In a world filled with noise, Coppell High School senior Sivaank Pothukoochi authored his first novel, Perfect Silence, a gripping tale that explores the importance behind embracing the discomfort of standing up for what is right. His journey as a writer is not only a testament to his talent but also a reflection of his unwavering dedication and passion.

Pothukoochi’s love for storytelling began during a particularly stressful time.

“I just wanted to have a way to be creative,” Pothukoochi said. “After a long day of studying, I wrote down stories that I had in my head.”

This creativity blossomed into a novel that draws from his own experiences, set in a dystopian version of his hometown, Coppell.

According to Pothukoochi, the book encourages readers to “learn to be yourself and stand up for what you believe in,” a theme deeply connected to his own journey.

Debate teammate, senior Ananya Nair, said Pothukoochi’s curious personality and interest in dystopian fiction led him to write this novel. This blend of curiosity and creativity is evident in his writing.

“He is always looking for new information and new arguments to make in debate,” Nair said. “It makes complete sense that he would want to create something imaginative and dystopian.”

Pothukoochi’s skills extend beyond the page.

As a member of Team Texas, one of the most prestigious World Schools Debate teams in the state, representing Texas nationally and internationally, he thrives in competitive environments, where his quick thinking and fluency shine.

CHS debate coach Sunhee Simon emphasizes Pothukoochi’s determination.

“He takes a lot of initiative. He is already ahead when it comes to fine-tuning arguments, which makes him so easy to coach,” Simon said.

This proactive approach reflects Pothukoochi’s commitment to excellence in both debate and writing. His journey in debate began with a desire to improve his public speaking skills.

“I lost literally everything at my first tournament,” he said. “The intellectual simulation of the activity was really what kept me going.”

Earning a spot on Team Texas was a milestone for Pothukoochi. This achievement boosted his confidence and helped him overcome feelings of imposter syndrome.

“I did not expect it at all. It was a big shock when I first got in,” he said.

Pothukoochi’s proudest moment came when he won the Greenhill Tournament, an indication of his hard work and dedication.

“Balance is an extremely difficult thing for many high schoolers, including myself,” Pothukoochi said. “Sometimes I take time to dissociate, look at where I am in life, and then come back to see what I need to do.”

This ability to manage stress is vital in both his academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Pothukoochi’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond debate and writing.

He is passionate about healthcare policy, particularly for rural areas.

“I was inspired by a father who struggled to afford treatment for his child,” Pothukoochi said.

This led to him creating the initiative No Child Too Far, where he donates all proceeds from his published novel, aimed to address the financial barriers faced by families seeking medical care.

Pothukoochi’s journey reflects the power of perseverance and creativity as he navigates through the early stage of adulthood while pursuing his passions.

With aspirations of becoming a doctor and a policy advocate, he aims to improve healthcare access through No Child Too Far and his novel. His work in debate and creativity emphasizes that even in a noisy world, silence can be impactful.

Entertainment editor Marli Field contributed to this story

This story was originally published on Coppell Student Media on September 23, 2025.