Vibha Viswanath’s video.

In this episode of Business Beat, an issue based series that focuses on a local business in Coppell or a surrounding area, The Sidekick media editor Rhea Chowdhary and photo editor Vibha Viswanath talk to the owner and staff of Sanctuary Books and Games about what the customers mean to them and the “sanctuary” they have created.

Photo by Kayla Nguyen

Photo by Rhea Chowdhary

Sanctuary Books and Games employee Austin Carter checks out a customer on Oct. 16. Sanctuary Books and Games is a comic book store that welcomes visitors to purchase comics, merchandise and play games.

Future fire station forwards community safety

Staff Writer

@RaimaAwan_

In an emergency, a few seconds can save a life, home and future. Every second counts for emergency responders. For residents of Northlake Woodlands and the Austin Elementary community, a new fire station arises. Coppell Fire

Station No. 5 is emerging for residents of Northlake Woodlands and the Austin Elementary community. It is expected to be completed in summer 2025.

In March, Coppell finalized plans of a new fire station, a critical step toward improving the safety of its citizens.

“Quicker response times are crucial,” Coppell firefighter and paramedic Matthew Womack said. “Time is of the

essence, and a 30 seconds or minute delay could create more damage.”

Fire Station No. 5 is strategically built in a key area of Coppell to decrease the time it takes firefighters to arrive at an emergency. Next to Austin Elementary and Northlake Woodlands, the new station is expected to provide residents with an increased sense of security.

Fire Station No. 5 is closest to Fire Station No. 3, so Womack and the other firefighters are eager to see how the new station increases public safety and connection.

“We’re excited to see how Fire Station No. 5 will improve Coppell’s safety and strengthen our connection with the community,” Womack said. “We definitely know that we’ll help them even more than before.”

All Coppell fire trucks gained the Insurance Services Office (ISO)-1 rating, displaying superior property and fire protection that demonstrates great ability. With the addition of Fire Station No. 5, residents can expect enhanced protection and speed.

Along with a new building, the fire station is expected to gain new and better

technology, including improved radio systems and tiller trucks, which steer in the front and back.

“It’s a bigger piece of equipment, more maneuverable in small areas because of the way it’s built as far as technology goes, and I’m sure it will be top of the line,” Station No. 3 firefighter Payton Lambert said.

The three new trucks can navigate narrow streets and ensure firefighters are safe within and outside of the truck. These trucks provide better access to equipment, longer ladders and separate steering wheels, providing a sense of safety on the field.

This advanced technology ensures that firefighters operate more efficiently, notably in high-stress situations where every second matters.

“We’re pretty lucky with the equipment that we’ve accumulated here in Coppell,” Fire Station No. 3 firefighter and paramedic Zachary Manning said. “It’s normally the best, and the citizens are very happy with the top of the line work, and that’s what we try to do. We are definitely looking forward to listening to the citizens whenever they need, in that new area.”

Project Ambrosia serves healthy eating solutions

Staff Writer

@hamza_a_zakir

A small group of Coppell High School juniors gather around their laptops, typing away as they put the final touches on an extensive project months in the making.

However, these students are not working on any ordinary school project. Instead, they are preparing to send their group application to the United States Congress on Oct. 24, aiming to win one of the nation’s most prestigious student coding competitions.

In the Congressional App Challenge, students are tasked with creating and submitting their original apps for a chance of winning the CAC in their congressional district.

This year, Coppell High School juniors Aryaman Singh, Anmol Deepak, Samarth Prasad and Samanyu Hebbar, submitted their new app: Project Ambrosia.

Project Ambrosia is an app designed to combat users’ unhealthy diets and help them make better, healthier choices.

“Obesity is a major problem around the world, especially in developed countries like the United States,” Singh said. “With more consciousness of what people can

NEWS FLASH

eat, I think we can actually help solve that problem to some extent.”

Ambrosia accomplishes healthier eating habits by informing users of whether a food is healthy or not, powering their suggestions with Gemini, an artificial intelligence tool from Google.

When a user searches for a specific food, the app sends a request to an application programming interface database, returning values for protein, added sugars, calories, grams of total fat, cholesterol and sodium. Based on this information, Gemini provides an overview of the healthiness of the food, categorizing it as healthy, unhealthy, or somewhere in between.

The idea for Ambrosia stems from the complexity of nutritional labels, which can be difficult to read and interpret.

“A lot of the information on nutrition labels is unreadable to the average person,” Singh said. “We wanted to simplify that process.”

The team started its journey creating the app in March, working on and off during the summer independently and pouring more than 300 hours into the project.

However, the journey was not without challenges. The team faced problems in their integration with fatsecrets, the food

database they selected.

The team received an email from fatsecrets, threatening their access to their resources if the issue was not resolved briefly.

”We were concerned,” Deepak said. “How bad did we mess up that the company is emailing us?”

Despite these hurdles, the team remains confident in the potential of its app in the CAC.

“We spoke to specific ideas that the industry is very excited about right now, like healthcare and artificial intelligence,” Singh said. “It was a convenient combination, and one for a good cause.”

As the deadline approached, the team polished their app, ready to submit Project Ambrosia to the CAC.

“I’m confident we can win the district,” Singh said.

Coppell High School juniors Aryaman Singh and Anmol Deepak code an app to aid healthy eating for the Congressional App Contest. Students create an original app for the contest, held by Texas representative Beth Van Duyne.

Emotional meeting concludes with Board voting to consolidate Pinkerton

Cozby Library shines light on Fentanyl use

Council proclaims October Fire Prevention Month, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Hernandez, Jun clash on key issues for Texas House race

Photo by Meghana Linga

Coppell Fire Station No. 5 will be built where Coppell Fire Station No. 2 previously stood. The station provides a sense of security for Coppell residents and allows for quicker emergency response times.

News Flash updates local news between issues.

Photo by Hamza Zakir

Hamza Zakir

Raima Awan

The beat from CHS9

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Broadcast announcements giving students field experience

Elizabeth De Santiago Staff Writer

@LizzieDeSanti_

When Dr. Greg Axelson stepped into the role of CHS9 principal, he noticed students were not engaged with the spoken daily announcements blaring from an overhead speaker. Students did not pay attention to the announcements as they were often hard to hear and did not hold their attention spans, causing a disconnect with the rest of the school.

When Dr. Axelson was previously principal at Coppell Middle School North, the Media B class hosted daily broadcasted announcements to better engage students. Dr. Axelson decided to implement a similar practice at CHS9 with the help of Audio and Visual Technology teacher Chad Price.

“It’s just a lot better for the audience to have the video announcements because it’s more interesting, they’re going to pay more attention and they’re more likely to hear,” Dr. Axelson said. “The teachers have said it’s wonderful. They say that it’s been a lot more engaging and they like having it bundled all in one day a week.”

Price’s interest in broadcasting started at a young age through his mentors in the media ministry at his church. He hopes to inspire young people about broadcasting in the same way he was.

“When I had the opportunity to go into teaching and I found out that I could be teaching A/V Tech, I was like ‘that’s where I’m going,” Price said. “Now I get to see kids the same age grab onto stuff like cameras, sound and lights and enjoy doing it. I’m giving them what I know and letting them go take care of it.”

The new broadcasts have not only been helpful for students and teachers, but also for the A/V Tech students producing them each week in order to gain experience with cameras, microphones and editing software.

Weekly, Price allows his third and seventh period classes to choose a team of two reporters, four script writers, four graphic designers, two sound technicians and two cameramen to work on the show during class.

Through learning how to use this equipment as a team, the A/V Tech students gain skills for future classes in the media and communications pathway such as The Sidekick newspaper, KCBY-TV and Round-Up yearbook.

“I wanted to be in A/V Tech because my future goal going into Coppell High School is to be in KCBY and do the actual broadcasting,” freshman Claire Nevels said. “This class gives me an overview of all the things in that CTE area.”

This year, Price renovated the podcast room to become the broadcast room. He added video cameras and sound

CHS9 TEACHER OF THE ISSUE

CHS9 student Alexis Hester is part of the upcoming week’s announcement broadcast team. The audio-visual technology class produces campus announcements for the 2024-25 school year.

equipment. The show is mainly weekly news announcements for students, but he plans to expand the program with more features and technology behind the scenes.

“I want the video editing equipment and I want true television grade video cameras,” Price said. “I want basically the set up that KCBY has but only on a smaller scale. We’re in the process of working with CTE director Josh Howard and KCBY adviser Irma Lazos-Kennedy on

getting some hand-me-down equipment and purchasing new equipment.”

Price hopes to grow the program by entering students’ short films into the KCBY Film Fest. He plans to teach students to write entertaining scripts.

“I don’t want them take a class based on the fact that it’s called A/V Tech,” Price said. “I want them to have handson experience. I feel like doing the broadcast, doing the things that they’re doing is giving them that experience.”

Arney instilling independence with Leo Club, EF Tours

Jay Vernekar Staff Writer @CHSCampusNews

Dull uniforms, a strong emphasis on academic excellence and mundane learning environments were formative experiences of CHS9 English teacher

very strict private schools where the educators weren’t teaching me the right way,” Arney said. “I went through most of my life feeling like I was dumb or not good enough.”

His experience in private schools in Washington D.C. juxtaposes his freedom-centric and interactive teaching approach. Arney’s past experiences give opportunity to customize his lesson plans to his students.

students, they start to act out,” Arney said. “If they’re a square why are we trying to force them into a circular hole?”

Arney was inspired by his senior year Theology teacher, Ms. Thornton at his private school, Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, Va. to pursue a career in education.

As well as being involved in EF tours at CHS9, Arney sponsors CHS9’s Leo Club promoting students in community service.

“When a teacher puts too many restrictions on their

“Ms. Thornton kind of taught how I teach, giving us more freedom and room to explore for ourselves. I realized, ‘Hey, I’m not stupid,’ I want to make that same impact on students who have ADHD like me and prefer tactile learning instead of reading a book all day. She was the best teacher I’ve ever had.”

At CHS9, Arney is head of the EF Tours chapter which aims to provide students with the opportunity to go on educational trips around the country and globe. He proposed one of EF tour destinations for the 2024-25 year: Washington D.C., where Arney grew up.

“My two passions would be travel and then teaching, so the opportunity to put them together works out perfectly,” Arney said. “I wanted to go to Washington D.C. because I grew up there. I thought it would be super cool to take my students somewhere historical but also somewhere I actually know.”

“Arney certainly makes a positive impact on Leo Club,” vice president Nidhi Kothari said. “He does this by reminding us officers what we need to get done and how quickly the next upcoming event might be so we can start setting up. He takes into consideration what might be needed and beneficial to the club and gives us that advice.”

Arney’s commitment to community service stems from his childhood in Boy Scouts of America.

“It’s funny because when I was in Boy Scouts, I hated it,” Arney said. “When I left, I realized how great of an organization it was, but they taught me a lot about being humble and giving back to the community.”

Arney’s forming childhood experiences influence his current identity and impact he makes on his students.

“I try to give students freedom,” Arney said. “I would say about 98% of kids show me that when they get that freedom, they can handle it because they appreciate the fact that I’m loosening up a lot of the structures they are used to.”

Photo by Nyah Rama

Photo illustration by Anvita Bondada

CHS9 English teacher Christopher Arney is the Leo Club sponsor and head of EF Tours. Growing up with ADHD and feeling confined by a private school environment, Arney aspires to create an open environment within his classes.

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*Indicates a Vol. 36 No.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Democracy starts in the classroom

“Make sure you vote for your homecoming king and queen before the deadline,” Coppell High School Student Council sponsor Benjamin Stroud says during afternoon announcements. Yet, despite his impassioned pleas, students continue their monotonous slumps.

‘Someone else will do it and ‘Does it even matter anyway?’ runs through students’ minds as a collective wave of apathy surges.

But it does matter, and no one else is going to do it for you.

It is well known that young people are increasingly disengaged from politics. Fewer and fewer people vote or even care about what is going on locally and nationally.

However, this political indifference trickles down to the most inconsequential things, such as voting for a classroom activity or homecoming court.

This lack of participation could be due to political disillusionment, the belief that your vote does not matter or plain old laziness. But, any which way you slice it, minimal civic participation can not become commonplace.

The current habits we possess prepare us for the future. If we are not involved now when the stakes are low, how can we expect ourselves to participate in politics when we have a bigger say? Our voting habits and level of political involvement indicate whether we will have an active,

educated society or not.

However, there is a stigma regarding students who do choose to get involved. The fear of one’s political participation coming back to haunt them when applying to college or a job stops many from using their voice. Even something as simple as reposting on your social media account becomes a dilemma, pressuring students to suppress their political voices.

For students with these concerns, there are still much safer ways to use your voice. Becoming educated about the world around you, learning what impacts you and using your voice when given the chance helps you fgure out what is important, better preparing you for when you are eligible to participate.

One day it will no longer be Generation X or Millennials who are at the helm, but us, Generation Z, who have the power to make a difference. We cannot complain about our government, claim that it is making choices for us or wonder why our friends did not win a spot on homecoming court without taking an active part.

An active society is one which utilizes its civic rights and voice to make change. So, will we make the choice to get involved and be vocal, or will we stay silent and hope someone else comes along to fulfll our desires? For everyone’s sake, we hope it is the former.

7 THE SIDEKICK

Opinions

“I love who I am now; I love my loudness and every time someone tells me to quiet down, it is just a reminder to choose to live the way I want, free of the burdens that shackled me into silence before.” P. 9

Older presidents’ age restricts their competency

So, will a maximum age limit the scope of who can run for President? Yes.

Ask an extensive series of questions about new-fangled cellular devices. Take a leisurely walk around a local park. Serve as the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. armed forces?

One of these tasks is not like the others.

The typical U.S. citizen in their 60s begins to make retirement plans, starting to enjoy a less strenuous existence. However, America has been led by someone who was at least 70 years old for the last eight years.

Joe Biden made history in 2020 by becoming America’s oldest President, entering offce at the age of 78 and leaving at 82 years old. In this year’s 2024 Presidential election, Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump may potentially re-enter offce at the same age as the record-holding Biden.

With these past two terms of Trump’s rantings and Biden’s unawareness considered, it may be time to implement an age maximum for presidential candidates.

America was founded on principles of breaking down barriers for opportunity, and the constitutional requirements to run for President are purposely limited to prevent candidates from always belonging to certain social or economic classes.

Doesn’t that encroach on constitutional rights and defy the principle that anyone should be allowed the opportunity to be president? From my view, not necessarily.

The three conditions to run for President in the U.S are to have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years, to be a natural-born citizen and to be at least 35 years of age. Exclusion cannot be the basis of contention, as the natural-born requirement already excludes 13.8% of U.S. citizens. As a younger citizen who occasionally feels burdened by seniority superiority in society, I see no problem with the minimum age requirement. The average person’s frontal lobe, the area in the brain most involved with decision-making, does not fully develop until their mid to late 20s. Adding around 10 years of education and life experience to that age yields a perfectly reasonable minimum age for the leader of our nation.

Using similar reasoning however, studies have shown that the volume of white matter, which is made up of the network of nerve fbers communicating within our brains, declines steadily after a person passes their 30s and signifcantly decreases for people once they pass 60. Therefore, people past their 60s

are more likely to have diffculty with cognitive abilities such as memory and problem-solving. Shouldn’t these facts be considered with the same standards?

Outside of scientifc reasoning, many younger voters feel discouraged by the most recent Presidents. Politicians of a certain age simply spent their formative years in a different time with wildly different societal standards. Politics has largely been considered a ‘grown-up topic’ and only recently has the power of social media helped the younger generations interact with politics in a more familiar sense. However, this current age trend serves to hurt this youth involvement rather than help it, setting dangerous precedents for the future of politics.

Above policies, controversies and mobilization, America needs a president who can make timely, tough decisions in a way that minimizes harm to the nation. We need someone who can function to the best of their abilities and understand the views of a variety of citizens, especially those who will soon be our future.

More than anything, we need drops of young blood in the presidential pool and the old water fltered out.

Electoral college is anything but democratic

@anushkaxjoshi

One of the largest democracies in the world. That is how the United States is often described, yet many citizens cast their ballots, with the lingering realization their selection may not actually make a difference.

This occurs because of the Electoral College. One of the biggest faws of the Electoral College is its inherent inequality.

Each state is allocated a number of electors: two for its senators and additional electors based on the number of House of Representative members; these are the people determining our elections.

Everyone deserves the right to have an equal say in the important decision of who becomes their next president.

During the voting season, there are many posters and pins stating, “Every Vote Matters!” but when you analyze the situation, the true saying develops into, “Some votes matter more than the others.”

There have been fve instances in U.S. history where a candidate won the presidency, despite losing the popular vote. The most recent scenario occurred in 2016, when former President Donald Trump was elected, although Hillary Clinton received nearly 2.1% more votes.

The Electoral College is a system established by the U.S. Constitution for electing the President and Vice President, where each state is allocated a number of electors based on its representation in Congress. Staf writer

electoral college violates true democracy.

A similar scenario occurred in 2000 when former President George W. Bush won the Electoral College

Al

These outcomes undermine public trust in the electoral system and millions of Americans who cast their ballots, feeling their voices were disregarded.

In 48 states, with Maine and Nebraska having different systems, the candidate winning the most votes secures all of that state’s electoral votes, effectively underscoring the voices of the minority.

To remain a leading democracy in the world, the United States must commit to reform and adopt a system refecting the will of its people. The Electoral College is an outdated system and one that should be moved past.

In an ideal democracy, every vote should carry equal weight, and the candidate with the most votes should win the election. Only then can we ensure that every vote counts and that the individual voices of the electorate are truly heard.

Graphic by Hannah Vipin

Anushka Joshi thinks that the

Maddy Park Staff Photographer

Anushka Joshi Staff Writer

Graphic by Violet Hsueh

against

Gore.

OPINIONS

Reproductive rights need protection, not approval

Ahana Roy Staff Designer

Growing up, I believed the United States had equal rights and freedom for everyone, including women. But, how can a country built on such strong principles take away the freedom and rights women have over their own bodies? This isn’t a matter of politics but a matter of health.

Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade was argued on Dec. 13, 1971, right here, in Dallas. On Jan. 22, 1973, every woman in the United States won the right to end their pregnancy.

On Friday, June 24, 2022, in Washington D.C, Los Angeles, New York City and almost every major city in the country, thousands marched to protest against the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

However, in 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned, resulting in women across the country losing federal protections over reproductive rights.

Now that Roe v. Wade cannot protect reproductive rights in the national lens, states are given control over whether women in their state are allowed to get abortions. Currently, 41 states have bans on abortions, with 13 having total bans and 28 having bans based on duration.

Leaving women, across the majority of the states in the country, helpless in the face

of an unwanted pregnancy. Texas is among the 13 states that have a total abortion ban.

The abortion ban is not stopping abortions in general; it is only stopping legal, safe abortions. Many women still fnd ways to have abortions, however by very risky and expensive means.

Many argue abortion is murder, claiming a fetus is a human being. However, in the earlier stages of a pregnancy, the best way to describe an embryo or fetus is a fertilized egg. A fetus does not gain consciousness until it is 30-35 weeks into the pregnancy, and their organs are still in the development process during the frst trimester, at this point, it can be classifed as a potential life.

However, the woman who would be giving birth to this potential life has an actual life. They have a consciousness, emotions and responsibilities that any human would have. Giving birth could be a huge change to this woman’s life. It could permanently alter their body, fnancial situation, health, education, social life and emotional state. Why shouldn’t the woman who knows what is best for her and the potential life she is carrying be able to make this decision?

Aside from the woman being

able to decide what is best for themselves, many conditions deem an abortion necessary. If giving birth could be a threat to the woman’s life or health, they should be allowed to get an abortion.

There are many cases such as rape and incest — in which the women must conceive their attacker’s child, fnancial instability and underage pregnancies — where women who can’t even support themselves must carry through with the costs of medical treatment.

Fortunately, in all states that have an abortion ban, there is an exception if giving birth is life-threatening. However, this is not the case for the rest of the situations. In Texas, there is no exception to the abortion ban for rape, incest, threats to the woman’s health or a case in which the fetus is likely to die when conceived.

Giving every citizen protection of their reproductive rights protects women in unstable fnancial situations, rape and incest victims, children who are not ready to be mothers and women with health issues. It is not morally correct to force these people to conceive a child; it’s not that easy to go through with the pregnancy process. Instead of looking at the fetus which has the potential to become a life, we must look at the woman who has lived a life and has much more ahead of her.

Debate sparking conversation on women’s safety

Pranavi Ramineni Staff Writer @PranaviRamineni

Over the summer, a seemingly odd question made waves across social media: “Would a woman feel safer alone in the woods with a man or a bear?”

What started as a hypothetical scenario became a platform for women to discuss real and overlooked fears we face regarding their safety.

This viral “man vs. bear” debate reveals a startling truth: many women associate men with violence and danger. The issue resonates with those who have experienced or fear sexual assault, domestic abuse or harassment, underscoring how widespread these concerns are.

For many, this is not about an isolated incident but a reality shaped by an environment where violence seems imminent, often becoming an unaddressed issue. This debate sparks discussions around the world, with women sharing their stories of harassment and assault.

One striking example comes from India, where a high-profle sexual assault and murder case in Kolkata reignited conversations about the pervasive dangers women face even in spaces where they should feel safe.

“The Kolkata case amplifed the fears women carry, reinforcing the need for reforms to ensure safety,” associate editor of Supreme Court Observer R. Sai Spandana said.

This case highlights the risks women face aren’t just “out there,” but they are

present in our neighborhoods, schools and communities.

How we understand female safety has to go beyond prevention tactics that burden women to protect themselves. Instead, it demands we confront the underlying societal norms allowing such violence to persist.

The “man vs. bear” debate has become a touchstone for frustrations about how society often blames women for the violence inficted upon them.

Whether it’s the scrutiny of what a woman was wearing, where she was or why she didn’t “fght back,” these arguments focus on what the victim could have done differently rather than addressing the root causes of violence, highlighted within the man vs. bear argument.

“It’s really interesting that people are talking about who or what they feel less safe around,” Coppell High School lead counselor Ann Cinelli said. “The fact that people chose a bear over a man is tragic, and it says a lot about where we are as a society.”

CHS counselors are available to provide support for students dealing with harassment or abuse, helping them rebuild confdence and regain control of their lives.

“Students often come to us with a trusted friend, and we work together to create a safe space for them to talk about their experiences,” Cinelli said.

In order to move forward, society needs to acknowledge the role they play in creating a safer environment for everyone. This is not about individual guilt, but about collective responsibility.

“We need men to look inward and ask themselves why women feel this way,” CHS counseling assistant Erin Kelly said. “Until all of us are safe, men have to recognize that change is necessary. The more students know they can trust their counselors, the better we can help them fnd resources and create that sense of safety.”

The “man vs. bear” debate is more than a question; it shines a spotlight on the dangers women face and the systemic issues that allow violence to continue.

Locally, we must ask ourselves how we can better support students and the community at large. The path forward requires a collective effort, creating environments where women don’t have to choose between a man or a bear but can instead live without the looming threat of violence.

As this conversation evolves, it’s clear that it is time for

society to stop blaming victims and start building a culture prioritizing the safety and well-being of all. that allow violence to continue.

The fears women share are based on lived experiences and legitimate concerns.

From addressing toxic masculinity to promoting accountability and offering support, we all play a role in making our world safer.

Graphic by Sofia Exposito

Graphic by Sofia Exposito

You are like other girls, and that’s alright

Marli Field Staff Photographer

Throughout my life, I’ve noticed a pattern in the media I consume.

There’s a girl, and she meets a guy. Then, the girl shares a part of her personality he had never noticed, and boom, somehow they are in love. Or, the girl has always been different than other girls around her and the boy realizes he cannot lose this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ person.

Something has begun to stick out to me as I watch these tropes play out in movies such as Grease and Pretty in Pink girls in these movies always have to go through something, lose friends or change themselves, in order to be of interest to the lead.

Why is it that as women we always feel like we must separate ourselves from the crowd to be noticed?

For me, it all comes back to the idea of being “not like other girls,” a trope seen in all areas of media.

The term “not like other girls” became popular in the 2010s, as books such as Looking For Alaska and Twilight, and songs like “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift impacted teen culture.

The judgment and hate of other women within these works is often painted as justified because the protagonist is somehow better than the girls she dislikes. We root for her, and for some reason, that means we cannot like any women

playing opposite her. Why do we celebrate the shaming of other women in these instances, simply because they follow the

or influencers, who do not attempt to be different or rebel against the female norm, often get unnecessary hate from

traditional values?

Being like other girls is admirable. Too often, women try to one-up each other in order to stand out, and for what? To be seen as more valuable and be more satisfied with ourselves? I have found true satisfaction comes from unity, especially with the women around me, not isolation. As social media continues to shove the idea of being whatever type of niche girl trending that week down our throats, we continue to see other women as competition, rather than companions.

ANTONYM OF ELEGANCE

While it takes confidence to live your life the way you want, it takes true character to find happiness in who you are, rather than being the version you believe others will like best. Many women in our society, including myself, struggle with the idea that if there isn’t something unique about us, we hold less importance.

Women should be allowed to make their own decisions about how they live their lives and present themselves, regardless of how that makes them fit into our society.

After all, isn’t the original purpose of the feminist movement, for women to choose for themselves who they want to be?

Your weirdness sparks the best in society

Nyah Rama

Editorial Page Editor

@nyah_rama

“Manasa! Nrithya!” I scream as I run down the sloping sidewalk of the bus loop, AirPods in hand.

I keep running, accidentally dropping and kicking my AirPods clear across the sidewalk, watching the case crash into the brick exterior of Coppell High School as both earbuds go flying. After I frantically pick them up, trying to shake off my embarrassing moment seen by hundreds of people, I casually stroll over to fellow Sidekick staffers Manasa Borra and Nrithya Mahesh.

With a look of exhaustion and a classic

Manasa sigh, she looks up at me and says, “You are literally the antonym of elegance.” Laughing, I began filling them in on my first day of junior year.

If you walk into The Sidekick’s newsroom on any given day, you will see about 20 hard-working people all clacking away on their laptops and iPads. However, as you will quickly learn, it’s hard to miss me –strutting about the room checking up on column writers, brainstorming ideas, inventing random words, coming up with the most nonsensical nicknames for everyone in the room and always one of the loudest.

But I can’t help it; it’s just who I am. However, I was not always like

this.

Though I’ve mentioned it in my columns many times, for much of my life I lacked the ability to thoroughly express myself the way I wanted to. Overcome by my fear of looking stupid or uncool and, ultimately, being judged, I dimmed my personality, becoming a shy, nervous and anxious person, rather than the loud and flamboyant person I am today.

While I am grateful that I could finally embrace myself, I am starting to realize I am not the lone person experiencing this. Looking around CHS with a cursory glance, everyone seems the same: relaxed, soft-spoken, intelligent and ‘normal.’ Yet, when I am alone with these people, it is almost as if I am with a completely different person, being struck by bursts of energy. Everyone is wacky in their own unique way, yet in public, they refuse to express it.

Oftentimes, I watch amazing people dim themselves, their voices to be more socially acceptable yet if we could all just wake up and realize that each of us carries a little piece of “weirdness” with us, we would be a lot happier.

However, I know all of us have heard this lecture a million times

in many Disney coming-of-age movies, so let me try a different stance: when we dim ourselves to fit what society decides is acceptable, not only do we harm that inner version of ourselves, but we contribute to the death of society.

Without true self-expression, we do not see the advancement of culture, the creation of art or the individualization of the self. Everyone becomes the exact same and we look to others to do what we can not: create and inspire. But there would be no Mona Lisa without Leonardo da Vinci, no Apple without Steve Jobs and no “Purple Rain” without Prince. If any of these people listened when everyone else judged them and called them weird, then the world would have lost ouwt on some of the best technology and pieces of culture we have ever seen.

If I continued quieting myself, I know I would have regretted it, becoming a miserable person. I love who I am now; I love my loudness and every time someone tells me to quiet down, it is just a reminder to choose to live the way I want, free of the burdens that shackled me into silence before.

If there is one message I want to hit the hardest in my columns, it is this: Be bold. Be loud. Be you. Because that’s all we need you to be.

Photo by Marli Field

The Sidekick editorial page editor Nyah Rama has experience in being seen as “different.” She advocates for students to embrace their quirky personality traits rather than follow societal expectations.

STUDENT LIFE

Instagram: @thesidekickcoppell

Student Life

TEACHER OF THE ISSUE

“We’re cutting cameras, we’re technical directing, we’re overlaying graphics and we’re doing all the things a production in the real world does,” P. 15

Salamone’s journey inspiring love for English

As students settle into their seats in room C237, they are greeted with a smile and endless enthusiasm by Coppell High School English teacher Laura Salamone, ready to start the class with an adventure into the literary world.

Regardless of the day or situation, Salamone shows up prepared to teach and mentor all of her students. Not only teaching them the depths of English, but also life skills to carry with them throughout their lives.

“I love teaching older teenagers because I feel like young adults can be so misunderstood and they are just trying to figure out who they are as a person,” Salamone said. “With students this age, you can have an adult conversation and yet, they’ve got such this zest for life that they’re not quite out there in the world yet making this such an important time for them.”

Salamone’s love for teaching started at a young age, so growing up with a love for learning in school, she held a special connection with her various English teachers over the years.

“I loved school as a kid; I just loved everything about it,” Salamone said. “I think most teachers are inspired to go into the profession by a teacher they had. Ms. Galleia was my fifth grade English teacher, and I loved her, wanting to be just like her. Ms. Brown was my ninth grade English teacher and she was also so cool because she would write poetry every morning so from then on, I knew I was going to be an English teacher.”

innovative English teacher who really connected with her students and made learning fun.”

Salamone works to not only help students succeed in English, but to also build a connection to a core subject they will use for the rest of their lives.

In 2010, when Salamone returned to teaching, she was also battling cancer. While managing chemotherapy appointments during her conference periods, she still made it a point to be there for her students and coworkers.

“She always has a good attitude, even when I know things were rough in her life when she was going through cancer,” English teacher Matthew Bowden said. “She’s always had a smile on her face; she is a positive person and you wouldn’t know if anything was wrong.”

Salamone’s dedication and passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom, as she strives to create a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

“I love working with juniors for so many reasons; they’re on the cusp of figuring out who they’re going to be and where they’re going to college, which is a lot of stress,”

of a kind,” Dr. Hunt said via email. “We also became friends outside of school. When she moved away and we kind of lost touch, so when she wanted to come

Naila Ali Staff Writer @CHSCampusNews

Photo by Neha Nathwani

Coppell High School English teacher Laura Salamone helps junior Rhea Guru on Oct. 21. Salamone is passionate about connecting with students and is selected for The Sidekick’s Volume 36 No. 2 Teacher of the Issue.

Photo by Neha Nathwani

Coppell High School English teacher Laura Salamone’s favorite book is The Book Thief. Salamone is passionate about connecting with students and is selected for The Sidekick’s Volume 36 No. 2 Teacher of the Issue.

11 THE SIDEKICK

Liu illustrating artistic success on, off camera

Moukthika Palli Staff Writer @CHSCampusNews

The soft glow of a computer screen illuminates Coppell High School senior Larry Liu’s face as he puts the finishing touches on an assignment for KCBYTV. Nearby, a half-finished oil painting patiently waits for his return.

This is the dual world of Liu, a young teen who does not confine himself to one medium.

For Liu, drawing has always been an important part of his life, since he began

drawing in preschool and pursued it with a more serious mindset in sixth grade. His passion began with the introduction of iPads in middle school. What started as casual doodles during free time soon evolved into an all-consuming hobby, fueled by the digital canvas at his fingertips.

“Larry showed me his art and right away, asked me if I wanted to see other art that he had made over the summer,” AP 2D and Design Art teacher Brennan Frugé said. “I knew Larry was someone who was working on their art a lot and was really good at it.”

Liu’s dedication to his craft is evident in the sheer amount of time he devotes to it. Despite a busy school schedule and his involvement as one of the executive program directors in KCBY-TV, Coppell High School’s TV broadcast program, Liu carves out time for his art.

“Every week, I’d say I do around eight hours of artwork,” Liu said. “On Friday, I do four hours and sometimes even six hours, with eight hours being the most, but I don’t even notice because I just get so into it.”

Coppell senior Amanda Zhu, a longtime friend of Liu’s, has watched Larry grow as an artist since preschool, seeing him improve and find his passion.

“The sheer accuracy and detail Larry has is absolutely insane,” Zhu said. “Everything he makes is like a picture and the speed at which he can complete artwork is amazing to watch.”

Liu’s talents are not confined to a single form, ranging from digital art to oil painting, his versatility is as impressive as his skill.

“Oil paint is my favorite medium to work with,” Liu said. “With oil paint, you can always make changes and it’s so flexible because it takes a long time to dry. You can always go back, erase or change anything, as long as you’re feeling it.”

Liu’s artistic journey has been monumentally acknowledged with numerous awards, including victories at the State Fair of Texas and Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE).

“The first major art award I won was at

the Texas State Fair, as I won first place in middle school. That’s the first time I really got into art and I was like, ‘Wow, I should really pursue this more because I could win stuff,’” Liu said.

Because of his intertwined interests in art and media, Liu plans to study marketing and advertising in college. His decision is an indication of his ability to combine his two greatest passions: art and journalism.

“KCBY and art are my biggest passions in life, and I can study them together,” Liu said.

Liu’s message is clear: art is not just a hobby, but a valuable skill with real-world applications.

“Being good at art is so useful at school because I know what looks good,” Liu said. “Art isn’t just about painting and drawing; it’s about observation, as it bleeds into all those aspects.”

Branum soaring high with military ambition

While joining the military requires endless training and hard work, Coppell High School senior Brooklyn Branum is confident in her abilities to fulfill her

Following in her grandfather Sergeant Thomas Eaton’s footsteps, Branum hopes to continue his achievements by attending a military academy after high school and

“I lived with him for a few years and I realized that he was a central foundation to me,” Branum said. “I wanted to carry on his legacy by being a foundation full of knowledge and strength for other people

During the course of her military pursuit, Branum was awarded Honor Cadet at The Airman Leadership School in September

“The program trains youth to be ready for military life physically,” Branum said. “Receiving the Honor Cadet Award was special because that means out of the 100 people that went, I was the top trainee. One of the things that made me eligible was my support for my team so if you just take that initiative, you’ll see so many Branum is currently training for the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Receiving this prestigious scholarship grants students financial assistance to any college or university that has a military unit.

“The Naval Academy is my dream school and I’m fighting for it,” Branum

said. “I have to get nominated by a senator or congressman, so right now I’m in the process of interviewing. You can’t be wellrounded but not ready to lead so you have to be prepared in all aspects.”

Branum’s determination highlights her strength of character.

“I am so proud of her and I think that she is well suited for this just because she has always had so much discipline,” Branum’s mother Ashlee Eaton said. “She doesn’t shy away from the task at hand and she’s just true to herself, her values and her morals.”

Branum portrays her best self in everything she does, incorporating her morals and values in order to successfully obtain her goals.

“I think Brooklyn is incredibly mature for her age,” AP Drawing teacher Michelle Hauske said. “She is very passionate, she knows what she wants and she’s taking all of these steps to get there.”

Art allows Branum to express herself, delving into her ambitions in life.

“She works on artwork through lunch and we’ve had conversations about her goals,” Hauske said. “Her artwork is about her aspirations for a military career so she’s exploring those topics in them.”

After serving in the military, Branum hopes to continue serving her nation.

“After the military, I think I would stay in public service,” Branum says. “I’ve thought a lot about this and I would like to go into politics for a few years. Whatever I’m doing in my life, I want it to be community building.”

Outside of school, Branum spends her time working in the early mornings.

“I’ve worked at Sonic for over a year and

a half and I think I’ve really solidified some leadership skills in that area,” Branum said. “I open from 5:30-9 a.m. some mornings and I train people that come in. I try to be as helpful as I can, even when I’m leaving the shift.”

With schoolwork, job commitments and military training, Branum manages her time efficiently.

“I remind myself that saying you don’t have time for something is usually just an excuse,” Branum said. “There is a way and I have the will to make it happen. That is my motivation.”

Branum acknowledges the hardships she will face in the military but is steadfast

in her confidence in herself.

“It’s hard to deal with the pressure of protecting our nation and that lives are in your hands,” Branum said. “But you have to be OK with that because who else is going to do it? If not them, then me.”

With her experience in the military, Branum aspires to uplift her country, contributing her skills and leadership capabilities.

“It’s about understanding my world, the good and the bad, emphasizing that there’s a lot of areas that need improvement,” Branum said. “I want to help those areas and I want to focus on changing the world from a deeper perspective.”

Photo courtesy Larry Liu Coppell High School senior Larry Liu creates an art piece that reflects his identity. Liu’s activities allow him to connect with various students and positively impact the school.

Photo by Vibha Viswanath Coppell High School senior Brooklyn Branum attended the Airman Leadership School in September to train for the military. Branum hopes to join the Naval Academy after graduation to serve her nation.

Photo by Naseeha Masood Coppell High School senior Larry Liu prepares to film for KCBY-TV, Coppell’s studentrun TV station. Liu’s activities allow him to connect with students.

BUILDING A BASE

Youth laying foundation for

Nestled in the heart of the Metroplex, residents often remark on Coppell’s unique charm. The city provides a sense of independence from the larger urban area it lies in, but this does not allow its youth to escape political discourse.

“Issues are not so far-fetched that students do not have to worry about them,” said Coppell High School junior Harshvardhan Vinoth Kumar, an intern for Texas House of Representatives District 115 candidate Casandra Hernandez. “Students have to know the repercussions of candidates being elected and express their interest through voting, political activism and volunteering for the political candidates they support.”

In the past two decades, Coppell has undergone significant demographic changes increasing diversity. This has led to formerly conservative leaning

Coppell to become more liberal over time.

This diverse population exposes students to a spectrum of ideas and encourages multiple viewpoints in politics.

“Coppell being a suburb with a mix of liberal and conservative views is better than areas that are extremely urban and liberal, or areas that are extremely rural and conservative, because it gives students a more broad-minded perspective,” said junior Aryaman Singh, who was formerly a volunteer for Texas House of Representatives District 115 candidate John Jun.

Although Coppell may have its conservative and liberal sides, its residents do not exclusively support their party’s viewpoints. According to Coppell City Council member Ramesh Premkumar, Coppell has steered clear of partisanship on a local level.

“Our residents have been very careful not to let the national or state level partisan fight come into local elections,” Premkumar said. “We live in an amazing city that understands that at the local level, we are not benefited by taking up a partisan fight.”

In his experiences, government teacher Michael Erickson, who is also a long-time Coppell resident, thinks this open-mindedness causes students to judge policies on an individual basis, often forgoing party stances.

“This generation picks issues not because Republicans or Democrats claim them, but because of what they believe, even if from one viewpoint is conservative and one is liberal.”

Despite the city’s unique qualities, Coppell youth still follow trends similar to those of most major metro areas. Students tend to be disconnected from local politics, instead focusing on national races.

“There are always going to be people who have different opinions, and you should not b e afraid of them – that i s the only way we can actually test ideas.”

CHS

junior Neel Mavalli

“The people I have spoken to are generally aware of what is happening in our country, but that is solely reserved to the national level,” Vinoth Kumar said.

The lack of young people participating in down-ballot races can discourage elected officials from representing those viewpoints.

According to Premkumar, the absence of young voters leads elected officials to shift their focus to more vocal demographics, which may lead to a lack of policies benefiting the younger population.

“Most of the things that we get done are on the state level and I do not think people understand that state governments pass more bills than

for future civic involvement

the national government,” Vinoth Kumar said. “City councils also pass many bills that dictate day to day life for most of its citizens, but I feel like students do not understand the amount of work that council members do and the impact that these local governments have on their lives.”

Vinoth Kumar thinks a lack of interest in politics may be attributed to a lack of education on civic systems, which leads students to underestimate the importance of government and local races being overlooked.

According to Erickson, education is also a major factor in determining political involvement, especially during election year.

“It is such an important thing for kids to have a civics education,” Erickson said. “In the first three months this year, I have noticed more kids asking deeper questions about issues and candidates.”

Younger people may also be anxious to enter politics after seeing the partisan divide present at the national level.

“Politics has been given a bad rep in today’s world,” said junior Neel Mavalli, an intern for Hernandez. “There are always going to be people who have different opinions, and you should not be afraid of them – that is the only way we can actually test ideas.”

While some students may be aware of national political events, few have a thorough understanding of their background.

According to Erickson, most of his students do not understand the background of most political issues that they encounter. This lack of understanding can cause hesitation to become invested in the political atmosphere.

“People are confused, especially at our age when it is a big responsibility to be voting,” said senior Varsha Vijay, a registered voter. “Not being educated enough is sad because we also do not know what to trust, and getting confused can discourage people from voting.”

Some student voters also view political participation as a civic duty.

“There is emphasis on ‘every vote counts’ and that is something that stuck with me,” Vijay said. “I would not be satisfied with the result in

November if I did not actively take a part in the voting process.”

Student voters like Vijay think Coppell ISD should promote voter registration to seniors more in addition to the voter registration drive CHS holds yearly for seniors during lunches.

“If we as a community place a bigger emphasis on voting and provide proper resources in terms of educating voters in schools, seniors who are eligible to vote would get more excited and confident,” Vijay said.

Previous exposure to politics can affect students’ interest in politics.

“Before I came to the United States, politics was a very big part of my family,” Vinoth Kumar said.

“They voted for different parties and debated the merits of policies in places like family dinners, and that initial political socialization was my entry into the political world.

School organizations also help kindle an interest in politics for students.

“I definitely was not interested in politics for a long time, I found it quite boring,” Mavalli said. “When I joined the debate team and joined more speaking activities, I realized that politics was more of my future.”

Story by Yug Talukdar

Photos by Wendy Le

Design by Nrithya Mahesh

of certain issues can present itself in future political habits. Vinoth Kumar thinks this can pose problems if students continue to give national politics more attention than local races in the future.

Some students see politics as a way to better their community, and represent their issues as they move into the future.

“It is important to use your voice for inspiring change,” Mavalli said. “As I have gotten older, I have realized that using words is the only way to make change; the only way we do things is by discussing and collaborating.”

Political habits ingrained from a young age can have a large impact on involvement going into students’ futures.

“The more students learn and interact with politics now, it sets the standard for what they are going to do moving forward,” Erickson said.

However, this also means that a lack of awareness

14 NOVEMBER 2024

STUDENT LIFE

Instagram: @thesidekickcoppell

Jindal commits to service within Red Cross

Naseeha Masood

Staff Writer

@naseeha_masood

Coffee is brewing, servers are yelling out names, it all feels like a normal day at local Coppell cafe George’s Coffee & Provisions in 2022, abruptly interrupted with alarming gunshots ringing deep in Coppell High School senior Tvisha Jindal’s ears.

In disbelief of what Jindal had witnessed, the panicking event forever changed her future plans, encouraging her to begin studying public health advocacy.

Jindal is the Coppell Red Cross Club president for the 2024-25 school year and American Red Cross North Texas executive line of service officer. Jindal originally started as a member in 2021 as a freshman, actively volunteering at local blood drives and senior centers.

“When I was a local member, I had a couple of ideas to add to an event, not even as my role as an officer but the adults made that happen, which made me feel really included,” Jindal said.

After a year of volunteering, Jindal’s membership inspired her to pursue regional roles and impacts such as ideas for youth disaster expansion in the Los Angeles region. Introducing the expansion of first aid events on disaster service, Jindal led a three-day camp to introduce these new programs to newer youth members, including training for active shooters, fire alarms, safety drills and more.

“During the Ready TEEN program active shooter training, it was clear Tvisha was super passionate about the cause,” North Texas Red Cross youth supervisor

Devaditya Ray said. “She definitely works well with her team.”

Jindal’s interest in advocating public health grew stronger. Eventually, her involvement in youth preparedness and public health advocacy motivated Jindal to apply for an executive line of service officer position, with hopes of creating an impact on a national scope.

“Advocating for what you believe in and then being willing to get there to make it happen is so important, especially with reproductive legislation,” Jindal said.

“We have to advocate for people’s rights, including safety and mental health; we need to create better policies for us to access resources.”

Her position as a part of the Red Cross North Texas executive Board presented her with the opportunity to make her visions for the programs come true. Organizing Totes of Hope, a donation drive that supports homeless veterans by providing personal care supplies distributions, Jindal initiated and coordinated with the Red Cross Youth Philanthropy Team.

and improving services and advocating for safety. It will also bring more recognition to youth in disaster services. She hopes to fulfill these goals by partaking in volunteering internationally to be disaster-ready and participate in deployment for Doctors Without Borders to scope out on an international level.

“She has pursued powerful projects and has relayed meaningful missions to the community,” Red Cross North Texas regional manager Shelley Vanlaningham said.

Alongside her work with the Red Cross North Texas region, Jindal took on the role of co-president of the Coppell Red Cross Club, forming the club into what it is today. As current co-president of the Red Cross, Jindal and senior co-president Divya Sivalenka have future plans for the club, filled with potential.

Jindal’s goals are to continue her time at the Red Cross, specifically fire alarms and weaponry safety camps nationwide

McCabe making his mark through care, computers

Prathi Tamara Sathish Kumar

Staff Writer

@CHSCampusNews

“I like your attitude! I appreciate your kindness. I think you are really smart!”

One by one, the students in Coppell High School Computer Science Principles teacher Michael McCabe’s classroom compliment their fellow peer, standing at the front of the room. This weekly ritual, known as “Friday Compliments” is just one way McCabe encourages kindness and respect among his students.

In his 23rd year of teaching and 14th year at CHS, McCabe has taught various subjects like statistics, algebra and computer science. Nevertheless, his teaching style and passion for helping his students grow as learners and people remains the same.

“He works very hard at forming relationships with them and that endears students to him,” Computer Science teacher Cassie Harmon said.

As a teacher, McCabe believes in the power of teamwork and open communication. Building relationships is an important part of how he conducts his class, helping his students find their voice.

“I try to establish the ability to talk freely, communicate with each other, collaborate, ask questions and to feel safe to speak without being made fun of,” McCabe said. This attitude and comforting environment lends itself to his subject. McCabe thinks computer science has room

for creativity, encouraging his students to experiment and learn through trial and error. Regardless of the unit, McCabe incorporates teamwork and projects rather than multiple-choice questions.

“He explains everything and uses examples and then gives us projects to work on,” sophomore Ojaswini Nair said. “He makes sure that everyone is interacting with each other and working together.”

Interaction and communication is a critical part of learning any subject, especially computer science. McCabe allows students to try out their ideas and

develop skills through projects they are interested in.

In addition to providing students with a safe space subject-wise, McCabe ensures everyone walking into his classroom feels appreciated. Students remember the year they spent in his class as one filled with heartwarming conversations and silly jokes.

“McCabe treats his students like his own children,” senior Neena Padinjarekkoott said. “He never missed an opportunity to let us know that he loves us.”

This affirmation-led relationship is one of McCabe’s highest priorities. He

understands the various backgrounds students come from and does his best to make them feel safe and special.

As the CHS Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club sponsor, McCabe supports the kids who need it. He is not afraid to stand up for his students, being in their corner no matter what.

“Being a stable figurehead for GSA the past couple of years and reinforcing the fact to them that I am not leaving until the day I retire is important to me,” McCabe said. “I will always be here providing them comfort and support because every kid deserves a champion.”

His willingness to be that champion does not go unnoticed by students and coworkers. Many teachers praise McCabe’s teaching style and appreciate everything he does for his kids.

“He’s had very many successful students and I think that speaks volumes to the fact that he is the one that is making that happen,” Harmon said.

After 23 years of having a lasting impact on every student he teaches, McCabe is not finished. With his coworkers relying on his experience and learned expertise, McCabe looks forward to many more years of teaching ahead.

“I’ve had various different teachers from multiple different schools and countries throughout my entire life but no teacher has ever made me feel cared about the way he did,” Padinjarekkoott said. “I’ll forever be grateful I had him as a teacher and will never miss an opportunity to mess with him or just have a small talk.”

Photo by Rachel Chio

Coppell High School junior Parnika Chavala explains the purpose behind her app design to AP Computer Science Principles teacher Michael McCabe. McCabe utilizes his unique teaching style by engaging his classes to emphasize teamwork.

Photo illustration by Ani Ly and Vibha Viswanath Coppell High School senior and Red Cross club president Tvisha Jindal is an officer for the American Red Cross North Texas Executive Line of Service. Jindal aims to strengthen disaster readiness and safety awareness throughout the organization.

SIDEKICK

Mancuso captures moments through videography

Safiya Azam Staff Designer @CHSCampusNews

For many, the excitement of a sports game occurs only once: the Friday when they can experience it live. But, for Coppell High School senior Jack Mancuso, the the joy of high school sports exists forever within his camera.

Mancuso surrounds himself with sports videography through various involvements, specifically the KCBYTV program, becoming the technical and special projects director his sophomore year; his dedication did not go unnoticed.

“When someone gives themselves entirely to improve a program, who cares about every decision that is made and is willing to help at any hour, should receive some sort of merit,” said KCBY-TV adviser Irma Lazos-Kennedy.

This merit came in the form of being the September Coppell Community Development Foundation’s Student of the Month.

“The first person that came to mind was Jack,” said Kennedy, who had been asked to nominate a student for the award.

Mancuso also became Project Director, where he utilizes years of experience to build a sense of community with KCBY-TV’s other executive directors.

“Building a strong culture is one of the most important things we have been doing this year,” Mancuso said. “People are not going to work for a leader who does not care about

Photo by Sabah Uddin

Coppell High School senior Jack Mancuso films Coppell’s home football game against Little Elm at Buddy Echols Field on Oct. 11. Mancuso is an active videographer for both KCBY-TV, Coppell’s student-run TV station, and One Shot Media, his personal videography business.

People are not going to work for a leader who does not care about them. You are more likely to work hard for someone you personally connect to.”

senior Jack Mancuso

Sydney Beach.

When approached with an opportunity to film a baseball game last year for senior Joaquin Oaxaca, Beach asked Mancuso to accompany her.

“Even though I was not close with Jack, I knew he was responsible,” Beach said.

“He knew what he was doing and was obsessed with baseball, so I just thought he was the perfect person to ask.”

That simple request not only sparked their friendship but also their business as they wanted to take the work they did in

KCBY-TV a step further.

They began with an Instagram, then flyer, website and now have already had several clients for their business.

Yet, one of Mancuso’s first clients had been back when his passion for videography had just begun, being one of his close middle school friends: senior Edward Griffin.

“It has been cool to see his evolution,” Griffin said. “He started just doing film and it was always good, but now seeing what he does for the high school is amazing.”

“The goal is to have a space for kids to grow in music and that’s all I ever really wanted.” P. 17

RISING ABOVE DOUBT

Pomposhova shining in ballet, gymnastics

Zainab Mohammed Staff Writer

@zainab_f_m

Ever since she was young, Coppell High School senior Viktoria Pomposhova felt a connection to the performing arts. Now, she moves across the stage with ease, her graceful movements captivating the attention of the audience.

Pomposhova’s passion ignited watching the 2012 Olympics in Czech Republic. At the time, she was visiting her grandparents, who lived in the Czech Republic. While she did not attend the games, she was in awe the moment she saw the rhythmic gymnasts on the TV screen.

“I was just mesmerized by what they were doing on the screen,” Pomposhova said. “When we got back from Czech Republic, my mom signed me up for rhythmic gymnastics and that’s how I started.”

But joining rhythmic gymnastics was not as easy as it seemed. Growing up, Pomposhova’s peers had a unique sense of fexibility, but Pomposhova seemed to lack it, giving her a disadvantage.

“My lack of fexibility made me to be sort of an underdog,” Pomposhova said.

“My coaches didn’t believe in me. To the everyday person, I’m super fexible, but for the level of rhythmic gymnastics I was at, it seemed like it wasn’t enough.”

Pomposhova worked tirelessly to correct her faults and increase fexibility. As time passed, her hard work came to fruition with success in competitions.

Pomposhova entered the highlycompetitive southeastern U.S. Region 6 Championships, where only nine girls from several states would move on to nationals. With 30-60 girls competing against one another, expectations were low. However, Pomposhova secured an eighth place fnish.

“I shocked myself, especially since I didn’t make it in last place either,” Pomposhova said. “That was defnitely

one of my biggest accomplishments ever because no one expected it out of me and that was my No. 1 dream.”

Competing at the national level was a turning point for Pomposhova. Surrounded by elite gymnasts and ballerinas, she flled with pride.

“I was in awe,” Pomposhova said. “Being in the same arena as Simone Biles was amazing and I loved it.”

But after three consecutive years at the highest level of rhythmic gymnastics, Pomposhova wanted to branch out and invest energy into ballet after competing in rhythmic gymnastics for a decade.

“I started taking ballet classes every day, which led to me qualifying for a pre-professional performing company and it gave me a lot of opportunities,” Pomposhova said.

To an average person, her ballet dream seemed almost silly, but to her, dancing in a platter tutu was the one thing she was determined to accomplish.

“I told myself that I would not put on a tutu until I earned the opportunity of

“The Nutcracker,” Pomposhova found her frst opportunity to wear a platter tutu. For her, it was her moment of proving her worth as a ballerina.

“Viktoria’s determination and attention to detail allowed her to advance in both ballet and rhythmic gymnastics,” said Ashley Simpson, Pomposhova‘s boss and ANS Rhythmics head coach. “She’s a hard worker, and it shows both on the competition foor or on the ballet stage ”

After her big moment in “The Nutcracker,” Pomposhova participated in the American Dance Competition of Youth International Ballet Competition. She incorporated a ball into her routine, merging contemporary dance and rhythmic gymnastics.

Her creativity paid off as Pomposhova won, earning herself a $500 scholarship and a chance to participate in the University of Oklahoma dance program over the summer.

Soon, Pomposhova auditioned for the Ballet Ensemble of Texas. Once accepted, she incorporated different types of dance

Photos by Rachel Chio

School of Rock aiding youth in self expression

Cato Ware Staff Writer @catosaysstuff

When most people hear the name “School of Rock,” they often think of Jack Black and the movie, but for a special few, they think of a place where music meets learners of all ages and makes magic.

School of Rock is an organization allowing students to form and strengthen their musical abilities through voice, guitar and drum lessons. Further than just instruments, instructors also instill important life skills into students.

Things such as confdence and self expression are what School of Rock Coppell owner and general manager, Melissa Birchett, aims to expand with students.

“The goal is to have a space for kids to grow in music and that’s all I ever really wanted,” Birchett said. “This is just another place for all the kids who maybe don’t have a hand in sports or things like that.”

School of Rock works with kids from the age 3 to adults.

“We get to watch them go from Rock 101, which is our younger kid group, to the Performance Program, which is for teenagers and it’s so cool to watch them become their own people and grow up

right before your eyes,” Birchett said.

School of Rock is effcient with the pace in which students learn these instruments as well.

“He went into a fve day camp to learn drums, and he came out learning bass guitar, electric guitar and drums,” said Laura Wortman, whose son, Max, is a School of Rock student. “At the end of those fve days they had their rock show and we were shocked to see him up there playing two different guitars that he didn’t know how to play before camp.”

School of Rock parents are amazed at the talent displayed by their kids.

“It’s not just amazing to watch, but it’s accurate to the original music too,” Wortman said. “It’s not like they made it easier or anything. They are playing the original music in the original tunes.”

Coppell High School sophomore Mia Schuler has been taking lessons at School of Rock Coppell for more than a year, becoming a member of the Performance Program as a guitarist and singer.

For Schuler, the confdence she gained

FROSTED FALL FUN

helps in many aspects of life.

“I had a solo last year in Vivace! and I wasn’t scared at all,” Schuler said. “When I frst started I was just standing on stage but now I’m moving around a lot more.” Wortman shares similar thoughts

regarding the program.

“We wanted to get Max something that made him more confdent, and School of Rock is proving to be that,” Wortman said. “He is learning skills he could take with him forever.”

Brown butter pumpkin oatmeal cookies

Rachel Chio

Staff Photographer @CHSCampusNews

As the leaves begin to change color, pumpkin spice reigns as the fall favor. Brown butter pumpkin oatmeal cookies combine nutty aroma with distinct fall favors to serve as the perfect dessert to share with friends and family. Watch The Sidekick staff photographer Rachel Chio’s video to learn how to make this recipe.

Sudoku

Word Search

1. Acorn

2. Apple Cider

3. Autumn

4. Caramel

5. Cinnamon

6. Corn maze

7. Cozy

8. Grateful

9. Harvest

10. Maple

11. Nutmeg

12. Pumpkin spice

13. Turkey

Comics

Lifestyle & Wellness

Studying smarter: Retaining with efficiency

Ishana Sharma

Lifestyle & Wellness Editor

@_ishana_sharma

Students often find themselves studying hours for a test but not getting the desired grade. If this situation sounds familiar, It is helpful to know the best way you learn and retain information.To effectively retain information.

Visual learning

If you are a visual learner, you learn best through pictures, symbols and colors. While taking notes, try drawing pictures to help you remember rather than writing words. Some helpful tools are flashcards, highlighters and different colored pens. Using methods such as mind maps,

flowcharts, one-pagers and diagrams to take notes are helpful to retain information. Additionally, color-coding your notes can help the brain associate particular words or concepts to a certain color.

Reading/Writing learning

You are probably a reading/writing learner if you learn best through words. While this sounds similar to visual learning, this style centers more around written words than pictures.

To help you remember a concept, you can write down what you understand in your own words and refer to textbooks or other written content while studying. You can also translate diagrams and flowcharts into your own written words. Rewriting your notes and creating your

questions help you understand the content at a deeper level.

Auditory learning

If you are an auditory learner, you learn best through listening. Unlike visual and reading/writing learning, the auditory style does not involve much writing or drawing.

Studying could be through listening to lectures, group discussions and taking notes from what you have heard rather than from a textbook or presentation. To ensure that a concept sticks, read the text aloud or record yourself explaining the topic to refer back to later.

Kinesthetic learning

If you learn best through hands-on activities and using your five senses, then you are likely a kinesthetic learner. Some

ways to study is to explain a concept out loud in your own words, as if you are teaching someone new to the topic. Incorporating real-life examples and using physical objects to model a situation can additionally aid in grasping challenging topics or concepts. Working in different places rather than sitting in one place can also help to retain information due to the frequent change of environment.

Thorn blending mindfulness with exercise

Hiral Patel Staff Writer

@CHSCampusNews

Coppell Barre3 owner Kiki Thorn leads her 4:30 p.m. exercise class with vivacious energy, rivaling the pop music

passion for fitness and became a certified instructor in 2010.

“I started taking classes at the local gym, and I thought, I can do this, I love this. I want to teach this,” Thorn said.

She purchased the studio in 2021 after COVID-19, saving it from shutting down and preserving the community she and others at the

instructor is not an obligation for Thorn.

“I just love the energy of it, and I love the fact of group fitness because you didn’t have to come up with anything on your own,” Thorn said. “There is someone there to support you, guide you and help you, and it is fun.”

teaching at Barre3, I didn’t really understand what mindfulness meant,” Barre3 instructor Jami Blomstrom said. “She is the one who taught me the mindfulness approach.”

“We’re like a family here, and I didn’t want that to end,” Thorn said. “We’re like a team. Everyone pulls together to help

Being a fitness

Physical exercise is Thorn’s specialty, but mindfulness is a concept she applies to everyday life and spreads it to her clients and fellow instructors.

“It means being present,” Thorn said. “It’s so hard for us today to slow down, and just take a moment, breathe and focus inward on the real things and not just the temporary problems,” Thorn said.

Mindfulness was not a daily practice for some at Barre3.

“Before I started working out and

In addition to her clients, Thorn has helped spread mindfulness to other instructors.

“[Thorn] has created and held a space for me to learn and grow in my practice of mindfulness. We practice what we preach,” Barre3 instructor Amanda Kennedy said. Thorn uses mindfulness to reduce stress.

“I love Barre3 because we get the fun and the movement,” Thorn said. “But at the end of every single class, we stop, focus on our breath, and take at least two to three minutes of mindfulness to let our bodies heal a little bit from our busy days.”

Graphic by Siri Kondabathini

Many students prioritize their grades and spend large amounts of time studying. The Sidekick Lifestyle & Wellness editor Ishana Sharma explores different learning styles to help make studying more time-efficient.

Photo by Moukthika Palli Barre3 owner Kiki Thorn incorporates mindfulness into her fitness routines, helping clients balance physical exercise with mental well-being. Thorn has owned Barre3 for three years and has been teaching fitness for 15 years.

SPORTS

Sports

RUNNING THROUGH HARDSHIPS

“Don’t let other people hold you back. If you want to run with a group of people but they’re going slow, you should take the extra step and run at the pace you want to and stay consistent.” P. 22

Mbakwe looking to become next great back

to perform at a high level.

Arlington, Nov. 25, 2023.

Coppell running back O’Marion Mbakwe watches as the ball spirals to the back of the endzone. Then there was cheering, but for the first time that season, not for Coppell.

For the seniors, it was one last game, but for Mbakwe, it was motivation. A chance to become better, to learn from his mentors.

“Every time I am on that field, I give my all,” said Mbakwe, now a senior for the 6-0 District 5-6A leaders. “It can be frustrating at times, having to split reps with two other backs, but I have to do what is best for the team by learning from the senior running backs.”

With a devastating loss in the Class 6A Division II Region I semifinals last November against Byron Nelson at Choctaw Stadium, Coppell looked forward to the next season. For that however, they had to struggle in the offseason.

For Mbakwe, it was a chance to show the coaches that his spot was valuable –that he was the guy for the job.

“I know that I am the next guy up after Xavier Mosley,” Mbakwe said. “I looked at myself as the next guy, the next running back to step up and be that aspect of the team.”

Being a tough, solid running back with 600-plus total yards midway through the season, Mbakwe did not always have his mind set on football.

When he was 8, Mbakwe had no idea what football was until his brother, O’Neil Mbakwe, started playing at Coppell High School. Not only was he the most influential part of the whole process, but he was the one that made it happen according to O’Marion.

“Football found me,” O’Marion said. “It was really my brother who started to instill a passion in me for football as I started watching his games and playing in the backyard with him.”

It was not just the physical aspect of playing football, but the challenges and setbacks in between that O’Neil, class of 2014, helped with.

“He is my rock, my day one,” O’Marion said. “He is the one that helps my mind. Whenever I am feeling down, he always finds a way to bring me back up by just allowing me to be that person, that player I want to be.”

“I remember thinking I had the position just because I was starting, but later on, someone else was performing better than me and they got the position instead of me,” O’Neil said. “My message to O’Marion was just because you have a position does not mean the position is yours.”

For O’Marion, building his mindset,

having thoughts such as ‘Do I know if I am gonna make it? Am I going to keep going?’” O’Marion said. “I have my family by my side, being that third voice in my head telling me to keep pushing and that this is just adversity, and they never fail to remind me that God is just testing me and that I can not fail any test that is thrown my way.” With a ninth and 10th grade

O’Neil was not only in high school when O’Marion was in elementary school, but also a starter on varsity with a lot to prove. He remembered how hard he had to work and shared the same experiences with O’Marion to ensure that he continues

Desiring a chance to play in the “big leagues,” he recovered through the injuries, running track in the offseason and lifting weights to curate his body into a fine tuned machine. “He shows up every day ready and willing to work,” Coppell coach Antonio Wiley said. “His work ethic is unmatched because he is disciplined and keeps himself in check.”

His work ethic is not the only thing helping him excel, but it is his altruistic mindset that allows the team maximum

“He does not care whether he gets 25 ”It is his truly selfless attitude and commitment to the

Finally being the featured running back this season, O’Marion’s high school campaign has garnered collegiate attention, to which O’Marion credits his coaches, parents, siblings and especially O’Neil who continues to support his

“He has overcome so

Photos by Kayla Nguyen

Coppell senior running back O’Marion Mbakwe breaks through the banner prior to kickoff against Waxahachie at Stuart B. Lumpkins Stadium on Sept. 6. Mbakwe plays a significant role in the Cowboys’ offense, showcasing his work ethic on and off the field.

Namir Awan Sports Editor

@namir_awan

Youth sprinting towards dream as future Cowboys

Naila Ali Staff Writer @SidekickSports

As fans walk through the tunnels on the home side of the Buddy Echols Field and take their seats, the horn blows as the Coppell football team leads a group of excited youth players through a banner to take the feld.

The Coppell spirit is alive in every corner connecting the community through football.

A show of that spirit is seen in the Coppell Youth Football Association with its players decked out in Coppell jerseys. Their faces glow with excitement, darting around the sidelines.

They are cheering on their high school heroes beneath the Friday night lights.

Since 1999, the Coppell Youth Football Association (CYFA) works closely with Coppell High School to develop young athletes’ skills and deepen their understanding of the game.

“As with any community organization, anytime you bring a community together for one common cause or one common goal it just creates a stronger bond and bigger support system for the youth of a community,” Coppell coach Antonio Wiley said. “When you see them walking around wearing those jerseys it builds that sense of pride for your community.”

CYFA not only emphasizes the importance of developing football skills but also fostering teamwork and sportsmanship among young players, allowing for focus on improving discipline and skill.

“One way is teaching the mechanics; slowing down the game and really teaching them the fne tuned parts of the mechanics of football,” CYFA vice president Ashley Riley said. “This works because we can slow things down and we can stop and talk about it in the middle of practice.”

The program focuses on intricate details of the sport to create feld awareness and skills, while encouraging players to celebrate each other’s successes.

“We also try to foster teamwork, that its not always about you, and it may be about your teammate, to celebrate your teammates successes such as touchdowns or a teammate being able to stop a potential touchdown or make a block,” Riley said.

Coppell football works yearround, both in and out of season, to connect the programs and develop the skills that will one day contribute to their own success.

The emphasis is always on the future; cultivating not only strong athletes but also individuals who take pride in representing Coppell on and off the feld. This dedication to

long-term development ensures when CYFA athletes don the high school jersey, they are already well-versed in the values and traditions that defne Coppell football.

“Playing for Coppell now, it feels great a lot of people have helped me grow my knowledge of the sport,” senior running back O’Marion Mbakwe said. “I know where I came from and who taught me how to play the game and being able to give them credit. It just feels amazing to see how I grew with the help of the community and now I get to represent them.”

In the spring, Coppell coaches hold a coaching clinic with CYFA players, helping to improve their skills and assess the athletes’ progress and dedication. This hands-on approach not only improves performance but also allows the coaches to build relationships with future athletes.

Not only being disciplined, but also having a passion for playing, for being a Cowboy is what the spirit of Coppell should be according to Wiley.

“Playing for CYFA leads to them taking pride in being a Coppell Cowboy,” Wiley said. “From the time they frst picked up a football, through CYFA, through junior high, and now through their high school football career, they take pride in being one unit. They take pride in saying they are Coppell Cowboys.”

Photo by Wendy Le

A member of the Coppell Youth Football Association carries a Coppell flag at halfime at Buddy Echols Field against Sachse on Aug. 30. CYFA emphasizes the importance of developing football skills and fosters sportsmanship among young players.

Isbell drives Coppell defensive line

“When Blake came in his junior year, we saw that he was extremely determined to play on the football feld,” Coppell assistant Keenan Kitchens said. “He’s a kid that’s self willed and self motivated to an extreme level.”

Moving from California to Texas in seventh grade, Texas’s prestigious high school football reputation drew Isbell to try out for the CMSE team.

“I didn’t know football rules or how the game worked – I was just excited to play a new sport and see what Texas football was all about,” Isbell said.

Isbell found himself on the sidelines as a backup quarterback on the C team. Undeterred, he amped up his training and practice, working his way up to the B team in eighth grade and the A team as a freshman.

“What I appreciate about Blake is that when it’s time to practice football, he puts his hard hat on and goes to work.” Kitchens said.

a lot of respect from his teammates and coaches.”

Isbell’s versatility as a defensive player at both defensive tackle and defensive end makes him a crucial part of Coppell’s defense.

“When you get Blake on the feld, you’ll get a motor that runs 100 miles an hour, a kid who plays extremely fast and physically. That’s always a good thing for us,” Kitchens said.

With his future as a Golden Hurricane, Isbell has his eyes set on his goals: winning

all-district honors in high school, allconference honors at Tulsa and eventually towards his dream of becoming drafted into the National Football League.

“Blake is a very kind person, but he’s an absolute animal when it comes down to football, even so much so that he’s another person out on the feld,” Isbell’s offseason trainer of 4 years Bernard Daniel said. “Over the years he’s developed a type of dog mentality, where he became hungry because he had goals and a dream to hit.”

Whether crashing through the line for a tackle or analyzing the opposing team at the lineup, ready to strike, a particular linebacker on the football feld is hard to miss.

Coppell senior Blake Isbell was not always the standout defensive lineman he is today. Isbell started at the bottom as Coppell Middle School East’s C team backup quarterback and worked his way to the top.

Becoming a key part of the varsity Cowboy defense, his commitment and dedication has been on full display with the University of Tulsa noticing him, offering him a Division I scholarship to which he committed.

Recognizing his potential, Isbell’s freshmen coaches encouraged him to make the switch from quarterback to the defensive side of the ball, where he settled into the linebacker position.

“I wasn’t satisfed with where I was,” Isbell said. “Becoming a lineman ignited my passion and love for football, and I started setting goals for myself.”

His dedication carried him to the varsity team as a sophomore, where coaches observed his hard work and determination. As a senior, Isbell continuously pushes himself the extra mile, always striving to improve.

“I’ve watched Blake grow from a wide-eyed young sophomore who was just trying to ft into the team, to now,” Kitchens said. “Through sheer hard work and determination, he has demanded

Sophomore accelerates to fnish line

EASTER WOOD

by her coach.

Katie Park

Staff Writer

@katiegpark

the

Her love for running started at Coppell Middle School East where she was introduced to the thrilling grit of cross country in seventh grade, and has continued to run ever since.

On Oct. 11, Easterwood set her new record of 16:52 at the District 5-6A Championship at North Lakes Park in Denton.

On Oct. 21, Easterwood fnished the UIL 1-A-6A Region 1 Championship with a time of 17:25, qualifying her for the State 6A Meet on Nov. 1.

She currently has the fastest time of any sophomore in the nation and is second in class 6A.

“I like competing against other athletes and challenging myself to be the best,” Easterwood said. “Putting everything on the line to see how far you go motivates me to keep going.”

Easterwood’s ability in running exemplifes her aptitude for the sport.

“She’s defnitely the most talented female runner I’ve ever been around,” Coppell coach Landon Wren said. “She’s incredible and it starts with her work ethic. As the year went on, she just continued to get better at running and you could tell she was gaining more confdence in her abilities.”

Easterwood’s determination allows her to push towards her goals.

“She has a desire to be the best in any sport she plays,” Easterwood’s father Caleb Easterwood said. “She knows what athletes are better and what their times are, so she uses that to set goals.”

In addition to athletic skills, Maya focuses on the mental aspect of competing. In her free time, Maya and her father study flm of other competitive runners.

“One thing I would advise other runners to keep doing to succeed in their goals is to stay consistent and push yourselves,” Maya said. “Don’t let other people hold you back. If you want to run with a group of people but they’re going slow, you should take the extra step and run at the pace you want to and stay consistent.” Because of her running pace, Maya practices outside of her comfort zone, preparing her for meets.

“She’s running with boys because that’s what’s going to push her to run faster,” Wren said. “I think as you see that, it motivates you as a runner. If she can work hard, I can work hard.”

Maya has even exceeded her coach’s expectations this season.

“I knew that she’d be faster this year, but what she’s been able to do has been pretty incredible,” Wren said. “If you’re willing to push yourself during practice, you’re going to see the benefts on race day.”

Wren has seen Maya emerge as a vocal leader to teammates, which excites him with two more years of high school running ahead for her.

“In this coaching business, you can go your whole career and not coach someone like her,” Wren said. “She’s an awesome young lady and is very humble. She’s all about putting in the work and doing the best that she can do, day in and day out.”

Photo by Nyah Rama

Coppell sophomore Maya Easterwood is a top three runner in Texas. Easterwood has been running since seventh grade and is considered one of the best runners in Coppell

Sabah Uddin Communications Manager @sabah__uddin

Photo by Kayla Nguyen Coppell senior defensive lineman Blake Isbell tackles Lewisville junior running back Tenel Hill at Max Goldsmith Stadium on Oct. 18. Isbell is a crucial piece to the Cowboys defense this year.

At

peak of dawn, Coppell High School sophomore Maya Easterwood exits her home and starts her morning run, further training her stamina and pace for an upcoming race.

Felix powering Coppell volleyball spirit

Anvita Bondada CHS9 Editor

@anvita_bondada

From the CHS arena bleachers, at the beginning of every Coppell volleyball game, you can see each member of the volleyball team doing their ritual of dancing to build their energy for the impending game.

If you look closer, you can fnd Coppell High School sophomore outside hitter Brooke Felix dancing in the center of it all, hyping up her teammates.

“The dancing has become fully routine at this point, and really gets us out of our heads,” Felix said. “I feel like it’s something we must do every game and it’s just a lot of fun,”

Felix has leapt through many sports throughout the past

six years, including soccer, track and tennis. However, there is a certain feeling that stuck out to her while playing a certain sport with a woven ball and large net: belonging.

While she now serves as an outside hitter for Coppell’s varsity volleyball team, Felix frst dipped her toe into volleyball at Tejas Volleyball Club when she was 12 years old.

“I had never really thought about volleyball before sixth grade until my mom signed me up for this volleyball camp and I ended up loving it,” Felix said. Entering the varsity team was an

her freshman year, so she has been able to take on a lot of responsibility with how young our team is,”

Through spending countless hours with her teammates practicing and competing, Felix has grown a newfound appreciation for the camaraderie required for volleyball.

“I feel like you have to be so close with your teammates and mesh together really well,” Felix said. “For volleyball we’re with each other all the time. It just makes volleyball so much more fun because I feel we have all become best friends,”

In games, Felix also lets her competitive side shine, a trait she attributes to her family. Felix’s relationships in accordance with sports stems from her family’s involvement in sports of all kinds, with her father playing professional football, her mother being a cheerleader, and her two younger sisters,

right,” Brooke’s father Robby Felix said.

“Her and her two younger sisters are always competing and trying to beat each other. She’s naturally just wound that way as well,”

She continues to prioritize her family and sports collectively through supporting her two younger sisters through their own endeavors in their respective sports.

“Both of my little sisters play soccer, so I’m always on the soccer feld watching them play,” Brooke said. “My sister is in middle school so she does the middle

UFRET

One play, one win: Ufret’s path to Emory

Rhea Choudhary Executive Features Editor

@rhea_chou

As the energy in Coppell High School Arena quiets, her eyes scan the court. Coppell senior setter Carolina Ufret focuses on her next set, repeating to herself the words that have driven her through years of training: one play at a time, one win at a time.

Committing to play volleyball at Emory University in September, Ufret is prepared to bring her leadership as a setter and her academic aspirations to a new level at the collegiate playing feld. Carefully balancing her commitment to both her team and studies, she will pursue anthropology, studying on the pre-medical track at Emory — a school known for its excellence in both.

“Choosing Emory felt like putting the last piece into the puzzle,” Ufret said. “The academics, the volleyball program and the support system there are everything I was looking for.”

Ufret’s love for volleyball goes back to her youth, joining her frst recreational team at 8 years old. By 11, she was playing club volleyball at the competitive level at Texas Advantage Volleyball (TAV), later moving to Areté Athletics. She then began to play for Coppell and now is setting for Skyline’s 18 Black team.

“As a team, we spend six days a week together so all of us have become family and with Carolina and I being one of the three seniors on the team, we’ve learned a lot from each other and are close,” senior defensive specialist Campbell Scrudder said. “I’m so proud of Carolina for committing to Emory and I know leading

our team will make her an even better player there.”

Rising to Coppell varsity captain, Ufret was nominated by her team, known not only as a playmaker but a natural leader with quiet confdence and drive.

“Carolina has taken on a huge role this season, leading by example to such a young team and she has done a great job,” coach Robyn Ross said. “A setter is like our quarterback; Carolina has to get the ball to the hitters perfectly, and she is doing a phenomenal job at that.”

While volleyball is a large part of Ufret’s life, her academic achievements are just as impressive. A National Merit semifnalist, Ufret prioritizes demonstrating the same discipline in the classroom as on the court. She knew she wanted to attend a university valuing athletic and academic excellence.

“When I fnally did decide that I want to continue playing volleyball on the college level, it was important to me to fnd a school where I could really challenge myself in both areas,” Ufret said. “Emory felt right and it was the place where I could see myself growing as both an athlete and a student.”

Ross thinks Ufret’s impact will extend to Emory’s team as it has to Coppell.

“Every coach who sees her for the frst time will notice how amazing her setting is,” Ross said. “My frst impression was no different, but it’s her leading-by-example work ethic that is also making a huge difference on this team.”

As Ufret prepares to head to Atlanta, she is gratifed to know this is not just an athletic opportunity but also a chance for her to further pursue her academic ambitions, focused on studying healthcare.

Photo Illustration by Manasa Borra and Nyah Rama