An ode to
The Sidekick seniors
Photo by Aliza Abidi
Nashad Mohamed Whether in a cute sweat set, jeans or a formal top, Nashad Mohamed is always dressed to impress. Peering at the screen of her rose gold MacBook in her Sidekick class, one can find her diligently working on an album review, movie review or browsing through photos she took at the last sports game. Always willing to lend a helping hand or ear, the talented journalist exemplifies what it means to be hardworking and dedicated to a demanding program. There’s always fresh ideas on her mind, and Nashad doesn’t shy away from all types of sports coverage. Whether on the sidelines of lacrosse, football or basketball, she can be spotted capturing all angles or interviewing players and coaches after. - Executive Editor-in-Chief Angelina Liu
Sahith Mocharla
I’ve heard that the most important part of our journey begins with the first step. So, let me share my first impression of The Sidekick senior staff writer Sahith Mocharla. In classic sophomore fashion, there I was, eyes widened and mouth agape in our debate class. It would be an understatement to claim I was terrified. Words will never explain how immensely grateful I am to him and everything he stands for. Water bottles have found a way into Sahith’s life, so I will keep the extended metaphor going. I could tell you about his unboundless wit that seems to come from a well that never ends and “dry” humor. I could tell you about his propensity to make everything so funny, his storytelling power as a raconteur and his suave demeanor. Funnily enough, if I wasn’t writing this for Sahith, I would be asking him to check it. Sahith is truly like a water bottle. I could go on about him, but I can’t explain his character without noting his effect on others. Sahith helps the people around him grow by watering them with love. Sahith has the profound ability to uncap people’s personalities. Sahith continues to selflessly do everything in his power to help the people around him achieve their goals. Sahith is everything and more. And for everything Sahith has done and will continue to do, I can’t be more happy. The problem with extended metaphors is that they can never amount to the real thing. So although water bottles will reach an end, his effect on others will never. Thank you to Sahith for being lavishly legendary, rebelliously radiant and vivaciously vibrant as we’ve analogized the alphabet together. Thank you to Sahith for answering my spontaneous questions without a moment’s hesitation. Thank you to Sahith for your hugs and smiles and laughs. Thank you to Sahith for being him. Sahith will be sorely “mist”, but his “stream” of success will take him far. Thank you to Sahith for everything. - Advertising/Circulations Manager Anushree De
Sreehitha Moravaneni Since August of 2020, there has been a quiet yet powerful force within the Sidekick: one that I have had the pleasure of knowing as a colleague ,but more importantly as a family friend. I can attest to her unparalleled capacity to meticulously yet joyously craft chocolate truffles topped in oreo crumbs with ease, and I too can admit that I have eaten one too many of them. It’s easy for me to joke with and around Sreehitha. Perhaps it is because of her light attitude that knows when to be serious but loves to also have a good time. Sreehitha tells stories with intention shouldering each word she puts on the page. In detailing former Coppell High School tennis coach Anthony Smith or examining the return of retro culture amongst teens, Moravaneni does her due diligence, and, as a result, I am entranced. That is precisely the effect she has on her audience, her friends and her family alike. Her bubbly ever-positive attitude is a light in any room, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she and her stories touch. I am proud to say that I am just one of those very people. - Student Life Editor Shrayes Gunna
Last October, Shreya and I were tasked with covering a football game at Plano West. We were both nervous as it was both of our first football coverage assignments. It didn’t help that, at first, we went to the wrong location. Immediately, we ran to my car, punched in the correct address and went on a frantic drive with just minutes to spare before kickoff. It was during that game, however, that we bonded, both as friends and as a coverage team. We signed up to cover many more games together, with moments equally as stupid and fun as the first. From time to time, we would even switch roles, and I’ve been able to see her grow into an incredible sports writer. However, this never surprised me. Shreya isn’t just someone who’ll back down from a challenge, but one who actively seeks it out with the intention of excelling at it. It’s the reason why she’s one of the most talented and consistent photographers on staff. You’d be hard pressed to scroll through the homepage of coppellstudentmedia.com without finding at least one of Shreya’s photos prominently displayed. But Shreya’s most important trait is that she’ll be there when you need her. Whether it’s advice about something, a last-minute ride somewhere or just being there to talk to while walking to lunch when you’re “feeling tired” over absolutely nothing (a recurring conversation starter for us). Shreya is there with her sarcastic, yet somehow simultaneously genuine, demeanor. It’s this quality of hers that has taken The Sidekick to great heights and has given me some of the most memorable moments of my senior year. Thank you, Shreya, for always being there—to capture a moment, and to make a moment. - Executive Design/Interactive Editor Srihari Yechangunja
Araceli Reynoso
Torie Peck With a Zach Bryan and Taylor Swift playlist on shuffle and a Canes meal in hand, Torie and I drive around Coppell, ranting about what we thought at the time was the end of the world. If not that, we are colorguard rehearsals or covering a sporting event. But no matter what we’re doing, we always found a way to make it fun. I got to watch Torie flourish into a wonderful friend as well as a great writer with a love for sports. I remember how excited she would get about finding a unique story angle and how that excitement would turn into fuel for a fabulous story. Not only was it wholesome to watch her work, but it also made me more excited about taking photos and making excellent products. I envy her ability to crank out a story within an hour and I’m going to miss our expressive and spirited conversations. Torie, you have made high school worthwhile and I am absolutely positive that with your drive and work ethic you will thrive at Texas A&M. I wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors and I’m excited to experience all the great things you will do. - Photo Editor Nandini Muresh
Sept. 20: Team Texas debaters qualif y for internationals
Shreya Ravi
Araceli and I met on our first day on The Sidekick, both of us nervous about being two of the three first-year members in the entire class. However, our worries faded quick as our friendship grew quicker. Throughout the year, I was able to experience the things that make up Araceli. She is strong, steadfast, down-to-earth and most importantly a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. Her grounding presence and everlasting affability has helped me feel at peace even in the most stressful situations. From traversing PetSmart during our Person, Place or Thing assignment, to covering the community tailgate together, I saw not only she is a great friend, but also a great journalist. Something that will always stick with me is when Araceli spent a good 10 minutes in our hotel room at ILPC explaining the rules of football to me. Though it was a small moment, it felt big because of how determined she was to make sure I understood everything (I still don’t). That is the thing about Araceli; she doesn’t give up. So, thank you Araceli for being there. - Staff Writer Sahasra Chakilam
Oct. 29: Coppell Band named marching UIL Area B champions