Volume25issue1

VOLUME 25

ISSUE 1

WWW.COPPELLSTUDENTMEDIA.COM

OCTOBER 2013

CAN’T FOCUS

Why more students are using ADHD medications to perform better on standardized tests

JENA SEIDEMANN student life edi t o r

Pressure can either make diamonds or cause others to crumble, and in this cause, it causes students to conform.

Students are feeling the pressure to be accepted into the top universities, and if they cannot meet the standards for their dream college, some will use drugs such as ADHD medication on their SAT or ACT to compensate for it. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

“It seems to be more common as with other prescription drug abuse,” Coppell ISD psychologist Paul Haggan said. “The last statistic I heard was that the increase in prescription drug

abuse was up to 2,600 percent from five years ago.”

ADHD medication is a stimulant used to help users to focus, and contrary to popular belief it assists in students attaining a better score, the wrong dosage can have counterproductive effects because the prescription was not based on that individual’s needs. Jitteriness, inability to concentrate and lack of motivation are a few side effects to those that do not need the medicine and who take the wrong dosages.

Not only do the ADHD abusers suffer from takings wrong dosages, in the long run, students that take the test without any outside help are also more likely to cheat, to compensate for their peers’ illegal advantages.

“To me, it is a form of cheating because it is putting [a person’s brains] on steroids to do even better than they would have without drugs,” junior Shelby Pittman said. “All kids should have an equal chance of scoring well on standardized tests without the help or aide of these pharmaceuticals.”

While some condemn the use of medication to enhance scores, others believe it levels the playing field.

“I do not agree with diagnosing ADHD and ADD because everyone has their [challenges] in life [pertaining] to studying,” an anonymous source said. “Why should people who have issues paying attention get special help? They should figure out how to focus themselves.”

After using their brother’s left-

over prescribed ADHD medication, the anonymous source is planning to test out how much medication is needed by taking practice tests and slowly increasing the dosage to find the right amount.

Besides leftover sibling medication, attaining non-prescribed medicine can come from other avenues such as using friend’s medication. Not only can this be considered unethical, it is illegal.

“I am not going to tell the world I am doing it, but I am not really ashamed,” anonymous said. “If I have an opportunity to improve myself and my grades even though it is a little unethical, I am still going to do it.”

see Medicated on pg. 10 Photo by Regan Sullivan

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Cypress Waters preview

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Stiff family talks grace, miracles

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Auto Band brings rock

Inaugural Mercy 5K raises funds for scholarships C A R O L I N E C A R T E R n e w s e d i t o r

Learning your child does not have long to live is something no parent hopes to experience.

For Lewisville resident Allison D’Auteuil Whitfield, the fate of her daughter Mercy Elizabeth was learned before she was even born.

Though Mercy was initially diagnosed with a congenital heart defect several months into D’Auteuil Whitfield’s pregnancy, doctors soon learned Mercy had a genetic disorder called Trisomy 13, a fatal condition in which most babies do not survive to term.

“To say the least we (were)

devastated by the news,” D’Auteuil Whitfield said. “We had been given our options, and our choice was to continue with the pregnancy however far it would go. All the choices were terrible but this was the one that we could live with and was right for our family. ” Born on Sept. 8, 2011, Mercy touched the lives of many during her life of 13 days. Community members reached out to the Whitfields and students and faculty at the Ballet Academy of Texas in Coppell, the studio where Allison teaches, provided much support for the family.

After the death of Mercy, D’Auteuil Whitfield began run-

ning with a group of friends. The group soon named themselves Mercy in Motion and thought of the idea of a 5K. “We run for Mercy by helping other people in different ways,” D’Auteuil Whitfield said.

“In December, we will run in St. Jude’s race. After we started running, my friends said I should put on a 5K. My response was ‘You’re crazy.’ Then I thought about it for a good amount of time, and finally decided to put one on.”

After months of preparation, the inaugural Mercy 5K and Fun Run occurred on Sept. 21 at Andy Brown East. All funds from the race will go to the MerPhotos by Caroline Carter

Runners begin the Mercy 5K race on Sept. 21 at Andy Brown East Park to help fund scholarships for kids who have lost infant siblings.

cy Whitfield Scholarship Fund, a scholarship the Whitfields hope will provide normalcy for the families experiencing such a tragic loss.

“It is specifically for the siblings in families that have experienced infant loss,” D’Auteuil Whitfield said. “You could think of it as a “Make A Wish” program for the brothers and sisters. If there is a family that has siblings that are already in preschool, we want to come in to help pay for preschool while they are dealing with this difficult time. The kids can have normalcy which was most beneficial for our children.”

With two children in preschool during the pregnancy, the Whitfields worried their children’s lives would have to change drastically.

“When we heard Mercy’s diagnosis, we worried about Justice and Grace (Allison’s two children),” D’Auteuil Whitfield said.

“We thought we would have to cancel everything since the medical bills are so expensive. We didn’t know what to expect.”

Throughout Allison’s pregnancy and Mercy’s life, the Whitfields also learned about many resources available to them for their

situation.

“The run raised money for our scholarship, but it also raised awareness about our resources,” D’Auteuil Whitfield said. “You don’t have a manual to know how to deal with this, and you can’t just Google the answers. I had never heard of Caring Bridge, until Mercy. I learned of support groups in Coppell such as MEND (Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death).”

Community Hospice, a non profit organization that assisted D’Auteuil Whitfield during her pregnancy, was present at the race.

“We knew Mercy was dying before she was born,” Community Hospice worker Karen Derrick said. “As a non-profit hospice, we provided the social workers and psychiatric help.”

The Mercy 5K and Fun Run raised over $5,000 and had over 250 participants. With these funds, Mercy’s legacy will continue to live on.

“It is safe to say the race was the biggest two-year-old birthday party,” D’Auteuil Whitfield said “It was all about honoring Mercy, and we did just that.”

at Coppell ISD, and being nominated for this really helps spread the word about how great our district is,” Wootton said. “It is not just people here in Coppell

asking me about the nomination, many people have heard of me through a segment on KERA “and asked my husband about this school and what it’s all about.

Caviness, Wootton recognized by state board A L L I E A R N O L D s t a ff w r i t e r

Kim Wootton, a science facilitator at New Tech High@Coppell, and Jessica Caviness, a math teacher at Coppell High School, are two out of eight finalists in the state of Texas for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science.

The prestigious award will be given to one out of the eight hand-picked teachers who have been recognized by the state of Texas as the best of the best.

Both Wootton and Caviness are not new to Coppell or to teaching for that matter. Caviness has been teaching at CHS for 13 years, and has loved every minute of it.

“I often have my students teach the material after they’ve learned it,” Caviness said. “Every year, they have to make a website to help the math students for the next year. There’s no better way for the kids to fully understand what is being taught than to have them teach it to their peers.”

Caviness is more excited to draw attention to the outstanding math department in the district than she is to be nominated herself.

“I’m just glad that the district is getting so much recognition for having two teachers nominated. It just goes to show what an amaz-

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ing school system Coppell has,” Caviness said. “I can honestly say that it is the training that all of the teachers receive that make us all great and eligible for an award like this.”

Wootton has worked at Coppell for six years and it is her 26th year teaching. After taking a year off on sabbatical several years ago, Wootton was ready to find a new school to teach environmental science that had an interesting teaching style.

“New Tech caught my eye when I was looking for a new school,” Wootton said. “I had heard about these new innovative schools in theory but I had no idea any schools were trying this method. I loved the idea of teaching at a place like New Tech because the style of learning gives students the opportunity to apply what they learned, giving it meaning.”

Wootton, like Caviness, believes that this award is shared not only by herself and Wootton, but by the district as a whole.

Caviness fully believes in making her students go the extra mile, while still making sure they have fun with it.

“I want them to test their limits and be the learners I know they are capable of being,” Caviness said. “My goal is to make them want to come in here every day and be excited to learn something new and useful and make

them truly believe that they are bright young individuals just like I do.”

Most teachers are known to have a certain style of teaching.

However, Wootton does not believe in a teaching style, but rather, a philosophy.

“I do what every other teacher in the district does, and that is look my students in the eye, realizing they are a human being,” Wootton said. “I want my students to know that I think they matter. I am not dictator in my classroom and they are certainly not slaves.

There is a purpose in what we’re doing and they do matter.”

Students think very highly of them as teachers, and also as people.

“I love Mrs. Caviness,” junior Annmarie Vincenzo said.

“She made sure I, as well as everyone else, understood what was being taught which helped me so much throughout the year.”

New Tech Class of 2013 graduate Jacob Vance will always remember what a great teacher Wootton was to him.

“Her compassion and understanding for her students is truly unbelievable,” Vance said.

“She made sure you did everything that needed to be done in order to succeed.”

CISD is especially proud of the national nominations.

“We are the forefront here

Photos by Alyssa Frost

Teacher Jessica Caviness works through a lesson on geometric proofs with freshman Katie Herklotz.

Science facilitator Kim Wootton helps NTH@C seniors Erin Gillen and Meredith Mosley write books on teen health.

Park brings photog raphy studio to Old Town E L I Z A B E T H S I M S enterprise editor

When Flower Mound resident Donna Park first picked up a camera to do production shots for the plays and musicals at the Texas Creative Arts Academy, she never imagined it would lead to a full-blown career.

In addition to production shots, Park photographed family and senior portraits for family friends. After polishing her skills for several years, Park decided to settle down and establish a headquarters and studio for her budding photography business.

“I was working out of my house doing this for a little while, and it gets to the point where you are totally dependant on the weather. You are not as in control with all the elements,” Park said.

“A studio is a nice thing to have as a secondary spot to take photographs.”

Not only did the studio serve as a spot to take pictures, it gave Park a creative outlet as she became less involved with the Texas Creative Arts Academy in Coppell, which she founded in 2008.

“It was an evolution of sorts through the [Texas Creative Arts

Academy] since that is where it all started,” Park said. “The less I was involved with the [Texas Creative Arts Academy] the more I wanted to stay stimulated creatively.

That’s one thing that I have found is essential for me. I have to have a creative outlet.”

Park has worked on her skills through 30 years of practice as a writer, director and producer in the television industry. This has aided in developing her eye for photography and has allowed ger to even gain knowledge of business through the guidance of established mentors.

“A lot of it has been selftaught, but because of my 30 plus years in the television industry, shot composition, directing and making people feel comfortable in front of the camera is not foreign but very second nature to me,” Park said. “There are lots of online communities that help young photographers grow their businesses. I have discovered a couple of mentors in the industry that I am following and working with, and that has been huge in helping me gain confidence in dealing with the business side of the industry.”

Before the studio even opened, Park called on several

Photos by Nicole Messer

Donna Park’s photography studio held its grand opening Sat. Sept 14. The studio is yet another addition to the revival of Old Town Coppell. local girls to model for her and kick-start her clientele. Senior Rachel Gruebbel was among the group and more than willing to help out a family friend.

“I thought it would be fun, and I was honored that someone would want me to model for them,” Gruebbel said. “I know [Park] is a great photographer because her and my mom used to be really good friends, and she’d always be taking pictures.”

Gruebbel was present for

During the studio’s grand opening on Sept. 14, Donna Park, pictured far right, socialized with current and future clients.visitors.

the Donna Park Photography studio opening on Sept. 14 in Old Town Coppell.

“I loved the little studio.

The house is so cute and it’s just a great little area,” Gruebbel said.

“It’s been a long time coming and I know senior pictures are really big here so it was a good idea to put it in Coppell so she can make lots of money.”

Since purchasing the studio in mid-June, Park has worked hard to transform the tiny white colonial home into fun, modern studio for her business. From the massive main room which houses her office and indoor studio complete with backdrops that pull down from the ceiling to the brightly lit sitting rooms for business dealings, Park has created a professional atmosphere without losing her creative flare. In fact, the central color scheme of light blue, green, orange and pink with hints of black and white was based off of a green sofa she found when first beginning to decorate the studio.

“It was a slow, methodical thing. [The green sofa] was ac-

tually the inspiration piece for all of this. I saw it at a flea market in McKinney and thought it was just perfect,” Park said.

Park did not only use students as models but also hired senior Francesca Graham to be her assistant for photo shoots.

“I was hoping a job would just fall into place. It was honestly just perfect timing and it just kind of fell into my lap. I just got really lucky with the opportunity,” Graham said. “Just the fact that I was a photography assistant and that I’d get to work in a studio was really exciting for me.

Just using all the professional equipment, shooting on location and getting the real feel for what professional photographers actually do was what made me want to do it.”

Though the studio has only just opened, Park has already set a goal for herself in the business.

“I am working at this very part time right now just trying to slowly and methodically build it up, but I am hoping within a year to two years I am working at this full time,” Park said.

as Donna Park intern What do the models wear during the shoot?

“We have them bring five to 10 outfits and we go through all of their outfits.

We then choose a variation of clothing combinations so each photo isn’t exactly the same.”

How will this job help with your career plans?

“Hopefully interning with (Park) will come in to play at some point. My major in college will be music business . Maybe later down the road I’ll open a photography studio.”

What has been your favorite photo shoot?

“My favorite shoot so far was (senior) Courtney Quirk’s.

She was really creative. We went to Lake Grapevine to the boat houses. That was definitely different from everyone else’s shoots.”

Francesca Graham, Senior

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Welcome to Cypress Waters

New housing project changing Coppell community

T O L U S A L A K O editoial page editor

Driving down Denton Tap Road, citizens of Coppell may notice the huge sign to the right and see the development of new housing and apartments set to be completed by fall 2014: Cypress Waters.

The development of Cypress Waters has been a long five-year process, and after numerous city council meetings, voting and board meetings, Cypress Waters has finally started building multiple apartments and townhomes that have an urban feel.

The land of Cypress Waters was annexed by Dallas over 50 years ago due to the location of the TXU electric plant. Because of this, the city of Coppell was not aware that the land would ever be developed. The company that purchased the land sold the property that would soon be developed for housing complexes with no regards of establishing some sort of educational facility.

Lawsuits followed as Coppell ISD tried to use part of the land purchased to build another educational facility.

“Our biggest issue was trying to get a billing lease to purchase land for Lee Elementary,” Coppell ISD Board member Susie Kemp said. “At the beginning [of the lawsuit], they did not consider land for a school which was a major problem.”

Coppell High School already has overcrowding problems, and a major concern is the

increase in the student population in the upcoming years. The groundbreaking for the new elementary school, Lee Elementary, took place on Sept. 12 where Cypress Waters elementary residents will eventually attend.

Seventy-nine people have signed a lease as of Sept. 17, so the CHS population increase will be a gradual occurrence. But the increase in student population is one of the major concerns that board and city members share.

“We hope to start a committee of educators that will meet with a demographer that will look at the numbers,” CHS Principal Mike Jasso said. “We know that we will have to create a facility that will hold kids, but we are not sure what sort of facility as of now.”

With the CISD student population up by approximately 250 people from the 2012-2013 school year, some are concerned with the widening of the “Coppell Bubble” and the fact that “small town of Coppell” will not be so small after all.

“We currently have 79 people that have already set a lease and we move in 10 people in per day,” Cypress Waters property manager Layna Sweet said. “Cypress Waters is in the Coppell ISD district and students living in the neighborhood will attend Coppell schools.”

One of the things that Sweet was very excited to introduce was three neighborhoods in Cypress Waters which will include, Parson Green, Scotch Creek and Syc-

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By the

neighborhoods

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townhomes Graphic by Julia Bordonaro

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amore Park. All with a different style, Cypress Waters’ hope is for every family to feel at home in at least one of these neighborhoods.

Parson Green will be a neighborhood directed for those starting families. The neighborhood will be centered on the children due to its children music garden, large green spaces and places where kids can be involved in various activities.

Scotch Creek is the more modern feel, mostly for the new couples or single individuals with a Creek pool and clubhouse. Lastly, Sycamore Park will be known for its industrial style buildings with a Brooklyn and urban feel.

The neighborhood will feature a dog park, outside spaces and an outdoor sand volleyball court.

Seventy percent of Cypress Waters will be one bedroom apartments and the other 30 percent plan to hold single family homes, townhomes and multiple bedroom apartments.

“Cypress Waters is still changing their plan and will be building more townhomes and single family homes, which will increase the number of kids living their,” Kemp said. “An educational facility has to be built because of this.”

Cypress Waters will be one of the biggest changes and projects Coppell will face, and with production already underway, Coppell residents are sure to see some changes with population increase and the establishment of new facilities.

Numbers

79

leases signed

Photos by Mark Slette

The entrance to Cypress Waters is located off of Beltline and E. Saintsbury Street.

Although construction is still going on, residents have already begun to move into Cypress Waters.

PRO

Attempting to describe the current state of Syria is difficult at best, with all the varying stories, ideas and opinions. However, one thing we all know is there is a war and people are dying, and the United States needs to take action in the front.

Sit back and watch the fireworks. This has been the United State’s unofficial stance for the past two years while the citizens of Syria have been in civil war.

Sit and watch, and we have held to that for the most part. Sure, different countries have made a few supply drops for survivors, but besides that the rest of the world has done close to nothing.

However, now that the President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, is allegedly using chemical weapons on civilians, President Obama has decided action needs to be taken.

To be frank, his decision is far from popular. However this does not make it any less right.

We do need to take some kind of action on the fronts of the Syrian Civil War. Not because it is the best decision for our country, but because it is well known that many of the rebels have ties to the terrorist group Al-Qaeda and that Russia is firmly behind the Syrian government, but because above all – it is the morally right decision for us as human beings.

Simply letting these people kill each other in an endless back and forth struggle does not make the world a better place. The U.S. Government cannot simply sit by and let these innocent people die because we are afraid of the after effects on our country. Yes, there could be casualties, we could wind up with an Al-Qaeda led nation on our hands, we could make things worse in the Middle East, but we could also make the region stable for the first times in years.

After the hardships America has faced in Iraq and Afghanistan during the War on Terror, we need a moral victory. Yes, there were a few small victories, and we have done some real good in Afghanistan after overthrowing the rulers there. But in the overall picture Iraq is still a mess, and we have yet to complete our initial goal of terminating Al-Qaeda. Syria can give us a true moral victory, this is a situation where we can go into another country and do some real good. We can save the lives of innocent people caught in the middle of a struggle they might not be a part of. That is the true win for the world. Not that good won the

day, because honestly there isn’t a good side fighting the war in Syria right now, but that lives were saved.

Neither the rebels nor the government in Syria are filled with upstanding citizens. In fact, most of them are criminals and murderers. I completely understand why politicians and the American majority say we should not intervene because it would mean working with our sworn enemies for the past 12 years. It could mean going into war with Russia, something America simply cannot afford right now.

In the worstcase scenario, this could lead to another World War. All of the points against going into Syria are correct, a n d I ’ m n o t going to sit here and Info from CNN.com a t t e mp t to deny these facts.

But if going into Syria can stop the war, if it can end the bloodshed, then we have to take the risk. We owe it to the world, we it owe to our own heritage, we owe to the patriots that fought in the Revolutionary War. They fought because they believed that every man on earth is created equal, and we are all entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We are all entitled to be free of death and destruction, no should suffer because of political discrepancies or old conflicts.

Not to mention, while we are sitting here in debating our next move, Russia has come in and pulled the rug out from us.

They are in there right now, looking like heroes and simultaneously making the United States look like fools. President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has even gone so far as to call out American politicians as idiots in interviews. Most

say its time to put out any ideas of action, to clean up shop before it’s too late. I say this should give us more reason to act now. Neither Assad nor Putin can be trusted to keep their word, this is something they both have proven in the past.

We are dealing with the worst kinds of butchers and thugs, and we are willing to leave Syria in their hands?

S o yes, I believe America

Images of children being gassed to death in their own communities are truly deplorable and inhumane.

The innocent lives lost and the ongoing violence we continue to see in Syria has been heartbreaking. Syrian Bashar al-Assad is clearly an adversary to freedom and no friend to the United States, but mil-

Graphics by Sophie Nauyokas

needs to do something out in Syria. We cannot count on the rest of the world to come in and back us up on this, and frankly it should not matter. The rest of the world may be afraid to act or don’t want to cause greater conflict, but being afraid is not in America’s DNA, we are revolutionaries, we are patriots and, above all, we are leaders.

Everyday we wait more and more people loose their lives, and we look more and more like fools.

We have to make up our minds before its too late, because there’s more at stake here than approval ratings. These are people’s lives, and that is something we cannot leave to chance.

A L E X I R I Z A R R Y staff writer

itary action by the United States is no solution to improve this situation.

Americans are having a national discussion regarding President Obama's plan to take military action in Syria.

Obama's plan is unrealistic and military strikes on Syria could do significant harm for American interests at home and abroad.

Obama has been giving many speeches to present a case not only to Congress but the citizens of this nation as to why taking military action in Syria is the right thing to do. America is not buying this sales pitch. The President made a statement last year about Syria crossing a "red line" and now is being forced to try to back up his own comments with military force. However, a misstatement by the President is not a rational reason to attack Syria, the President trying to save face is not a good enough justification to put our soldiers into another war.

Our nation has now endured a decade of conflict in the Middle East. Debate over the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq will go on for years to come, but we all recognize that the conflicts have cost our nation the lives of thousands of brave men and women.

We have watched solemnly as flag-draped coffins have returned from the front lines and we have stood by the mothers and fathers having to bury their children for the past several years.

That tragic reality, in combination with the fact that we have spent

CON

billions of dollars on these wars, have made the American people rightfully wary about getting involved in another conflict.

The idea of another war does not sit well with me. To think about the cost that we would incur when our economy is not in its best state. Sending troops to Syria when we still have troops in the Middle East is just daunting.

The cost of sending troops and the necessary weapons needed to fight a war would just increase the debt of America.

However, when someone breaks an international law and agreement, someone has to let them know that they are wrong and that it should not happen. But why does the United States need to be responsible for this? We are one of the most powerful and independent countries in the world, but this should not fall on us.

Even if we entered war with Syria, what would be the definition of a victory. The United States does not even have a clear sense of who the Syrian rebels are what their agenda is.

Obama has not just failed to articulate a cause for action, he has not even bothered to explain what might constitute victory in Syria. The inherent risks are compounded massively by regional and global politics involving Iran, Jordan, Russia, Israel and European countries.

We should be reducing our military presence overseas, not increasing. We need to be focused on fixing the things that are wrong here in our own country rather than using our resources in other parts of the world.

This debate over using military force in Syria is important.

Use of our armed forces should never be a decision that is taken lightly or for political purposes.

The military is truly America’s finest, they fight hard for our country and will be successful in any mission they undertake. They serve us, and we should serve them by not putting any more of our troops in harm’s way.

SHIVANI BURRA emerging media manger

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E D I T O R I A L

New state curfew laws, driving restrictions take toll on teenagers “Want to give a friend a ride to or go to see a movie?”

These words stand hauntingly on the Coppell Municipal Government Facebook page, teasing 16 and 17-year-olds across Coppell. Posted Sept. 9, 17-yearolds are now required by state law to only carry no more than one non-family member in their car at once, and are now not allowed to be drive a vehicle between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.

This represents a change

from previous Texas laws stating that once you turn 17, you are no longer under curfew laws and you may drive more than one person at once.

On Sept. 1, when these laws were put into place, teenagers across the state recognized a tease.

What about the large majority of younger seniors at Coppell High School that turned 17 months ago? Rights they once had are being revoked. It is most definitely not fair to those who used that

freedom responsibly, but now, due to the state’s recent change of heart, are stuck on a flashback of being an inexperienced 16-yearold.

It would be one thing to push forward just the curfew law one year ahead, but to forbid students to drive more than one person takes it to a new level. As seniors and juniors in high school, we should be taking on more responsibilities, not asking parents to give us a ride when we need

to drive more than one person.

These new laws and restrictions create more of a dependency on parents, which changes the dynamic and transition from senior year to college negatively.

Each week after football games, the CHS band hosts a queso party. At these typical parties, band members commute to a host home and enjoy the company of their peers while vegging on queso and chips after completing a performance. On average, these

socials do not end until 1 to 3 a.m.

Unfortunately, these queso parties are not a “legitimate school function, work requirement, or emergency”, and students driving to and from these parties are subject to punishment under the law.

These laws in Texas are simply unfair. The Coppell Police can work on keeping this city’s drivers safer by cracking down on reckless driving, but not by burdening a high school senior driving around more than one person.

Stability outweighs passion, Salako says Racism evident in Greek life I like finding derivatives, but not learning about the different parts of the cell.

I like finding the area under the curve, but not the different structures of viruses.

I like journalism, but not learning about how enzymes help break down proteins.

But sometime in the future, my life will be based on the structure of cells, viruses and proteins.

And in the very near future, my four years in college will consist of my face planted in 1,000 page organic chemistry and biology textbooks. But something in me does not want to pursue this career; part of m e wants to be a successful

CNN correspondent or mathematician and not in the hospital.

Graphic by Josh Martin

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For as long as I can remember, school has taught me that I should find what I love to do and pursue it in the future. However, as I grew up I knew this was not the best idea as much as I wanted to believe it was.

Sure I love math and journalism and want to major in both in college, but my sister hit me with a question one day after I complained about how AP Physics B was one of the hardest classes I had ever taken.

“Well, what are you going to do with a journalism and math degree?”

I could easily think of possible careers, but I knew that that was not what she was asking.

What she really meant to ask was, “Well what do you think your paycheck is going to look like compared to that of a medical doctor?”

But it is not the money that matters in the end right?

Wrong.

Unfortunately in this day and age, people have to be

ready to give up their passion and dream in order to predict a steady future. Though I may want to be the next Anderson Cooper, it is more realistic to go to medical school and live a rather stable life, in terms of income that is.

Today, we have to choose: passion vs. stability, and unfortunately most people will be better off sacrificing their passions.

It is the sad truth and it angers me everyday because we live in a society where success is defined by money. Though I’ll be happier reporting the news everyday, I know I will live a more successful life with a medical degree than with a math degree.

So as of now, I hope to major in biology and journalism and attend a medical school close to home. Journalism will always be a passion of m i n e, but I’m not ready to throw i t away, not yet at least.

T O L U S A L A K O editorial page editor

Ever since I was little, I always listened to my mom talk about her sorority days at Oklahoma State University and how she made her best friends in the Alpha Delta Pi house. I could only wait and hope that I too would meet my closest friends.

Now that I am older, I now understand how hard it can be to join a sorority.

Talking to family members that have gone through the process of rush more recently, I have learned that it is quite rigorous.

Recently, four sororities at The University of Alabama were accused of not considering an African-American girl because of her skin color.

The Huffington Post stated the girl was highly qualified with a 4.3 GPA, active in public service and a high school salutatorian, but members of sororities suggested that she drop rush, and she was not considered for a house.

Hearing such things, I wonder why racial discrimination is still around today. Many students have always hoped to join a sorority or fraternity, and racial discrimination should

not stand in their way.

The color of our skin does not make us better than anyone else, it is our morals that should determine whether or not we should be considered for a position.

Coppell High School 2012 graduate and Alpha Chi member at University of Oklahoma Rachel Nutt said, when she went through rush, she did not notice any racial discrimination, but did notice that some Asian girls were taken back to top houses as if they wanted a certain number of that race.

I hope that no one would even think about keeping someone away from anything they love just because of what they look like.

Racial discrimination is something that even though thought of as a thing of the past is unfortunately still very much around.

SHANNON WILKINSON s t a ff w r i t e r

To students stressing over dates to homecoming, calm down Not a week goes by since the beginning of August that my friends do not talk about being worried about not getting asked to homecoming. And as stressed as they are and after hours of talking out these fears the solution becomes simple: why not just ask a guy to homecoming?

As my boyfriend reached for something in his bag, I knew this was it; I was being asked to homecoming.

I had been dreaming of this day since the beginning of high school. Unfortunately since, I had spent the first two years at an all-girls private school, Ursuline Academy in Dallas, I never got the chance to fulfill that dream.

Now here I was at Outback Steakhouse with the loaf of bread sitting right in front of me with the words “Homecoming?” carved into it. My boyfriend pulled out a rose as the young waiter shrieked with excitement when I responded with a “yes.”

Was I thrilled? Of course, but given I had been dreaming of this day for two years, it was not exactly as I had imagined.

So then I figured why not

just do it myself then. Here I had this awesome plan for someone to ask someone to homecoming and I was just going to waste it because I always figured it was the guy’s job to ask the girl to homecoming.

I am sure we are all quite familiar with the idea of breaking gender roles in the 21st century.

I acknowledge there is an almost unbreakable ideal the guy always asks the girl out, and I do think it adds extra fear on the girl’s part to reasons why she does not want to ask a boy out.

In all reality, girls do not ask guys to homecoming because we are absolutely terrified of being rejected. This tradition that the guy always asks a girl out does hold us back, but it is not a rule that cannot be broken. It is the fear of rejection preventing us from following through with this, not the rule.

There are people who just believe that it is the guy’s job or obligation to ask a girl out and the other way around is mind-shatteringly unacceptable.

The idea that a girl could ask a guy out has not even crossed their minds. I will admit there is some reason in that.

Sadie Hawkins, however, offers an opportunity for girls to

ask guys to a dance under the comfort blanket of tradition.

Unfortunately, Coppell High School did not host a Sadie Hawkins dance last year while New Tech High@Coppell did.

This is for the girls who are terrified of not having a homecoming date. If you cannot bear the fear of being one of the girls without an overhyped mum when homecomings comes around, then just ask a guy out. I know how scary it seems but just think what almost every teenage boy has to go through as they muster up the courage to ask one of us girls out.

Rejection is scary, but you will never know if a guy returns your feelings unless you ask the guy yourself. The worst he can say is no and if he says worse than no, then he was not worth your time.

Girls, I will give you a tip about teenage boys. Sometimes they are oblivious. What I mean is that they do not always take the time out to consider pursuing a relationship the way that girls do. A good majority of them will not consider making a move on you unless they truly believe you are interested in them and have somewhat of a chance.

So sometimes a friendly text or a flirty conversation is not enough to let them know you are interested in them. Guys are just as afraid of rejection as girls are. Just think what would it take for you to securely know if a guy was interested in you enough for you to make a move?

If you are really worried about not getting asked to homecoming, you might as well just ask someone. Maybe even right now that person is wondering why no one has asked them yet.

Just because you think they are does not mean they know that.

So tell them.

Also do not forget the option of just going with someone as a friend. It could just be simple as getting a group of friends together and making mums together with no two people specifically each other’s dates.

That way there is no pressure to make this one night super romantic and special, but just to make it fun.

Plus if it is just a friend, there is way less pressure to ask them to the dance.

You could even go without a date and dare I say make your own mum. From my experience at an all-girls school, we all went to dances by ourselves. I

always had the best time despite the five random girls who brought dates slow dancing off to the side.

Homecoming was originally intended to be about school spirit, not a scramble to find a date within the first two months of school. So get your friends or that cute guy in math or even your boyfriend of three months and enjoy one of the biggest traditions CHS has to offer.

As I write this right now, my homecoming cupcakes are cooling on the kitchen counter. I have a CD ready with the cliché song choice of One Direction’s ”What Makes You Beautiful” for my big plan to ask my boyfriend and already homecoming date to homecoming. I think he will say yes.

K A R A H A L L A M s t a ff w r i t e r

We asked 30 CHS girls whether they would ask a guy to homecoming and this is what we found...

73%

I would not ask a guy to homecoming.

I would ask a guy to homecoming.

27% Grpahic by Julia Bordonaro

WHAT you HAD TO SAY...

“No I wouldn’t ask a boy because I’m not a big fan of the hype that surrounds homecoming. I’m a more laid-back person.”

-Annie Friedman, senior

“I would be flattered if a if a girl asked me, it would take a lot of courage.”

-Seth Endelman, senior

“I did ask a boy to homecoming this year because my boyfriend of 10 months is in college so it wasn’t weird at all.”

-Amber Omar, senior

opinions 7

Teenage employees often overlooked, underpaid On a typical day I have very few hours to relax between school, homework and a job, and a large portion of high schoolers in Coppell find themselves in the exact same position.

In today’s economy, it is hard enough for someone with a college degree and work experience to find a job, let alone a teenager still going to school and entering the working world for the first time. Many employers offering starting positions for inexperienced teens have found this to work to their advantage.

In my experience, most large companies choose to employ teenagers because they can be hired on a temporary basis and paid minimum wage. For example in my area of work, retail, many sales associates are brought on as “holiday hires,” where they work during Christmas, Black Friday, back to

school and other busy seasonal times. When business slows down again, these employees are either cut from payroll or given fewer and fewer hours.

Raises are also rare and minimal, about 15-25 cents on average, and there is not much opportunity to advance before the age of 18. Most leadership or positions that require a promotion make more money and have more hours and responsibilities, so understandably they come with an age requirement.

This still poses a roadblock for teens who want to become more involved in their workplace.

Even if managers are understanding and willing to help employees obtain raises or promotions, as they generally are, a corporation or restaurant chain is a huge opponent to face.

Standards for wages or hours may have been set years before and are not subject to change.

Jobs are meant to teach

time management skills and responsibility, but many students are also trying to save up to buy a car or laptop, or even to help their family pay the bills. I am saving to pay my college tuition and still have extra spending money, hopefully without having to work as a college freshman. Sometimes, $7.25 an hour just will not cut it.

The companies hiring teens are not completely at fault.

The Fair Labor Standards Act, a law which regulates working conditions in the United States, has very minimal restrictions for working teens who are 16 or 17 years-old. Many teens acquire their first job at this age, so it is clear that the government is not doing much to alleviate the situation.

Yes, retail companies and restaurants have to make money and they cannot pay all their employees high wages, especially in this economy. I am ex-

tremely grateful for my job for this exact reason; I realize there are people who would love to be in my position.

It is fair to say, though, that the companies that hire teens should have some accountability and appreciation to their employees.

My friends who have worked in smaller stores, such as the Flip Flop Shop owned by someone who lives in the local community, have had much more success with pay raises and other benefits. The opportunity to work close to management and have face-to-face contact is invaluable, as it can foster a close relationship between employee and employer.

On the other hand, teens have the responsibility to make their voice heard. It is a sad truth, but in a large company employees can get lost in the shuffle and forgotten. Managers who may have 30 or 40 em-

ployees cannot be expected to remember the details for each, so the employee should initiate a conversation about a pay raise or more hours.

High school students should absolutely try to gain work experience, as it is extremely important when trying to find internships or jobs in college. Retail companies and restaurants are great starter jobs and are willing to hire teens and work around their busy schedules. All the same, they cannot expect much in terms of pay raises or prom o tions.

H E N R I I K K A N I E M I s t a ff w r i t e r Graphics by Rachel Buigas-Lopez

Information courtesy stageoflife.com and rapidcityjournal.com

Societal pressures push teenagers into adulthood It is safe to say that teenagers have tried desperately to grow up too fast. We are constantly surrounded by TV shows, movies, music and magazines that try to persuade us to break the rules, let loose and have fun because we are young.

The phrase “live while you are young” is a favorite of the media. The celebrities we admire and look up to tell us to “live it up while we are teenagers.” Because we are young and have limited responsibilities, we can probably get away with it.

However, it seems the irony has been lost on them, probably due to dollar signs. When

opinions 8

they say we are young, they are right.

W e are young and that is the problem.

There is a reason the legal age for alcohol consumption is 21.

Teenagers, especially high school students, do not have the maturity to handle alcohol responsibly, and that is OK.

While many teenagers have the maturity to drink responsibly or to resist temptation to try drugs, there are also many that simply do not, and that is OK, too.

It is OK to not be ready for certain responsibilities in life, because like our favorite celebrities and role

models have taught us, “we are young.” Now more than ever, the media is glorifying teen drinking and partying. Whether it is through a television set or a radio, our generation is the audience for media that is exhibiting bad behavior and making it look fun.

Singers and performers such as famous rapper Lil’ Wayne and pop star Miley Cyrus are known for their inappropriate songs and actions both on stage and off. Because their music is being constantly played on the radio and their performances are seen through award shows and concerts often, it is very easy for a teen-

gager to get sucked in to the message their music is giving.

What a lot of teenagers do not seem to understand is that there will come a time for us to enjoy the perks and responsibilities that come with being of age. Our time will come to “live it up,” so for right now, why not enjoy the things we can only do at our age?

A L L I E A R N O L D s t a ff w r i t e r

Christian lifestyle spills over in public sports “In Jesus’ name we pray” majority of Coppell citizens.

When walking past the girls’ These new students that come soccer team a few mornings ago, to a public school should expect I listened to the team recite a change, but religion should not prayer, the same prayer they re- be a part of that. Christianity is cite before every practice. I could taking over the playing field and not help but wonder, did every- the classroom and is damaging one consider themselves Chris- the comfortable high school attians? What would they do if they mosphere that every student dedid not? serves.

Coppell is similar to many Let’s take a look at the world suburbs in the South in the sense of sports in Coppell. Many teams that it likes to hold true to its pray before a practice and before Christian and conservative back- games. Of course prayer should ground. This can at times create be allowed, but it should not be problems. Coppell is strewn with a team prayer towards a certain churches, and that is certainly not God. Let us go back to the girls’ a bad thing. I am not condemn- soccer team. If a girl was not ing religion and although I am Christian she would feel very out not religious, I definiteof place if she did not pray ly respect those who and extremely uncomare. Religion is fortable if she prayed becoming far too to a God she did “I wondered overpowering at not believe in. It why religion could CHS. is important to rebe allowed to I have obmember that CHS divide up a public served during is a public school my time at CHS and that organized high school team.” that religion has religion and prayer crept into everymust be kept sepaday life at school. rate from everyday on To the Christian folgoings. lowers in Coppell, the inAnother way Christianity crease in religion over the last is taking over sports at Coppell couple of years goes undetected, is the Fellowship of Christian and when noticed certainly does Athletes or FCA as it is more not seem like a problem. commonly known. I remember It is a serious concern how- during my freshman year while ever. Each year, more families playing for the high school soccer move from overseas emigrate to team, my coach told all of us to go Coppell, and some do not share the FCA meeting one evening. I the same religious beliefs as the chose not to go and the next day

Photo by Mark Slette

Senior Gavin McDaniel leads prayer before the varsity football game against Rockwall on Sept. 13.

The varsity football team participates in group prayers before and after every game.

I remember feeling very awkward as everyone including the coach wore their FCA shirt. I wondered why religion could be allowed to divide up a public high school team. I have not seen a coach ever make an announcement about a Muslim, Hindu or Jewish athlete group. Christianity is taking over Coppell and making students feel different and out of place because of religion and that is not something that should ever happen in a public school.

In the classroom, Christianity is starting to change the way science classes are being taught.

A few days ago in my Earth, space

and science class, we discussed the creation of the universe. In a science class in a public school the only thing that should be discussed is scientific theories that have strong evidence, yet most of the class refused to discuss the possibility of the Big Bang and wanted to talk about creationism instead. I am not saying that creationism is wrong, but if it is discussed then surely the story of how everything began from every religion should also be discussed.

Christianity’s dominance over everything including science classes in a public school must

end to ensure a proper education for all students. Coppell’s Christian and conservative background has a place in Coppell and its citizens should be proud of it, but the school must draw the line when it starts affecting student’s education and experience in a public school.

G E O R G E

s t a ff

FA I R C H I L D

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Relationships in high school serve as growing pains even recall all of them in one sitting.

Relationships in high school are meant to be test trials. They happen so you can figure out what you like and need in a partner and what you cannot tolerate.

They help you determine the good qualities in you and the bad traits that you may want to change. But they are in no way meant to be our set standard of what love is.

Yes, there are people who end up with their high school sweetheart, but they are the exception to the rule. Most likely, the boy that you have been seeing for a few months now and are completely smitten with will not be the boy facing you on the day of your wedding.

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who are so inconsistent. One moment they are so content and thrilled with each other, then another when they cannot stand each

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constant fixture in your life and you lose sight of reality and the big picture.

At 16 or 17-years-old we cannot say that we know what real love is. What we feel may be strong, but we cannot say that what we feel is love. We are just beginning to mature and develop emotionally and every experience is a learning one. Our first relationships are exciting and it is the only thing we know. As we continue to grow, we experience different kinds of happiness and hurt and our idea of love will change.

I have seen time and time again my friends cry and be heartbroken over a boy and then in a few months or even weeks find a new “perfect” relationship. I have seen couples

G

If you step into BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse or J. Macklin’s Grill on a weeknight, it is a given that you will see a few high school couples on dates. The movie theater and Main Event are also hot spots for date night, and if you happen to be wondering about the latest duo to get together, Facebook and Instagram are guaranteed to answer your question.

High school is the time for kids to get their first taste of dating and “serious” relationships, but what we as young adults consider to be serious is really just the shallow end of the love pool. And we often overestimate ourselves and forget our floatation devices when we wander into the deep end of the waters.

I can say from personal experience that a high school relationship feels like the most important thing in the whole world. That person becomes a

other’s presence, and then another when they claim to be madly in love again. I have friends who have been with so many significant others they cannot

Sometimes we just need to take a step back and really look at what is important and what is not. It is great to experience young love and “puppy love” but we also have to remember it is not forever. We set unrealistic standards and in the end we will just get hurt. We should approach these things with an open mind and the understanding that we will make mistakes and it is completely okay.

High school relationships are not meant to be a movie perfect storyline. It is OK to realize that you are inexperienced and still have plenty to learn.

It is what is going to help us become better people in the future.

A N N I E

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dents Elizabeth Haas said. “[However], I would never encourage Since anonymous is using my children or anyone else to do the drugs in a recreational sense, it.” one might question the reperAfter counseling youths that cussions. Compared to anabolic use non-prescribed drugs, Hagsteroids, there are less damaging gan observes success belittling side effects. However, there is still the negative consequences when questions on whether or not it dealing with drugs, and young will hurt a person long-term in a adults taking these risks. non physical way.

“In our community, it seems “Medication used for med- kids treat medications pretty caical purposes is medicine; medi- sually like Zanex or anti anxiety cation used for recreational pur- medication,” Haggan said. “They poses is a drug,” Haggan said. “My minimize potential side effects concern is and negathat that tive consea b u s e quences.” could lead A to a des t u d e n t s’ pendency i n t e r issue.” nal state In of mind a world can cause where evthem to er yt hing use ADHD is widemedicaly availtion when - Paul Haggan, CISD able for not prep e o p l e’s scribed.

Psychologist disposSelf-inal, many d u c e d look for shortcuts to get the grade pressure to go to certain colleges without the effort, and medica- is the culprit for stress, anger, detions are one of those ways. High- pression and anxiety, and it leads er standards mean higher pres- to an unhealthy lifestyle. sures and teens will do what they “I tend to think less of socimust at any means necessary. ety imposing those pressures on “It sounds like it is wrong, us versus self imposed pressure,” but I can understand why kids Haggan said. “[People feel] the would do it,” Coppell resident and need to take something rather mother of two high school stu- than being self-accepting.” continued from pg. 1

Haggan also sees many students create unrealistic standards within their minds and being disappointed when they cannot live up to the standards. As a result, they look for drugs to reach the unrealistic standards. According to Haggan, people have abilities, and many try to be above their limitations, but there is no shame in knowing their abilities and ac-

sidered as cheating. The real question is: could this be in the same boat as a professional athlete abusing performance-enhancing drug to win? One would think so.

“Dynamically there are the same; the underlying belief is I cannot achieve without outside support,” Haggan said. “[People believe] ‘I can not achieve the standards I desire without the

youth’s mindsets were changed to be content with their abilities, pressure would be released and ADHD and ADD medication abuse could go significantly down.

“Not every child is meant to go to college,” Haas said. “There is too much emphasis on going to college, and if [students] do not, they will not get a job.”

outside support, and if I do not, I am worthless.’”

Many will only go to a certain school instead of opening their minds to other plausible options. From his years as a psychologist and admissions counselor, Haggan has seen people put too much of their hopes and dreams into going to a specific college, leaving them disappointed. When in reality, some people are not meant to go to certain school and that is OK. If a person has a diploma, they have an opportunity, which is the main goal.

“You can still get a good education at University of North Texas, and you can still become an engineer,” Haggan said. “In their mind it has to be MIT; MIT or nothing, but education is what you make of it.”

In many scenarios, students enjoy college in all places and not just the top ranked colleges. The same books are read at different schools. This also raises a question as to whether or not there is too much of a premium on going to top schools and even college.

Haggan believes that if today’s

Other problems can consist of thinking too far into the future, and not focusing on the task at hand.

“Schools need to focus on getting kids out of high school,” Haas said. “Too many kids do not graduate high school.”

As a former admissions counselor for UNT, Haggan understands that not all applicants are meant for a certain school, and each person can have a good experience anywhere. If kids cannot let go of their unrealistic dreams, they may set themselves up for disappointment and failure. The key to fixing this is self-acceptance.

“It boils down to being authentic, living authentically and not chemically,” Haggan said.

“Accept who you are, and feel no need to compensate.”

“

Medication used for medical purposes is medicine; medication used for recreational purposes is a drug

Graphics by Sophie Nauyokas

cepting that they may not be the smartest.

Whether or not some say it is right to use non-prescribed medication for a higher SAT or ACT score, it is can also be conPhotos by Regan Sullivan

Students have been usining ADHD medications such as Vyvanse and Adderall to succeed on standardized tests.

10 student life

Note: College Board representatives stated that there was no prior screening to SAT testing to know if anyone was abusing ADHD or ADD medications to enhance scores.

Photos by Sandy Iyer

KRISTEN SHEPARD e d i t o r- i n - c h i e f

Just around the riverbend, or down Sandy Lake Road that is, lies Trinity River Kayak Company --Coppell’s first outdoor adventure company. In the two and a half months that Trinity River Kayak Co. has been open, their friendly staff has taken dozens of

families, couples and students on an urban kayaking adventure.

Coppell and kayaking do not traditionally mix, and when local realtor Jeff Varnell first explored the property, he was surprised to see how much potential the two acres on East Sandy Lake Road had. Initially the property was intended to be developed into a small residential neighborhood, but Varnell and his wife Photos by Sandy Iyer

Trinity River Kayak Co. employee and Coppell High School junior Greg Ludden holds down a kayak so a father and daughter can take their seats. Kayaks are set up and prepared for the day above the river and employees will later carry them down for the customers.

Pam, came up with the idea to build a kayak rental company.

They took an old fishing and bait shop and remodeled it to add a kayak showroom. Not only does the company sponsor kayak rentals, it offers demos and sells kayaks to locals. With a plethora of services and goods offered, Trinity River Kayak Co. is truly flexible to the needs of its customers. Their staff, primarily of high school students, shares this excitement.

“It is Texas, wildlife, outdoors and the river,” staff member A.J. Date said. “I can’t think of a better combination.”

Trinity River Kayak Co. allows residents to experience a kayaking expedition in their own community. So far, kayakers from as far as Waxahachie and Red Oak have visited Trinity River Kayak Co. “Most of our visitors have been from the DFW area, but we have taken people from hours away on trips,” Date said. “Before we opened, the nearest river to easily kayak on was in New Braunfels, and that is a four hour drive.”

Pam and Jeff Varnell took consideration of the other opportunities their property pre-

sented. The main building serves as a convenience store and sells items including drinks, snacks, fishing equipment and bait. The Varnells are proud to announce that just recently, the shop can issue fishing and hunting licenses. Trinity River Kayak Co. is the only vendor in Coppell that sells these licenses.

To book a trip with Trinity River Kayak Co, log on to their website and use their online booking system. Once a trip is booked, customers can arrive at their scheduled time to start their brief orientation.

After learning how to operate the kayak and getting fitted for a life jacket, visitors will either be shuttled to their starting place or launched from the site, depending on which voyage they sign up for.

“We offer three different trips, with different lengths, locations and prices,” Pam said. “We are more than willing to work with the times that work best for the community.”

Trinity River Kayak Co. is conscious about safety, yet the river is not particularly dangerous. The Trinity River is a flat-water river, as opposed to more active rivers which are clas-

sified as whitewater. However, just because the river is flat does not mean that the trip will be lackluster.

“It’s an urban adventure, and there will be rocks in the river and wildlife. The trip itself takes between two and five hours, depending on the experience of the kayaker and the trip taken,” Jeff said.

One of the largest concerns the company faces is weather, and when temperatures begin to cool down, business may as well.

Trinity River Kayak Co. plans to operate throughout the entirety of winter, as the calm river generally does not leave kayakers soaked. Wetsuits and outdoor wear can make up for the chilly temperatures.

Trinity River Kayak Co’s journey in Coppell has only begun, and the Varnell’s vision for the company is still expanding.

“Eventually, we would like to see a kayak club start up at CHS,” Pam said. “We can accommodate groups, and we would love to work with more students from the high school. We hope that people will come to us when they are looking for a fun day outdoors, that is why we are here.”

Photos by Sandy Iyer

Graphic by Josh Martin

The Trinity River Kayak Co. features three different routes for their customers. This allows the individuals or groups to pick how long their adventure will be, where it will take them and how much they want to pay for it.

Trinity River Kayak Co. employees A.J. Date and Greg Ludden lead a family down to the river, bringing with them the kayaks the customers will be using. The family spent around three hours kayaking down the Trinity River.

student life 11

Photo by Regan Sullivan

celebrates

TRANSFORMATION of the sidekick FLAG 2003-2004

2005-2006

2006-2007 2008-2009 2009-2010

2010-2011

25 YEARS

As this year marks the 25th anniversary of The Sidekick, our enterprise editor, Elizabeth Sims, dug deep into the history of our paper, beginning before it was even called The Sidekick, in 1962, in order to look at how our publication has evolved over the years into what it is today.

From a print issue every six weeks to web content updated daily to play-by-play social media posts on game day, The Sidekick newspaper and its online publication, Coppell Student Media, serve as the student-run multimedia platform for Coppell High School and the Coppell community. One of the nation’s most respected student papers, The Sidekick and Coppell Student Media originate from the hard work of numerous Coppell alumni. From 1988 to 2013, The Sidekick has developed from humble beginnings.

With so much effort put towards staying current, it is hard to believe The Sidekick is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To celebrate this monumental event, the staff dove deep into the history of the paper to see just how much change has occurred over the years.

From Humble Beginnings While The Sidekick has been around since 1988, the studentrun newspaper draws its origin from a publication called Hoofprints, which was started in 1962 by an English teacher named Katherine Dennison to provide activities for the first-ever Coppell High School class. Dennison called on her students to staff the publication, and those who were interested jumped into the premature world of high school journal-

ism. Among this group was lifetime Coppell resident Wheelice “Pete” Wilson Jr., who served as editor-inchief until he graduated with Coppell’s first senior class in 1965.

“In those days, we didn’t really know what we were doing. We didn’t have any journalism classes. We had reporters who were supposed to write about the various classes including elementary school because everything from first grade to, then, ninth grade was in the same building,” Wilson said. “There was not much to report on. By the time you got the newspaper out every week, people already knew the scores from the games and all that stuff.”

At that time, each issue was typed and ran through a Ditto machine to create a stencil so multiple copies could be printed. Unable to put photographs in the newspaper, all of the artwork, and even the publication’s logo had to be drawn by hand. Though the Hoofprints seemed amateur when compared with the publications of other schools in the area, the staff knew it would grow.

“We would exchange papers with the schools around us, and I am sure they had a lot of laughs when we would send them ours,” Wilson said. “We didn’t dwell on it too much at the time, but we knew we would grow. We knew we were in on the beginnings of things.”

The Sidekick name is coined

After receiving a college education, Wilson was employed as an English teacher in Coppell in 1972.

As the city grew, the schools did too, and the current Coppell High School building was opened for the 1988-1989 school year. It was also during this time that the Hoofprints was renamed The Sidekick.

“I remember the newspaper adviser [Anita Bowen] coming to me and asking if I would be insulted if they changed the name of the newspaper to The Sidekick, and I said ‘Of course not, this is your paper’,” Wilson said.

From that moment on, the publication would remain The Sidekick and would continue to serve the school’s news needs, but not without some difficulty. Just 10 years after its name change, Frisco Lone Star High School teen leadership teacher and former Coppell High School employee Nicky Fryman started her first year of teaching at CHS. Fryman served as an English teacher, a Journalism I teacher and the newspaper adviser.

“There were only four kids on staff, and my journalism kids pitched in. I have a background in broadcasting with a degree from [Texas A&M University], and I had never published a paper before,” Fryman said. “We would miss every deadline so my husband and I would drive to meet our printer from Garland halfway to get the pa-

1988

1995

1998

Hoofprints undergoes a name change To now be known as

This year, CHS created its first video show that is now advised by Irma Kennedy and is called

Nicky Fryman begins her first year as Sidekick advisor during her first year at Coppell High School.

per in to be printed.”

Despite the challenges Fryman faced as the adviser of The Sidekick, her year leading the paper served as an important starting point for a student paper still in its early stages.

“It was very challenging but an incredible learning experience for the Journalism I students. It had taken its toll though and I thought the newspaper deserved more, so I requested not to be the adviser,” Fryman said. “A lot of Journalism I kids moved into the newspaper and got their friends involved too, and it went above and beyond.”

The Sidekick reaches a new domain Over the next six years, multiple advisers led The Sidekick until 2005 when current newspaper adviser Chase Wofford took over the publication. Wofford, a 1999 graduate of the University of Alabama and a former sports writer, came to Coppell High School with an enthusiasm for journalism and a passion for educating student reporters about the nature of the field.

Former features editor and 2007 CHS graduate Michelle Flandreau had just joined the staff and still remembers the transition. “[Wofford] was excited about journalism and it was fun to work with him with redesigning the newspaper,” Flandreau said. “It was cool to see [Wofford] grow into his role. He was a great mentor and al-

ways pushed us to try new things and take risks.”

Michelle’s sister, 2009 CHS graduate, Melissa Flandreau joined the staff and served as a staff writer, features editor and co-editor-inchief. During this time, The Sidekick made the huge step to add an online publication. Through the hard work and flexibility of the staff, Coppell Student Media was born. “[Wofford] pushed to make the paper better and reach our audience. We wanted to cover day-today news and get other stories out that we couldn’t in print,” Melissa said. “It was a rough transition and difficult in asking people to start putting their stuff online and editing a lot of stories and troubleshooting.

It was a huge learning curve.”

The 2008-2009 staff members pushed through the challenges and were awarded greatly for their efforts as they won Best Website in The Dallas Morning News High School Journalism Day competition in 2009. Former opinions editor and 2009 CHS graduate Angela Almeida remembers the excitement and remains thankful for the experience.

“It was wonderful for everyone involved and came as a surprise because it was our first year online.

Everyone hadn’t made the shift yet so we were ahead of the curve and that made The Sidekick notable,” Almeida said. “It was the perfect preface for an authentic journalism

2008 The Sidekick goes online as

This year, COPPELL STUDENT MEDIA also wins Best Website in The Dallas Morning News High School Day Competition.

12 centerspread

experience.”

The Sidekick would not be where it is today without the combined efforts of the current and former staff members. Sidekick alumni have continued their journalism careers at some of the top universities in the United States, and many continue to work in the world of communications as professionals.

“I went to [the University of North Carolina] and majored in journalism,” Melissa said. “Knowing AP Style and InDesign was so helpful. I still use what I learned in Sidekick now as I work for Coastal Living Magazine in Birmingham, Ala.” As The Sidekick continues into the 2013-2014 school year with a newly designed website and print publication, there is only speculation with what will come out of this anniversary celebration. One thing remains absolute amid the uncertainty; this publication will continue to grow to provide the best content and coverage for its readers.

“This year alone we have made so many changes, and we are continually improving our print, online and social media content,” current editor-in-chief senior Kristen Shepard said. “I already cannot wait to be a Sidekick alumn and see what comes in the future.”

ROSS TAYLOR Class of 2007

Ross Taylor was sports editor of The Sidekick his senior year at CHS in 2007. From there he pursued communications at the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. As of now he is the Communications Manager for the Washington Redskins.

To call The Sidekick a “stepping stone” to greater things is an immense disservice to how the paper and the people who produced it enriched my life beyond belief. But beyond whatever connotations that term may carry, the fact of the matter is this: Many of the literal and figurative roads I’ve traveled in the last decade trace directly back to the pages of this paper.

Sure, there were and still are practical applications to what I learned in three years editing The Sidekick. As both a graduate of the esteemed School of Journalism at the University of Missouri and as Communications Manager for the Washington Redskins, clear writing skills, Associated Press style and familiarity with newsroom dynamics have been a part of my daily life for the six years since my name last appeared in a Sidekick byline.

Perhaps my greatest point of pride about The Sidekick is not anything I accomplished in my tenure with the paper from 2004-07, but rather how my successors have taken something I loved dearly and run with it in ways I couldn’t have fathomed when I walked out of D115 for the final time in May 2007. It’s a testament to how much pride the students of Coppell High School take in their work and a testament to the staff for never becoming complacent.

2010 The Emerging Media and Communications (EMAC) Academy is launched, to provide media career experience to young high school students.

High school students all too frequently apologize for their work, subconsciously letting their ages undermine everything they can accomplish. Sidekick staffers are not apologizing for their youth, and in turn, Coppell High School students do not have to apologize for their paper.

In the end, it’s that personal pride that I hope current and future Sidekick staffers take with them more than any skill they’ll learn.

The importance of it is evidenced by Sidekick alumni who have gone on stellar careers even in industries far removed from journalism. Inverted pyramids and knowing the AP abbreviation for Missouri is “Mo.” are skills staff members can take with them, but they aren’t the ones that will bring them success. If Aristotle is correct in asserting that excellence is a habit and not an act, Sidekick staffers and Coppell students in similar organizations are to be commended for establishing that habit early and allowing it to be the driving force for success in all walks of life.

2012 COPPELL STUDENT MEDIA is named as an Online Pacemaker Finalist in the National Scholastic Press Association.

centerspread 13

Shah exceeds expectations, reaches 2400 on SAT claimed. According to him, the vocab is always difficult because out of 10,000 words, you would want to get asked the words you For someone who recently accom- know. plished the astonishing feat of making a “I started studying at the beginning of perfect score on the SAT, Coppell High sophomore year, but I don’t really think School senior Kavi Shah is remarkably I put my heart and soul into it. When I modest. Although many high school stu- took the SAT for the third and final time, dents today strive for perfection, the path I didn’t see a full score coming,” Shah said. to a perfect score is a strenuous one.

Not only did Shah plan to take the SAT “Consistency and lots of practice is key,” in May, but he also went to prom as a juShah said. “Some really great test takers nior and had AP tests, as well as subject can ace the SAT, but p r a c t i c e SATs, which are objective assessments on makes sure you d o n ’ t college-level school subjects, in the same fall trap to Coll e g e month. His parents even told him to wait Boards tricks.” until September of senior year, but he Luck is defiwanted to get it over with before summer nitely involved, a s started so he could relax over break. well, especially f o r “Kavi’s full score surprised all of us. I the readi n g always knew he was capable, but May of sect i o n , Junior year was a busy month for him. I’m S h a h glad it all worked out so well in the end,” Shah’s mother, Kanan Shah said.

Mrs. Shah, who owns Ottimmo tutoring company, is ecstatic over her son’s remarkable feat.

“It requires a really strong foundation, coming from a young age. Kavi has always had a very strong foundation, which I Photo by Mark Slette will continue to stress Senior Kavi Shah’s diligent work in and out of class on, because I see stupaid off when he achieved a 2400 on the SAT test.

SHRUTHIKA POCHAMPALLY s t a ff w r i t e r

dents walk into Ottimmo on a daily basis who make A’s in school, but lack proper reading skills and math fundamentals required to master the SATs,” says Mrs. Shah.

She wanted to make sure her son got the kind of fundamental groundwork needed to do well on the SAT down before jumping into the world of standardized testing.

“His tutors played a significant part in his success. The smaller teacher student ratios and the tutors’ high qualifications benefitted him immensely,” Mrs. Shah said.

Despite Shah claiming AP Physics was his hardest class during his junior year, his teacher, Clint Rushing, thinks very highly of him.

“He always made really good grades.

He was always at the top of the class, and naturally always turned in his assignments and always seemed to do his best,” Rushing said. “It’s a tough subject, but he did good.

He handled it well.”

Senior Derek John, who has known Shah throughout high school, was in a group with Shah for Business Professionals of America, a club they have been involved in at CHS. “Kavi was goofy, I’m not gonna lie. But he was controlled. He was able to get work done when he needed to. He’s a very logical thinker,” John said.

Shah claims the critical reading section

was the hardest for him. Unfamiliar vocabulary words here and there along with the challenging and tedious passages generally brought down his score, while the writing section was his strong point.

“My goals before getting a full score are no different from what they are now. I got closer to my goals, but I haven’t changed them. I don’t think your goals should change just because of an SAT score. That’s just one part of the college application process. And it’s important to keep your goals realistic,” Shah said.

Shah, who wants to major in economics, claims his dream school is Princeton, but he says he will be applying to some other colleges as well this year- Rice and Michigan Universities, among others.

“I don’t know yet if I want to start my own business, but I definitely want to go to grad school and get my MBA,” Shah said.

In an increasingly difficult college application environment, students tend to find themselves struggling to keep up with the masses. Of course, already having made a full SAT score makes Shah stand out to colleges, but he not only has his SAT score to impress colleges, but he is also a debater and tennis player to name a few.

“If I get into a college of my choice, I’ll probably think the hard work paid off. No regrets yet, But we’ll see come around decision-time,” Shah said.

Chaturvedi, Jain tackle ACT, end up with perfect 36 T O L U e d i t o r i a l

S A L A K O p a g e e d i t o r

When did you start preparing for the ACT/SAT? I started preparing for the ACT around January 2013. I had already studied for the SAT previously, but I took ACT prep seriously around January.

What advice would you give sophomores and juniors who are preparing and getting ready for exams For the ACT especially, I would say that time management is probably the most important part. The ACT is a test against time. It’s not the material that makes the test hard, but the lack of time to complete the test.

crunch that makes it a bit difficult.

How did you prepare for the ACT I took four or five practice tests before I took the test. I probably should have attended more of the Karen Dillards classes, so I would not have had to take it twice to get a perfect score.

What do you hope to major in and what schools are you thinking about?

I’m applying to Duke, Berkeley and I want to major in either economics or chemical engineering. I haven’t officially decided yet.

Photo by Tolu Salako

What makes your prefer the ACT over the SAT? The ACT is a more straightforward test unlike the SAT. The ACT also has a better testing curve and does not penalize you for guessing. The material is relatively easy to understand, but it is only the time

14 features

Senior Shashwat Chaturvedi utilizes iPad during AcDec.

T O L U e d i t o r i a l

S A L A K O p a g e e d i t o r

What is the best way to study for any standardized test?

The best way to study is to just honestly pay attention in classes. The SAT and ACT is based over middle school and early high school material and you can save so much time by just paying attention and not reviewing over material that you should already know.

How did you prepare for getting a perfect score?

I honestly just took a practice test the night before, but I don’t recommend you do that to try and obtain a perfect score.

I would recommend taking many practice tests so you have a feel for the exam and are not nervous going into the exam. I was just really lucky to score so high; I really was not expecting a perfect score.

What do you hope to do after high school I really want to major in material

science, but not many schools offer it as a major so as of now, I am looking at MIT, Cal Tech, Stanford, RICE and UC Berkeley.

I have always found material science quite interesting.

Why did you choose to take the ACT in the first place?

Even though I had a pretty decent SAT score, I wanted to try out the ACT and I did like it a whole lot better than the SAT. The SAT drags on and on and it is easy to lose focus and get tired during the test. The ACT, I think, has a pretty interesting science section and the time management is easier to deal with compared to the SAT. Photo by Kristen Shepard

Senior Sneha Jain studies with senior Annie Friedman in economics.

Faith guides Stiff through miracle recovery C H R I S T I N A B U R K E m a n a g i n g e d i t o r

On July 7, senior Trevor Stiff brushed off his fatigue and headed off to his job waiting tables at St. Joseph’s Retirement Village, as usual. Approximately 24 hours later, Stiff ’s summer was put on hold as he was engulfed by a critical case of encephalitis.

Encephalitis is a swelling of the brain that does not always trigger with explanation. According to Trevor’s doctors, 70 percent of kids who come into the hospital with encephalitis never find out the true cause.

Trevor now lives as a part of that statistic.

“I had encephalitis, which is basically a fancy word for brain infection, but it was the highest level of it,” Stiff said. “Originally, they thought that this was caused by [West Nile Virus].

A week after getting out of the hospital, they discovered that it wasn’t West Nile, and even today they are still trying to figure out what happened.”

An escalating 104 degree fever overtook Stiff on July 8.

The same day he would suffer a grand mal seizure, the most severe kind, in his parent’s bedroom. His sister, sophomore Taylor Stiff, comforted him while the seizure rode out. Trevor woke up three days later in the Intensive Care Unit of Children’s Hospital Dallas. The last thing he remembered was attending a doctor’s appointment the morning of his seizure.

“It’s pretty funny, at the time the main thing I was concerned about was what happened, and was I still going on the mission trip next week,” Trevor said. “At that point, I had already accepted that I was there and that I needed to recover.”

While Trevor, now conscious, faced his situation with a positive attitude, his parents Roma and Paul Stiff had been ex-

periencing more heart-wrenching emotions leading up to the moment he opened his eyes and said “hi”.

“The first two days were very, very difficult, given that Trevor was unresponsive,” Paul said. “He was incapacitated in a way in which we could not communicate with him. There was nothing we could do other than comfort him, listen to the doctors’ advice and take every moment of the day one by one.”

Every moment Trevor spent unresponsive was another his parents spent worrying about his recovery. Doctors ran tests, but there was no way to tell how the encephalitis had impacted him until he woke up.

“We didn’t know whether Trevor was really still with us all emotionally, physically, intellectually, we didn’t know whether Trevor was going to be Trevor because we didn’t know the trauma of the brain injury that occurred from the encephalitis,” Paul said.

As parents, Roma and Paul were overwhelmed by the fact that Trevor’s healing was out of their hands. All they could do was wait and hope for the best.

“For me, one of the biggest emotions was getting home and knowing this is bigger than you can handle as a parent,” Roma said. “You just have to give it to the doctors and give it to the nurses. You have to realize that you’re not in control. That’s when I reached out to the youth group.”

Faith, family and friends played a big part in not only Trevor’s comeback, but also the Stiffs’ emotional healing as a family. Extended family flew in to look after Taylor, friends showed up to support Trevor at the hospital and the power of prayer proved itself worthy through Trevor’s remarkable recovery.

“Basically, my story is a miracle story,” Trevor said. “I’m just

Photos courtesy of Trevor Stiff

Senior Trevor Stiff’s friends, seniors Dabney Burch, Christian Reyna and Mark Slette (left to right) visit Trevor as he recovers from his case of encephalitis at Children’s Medical Center. incredibly lucky that everything turned out the way it did. It really was the best situation coming out of something like that. I’m very blessed when it comes to that.”

CT scans and spinal taps were returned with good results.

Trevor was on his way to a miraculous healing from a heinous infection with no visible long term damage to his memory or vital bodily functions.

After spending seven days at the hospital recovering, Trevor was released to the comfort of his own home. Since then, his journey has been about rebuilding strength and making sure he will have a completely normal senior year. However, medical dilemmas such as encephalitis do not come without conse

quence.

Trevor must prove to remain seizure free for six months before he is allowed to drive again, a major setback in the freedom of being a teenager. Besides that, he has start from scratch with cross country because his brain is hypersensitive as a result of the seizure. He hopes to build up enough stamina to compete in the last meet of the season.

Up until about a week after his return home, Trevor’s doctors believed that his encephalitis was caused by a case of West Nile Virus. However, the Stiffs received an unexpected phone call from the hospital that contradicted their original findings.

Although it appears that Trevor did in fact have West Nile in his system sometime in the Graphic by Julia Bordonaro

Info from the Mayo Clinic

last year, it did not cause the encephalitis, and the investigation returned back to square one. Despite unanswered questions, the Stiffs plan to move on with their family and their healthy son.

“We’d love to know what triggered the response, but I don’t spend a lot of time today worrying about that,” Paul said. “I spend my energy moving towards the more positive sides. He is with us today and acting like the Trevor we knew.”

There is a possibility Trevor will find out what happened to him someday, but it will require a series of medical breakthroughs about the illness. Nonetheless, Trevor and his family are not giving up just yet.

“Back in the early 2000s, [scientists] didn’t know anything about West Nile, they couldn’t explain it,” Trevor said. “So this illness that I got can be this new discovered illness that hopefully someday in the future we will know everything about. I probably won’t know what happened until later on in my life.”

Trevor knows he has overcome a lot, but has decided not to dwell too heavily on his experience with encephalitis. Instead, he looks forward to a great senior year, as planned.

“It’s always good to hang onto the story for memories sake, to know that you’ve been down one dark alley, but you’re back to where you were,” Trevor said.

student life 15

A Sweet Idea Seniors Alex McCraken and Shelby Burgess launch McCupcakes cupcake company

K R I S T E N S H E PA R D e d i t o r- i n - c h i e f

What do you get when you combine seniors Alex McCracken, Shelby Burgess and their love for baking cupcakes? McCupcakes: Coppell’s newest student-run cupcake business.

The idea to start a cupcake company first came to McCracken and Burgess when they realized how much their fellow classmates were baking for their obligations as Football Flirts, Diamond Dolls, Sideline Psychos or other team support groups.

This dem a n d for baked go o ds, along with the positive reviews of McCracken’s cupcakes in the past, served as the foundation for the new business.

“I love to bake, but the idea of baking every single week before a game as a Football Flirt becomes quite a hassle,” senior Caroline Overman said. “This could save me a lot of time.”

Burgess and McCracken came together when they realized how their unique skill sets would

benefit their project. Burgess, who intends to pursue a career in marketing, accounting or business, plans out the orders, controls the ordering of supplies and writes receipts to customers when they receive their orders. McCracken takes care of most of the baking and pursues new and challenging cupcake recipes.

“We already have a great plan in the works for McCupcakes,” Burgess said. “We want to get our service into brochures at local birthday party venues, so that when parents planning birthday parties will ord e r cupcakes from us instead of a grocery store.”

So far, Burgess has ordered dozens of cupcake boxes, stickers and even business cards to promote McCupcakes. McCupcakes has launched a website, Twitter and Facebook since its conception. All of these platforms are used to make announcements about flavors and dicounts and to communicate with buyers.

“I was extremely proud of Shelby when she came to me with

this idea,” parent Debbie Burgess said. “When Shelby showed me a website that looked like it was done by a professional, I was very impressed. I thought ‘I can’t wait to see where this goes’’’.

Since its start in September, McCupcakes has proven that it has many aspects that will push it to become a success.

“Our orders are already busy. When we were purchasing supplies at Office Max, we told the cashier that we were starting a cupcake business, and he placed an order for a dozen cupcakes on the spot,” Burgess said. “Cupcakes are a hot item, and the demand is much higher than you might think.”

On the baking side, McCracken has months of experience in baking cupcakes, and is able to produce cupcakes that taste delicious and look professional to compete with other cupcake businesses in the area. If the appearance is not competitive enough, the prices are what really sets McCupcakes apart.

“We charge $2 for each cupcake, or $8 for a box of four,” McCracken said. “Our prices are very reasonable, and that is perfect for a student audience.”

McCracken gets many of her cupcake ideas from Pinterest, and is always looking for new challenges, recipes and flavors.

Each week, McCupcakes features a cupcake flavor as “Flavor of the

Photo by Sandy Iyer

Seniors Alex McCracken (left) and Shelby Burgess (right) manage and bake for their new buisness, McCupcakes.

Week”, though they do take special orders for parties and events, the weekly flavor is what will be provided for athletes in gift bags.

Last week’s flavor was Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, a chocolate chip cupcake with a cookie dough center and a doughy buttercream frosting. This week, the flavor of the week is chocolate, with the buyer’s choice of either a vanilla, peanut butter or chocolate buttercream frosting center.

McCracken and Burgess refuse to be limited. They are planning to begin selling jumbo cupcakes and eventually making cakes.

“We bake almost every night at my house,” McCracken said.

“Shelby and I have three classes together, so we see each other for

three hours every day at school.

It is a good thing we get along, or we would get sick of each other.”

So far, the struggles of starting a small business have proved to be no obstacle to Burgess and McCracken. They work together well and team up to go on trips to the grocery store, the office supply store and The Container Store.

“We try to make everything we do fun,” Burgess said.

“That is the best part of the business.”

With over 200 cupcakes sold as of late September, McCupcakes is only in the beginning stages of business, but McCracken and Burgess are already proving they have what it takes to push the business to success.

The CHS halls are alive with “The Sound of Music” C A R O L I N E C A R T E R n e w s e d i t o r

The Coppell High School Theatre Department will transport its audience to Austria through its adaptation of “The Sound of Music”. Filled with

iconic songs and scenes, the fall musical will be yet another great production for CHS Theatre.

For theater director Lisa Tabor, the decision of which production to choose came to her in an unexpected way.

“I had been trying to think Photo by Nicole Messer

CHS freshman Evalyn Clark, Ken Simmons, junior Sheridan Miller and freshman Natalie Weix rehearse for “The Sound of Music”.

16 entertainment

of which production to do for a long time,” Tabor said. “Everyone laughs at me for this, but I thought to myself ‘what is God’s favorite musical?’ I then thought of ‘The Sound of Music’. I pulled up the music on Spotify and started crying.”

When Tabor told her students the news, they shared her same enthusiasm.

“When I asked my students, they all said they loved it and watched it as children,” Tabor said. “One of the things I considered when choosing ‘The Sound of Music’ was its popularity among high school students.”

With auditions on the second and third day of school, cast members have had busy schedules with daily rehearsals lasting several hours. In addition to the student cast, Tabor needed three students from elementary and middle school to assume the roles of Gretl, Marta and Kurt, three of

the youngest Von Trapp children.

“The younger cast members can only stay until 8:00 [p.m.], but they have been really good,” Tabor said. “Some of my high school students actually have a shorter attention span.”

Senior Aaron Kennard is one of many cast members who has performed all four years of high school. For his final fall production, Kennard will portray Herr Zeller, a Nazi in Austria.

“He is essentially the villain of the musical,” Kennard said.

“I am excited since I have never gotten to play the villain before.

When I was reading the script, I realized he is more annoying than mean. Every line he has pushes other people’s buttons.”

Senior Emily McIntyre has also participated in CHS theater since she was a freshman. McIntyre is no stranger to the stage, since she will once again be in the leading role. This year, she will

portray Maria.

“The character Maria has bits of my own personality, and I have become very comfortable with the role,” McIntyre said. “I have such a respect for Roger and Hammerstein, and doing one of their musicals was the perfect way to end my senior year.”

Like all senior cast members, the final performance will be a very memorable and emotional time.

“I have been preparing for this time for the past four years,” McIntyre said. “Throughout the past couple of rehearsals, I have been thinking ‘where is the moment when I will have to prepare myself since I will probably start to cry’. There is still more to come after the musical, but the last show will be bittersweet.”

Performances of “The Sound of Music” will occur Oct. 25, 26, 31 and Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. as well as Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.

Photo Courtesy Flood the Walls

Flood the Walls: Young musicians strive to be next Zeppelin SLOANE SAMBERSON s t a ff w r i t e r

It all started with “Guitar Hero,” a simple game filled with classic rock songs that test how quickly you can interpret upcoming musical notes. This one video game sparked a huge fire in the hearts of three small town boys to chase after their evident passion of listening to and producing great music.

Flood The Walls is a local alternative-rock band made up of Coppell High School sophomore Adreesh Roy, sixth grader Chico Roy (Adreesh’s brother) and junior Prashan Jeyarajah. Adreesh is on bass guitar and vocals, Chi-

co is on the drums and Jeyarajah plays the guitar. Each member has been playing their instruments for over five years and have quite some experience.

Flood The Walls has officially been together for four years now and have successfully written over 20 original songs. Some of their original songs include “Blueprint,” “Miss Guided” and “This Daze”. Their first ever gig was at Hawaiian Falls water park in 2010.

“We were awful back then.

We sounded like a bunch of children trying to get noticed,” Adreesh said. “I don’t even know how we got the gig, they must have seen something we hadn’t

seen in ourselves yet.”

Since then they have had plenty of other gigs and competitions like one at O’Riley’s, a club in Dallas, and Curtain Club, a showcase in which they placed second.

“It’s so admirable that they are actively pursuing their dreams at such a young age,” sophomore FTW fan Linda Castranova says.

Their most memorable gig was at the Dallas White Rock Marathon in 2010. They played for two straight hours starting at 7 a.m. in the cold temperatures.

“We had to dip our hands in boiling water in order to play, and even then we couldn’t feel our hands until 10 minutes later,” Je-

yarajah says.

They played over 20 songs back to back as runners preserved to the finish line.

“It really showed us how much dedication it takes big named artists to play concerts nearly every night. Like The Beatles had to play hours on hours, I don’t know how they did it,” Adreesh said.

They are greatly inspired by the Arctic Monkeys, Led Zeppelin and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. By adding a little bit of Led Zeppelin’s instrumental style, the Arctic Monkey’s lyrical sense and the creativity of RHCP, outcomes FTW’s beautiful music.

“The greatest thing about

performing is definitely the feedback,” Adreesh said.

Frequent concert goers can vouch that at any concert, fans go ballistic for their favorite artists.

You can even tell how much the artists appreciate the praise by the looks on their faces.

“The compliments we get after we perform are also really nice too,” Chico said.

On Oct. 4, they will be playing at a house party with another local band, Around the Sun. If you are ever looking for their next upcoming gig, check their Twitter account @FloodTheWalls. Also, if you just want to get a feel for their music, go to YouTube and search floodthewallsband.

Auto: From garage practices to gigs, Auto moves forward SHRUTHIKA POCHAMPALLY s t a ff w r i t e r

What first started out as four freshmen boys simply “messing around in the garage” soon turned into a local sensation as the band Auto began playing at church events, house parties and high school banquets.

Coppell High School freshmen Eric Loop, Kolbe Klement, Ryan Storch and Jesuit freshman Bastien Stewart are the new and upcoming local rockers. Loop plays guitar, piano and is also lead singer of Auto. Klement is the lead guitarist and background vocalist. Storch is the band’s drummer, and ironically enough, Bastien, or Bass, plays bass.

“My dad asked me to take out the trash, and when I went out, there was a drum set there.

I took pictures and texted the others, ‘Hey guys...I got a drum set! And they were like, ‘OK, let’s practice next week’. And that’s how it started,” Storch said.

The boys, who all went to Coppell Middle School East together, joke about how all their friends brushed them off until they heard them live for the first time.

“At first our friends didn’t take us very seriously, because we aren’t very serious people in general,” Storch said.

However, their audience

soon realized that Auto was more than just a silly pastime.

The group’s covers of Too Close

by Alex Clare and Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes left the crowd excited for Auto’s future.

“When we started playing, we could see our friend’s faces change as they realized that we weren’t just a joke, so that was pretty cool,” Klement said.

“

“There were only 20 to 30 people, but to me it was like 20,000 - Ryan Storch, Freshman

Auto’s first gig was at CHS freshman Sarah Houchin’s house party, where their friends got to hear them for the first time.

“There were only 20 to 30 people, but to me it was like 20,000 to 30,000,” Storch said.

The boys, who have gained quite some popularity in Coppell over the last few months, talk about what it is like to perform in front of a group of all familiar faces.

“It’s scary, especially because they’re your friends, and you don’t want to disappoint your friends,” Loop said.

The creation of the band’s

name was a spontaneous affair, just like the formation of the band itself. The Lectrics and Page 8 were some of the names Auto originally considered, though copyright legalities got in their way.

“The name of the band doesn’t really have any significance,” Loop said. “We were kind of rushing ourselves because we wanted a name for the band by our first gig.”

Though the group is not together at the same high school, they still try their best to make time for practices, where they personalize covers, and have begun venturing into songwriting.

“We practice on the weekends. Bass doesn’t go to Coppell, so it’s harder to get together sometimes.” Storch said.

Auto is currently working on more covers, including popular Coldplay song Paradise, among others. Though they are still making themselves heard and noticed, Auto have also began writing songs.

Auto Band has gained many fans and listeners during the past six months and has become a local success.

“It’s really rare, this early in the progression of a band, to get a chance to record, and have a place to record it. We get a lot of opportunities just from our community,” Loop said.

Photos by Mark Slette

CHS freshman Eric Loop, Ryan Storch, Kolbe Klement and Jesuit freshman Bastien Stewart (not pictured) practice in the Storch’s garage for their band “Auto”.

entertainment 17

Graphics by Julia Bordonaro and Sophie Nauyokas

T O L U S A L A K O editorial page editor

Sometimes we need the raw and realistic music and not the constantly overplayed music we hear on 106.1 when waiting in traffic to leave school. Artists such as Lorde, Sayde Price, San Cisco and Oh Land are happy mediums that almost all teenagers will love.

Now known for her hit single, “Royals,” 16-year-old New Zealand born Ella Yelich-O’Connor’s (Lorde) has been hitting the charts with her new E.P., The Love Club. Her new album, Pure Heroine was released on Sept. 20.

Lorde’s E.P is more on the pop side of the Indie genre and has this mysterious aura that surprises listeners. Her stage presence is like no other, and by just her voice alone, it is easy to feel what she had felt when writing her music.

Her “pop” songs such as “Million Dollar Bills” and “Tennis Court,” are quite catchy and could be radio material; however, what sets her apart from most pop artists is her voice, lack of auto tune and uniqueness from song to song.

Underappreciated singer/songwriter Sayde Price uses acoustic guitars, cellos and her country/pop style voice in her first album, Wilt all Rosy which was released in the fall of 2011.

With a very acoustic and folk style, Price’s songs are known for their multiple meanings and rawness. Almost every song on this album has alternate meanings that can apply to almost every situation such as “Desert” and “Machines.”

Australian band San Cisco is now known for its hit singles, “Awkward” and “Fred Astaire.” Previously known as King George, its first album was re-

leased in Australia in 2012. Its energetic sound is evident in almost every song on the record and even the more of the slow songs have this happy feel that always manages to put anyone in a great mood. In March, San Cisco made its North American debut at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, which was then followed by a North American tour. San Cisco’s self-titled album features Awkward, the most generic pop song on the album, “No Friends” which compliments the rock aspect of the album as well as the song “Metaphors.”

Making her North American debut in early 2012, Nanna Øland Fabricius, known by her stage name Oh Land, promoted her second self-titled album with a North American tour in the fall 2012. Oh Land says she combines “modern and classical,” themes in her music so it should not be a surprise when you hear synth beats along with a magnificent orchestra to accompany her sweet and delicate voice. You can especially see this combination in songs such as “White Nights,” and “Break the Chain.” Oh Land’s third album titled, Wish Bone, will be released in October.

SHRUTHIKA POCHAMPALLY s t a ff w r i t e r

The singer-songwriter genre is one of the best genres, due to its diversity and the vast range of music-lovers it appeals to. Whether you listen to indie bands or pop hits, everyone can always use the occasional emotional song.

We often tend to brush off slower songs. However, when we pay notice to the lyrically adept songs describing relatable situations, the listener truly learns to appreciate not only the singer and the lyrics, but the song as a whole, and the emotions the song elicits from them. Listed are nine songs by some of my favorite singer-songwriters, not only because of the amazing vocals these singers possess, but also because of how their music makes me feel as a listener.

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SHEERAN Ed Sheeran has skyrocketed to fame internationally in the past year. Precisely two years down the road from his debut album, +, being released, he has three Madison Square Garden in New York concerts lined up for this fall. Although I am not going to make it to New York this year, I had the amazing chance to see Sheeran live twice.

Though + was a brilliantly composed album that has topped charts worldwide, Sheeran’s earlier EPs contain some of his best music. They are immensely underrated compared to +, but to me, these EPs contain my most favorite songs. “Fire Alarms” is a lyrically developed, relatable and soft song, and Songs I Wrote With Amy will always remain one of the most played EPs on my iPod. The song talks about childish tendencies, comparing foolishness to “[setting] off fire alarms” and how Sheeran was “young and foolish” in his school days, something which I feel like I will be able to relate to even more a couple years down the road.

British singer-songwriter Ben Howard has been on my iPod for nearly a year now, and I have always appreciated his talent of being able to put me to sleep with his melodious, yet subtle tunes.

His voice is soothing to listen to, and one of my favorites. Howard’s EP, Burgh Island, is always playing during car rides with my dad, who has learned to appreciate my singer-songwriter interests just as much as I do.

Even my dad, who only listens to classical music now loves Howard. It is genuinely a feeling of euphoria to listen to his beautiful voice pouring out from the speaker system.

Mike Rosenberg, otherwise known as Passenger, is a skillful lyricist as well as a beautiful singer. Each line of each song has a bigger meaning to it, a story dying to be heard. His hit single, “Let Her Go” has been played on 102.9 NOW FM more than once in the past two months. Passenger’s lyrics truly make an impact on me, and I am looking forward to the day he comes to Dallas. I will definitely be the first in line for that concert.

would be an amazing experience.

Contrary to most love-related songs, Aplin’s “Panic Cord” talks about the tendency for humans to ‘panic’ at the first sight of intense feelings, and the emotions afterwards.

The meaning behind the song is always a big deal for me, so I love that Aplin takes a different stand on the love song and the reality of it, as not all loves are perfect and flawless as the movies make them seem.

Jake Bugg’s unique voice and amazing songs still continue to amaze me every time I listen to them. His music has reached number one on the United Kingdom charts, and he is also a hit among girls. In his song, “Simple as This,” Bugg’s voice is raw, and really is as ‘simple’ as it could get.

Rather than focus on the sounds, Bugg tries to get his message across as best as possible, which is what sets apart average songs from his amazing ones.

If you are a student or staff member at Coppell High School, you probably know of Mat Kearney, as his song “Ships in the Night,” was featured in last year’s KCBY senior show. The clip was emotional even for me being a sophomore, and this song just topped it off. Kearney is one of the few American artists on this list, but I love him nonetheless.

Lewis Watson stands out to me mostly for his lovable voice.

His music is catchy, but not too fast paced, making it perfect for those rainy days. Watson’s EPs are humorously named It’s Got Four Sad Songs On It BTW, Another Four Sad Songs, and Four More Songs. “Into the Wild,” Watson’s most famous song, also happens to be one of my favorites. The simplicity of his songs and the smoothness in his voice make him an amazing artist.

Gabrielle Aplin is one of my all time favorite female singer-songwriters. Her love songs are beautiful, and her voice more so. I love listening to her into the late hours of the night, and her live performances at festivals and small venues seem like they

Lauren Aquilina is most definitely the most underrated artist on this list, though I have never understood why. She is a hit in England, and her voice is immensely powerful for an 18-yearold. Aquilina’s vocals are on point in her most famous song, “Fools”, and I love hearing the raw emotion in her voice as she sings. The most important aspect of “Fools” is that I find it admirable for someone as young as Aquilina to feel so passionate about what she sings.

Ron Pope seemed to suddenly come out of nowhere and make it big with his song “A Drop in the Ocean”. I chose “Brooklyn”, off of his Monster EP because its uniqueness and Pope’s strong vocals in it make it an amazing song.

The few songs I have heard by Pope, I have loved.

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B i s t ro M b r i n g s f re n c h f l avo r t o C o p p e l l STEPHANIE GROSS staff writer

Imagine leaving Coppell and stepping into Paris for lunch.

That is exactly how you will feel when you walk into Bistro M, Coppell’s newest bistro and bakery.

Right when I walked into Bistro M, the first thing I noticed was the calm yet warm mood in the restaurant. Everything inside makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Located off of Denton Tap, Bistro M occupies the space where Fat Daddy’s Burger House used to be. Unlike La Madeleine or Magnolia Bakery, Bistro M is right in Coppell and easy to get to.

The entire restaurant makes you feel like you are at lunch somewhere in France. The colors painted inside, mainly black, tan and brown really set a relaxing mood and the Eiffel Tower painted on one of the walls near the

back of the restaurant genuinely adds to that French feel. There are also plenty of paintings and pictures hung up around the restaurant that make you feel as if they will take you to another time and place. The atmosphere feels warm and relaxed.

When it comes to Bistro M’s menu, they pretty much have it all. The meals range from fish and chips to French onion soup and club sandwiches. All of the desserts and pastries in the restaurant are made from scratch, guaranteeing them to always be fresh.

After eating the Italian cream cake, I can easily say that was one of the best desserts I have ever had.

The appetizers and entrees lived up to my expectation as well.

The salad was fresh, the bread was just the right amount, and the quiche that I ordered was absolutely wonderful. The meal was served with the salad and bread all together, making it easier not having to wait for one food after the other. The portion sizes were

Photos by Sandy Iyer

Bistro M offers customers a variety of different foods and is located off Denton Tap Road. also very reasonable. When I ordered the quiche and salad, it all came together on one plate.

The service was excellent.

The second I walked in, the waiter did not hesitate to seat me. The moment I was seated, the waiter

was back to take drink and food orders. The service was quick and the waiters were very friendly.

They made great recommendations, mostly on what desserts were the best to order.

Bistro M is sure to not dis-

appoint. The mixture of a good atmosphere, nice staff, excellent food and reasonable prices really made it an enjoyable experience.

Although I have never been to Paris, I felt as if I was in a café right across from the Eiffel Tower.

“Breaking Bad” finale leaves fans speechless STEPHANIE ALEXANDER entertainment edi t o r

The legacy of Heisenberg and the crystal blue has taken viewers on a five year journey mixed with love, loss and illegal substances.

“The absolute best ending to the absolute best show,” 2012 Coppell High School graduate Logan McCullough tweeted regarding the “Breaking Bad” series finale.

The last episode, Felina, was heartbreaking to s a y the

least.

What started off with a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White’s, birthday diagnoses of lung cancer, has all summed up to Walt’s death in a meth lab.

“This last season has blown my mind,” junior Brady Knippa said. “I’m always on my toes with this show, there is never a dull moment.”

“Breaking Bad” came to many students’ attention when it appeared on Netflix.

“My neighbor introduced me to ‘Breaking Bad’ about a year and a half ago on Netflix and I was immediately hooked,” senior Hunter Hagan said. “I finished the

“

Photos coutesy AMC Studios

first two seasons in one week and I have kept up with it ever since.”

There is something about “Breaking Bad” that sets it apart from other programs.

“It is different from other shows. There are crime shows like “Law and Order” and “NCIS”, but the main character being the villain in a way, is a new fresh plot,” Hagan said.

“It is hard for a show to be that good.”

“Breaking Bad” has been more than successful in every aspect. With award winning actors and actresses owning their in-depth roles, the attachment to the characters is a

strong one.

“This has to be one of the best shows in the past 10 years,” AP psychology teacher Jack Crocker said. “Even though - Jack Crocker, Walt is doing all Psychology Teacher these b a d things, you win.”

A new spin off about fan feel for him. favorite Saul Goodman is in the You are alworks.

“Better Call Saul” is going most rooting to be a prequel of Saul’s life before for him, you being sucked into Walter White’s want him life and business. t o It feels like there is so much more to say, but you almost have to be content with this ending.

As Jesse was finally set free and Walt finishing his unfinished business and just falls to his death. It is still so sad to have to say goodbye to our baby blue.

This has to be one of the best shows in the past 10 years

Photo courtesy AMC Studios

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Cain chasing figure skating Olympic dream

T O L U

parents as coaches and an older brother involved in hockey, it

was imminent that Ashley would She is standing on the pogrow a liking towards the ice and dium, hand on her heart, flowers become exceptional in the sport in her hand and medal around of figure skating. her neck. The national anthem “My parents have always is playing and she thinks to herbeen my coaches and it has been self that after 15 years of figure great,” Ashley said. “They know skating, her whole life has led up how to push me and they always to this one moment: 2014 Sochi come with me to all of my nationWinter Olympics. al and international competitions Now training at the Dr and are very supportive.”

Pepper StarCenter in Euless, After attending DenCoppell resident Ashley Cain ton Creek Elementary and Copbegan her training at the Valley pell Middle School North, due to excessive missed days Photo by Tolu Salako. because of competitions and training, Ashley had to make the decision to become homeschooled to receive her high school education.

Balancing schoolwork and training everyday, Ashley’s schedule is quite busy.

“I have a pretty full day because I have off and on ice classes all day until 5 p.m.,” Ashley said. “Then I have to do schoolwork somewhere in between that time as well.”

Ashley has already made a name for herself as 2012 junior national silver medalist , Coppell resident Ashley Cain, 18, trains for the upcoming Olympics 2011 junior pairs champiqualifiers in January at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Euless. on and 2012 novice pairs S A L A K O editorial page editor

Ranch hockey rink until both her parents received jobs as coaches in Euless. Starting as a basic skills level skater, it was at Euless where she would improve on her skating and ultimately reach the highest level of skating: senior level.

“Not many parents are willing to coach their own son or daughter, but for [mother Darlene and I] it has been a great learning experience,” Ashley’s father Peter Cain said. “It keeps our family close.”

Ashley, 18, started figure skating at the age of two. With

champion with partner, Desoto resident Joshua Reagan. Ashley has decided to focus on single skating as a senior and is even more dedicated to be chosen to represent Team USA at Sochi.

“Ashley has great motivation and determination,” Darlene Cain said. “She’s won national and international titles and medals and we are very proud of her.”

Ashley unfortunately did not compete as well as she had hoped at her first senior national competition in 2013, but she did not let this small set back bring her down, it instead made her even harder for future competitions.

“Nationals was not my best experience and since then, I have wanted to be a full on athlete even more,” Ashley said. “I do not want to be known as the ‘almost girl’ anymore, so the experience just made me work harder.”

Ashley’s handwork was shown at her overall win at the Liberty Texas competition and her bronze medal at the international competition, Nebelhorn Trophy where she competed against major names in skating including Miki Ando.

With Winter Olympics in less than five months away and the last Olympic Team qualifiers in January, Ashley is very focused on these major events.

“I really do not think about [qualifiers], when I’m training on the ice,” Ashley said.

“I mostly think of how to improve my technique. When competing, I always try to be in the moment, but when training I just worry about jumps, spins and trying to develop muscle memory.”

Since Ashley is only 18, she has quite some time to skate competitively and already has and idea of what she wants to do after she finishes competing.

“My parents traveled with the ice shows and I have always wanted to participate in them as well,” Ashley said. “I know quite a few people in the shows and they have all traveled to places they never thought they would. I would also like to attend college at some point also.”

Ashley hopes to inspire kids who are starting out in the sport and hopes that people find her as motivational and inspiring.

“My best advice I would give people is to always push yourself,” Ashley said. “Sometimes it gets really hard to go to the rink every day, but it is always important to surround yourself with people that support and believe in you.”

With the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi always in the back of Ashley’s mind, Cain continues to strive towards the goal of standing on that podium representing Team USA.

Senior defensive back follows father’s footsteps

A N N I E W E N staff writer

He unstraps his gloves and walks aimlessly for a few seconds.

In front of his eyes everybody in the stands is up on their feet and roaring. He takes off his helmet and feels the familiar rush of relief.

He has done his job.

Senior defensive back Chris Adkins started playing football as a third grader in Coppell. The son of a former University of Oklahoma football player, he was exposed to the sport at a young age.

“My dad was my youth football coach,” Adkins said. “I started my first tackle football season in third grade. My dad played football all his life so he wanted me to start young.”

Kevin Adkins remembers the first time his son displayed a love of sports.

“He was crawling on the group and there was a ball in front of him,” Kevin said. “He touched it

20 Sports

and ball was his first word. He’s always been about athletics and sports.”

Adkins’ first big leap in his football career came when he joined the CHS varsity team as a sophomore.

“I learned a lot from the older guys,” Adkins said. “I didn’t start my sophomore year, I was a backup but I played special teams and I got in a little bit at safety.

I learned from [former Coppell players] David Busby, Jacob [Logan] and Brandon Rainbolt, they taught me how to play safety and how to act in practice and how to act with friends and teammates.

It definitely helped me.”

Special teams coordinator Karl Pointer has coached Adkins since his freshman year and has witnessed his growth as not only a coach to him but also a mentor.

“Last year he really stepped in and became the player that we expected him to be,” Pointer said. “And this year he’s continuing that role and I’ve been very pleased with his progress.”

Adkins grew into a leading role and is currently a captain on the varsity team. He plays a key role in the team’s defensive line and leads by example.

“He’s a great player, I see him as a veteran,” senior safety Nick Hruby said. “He knows a lot of the position. Even though we’re the same age, he’s like a mentor to me.”

The results of his work ethic began to show when the calls from recruiters started coming in. Adkins now currently holds offers from Yale, Cornell and Harvard.

“They [the recruiters] started sending me letters,” Adkins said.

“I sent them my film and started talking to them on the phone and it just gradually progressed until I got a call one morning from Yale and they offered me a spot on the team and then pretty soon after that Cornell did the same thing.

The Ivy League schools are the most interested right now and behind that are Rice and Nevada, but I’m open to any of the oppor-

tunities.”

Adkins’ parents have been riding shotgun throughout his football journey, from the Youth league to now Division I school offers.

“My parents have been really supportive,” Adkins said. “They try not to be too involved they just support me and try not to influence my decision very much. They want me to be happy and they want me to choose where I would fit best.”

Adkins’ mother, Elizabeth Adkins is more than just a mother to Adkins, she is also a support system and his biggest fan.

“He is a very smart kid,” Mrs. Adkins said.

“He has opportunities to play for

some schools that he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play for if he didn’t make the grades that he does. He’s in a very good position and I’m so proud of him.”

With his senior season off to an ideal start, Adkins offers some words of wisdom to all the young boys striving for a chance to accomplish the same feat that he has.

“Work as hard as you can on the field and in the classroom,” Adkins said. “And if you’re not as successful as you want to be right now just keep pushing and keep fighting.”

Photo by Regan Sullivan.

Unusual hobby allows Milam to climb high A M Y R O H s t a ff w r i t e r

Giving up a sport to take the leap to pursue another can be incredibly difficult, especially if it took up a major part of your life. For sophomore Lauren Milam, it was more than easy to trade her leotard ridden with 11 years of hard work for a rock climbing harness that held the door to a new beginning.

After being a gymnast for most of her life, Milam finally decided it was time for a change. When she noticed that one of her fellow teammates had quit gymnastics for rock climbing, her curiosity piqued.

This newfound interest eventually led her to search for teams to join in the Dallas area.

The results that popped up on the screen all pointed to a golden opportunity that came in the form of Team Texas.

A Dallas-based youth program founded by former U.S. national team coach Kyle Clinkscales, the rock climbing team is recognized as one of the best in the nation. The team itself has reigned as champions almost every year and has logged more miles of traveling than any other team in the nation. Which, in turn, made for

a hesitant beginning for Milam.

“It was just intimidating because people were so much better than me,” Milam said.

“There’s definitely so much to do and it takes awhile to get used to it.”

Nonetheless, she continued to receive full support from her family to push on, especially in the beginning.

“I thought it was going to be a great adventure and something new for her to try. It was so different from gymnastics which she was in for so long,” her mother Tracy Milam said.

That beginner’s intimidation is now a thing of the past.

Milam has been climbing with Team Texas, who affectionately calls her Lemon, for three years now. Additionally, she considers her biggest accomplishment as climbing a 12a, which is an advanced level of rock climbing. She even travels to Atlanta, Kentucky and Miami with the team to further her experience.

“As her coach I’m grateful she joined our team and I believe I’ve learned as much from her as she has from me,” Clinkscales said.

Milam’s journey may seem breezy, but she has the injuries to prove that it was not all happy-go-lucky from the begin-

ning. While bouldering, which is rock climbing without any ropes or a harness, Milam suddenly fell while trying to jump to another place. The 20 foot drop was high enough to shatter her wrist and break her ankle, ultimately leading to a long hiatus in her rock climbing.

After the fall, Milam was instructed to have a cast on for 13 days, a boot for two weeks and no walking for two months. As a result, she spent most of her time riding around on a scooter to avoid pressure on her ankle. Needless to say, when she came back to the gym, there was much to catch up on. Things were back to the beginning for Milam.

“I had to start completely over because I hadn’t done anything in two months. I couldn’t even walk,” Milam said. “You kind of have to deal with the fact that everyone is so much better than you, kind of like starting from scratch. You need a lot of patience.”

Now, Milam wants to pursue a career as a nutritionist, but believes that rock climbing will be a hobby of hers for a long time because of her true passion and love for the sport.

“It’s so different from anything I’ve ever seen or done

before. It makes you think differently and honestly, it just gave me a different perspective on things,” Milam said. “The

tion was part of a skills competition in Wisconsin in July, from which Centers took home the spoils in the form of his invitation to play in the game.

Centers’ selection cemented his status as one of the nation’s top 90 high school seniors who are selected annually to play in this game.

“I want to thank Under Armour for this blessing,” Centers said. “I [also] want to thank

my teammates. Only I know how hard they’ve worked, and only they know how hard I’ve worked.”

The special teams leader is the second CHS player to receive an award of this magnitude. CHS 2011 graduate and current University of Texas sophomore kicker Nick Jordan was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 12, 2012.

These events also help on the recruiting front. The college football landscape is littered with players that have played in All-American games or their equivalent and who have been big contributors at big-time programs.

“I would assume that it would give me a little bit more publicity,” Centers said. “ Coaches hear things, they watch the game, they see my name and probably pay more attention to me.”

For Connie and B.J. Centers, Adam’s mother and father, their son’s journey to this point has been amazing to watch.

“He kicked the soccer ball against the side of the house for hours and hours and hours,” Connie said. “Just watching him take that from the soccer field to

the football field, it has been incredibly satisfying to watch him grow in the way he has and become a nice young man.”

Not only will Centers be kicking his way into the college game, but he will also be able to say that he played on the same field as today’s NFL superstars.

“To follow in the footsteps of guys like [Julio Jones, AJ Greene and Trent Richardson] makes me feel like I can be one

climbing community is so supportive and caring and anyone can do it- young, old, male, female - it doesn’t matter.”

Photo by Mark Slette

Sophomore Lauren Milam pulls herself up a rock climbing wall at Summit Climbing Gym. Milam climbs competitively with a Dallas-based team called Team Texas.

Centers kicks his way to bowl game in 2014 J O H N s p o r t s

L O O P e d i t o r

Senior place kicker Adam Centers will don a new jersey this spring, but he will still wear the same white, black and Cowboy red on gameday.

Centers was recognized at a short ceremony on Sept. 10 to celebrate his selection and invitation to the 2014 Under Armour All-American Game. The invita-

Photo by Alyssa Frost

Senior place kicker Adam Centers punts the ball at the varsity football game against Allen High School at Eagle Stadium on Sept. 27.

of those guys one day,” Centers said. “It gives me a lot of hope.”

The game itself, presented

by American Family Insurance, is set to kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Jan. 2, 2014 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., and will be nationally televised on ESPN. Players will also compete in a skills challenge that will take place at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in the week leading up to the game.

Photo by Regan Sullivan

An Under Armour representative presents senior varsity place kicker Adam Centers with an Under Armour helmet as Centers dons his new All-American jersey.

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Marshall prepares to layup a promising year A L E X N I C O L L staff writer

Entering his 12th year of teaching, assistant basketball coach Dan Marshall is a new face in the halls of Coppell High School. Marshall joined head girls basketball coach Ami Neff ’s staff this year after coaching at Nevada Community School for the past five years as the girls head basketball coach. A graduate of Tarleton State College, he is married, and he and his wife are expecting their first baby in January.

What did you do before your teaching/coaching career started?

I graduated from North Mesquite High School in 1997 and graduated from [Tarleton State College] in 2002. I was pretty much living the single life as well, but I just got married (to the now Ashley Marshall) this past summer about a month ago or a month and a half ago. I actually met her at the last school I wa out.

She was an English teacher there last year, but now left to take a kindergarten position at a private school.

What first made you want to be a coach?

I just love sports. It was the one thing I looked forward to everyday going to school. Both of my parents were teachers, so they

always hounded me to do good in school but sports is what made it fun.

What are some of your hobbies?

I play golf and I like to work out whenever I can. Nowadays, its preparing for the baby, so that has taken a lot of time.

Who were some of your influences growing up and still today?

My parents worked really hard. They were both teachers and my dad worked two jobs for about three years in order to put my sister through [University of Texas]. That showed me that you sacrifice yourself for your family. My coaches instilled in me discipline and a work ethic that matched my parents. So I would say my parents and coaches were my main influences.

What do you look for in your athletes?

Number one you have to have fun and enjoy what you are doing, but when you put work into it, you’ll see success. I always tell my kids to always have fun but at the same time you have to put your best effort into it.

How did you hear about the job opening?

It’s kind of funny really. A friend of mine was [working at the high school] last year, Jason Hodges who was a coach was also a buddy of mine from college. I

schools? saw the job open in the summer football, basketball and golf?

Coaching, I still live in Rockwall and and I called him and said ‘Hey make the commute over to Copthat looks like your job, what’s coming out of pell everyday because we are up man?’ and he said ‘Yeah, I’m college, was stuck there until [Ashley’s] lease going into the oil business’. He to become head is up on her apartment. When recommended that I try for it and the there’s traffic it’s pretty rough but put in a good word with me with v a r s i t y when you can miss the traffic it’s girls basketball coach Ami Neff, f o o t b a l l only a 40 to 45 minute drive. I’m and athletic director John Craw- c o a c h looking forward to living a lot ford. It’s funny how it worked out and then the athcloser. like that.

What is one thing people do What is different about letic dibut not know about you?

Coppell than other places you rector, as I coached That everybody in my famhave lived? ily is a teacher. My parents are It is definitely bigger. The at- b a s k e t b a l l teachers. My sister and her hustitude of the kids here is different. more I fell band are teachers and he They all expect to do well and do in love is a coach at Rocknot settle for anything less than wall-Heath. expected.

My younger What are your expectabrother is tions for this year’s girls a teacher basketball team? and coach Just to be the best at North that they can be. If they M e s come in everyday to Photo by Nicole Messer quite practice and are willing to give their best effort New Coppell High School assistant girls varsity basketball coach then good things Dan Marshall came to Coppell from Nevada Community High will come from School. it. Last year they were a game away from making the playoffs, with the team aspect. In football and his wife is an elementary so number one we want to win you have 50 or 60 kids with 10 school teacher. My mom’s parents district this year but if that does coaches, but in basketball 10 to 15 were both teachers, principals, not happen then the next step is kids with only one or two coach- and superintendents growing up to just make the playoffs and start es. I just feel there is more togeth- as well. We are a family of educaerness and unity in basketball. tors. building tradition of winning.

What are some of the Why did you focus on basketball even though you played challenges you faced in moving

Loop straps up to follow Sidekick’s sports greats J O H N s p o r t s

L O O P e d i t o r

If The Sidekick had a sports section hall of fame, it would, in my mind undoubtedly would be hard-pressed to get in to.

D115 has become merely a layover in finding greener pastures in the sports media industry after spending many months covering the perennial sporting powerhouses at Buddy Echols Field and Coppell High School.

Now these awesome people have suited up and jumped head first onto a career in sports journalism.

For those that remember a certain Baylor quarterback who was drafted a certain team up in D.C., he was granted his own personal “handler” during his rookie season. Want to know who that was?

The Sidekick’s own Ross Taylor (editor-in-chief from 2005 to 2007). Taylor was handcuffed to RGIII’s side during his inaugural NFL season. And what a season it was, as Griffin led the Redskins to the second round of the playoffs.

Taylor was named communica-

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tions manager last year I have always wondered how Ross got his foot in the door with Redskins owner Dan Snyder. He said that after earning an internship in the few months after his senior year, his interactions with the public relations staff was his favorite part of the job.

Though he had originally planned to pursue his dream job as a sports writer, getting a job in the NFL has a direct correlation with his time in D115. I share the same dream; I would love to have the opportunity to get within the walls of a professional sports franchise’s practice facility and learn what really goes on behind closed doors.

As If this case is not enough to testify to the sports legacy of The Sidekick, there are others, such as Blake Seitz, sports editor to 2009-10, who now attends the University of Georgia as a senior, double majoring in political science and public administration.

What a coincidence that the UGA campus is high on my list of prospective college choices.

The Athens, Ga. campus and the Grady College of Journalism have

manufactured some of the best journalists making headlines nationally. If Seitz can become a part of Bulldog Nation and succeed, then I can, too.

The Sidekick’s resident sculptor would be quite busy polishing a multitude of bronze busts, as the list of sports fanatics that have turned into great journalists.

Peter Sblendorio, head honcho of the sports department in 2010-2011, now finds himself in a radio studio on the University of Texas at Austin campus covering Longhorn athletics for a living.

He fielded his own weekly sports talk show last spring. Because of the national attention the Longhorns football program receives, it would not surprise me if Peter was right in the thick of it.

But the person that I have to credit the most for the position I am in today is 2011-2013 sports editor Sammy Robben, currently a freshman at Oklahoma State University. Sammy taught me everything I know about leading my team of writers out under the lights and into the world of sports journalism.

Hopefully I will find the same drive and determination, as I sit in front of my Macintosh desktop and picture the hypothet-

ical glass case that holds the busts of The Sidekick’s most decorated sports minds, and carve out my own bust this year.

Photo courtesy John Loop

Senior John Loop checks out the dorms at Kansas University during the 2013 Kansas Journalism Institute.

Young tennis team preps for district tournament A L E X N I C O L L s p o r t s w r i t e r With the tennis season already nearing the end, Coppell varsity stands at 8-7.

Now come the games that matter.

The Cowboys started off the season slow dropping their first three matches of the year against Plano West, 4-15, Southlake, 6-13, and Lubbock, 6-10. The team picked up the slack to go perfect in its next three contests to even up the record to 3-3.

Coppell split two games at the Tex-

arkana Invitational to have a .500 record going into district play. In commanding fashion, the Cowboys dropped the Lewisville Fighting Farmers 18-1 in the first district game.

A big transition for the team was finding leadership from the senior class since a huge wave of them graduated from CHS as the Class of 2013.

“Our captain, Savannah Armes, and senior Francesca Graham have stepped up and led the team by example through what they learned from last year’s seniors,”

junior Kaylee Geiser said. “On the boys side seniors Danny Bush and Aakash Pi have really stepped up and filled the gap the seniors left last year.”

Continuing its impressive performance, Coppell went on to beat other district opponent, the Flower Mound Jaguars, 14-5, and the Denton Ryan Red Raiders, 19-0. Sitting atop the district leaderboards with rival Flower Mound Marcus High School at 3-0, the Cowboys’ next district game against Marcus determined who would end up winning the district.

“We are able to handle really difficult opponents, but this Marcus match was big for us,” Geiser said. “We are [both]probably the best schools in the district so it is a big match.”

Unfortunately, the Marauders were too much to handle for the Cowboys as they lost 6-13.

With Hebron now in their review mirror (Coppell defeated the Hawks 10-9 in late September), Coppell is poised to make another deep playoff run and capture its second district title in as many years.

Photo courtesy Josh Abaya

ser

Junior Jacob Villanueva (left) and Freshman Doris Hoyos (right) hit groundstrokes in their matches against Flower Mound in the District Playoffs on Oct. 8.

Pickrells hand off ‘sister act’ to Stivers sisters Photo by Mark Slette

Sophomore Jamie Stivers serves in the Allen game on Sept. 6.

A I S H A E S P I N O S A s t a f f w r i t e r After the past two years, Coppell Cowgirls Volleyball has risen to fame with their back to back state championship wins. On that “dream team” were sisters and teammates Cassidy, who is currently a freshman at UC-Irvine, and junior setter Kylie Pickrell, who helped lead Coppell to victory.

But this year, there is a new dynamic duo that is determined to help Coppell High School wrestle another win under their belt: the Stivers sisters.

Lindsay, a senior, has been on the court since fourth grade, having first taken up the sport because of friends. She eventually fell in love with the sport, and earned a spot on the varsity team prior to her sophomore year.

“It was always a dream of mine to play on the high school volleyball team,” Lindsay said. “And when I was moved up to varsity in sophomore year, it was a blessing.”

Lindsay is a familiar face for the Coppell Cowgirls volleyball, and is hoping to come out strong for her final year at CHS. And having her sister on the team with her is just an added bonus.

“It’s a cool way to strengthen our

relationship before I go off [to college],” Lindsay said. “It motivates me to be a better example for her, for our teammates, to be a better player and a better individual overall.”

Having a sister on the team definitely benefits Jamie, who described her sister as a role model for her growing up, and even now.

“She would always help me learn how to pass in the backyard,” Jamie said.

“I’ve tried to be a lot like her.”

Jamie, a sophomore is a new addition to the varsity squad and eager to prove herself. She even has a national championship even though she already has a national title to her name. Jamie caputred first in a national beach volleyball competition over the summer and is the top-ranked sophomore in the country for beach volleyball. She loves being able to play with her sister, and reaps from the benefits of having family on team.

“I always have a ride,” Jamie said, laughing. “And I always have someone to support me, no matter what happens.”

Both Jamie and Lindsay will be working together on varsity this year, but diving and digging on the same court is not anything new to them. They have always been competitive, but this volleyball season, they hope to take this sisterly competition to a new level.

Photo by Sandy Iyer

Senior Lindsay Stivers prepares to serve the ball in the Denton Ryan game on Oct. 8.

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The Sidekick Staff is proud to recognize Michael Brock as the teacher of this issue. Brock, who teaches both Theory of Knowledge and IB History, and has stepped up as the 20132014 IB Campus Coordinator. Brock has taught a variety of upper-level courses at Coppell High School from AP World History to AP European History. “Mr. Brock has done so much to help me succeed in history, and is more knowledgable about the subject than anyone I have ever met,” senior Sydney Owens said.

“Mr. Brock takes history and he tells it like a story instead; He makes the class engaging and fun to be in.” He is popularly referred to by students as the “Brock”star. Brock’s influence at CHS is not limited to teaching, as he is the sponsor for the Model United Nations Club at CHS. Congratulations to Mr. Brock, and thank you for all that you do!

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