Volume 31 Issue 6

COPPELLSTUDENTMEDIA.COM

M AY 2 0 2 0

VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 6

COPPELL HIGH SCHOOL 185 W. PARKWAY BLVD. COPPELL, TX 75019

MEETING MILESTONES AMIDST CRISIS PGS. 8-9

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

COLLEGE CLASH PG. 5

FAST FAME PG. 13

A C A D E M I C S DESPITE LONG-STANDING

S T U D E N T L I F E SENIOR TREVOR

TRADITIONS, STUDENTS SELECTING COLLEGES BASED ON ADMISSION, NOT RIVALRIES

WILLIAMS FINDING SUCCESS ON POPULAR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM, TIKTOK

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MAY

MEDIA

Sidekick journalists write their own stories

Sydney Rowe

Shriya Vanparia

Akif Abidi

“Sidekick has opened so many doors for me. I have met so many amazing and influential people and have had the blessing of seeing so many extraordinary events and occurrences. I have learned to be way more outgoing and have even tried things I would’ve never thought, such as working in design! Some of my best friends make up this staff, and I will miss coming into D115 daily to see [the Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford], to whom I owe many thanks. I couldn’t imagine the past two years of my life without The Sidekick and I will surely remember these days forever.”

“At first, I joined The Sidekick because I wanted the adviser to stop emailing me about it, but it was the best decision I have ever made. I learned how to use several apps to enhance my designs and was able to practice my design skills constantly. I was also able to grow in communication which was one of my weakest skills. I made several friends and the entire staff was like a second family to me. Joining the program was one of my most valuable and loving experiences during my high school years.”

“To be honest, I first took The Sidekick course in [my] sophomore year because I had an open period and didn’t want anything too hard, but I genuinely believe it was one of the best decisions I made in high school. There are things you learn as a journalist that no classroom can teach you. I have spent countless hours in D115 and written more stories than I can remember, and I don’t regret a single second of it.”

Arman Merchant

Mari Pletta

Kaylee Aguilar

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

STAFF DESIGNER

“After joining Mr. Wofford’s freshman career cluster class and being introduced to what The Sidekick was like, I decided it was something I wanted to stick with. I joined because I really enjoyed photography and I wanted to learn more about photojournalism and how to improve my photography skills. I’ve also learned many important people skills which have helped me become a more confident person throughout my three years on staff. Not only did I find my passion for taking sports photos, but I found my friends who are like my family.”

“Joining The Sidekick was a decision I made on a whim.

I’ve always been a shy person, so I never expected myself to join a program in which communication is such an essential component. However, I don’t ever regret making that decision to join the program. Through The Sidekick I have learned many important skills: not just technical skills such as how to use Photoshop, but also soft skills. Being a part of The Sidekick also gave me an outlet to explore my creativity and improve my artistic skills. I was able to take my mind off of math or science to do something I love: drawing.”

STAFF WRITER

STAFF DESIGNER

STAFF WRITER

“[When I first joined The Sidekick], I never understood the need to cover everything and didn’t really care. Over time, I found my place in the sports section and my love from there. Being able to walk the sidelines of our school and giving live coverage to the many people who follow us was so rewarding. With The Sidekick, I was also able to improve my ability to communicate with people and over time get to know the person I was covering. Most importantly, it gave me another family through the people I met throughout the past three years.”

STAFF WRITER

AUGUST 14

AUGUST 27

First day of school

Fall Open House 2020

MEDIA

3

Broadcast studio shaping futures

Coppell High School seniors Mildred Padilla, Sandesh Bharthur and Robert Bizacky work alongside KCBY-TV adviser Irma Kennedy. Padilla, Bharthur and Bizacky are the broadcast program directors. Photos courtesy Mildred Padilla

“ K C BY helped me grow as a leader, taught me how to talk to people and be more social. I got to reach out to people and tell their stories. I want to pursue film as a career and become a producer for television or movies. I’m going to miss the relationships that I have developed. KCBY isn’t just about the content you produce, but getting to know people who have the same passions as you.”

Sandesh Bharthur PROGRAM DIRECTOR

“KCBY has added more meaning to my high school career. I get to work with friends, but honestly, they’re more like co-workers in that area. We get to collaborate and work on shows and projects, and [that] made my whole high school career way more fun than it would’ve been. Talking to the executive team, planning for the day, shooting anchors, editing the show and being with all of my friends. KCBY has steered me into what I want to do with my life.”

Mildred Padilla PROGRAM DIRECTOR

“Before I did KCBY, I was a very introverted person. KCBY has honestly been an opportunity for me to reach out, be more social and make the most of what I have. My passion for video is actually what made me join KCBY, and it has made me reroute where I want to go in life. I used to want to focus on animation, and now it’s more of cinematography.”

Robert Bizacky PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Yearbook staff nurtures confident leaders Anna Guzniczak ROUND-UP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“When I first signed up for yearbook, I was also involved in sports. At the end of my sophomore year, I got injured, and I wasn’t able to keep doing sports. Yearbook was a backup at the time, but not really, because I’d always been interested in [yearbook] and did it in middle school. But having that other thing to do kept me involved in school and stopped me from losing friends. [Also], I’ve grown in my leadership abilities, especially this year. [During] the first semester, our teacher was out because she was sick and on medical leave. I’ve pretty much had to run the entire yearbook with the help of my other four top leaders. All the planning, the boot camp and everything had to be done by ourselves with zero guidance because we weren’t allowed to communicate with [our adviser]. And that really allowed me to grow and mature, [including] when it comes to talking with the administration.”

Maddie Hall MANAGING EDITOR

“Yearbook has guided my future. I wasn’t sure if I was interested in anything journalism-related until I joined yearbook.

And now, I’m going to study journalism and communication in college because of the impact journalism had on me. I learned how to work with others, the basics of journalism and design, how to manage a team and a lot of other things mostly just how to work with others. I’ll miss going to see all those people everyday; we created a family in yearbook. I’ll miss creating something because I don’t know if I’ll be able to join a yearbook staff or newspaper next year. If I’m not, I’ll miss being able to create a publication.”

Coppell High School seniors Molly Irland, Anna Guzniczak, Emma Hyden, Elizabeth Crutchfield and Maddie Hall are members of Round-Up yearbook. Guzniczak and Hall have led the programs in various positions in the past three years. Photo courtesy Anna Guzniczak

SEPTEMBER 12

SEPTEMBER 18

CISD College Night

Canyon Ranch Elementary grand opening

Twitter: @CHSCampusNews

Instagram: thesidekickcoppell

Facebook: Sidekick Online

4

MAY

ACADEMICS

Debate settled TRACY TRAN STAFF WRITER @Anhlmtracy

D

ifferent from what people may think about top-ranking students, Coppell High School senior Prayaag Gupta, the class of 2020 valedictorian, doesn’t hesitate to share his tips for using time productively to study and having high quality schoolwork.

“I was quite surprised in sophomore year when I received my rank,” Gupta said. “I just felt a sense of relief that the work that I had put in was not in vain.

However, that was anything but the end as I knew I had to work for the next two years to maintain that position.”

Gupta’s approach to academics motivated the study habits that allowed him to maintain his top rank.

“I don’t think grades are an accurate indication of intellectual ability, but rather a combination of work ethic, time management and intellect,” Gupta said.

“Being able to maximize my potential and work efficiency [helped me to become the class of 2020 valedictorian].”

Gupta also participates in extracurricular activities, including the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) examinations (a set of tests that determine the USA Mathematics Olympiad team), Business Professionals of America (BPA), the Superintendent Leadership Advisory Council and the Ultimate Frisbee team senior year.

Gupta’s hobbies include playing sports, working out, speed-cubing, running and watching the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys. “[My best memory in high school is]

Future Longhorn Gupta rides multiple school activities to valedictorian

not a specific moment but probably just senior Het Desai, who met on a bus in sixth History and Comparative Government the time spent playing volleyball in the grade have maintained their friendship teacher] Shawn Hudson and [former CHS summer, basketball at the gym with throughout high school, taking similar AP/GT English Language and Composition friends,” Gupta said. “Sports are a big part classes (Debate I, Debate II, Debate III, III teacher] Melissa Alexander-Blythe – Debate IV, AP Physics II, AP Comparative [they] were amazing people and influences of my life and I enjoy them a lot.

As a familiar face on the CHS policy Government, Algebra II and Calculus BC) on me.” debate team, Gupta found his joy in and participating in debate program.

“It’s just a coincidence that we both TRACY ‘22 can be reached at working with his peers. Throughout high alt0592@g.coppellisd.com. school, doing policy debate and gaining decided on UT Austin,” Gupta said. “We’re the experiences and accomplishments always there for each other whenever we along with it is one of the things he feels need it. He knows I’m always going to be there for him, and vice versa.” most proud of.

Desai and a network of friends and “Prayaag is able to approach even the most difficult tasks with a sense of family have been an integral and supportive ease and mastery,” CHS debate coach part of Gupta’s experience in high school.

“My friends and family have been a Dr. Jason Sykes said via email. “I am very fortunate to be able to work with crucial part of this journey,” Gupta said. him. Prayaag is a joy to work with. A lot “It simply would not have been possible of people are surprised by his intellect without them. Whether it was studying late because he doesn’t come off as pretentious night on FaceTime calls or simply talking or dismissive. He’s a very genuine person.” about our lives, everyone has been a positive However, there is one more activity influence on me over the past four years.”

Along with family and friends, Gupta wishes he could call part of his teachers have impacted high school experience. “[If I could go back and change one Gupta during his four thing in my high school time, I would] years at CHS. “I specifically play high school basketball,” Gupta said. “I played religiously since I was want to shoutout in first grade up through middle school [former CHS where I played on my Amateur Athletic AP Physics II Union (AAU) select team Texas Xpress teacher] Evan and the [Coppell Middle School West] W h i t f i e l d , team. Looking back, I think I could have [AP World managed balancing basketball, school and other activities.”

Coppell High School senior Prayaag Gupta is the class of 2020 Gupta will attend the valedictorian. Gupta plans to attend the University of Texas at University of Texas at Austin for Austin for the Computer Science and Business Honors (Texas the Texas CSB program, alongside CSB) program. Photo courtesy Prayaag Gupta a friend he’s known since the start of middle school. Gupta and CHS

Coppell High School Top 10 “My motivation personally stemmed from my friend group. I think that finding the right kind of friends can provide the right atmosphere and certain influence to compel people to do better.”

“You should always continue to work hard and towards your goals, no matter what they may be. But at the end of the day, there are things that are more important than a GPA and memorizing a couple facts for a test.”

Het Desai - Univer sity of Texas

Ritesh Dontula - Rice University

“You have to have the right reasons to be studying for what you want or trying to find motivation for. If you’re trying to do something for the sake of outward approval, then it’s not going to last long.”

“Do what genuinely interests you because the world is dictated so much about people telling you what to do. When people pursue the things that they’re passionate about, not only does it drive themselves to be the best in their field but they’re also happy doing what they want to do.”

Shreyas Rajagopal - Emory University “Looking back, my academic experience in high school wasn’t too stressful. I will say that the competition of rank and GPA made some people a little one-dimensional and focused only on grades, which I wanted to avoid.”

Karen Lu - Rice University

Rohil Verma - Univer sity of Texas at Aus tin

OCTOBER 19

OCTOBER 25

Kaleidoscope festival

Homecoming game vs. Irving High School 2020

THE SIDEKICK

ACADEMICS

5

Dedication to college traditions diminishes with increased competitiveness in acceptances VICTORIA HERTEL STAFF WRITER @veh37936

A

fter decades of devotion to college tradition in the footsteps of relatives or friends, Coppell students have increased flexibility in which Texas colleges they apply to because of rising competitiveness in acceptance.

The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University are among the most popular colleges for applicants at Coppell High School. Both colleges are similarly sized, yet include different locations, cultures and opportunities.

“A&M and UT are seen as some of the top colleges here in Texas – they used to be rivals,” said Leo Swaldi, a CHS senior attending A&M. “Despite the rivalry, people apply to both because they are considered great [in-state] universities.”

CHS senior Sonali Chaturvedi was accepted into both schools. Two of her three brothers attended Mays Business School at A&M. Her brother, Sunny Chaturvedi, majored in finance for two years at A&M. Her youngest brother, Shiv Chaturvedi, is a senior in Management Information Systems at A&M. “It took me quite a few months to figure it all out,” Sonali said. “A&M has more financial aid, but personally I felt that I would be more happy at UT. I feel like UT has better opportunities [and] is very well-recognized when you go into the workforce.”

Sonali visited and toured both A&M with Sunny and UT with Nidhi Patel, a freshman at Texas. Finally, she decided to attend McCombs School of Business at UT Austin this fall.

Despite both of her brothers attending A&M, Sonali never felt pressure to do the same.

“I wasn’t too stuck to the family tradition of going to A&M,” Sonali said. “I have all this A&M gear in my house, but I never felt like it

Coppell High School senior Leo Swaldi, who is attending Texas A&M this fall and CHS senior Rushil Nakkana, who is attending UT Austin this fall. With the rise in competitiveness of acceptances, CHS students’ have increased flexibility in which of the two colleges they apply to and are less bound by family traditions. Photo courtesy Leo Swaldi was a thing to stick to. It was best to go with what was important to me.”

UT Austin is located in the capital of Texas and is known for its musical festivals and social scene. In contrast, A&M is in College Station, a college town centered around the university.

“I knew that I would be able to pursue my social life more at UT Austin than I would at A&M because it’s in the city and there’s always something going on,” Sonali said.

The acceptance rate for A&M in 2018, at 70.5%, is significantly higher than that of UT Austin, at 36.5%. At UT, automatic admission, in which students who meet the top 6% requirements for class rank are guaranteed acceptance, is a large portion of the accepted freshman class. Cole Krautkramer is ranked No. 9 at CHS and received automatic admission to both UT

“In the end, that one number on a piece of paper isn’t as important as everyone says.

The biggest thing I would go back and tell myself would be to try hard, but maybe don’t put so much importance on it.”

and A&M, but chose to attend UT this fall.

“With the academic climate because of auto admission in Texas, I feel that a lot of [students] strictly apply to A&M or both, with a focus on UT,” Krautkramer said.

Overall, students are applying to more schools. CHS KCBY-TV advisor Irma Kennedy graduated from UT Austin in 1987.

“Now, it seems kids want to get into one of the top schools and they are willing to apply to a backup just in case the first

choice doesn’t accept them,” Kennedy said. “Back in the day, you were a diehard commit to a particular school and there was no need for a back up.”

Swaldi has two older sisters who graduated from UT Austin: CHS 2012 graduate Holly (College of Natural Sciences) and CHS 2013 graduate Rachael (McCombs School of Business).

However, Leo is attending Mays Business School at A&M this fall.

He was raised with A&M knick-knacks and football games because of the school being his parents’ and grandparents’ alma mater. Both of Leo’s grandparents lived in College Station and he frequently visited the area throughout his childhood.

Leo recognizes the differences in each schools’ atmosphere. He noticed competitiveness and social opportunities in Austin such as the Deep End (Austin Film Society), Sixth Street, concerts, hikes and bike rides.

At A&M, he noted a safe environment and positive social interaction.

“The very first time I went to A&M I felt so accepted,” Leo said. “For my whole decision process, one of the biggest things I kept in mind was: it’s not the place you go, but the people you go with. I think that’s what makes A&M so special – the people.”

VICTORIA ‘21 can be reached at veh7936@g.coppellisd.com.

Illustration

by Samantha Freeman

“It’s about studying effectively. I’ve gotten through high school with my eight hours of sleep almost every single day. It’s just about time management, which is an important skill regardless of whether it’s for school or anything else.”

Andrew Tao - Princeton Univer sity

Tana y Sethia - Univer sity of Texas at Aus tin

“I wanted to be in the top 10 and that’s been a dream of mine ever since I can remember. Success is more of what you put into it than what you get out of it. If you want to achieve something you need to set out the time and effort to do it.”

Cole Kr autkr amer - Univer sity of Texas at Aus tin

“Going through junior year was pretty stressful so that was kind of hard on me. The best way that I dealt with it was relying on my friends and making sure that I wasn’t too hard on myself, even when things were going bad.”

Pr anitha Kona - Univer sity of Texas at Aus tin

OCTOBER 26

NOVEMBER 1

Homecoming dance

Opening night for “Newsies”

Twitter: @CHSCampusNews

Instagram: thesidekickcoppell

Facebook: Sidekick Online

6

MAY

THE SIDEKICK VIEW

2019-2020

Staff

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP CHASE WOFFORD Staff Adviser ANTHONY CESARIO* Editor-in-Chief PRAMIKA KADARI* News and Enterprise Editor NICK PRANSKE* Copy and Design Editor CLAIRE CLEMENTS Editorial Page Editor SALLY PARAMPOTTIL Sports Editor EDITORIAL LEADERSHIP KAREN LU* Daily News Editor SHIVI SHARMA CHS9 Editor NEHA DESARAJU Student Life Editor SHRAVYA MAHESH Entertainment Editor CHARLOTTE VANYO Visual Media Editor NISHANT MEDICHARLA* Business Manager ANIKA ARUTLA Social Media Manager ANDRÉS BEAR CSM Web Producer WRITERS

Akansha Singh Akhila Gunturu Akif Abidi Alishba Javaid Angela Yuan Anjali Krishna Anvitha Reddy Arman Merchant Avani Kashyap Camila Villarreal Christie Hernandez Emma Meehan Jillian Moore Joanne Kim Laasya Achanta

Meer Mahfuz Nanette Pottoore Nicolas Reyes Rithik Chennupati Sapna Amin Sarah Habib Sarah Woo Shreya Beldona Sreeja Mudumby Sydney Rowe* Tracy Tran Trisha Atluri Victoria Hertel Yash Ravula Yasemin Ragland

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Anthony Onalaja Ava Mora Blanche Harris Camden Southwick Camila Flores-Sanchez Elaina Hair Kyah Jones

Lilly Gorman Liza Martinez Mari Pletta Neveah Jones Sneha Sash Precious Onalaja Pranati Kandi

DESIGNERS

Bella Mora Kaylee Aguilar* Ryan Kim

Samantha Freeman* Shriya Vanparia

*Indicates Volume 31 issue No. 6 page designer

THE SIDEKICK is the official student newspaper for Coppell High School. Its purpose is to inform, entertain and provide an educational resource for its readers. This newspaper is a public forum for student expression, with staff members (with assistance from their adviser) making content decisions. The editorials and columns in this paper reflect the view of their writers.

The Sidekick is a member of Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) and Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA).

C O N TA C T U S (214) 496 6239 / cwofford@coppellisd.com 185 W. Parkway Blvd. Coppell, TX 75019

STAFF EDITORIAL

A letter to future classes:

Appreciate each year Sparkling prom dresses with matching bow ties, graduation caps thrown in the air and the best year of high school. These all have come to define senior year, since the days where we were watching High School Musical on Disney Channel, for every class of seniors across the United States.

The class of 2020, despite expectations, did not get to experience this.

The prom dresses and ties have been hung up, and the graduation caps and gowns are sitting in our closets, collecting dust.

It is not just the experiences that we lost. It was the knowledge that we would do these things with the friends we made over the past four years. Taking photos with your friends, laughing at your banquets, all of it, has been lost, with no guarantee of possible redemption.

The one thing it’s taught us: Do not wait until the last moment.

It seems like high school is full of procrastination, putting off essays and assignments until 10 minutes before the deadline. While this is definitely not advisable, another thing that should not be procrastinated is your full enjoyment of the high school experience, is also something a lot of high schoolers do.

We tend to say, “Oh, I’ll focus on only school work until senior year, then I can truly enjoy senior year.” It’s valid reasoning, except for two things: This often leads to burnout during your other years of high school, and there’s no guarantee your senior year will turn out the way you expected.

While there may be some experiences that you have to

wait until your senior year to do (such as senior overalls) it’s important that you remember, regardless of whether you are a freshman or a senior, to take part in the fun experiences that define high school, instead of waiting until your senior year.

As the class of 2020 has learned, you never know what might happen.

Alongside that, we tend to push off the recognition of our achievements until the end. Take the time to recognize the A you just pulled on that difficult test, or really anything amazing. Putting so much onto your senior year can actually make senior year harder, as you try to fit in every recognition and every good experience in one year.

Appreciate your high school experience through every year of high school. Each year of high school offers an opportunity for growth and learning, and focusing on more than just school helps you achieve that.

So, regardless of whether you are a freshman, a sophomore, a junior or a senior, take the time to make room for more than just studying and doing homework.

Go out with your friends, go to homecoming and prom and remember that when you look back on high school, you’ll be able to find the fun in each year.

GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? We are always happy to accept tips and guest columns. Email cwofford@coppellisd.com with your suggestions, feedback, stories or letters to our editors. We’re all ears!

NOVEMBER 8

NOVEMBER 1 Bands of America Super Regional San Antonio

Senior pep rally 2020

THE SIDEKICK

OPINIONS

7

Sidekick senior editors think back on high school wins, losses

Anthony Cesario EXECUTIVE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

we have to “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from senior year, it’s that while we years the over made we’ve make the most of the relationships I don’t that Now d. grante for them still have the chance and not take all take, didn’t we s photo the all regret I get to see my friends every day, same the At make. didn’t we ries the places we didn’t go, all the memo — mean time, all the moments we did spend together — big or small together have you second every make so much more to me now. So ” about. all really is l schoo count, because that’s what high

Shravya Mahes h

ENTERTAINMENT ED

IT

OR “Looking back at the past four year s, I see so much games I never at room for regret. tended, the friend There are the foot s that didn’t last, quite experience ball the clubs I never . I always imagin jo ined, the fun I di ed the ideal seni would have been dn’t or year, but it ne smarter to live in ver came, so may the moment. How single thing. I’m be it lucky to have m ever, looking ba et ck, I don’t regret the people I did in the end, I feel a and learned the more mature an lessons I did, be d happier than I’v traditional experi cause e ever been. It m ence, but it felt pe ay not have been rfect to me.” the

Anika Arutla SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

year “I moved to Coppell the summer after my freshman said, being That view. and didn’t exactly carry an optimistic life. my sophomore year was probably the worst year of my me on ded depen all it However, that was when I realized that the d aroun turn y and my perspective which helped me quickl ck next two years in Coppell. The family I built in The Sideki of sense a gain me along with choosing to do IB helped That’s lost. was it ht belonging and purpose when I thoug the biggest lesson that I’ve learned in high school under my circumstances, happiness is a choice.”

Claire Clement

EXECUTIVE EDITORIA

s

L PAGE EDITOR My senior year w as rough, to put it lightly. In fact, it personal issues, was my worst ye and there was no ar. I faced a lot of t a single day that wait to graduate went by that I di . Then the pandem dn ’t think, I cannot ic hit, and I slowly see the inside of began to realize my high school ag th at I would never ai n, and teachers ev and I would prob er again. The pe ably never see a lo op t of my friends le and places I was seemed a lot mor e important than so desperate to le ev ave suddenly that, I was placin er- and I had th rown all of that g the entirety of away. Alongside my senior year and over again, on my graduatio I just have to m n - I thought, ov ake it to gradua were not sure w er tion. Then, there e would have a gr w as a time where we ad ua on, completely go tion - something ne. It’s something I had spent seni or year focused I seriously regret moment to appr , but I have learne eciate those arou d nd from it. Take a you- you never College may seem know when it w fun and exciting, ill ge an t taken away. (it almost never d your high scho is), but there will ol experience may be no m t be perfect oments of high sc will experience ag hool that you sim ain, and instead ply never will of focusing on th enjoyed those m e bad, you’re goin oments. g to wish you

NOVEMBER 9

NOVEMBER 15-16

Lone Star Classic drumline competition

Respira Dessert Show

Twitter: @CHSCampusNews

Instagram: thesidekickcoppell

Facebook: Sidekick Online

2020 COAS

SEN

IORS

T T O C O A T S TAKIN G NEXT STE PS IN LIFE

Whether it’s in Dallas, New York City or even Madrid, Spain, most Coppell High School seniors begin a new phase of their lives this fall.

The Sidekick gathered data on 580 seniors’ post-graduate plans, as the remaining students did not respond to outreach, and illustrated them on the map below. Each dot represents a college according to that college’s color and the size represents how many students are attending.

Several of the students attending North Lake College plan to transfer to a four-year university after earning their general credits. Furthermore, a handful of CHS seniors are not attending college. For example, one student plans to work in Corsicana and several students are enlisting in the Marine corps or taking gap years.

BROOKE SMITH

SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE “I’m going to Santa Barbara City College for one year to establish residency and then transferring to University of California at Santa Barbara.

Whenever I toured it, I fell in love with it. The campus is basically on the beach, and I’m really excited about that. I was nervous about moving so far away, but my family’s eventually moving out there, so that kind of takes away the nerves.”

Chart by Nick Pranske, Pramika Kadari, Nishant Medicharla and Shravya Mahesh

RYLEE FERGUSON

Pratt School of Architecture

“Pratt got my attention because of the location; it’s in Brooklyn. Architecture can kind of be mathy, and I just wanted a balance between the math side of it and the artistic side. I would like to maybe go into a design aspect of this as well. I want to be multi-talented in it where I can go into the graphics, design [and] illustration.”

AFRAH SHAIKH

University of Waterloo

“I chose to go international because I want to try something new and explore the world. I’m definitely excited to experience a bunch of the new changes I am going to deal with. I know that’s going to be hard to deal with going from hot to cold. It will be interesting to get to meet a bunch of new people who I’ve never met before.”

Texas Tech University - 28 Texas A&M University - 50 University of North Texas - 25 Baylor University - 12 UT Dallas - 102 North Lake CC - 21 University of Oklahoma - 28 UT Austin - 71 UT Arlington - 18 Vanderbilt University - 5 University of Houston - 7 Rice University - 6 University of Southern California - 3 Purdue University - 4 Penn State University - 3 University of Arkansas - 8 Texas Woman’s University - 8 Southern Methodist University - 7 University of Mississippi - 3 Oklahoma State University - 6 Austin College - 3 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - 6 New York University - 3 Texas State University - 7 Louisiana State University - 3 University of Dallas - 3 UT Tyler - 2 Kansas State University - 2 Texas Christian University - 2 Emory University - 2 University of Pennsylvania - 2 Tarrant County CC - 1 Indiana University - Bloomington - 4 Ohio State University - 2 Ohio University - 1 Princeton University - 1 University of Oregon - 1 Stanford University - 1 Santa Barbara City College - 1 University of Michigan - 1 Arizona State University - 2 University of Central Florida - 2 Barnard College - 1 St. John’s College - 1 Davidson College - 1

Pratt Institute - 1 Grand Valley State University - 1 Garden City CC - 1 Connors State College - 1 University of California - Berkeley - 1 University of California - Los Angeles - 1 Texas Southern University - 1 Cornell University - 1 Prairie View A&M University - 1 University of Kansas - 3 Andrews University - 1 Dartmouth College - 1 Case Western Reserve University - 2 Auburn University - 1 University of Pittsburgh - 1 Evangel University - 1 Presbyterian College - 1 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor - 1 Colorado School of Mines - 2 Brookhaven CC -1 Colorado State University - 2 School of the Art Institute Chicago - 1 College of William and Mary - 1 Parsons School of Design - 2 University of Wisconsin Madison - 1 Santa Clara University - 2 Brandeis University - 1 University of Missouri - 1 Saint Xavier University - 1 UT San Antonio - 2 Tarleton State University - 1 Brigham Young University - Provo - 2 University of Denver - 1 American Musical and Dramatic Arts - 1 Hardin-Simmons University - 1 Hendrix College - 1 UT Permian Basin - 1 Tulane University - 1 London College of Fashion - 1 University of Maryland, Baltimore County - 1 Boston University - 1 Boston College - 1

ROQUE PEREZ

European University of Madrid

McPherson college - 1 Marshall University - 1 George Washington University - 1 Daemen College - 1 University of Southern Mississippi - 1 Villanova University - 1 Southwestern College - 2 Berklee College of Music - 2 Syracuse University - 1 Dallas Baptist University - 1 East Texas Baptist University - 1 Brigham Young University- Idaho - 1 Stephen F. Austin University - 2 North Carolina School of the Arts - 1 Florida A&M University - 1 Loyola University Chicago - 1 University of Waterloo - 1 SUNY Buffalo State College - 1 Thomas More University - 2 Texas A&M - Corpus Christi - 1 University of Miami - 1 Harding University - 1 Columbia College Chicago - 1 European University of Madrid - 1 University of Colorado - Boulder - 1 Trinity University - 1 Savannah College of Art and Design - 1 Georgia Institute of Technology - 1 York University - 1 El Centro College - 1 California Polytechnic State University - 1 Duke University - 1 U.S. Military Academy at West Point - 2

“I was born there, so it’s going back to where I’m from and reconnecting with my culture. I typically go there every summer, because I have family there, so I’m pretty confident I’ll be comfortable there. College is a lot cheaper in Spain.

I’m thinking of doing a graduate degree too; I was thinking it would be better to go for the cheaper option for undergrad.

I’m excited for the change in culture [in Madrid].”

MIKIYAH PARKER

JOSH ARNOLD

SKYLER CORBALEY

AMDA - LOS ANGELES

United States Marine Corps

Two-year Mormon mission

“When I saw AMDA and I looked at all the alumni who are on TV now, it became a school I actually wanted to go to. My major is going to be a BFA in Musical Theatre. I’ve also always been a family person, so my goal is to become a mother, and also go through auditions and book as many jobs as I can. I’m really excited to meet new people.”

“[Enlisting] gives me an opportunity to give back to my country and give back to other people that have put me in a great place right now. It makes most sense to give back to my country first and all the people who have friends and family who don’t have the time to have the opportunity. I’m most excited for the bonds I’ll have when I get in.”

“I’m passionate about my religion and I want other people to feel the way I do when I have a spiritual moment. For a lot of people, if they really believe in their faith, they want other people to feel the same.

If you don’t have a religion or if you don’t believe in anything, the world would be a really scary place. I don’t want people to feel like that, so if I have an answer for them, I’m willing to give it to them.”

10

MAY

FINE ARTS

SCRIVNER SEIZES THE DAY

Experienced high school thespian planning to take center stage in college theater L A A S YA A C H A N TA STAFF WRITER @LaasyaPA

A

s cast members perform the opening act, Coppell High School senior Drew Scrivner anxiously watches the performance offstage, building up energy and getting ready to take on the crowd.

From finding a liking for puppetry in elementary school to enrolling in the Young Artists Training Program in middle school to being cast as the lead in the CHS UIL show “Bandersnatch,” Scrivner has always had an affinity towards the performing acts and plans to pursue acting at Kansas State University.

“I wanted to be a little closer to home because this is my first time moving away,” Scrivner said. “I really liked their program, especially the directors [Jennifer Vellenga, Lavonne Canfield, Jerry Cranford and David Mackay] and staff. I think it will be a good experience for me and I will learn a lot.”

At CHS, Scrivner has been part of a multitude of shows, including “42nd Street”, “All Shook Up”, “Newsies” and “Bandersnatch” and is a vice president of the Drama Club.

“In seventh grade, my theater teacher [Coppell Middle School North theater director Brittney Reese] took us to go see ‘Newsies’ at the [Winspear Opera House] in downtown Dallas and I just remember loving it and wanting to be in that show one day,” Scrivner said.

Junior Xavier Davila and senior Drew Scrivner audition for “Newsies” on Aug. 22. Scrivner is pursuing acting at Kansas State University. Photo by Lilly Gorman Scrivner played Davey in the CHS November production of “Newsies.”

“To get into character, I do character research,” Scrivner said. “Before we have an audience, I basically go backstage and I’ll do some jumping jacks to get my energy up and get into my character,” Scrivner said.

CHS senior Sophia Sircar, who starred alongside Scrivner in “Bander-

snatch,” has witnessed Scrivner mature into a stronger, more diverse actor.

“I’ve been working with Drew since I was a freshman and as an actor, I’ve seen him grow from being a very [comical] actor,” Sircar said. “In ‘All Shook Up’ last year, he played a nerdy best friend and that was a very good role for him, but this year he played a romantic role in [“Bandersnatch”] and I think he

Coppell High School senior Drew Scrivner performs “Newsies” in November. Photo courtesy Lupeny Photography, photo illustration by Shravya Mahesh

really grew and learned how to take on those kind of romantic roles and other types of roles he wasn’t predisposed to.”

CHS theater director Karen Ruth has seen Scrivner grow into a more mature version of himself and become one of the hardest working students she has seen throughout the past two years.

“One of my most memorable moments with Drew was when [he] and his scene partner Sophia Sircar managed to get a superior rating at the Texas Thespian Festival in 2018,” Ruth said.

Scrivner and Sircar were selected to compete at the International Thespian Festival this past June in 2019 in Nebraska.

“When Drew found out that they had qualified for Nationals, I remember him just freaking out,” Ruth said. “They did a scene from ‘Angels of America,’ and I was positive that it would be so good.”

While deciding to pursue an acting career through college, Scrivner found Ruth to be helpful in offering support for his passions.

“Focusing on ‘do I want to do [acting] as a career?’ has been a back and forth choice for Drew,” Ruth said.

“That is a big decision for anyone to make because it feels like a different career path to take. We need creative artists and people in this world and I can’t see Drew doing anything else than working in the entertainment industry or theater in some capacity because he is so passionate about it.”

LAASYA ‘20 can be reached at lpa7712@g.coppellisd.com

DECEMBER 6-7

JANUARY 6

Madrigals Feast

Second semester begins 2020

THE SIDEKICK

FINE ARTS

11

Exploring fine arts career pathways As Coppell High School seniors commit to universities and make decisions for their futures, some students take the less common route, electing to study fine arts in hopes of securing careers in art, music or theater. Though their interests stretch into unique subsets of each industry, their passions set them up for personal success.

ASHLYN PETERMAN

VARSHA CHINTAPENTA

Technical theater Columbia College Chicago

Industrial design University of Texas at Austin

What do you plan to do in the future?

I want to be able to manage big production projects, whether it be in theatre or hopefully movies, although I will primarily be focused on theatrical set design. I want to be able to take the idea that a director or a writer [has] and make that come to life.

Why did you decide to go into industrial design?

I’ve been doing art ever since I was a kid.

I didn’t want to do painting or drawing as a career because that’s really risky, so I wanted to do industrial design because it’s very technology-based. It involves different types of design, freelancing, all that stuff. I’ve been very interested in web design lately. I also think it’s very fit for my personality because I’m more analytical than symbolic and traditional.

What impact has this career path had on your life?

As someone who suffers from mental health issues, it gave me a reason to wake up in the morning. This job is a constant movement; we are either building the set, helping with designs or [doing] makeup. It is the motivation and the need to do my job and be excellent at it that excites me about theater. The whole industry is primarily a community and working with everyone as a team is incredibly rewarding. I can take this great feeling and make some money out of it.

EMILIE SANGERHAUSEN

CATHERINE YANG

Film and animation Texas A&M

Music education University of North Texas

Why did you decide to study music education at the University of North Texas?

Even in middle school, music was a really big part of my life. I really loved getting to play and getting to interact with my friends and watching them grow as musicians and as people in general.

My sophomore year of high school, I really fell in love with the band hall setting and the fact that I could interact with people who are passionate about music. I realized this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Having band directors who have inspired me and have been people who I can talk to influenced me to want to be that type of person for students in the future.

Why did you decide to go into film and animation?

I had a lot of ideas of what I wanted to be, like I wanted to be a [veterinarian] and then I wanted to be a marine biologist. But then I realized my whole life, I’d focused on art. I had been drawing since I was 2 and it’s just always been a part of my life and I realized I couldn’t live without it.

Why would you encourage people to study fine arts?

Fine arts is what makes us human because how we express ourselves through it speaks volumes about our personal values and culture. When we look back in time, things like music, art and just entertainment in general, for the past decade, are a real snapshot of what humanity was like and what values they had.

FEBRUARY 14-15

FEBRUARY 21

Migault, Pretorius advance to UIL State Swim Meet

“12 Angry Jurors” by CHS Theatre

Twitter: @CHSCampusNews

Instagram: thesidekickcoppell

Facebook: Sidekick Online

12

STUDENT LIFE

MAY

An Unusual Ending Seniors grapple with unorthodox graduation during isolation AKANSHA SINGH STAFF WRITER @akanshas120

M

arch 6 - the last day before spring break - was a day few Coppell High School seniors could have predicted would be their last day on campus.

For the past two months, social distancing requirements have presented a new way of life. For CHS seniors, the last few months have been an unprecedented end to their high school careers.

“I wish I would have known that last day before spring break would be my last day [in high school],” CHS senior Claire Cheon said. “I was surprised at how large the [coronavirus] pandemic became. It’s quite a historic moment - overwhelming but disappointing.”

Many can attest that despite the ability to interact with others online or through video chats, that is markedly different from being able to engage with others in person.

“Even though we’re connected, I still feel really isolated,” Cheon said.

Prom, a graduation ceremony and graduation parties are included in the handful of events that have had to be canceled due to social distancing guidelines. These traditions were widely anticipated as ways to celebrate graduation and the conclusion of

Social distancing has effectively seen the conclusion of in-person high school classes and events. High school seniors, due to graduate in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, miss out on end-of-year traditions and ceremonies and face an uncertain future. Graphic by Shriya Vanparia high school; with their cancelation comes disappointment and frustration.

As seniors prepare for their plans after high school, a foggy future awaits, especially regarding the transition to college.

Plans on whether to bring students to campus for the fall semester or conduct in-person classes vary amongst the country’s colleges and universities - while a few have outlined their plan, the majority are

waiting to decide, as it remains uncertain what the pandemic will look like in a few months.

However, most universities have canceled summer activities, such as on campus orientations and resorted to online versions.

“I’m a little scared - I was really looking forward to starting college like normal, having a ‘welcome week’,” CHS senior

Maya Mohan said. “I’m going to college in New York City where the pandemic is bad, and it’s very likely our semester will get pushed back.”

Mohan will be attending New York University.

Many summer events leading up to college freshmen’s first days on campus are designed to help them transition to college life. With a watered-down version of these events, some seniors feel they’ll miss out on a proper introduction to their life for the following few years.

“Things are still uneasy and up in the air,” Cheon said. “We have no clue when [the pandemic] is going to be totally over.

That makes the whole process a little worse - I wish I could go to orientation and meet my future classmates.”

In addition, some worry about preparation for college workload and classes in light of the cancelation of International Baccalaureate tests, modifications to AP exams, and simply not being able to finish the school year with traditional instruction.

TO READ MORE, VISIT COPPELLSTUDENTMEDIA.COM

AKANSHA ‘20 can be reached at axs8044@g.coppellisd.com

Hard work breeds success: Sharma leaves CHS with well rounded portfolio CAMILA VILLARREAL STAFF WRITER @fliipthewriter Yes, Coppell High School senior Bikal Sharma is a smart kid.

He is going to Stanford University in the fall, after all. He is a semifinalist for the Nation Merit Scholarship competition, he is a silver medalist for the National Spanish Exam and he is an experienced model United Nations participant.

Throughout high school he has been recognized for being a good student and a good person, earning him a spot in National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and CHS Red Jackets.

“Bikal is a very friendly, cultured, intelligent young man,” CHS AP Chemistry teacher Amy Snyder said. “He really is a Renaissance man, in that he is very knowledgeable in a variety of areas, and yet always looking to learn more in any concept.”

It may be easy to say he is lucky, and Sharma himself admits that it is in part true, but it was not luck alone that got him into his dream college or earned him a national AP Scholar award.

“It is a combination of both that got

me to where I am,” Sharma said. “I’m re- team, taking home awards for both, ally blessed to have had a lot of opportu- and when he transferred schools, nities to achieve things, but at the same Sharma added the National Art Sotime I’ve worked hard to open doors that I ciety to his list. would not have otherwise opened. I know TO READ MORE, VISIT that many other kids could not have the COPPELLSTUDENTMEDIA.COM same start in life that I did, so I’m incredibly grateful for what I was given.”

CAMILA ‘21 can be reached at Sharma began high school at Maggie cxv8266@g.coppellisd.com L. Walker Governor’s School in Richmond, Va. and ended it at CHS. His eight year involvement in model UNs and his fascination with the world of medicine and scientific research fueled his desire for a university that would allow him to explore both.

“Medicine is really just a privately run industry, and I am one of many people who believe this is wrong and want to promote equity and ensure that people are getting the medicine they need,” Sharma said. “Stanford stood out to me as my top choice because it offered a major in human biology that was a good combination of my main interests.”

As far as extracurriculars go, Sharma has tried a variety of things. At his former school, he dabbled in robotics competitions and joined a quiz bowl

Coppell High School senior Bikal Sharma speaks at a Nepali community event in Dallas. Sharma will attend Stanford University after high school and pursue a medical degree. Photo courtesy Bikal Sharma

FEBRUARY 25

FEBRUARY 21-22

Boys basketball defeats Eaton at bi-district playoffs

Three wrestlers place at UIL State Meet 2020

THE SIDEKICK

STUDENT LIFE

13

From boredom to

FF aa nn d d oo m m

Williams journeying through TikTok fame YA S H R AV U L A STAFF WRITER @yashravula Mindlessly scrolling through TikTok at 3 a.m. you might have stumbled across Coppell High School senior Trevor Williams (@shii.trevor) on TikTok. Williams has gained more than 224,4000 followers and about 5 million likes in a span of nine months since downloading the app.

“I didn’t really think I wanted to post anything when I first downloaded the app [August]. But then I posted like four or five videos in a span of a week and some of them got about 500,000 views and I continued from there,” Williams said. “I only posted as a way to pass my time that summer, I would look through some videos and see the trends and remake those.

I really didn’t expect it to get the attention that it did.”

Due to his popularity on Tiktok, he got the opportunity to go to Playlist Live, an annual three-day convention held in Orlando, Fla. for creators on TikTok and YouTube, held in March.

“That experience was amazing, I’ve had a bunch of people recognize me and take pictures and stuff,” Williams said. “I went there with a couple of other TikToker friends. We rented an Airbnb and spent

Coppell High School senior Trevor Williams makes TikToks in front of his ring light in his living room on May 5. Williams started making TikToks as a way to eliminate his boredom and in the process found his love for content creation. Photo courtesy Trevor Williams

Teacher of the Issue:

David Bearden S H R AV YA M A H E S H STAFF WRITER @shravyamahesh

Coppell High School Art I, Honors Art I and Sculpture II teacher David Bearden’s repertoire is not limited to paintings and sculptures. Strong artists, productive working environments and valuable life lessons are also important additions.

With 20 years of experience teaching and creating art, Bearden’s love for making art carries over to every aspect of his life.

“If you could have the standard epitome of an art teacher, he’d be it,” CHS senior Penelope Gummelt said. “He’s somebody who’s very excited to see you expand your level of art and find inspiration and do whatever you believe is right for your artwork. He [is] just very excited to see all of us grow and our skill and our passion.”

Bearden’s art journey began with his retired grandfather Ken Langford. After starting a painting class in 1978 at the Grayson Community College as a hobby, he became Bearden’s first step into the world of art.

“I remember loving the feel and smell of his art supplies and materials,” Bearden

said. “He was a major influence in my conscious decision to make art a fundamental part of my life.”

Bearden discovered an interest in working with young people during high school at Churchill High School in San Antonio, where he worked with the middle school youth group at the Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in San Antonio. Though he studied some graphic design in college at the University of North Texas, he found himself a better fit for a career in education.

“My mom [Patty Bearden] is a retired career teacher [from San Antonio], and after a few conversations with her, I decided to bring my love of art and passion for teaching together,” Bearden said. “The rest, as they say, is history.”

Bearden largely structures his class freely, allowing students the freedom to work independently. Eighties music bounces off the walls as students chatter amongst each other, creating art in a relaxed space.

algorithm is very unstable due to quarantine, people used to be more on their phones at around 5 p.m. before but now it’s hard to determine.”

Getting “fame” could often lead to one portraying themselves as bigger, often leading them to being emotionally involved in one thing: getting views and followers.

“Entitlement has a huge role to do with teenagers who get famous online, I feel like TikTokers with a bigger fan following will act a certain way, and it shows,” Florida-based TikTok user Jennifer Lopez (@brennsuniverse) said. “This all depends on the person. Trevor is the most honest and true person I have ever met, but there were some people I met at Playlist Live that were not as cool as they seem in their content. This type of behavior is very toxic and sometimes can lead to fans unfollowing them. ” According to Lopez and Williams, being cautious about the content posting is the most important rule a content creator needs to follow.

TO READ MORE, VISIT COPPELLSTUDENTMEDIA.COM YASH ‘20 can be reached at yxr6555@g.coppellisd.com

Coppell High School Art I, Honors Art I and Sculpture II teacher David Bearden paints with his son, Oliver, during the Colorpalooza arts festival in Lewisville in April 2019. Bearden’s teaching experience and love for creating art impact his students and his classroom environment. Photo courtesy David Bearden

TO READ MORE, VISIT COPPELLSTUDENTMEDIA.COM SHRAVYA ‘20 can be reached at smm8670@g.coppellisd.com

FEBRUARY 29

MARCH 6

Purely Rhythmic concert

Last day of school on campus

Twitter: @CHSCampusNews

Instagram: thesidekickcoppell

Facebook: Sidekick Online

14

SPORTS

Reliving the moments

MAY

Unprecedented end to Coppell sports marked by historic beginning ANJALI KRISHNA STAFF WRITER @anjalikrishna_

I

t is easy to forget the moments of triumph in the midst of a global pandemic. Easy to think of only losses, both in games and in aspirations.

Too easy to forget the moment the puck slides in to win a state title for the first time in 16 years or the moment the announcer screams “Coppell” for the first place cheerleading state title.

Before the world turned upside down, Coppell churned out some of its best results in years, and for a year to go down in sports infamy, there was much to celebrate.

Coppell hockey won the state championship for the first time in 16 years and dedicated it to its longtime coach, Chris Shakesby, as one last hurrah for what could possibly be his final year coaching for Coppell. Cheer also won state, placing first of 33 teams at Cheer America.

Volleyball reached bi-district and boys basketball advanced to area. The Cowboys took a commanding victory over Eaton in bi-district playoffs and then a disappointing loss to Waxahachie in area playoffs, while the Cowgirls fell to nationally-ranked Keller in round one of playoffs.

Wrestling and swimming sent five and two athletes to state respectively, with three placing for the former and both placing for the latter. In cross country, both teams advanced to state; the boys placed seventh overall (their highest ever placed) and the girls placed fourth.

For the last four years, Coppell seniors have given their blood, sweat and tears to the teams they call family and the school they call home. They have made these moments, and these moments all add up to an unforgettable senior season - a legacy Coppell will never forget.

“The previous years, we were almost there, and we kept getting reminded that we were the ‘almost’ team, which motivated us to get there even more. Making it to state in cross country was kind of the expectation this year for the boys because we had been working our tails off all summer and fall to get there. Going to state this year in cross country defined our team as one of the best in the state and showed that our hard work paid off.”

-Ishraj Bhandari Photo by Sydney Rowe

ANJALI ‘22 can be reached at axk8800@g.coppellisd.com.

“We won city playoffs. It was a very hard fought game and we ended up winning both state and city.

Overall, it was a pretty good season. Going out on a good note is always how you want it - leaving big shoes to fill for the juniors and the younger players who are going to be filling all of our spots. It definitely felt good to leave on a good note. The culture with the boys and how they protect me, it’s a lot different than girls hockey. I’ll miss being pushed and having that protection that the boys created and them accepting me. I moved to Coppell halfway through my sophomore year, so I only got two and a half seasons in. I would say it was some of the most memorable hockey in my career.”

-Marlee Sprott

Photo by Tracy Tran

“Personally, the hardest moment was Hebron. We had a pretty bad first round of district, and we had just beat Marcus in the second round, so we would have really gone up in district ranking, but we lost, and it was pretty hard for us. We worked really hard to not be fourth seed for playoffs, and we just couldn’t get out of it. I was very happy to be able to end my senior year on the court with my best friends, despite the outcome of our last game.”

-Isabelle Bowles

Photo by Tracy Tran

“There’s a certain passion people have. The thing I’m going to miss the most is seeing people find that passion.

[It] is such a cool thing to watch. Seeing someone who lost a match and going up and talking to them, and instead of [being] sad, they’re anxious for the next one.

Now that I’m not going to be wrestling anymore, I’m going to miss people change like that. It’s always awesome to see people change for the better.”

Photo by Ava Mora

MARCH 23

APRIL 17

Virtual classes begin

UIL cancels all remaining events 2020

-Jackson Briscoe

THE SIDEKICK

SPORTS

Unfinished but unforgettable S A L LY P A R A M P O T T I L EXECUTIVE SPORTS EDITOR @sparampottil

A

15

Looking back on pre-playoff highlights

mongst the seasons that should have been decorated with accomplishments, the stain of COVID-19 leaves its mark. The suspensions and cancellations of sports across the nation resulted in many seniors with their last high school sports experiences ripped away.

However, it did not hit fast enough to take away everything.

Both boys and girls soccer were en route to the playoffs, each securing an advancing position in District 6-6A. The Cowboys had risen from the bottom of district standings to end their season with a victorious Senior Night at Buddy

Echols Field, marking a six-match winning streak in which the No. 1 ranked team in Texas, Flower Mound Marcus, was defeated. The Cowgirls ended their season with a tie to Flower Mound at an away match; their final home match was a 10-0 blowout against Irving.

Track and field, spring tennis and boys and girls golf all awaited tournament-style playoffs which never took place. Rather, their successes came from prior tournaments. Track and field saw numerous school records broken, the tennis team had promising possible playoff contenders, and both golf teams entered spring season following a successful fall

full of record breaking tournaments.

Many athletic careers ended with a feeling of dissatisfaction and a lingering thought of “what if?” Many others will continue on, perhaps not at the high school level, but collegiately. While their high school conclusions fell to the mercy of a global pandemic, each Coppell senior controlled what they will be remembered for before the world of sports shut down.

From the victories to the memories to the team connections, it appears they leave big shoes to fill.

SALLY ‘21 can be reached at scp7918@g.coppellisd.com.

“I’m going to miss talking and competing with my teammates. Practicing every day with this great group of guys is something I am really sad I won’t be able to experience again. I wasn’t happy with how our senior season ended. We had a very talented group of players that we believed had a great chance to win a lot of games and maybe even a state championship.”

Photo by Sydney Rowe

-Hayden MacArthur NICOLE OBIALO Track and Field Photo by Tracy Tran

“We’d initially dug ourselves a hole, and with the second half of the season, we were playing really well, and we were basically on the cusp of playoffs when the season cut off. When we went into that last game on Senior Night, we never knew it was our last game and our last time taking the field with the rest of the teammates. I wish we would’ve gotten a proper way to say our goodbyes to each other.”

Photo by Mari Pletta

“[Playing tennis is] a really different feeling. It’s kind of freeing, because you don’t have anything else to worry about. You’re just focused on the tennis ball and hitting each stroke. You’re not thinking about anyone else, you’re not thinking about anything else, it’s just you there on the court. It’s a great moment to just step aside from everything else, because each thing is based off what’s happening. You can’t really think about the past, you should not think about previous points or what’s going to happen. You just have to be in the point.”

Photo by Anthony Onalaja

-Ruchika Khowala

MAY 1

MAY 28

CISD 60th Anniversary Birthday Bash Twitter: @CHSCampusNews

CHS Virtual graduation Instagram: thesidekickcoppell

Facebook: Sidekick Online

-Ben Wang

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stay safe and have an amazing summer!

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