Volume 28 Issue 4

c o p p e l l s t u d e n t m e d i a . c o m Volume 28 | Issue 4 | March 2017

LOCAL HOTSPOTS DRAW COMMUNITY TO HISTORIC AREAS Pages 12-13

INSIDE Heritage House

Driving towards success

One man, two fields

History hides in Irving museum PAGE 4

Donaldson fixes, customizes golf carts PAGE 15

Assistant soccer coach Blackburn shares military past PAGE 20

2

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

TEACHER OF THE ISSUE

Hulse brings personal experience from world travels to enrich Spanish learning written by Sruthi Boppuri Staff Writer @sruthiboppuri In a classroom focusing primarily on foreign languages and cultures, it is uniquely beneficial for students to have a teacher that has spent time in different countries around the world. Coppell High School Spanish teacher Creighton Hulse has these first hand cultural experiences that allow him to excel at CHS. Hulse entered the education field aspiring to be an English teacher but after he spent a semester abroad in Spain, he wanted to teach a foreign language.

“Spanish is like something you can just take from the classroom and walk across the street and use,” Hulse said. “It creates a connection with people even if it’s the worst Spanish that the person has ever heard. It shows an effort that you’re trying to connect with other people.”

Not only has Hulse studied a foreign

language in different country, he has also taught English. After working at CHS for three years, Hulse moved to China to teach in 2012. For two years, he worked as an English teacher in a high school.

“When I was a high schoool English teacher in China, it gave me a much better appreciation for the problem solving that we strive for in American schools,” Hulse said. “It’s not something that’s valued at a state level for their education, so it was a struggle everyday to get my kids to just think outside the box.”

Limited by the language barrier caused by living in a different country, Hulse faced difficulty communicating with his students. However, Hulse did not let the difficulty hinder his experience, but instead grew from it.

“That’s what gives me the confidence to speak Spanish here,” he said. “Whenever I see kids kind of freaking out, I remember that I didn’t speak Chinese, so I could draw on that experience.”

These distinctive experiences other countries helped shape the foundation of his classroom at CHS. Hulse strives to create a safe environment in his classroom, where students are free to make mistakes.

“I honestly always look forward to his class because he always keeps the class engaged,” CHS junior and Spanish Club president Isabella Droz said. “He’s always prepared for the class.”

By merging his cultural experiences into his teaching style, Hulse enhances the learning process by allowing his lively personality shine through.

“I was always really shy and I’m still shy but when class starts I feel like I’m myself for those 52 minutes. I feel real. Like me,” Hulse said.

Congratulations to the March Teacher of the Issue, Señor Hulse.

photo by Ale

Ceniceros Coppell High School Spanish teacher Creighton Hulse instructs his IB Spanish class during fifth period on Feb. 10. Hulse lived taught in China before coming to teach in the United States.

Imposters in international newsroom Fake news spreads confusion through social media, twists public opinions written by Amelia Vanyo Staff Writer @ameliavanyo Scrolling through one’s timeline on Twitter or Facebook, one might come across news article after news article. One might click on one and read about it.

News is a big part of people’s lives; it is interlaced with their daily conversations and guides the opinions they have on the world around them. But more often, news spread through social media is unreliable.

So what if someone goes and talks to their friends about a fake news story, thinking it is real? What if it influences their habits, friendships or who they vote for?

“When I see other people who are very intelligent and wise people getting caught up in these moments emotionally, it’s very frustrating,” Coppell High School Advanced Placement Human Geography teacher Andrew Patterson said. “If people would just take a step back and analyze it and say ‘OK hold on now what’s really going on?’ and ask these critical questions without blindly believing they would see how ridiculous it is all the things that they’re feeding us.”

As fake news infiltrates the Internet, people have remained unaware of its grasp

on their perception of reality. To combat the influence fake news has on the population, people need to be able to recognize and avoid false information.

Because of many people’s inability to recognize fake news, stories such as Hillary Clinton selling weapons to ISIS were published in 2016 by fake news sites and believed by many readers. Such publications affected the general public’s political ideas and even their votes.

The problem of fake news being shared on Facebook has become such a prominent issue that Facebook is partnering with five fact-checking organizations to go over posts that users flag as fake news.

Even within Coppell, administrators are finding it necessary to educate students on the fake news epidemic. Students at Coppell Middle School East read a story about the influence of fake news on November’s Presidential Election.

“As the generations become more technologically advanced, [fake news is] easier to spot,” CISD Director of Communications and Public Relations Mandy McCune said. “Hopefully they’ll be able to determine, and we at CISD have done a good job in teaching you what’s news and what’s not and the routes to take when you’re not quite sure if it is or isn’t.”

How to avoid fake news Make sure you can identify which sities are satirical

In some cases, the article is not meant to spread false information but instead was written as a comedic article. Be sure not to take a joke the wrong way by being familiar with sites that have good, but funny, intentions.

Do not trust screenshots

Headlines may easily be photoshopped onto reliable looking sites in a screenshot, making a fake news story appear very real.

Stories such as Trump telling People Magazine in 1998 “If I were to run, I’d run as a Republican. They’re the dumbest group of voters in the country,” were believed by the public because they appeared credible in an image, but unless the article and its sources are linked, be cautious about believing the first thing you see.

Report fake news on Facebook

Facebook now includes a way to report fake news as part of its initiative to combat

the flow of stories on its site. It needs users to report news assumed to be fake, so fact checking websites can review and remove it.

Rely on fact checking websites

If a story seems questionable, there are ways to submit it to a fact checking website such as FactCheck.org that can research the story to find validity or lack thereof to its claims.

Who posted it? Was it a reliable site?

Rely on large, credible news sites such as The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times as they are less likely to scam readers with a fake news story for fear of damaging their credibility.

Was it repeated in other sites?

If a story has been published on several reputable news outlets, it is more likely that it is reliable.

3

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Student media shines

2016 Round-Up yearbook earns national recognition for unique feature stories written by Akila Muthukumar Staff Writer @akilam29

Photos that capture emotions, the special moments.

Meticulously planned designs. Memorable themes that awe viewers.

These were just few of the outstanding characteristics that the 2016 Round-Up yearbook displayed when judged by the National Scholastic Press Association.

In January, the 2016 Round-Up yearbook learned that it achieved the rank of “First Class” by the NSPA for its outstanding publication last year.

According to adviser Sallyanne Harris, the yearbook has not been entered into the competition in previous years, but this year the effort was specifically taken to enter last year’s book, and well worth it.

The judges carefully consider every aspect of the yearbook ranging from theme, design, coverage and more.

“It was awesome to win the award because all of our hard work really paid off and it was nice to see the judges appreciate our work,” senior co-editor Erin Dempsey said.

“It’s just really nice to see we are doing things right.”

For Harris, this was a special moment that made her reflect on the powerful student drive the program fosters.

“I was so proud of the editors because they really are the leaders of this program,” Harris said. “I oversee them, but

they make all the big decisions. They decide how to make a successful yearbook that appeals to everyone [at Coppell High School].”

The staff specifically won marks of distinction in the areas of coverage, writing and editing and photography. It was also three points away from getting an All- American Award which is a top distinction offered by NSPA. “Last year, our two editors-in-chief were both really awesome,” Dempsey said. “They are super creative people. They had great ideas in terms of our theme which was ‘Look Again’ and all of our feature stories.”

Harris also credits a large part of the success to the staff ’s focus on uncovering unique CHS students.

“The editors worked really hard to cover stories and photographs that were unusual,” Harris said. “They were told to dig deeper to find [unexpected] things about people that really no one else new. The judges really recognized that we went above and beyond.”

This attention and care given to creating excellent feature stories paid off as the Round-Up will be featured in a session about human journalism at the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in Seattle in April.

“A big part of our book was doing feature stories, especially in the sports section,” senior co-editor Catherine Carter said. “One of the judges loved how we focused on different stories, finding different aspects of specific people rather than event coverage.”

photo by Bren

Fletchner

Coppell High School senior editors of the Round-Up yearbook (left to right) Catherine Carter, Erin Dempsey and Mckenzie Hosier showcase the award winning 2016 yearbook. The 2016 yearbook team won marks of distinction in the areas of coverage, writing, editing and photography.

Coppell Crime Stoppers offering reward after student’s tires slashed four times written by Sakshi Venkatraman Executive News Editor @oompapa1 After seven slashed tires and over $5,000 in damage, Coppell High School junior CJ Campbell and his family have turned to the Coppell community for answers.

From September to December 2016, only months after getting his license, the tires of Campbell’s Jeep tires have been slashed on four different occasions and his car has been keyed on two occasions.

While this is the most extreme example, Campbell says he has dealt with bullying since he had a falling out with his friend at Coppell Middle School West.

“In eighth grade I had him in almost every one of my classes,” Campbell said. “I didn’t think much of it at the time because I thought he would knock off [the teasing].

But he didn’t and I ended up switching my schedule to get away from him in most of my classes.”

While switching classes took care of the problem temporarily, the bullying followed him to high school, where the snide remarks and teasing continued from a new group of people.

“It was just multiple people making ‘short’ comments,” he said. “Almost anything they could pinpoint they would make fun of.”

Despite the harassment he was facing at school, Campbell didn not think much

of it when the two drivers side tires of his car were slashed for the first time on Sept.

17. He left his place of work, Twisted Root Burger Co., at around midnight and was greeted by a lopsided car with key marks on the side.

“We thought it was random,” CJ’s mother Norma Campbell said. “That day, he kind of had to park off to the side parking lot away from the restaurant, so I thought it was just kids messing around. They saw the Jeep parked out there by itself and the parking lot isn’t that well lit. School had just started so he hadn’t told me that anyone was giving him a hard time.”

The Campbell family started to make the connection between the bullying and the vandalism on Nov. 2, when CJ’s tires

graphic by Austin Banzon were slashed on two occasions over the course of one day.

Sometime during the school day, two of the Jeep’s tires were slashed in the CHS parking lot and, again, key marks were made on the vehicle. The car was towed and repaired, then later that night, a single tire on the car was slashed in the Campbells’ driveway.

“I knew someone was targeting me the third time it happened,” Campbell said. “I was parked next to my dad’s truck in the driveway and his car was untouched but my tire was slashed.”

At this point, the case was being investigated by the Coppell Police Department and the family decided to turn to Coppell Crime Stoppers for help identifying those

responsible. Tips related to the crimes may offer up to a $2,000 reward.

“It obviously wasn’t just a spur of the moment thing where they saw the Jeep there,” Norma Campbell said. “This was really planned and thought out.”

According to CHS Student Resource Officer Chris Cobb, the extent of the damage pushes the charges beyond even a Class A Misdemeanor, the highest classification.

“It could be getting on up there in the felony range,” Cobb said. “It’s serious. If it’s the same person you could group all four incidences together and make it one charge instead of four separate charges.”

Because of cases like this and others, Coppell ISD is working on a plan to install cameras in the student parking lot along with new light poles.

Assistant superintendent for business and support services Sid Grant addressed the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees on Jan. 23, saying financial implications of adding the lights are still under review by the district.

“There’s no room for vandalism in our community,” CHS Principal Mike Jasso said. “Certainly not here at CHS where we’re just trying to come to school and find our way through the day.”

Jasso says there is no timeline for the installation, however, the district is working with campus administration to determine appropriate locations for the cameras inside and outside the building.

4

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Jex assumes editor position at Citizens’ Advocate written by Meara Isenberg Editor-in-Chief @mearaannee

It was an ordinary day in January 2002 when Jane Moore ran out of the Citizens’ Advocate building and down to the Dairy Queen on Southwestern Boulevard. She entered to find billionaire Mark Cuban serving ice cream to the citizens of Coppell.

“He had made some kind of comment denigrating to Dairy Queen workers and in order to make it up he was going to come in to the Coppell Dairy Queen,” Moore, a writer at The Advocate, said. “We had to run over and take pictures, then run down and beg them to hurry up and process our pictures of Mark Cuban really quick so we could go to press.”

Since 1984, The Advocate has covered stories from the lighthearted to the serious, all while remaining a constant force of free speech in the community.

However, on Jan. 13, a change in leadership became official at the independent newspaper as The Advocate’s founder and Publisher Jean Murph hired writer Shaun Jex as editor of the paper.

“He’s worked with me over several years,” Murph said. “I found the exact person that I thought would continue with the

philosophy of what the paper should be.”

Moore’s philosophy orginates back to her purpose for starting The Citizens’ Advocate, to be a filter between the people and city government.

Since then, The Advocate has been delivered to the walkways of homes and the entrances of stores in Coppell on a weekly basis, filled with many stories written by a few reporters.

Jex’s byline can be found on numerous articles per issue, displaying the influence he has had on the paper since joining it just two years ago.

“I had been writing a book about Coppell history and I had extra content left over after the book was finished,” Jex said.

“I started doing a regular column in The Advocate telling those stories, which led to me doing some other freelance work for them. That just kind of grew from there.”

From his time at The Advocate, Jex has come to understand some of the challenges a small town paper faces.

“We’re trying to do what we do on a shoestring, which means picking up extra stories when we need to, covering multiple beats, but it’s great because there aren’t a lot of small town papers left that are independent,” Jex said. “Putting in the extra work in order to assure that is worth it.”

As far as changes for the future of The Advocate, Jex is focusing in on a growing trend- social media.

“As a small town paper, we really have to work hard to stay vital, to stay independent, because that’s really important to us but we’re going to try to d o some things at some point expanding more into social media and trying to make our work more accessible through those avenues as well because more people are getting news that way,” Jex said.

The Bear Creek neighborhood is the oldest African American community in Dallas County, established by freed slaves seeking good farmland in the 1850s.

As the areas around it flourished over the years, life in Bear Creek remained much the same, according Norris. The tight knit people of the community overcame many hardships, She still describes the areas as one of the most fun places of her childhood.

“There was no danger here,” Norris said. “Where I lived in Dallas, your parents wouldn’t let you go anywhere. But here, everybody knew each other. They had stores, they had a skating rink. I felt like I was get-

ting out of prison when my mom let me come out here.”

On the walls of the J.O. Davis house, restored as a Bear Creek history museum, Norris sees the faces of her friends and family, people she grew up with.

“It’s so weird, pretty much all of these people, I know them,” she said. “If I don’t know them, I know their children. Walking through [the museum] and seeing my aunts, it’s weird in a sense, but it just takes me back to when I was a little girl.”

From one end of the street to the other, Norris can point out houses where she played as a child during the 60s and 70s.

“This whole street was my playground,” she said. “They had this place called Roach, which was a dance hall. It was where you went if you wanted to get your groove on.

We would tell our parents we were going skating and this was like the meeting place.”

In fact, that very dance hall is where she met her husband.

“I thought he was kind of rude at first but it turned out to be good,” Norris said while laughing.

Although her memories of the area are mainly based on the fun she had in the neighborhood, her family’s community involvement runs far deeper.

“My father founded New Home Missionary Baptist Church in this area, and the church right down the street my husband’s family founded,” she said. “Being in [the restored house] kind of feels creepy to me, like an out of body experience.”

Norris’s ties to the community have giv-

photo by Meara

Murph will continue to be an important part of The Advocate, a paper that has gone from a force of change to a cornerstone in the community.

“That would be one of my best memories, getting to go to the council meetings every two weeks, watching government in action,” Murph said. “Another one is the role the newspaper has had, and trying to help keep the history of Coppell alive.

It’s been a very meaningful job, the most meaningful job that I think I could have ever had.”

Isenberg

Newly appointed Editor at The Citizens’ Advocate Shaun Jex edits a proof of the Advocate’s issue on Jan. 24 in Old Town Coppell. Jex was named editor on Jan. 13, and with it, assumed many new responsibilities at the paper.

Museum captures heritage of Irving neighborhood written by Sakshi Venkatraman Executive News Editor @oompapa1

Nestled in a hidden Irving neighborhood, three quaint houses stand as remnants of the area’s rich black history.

Walking through the restored rooms of the Masonic Lodge, long time community member and museum board member Gale Norris was quiet.

“Whenever I come in here I feel so peaceful,” she said. “I can feel their spirits.”

The Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center sits in the middle of one of the most historically significant areas in Texas.

photos by Meara

Isenberg

Museum board member Gale Norris points to a photo of African American women inside a home in the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center on Feb. 11. Norris recognized them from growing up in the small Irving town.

en her a passion for the Bear Creek area as a whole. Her hope for the future is that more people come to share in her passion by visiting the museums.

“I think if a lot of people knew about it, we would have more traffic,” Norris said. “I am always trying to spread the word about the houses.”

To visitors, the center may be a place to learn about black history in America, but to Norris and other community members, it is a place to remember and truly feel the generations that came before them.

“This community here is the same,” Norris said. “You see the people and they’re older, that’s all that’s changed. Every other house on this street I used to visit as a kid.

People don’t do that anymore.”

The Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center is located at 3925 Jackson St. in Irving.

Museum board member Gale Norris leads tours at the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center on Feb 11. Norris grew up in the town, one of the first to be resettled.

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Intricate process of booster club funding simplified written by Tanya Raghu Staff Writer @tanya_raghu

B

oasting over 90 student clubs, almost 30 extracurricular programs and 15 athletic teams, Coppell High School successfully caters to the diverse interests of over 3,000 students.

On campus programs are essential to help foster a sense of belonging and character since it can be easy to lose one’s identity in a school as large as CHS. The need for booster clubs is mainly attributed as compensation for the district budget. The clubs also allow programs to rely less heavily on federal funds and instead receive outside donations.

Programs on campus ranging from athletic teams to speech and debate to choir and fine arts, have parent driven booster clubs invested in their child’s high school experience.

“It’s a culture of success that you want to build in a city, in a community, in a district that draws people to want to be in a great place like this,” Coppell ISD Athletic Director Joe McBride said.

Football With almost 300 athletes involved in the football program provided with equipment such as shoulder pads, helmets, gloves, compression shorts, knee pads and an extensive coaching staff, it is apparent that the program has many needs to be met.

“The best thing about booster’s raising money and pulling in that money to help

graphic by Austin

Banzon

the programs means that you don’t have to rely that much on school money,” McBride said. “You can keep the federal funds down to a minimum because you’re helping yourself raise money on the outside which allows more money to float into the school district.”

On the player’s side, each player is required to sell 20 retail gift cards, each worth $20 with business sponsorships and participate in an annual liftathon.

The rest of the expenses are covered by the district’s budget and booster club.

After nearly a decade, the district felt like it was in a secure financial position allowing for the elimination of ‘pay to play’ fees for next fall.

“At the start of the year, parents pay a lot of money to get a kids started in school, and it just gives them some relief that we are in good enough shape financially in our district,” McBride said.

Students are often under the wrong impression that the district is partial to athletic programs over academics causing funds to unfairly allocated to programs, especially football.

Contrary to this popular belief, the money for extra needs such as uniforms every two years, special mementos for seniors and charter buses for games come from the funds generated a large photoby

by First Lastand effective booster club.

McBride emphasises the importance to budgeting money for athletics to cultivate important values in young adults.

“There’s a lot of learning that can be done in the athletic, extracurricular realm too,” McBride said. “There is a lot of learning that benefits kids from teamwork, hard work and unity.”

Band To say it takes a village to run a program such as the CHS Band is no understatement.

As one of the largest student groups with more than 300 members, the CHS band requires immense money, effort and time of parent volunteers.

As an essential financial link in the program, the CHS band booster staffs the concession stand at Buddy Echols Field during home games, recruits retail sponsors, and provides opportunities for students to fundraise instead of paying annual fees.

“The support is mostly the volunteers,” band booster club co-president Jenny Quonoey said. “We give our time to do things like fitting uniforms, preparing the students for their performances and chaperoning when they travel to the performances.”

A few examples of the booster club’s contributions this year include providing master classes to preparing students for auditions, purchasing props for this year’s ‘Now I See’ performance and affording extra staff to assist with summer band camp.

5

The reach of the booster club even extends into the personal lives of members and directors. After the passing of a private lesson teacher’s father this year, the band’s ‘care team’ was able to support him through the difficult time.

“If a student’s parents pass away or something like that, or is someone is in need of meals, something happens to somebody’s home, those kinds of things, the care team steps in and serves in that capacity,” band director Gerry Miller said.

To participate in the program, every member has to pay an initial fee of approximately of $900. To help offset the amount, through the retailing of Papa John’s pizza cards worth $20 each, members have the opinion to fundraise instead.

With the easing of the financial burden and dependence on district funds, directors have the privilege of concentrating on their priority – music.

“Directors can focus on things like working on music and marching with the students and we can take care of all the other things,” band booster club co-president Chris Quonoey said.

Track and Field Unlike the majority of other CHS athletic sports, track and field athletes are not obligated to fundraise by any means.

As a spring sport, solely taking place during the second semester, most athletes have already fundraised in some form through their primary sport.

“Without the booster club we would not have the state of the art equipment we need, pole vaults for the right sizes of children and the mats for them to land that are safe,” CHS track booster club president Kim Dicken said.

Understanding of the hassle associated with fundraising and aware of athletes always contacting local businesses, the booster club has made it a point to be self-sufficient.

“There’s no fundraising, its all you,” junior track runner Sena Buatsi said. “Track isn’t an expensive sport or anything where you have to buy uniforms or equipment.”

From funds collected from the last eight years, the booster club was able to purchase an electronic timing system to film runners crossing the finish line costing $27,000 this year which was split with the district.

“First [coaches] have to go through the school [to order new equipment] and tell us that they want to order that and we make sure it is in our budget,” Dicken said.

“They go through the school to order them then the booster club will pay for it.”

This year, the booster club helped fund seven new vaulting poles, each costing up to $300, necessary for the variety of sizes of athletes.

“We put all that money back into the kids and program to give them to the best equipment,” Pointer said.

6

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

EDITORIAL

Honor in journalism alive and well The media.

It is a term uttered with contempt under your breath, a vague word used to blame the universal problems of humanity for. It is a corrupt network of….

OK, hold on for a second. Does anyone even know what the media is?

As student journalists living in a society where the media is often under critical scrutiny, ‘fake news’ has become a pervasive phenomenon and only 32 percent of Americans have a fair amount of trust in the mass media, we decided to approach this question.

First and foremost, the media is made of real people: most of whom are honest journalists that do not report news to promote their own interests, but simply desire to convey the day’s news to the public. Consumers may criticize the media for being untruthful, and it sometimes may be, but is it even possible to attain a much higher standard of honesty than what is already in place?

The essence of any journalist is a keen appreciation for the truth, which is why qualified journalists - and not just any standard Twitter user - are the people reporting news to the public. This at least calls for some basic trust.

But while upholding themselves to the essential standard of truth, journalists face a natural human problem - the bane to the very intent of journalism - opinions. Journalists are news reporters, but they are also

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Adviser

Chase Wofford Editor-in-Chief

Meara Isenberg Executive Sports Editor

Marcus Krum

Executive News Editor

Sakshi Venkatraman Executive Editorial Page Editor

Emma Cummins

Executive Enterprise Editor

Joseph Krum

EDITORIAL LEADERSHIP Student Life Editor

Lili Lomas Entertainment Editor

Kathryn Rudd General Photography Editor

Kelly Monaghan Sports Photography Editor

Amanda Hair

people and can tend to have perspectives about the subjects they report. Presuming the certain political leaning of a journalist, viewers and readers jump to match this angle with a bias in their reporting.

Simply having an opinion, however, does not make journalists biased. It just makes them people with opinions. Although it is true that not all journalists uphold themselves to a high standard of neutrality, the majority of reporters in the field spend as much effort trying to filter prejudice from news as they do reporting it. But it is more than acceptable that the audience expects a reporter to be honest about that bias, rather than pretending to be an objective third party.

What is left then, after all possible filtering? We could argue it is often simply a sense of humanity, caused by people writing the stories of people.

The public seems to forget the media does not exist only when electoral predictions go wrong or political scandals are mistold. The media exists when loved ones are in danger, when natural disasters strike, when human progress is to be celebrated and when bat-

Rutuja Joshi Jessica Jun Staff Cartoonist Tara Kamalpour-Ansari Thomas Rousseau Fiona Koshy Farah Merchant BUSINESS LEADERSHIP Akila Muthukumar Communications Manager Tanya Raghu Aubrie Sisk Grant Spicer Business Manager Briana Thomas Chelsea Banks Amelia Vanyo Co-Social Media Manager Kelly Wei Lina Pyon Co-Social Media Manager Kathryn Wiener Meha Srivastav Reid Valentine Design Editor

Austin Banzon

STAFF WRITERS Gracie Blackwell Sruthi Boppuri Rachel Choi Riley Galloway Sofia Guerrero Saira Haque Rutuja Joshi

tles of the common people are won.

As student journalists, we try to work with the interests of our campus and community in mind, making the practice of morals and ethics a natural guideline. We hope to uphold these standards for our communities as many of us go into the field of journalism, just as our past generations

7

PHOTOGRAPHERS Ale Ceniceros Bren Flechtner Chloe Navarro Hannah Tucker Megan Winkle

DESIGNERS Elena Gillis Wren Lee

Visit coppellstudentmedia.com

have done.

The First Amendment was instituted for a reason, after all. The free press cannot exist without the people, and a people’s democracy cannot exist without the press.

So maybe trusting journalists would not be such a bad idea for our country.

But who knows? We may be biased.

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

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

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

Adverstisements are sold as full, 1/2 page, 1/4 page and 1/8 page sizes in black and white or color.

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

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

@CHSCampusNews @sidekicksports @thesidekickcoppell @sidekick_sports @sidekicknews

7

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

When fiction Trumps fact

Politicians’ alienation of journalism unwarranted, unhealthy for our democracy

graphic by Austin

Banzon From his intense campaign season to his first few weeks in office, President Donald Trump has waged a war on the mainstream,+ “dishonest” media. Trump’s overtly hateful attitude toward the media reflects the actions of many politicians before who have tried to dismiss or silence whistleblowers.

written by Sakshi Venkatraman Executive News Editor @oompapa1 To say President Donald Trump’s relationship with the mainstream media is rocky would be an understatement.

From his divisive and intense year of campaigning to his first few days in office, a cornerstone of the 45th president’s political career is the denouncing of the “biased, fake” news media.

While alienating the media would normally hurt a politician’s campaign, Trump’s approach served as a bolster on the road to being elected president.

By characterizing the entire media as a liberal machine designed to hurt his campaign with lies, Trump was essentially encouraging his supporters to lay down their newspapers and turn only to him for their

“facts”.

In fact, on his first full day in office, President Trump made it clear that his “war on media” is far from over when press secretary Sean Spicer angrily declared during a press conference that the media slanted views of inauguration crowds.

“This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period,” Spicer said, contradicting data and photographs comparing Barack Obama’s 2008 and 2012 inauguration crowds to Trump’s January 2017 crowd.

Instead of accepting the falsehoods in Spicer’s statements, President Trump’s special adviser Kellyanne Conway dismisses them as “alternative facts”.

For Orwell fans, this rings a terrifying bell.

The condemnation of journalism is far more dangerous than just a collection of tweets. It threatens the very fabric of this country’s democracy. And while Trump is extremely overt about it, it is not a new concept at all.

Although Barack Obama’s charisma and charm make it easy for some to believe in his self-proclaimed “most transparent administration” ever, Obama’s team actually

used the Espionage Act to prosecute leakers who gave information to journalists more than all previous administrations combined. Despite his last-minute commutation of whistleblower Chelsea Manning’s sentence, the legacy of transparency from the Obama administration never quite cracked up to what he said it would be.

Painting the media as just another enemy in the fight to win an election or even keep a reputation chips away at the only barrier between the government/corporations and the people. Without good journalism to turn to for facts, supporters are stuck looking to political figures for answers, which are often saturated with bias.

In retrospect, it can be the perfect political play. Writing off all other sources of information as “fake” or “dishonest” ensures an ignorant base of supporters blindly following and agreeing with everything you say.

According to Citizens’ Advocate editor Shaun Jex, the need for good journalism to balance government can be seen on the local level, as well.

“When the paper started, it started as a watchdog for things that were going on in city government,” Jex said. “There were is-

sues at the time with things like conflict of interest, open meeting violations, and the paper really got involved with making sure people were aware of that.”

In fact, that very concept is where the name of Coppell’s primary local newspaper arose: Citizens’ Advocate.

“Particularly news media, I like to adhere to the idea of the fourth estate, the idea that journalism, specifically is like a fourth estate that’s there to keep the government honest, keep the people informed,” Jex said.

“The only way democracy works is if people are informed, they know what’s going on, they can make informed decisions, and that’s what the media does, or should do at its best.”

Granted, dishonesty and bias do present themselves in media sometimes; there are websites that promote “fake news”, a term that Trump throws around so lightly.

While it is very important to be aware of this and differentiate fake from real news, dismissing the entire media will only bring about a less transparent government.

Journalists exist to keep politicians in check. Ignoring all media because of what those politicians say is pulling the wool over your own eyes.

8

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Responsibility: Fundamental likeness to be found amidst larger surface differences

written by Emma Cummins Executive Editorial Page Editor @emma_cummins_ Introspection is hard. As teenagers, it is decidedly easier to ignore the flaws in ourselves and focus on others. However, there comes a point in our lives when we have to ask ourselves what falls under our umbrella of responsibility.

As we turn into adults, becoming responsible for ourselves and our actions without hiding in our respective groups is paramount to success. This means every decision we make is our own. This can have a flipside: every accomplishment is your own. Your success will be defined by you

and you will receive the reward.

Too often we ignore our own responsibility in a situation and instead fall back on our social and cultural groups to ignore the consequences of our actions and validate our less-worthy version of ourselves.

Initially, having to own up to our mistakes, flaws and inadequacies is never a fun task. But this is such a reductionist way of thinking about progress. The journey to discovering the best version of ourselves is a perpetual one, and when done with the right frame of mind, can be a fulfilling task.

Unfortunately, as we get older, those basic behaviors become juvenile and so the expectations of what we are responsible for changes. Our position in society will become much more significant.

As we grow up, fall in love, get married and have children, there is a certain responsibility each man and woman has to contributing to the culture that allowed them such freedoms. This culture is distinctly American and deeply influenced by Western culture.

We have our responsibility to our family

and our friends: to treat them with love and respect. But on a broader standpoint, the values that lend themselves to this natural generosity and care for bettering ourselves and helping others is American.

Fortunately, the best way to preserve this culture is by living out our lives following basic rules of self-improvement, generosity and general enthusiasm for what life can bring – aside from wealth.

One’s individual responsibility is much more expansive than one might initially believe.

Ultimately, our individual responsibility will account for the other parts of our lives.

graphic by Austin

Banzon

If we want to be better people and by extension, happier people, treating others and living a moral life is a necessity.

If I fail to name any specific responsibilities it is because to be any more specific would leave me subject to endless hypothetical situations and counter-situations. But what I have written about will hopefully provide an outline of what being a responsible individual should look like in our society, in my young, humble opinion.

Fostering relationships with expressions of gratitude

written by Akila Muthukumar Staff Writer @akilam29

In the middle, of a stressful week filled with tests for students or office meetings for adults, gratitude might be the last priority for most people.

Unfortunately, numerous people will approach the concept of gratitude incorrectly, with a misguided approach that only takes them further from happiness. One too many times I have been given unsolicited advice to “be grateful with what I already have because I’m not in XYZ (some terrible situation such as poverty or homelessness).” “[This approach] assumes that, by

wanting something better, you’re inherently ungrateful,” said author Kristin Wong in Here’s What People Get Wrong About Gratitude, “[It’s as if] goals and gratitude are mutually exclusive.”

No one should be guilted or shamed because they aspire for more success, money or justice. Although it is important to put our struggles in perspective, we should be thankful not because we compare ourselves to those who have less, but because we understand the powerful, positive effects of

gratitude.

Every night, I make a list of everything and everyone I am thankful to have in my life. I acquired this new habit after a heartbreaking death to one of my family’s friends.

We give little thought to the most essential things in life: family, friends, a home and meals we eat every day and yet, we cannot imagine waking up one morning and not having any of them.

In addition, gratitude can be a defense

graphic by Kelly

Wei

mechanism to remain resilient through trying times and regain control after hectic events.

A study conducted by Dr. Robert Emmons of Harvard University evaluated the health of parents who lived through the devastating Hurricane Andrew of 1992 that hit Florida.

The study revealed one of the main factors in reinforcing resilience “was an overwhelming sense of gratitude for what they had not lost during the hurricane,” wrote another professor Dr. Robert Brooks in his article Gratitude in the Face of Adversity: A Source of Resilience.

One father who participated in the study observed, “I had this overwhelming joy to be alive…that elation that we were alive; that really stuck with us.”

Essentially, making gratitude a regular part of your routine ensures you will always find silver lining in the worst time.

I learned that regular expressions of appreciation allows me to live a fuller life, not merely because I have more than someone else or because it is a necessary Thanksgiving tradition, but because I can be a stronger person with healthier relationships on a daily basis.

9

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Misusing of vocab mental illness undermines true meaning

written by Amelia Vanyo Staff Writer @ameliavanyo For many teens, depression is a broad term – one that covers everything from inconveniences of being a student to the disease that is the leading cause of suicide in the United States.

The reality of depression is that it is not just feeling down, or being upset, or being overwhelmed when you get a bad grade.

This reductionist thinking completely disrespects and disregards the severity of the illness.

There should be concern when someone says they want to injure themselves. If a friend or family member expresses signs of suicidal intent, get help immediately.

“It’s a strange poverty of the English language, and indeed of many other languages, that we use this same word, depression, to describe how a kid feels when it rains on his birthday, and to describe how somebody feels the minute before they commit suicide,” said Andy Puddicombe in his TED Talk, Headspace.

Clinical depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is a diagnosable disease that can last for years even when treated by medication or therapy. It kills thousands of Americans each year, and can keep those living with it constrained to a bed. And while it is different in effect and visibility, clinical depression is as much a disease as diabetes. So unless you also diagnose

“ graphic by Austin

Banzon

VISIT WWW.AFSP.ORG TO LEARN ABOUT SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS.

yourself with diabetes on a daily basis, you should not be labeling yourself with an undiagnosed mental illness.

“It probably makes them feel even worse because they feel like their illness is being made into a joke,” Coppell High School junior Maggie Lazaroski said, “But I also think that it’s so ingrained into [culture] that people don’t really take a second look at it, which also demerits the plea of the people who are depressed because it’s always been made a joke, so their issues aren’t taken as seriously.”

“I want to die”, “this made me depressed,” and other comments have become common on social media and in day to day conversation. The constant use makes it difficult to know who really means it or who is just feeling down.

There should be immediate and considerable concern when someone says they want to kill themselves, but because of the broad definition that people give to the vocabulary of mental illness, intent is near impossible to separate from humorous comments.

Being transparent about symptoms with friends and family is increasingly difficult as cries for help are mixed with status updates posted for likes. Shoulders one might hope to lean on are shaking with laughter as they mistake a confession with a quirky comment.

And while the flow of conversation is constant, it is counterproductive. Instead of finding solace, it buries the help people need. Instead of concerning conversation being a red light, a symptom, a sign, it is, instead, a joke. Rather than emphasizing the importance of further studies on treatment, it belittles a lifelong struggle.

The vocabulary of mental illness should be used with the weight it puts onto those who endure it. It is only with that weight on our tongue that we can begin to pull it from the shoulders of others.

STOP LAUGHING AND GET HELP IF A FRIEND OR CLASSMATE SAYS THEY WANT TO DIE. THEY MIGHT JUST MEAN IT. -Amelia Vanyo

”

10

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Desire to

Explore

Kumar sets stage for promising career with scientific cancer research

F

rom the graduating class of 2019, Coppell High School’s Bhoomika Kumar is the most likely to cure cancer.

Kumar has been working on a science fair project to find a novel small molecule that can lower levels of tenascin-c, a protein that causes cancer cells to spread, by using bioinformatic screening and affinity modifications to en-

‘‘

PreAP/GT Biology teacher Cathy Douglas taught Bhoomika as a freshman and fondly recollects memories from last year.

“I remember, it was the first week of school last year when [Bhoomika] came in after school and wanted to talk about science fair even before [the class] had even started [working on science fair],” Douglas said. “She’s just so tenacious, its incredible. Her enthusiasm for science is contagious. ” Douglas continues to enjoy interacting with her this year as the

She’s just so tenacious, it is incredible. Her enthusiasm for science is contagious.

Cathy Douglas, Biology teacher

sure the drug targets a specific part of the protein.

Put in simpler terms, her science fair project delves into one aspect of curing cancer.

Kumar has an exceptional academic record as a straight A student, but strives to explore science outside of classroom walls.

‘‘

written by Akila Muthukumar Staff Writer @akilam29

school science fair lead teacher as Kumar chose to participate even when it was not required of her. “[Kumar] takes a concept or idea and just runs with it,” Douglas said. “When she has these ideas and thoughts related to the medical field, she attacks [them] with all she’s got. She puts more than 110 percent [into] what she does. I love that sparkle in her eye, especially when [talking] to her about science.”

Kumar’st father, Ajay Kumar, thinks science fair has helped her improve many character traits, such as patience and responsibility as well. “[Science fair] has really

helped her,” Mr. Kumar said.

“When she was in sixth grade and she first began [researching], it helped her as a person, not just as a biology student. Her character [developed].”

Kumar’s parents have remained supportive of her goals and remind her to take care of health and other obligations as well. “[I] encourage her,” Mr. Kumar said. “I try to help her by asking her to balance [research] with other academic responsibilities. It can be challenging.”

Kumar has won first place in her respective categories at school science fairs and won numerous honors regional fairs, but the awards mean less to her than the impact she makes. “[There are] two things that motivated me,” Kumar said. “[First], I had a family member who went through cancer and this was my first sparking moment.

Second, I watch and read the news a lot and realized that there was so much research, but there still hasn’t been a cure and there’s a lot more to do so I decided to do what I can.”

Bioinformatics, the science of collecting and analyzing biological data such as genetic codes, was an applicable field that caught Kumar’s interest when she began trying to make a difference “Bioinformatics came along the way,” Kumar said. “[My current project] has been the biggest one that I have gotten into.”

The research process can often be frustrating, filled with dead ends and unexpected changes that must be accommodated in a short time span. “[The most challenging aspect] is when we have everything planned out, but there is always something that doesn’t work out,”

Kumar said. “This happened a lot towards the beginning [of my research] when I would plan everything. In this [bioinformatics] project, there has been a problem at every step.”

Kumar said when met with an obstacle, she researches extensively to find a solution.

“It is difficult to find research journals to find alternative methods to a procedure,” Kumar said.

“Sometimes you need new information [to troubleshoot].”

At the culmination of a tiresome and demanding project, Kumar remembers why she first began and why she continued to persevere through difficult setbacks.

“It’s really rewarding when the

work is complete,” Kumar said.

“You can reflect on the accomplishment.”

While Kumar has a personal and relevant connection to cancer research, eventually is ready to branch out and would like to explore more scientific disciplines with goals that extend well past high school.

“I hope my methods are a baseline for the medical field, not just cancer research, but overall in many other fields,” Kumar said.

“I hope to take [my work] into in vivo in several more years. I know there is a long way to go to make [my cure] an FDA approved drug.

[I want to] start my own company for [creating] cancer preventing vaccines.”

photo courtesy Bhoomika Kumar Coppell High School sophomore Bhoomika Kumar’s goal is to find a cure for cancer. Kumar stands in front of her triboard display at the 2016 Dallas Regional Science Fair competition at Fair Park.

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Passion takes flight

11

Lee seeks to take on piloting career inspired by grandparents’ past experiences written by Jessica Jun Staff Writer @jesse_jun16 He sat down eagerly as his grandpa and older cousins told their stories. From stories about the Vietnam War to the sharing

about the life of a pilot, with each word, his smile grew bigger and fascination for airplanes grew deeper.

Captivated by the stories of a pilot’s life, Coppell High School junior Sangjun Lee made the decision to pursue a career as a pilot at age 9.

photo courtesy Sangjun

Lee

Coppell High School junior Sangjun Lee visits an aeronautical university in Korea at age 9. Lee has been interested in becoming a pilot due to his grandfather’s experience in the Vietnam War living behind the air base.

“In Korea, for elementary students, a pilot is not a common dream job and we never learn about it, but my grandpa fought in the Vietnam War as a soldier and commander of missiles and I became so fascinated by it,” Lee said. “Where I lived, there was literally a fence between my grandpa’s house and the military base camp so I could actually see what the soldiers were doing.”

Lee’s interest spurred when his cousin shared his experiences as a soldier and pilot.

“When my cousin came to Korea as a soldier and pilot, I saw him wearing a really cool uniform and right then, I knew that I wanted to be a pilot,” Lee said. “His son is also a pilot and they always tell me about how they are trained and he even gave me a batch of his military base camp stuff. It’s so exciting.”

In addition to his ambitious character, CHS senior Chulmin Han has taken notice in his worth ethic and reliability.

“Sangjun is a very hardworking and dependable person and I know that I can always rely on him,” Han said. “What’s really warming to see is that whenever he talks about his dream to anyone, he always lights up with a big smile. He knows that there’s a chance he may not be able to become a

pilot, but he’s still extremely excited to be able to pursue his dream in that area and it’s really good to see that.”

From building to flying airplanes, Lee finds many things enjoyable and fascinating in the aeronautical field.

“I love how they work and how new airplanes are being invented by companies, especially those being used in the Air Force,” Lee said. “I used to do research contests for different airline companies and the way they’re making and changing the airplane functions to adjust to the passenger’s comfort and convenience is really cool.”

As Lee hopes to find himself piloting an airplane in his future, mother Heejung Lee has also learned to see his potential and follow through with his goal as a supporter.

“I’m most scared for his safety,” Mrs. Lee said. “But I look forward to seeing him learn about both success and failure.

There will be many things he experiences, but through any difficulties he encounters while pursuing this career, I hope he will learn how to overcome them.”

Despite the dangers a pilot must face in his career, Lee maintains a positive perspective and plans to push through till the end.

Everybody has a story

Gil de Ieyva finds acceptance, ability to give back to community through faith written by Farah Merchant Staff Writer @farahmerchant_ Coppell High School senior Daniela Gil de Ieyva has always found solace in her Catholic faith. Throughout high school, her piety has increased and she can even see missionary work in her future.

Though Gil de Ieyva has always been religious, she began to prioritize her faith when she entered middle school.

“When she was about 12 years old, she asked for a Bible,” Gil de Ieyva’s mother, Liliana Guajardo, said. “We had one, but it was for adults. She asked for a Bible.

She got it for Christmas. That was one of her Christmas presents. I actually have a picture of her on Christmas day laying on the carpet and reading the Bible.”

At St. Ann, Gil de Ieyva joined the High School Ministry (HSM), a youth group dedicated to help teens grow in their Catholic faith.

“Once I started going to HSM, I met a lot of people. The people at my church, my youth ministers have helped me a lot with my faith and growing,” Gil de leyva said.

As Gil de Ieyva felt more accepted in her church, she began to dedicate more

and more time to her faith. As the summer before her sophomore year began, she spent the a few weeks in Laredo, Texas building homes for those in need.

The mission trip occurs every summer for a couple of weeks. The volunteers take a charter bus to Laredo, Texas and build homes for those in need. During Gil de Ieyva’s first year she painted a house, made a bathroom, and fixed a ceiling.

Along with helping those in need, Gil de Ieyva was able connect with other church members helping out in Laredo.

“These experiences have brought me to my closest friends,” Gil de Ieyva said. “My first trip into Laredo, I met a lot of my best friends. I think it’s amazing how I made friend in church and how we build each other up and care about each other. These friendships are those I’m always gonna love and they’re always gonna be there.”

At Laredo, Gil de Ieyva met Coppell High School junior Natalie Henderson.

Henderson and Gil de Ieyva seemed to have a strong connection.

“Her faith [is inspiring],” Henderson said. “Everything she does is based off of her faith. I think that’s one of the great qualities she has. If you need help and you go to her with something, she will always

answer with something about faith. She’s so kind and caring. She cares so deeply about people, which not a lot of people do. She cares about strangers, even if she doesn’t know.”

Gil de Ieyva plans on spreading her religious beliefs to places outside this country. After college, Gil de Ieyva wants to travel to Peru and spreading the word

of God. “I really love spending my time there and I know that whatever career I’m in, I want to be centered around my faith,” Gil de leyva said. “After college or maybe next year, I’ll do a gap year and do missionary work. I want to go to Peru or other countries to help build and evangelize my faith.”

photo by Amanda Hair Coppell High School senior Daniela Gil De Ieyva poses in front of the fountain at St. Ann’s Catholic Parish on Jan. 24. Gil de Ieyva has developed a passion for ministry work through involvement in her church.

12

13

The Vintage House stands as fun gift shop, historic cornerstone written by Meara Isenberg Editor-in-Chief @mearaannee Driving down Belt Line road in Downtown Carrollton, there is a house almost impossible to miss. Dubbed “the pink house” by customers, The Vintage House has stood out as a creative community shop for almost 30 years.

The owner and founder of the shop, Nan Walvoord, opened the house in 1988 as an antique shop. A stay at home mom and former teacher, Walvoord did not expect business to take off as it did.

“I opened the shop because my youngest child was a senior in high school, and I didn’t want to have that empty nest syndrome that I’d seen a lot of my friends have when they didn’t have kids at home anymore,” Walvoord said.

Over the years, The Vintage House became a gift shop. Though three floors high and filled with unique items, what

stands out most about the house is its history.

More than 100 years old, the House is the oldest building in historic Downtown Carrollton. It was Walvoord, however, that gave it the touch it needed to become The Vintage House.

“It was my idea to paint the house pink,” Walvoord said. “We can’t change the color, because everyone expects it to be pink.”

Although the house makes an impact from the outside, it’s the customers inside that impact Walvoord most, and keep her working daily at the Carrollton cornerstone.

“One of the most fun things is that we’ve seen people come here with their little kids buying beanie babies, and now the little kids are grown up and they come with their little kids,” Walvoord said.

The Vintage House is located at 1101 Belt Line Rd in Carrollton.

photos by Sakshi

Nature’s Gallery shares unique rock, mineral treasures with Downtown Carrollton community written by Kelly Wei Staff Designer @kellylinwei On a warm spring afternoon in downtown Carrollton, Nature’s Gallery sits quaintly among an attractive row of small stores, the plain, worn and white building outwardly modest and seemingly to boast of nothing particularly extraordinary within.

However, a step inside the shop would immediately prove otherwise.

Inside, shelves upon shelves of stones line the walls and are situated interspersedly throughout the room.

Rocks and gems of every color, size,

shape and texture imaginable lie next to one another - some are cut to reveal vivid innards, others already gorgeous on the surface.

These minerals come not only from all across the United States, but internationally as well. Mines in Mexico, China, Brazil and Pakistan have all contributed something to this establishment in the 23 years it has thrived.

“For sure, [this is interesting], especially in downtown Carrollton,” Carrollton resident Shelby Walston said. “You don’t even find this in a lot of cities, but to find it here is definitely unique.”

An avid rock collector since grade school, store owner Donald Slater

Located between a barber shop and an empty parking lot, the Ivy Cottage in Old Town Coppell stands out with its blue trim and simple sign.

The door of the store is always hanging open and beckoning customers to take a look inside the quaint boutique.

Inside lies unique shelves of different sizes and various colors splashed against light blue walls, displaying jewelry, candles and Vera Bradley handbags.

These items are selected by Cynthia Cheek, owner of the Ivy Cottage, specifically based off of customer tastes.

“She ask the employers what cus-

written by Fiona Koshy Staff Writer @fionakoshy10

photo by Meara

Isenberg

Vintage lunch boxes, unique face masks and themed playing cards may not be the first things that come to mind when thinking of a candy shop.

Blooms Candy & Soda Pop Shop, however, is an exception.

Nestled in the Old Square of Downtown Carrollton, the local business is filled with all sorts of candies and sodas from different decades.

Interspersed throughout the sweet treats are vintage knick knacks making Blooms the ideal place to spend an afternoon, sifting through its hidden treasures.

Originally a flower and candy store, the shop came to fruition in 2010 when its owners recognized their preference towards the candy aspect of the store.

“We were having a lot more fun with [candy] than flowers,” co-owner Nicole Meadows said. “We were being pulled in multiple directions because all of us

that were partners at that time worked other full time jobs and were maintaining the business in the evenings and on weekends.”

With its diverse selection, locals and newcomers alike are bound to find something they love.

“I love finding weird unique things that will get a reaction out of somebody, either make them laugh or bring back good memories from when they were a kid, really anything that elicits feeling,” Meadows said.

The store has given Meadows and her co-workers a sense of joy in cultivating relationships with and seeing growth among their customers. “[It is] crazy seeing kids… that would ride their bikes up here every weekend, spend 50 cents and get a box of Nerds come back six years later and they’re in high school,” Meadows said.

“Realizing that you’re having that kind of an effect on somebody’s growing up just warms your heart.”

Blooms Candy and Soda shop is located at 1106 W Main St. in Carrollton.

Venkatraman

The Ivy Cottage greets locals with simple charm, hand-picked clothing written by Farah Merchant Staff Writer @farahmerchant_

Blooms Candy & Soda Pop Shop sweetens downtown Carrollton square

worked in the oil industry and sold minerals on the side before the consolidation of his business to Houston prompted Slater to open his own shop.

“We decided to come step in here because in [my child’s] geology class, they’ve been studying rocks,” said Walston, father to a 9-year-old son. “I thought this was a great opportunity to come in here and let him look around.”

Slater was not readily available for comment.

Nature’s Gallery is located at 1102 S Elm St, in Carrollton.

tomers ask for what they’re looking around for,” Ivy Cottage employee Jordan Gleason said. “[From there] she has her own sites where she orders from.”

Cheek opened the store 20 years ago in a different location, but new developments brought her to Old Town.

The idea behind downsizing was to bring a more small town feel that seemed attractive to many of her loyal customers.

“Somebody said something about being a customer in the Ivy Cottage for over 20 years and going to all her different locations,” Gleason said. “ I think having another locally owned business helps the local economy.”

The Ivy Cottage is located at 446 West Bethel Road.

photo by Fiona

Koshy

photo by Amelia

Vanyo

Down to earth dinner: Quincy’s Chicken Shack place to relax, enjoy comfort food written by Amelia Vanyo Staff Writer @ameliavanyo

photo by Meara

Isenberg

Whether you are in the barn style restaurant or outdoors on the patio listening to live music, Quincy’s Chicken Shack feels more like a home than a restaurant. The down to earth atmosphere and comfort food is exactly what owner and chef Quincy Hart is going for.

“It’s not your common everyday, walk in, stand in a line chicken restaurant,” Hart said.

Paired with the rustic decor, the Old Town Coppell restaurant, which

opened in November, is a family-style sit down serving fried and rotisserie chicken alongside corn, rolls, potatoes and an assortment of other stomach filling foods. Hart modelled his chicken shack off of how he remembers eating at his grandmother’s.

“We bring out your entrees and you pass the basket down and grab whatever piece you want because that’s how my grandma did it,” Hart said. “So that was the concept, that I wanted people to feel like they were at their grandmothers.”

His cooking takes inspiration from his grandmother as well.

“She didn’t have a big rotisserie device back there like we have, she just

battered and fried chicken,” Hart said.

“Her seasoning was the middle of her hand it wasn’t a measuring spoon. I used to try to dispute her measurements and say ‘grandma that’s not a tablespoon’ she would put what was in the palm of her hand and pour it into a tablespoon and nothing would fall out.”

The environment suits anyone and the food is crafted with the same attention to detail.

“We pour our heart and soul into everything we come up with as far as the recipes,” Hart said. “You wouldn’t want to serve anyone anything you wouldn’t eat yourself.”

The Chicken Shack is located at 505 Houston St. in Coppell.

14

THE SIDEKICK

HUMANS OF CHS

photo by Amanda

“The food, the music and the clothes, everything is just so beautiful and it falls into place and I can actually embrace my culture. It’s just amazing to be a part of the Afghani culture.

I am very proud to call myself Afghani.

I get people to guess where I’m from and they never guess Afghanistan. People don’t know what Afghanistan is, they just know it’s a country of war. So I like telling them what Afghanistan really is and that what

Hair

the media shows is wrong.

Obviously, there is good and bad in every culture, but from my experience, my family is very cultured. We’re not self centered, we’re open-minded to many things which is something that people don’t show, and we’re usually very happy people. I do wish to visit and travel there to see where my family grew up, but I’d love to go when everything calms down back home.”

-Mursal Naimi, sophomore

photo by Kelly

Wei

march 2017

photo by Kelly

“Coming from a family where people perm their hair all the time and for me to shave off all my hair so I can have my own hair, just for [people] to say that- it really makes me feel ugly. It’s a huge choice. As a black person, the amount of times I’ve felt ugly in my lifetime- it’s just made me less.

There are so many times when you just feel so downright ugly. And it’s because of how people just want to be completely ignorant on how we have to carry ourselves

Monaghan

and have to have a certain look about ourselves. It’s just that people don’t understand that and they need to start understanding that. It’s our culture. We wear it to protect our hair; it’s a hairstyle. But from that, it’s evolved into ways that we’ve found to make it look fashionable, to make it look good for us. But to me, right now, my hair is very tame. And I am actually kind of happy with it.”

-Tiffany Adedayo, senior

15

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Road less traveled

Donaldson drives start-up golf cart refurbishing business toward success written by Lina Pyon Co-Social Media Manager @linaapyon It was raining when Coppell High School seniors Thomas Donaldson and Skyler Seidman approached the street, now flooded with water, with unusually large cargo to get across.

“We took the top off one golf cart and tied it to the back of another cart and pulled each other and rode around the street on top of the water,” Seidman said. “We were just messing around.”

That cart, however, was later fixed up and made into another sale for Tom Carts, a self-started business by Coppell High School senior Thomas Donaldson, who gets help from friends such as Seidman.

“What I do is take older golf carts and fix them up and resell them,” Donaldson said. “By fixing them up I mean: repainting, fixing the cosmetics, putting new batteries in - basically making them look and run good.”

Donaldson’s carts are different from other businesses because he customizes the cart based on what the buyer wants.

“I’ll take a small, normal golf cart that you’ll see on a golf course and [the customers] come to me and say ‘I need it this color, I want it lifted, I want these wheels’ and then they always give me a sort of creative freedom for me to come in and really make it my own,” Donaldson said.

This process, which requires at least 1015 hours plus planning, tends to take up a

photo by Meara Isenberg Coppell High School senior Thomas Donaldson fixes cars for his start-up buisness Tom Carts. He sells carts through his website, Tomcarts.com, where those interested can design their own cart.

graphic by Austin

Banzon

photo by Meara Isenberg Coppell High School senior Thomas Donaldson works on one of his golf carts in his backyard for Tom Carts, a self run business he began on his own. Donaldson refurbishes the golf carts and sells them for profit.

lot of time, yet Donaldson finds a way to balance that with his high school work.

“You know, it is difficult at times but it’s really a passion of mine,” Donaldson said.

“School obviously comes first and I have to get what’s needed in the classroom done, but I really look at it as my spare time and it’s more of a fun thing than work for me.”

Although Donaldson didn’t start refurbishing golf carts for profit until high school, his affinity for handywork and business started young.

“The whole thing started, before I started fixing up golf carts, I bought and sold motor scooters and skateboards and penny boards, and then once I had enough money to buy my first golf cart I did,” Donaldson said. “There’s not a certain reason, but I’ve always been intrigued with fixing things and I’m kind of a natural entrepreneur, I’ve always had that in my blood.”

Though he may have started Tom Carts on his own, he gained success through rocky beginnings and the help of friends.

“The first golf cart I bought I actually lost $50 on it, but I learned a lot from it,” Donaldson said. “I tried to spend too much money on a paint job that people really didn’t want and I went back and looked for what people are really willing to pay for and how much that costs me, and that is the only cart I have lost money on.”

Seidman explains his maturation since he first began dabbling in his business.

“It’s really crazy because it started out with him and his dad in eighth grade,” Se-

idman said. “They bought a cart and they worked on it together and he’s just enjoyed it so much that he keeps buying and selling and buying and selling, so it’s kind of cool to see how it’s developed from a little hobby into an actual business.”

Seidman first began to help Donaldson when he saw how hard he was working with multiple carts in Donaldson’s garage.

With his help, Donaldson had the extra hands to expand his business even further.

After starting out with one cart order, he now works on up to 10 carts at a time.

Donaldson has established himself as a successful business owner at a young age, and has learned much from those close to him. His dad, Paul Donaldson, is not just a role model, but also a businessman who owns a firm that specializes in senior housing communities.

“My dad also runs a business, and it’s really great because he’s got a ton of knowledge on this and he’s always tried to help me but not do it for me, he’s always one to offer me advice,” Donaldson said.

Donaldson’s father has seen Tom Carts since its inception and bolstered its success.

“The biggest advice I have for him is to guard his reputation,” Mr. Donaldson said. “It’s always best to underpromise and overdeliver. He is learning about sales and dealing with customers that have spent thousands of dollars. In addition, Thomas has hired several really great friends to help him when the workload allows, which is another aspect of development - to manage

and plan the work so his team is effective and happy about helping. His commitment to great design, all relationships and execution is key to future business.”

While his father has guided him through the world of business, Donaldson has learned most from his own experiences.

“Most people ask if I taught him about mechanics and how to build, actually that is the part that comes natural for him,” Mr. Donaldson said. “I cannot take any credit, Thomas is the founder of Tom Carts.”

Donaldson was fortunate enough to discover his interest and create something triumphant with it.

“We are very proud of the business he has developed on many levels because we did not tell him to get a job,” Mr. Donaldson said. “He simply discovered a passion for building and developed the skills necessary to do it, which takes initiative and willingness to take risks, and all of these lessons will transcend this business and carry over to the career he chooses.”

He hopes that others will do the same if they maintain one vital characteristic.

“Passion is a big word and I think passion is the most important part of any business because if you really do feel passionate about something then it’s not necessarily work,” Donaldson said. “I challenge other kids and young entrepreneurs to find something they are passionate about and figure out how to make money by doing it, so that they are able to be productive about it.”

16

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

More than a binge 2017

TV-PG

X

115 min

Netflix astonishing growth provides new opportunities written by Kathryn Rudd Entertainment Editor @rudd_kathryn It should not be too much of a surprise when Netflix reported 75 million viewers at the start of 2016 alone. However, the growth that the television and movie streaming platform has made within the past five years - more than 55 million subscribers - may come as a shock to those enthralled in their nightly binge.

The $6.78 billion made last year has been put to good use. Investing $5 billion in over 100 original series, movies and short films, Netflix has been providing its audiences content we didn’t know we wanted. From quarter one in 2015 to quarter one in 2016, over 20 million subscribers have joined, putting its United States number above 85 million.

“In 2017, we intend to release over 1,000 hours of premium original programming, up from over 600 hours this year,” Netflix analyst Thomas Ruetgers told CNBC. In 2010, Netflix was reserved for the few people who found it necessary and may have found the prices of cable not worth the lost time unable to enjoy more than 2,000 channels. Users have been reported to avoid 160 hours of advertisements per year and the 86.7 million subscribers reported from October 2016 spend 10 billion hours a month binge watching their favorite shows.

“Because it has so many options, even older series, it allows teenagers to watch them and connect with other people who enjoy the same things,” Coppell High School senior Rhea Tibrewal said.

Similar to other students at CHS, Tibrewal has made a nightly Netflix session a

part of her routine.

Today, as many view the service as a necessity, customers and producers alike utilize Netflix as a creative outlet, full of opportunities to make something that the primary cable networks may not think to pick up.

According to the company, series like “Stranger Things”, “The OA” are both produced and owned by Netflix, represent the content that will distinguish Netflix, thanks to appeal in multiple demographics.

NBC, ABC and CBS have all made their fair share of crime series, political dramas and adult cartoons, but the list of Netflix original series have ranged from almost any genre that comes to mind.

With the variety of series and movies ranging from hits such as the comedy “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”, crime documentary “Making a Murderer” , historical drama “The Crown” and a long list of comedians having their content featured on the site, the refreshing selection has made the streaming giant a network viewers and creators can take comfort in.

“Distribution is completely changing,” AP Human Geography teacher Andrew Patterson said. “Networks like these are rewriting the platform of independent film making because of things like Netflix.”

Patterson has also produced, written and directed three full length films.

“People who are not burdened by waiting for a follow through by a group of three networks have so much more opportunity for a door to be opened,” Patterson said.

In the upcoming year, the audience can only imagine how this mainstream website will provide viewers with non-mainstream content and which opportunities creators might find.

OVERVIEW

Most anticipated original series in 2017

EPISODES

photo by Chloe

Navarro

The international streaming service Netflix reported 86.7 million subscribers in fall 2016. Over the past five years, subscriber and original content has grown substantially, causing a major impact for viewers and creators alike.

MORE LIKE THIS

DETAILS graphics by Sruthi

Boppuri

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Hopkins shares chapters of her past

17

Bestselling author brings inspiration to CHS students with her books, life stories written by Wren Lee Staff Designer @laurenwrenlee

You would never think author Ellen Hopkins, with her bright and bubbly attitude, has gone through life’s hardships.

She smiles easily and leans in to whisper as if she has known you all her life.

Hopkins has firsthand experience dealing with some of the topics addressed in her books. Her first book, Crank, is the story of Kristina, a girl who gets addicted to methamphetamine.

“[Crank, Glass, and Fallout, the books following Kristina] are about 60 percent fact, 40 percent fiction,” Hopkins said. “Real life comes to play in a lot of my books.”

Her daughter Cristal, whom Kristina is loosely based off of, left for a trip to visit her father, Hopkins’ ex-husband and a fellow cocaine addict, and came back with a meth addiction.

“On that two week summer visit with her dad, a guy she met talked her into trying crystal meth,” Hopkins said. “And her dreams were gone. Her dream was computer animation. She wanted to work

photo by Hannah Tucker

Young adult author Ellen Hopkins signs a copy of her book The You I’ve Never Known for one of her student readers on Wednesday in the Coppell High School library. Hopkins visited CHS to talk to the creative writing classes about her books, which are influenced by real life events.

The Sidekick Strip

for Pixar or Dreamworks. But instead she came home with a meth addiction.

Her dreams were gone. Just like that.”

Cristal’s story is meant as a warning for her readers who are mostly young adults.

At the time, Cristal went through rehabilitation, but she did not get better, partly because she did not want to get better.

She drifted in and out of prison, giving birth to many children to different fathers, who most went under the care of Hopkins.

Currently, she is not taking any drugs.

“I came to writing for young adults because of my kid,” Hopkins said. “So I wanted to write a book to keep people from getting into the same trouble she got in.”

And readers understand her message.

“I learned that some books can be deeper than they seem,” Coppell High School junior Casie Wilford said. “They can actually be true and affect real people how they live today and where they are.”

Furthermore, Hopkins’ relationship after the one with Cristal’s father was abusive. Her newest book, The You I’ve Never Known, is based off of that relationship. The man in that relationship kidnapped their daughter Kelly and kept her for three years.

Hopkins’ advice for people in an abusive relationship? Run. “You cannot fix them. You cannot change them. Get out,” Hopkins said.

When she is not writing, Hopkins gardens and watches baseball.

“For me, to work my body, either gardening or taking a run with my dog or sometimes just a hot tub to just get away from the computer,” Hopkins said.

“That kind of loosens up the creative part of your brain when you’re working your body. That’s kinda of my therapy.”

Growing up, Hopkins was surrounded by celebrities because she lived in Palm Springs, Calif. Once she got the chance to meet Elvis Presley because her younger brother was selling Cub Scout tickets.

“We were ringing random doorbells,” Hopkinds said. “And Elvis was behind a big, giant wall compound, but the gates are open. So we’re walking up to Presley’s door. And he answered the door in his boxers. I saw Presley in his underwear. It was not attractive.”

Hopkins was adopted when she was a baby, but literature was major part of her genes. Her biological mother, whom she found in 2000, was a scriptwriter for Walt Disney.

“Our first exchange once we reconnected was she wrote me a poem about leaving a baby behind,” Hopkins said. “And I wrote a poem about what it was like being that baby left behind.”

Even her adopted mother, who was interested in theater and Shakespeare, was an avid reader.

Hopkins was also an avid reader. Early on, she even read chapter books before kindergarten. Her reading then translated to writing, and in seventh grade, her teacher once told her that she would be a writer one day.

“I write because it’s something I’ve had to do,” Hopkins said. “It’s just something that pours from me.

It’s my heart. I couldn’t not write.”

18

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Slices of Coppell for home, eating out Simple salmon recipe to maintain New Year’s Resolution

Recently, I have become more health conscious and have started to limit my intake of red meats. Salmon is a great lean meat seeing as each ounce has no more than 60 calories depending on the the region it is from. I used wild Atlantic salmon which has 51 calories per ounce. Here is a homemade lemon salmon recipe I created by combining my favorite spices and sides into a meal: Simple and Sweet Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa and Baked Sweet Potatoes.

Ingredients Three 8-ounce salmon filets graphic by Kelly

1 large lemon Four sprigs of cilantro 1 cup of quinoa 5-7 sweet mini peppers 2 large sweet potatoes 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Sprinkle of salt Sprinkle of pepper Salmon Preheat oven to 450 degrees Place filets skin side down on baking sheet.

Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper over filets.

Squeeze ½ lemon evenly onto filets.

Marinate 25 minutes covered in fridge.

Slice four sprigs of cilantro and place on top of salmon.

Bake 14-16 minutes until salmon is fully cooked.

Roasted Peppers Chop peppers into small pieces.

Place in medium sized saucepan and lightly season with olive oil.

Let peppers cook 7-9 minutes on medium heat.

Lower heat to simmer and stir constantly.

Remove to cool when timer ends.

Lightly squeeze lemon on top of peppers; careful not to add too much.

Quinoa Pour quinoa into 2 cups of water in large pot.

Bring to a boil.

Lower heat to simmer for 15 minutes.

Quinoa will absorb water and look soft when fully cooked.

Sprinkle olive oil on quinoa when finished cooking.

Leave on simmer to keep warm.

Sweet Potatoes Rinse sweet potatoes.

Cover in foil.

Place in preheated oven at 450 degrees.

Bake 45 minutes.

When finished, add cinnamon.

When quinoa and peppers are done cooking, pour the peppers into the quinoa and mix.

Wei

Fortune House provides Shanghainese cuisine to local diners written by Rutuja Joshi Staff Writer @rutuja_joshi After living in Texas for 13 years, I’ve often felt the lack of international cuisine.

For some, chain restaurants such as Chipotle and Pei Wei fill the void. For others, the empty space has been slowly filled by new and unique restaurants filling the Dallas area. Fortune House, a traditional Chinese/ Shanghainese restaurant in Valley Ranch, is one of those restaurants.

Walking into the restaurant, I was immediately fascinated by its design.

The restaurant is slightly dim with red lanterns and pops of gold decorations, truly adding to its traditional aura. The set-

graphic by Kelly

Wei

ting is fairly casual, so it’s perfect for a fun hangout spot with friends and family.

Shanghainese food is especially popular for one specific dish – Xiao Long Bao, also known as soup dumplings. Inside the dumpling is a pork filling with hot soup.

Fortune House serves eight dumplings for just $9.99. Though the dumpling skin is a bit thicker than preferred, the soup is perfectly made. The dish is great comfort food to have especially in cold weather. I recommend this dish to anyone craving some Xiao Long Bao closer to home.

The medium sized wonton soup ($8.50) has a chicken broth base with steamed pork wontons. For those who enjoy lighter meals with less striking flavor, this dish is wonderful. I prefer a deep variety of flavor and spices, so this dish is one that I didn’t particularly favor.

The pan fried thick noodle with shredded pork and soy sauce, which I requested a light amount of, is priced at $10.99. This dish is absolutely delicious. The texture of the noodles is very chewy and the flavors

are deep and spicy. The noodles are also cooked with spinach, which adds a nice green kick to the meal.

The soup dumplings are definitely the highlight of the dinner. Because of its unique construction and mout h-water ing soup, I’ll definitely be back for more.

Next, the thick noodles are also a great meal for those who like a truly flavorful dish. The wonton soup is not the best, but it would probably appeal more to others who prefer lighter options.

What tops the Fortune House experience is the roots of the restaurant. Established by Lucy Yong, who grew up in Shanghai, Fortune House isn’t just another westernized Chinese restaurant. While there are certainly Americanized dishes, the traditional roots remain strong in the culture’s signature dishes.

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

From the stage to the screen

19

Resurrection of musicals in popular culture produces unique, exciting movies written by Rutuja Joshi Staff Writer @rutuja_joshi

graphic by Austin

Banzon

Grease (1978) is known for its dance scenes and musical numbers, similar to La La Land which hit theaters in 2016 and has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards. Once forgotten, musicals are returning to popular culture through live reprisals of classics and children’s films.

Musicals are seeing a new golden age.

With the heightened popularities of Broadway productions such as “Hamilton” and musical films such as Into the Woods and La La Land, a new wave of musicals is taking popular culture. Film adaptations of stage musicals, such as Les Miserables have also proliferated. Over 12 million viewers watched Fox’s Grease: Live. But why?

After the 1950s, the popularity of musicals waned. While Grease and Dirty Dancing sparked people’s interests, the wave of enthusiasm was nothing compared to that from 1943-1959, the true golden age of musicals. Although, it is worth considering if we are living in a new age.

Disney is capitalizing on film musicals, as it has done for years. Frozen, released in 2013 and Zootopia, released in 2016, both highlight issues that extend from fruitless children’s topics. These musical films connect to adult viewers as they even critique social and political issues.

“I was impressed by Zootopia because the movie’s true themes centered on immigration and sexism,” Coppell High School senior Amela Pjetrovic said. “Disney has

great power because they can introduce these heavy subjects to children through light and playful musicals.”

But musicals do not just grab the attention of the youth. According to The New York Times, “Hamilton” set a record for the highest grossing production in a week on Broadway ever. Grossing more than $3 million in an eight-show week, the play was highly acclaimed.

“I loved seeing the story of a Founding Father in the form of a musical,” CHS senior Pam Mason said. “A musical is much more interesting than a documentary.”

Though musicals have continued in production for decades, only recently have they re-entered the topical interest of pop culture. Though musicals and movies can convey the same messages, musicals have the additional flair of singing and dancing, which appeals to many people today.

Whether watching a musical film in theatres, viewing a Broadway production in New York City, or seeing a live reprisal of a classic on TV, musicals continue to capture people’s attention decades after the peak of their popularity. With highly anticipated musicals such as Beauty and the Beast releasing on March 17, it is worth predicting that this new age of musicals will not be dying soon.

Baudelaire family tale comes to life

“A Series of Unfortunate Events” storyline does justice to beloved book series

written by Fiona Koshy Staff Writer @fionakoshy10 After nearly 18 years since the first book came out and 12 years since the adapted movie, it comes with great excitement that season one of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” was released online on Jan. 13.

A Netflix original series, the show is based off of the popular book series written

by Daniel Handler, more commonly known by his pseudonym, Lemony Snicket.

The show unfolds through the eyes of Snicket who, along with frequent warnings to “look away” and avoid watching such a dreadful tale, comes along with the viewers on the journey through the Baudelaire children’s lives.

The Baudelaire family consists of three children, Violet (Malina Weissman), Klaus (Louis Hynes) and Sunny (Presley Smith).

Their lives are relatively normal until the children learn from family banker, Mr. Poe, that their parents have died in a fire. Orphaned, the Baudelaire children are taken from home to home, experiencing misfortune after misfortune as Mr. Poe attempts to find a suitable guardian.

The main villain of the season is Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), a wicked man who will do anything it takes to strip the children of their inherited fortune. As the story progresses, Count Olaf and his relentless posse continue to interject themselves into the children’s homes in an effort to make their lives miserable.

As the show progresses, however, viewers learn there may be more than just affluence attached to the Baudelaire name.

Harris, who produced and acted in the show, aims to stay true to the book while still creating a thrilling, mystical show.

From the start, the eye catching set design and intricate costumes peak my interest. Count Olaf ’s numerous disguises do not disappoint in their creativity and whimsical nature.

Accompanied by gothic style music and Snicket’s matter-of-fact narration, watching the show makes me feel as if I had stepped right into the books themselves

and was right alongside the characters. Every other episode begins with a modified version of the theme song, “Look Away,” which provides a clever little glimpse into the book that will b e covered.

Although

season progressed. Their formal diction and put together demeanor are what make the Baudelaires stand amongst children their age.

Having read the books when I was younger, I feel as though the show brings creativity to what is originally a more dark and serious storyline. While a bit grim at points, this show can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Overall, the first season of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” was gripping and left me with high hopes for season two.

t h e y were a bit stiff and awkward at first, b o t h We i s s man and H y n e s grew into their characters as the graphic by Wren Lee The popular book series “A Series of Unfortunate Events” became a Netflix series, airing on Jan. 13. Neil Patrick Harris produced and acted in the magical adaptation of the Baudelaires’ story.

20 Perseverance, dedication to service reflect Blackburn’s military past, mental fortitude

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

or almost a year, the pain that permeates assistant soccer coach David Blackburn’s shoulder would not leave. It lingered as a reminder of his past, of his military background, of his time in Naval Officer Candidate School (OCS).

It served as a remembrance of opportunities. It was a portrayal of doors, both opened and closed in Blackburn’s life and the lives of others around him.

But now, as he in is a new chapter of his life, the pain has ceased. Yet, the memories live on.

Since birth, Blackburn has been immersed in a military lifestyle. He was born to career naval officer David Ray Blackburn and Greek national Mina Blackburn after the two met and were married while David Ray was stationed in Greece.

The couple moved their family to the United States when David was 3. Growing up with his father as a naval officer, he was always intrinsically drawn towards the military life.

“Unquestionably [he has] been the principal influence in my life,” Blackburn said.

“He’s taught me a lot, and growing up, I always thought if I can be like my father, that’s going to be a successful life for me.”

Since his youth, Blackburn had thought about a possible career in the military. After graduating from college, he spent some time working in the defense industry. Then, this dream began to become a realization.

While at University of Texas at Arlington, he spoke to a recruiter and began an application. The application process is not an easy one. After spending nine months filling out page upon page of paperwork and completing the entire process, the offi-

photo courtesy David Blackburn Coppell assistant soccer coach David Blackburn’s father, David Ray, was a career Naval worker. “I always thought if I can be like my father, that’s going to be a successful life for me,” Blackburn said.

‘‘

The reality is,

when you’re in the military

eyes are forced open, and you see how much your

service members give.

‘‘

F

written by Marcus Krum Executive Sports Editor @marcuskrum

David Blackburn, assistant

soccer coach

photo by Amanda Hair Coppell High School assistant boys soccer coach David Blackburn was selected to train to be a naval intelligence officer in early 2014. Blackburn has been immersed in the military lifestyle since he was a child, his father being a former Navy officer. cer with whom he was in contact submitted of rehabilitation followed. While in this After interviewing for the position his packet to the Navy Intelligence Board in rehabilitation, he met a lifelong friend in Blackburn was hired on as the assistant April 2014.

Navy officer ensign Morgan Kouhar, who coach. In only his first year in the program, “It’s the most difficult program to be was receiving a different kind of medical the team won the Class 6A State Champiselected for," Blackburn said. "Given that treatment at the time. onship. percentage, I was obviously cautiously op“It’s incredible,” Kouhar said. “He was “He’s a great guy,” senior soccer player timistic.” away from his family with a severe injury Laurence Fairchild said. “He’s a really nice After a couple months of patiently wait- that is extremely painful to deal with, and coach. When coach Rakestraw isn’t there, ing, he finally received a call. He was one of all the while he still wants to go in and serve he steps in and he really knows how to do about three selected to train to be a naval his country. He is extremely dedicated.” his job well.” intelligence officer out of approximately To compound how hard it would have His laid-back, calm personality is one 1,000 applicants. After hearing back, Black- been to be away from his wife, Blackburn’s that, at times, can be useful. An alternaburn felt a mix of emotions wash over him. son was born only a month before he left tive to the generally energetic charisma of “Most of all, the overwhelming feeling for OCS. What originally was only sched- Rakestraw, Blackburn can sometimes reach was that I felt grateful,” Blackburn said. uled to be a 12-week course ended up tak- the athletes by looking at situations entirely After the thrill of being admitted into ing seven and a half months. objectively. the program, Blackburn had to “hurry up “The reality is, when you’re in the mil“He can take emotion out of it much and wait” to be sent off to officer candidate itary, your eyes are forced open and you better than a lot people can, even myself school. After six months of waiting and see how much service members give,” included sometimes,” Rakestraw said. “I preparation, he was finally headed to train- Blackburn said. “The fact that I was away let emotions get the best of my coaching or ing to begin the next chapter of his career. for seven months, yeah it’s challenging, but whatever the situation may be. For him, he Yet when he arrived, it was a culture shock. there are people in the navy and across the can step out of it and be objective and stay “It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever armed services that go on multiple deploy- focused on the information that he needs done,” Blackburn said. “I prepared myself ments for nine or 10 months, so that comes to give.” physically in terms of my knowledge. I with the job.”

In his second season, it is clear that thought I had prepared myself mentally. I After six months of rehabilitation, Black- Blackburn has found a home in Coppell, certainly tried to the best of my ability, but burn’s injury was not improving. Eventual- developing the junior varsity and continuOCS is incredibly challenging for everyone, ly, they came to the consensus it was just ing to help in the improvement of the varsiand it’s meant to be.” not going to work out. Only months into ty team. But even so, the question remains: For nearly a month and a half, Black- his career, David Blackburn was no longer is there any chance he would like to return burn participated in the grueling training physically able to be in the Navy. Emotions to the military? that went along with OCS. He was forced aside, however, he needed another occupaAfter being asked that question, he to learn to adapt quickly and often learn tion. And as the old adage goes, as one door paused for five seconds. 10 seconds. Then entirely on the fly. closes, another one opens. he looked up with a smile.

During a training exercise, he suffered A friend told Blackburn that the assis“I’m really happy to be here at Coppell an injury to his shoulder. After running tant coaching position at Coppell High High School,” Blackburn said. “It’s worked some tests, the doctors found out he had School was open. In researching, he re- out extremely well for me. I’m really gratecontracted a severe injury, one that would alized he played high school soccer with ful to be working here.” take surgery to heal. He was removed from coach Chad Rakestraw. After consider“What happened was unfortunate, but his OCS class for the surgery, then months ation, he applied.

I’m really happy where I am today.”

21

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Intensity Breeds Success

photo by Hannah Tucker Coppell Performance Course director Stephen Baca motivates the athletes to push on in their workout after school on Jan. 19 in the Coppell High School weight room. Baca encourages the athletes to do push hard yet not overstrain themselves.

Performance Course coach uses energy to impact lives, train Coppell athletes Coppell Performance Course coordinator Stephen Baca is insane.

He has to be. No normal human being wakes up 4:45 a.m., then lead a high intensity workout an hour later with an energy level comparable to a toddler who drank a Red Bull.

“I take my dog out,” Baca said. “Then I get to Coppell by about six and head into the weight room to plan that day’s various workouts.”

Performance Course (PC) is a workout program for high school teams formatted in a such a way that players are given the opportunity to push their athleticism through rigorous weight lifting and conditioning, while also working on the mental aspects of the game.

“They want us to be the best athletes that we could possibly be,” Coppell junior catcher Adrian Minjares said. “Yet there seems to be an even bigger emphasis on pushing us to become the best leaders possible.”

The front page of the PC website is dominated by the words “Our mission is to enhance athletic performance and build strength of character in individuals and teams while preparing them for success in life.”

Baca takes this statement to heart.

“My biggest thing in my philosophy

for being alive is having a why,” Baca said.

“My why is to use the principles that have been taught to me over the course of my life along with the God given talents I have to make an impact on young people. I strive to help make men and women of character so that when they go on and leave Coppell they can be successful in whatever they choose to do.”

When there is something in life that is bigger than who you are, it puts everything into perspective. Often times the single difference between one who excels and one who fails is the “why”, as it changes “I think” to “I know”.

“One hundred percent of people can tell you what they do,” Baca said. “A little bit less can tell you how, but there are very few who can tell you why.”

After formulating whatever ungodly workout plan he has in store for the day, Baca goes over the regiment several times to get it perfectly aligned, no doubt to the tune earsplitting rap music because no person can be as hype as him for a 6:45 a.m. workout, and then the before-school session of PC is ready to start.

“It’s a fun environment,” Performance Course coach Frankie Morgan said. “He raises the energy in everyone, and no matter what happens he has a smile with a mood that is contagious.”

Baca and his workouts are imbued with passion that is unmatched, almost to an extent where it leaves the athletes he trains questioning its reality.

“It is a choice,” Baca said. “A long time ago I realized that kids respond to me when I am engaging and, for lack of a better phrase, loud. Thank God, because that is naturally who I am. The impact level of when I give energy is huge, the kids have a better time and they work harder. Years ago I decided this is the coach I am going to be.”

On the seldom days he might not be feeling it as much, Baca can be seen in his

‘‘

and I set breeds intensity, and that intensity breeds success, it is just a cyclical pattern that we create.”

Following the after school workout is over, Baca heads home around 6 p.m. to put himself through his own workout that one can only guess looks something like a strongman competition mixed with Navy S.E.A.L. training. Then, he spends time with his fiance and goes to bed, only

He’s had me ready to run through a brick wall. I’m always fired up to work out and get better.

Clayton Jones, senior pitcher

car coaching himself up the same way he coaches athletes, furthering the question of his sanity.

“He’s had me ready to run through a brick wall,” Coppell senior pitcher Clayton Jones said. “I’m always fired up to workout and get better.”

Years of consciously choosing to be this charismatic person has formed a lifestyle that is on display for all who come to know and work with him.

“Leaders lead from the front,” Baca said.

“They set the tone and everything else falls in line, the environment that the coaches

‘‘

written by Reid Valentine Staff Writer @reidv9

to wake up the next morning to go change some more lives.

“Working with thousands of kids in the last eight years, there have only been a handful of kids who have told me ‘hey coach you have impacted me,’” Baca said.

“I have always heard that success leaves clues, so the few times that I get that back it makes everything worth it.”

At the end of the day there will be kids he cannot reach, those who do not respond to his style of work, yet there will never be any question if Stephen Baca loves and has passion for what he is doing.

22

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Plunging into new depths

Chennault transitions from elite gymnastics to best diving team in the nation written by Lili Lomas Student Life Editor From being a hardcore gymnast to a Junior Olympic level diver, in just over a year, Coppell High School junior Lauren Chennault made the transition from gymnastics to diving, securing a spot on the No.1 diving team in the nation.

“The amazing feeling of being in the air and flipping three and a half times, the adrenaline rush is kind of amazing and it’s just overall a really fun sport,” Chennault said.

This love for diving was discovered in December 2015 after Chennault joined GC Divers, a team which had four athletes qualify for the 2016 Olympic trials and won last year’s U.S. Nationals Competition.

Prior to diving, Chennault participated in gymnastics for nearly 14 years.

She was highly competitive in this sport, training five hours a day, six days a week, but it began to get physically strenuous.

A friend who had previously transitioned from gymnastics to diving inspired her to try diving as it involves many of the same skills.

“Gymnastics got really hard on my body because every day I was going to the gym and just pounding on my body and it was getting way too much for me mentally and physically,” Chennault said. “[Diving] is not as hard on my body as gymnastics was.

It’s not as vigorous.”

However, having this gymnastics background allowed her to quickly learn how to do complicated dives and excel in diving.

“Gymnastics is a lot like diving so I think it kind of helped her understand the dynamics of twisting and flipping,” said April Long, Chennault’s diving coach.

“She’s very flexible and strong so she’s good on the board, mat and [trampoline]. She can do it all.”

After her first meet competing at the Junior Olympic level, Chennault qualified to advance to the regional competition, which took her to compete at Texas A&M University. That summer, she spent each day training with the coach of the U.S. National Team.

These past accomplishments have led Chennault to see a future in in the sport.

She even has aspirations to perform at the college level.

CHS freshman Ethan Koshy, a teammate of Chennault’s joined GC Divers at about the same time as Chennault and trains with her four days a week. He has been able to see her growth in the sport as well as experience her dedication to it.

“She comes to practice every day early and even when we get out, sometimes she’ll finish up her dives and she’s always willing to try new dives.” Koshy said. “She has [helped me] for sure because when you see somebody work hard a lot, it kind of motivates you to become as good as they are.”

photo by Lili

Lomas

Coppell High School junior Lauren Chennault prepares to dive off the three-meter platform at Westside Aquatic Center on Feb. 7. Chennault recently joined GC Divers, the No.1 ranked diving team in the nation.

A typical practice starts with stretching and a short workout before getting in the water. Once warmed up, she goes through basic skills and then practices several of her dives, receiving feedback from coaches as she goes. After practice, she works out again, sometimes going to the weight room, or working out on her own.

Though the training for diving is so extensive, Chennault finds fun in it and enjoys the uniqueness of the sport.

“It’s just different because when you think of sports you think of football, baseball, basketball, you don’t really think of

diving,” Chennault said. “It’s just very different because not many people can do the stuff that we do and when people see it, it kind of amazes them.”

Chennault is not on the CHS diving team this year due to conflict with school off-campus physical education credit but she hopes to dive for the school team next year.

She is beginning her competition season this weekend and though she has not been diving as long as her competitors, she hopes to qualify at national meets and eventually be on the GC Diving national team.

Experienced Cowboys eager to prove themselves written by Joseph Krum Executive Enterprise Editor @ joseph_krum

While some define teams for the number of wins it accumulates throughout a season, this year’s Coppell baseball team expects be defined by one trait: its chem-

photo by Hannah

Tucker

Coppell High School senior John Kodros bats the ball at the CHS batting cages on Feb. 21 during fourth period. Kodros is a pitcher on the Cowboys Varsity Boy’s baseball team.

istry.

“This year, a bunch of us are going to play at junior colleges, but we play for each other,” senior catcher Holden Rupley said.

“We’re really close to each other and play as a team.”

This year, there are 18 senior listed on the roster. One of those seniors that is bringing varsity experience for the team is Louisiana State University signee John Kodros. “[Kodros] will lead the rotation this year, and he has been hitting his locations really well this year and even last year,” Coppell baseball coach Kendall Clark said.

In the batter’s box as well, the Cowboys are returning some hitters that brought some damage to the plate. Senior outfielder Cody Masters, a Texas Tech signee, hit a team leading .398 (minimum 15 plate appearances) while driving in 28 RBIs and six home runs, also a team high.

“We are returning a lot of big hitters this

year, we didn’t lose much at the plate from last year,” Masters said. “I think we’ll pick up right where we left off last year and from there, probably succeed even more than last year. A lot of guys have stepped up during these past few scrimmages including [senior first baseman] Campbell Schultz and [senior infielder] Austin Gross.”

Whether in the batter’s box, up on the mound or in the field, Coppell has high expectations for themselves, something that is shared by organizations alike. Perfect Game USA and Collegiate Baseball Newspaper both have Coppell ranked No. 16 and No. 24 respectively in their high school national rankings.

“Those rankings are based off of two things: how many wins you had last year and how many guys are returning from that team,” Clark said. “So those just tell us that other people think we have a good core returning group and just a good point to start at.”

THE SIDEKICK march 2017

Beauty of a comeback story

Why Nesbit, other athletes’ returns from injury inspire team, community alike

written by Joseph Krum Executive Enterprise Editor @joseph_krum New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady engineered the greatest comebacks in Super Bowl history on Feb. 5, yet sometimes it is the rebound that happens off the field that is truly the greater story.

Coppell senior baseball player Jacob

Nesbit, a Texas Tech signee and star shortstop for the Cowboys, is in the middle of his own comeback story as he recovers from an injury that took away most of his junior season.

It was an evening game, and the sun was just starting to set in Brenham, Texas. The Coppell baseball team had made the four hour drive south to play the Cubs on their home field. As Nesbit ran onto the field and took his typical shortstop position, he knew something was off. He felt so tight, yet he had done his normal pregame stretches.

As a grounder in the bottom of the first inning came to him, he bent his knees to scoop up the ball like normal. Yet when he threw it, there was a searing pain in his back that sent him into a world of pain.

The initial prognosis: fractured L5 ver-

tebrae, otherwise known as Pars Defect.

The injury, a stress fracture, is developed through repetitive stress from the overuse of a certain activity. In this case, the back torque from swinging the bat had caused Nesbit to suffer this break.

According to spinemd.com, the fracture takes about three months for an athlete to recover fully from the injury. The first month, however, is set aside for the athlete to rest and really limit any movement that could cause pain and stress to the injury.

“The hardest thing that I have had to deal with this injury was definitely sitting out and doing nothing for the first couple of weeks,” Nesbit said. “With that, I wasn’t able to spend much time at all with the team, and I really didn’t feel as much a part of the team since I wasn’t around them all

photo by Megan

Winkle

Coppell High School senior baseball player Jacob Nesbit stretches in the CHS training room on Feb. 2 after practice during fourth period.

Nesbit attends physical therapy every day after practice in order to strengthen the muscles around the vertebrae that was fractured last fall.

Congratulations!

The Coppell High School varsity cheer team placed second in the Dallas National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) National High School Championships out of 18 teams on Jan. 21-22.

23

the time.”

While Nesbit may have missed the team, the feeling was mutual.

“It was definitely tough,” said Coppell assistant baseball coach Clint Rushing regarding what was it like to have a key player out. “With someone who is a really good shortstop, it was hard to replace him since players like him who anchor everything together are hard to find. Even though the guys that we moved around did a good job dealing with the shuffling around we did, it definitely wasn’t ideal.”

Yet the long road to recovery was just beginning. After a month of physical therapy, treatment and awkward stretches, Nesbit started to feel his back healing. Now, the injury is not more than a distant memory.

“As of right now, it feels great,” Nesbit said. “When I go get treatment I normally just do stretches and workouts that can build up my core and back muscles to help bolster the place where it fractured. But right now, there isn’t any pain and I am just working to keep it that way.”

For Nesbit, however, the pain was not just a simple task. The effort that he put in to make sure that his vertebrae would not fracture again was seen by many.

“He has been awesome,” Coppell head athletic trainer Barry Jones said. “If every kid that is injured worked as hard as he did to get back, my job would be so easy. He worked his butt off every day. You could tell he was motivated to be successful, and it has payed off.”

That effort and willpower, highlighted

by Nesbit, is exactly what makes a comeback story so great. Many people on the outside look at how much each these athletes, and really any athlete with a similar story, gets handed yet admire the courage it takes to fight through it and the willpower of the individual to never stop.

24

THE SIDEKICK march 2017