Volume 29 Issue 6

Coppell High School 185 W. Parkway Blvd. Coppell, Texas 75019 Volume 29

Issue 6

May 2018

THE 2018 SENIOR PULLOUT

pages 7-18

Experiences, achievements lead graduates toward next chapter MEET THE TOP TEN pages 12-13

Inside

From the polls

Setting the pace

Williams stands strong

Coppell voters bring new faces onto school board, city council with recent election

Journalists cap off memorable careers with The Sidekick, Round-Up and KCBY-TV

CHS alum overcomes bullying to be drafted by America’s Team

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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, SOLAR ECLIPSE

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HURRICANE HARVEY HITS TEXAS COAST

Brock finds joy in teaching, IB philosophy written by Tanya Raghu Enterprise Editor @tanya_raghu When Coppell High School teacher Michael Brock was in his final year of college, he switched his major to history and cancelled his medical school interviews, making a decision that would alter the rest of his life.

Brock’s successful teaching career began after his wife and former Coppell Middle School West librarian, Rose Brock, took up teaching following their graduation from Oklahoma State University.

“Teaching was something I never, ever planned to do on [the high school] level,” Brock said. “After I graduated from college my plan was to go directly to graduate school. I actually thought that if I was going to teach I wanted to do it at the college level.”

Twenty-one years later, Mr. Brock continues to teach.

Coupled with his duties as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program coordinator, his responsibilities extend beyond the classroom as the IB Theory of Knowledge and History of the Americas II teacher.

“He will always be there for me,” IB student Surya Ramakrishnan said. “I feel like Mr. Brock is one of those people you can trust with your life, and he will always have your back.”

As the coordinator, he ensures that all IB students meet IB diploma

photo by Laura Amador-Toro International Baccalaureate (IB) program coordinator and IB Theory of Knowledge and History of the Americas II teacher Michael Brock changed from pursuing medical school to a history major during his last year of college. One of the aspects he loves most about his job is the IB approach to teaching and learning.

coming back.”

When he started teaching at CHS in

Mr. Brock is one of those people you can trust with your life, and he will always have your back.

Surya Ramakrishnan, senior

requirements. He is also the Extended Essay Coordinator, a position in which he advises students on their paper topics for the diploma program.

“I really, really love the kids I work with and that’s a joy every year,” Brock said. “It is something that will keep me

the fall of 2007, Coppell ISD was beginning to explore the idea of introducing an IB program.

“It was just an open opportunity to teach more advanced classes and the IB came up,” Brock said. “I looked at the program and one of the things in

feedback I got from my former students from my AP classes [was that], ‘You prepared us really well for doing a history class, but the only thing I didn’t feel prepared for was the research.’ I thought with this [program] I could give students the opportunity to get experience with that, and it absolutely has done that.”

For his classes, Brock focuses on a question and answer style directed discussions with embedded research activities and flip videos driven by the students throughout the year.

“Once I started teaching it, I really loved the [IB] philosophy,” Brock said.

“I loved the approach, and I loved the course I was teaching.”

IB Math Standard Level/Higher Level teacher Ian VanderSchee has

worked with Brock for six years.

“If there are times that you fall behind doing your job, he will gently remind you of how to do your job better without making you feel bad,” VanderSchee said. “It’s the same way a family member would treat another family member if they were doing a little less than they should be doing.

You feel a sense that he is proud of what you are doing.”

Everyday, Brock is reaffirmed that the decision he made in college was the right one.

“I’m still really enjoying my time here and I don’t want to be anywhere else and I enjoy what I do,” Brock said.

“It’s hard work but I enjoy what I do.”

Congratulations to the May Teacher of the Issue Michael Brock.

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FIRST FOOTBALL GAME AGAINST L.D. BELL

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LARIETTE SPAGHETTI DINNER IN COMMONS

New faces to join Coppell ISD Board of Trustees

written by Kelly Wei Art and Entertainment Editor @kelllywei Results for the Coppell Council, Board of Trustees and mayor from May 5 have been released.

Coppell voters elected Nichole Bentley and Manish Sethi to the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees, while also re-electing Tracy Fisher.

Karen Hunt was re-elected as mayor once more, leading with 65 percent, followed by opponent Davin Bernstein at 35 percent.

For Place 6, Bentley received 61 percent for Place 6, while opponents Lynne Ryan followed with 24 percent and Dan Koller with 16 percent.

For Place 7, Fisher claimed 63 percent, followed by Ron Hansen at 37 percent, while Sethi concluded the night with 68 percent and Balki Chamkura with 32 percent.

On May 5, booths were set up outside the City Hall, where candidates in the running and volunteering supporters handed out business cards and flyers, speaking with local residents on their campaign goals and messages while others thanked and shook hands with those emerging from the building, having already voted.

Coppell Mayor Karen Hunt herself

photos by Kelly Wei On May 5, Coppell held its election for Board of Trustees, Coppell Council and mayor. The Coppell community elected Nichole Bentley (left) and Manish Sethi (right) to the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees. More than 1,400 citizens stopped voted in this election.

was present, mingling with crowds of unprecedented size.

“We have had record turnouts so far,” Hunt said. “We’re expecting even more today. It’s a beautiful day.”

Indeed, this election season has broken records. By 5:30 p.m., more than 1,400 citizens had stopped by to vote and make their voices heard. “[Turnout] has exceeded our expectations,” Coppell Council Place 2 candidate John Jun said. “That means people care about the community, issues, the people that are running.

They care enough to come out and vote, and that’s something we can look forward to.”

Many citizens also understand the importance of this election and the

effects results will have on their way of life. “[The positions] of the people who are running have a direct impact on the daily life in our city and schools,” Coppell resident Megan Conoley said.

Among the many issues taking center stage, economic development and empowering the school district have become the most significant topics candidates were eager to tackle.

A resident of Coppell for nearly 11 years, Coppell Council Place 6 candidate Biju Mathew has made prosperity for citizens one of the most pressing issues to take the forefront of his campaign.

“I’ve been talking about a stronger Coppell, a safer Coppell, a smarter

Coppell,” Mathew said. “Economic development and business prosperity.

We want businesses in Coppell to general sales tax for us...so property taxes for residents will have some discounts.”

Place 2 candidate Manish Sethi is looking out for the school district and its staff.

“I’m all about teachers,” Sethi said.

“We take care of teachers, teachers take care of our kids. We need to support them more and make sure certain projects [are executed] in a frugal and smart way. We can keep on improving our district.”

Residents found many of their own personal interests aligned with those of several candidates.

“My concerns are more to do with education, not so much in the beautification of the city,” Coppell resident Rina Bhatia said, echoing Sethi’s own message. “The city already looks very pretty. I’d like some changes, some reform in the schools where teachers should get paid higher. That’s a constraint we’re having right now.”

Overall, the high voter turnout tells a great deal of the civic responsibility present within the community. “[I came out and voted] because I care for the community and who gets voted,” Bhatia said. “This is the time to exercise your rights.”

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CHEER BINGO IN CHS COMMONS

Douglas recognized for science fair leadership written by Anika Arutla Staff Writer @anikaarutla The science fair is a reoccurring and bland tradition that people almost always groan at the mention of. However, for Coppell High School science teacher Cathy Douglas, the science fair is about more than just a tradition.

The Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair gives 10 teachers awards in the senior division based on how many students enter the competition and how well the students perform. On April 4, at a banquet held at SMU in Dallas, Douglas received a 2018 Southern Methodist University Teacher Award.

“I was so thrilled to win the award,” Douglas said. “But I was more proud of the kids and their efforts.”

Douglas has taught at Coppell ISD

for 18 years, Coppell Middle School West for five years and CHS for 13 years. She is very involved with the science community at CHS, as she is a sponsor for STIR (Science Technology Involvement Research) Club and coordinator for Science Olympiad.

Douglas stands out as a teacher with her commitment to teaching and her students.

“Her enthusiasm is very contagious, causing the students to be interested in learning,” senior Varshini Suresh said.

Other teachers consider Douglas a role model due to her utmost dedication to teaching and having incredible experience.

“One of the best things about working with Ms. Douglas is her wealth of experience, she’s pretty much tried everything there is to try and when you ask her for advice, she knows the things to look out for or places where

kids might have difficulty, or where the teacher might need to prepare more,” science teacher Madhavi Phadke said.

For many, Douglas winning this award was a long time coming.

“Her passion for teaching in gener-

al makes her a winner,” Phadke said.

“The fact that she got this award, was not by accident. Ms. Douglas is a habitual excellent teacher. She has made it her habit to always prepare, to always do the best that she can do.”

photo by Nadia Scalzo GT Biology teacher Cathy Douglas guides students in a pig dissection. Douglas recently received an award from the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair, which gives awards based on student performance in their annual science fair.

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HOMECOMING AT DALLAS MARKET CENTER

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opinions 5

THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL OPENING NIGHT

Things to do before leaving Coppell Make a statement on the senior bridge

written by Fiona Koshy Editorial Page Editor @fionakoshy10 While many Coppell High School seniors are excited to leave, the end of senior year can be bittersweet nonetheless.

For seniors looking to take advantage of these last few days at CHS, here is a checklist of activities to complete to help your graduation day be filled with a sense of satisfaction as you give the final goodbye to the gray and red hallways of our school.

I mean, what else is it for? Need to blow off some steam, jump with joy or just wave to your friend from across the school instead of catching up to them? The senior bridge is your best bet. I suggest you take advantage of it. Bonus points if you take some cute pictures on it.

Go to a community event Support people, organizations and businesses in your community. From going to the Coppell Farmers Market on Saturday morning to stopping by the Summer Splash Bash with some friends, there are so many ways you can engage with your community before you head off to college. Who knows, you may even have some fun along the way.

Impart your wisdom If you know any underclassmen, give them your best advice. What are the best classes? Clubs to sign up for? Afterall, you have made it through four years and are bound to have learned something along the way.

Eat Lunch outside With the weather warming up and the trees providing ample shade, grab your lunch and meet up with friends outside to enjoy the scenery while it is still available to you.

Make a playlist Include songs tied to your favorite high school memories. Start with your freshman year soundtrack and work your way to the present day.

DOcument a day in your life It may be hard to believe now, but high school is soon going to be a distant memory. Many things like your friends, walk to class and lunch table seem crystal clear now, but down the road they are memories you are going to want to remember. Spend a day taking photos or video clips of your commute to school with your sibling, funny lunch chats or an entertaining activity in class so that one day, you have it to look back on.

THANK YOUR Teachers If you have not already, make sure to say goodbye to teachers you had in past years. They made an impact on your life for the better, so you should let them know. If you want to keep in touch, get their contact information.

Raghu journeys through journalism written by Tanya Raghu Enterprise Editor @tanya_raghu When I attended the University of North Texas Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference as a mere student journalist, for three days, I was alongside the best professionals in their fields - Pulitzer Prize winners, New York Times bestsellers and world-famous news anchors.

Each distinguished speaker offered valuable insight and striking narratives, but one civil rights lawyer and journalist left an invaluable mark on me.

As Alia Malek spoke, I scribbled down dozens of unforgettable statements about her time reporting on the front lines of violence in 2011 Syria. After her emotionally charged ses-

sion, I was left sympathizing for her family and many like her, entangled in violent conflict.

But it was her delivery of these haunting stories with conviction, rhetoric and pride that left a lasting impression on me.

She had the unmistakable certainty and outspokenness of a lawyer coupled with the eloquence and impartiality of a journalist.

From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be like her.

My beginning in journalism was unlikely. I was already involved with school and club soccer, but I wanted something more.

When I elected to add Sidekick to my schedule sophomore year, I did not know how it would work out in the long run with soccer, what exactly it was or the reason I chose it. I just knew I loved to write.

During my time in the program, I immensely improved my writing skills but, most importantly, I became a more bolder, confident and aware individual.

From the time I wrote my first story on the City of Coppell being named the best place to live to interviewing

Pam Cope, the co-founder of Touch a Life organization which is dedicated to helping disadvantaged children in Africa, the experience has been eye-opening and an unique addition to my high school experience.

I loved it so much that I traded in my soccer cleats for a voice recorder.

Similar to Malek, I want to fuse my interest in journalism with law, the career envision myself pursuing.

I will forever be thankful to The Sidekick. Without it, I would have never seen Malek speak, meet my lifelong friends in D115 or discover my strength in writing.

photo illustration by Cristina Gomez The Sidekick newspaper enterprise editor Tanya Raghu has been on staff for three years; the first two as a staff writer and the last as editor. She will be attending the University of Texas at Austin this fall.

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may 2018

Studying or sleeping: creating your ideal summer The final bell rings, and it feels like the beginning scene of High School Musical 2. It is finally summer.

Some Coppell High School students are rushing home, ready to start binging on the latest Netflix show, and others head straight to the neighborhood pool, ready to cool off from the brutal Texas heat.

But there are also students who are busy learning languages, studying for college tests or working several jobs.

One student may look at another, and think they are weird for spending their summer a certain way, but what defines a wellspent summer?

For some students, participating in activities, whether related

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Photography Editor

Adviser

Co-Student Life Editor

Chase Wofford Executive Editor-in-Chief

Amelia Vanyo Executive Design Editor

Wren Lee

Ale Ceniceros Farah Merchant Co-Student Life Editor

Anthony Cesario Sports Copy Editor

Reid Valentine

Executive Digital Content Editor

Sports Assignment Editor

Lili Lomas

Graphics Editor

EDITORIAL LEADERSHIP Art and Entertainment Editor

Nicholas Pranske Elena Gillis Graphics Manager

Kaylee Aguilar

Kelly Wei

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

Editorial Page Editor

Business Manager

Fiona Koshy Enterprise Editor

Tanya Raghu

Gracie Blackwell Communications Manager

Sruthi Boppuri

STAFF WRITERS Akif Abidi Tara Ansari Anika Arutla Renata Barona AndrĂŠs Bear Claire Clements Sofia Guerrero Jess Hernandez Pramika Kadari Nishant Medicharla Arman Merchant Nolan Sanders Akarsh Velagapudi Christine Zacuai PHOTOGRAPHERS Laura Amador-Toro Rylee Ferguson Bren Flechtner

to a job or school, is not something to dread. It may be useful or fun to them, more similar to playing around than the dreaded endeavor we associate with school, or the monotonous routine of a 9 to 5 job.

That is how some people work (no pun intended) and so the three month break from the routine of school gives them a chance to delve into the subjects they enjoy such as, languages or working at a restaurant.

Even just staying home and studying for upcoming classes provides a routine that is dependable and relaxing. The choice to focus on school work is so popular that colleges such as North Lake College have started seeing dramatic increases in the amount of students taking classes over the summer.

These busy bees may see different people relaxing and may feel pressured to do the same, like they are doing too much and should just take a chill pill. Or, they may see others working harder than them, and feel like they are not doing enough and need to start cramming.

For some people, they not only want a break from school, they need a three-month recovery from it, otherwise known as summer. Their summer is dedicated to their TV, friends, family and nothing else.

They are not very productive in the terms that most people think of,

Varsha Kanneganti Disha Kohli Quyenh Phang Aubrey Phillips Mari Pletta Nadia Scalzo Karis Thomas GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Cristina Gomez Molly McGill Bella Mora Britain Stanley

mainly because they do not need to be and do not have any intention to.

The only amount of effort they put into their summer is packing their bag before the first day of school, and that is OK. The break helps these people decompress, bringing them into the school year relaxed, happy and ready to receive the best grades they can.

For these people, however much they want to relax, they may also see different people, bent over their textbooks, sitting in classrooms or visiting colleges, and feel that they should be doing the same. They may feel that they are being too lazy, and they will never get through high school without doing all of the work other people may be doing.

They should not have to feel this pressure, and should recognize that summer is an individualistic experience. The only commonality that all students should have is the time period that it occurs.

Some define a successful summer as one spent getting things done, some define a successful summer as one spent relaxing and many are somewhere in between.

Ultimately, a summer full of success is a summer full of happiness.

When you are packing your bag the morning of the first day of school, if you can look back on your summer, smile and feel satisfied, then you have had a successful summer.

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, and Interscholastic League Press Conference. The editorials and columns presented in this paper reflect the views of its student writers and not Coppell High School or Coppell Independent School District.

Advertisements 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 Blvd Coppell, TX 75019

@CHSCampusNews @SidekickSports @thesidekickcoppell @sidekicknews @sidekick_sports Sidekick Online

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CROSS COUNTRY STATE IN ROUND ROCK

SENIOR QUOTES

Seniors end Sidekick career with best year to date Karis Thomas

staff photographer

[Sidekick] is probably one of the best things I have done in my high school experience, it’s provided me with so many different opportunities and things I was never comfortable doing before. For example, one of the biggest thing that’s helped me go out of comfort zone was travelling with the boys soccer team, and things like that, it’s really helped me branch out. Another thing was going out to the March for Our Lives. It dawned on me that journalism, there’s a lot of things that go into it, it’s more than just writing stories, you’re sharing other people’s views, ideas, their journey,

Lili Lomas executive digital content editor I had always known that I wanted to be a part of Sidekick and it was actually when I saw people on the sidelines during football games, I was like ‘Wow, I want to be one of those people that’s reporting, and I’d always liked writing, and I knew that this was a writing intensive class, so I joined,

Amelia Vanyo

editor-in-chief

I didn’t join Sidekick until junior year. At first, it was really hard to get into, but I really was excited about it and I was super thrilled to write but I didn’t love journalism that way. I actually considered quitting after my first year, but I decided to do it again. The whole second half of that year was so amazing, and I learned so much, not only about journalism, but about loving journalism,

REID VALENTINE

sports copy editor

Sidekick has given me the opportunity to do something I’m passionate about, which is writing. It has given me the opportunity to create friendships that have impacted my life in positive ways.

I have learned that I can grow in writing. I’ve learned to use my voice in my writing, and tell stories in a way that people want to read them and that they will have a lasting impact,

I had a lot of fun at the Dallas convention because a lot of my friends from Sidekick went to the convention and I learned a lot and the pre-convention workshop was really memorable to me because we got to walk around downtown Dallas and we got to do this cool assignment where we interviewed people on the streets about Dallas,

Gracie blackwell business manager

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FIRST BOYS BASKETBALL GAME AGAINST MARCUS

Round-Up proves much more than class to seniors Megan McGahey,

Lauren McCord,

Over the past three years I’ve really grown as a journalist. I’ve learned a lot about leadership and what it looks like to lead and lead by example. I’ve learned about photography and writing and I’ve made some of my best friends through this program. It’s been a lot of hard work, a lot of late, sleepless nights working to produce this book but ultimately it’s something I’m really proud of and I’m forever grateful for the experience that yearbook has brought me over these three years.

I’ve been in yearbook for the past three years and I can honestly say that it has been the most growth that I’ve experienced in high school has come from yearbook and it’s just the best. I would say my favorite thing about yearbook in general is just getting to work with everyone on staff and get so close with them and meet some of your best friends and just work with everyone on something with a common goal.

editor-in-chief

managing editor

KCBY delivers more than news in earning top honors Rachel Behrndt,

Marissa Greene,

I joined KCBY because I have always wanted to be a journalist since I was little and I saw KCBY as the best way to be creative but also learn the news and learn about how to make stories.

[Being a journalist] has taught me professionalism in a way that I think a lot of students don’t get to learn. It’s taught me how to talk to people and interact with people and ask uncomfortable questions. It’s definitely taught me how to be a leader just work super hard.

Ever since I was little I loved writing and reading. English was my favorite subject, I wrote my own short stories, my own journals, all of that stuff. Once I got into middle school I took a media class and we watched KCBY every week, and I fell in love with the program. Once I was able to take the class, I made the most out of every year in KCBY in KCBY. It was something I always knew what I wanted to do and I was so thankful to have followed my dreams.

senior producer

program director

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may 2018

TEACHER OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED

From filmmaking to international relations: seniors discuss unique college paths, majors written by Pramika Kadari Staff Writer @pramika_kadari

As seniors graduate, they move onto bigger things: college. technical school, the Air Force Academy and more. While others have wanted to pursue this opportunities since they were young, others have recently discovered their career paths. Either way, they are now excited to move onto the next step of their life.

Jonah Gehrlein

Tarrant county college - aviation maintenance

I enjoy working with my hands, and I wanted something more hands on and physical than engineering. But I also wanted to make money, and wouldn’t be fazed out like auto repair, so I figured airplanes is a good field to go into.

[I’ve known I want to go into this field] for a few months. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, and I heard about this, and I heard about the level of pay, and I figured it would be a good idea. [I’m looking forward to the fact that] I come out with an associates degree, so it’s a trade skill and it’s hands on, but I still get a college degree from it.ss.

Andrew Santillan

University of pennsylvania - Computer engineering & Finance

I chose the school because they’re really inter-disciplinary, and it’s easy to do a lot of different subjects. [I’ve wanted to go there] for a couple years now. When I visited campus, I really liked the campus, and I’m hoping to play college there as well. I’ve been playing soccer since I was about six.

Katie Love

Baylor University - Church music

I’ve been singing my entire life and I’ve always kind of felt that I was going to go into something with music, but I thought I was going to do musical theater, but then last year, it just became really clear to me, God just made it clear to me that I was supposed to do church music. I’m interested in any job with music. That’s what I love so much about the Baylor program is that it gives me the classification to teach music in voice classes, teach music at a high school education level, I can lead worship at a church. My ideal job is to be a worship leader, full-time, because I do that already at my church, but it’s more of a volunteer thing because I’m a member there, but ideally I would like to be able to have my own worship team that I would get to make decisions for, and be able to pursue that passion.

Oscar Jimenez

Tarrant county college - aviation & Mechanical engineering

I have always wanted to be a pilot. I always liked flying and the mechanical part I fell in love with because I’ve been building a 3D printer and computers throughout middle school and high school. I like taking things apart and seeing how they work, then rebuilding things to make them better. In the future I want to be a pilot and have my own company for building electronic related objects.

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COPPELL CHOIR MADRIGAL FEAST

Ashna Pathan

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WOMEN’S MARCH IN DALLAS

Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University - Music for New Media

I always wanted to go into composition for media such as film and TV, so when I found out about this major I thought of all the applications that I could use music composition for. With new developments in fields such as virtual reality, it is fascinating to see the changes in the music industry to reflect these developments. The school Peabody which is part of Johns Hopkins University is one of the most prestigious schools for classical music, which appealed to me and my classical music background but they also have incredible modern programs, such as recording arts.

This works well because I want to apply my classical background in more modern settings with media so Peabody offered the best of both worlds.dss.

Abigail Albright

Ringling college of art & Design - 3d animation

If you’re going to an art college, name recognition does matter because animation studios will come to recruit at studious they know are good so I wanted to go to this school because I’m already pretty familiar with it and I know the program is good. And out of the schools I applied to, it’s one of the least far away ones, it’s in Florida.

I have been interested in art and animation for a really long time. In middle school, I did a lot of animations just by myself. Beginning around high school I knew I wanted to go to art school. [art and animation] is a way for me to be creative and express myself. It’s really fun.

Zach Starkweather

new york film academy in los angeles - filmmaking

I became aware of this college because many of my friends and role models go there. Over the past year my talent in photography and editing grew. My friend Sam Godly goes to NYFA, and through his experience I learned that it would be a right fit for me. I want to be a social media influencer. That is where I will grow followers to promote products and earn money. I basically get paid to do cool stuff.

Kritima Lamichhane

new york university london - international relations

I just really want to work with third world development and help change the world for those with less opportunities. I will be working with the politics in other countries to create those opportunities for people who don’t have the ones we have here. My specific focus is human rights and third world development, which I’m really passionate about. I’m just really excited to do something that isn’t just a normal college experience. I’m hopeful for the opportunities I will get, whether school wise, or travel wise, or job wise.

Nick Kim

Air force academy

I knew I wanted to go into the military in eighth grade, but at the time it was like ‘I might do that.’ Sophomore year, I did a lot of research, and knew it would be perfect for me. I want to do something with my life that’s meaningful. I want to go out there and do something, as opposed to sitting in an office. My mom was scared at first, but after she knew I was serious about it, she said to go for it. I’ll miss seeing my friends [because] once I go to the academy, I won’t be able to come home for six months. I’m looking forward to moving on to the next part of my life. When I’m there, there will be a lot of different people from a lot of different places, because the academy tries to represent all 50 states. So I’ll be exposed to a lot of people, high quality people, which I’m excited for.

photos by Aubrey Phillips, Claire Clements

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ACH YEAR, COPPELL HIGH SCHOOL graduates yet another impressive class of scholars, athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, scientists and more. The 2018 senior class is no different, each and every soon-tobe graduate with a part to play in shaping the future. At the helm are 10 students, who know what they do both in and out of the classroom matters. Smart, goaloriented, ambitious and equipped to someday achieve great things, they now prepare to leave the hallowed halls of CHS for good - but not before imparting a few words of advice with The Sidekick first.

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FIRST BOYS SOCCER GAME AGAINSTJOHN TYLER

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FIRST GIRLS SOCCER GAME AGAINST PEARCE

Love of cinema leads Coffee to future in filmmaking written by Pramika Kadari Staff Writer @pramika_kadari Despite the fact his father is an airplane inspector and his mother is a scientist-turned-teacher, Coppell High School senior John Coffee is branching out as the first artistic member of his family and planning to pursue his love for film in college.

Coffee’s ideal position in the film industry would be directing.

“What I’m best at and what I enjoy the most is directing, taking stories and having my own creative perception of how a story needs to be and actualizing it,” Coffee said.

After a year of attending Austin Community College to save money, Coffee plans to attend the radio, television and film program at the University of Texas at Austin. There are a multitude of good schools for film, but Coffee was drawn to UT because of the style of films the program’s alumni have produced, as he felt that many of the more popular schools’ alumni were producing “blockbuster” type films which he was not drawn to.

“I’m most interested in lower-budget kinds of films, not the ones with huge explosions and things like that,” Coffee said. “UT has a good program to help me develop a cinematic style that suits me the best.”

Coffee’s uncle, Christoph Ruepprich, introduced him to videography at a young age, beginning by showing him programs such as iMovie. Since, other video makers have been a big factor in the development of Coffee’s passion, as well as teachers such as KCBY adviser Irma Kennedy.

“Teachers like Mrs. Kennedy have helped me find my passion and helped me develop a really strong drive for making videos I enjoy,” Coffee said. “KCBY was an important platform for me to develop my skills and find what I like. I used to want to solely

do storytelling, but now I’m also interested in documentary filmmaking.”

Although Coffee is more interested in creative film, as opposed to the journalistic style KCBY employs, there are several similarities the two share. “[In both KCBY and creative film], you’ve got to know how to tell a story with words and images,” Kennedy said. “You have to have steady shots, the video has to be clear, sharp. The sound and audio has to be good. We’ve [also] given him an opportunity to hone his skill. When your produce something on a weekly basis it allows you to grow much faster.”

Film is not the only area of fine arts Coffee is interested in, as he also enjoys band and music.

Coffee’s parents have always supported his love for the arts, largely because he has been doing well in school from a young age, as shown by the fact he was in the Gifted & Talented program.

“His academics were very strong, so he had that leeway to spend time doing what he liked,” Coffee’s mother and CHS engineering teacher Pilar Castro-Zena said. “[When John won his first film festival, the Coppell Middle School Film Festival], that helped us understand that film was his calling, and that’s what he loved and was good at. When I asked him once why he didn’t want to pursue math and science, he said he wanted to do for a living something he loved. That was important to him.”

Throughout his childhood, Coffee visited locations such as Greece and the Amazon Rainforest, which stimulated his love for the arts.

“Travel had a lot to do with

[developing his passion],” Castro-Zena said. “He loved seeing other cultures, different places, and taking pictures.”

There have been several aspects of his life Coffee has had to juggle throughout his high school career; although at first they were difficult to balance, he has learned to appreciate the way different corners of his life connect.

“I’ve tried to use the other things I’m part of to better an aspect of filmmaking,” Coffee said.

“International Baccalaureate has made me a better writer, it’s taught me to question things and dig deeper. Band taught me how to direct people and lead people, how to bring a huge group of people together to make a piece of art. While it’s been overwhelming at times, I’ve come out such a better person.”

photo by Nadia Scalzo

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9 NIGHT TO SHINE PROM AT ST. ANN PARISH

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CHOIR AND BAND ALL-STATE CONVENTION

Knippa letting the trumpets sound Senior chooses conservatory experience over education from traditional college written by Amelia Vanyo Editor-in-Chief @ameliavanyo For Coppell High School senior Grant Knippa, music is no longer a hobby, it is his future.

Knippa was not always musically inclined. He enjoyed playing the recorder in middle school, but did not really dive into music until elementary school. In fifth grade, Knippa decided to pick up an instrument- specifically one with a cool case.

“I was not a very musical kid, I liked the recorder in elementary but I don’t know if that counts,” Knippa said. “I was deciding between trumpet and saxophone because I wanted an instrument that went in a case because I thought that was really cool, so I just happened to pick trumpet.”

Knippa’s affinity for music was not unexpected, his brother and father both being percussionists.

Now, Knippa practices three hours a day (not including the hour and 40 minutes in school band) and plans to attend the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston next fall to pursue trumpeting long term.

“I had been considering [pursuing trumpet] all throughout high school, but the moment I knew was junior year when I went to All State, which was just three or four days playing really difficult music with some of the best classical musicians in Texas, and I just knew; that was what I wanted to do,” Knippa said.

Kinppa’s mother Denise Knippa s believes that Knippa had natural talent as well as passion and drive that helped him succeed.

“He had the desire first and foremost,” Mrs. Knippa said. “I think he had a natural ability for sure, and I think he just did a lot of hard work in

addition to that.”

Knippa has had the opportunity to participate in a variety of unique music programs, including school bands, All State Band and Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra.

“In high school there are a lot of great musicians, but all of the kids in GDYO are planning on doing music in college, so it’s like a bunch of mes all doing my thing,” Knippa said.

Knippa had the opportunity to attend Interlochen last summer.

“One of the unique things about interlochen was that it is kind of in the middle of a forest,” Knippa said.

“You’re surrounded by two lakes, there are trees everywhere, and especially if you do the summer camp you sleep in cabins that are out in the woods.”

Conservatories are unique from traditional Universities in that students study their craft exclusively. This offers students the ability to spend every class growing as a musician.

“School is good and all that but I’m always telling my friends that it would be really cool if all of my classes instead of calculus and English and all that were trumpet and trumpet and music, and that’s exactly what going to school at a conservatory would be like,” Knippa said.

Many of Knippa’s friends come from band, and many of the student musicians he meets at camps and competitions auditioned at the same schools as him.

“Being in band has given me most of my friends,” Knippa said. “You constantly run into the same people over and over again, so a lot of the kids that I’ve seen in these auditions are people I already knew from doing All State or going to Interlochen.”

At NEC, Knippa will have the opportunity to regularly watch the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

“I’ll get expert experience and get to see what it is that these people do, and not just as a one time thing, but like every week for free. I think that’s invaluable,” Knippa said.

For the last three years Knippa has been studying trumpet under Dr. Jared Hunt, with whom he has worked on embouchure and musicality.

“Musicality is something that a lot of musicians don’t pick up on until they’re halfway through their undergrad, but Grant really grew in his musicality [the three years I have been teaching him],” Hunt said.

Trumpet can be a demanding instrument physically and emotionally, but Knippa has learned to love the instrument and the music through all of the requirements.

“The hardest part is just that I do so much of it, which is a good problem to have,” Knippa said “It’s also really physically taxing, and especially this summer when I was in interlochen it was just a lot of playing all the time, which is really fun, I love doing it, but sometimes it just wears you out physically. There’s so many things I like about trumpet playing, the best part would have to be not just playing the music but creating an experience. I think the moment that you cross from just playing a song to making the audience experience what the song is about, that’s a special moment.”

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YOUNG MASTERS ART CEREMONY

Beshai pursuing acting through oral intepretation CHS senior embraces future on stage with skills learned in speech class, talent

written by Nicholas Pranske Sports Assignment Editor @nick_pranske8 When one thinks of acting, they might imagine a person picking up a role and rehearsing that role over and over in hopes of taking on the personality of that character. For Coppell High School senior Mark Beshai, acting is more than these things - it is living each and every role.

Outgoing and hilarious, Beshai has become a natural character – no acting involved – in his daily life. Part of this, of course, is just who he is, but other parts can be attributed to the skills learned in his CHS Oral Interpretation class, taught by speech coach Maleda Kunkle. “[Kunkle] will knit-pick everything – the way you’re standing, the way you hold your hand, the way you talk,” Beshai said. “Anything you’re doing, you could be doing it better.”

These specific skills are what help Beshai and many other actors go up on stage and give a flawless performance, exactly how that character would.

Beshai has been doing just that since third grade, when a production of “Peter Pan” at Theatre Coppell gave him his first role as Michael, a child in the play.

“My mom always tells me the story of how I’ve always been drawn to the stage,” Beshai said. “We were at an outdoor concert and I kept running towards the stage. My poor mom was

trying to carry me away with my twin sister in the other arm. That’s what we say is the start of my love for the stage.”

Before taking oral interpretation, Beshai never realized the benefits that came from moving a hand here or turning a few degrees that way. Under the spotlight, however, it becomes clear every little movement counts.

However, the class is not only for actors. Many people who take Kunkle’s class never see the stage lights, but still grow in their acting, presenting and speaking skills.

“Some people just take oral interpretation because they want to learn and improve their speech skills,” Kunkle said. “Everything that we learn in that class are useful in the real

world.”

For Beshai, however, acting is a pathway he hopes to continue in the future, regardless of where he goes to college. Beshai will pursue acting at

Collin County Community College.

Whether it be a 10-minute speech in Kunkle’s class or a soliloquy in front of a large audience, speech and acting will always be a part of Beshai’s life.

above photo by Quyenh Phang On Oct. 19 in the afternoon, “The Addams Family” cast had a dress rehearsal at Coppell High School in the auditorium. CHS senior Mark Beshai intends to continue his acting career in college whilst attending Collin County Community College. top and left photo by Amelia Vanyo On May 19 at night in the Coppell High School auditorium, the CHS Fame class presents songs from classic and recent Broadway musicals. CHS senior Mark Beshai has pursued acting and speech in the classes Fame and Oral Interpretation respectively.

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Q&A: Senior Dicken smiles at past, sprints into future written by Fiona Koshy Editorial Page Editor @fionakoshy10 Senior varsity track runner Matt Dicken has been involved in track since freshman year. He has competed in numerous events at meets, including long jump, triple jump, relays and open events.

Why did you decide to start running?

“I thought [running] was just a lot of fun as a kid. I was really active in general. I realized I had a natural ability for it, so doing that was just really enjoyable.

My older brother [2017 CHS graduate Zach Dicken] was involved in running and inspired me too.”

How did you decide between basketball and track your sophomore year?

“When I was younger, I was a lot smaller, and I could tell which one I’d be better at, so I knew basketball wasn’t exactly my thing. It was a pretty easy decision because I like track a lot.”

What has been your favorite memory throughout your time in track in high school?

“Just being with all of my friends and sitting in the enos before our events is fun. We have formed a really tight knit community of people that are not only teammates, but friends.

“In specific, the regional meet was my [favorite

memory]. Me and all my teammates goofed around a lot and just had a lot of fun together, just that whole entire time together. It’s definitely a memory I’ll remember in college.”

What are you going to miss the most about being involved in track?

“I’m going to miss the coaches, like Coach Karl Pointer and Coach Devin Lemons and friends I’ve made over the years. We have so many memories together from just spending so much time together, so that’ll for sure be hard to leave.”

What do you enjoy the most about running?

Being active in general is important because it allows you to stay healthy in the long run. Finding something you love to do and just sticking to it is important, so for me that’d always been running.

Do you plan on continuing track in college?

Yes. I plan on maybe trying out for the team at Texas A&M. At the area meet on April 21 at Jesuit High School, what made you continue running despite spraining your ankle?

It’s my senior year, so it was the last time I’d get to [compete]. I didn’t have anything to do after the meet, so if I hurt it more, it didn’t matter overall.

Plus, I didn’t want to let my teammates down.

photo courtesy Kim Dicken Coppell High School senior Matthew Dicken runs with the Cross Country club last July on the CHS track. Dicken has been involved in cross country since freshman year and plans on trying out for the team at Texas A&M this fall.

MORE THAN WATER BOTTLES

Seniors reminisce about sports medicine program written by Anika Arutla Staff Writer @anikaarutla

photo by Karis Thomas Coppell High School senior Alina Ladha places the TENS machine pads on an athlete’s leg to provide therapy during sixth period in the sports medicine room on May 22. Ladha plans to pursue a career in sports medicine in the future and is continuing her studies in athletic training at Texas State University.

On the practice field and in the arena, athletes and coaches rely on a group of Coppell students to keep the team ready for competition. These students are the members of the high school sports medicine program.

“Our athletes put their bodies through more than about 90 percent of rest the population will in their adult lives,” senior sports medicine member Ella Hynson said. “They need to have people around to know what to do when something doesn’t go right.”

Trainers pay attention to the stuff that the athletes may miss.

“The athletes jobs are to be athletes and perform to the best of their ability,” Hynson said. “They are so focused most of the time that they often forget how to properly take care of themselves in the means of stretching, recovery, hydration and dieting.”

Many of the seniors who have been a part of the

program have been together for their entire high school career.

“I have met a lot of my best friends through this program,” Hynson said. “It’s incredible to be able to rehabilitate an athlete and build relationships with them because seeing them play again is truly an experience.”

The sports medicine program has 50 students and six seniors, including New Tech High @ Coppell’s Alexander Pranske. Out of the six seniors, four of them are pursuing something in the medical field, and this experience assisting the athletes has been a game changer.

Students in the program think it has greatly rewarded them in terms of gaining experience that has changed and shaped not only their lives, but also the lives of the athletes they take care of.

“The most rewarding thing was finding what I want to do in life,” Pranske said. “I also enjoyed getting to see athletes go from their worst, after an injury, to almost as good, if not better than they were before.”

ACADEMIC SPREAD: COLLEGE MAJORS pages 10-11 JOHN COFFEE page 14 MARK BESHAI page 16 MATT DICKEN, SENIORS PURSUING SPORTS MEDICINE page 17

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McFarlane carries on traditions to U.S. Naval Academy written by Christine Zacuai Staff Writer @chriszacuai Packing for his spring break trip, Coppell High School senior Pierce McFarlane was in his room when he unexpectedly received a call from Texas senator Ted Cruz’s office. In disbelief and pure excitement, he informed his parents; he was going to be joining his dream school, the U.S naval academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

A dream come true, McFarlane will be joining the naval academy class of 2022 this year in August.

His lifelong interest, McFarlane always kept the U.S naval academy as an open option for his future.

“It’s awesome that’s he’s going,” Student Resource Officer Cobb said.

“He’s a very good young man and that’s what the military is looking for.”

With his father having graduated in 1987 and grandfather in 1959 from the U.S Naval Academy, McFarlane has always been exposed to a naval tradi-

tion in his family at a young age.

His father, Scott McFarlane, has served in the first Persian Gulf War and his grandfather, Robert McFarlane has served in the Vietnam War. “Being exposed to what the Navy is and what this country stands for, I felt a huge calling to go out and and serve the country,” Pierce said.

His father, Scott McFarlane, looks forward to the continued tradition for his son.

“There’s a lot of stress that’s placed upon the freshman - it’s a very demanding year,” Mr. McFarlane said. “I would try to tell him to keep his sense of humor about himself because nothing difficult last lasts forever.”

McFarlane recalls the extensive, but rewarding application process for the naval academy. To apply, he required a nomination from a official source, an offer of appointment, completion of the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) and a medical exam.

“It’s not an easy process but like anything in life that is worth it, it was

hard,” Pierce said.

Growing up in Texas his whole life, McFarlane looks forward to the refreshing change in location and new friendships that come along with liv-

ing in the rich history and scenic waters of Maryland.

As he gets ready to join the one of the country’s leading institutions, there is no doubt McFarlane will be a

photo by Bren Flechtner Coppell High School senior Pierce McFarlane will be attending the U.S Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland after graduation. To be enrolled at the naval academy, McFarlane required a nomination from a official source, the Candidate Fitness Assessment and an appointment.

Closing the gap: Wilhelm takes year in Slovenia to learn mother’s native language, connect with family written by Farah Merchant Student Life Editor @farahmerchant_ Coppell High School senior Megan Wilhelm has been wanting to learn Slovenian for as long as she can remember, and that dream is now becoming a reality.

Wilhelm’s mother, Jasna Wilhelm,

grew up in Slovenia and as a result the family has taken many trips to Slovenia.

Her desire to learn Slovenian prompted her to take a gap year in the country.

“Since [my mother] didn’t teach us when we were kids because my dad doesn’t speak Slovenian, and it would be too hard on her, I really need the

photo by Farah Merchant Coppell High School senior Megan Wilhelm shares her excitement of traveling across the world to spend a gap year in Slovenia. There she hopes to learn her mother’s native language and foster stronger relationships with her family.

opportunity to learn it - the only opportunity I would have to learn it,” Wilhelm said.

Wilhelm is going to live with her grandmother for a few months to get adjusted to life in Slovenia before moving in with her cousins who reside in the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana.

The transition will allow her to communicate with more people since the city is bigger.

“I feel very much at home, even though it will be very awkward because they don’t speak English, but it will be a good opportunity to get to know them better,” Wilhelm said.

“Since I have been there a few times, I have a good feel of the country, city, and culture.”

Wilhelm’s mother is interested in seeing how much Wilhelm grows and changes due to her year away.

“It will be cool to see how much of the language she can pick up in the several months she is going to be there,” Mrs. Wilhelm said. “I want her to learn to appreciate other cultures, how people think, the differences there are between European and

American culture, come to be more accepting of people’s opinions, broader minded and of course get to know her family better.”

Both mother and daughter have a strong relationship, but Wilhelm feels that learning her mother’s native language will bring them closer together. “[We will have] an inside language in the family, that will be our secret,” Wilhelm said. “We are already pretty close, but it will enrich our relationship and grow in certain ways. It’s going to be our language that we will be able to share.”

All in all, taking a gap year will be a valuable learning opportunity for Wilhelm.

“I feel very grateful [for this opportunity] because this is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time since eighth grade, and junior year is when it came into fruition,” Wilhelm said. “I had the idea of spending time abroad and my mom had talked about going during sophomore year. My cousins had told me I would pick up the language, and it really sparked my interest.”

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WALKOUT AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE

Tabor leaving CHS theater department after 19 years written by Christine Zacuai Staff Writer @chriszacuai From directing productions such as the chilling dark comedy “The Addams Family” and unmissable classic “Big Fish”, Coppell High School theater department head and Drama Club sponsor Lisa Tabor will retire after teaching for 19 years at Coppell High School.

After serious contemplation and prayer, Tabor has decided to take a leap of faith by following the words given to her from God: to leave the educating chapter of her life.

Tabor teaches the Spotlight and Premier Theater classes and directs the annual CHS musical and UIL One Act Play. She is also the CISD theater department head and started the booster board for the Drama Club.

Although she does not have anything set in stone for future endeavors, Tabor has definitely made a mark on the current theater program and its students. “[Ms. Tabor] has always pushed me

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and everyone in the department to be the best they could be,” senior Macy Johnson said. “She treated us like real performers, not high school students.”

A former theater student herself, Tabor understands the grueling commitment and challenges that come along with pursuing the craft, and has reflected this throughout her teaching.

Tabor’s words of wisdom to aspiring actors at CHS would be to prepare for rejection by persevering and keeping an open mind.

Extending beyond CHS, Tabor has worked with the local city theater, Theatre Coppell, to help with “house duties” such as selling tickets and directing and choreographing musicals and plays.

CHS graduate and retired CHS theater department head Pete Wilson, who is artistic director at Theatre Coppell, is one of the many who have worked with Tabor at the local theater.

“I could always trust [Tabor] to do everything she was supposed to,” Wilson said. “I never had to worry about her teaching at all.”

photo by Quyenh Phang After 19 years of teaching at Coppell High School, theatre teacher and Drama Club sponsor Lisa Tabor will leave to pursue other opportunities. She has directed UIL One Act Plays and school productions such as “The Addams Family”, “Big Fish” and “42nd Street”. Tabor teaches Spotlight and Premier and co-teaches Take One and Fame classes at CHS.

With her leave soon approaching, Tabor is grateful toward the experiences she has had as a teacher.

“I hope the kids always remember that I love them and that I’m here

for them no matter what - even past CHS,” Tabor said. “All of the pushing was because I knew they had a lot in them - I wanted them to be able to reach that before they got out of here.”

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Lanier takes home first Emmy written by Kelly Wei Art and Entertainment Editor @kelllywei

graphic by Bella Mora

Chloe Lanier picked up a win at the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series.

This marks Lanier’s second nomination for the character Nelle Benson, the conniving stepsister of Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright).

“Still processing, but I do not take this moment for granted,” she admitted on Instagram shortly after the big night.

Despite her success, stardom has not come easily to the actress.

Lanier attended Coppell High School from 2006 to 2010, where she was involved with various CHS theater productions and did not exactly exemplify the golden girl of the department. “[Lanier] was a fun, interesting girl who I loved having as a student,” said CHS theater department head Lisa Tabor, who remembers casting and directing Lanier during her high school years. “She always tried out for everything we did, but she wasn’t one who necessarily one who made all the shows.”

Tabor, after seeing Lanier’s impressive perfor-

mance in a KCBY-TV segment, offered a word of encouragement to her to consider television and film for a career.

“I noticed she did a fantastic job, and she knew how to work the camera,” Tabor said.

Following her graduation in 2010, Lanier’s next steps remained unclear for a while, when original plans had not panned out as she’d imagined. After being deferred from college, she found herself considering options outside of a traditional education.

Lanier went on to secure an agent, kickstarting her acting career in 2009 by starring in a movie called The Effects of Tragedy as Lisa. In 2012, she joined the cast of “Army Wives” in the recurring role of Penny, before settling into the role on “General Hospital” that would win her her first Emmy nomination in 2017, and now win.

“I’m very proud of her,” Tabor said. “She’s a great person to talk about in class, about having to have perseverance [in the acting field], if this is what you want to do.”

The entertainment field is one that is extremely competitive, where the playing field is almost never fair, and aspiring actors find not only their skills tested, but their determination, tenacity, and commitment to the craft.

Dallas expecting pop, R&B concerts in summer When: June 5 Where: American Airlines Center Tickets: $18 – $275 To kick off both the summer and his solo career, Harry Styles is coming to Dallas to perform his self-titled debut album.

This popular album is going to be the main feature of his concert – however, be prepared for Styles to blow your mind with additional covers and cool artists performing in the opening acts.

When: July 14 Where: American Airlines Center Tickets: $39 – $200 This concert is one that you do not want to miss, Kendrick Lamar is not only bringing his own talent, but Travis Scott and D.R.A.M. as well. Although Lamar tours often, it is more than likely going to be a once in a lifetime experience to get the chance to listen to all three of those performers in the same venue.

SAM SMITH

One of the most enthralling and entertaining activities to look forward to are the concerts scheduled for this summer. With all sorts of new, hit releases by our most beloved artists, a myriad of amazing concerts will be available. Check out some of the ones below.

ED SHEERAN

KENDRICK LAMAR

HARRY STYLES

written by Tara Ansari Staff Writer @taraansari

When: July 20 Where: American Airlines Center Tickets: $35 – $125 Sam Smith has always produced popular music that he has performed in a multitude of places, but this time he’s coming back to Dallas to sing his new album: “The Thrill of It All”, which was released in 2017.

When: August 18 Where: American Airlines Center Tickets: $39 – $125 By the time it is August, school will be starting again soon, and what better way to end a memorable summer than to listen to the beautiful music that Ed Sheeran sings, with a highlight on his newest album, “Divide”?

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CISD SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

Cowboy riding back into local spotlight Williams’ personal journey inspires others to pursue dreams despite his adversities written by Nicholas Pranske Sports Assignment Editor @nick_pranske8 FRISCO - After facing a traumatic bullying experience throughout middle school, Coppell High School 2015 graduate Connor Williams released a letter to his former bullies thanking them for what he has become.

For many people, this is their story–constant bullying. For Williams, it was the spark he needed to attain his goals. No one will call him “fatty” when he is on the offensive line for the Dallas Cowboys this Fall as they used to when he was at Coppell Middle School West.

Williams was selected by the Cowboys as the 50th overall pick, second for the Cowboys, in the 2018 NFL Draft.

After facing bullying–physical and verbal–throughout sixth and seventh grade, Williams hit his snapping point.

However, where some people might fight back at that point, Williams turned to the gym.

“It just came down to a point when you don’t want to take it anymore,” Williams said. “You want to change for the better so I ended up working out with my dad every morning at 5:30.”

Instead of hiding his traumatic past, Williams chose to write and publish a letter addressing what had happened and the effects that it had. His letter, a blog post on NFL.com has touched the

lives of many children across America, who have suffered the same terrible as Williams did years ago.

The most surprising thing one might notice about Williams’ letter, is that he holds no grudge against his middle school bullies. Instead he thanks his classmates for pushing him

to be the person he is.

“Thank you. No sarcasm intended.

No hatred. Certainly no anger,” Williams began his letter. “Just a simple thank you.”

Williams took the adversity he faced and pushed it into becoming a football player: an All-American freshman

photos courtesy Ashwin Suresh Former Coppell Cowboy and current Dallas Cowboy Connor Williams practices on May 11 during the Cowboy rookie camp in Frisco. Williams overcame bullying in secondary school and made his way to the 2018 NFL Draft.

player, a full scholarship University of Texas offensive tackle, an NFL player.

Despite any bad memories that William had in Coppell ISD, he holds a place in his memories for the football program. Starting out with former football coach and current Coppell ISD athletics director Joe McBride and finishing with current football coach Mike DeWitt, Williams built his football career at Buddy Echols Field.

“If there’s one good memory from Coppell football, it would be how close the team was. It was an honor just to play with the guys and to play at [Coppell High School],” Williams said. “I’ll still work out at the facilities sometimes.”

However, his connections go farther than Coppell; Williams holds meaning in other cities such as Dallas and Austin. Seeing as he plays for the Cowboys and went to a Dallas County school, he will always view Dallas as his home. However in Austin, where he went to UT, Williams goes as far as wearing number 52 to represent the “512” area code of Austin.

“I was expecting to have to move far away so for me to stay home and to play for my hometown team is incredible,” Williams said.

Williams will play for the Dallas Cowboys in the coming season as an offensive lineman. The Cowboys open the season at the Carolina Panthers Bank of America Stadium on Sept. 9 at 3:25 p.m.

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Approaching end of run for CHS athletes Coppell baseball exits Class 6A playoffs in second round after successful season

written by Nolan Sanders Staff Writer @nolan_sanders_ On May 12, the Montgomery Bears and the Coppell Cowboys baseball team traveled to the Houston area to break a 1-1 game draw in a three game series from the day before.

Although the Cowboys held the lead for the majority of the rubber match, Montgomery turned the tide in the final inning tying it up at two and eventually winning in extra innings 4-3,

taking best-of-3 series.

After an outstanding district competition performance, Coppell ended with an overall record of 30-6-1 and a District 6-9A record of 11-0.

Coppell was ranked No. 7 in Texas at the time of the Montgomery series.

During the regular season, Coppell excelled on both sides of the diamond. Offensively, the Cowboys did not let up, it run ruled multiple teams and scored runs in the double digits frequently through the season. The Cowboys’ pitching staff, led by senior

ace and Louisiana State University signee Rye Gunter, threw phenomenally and was able to shutout many difficult opponents.

“This year’s team was very good,” Coppell coach Kendall Clark said.

“The playoffs are always so closely matched. You never really have an edge on anybody. Out of the seven years I have coached here, this team is one of the best.”

This year’s Cowboys squad featured 6 underclassmen in the daily lineup, and only one senior pitcher in the ro-

tation. With so much talent returning off of a successful season, the juniors of this year could build off of their experiences and take the team to places it has not been since its fourth round appearance in 2016.

“Next year, we may see an even better team,” Clark said. “We’ll have several returning varsity players. We’ll lose some seniors, but we’re bringing back a good amount of juniors that will be seniors next year. In my experience, these players will be somewhat better as seniors.”

photos by Sofia Guerrero Coppell baseball players celebrate a run scored on May 12 against Montgomery High School: Montgomery defeated Coppell 4-3 finishing off the Cowboys season. The Cowboys had a dominate season yet failed to advance to the Class 6A playoffs.

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