The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

Learning sign language offers the same benefits as any spoken language such as advanced communication skills, increased memory span and improved academic performance. In this illustration, the teacher is signing the word for help in American Sign Language.

A sign for change: Learning sign language increases accessibility and inclusivity

by Kinnera Mulam, Copy Editor March 28, 2022

harkeraquila · Winged Post Audible: A sign for change Moving a finger to your lips to shush others; giving someone a thumbs-up; wagging a finger in disapproval: all examples of sign language. From...

On nuanced issues such as abortion, labelling people one of two ways is more harmful than helpful, because it implies so many unsaid words.

Pro-nuance: More than just a label

by Irene Yuan, Co-Managing Editor March 26, 2022

The first time I “officially declared” my stance on abortion was in the pages of the Winged Post in the second semester of my sophomore year. Before that, I had mentioned it in casual conversation...

By grounding ourselves in the reality of the situation in Ukraine, we can work towards concrete actions to help those affected. Even though the conflict takes place overseas, we can still make a difference from here.

Editorial: Fighting from home with support and action

by Editorial Board March 25, 2022

harkeraquila · Winged Post Audible: Fighting from home with support and action  A Ukrainian mother who worked for a Palo Alto start-up and her children mark one of the most infamous scenes of death...

By normalizing these insults and comments and allowing them to circulate, we normalize casual homophobia and ableism and allow the seeds of prejudice to grow in our environment.

Derogatory slang perpetuates prejudice

by Margaret Cartee, Asst. Opinion Editor March 23, 2022

Standing in the lunch line outside of Manzanita Hall, I stare intently at my phone, focused on the daily Wordle puzzle. Even though I’m mostly absorbed in thought, I can make out the sound of a senior...

Colorism is the discrimination of individuals based on skin color, with lighter-skinned individuals receiving preferential treatment compared to people with darker complexions. It often infiltrates beauty standards to emphasize fair skin as a part of the “pure, white and innocent” look. Margaret Wolfe Hungerford, an Irish romantic novelist in the 19th century, said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” but if the core of both typical western and international beauty has been reduced to one skin tone, is it even a matter of personal preference? 

Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all: Colorism on dating shows promotes toxic and classicist beauty standards

by Ananya Sriram, Asst. News Editor March 8, 2022

On a sunny day, the wind blows across a beach in Sayulita, Mexico as prospective couples fill a romantic resort. They happily pass the time with each other, while other contestants get to know each other...

In Congress, everything is a party-line vote these days. Impeachment, COVID stimulus packages, the infrastructure bill, increasing the debt ceiling, voting rights, you name it.

Guest opinion: In defense of civil discourse

by Neo Alpha, Guest Writer February 23, 2022

In Congress, everything is a party-line vote these days. Impeachment, COVID stimulus packages, the infrastructure bill, increasing the debt ceiling, voting rights, you name it. Regardless of how popular...

Here are some of my favorite childhood Disney channel shows ranked mainly on nostalgia. While I always poke fun at the poor special effects, awkward scenes and underdeveloped plots in Disney shows, I would love nothing more than to rewind time and sit on the ground of my living room to watch these shows again for the first time.

Friday Five: Disney channel shows

by Kinnera Mulam, Reporter January 28, 2022

“And you’re watching Disney Channel!” My eyes remained glued to the screen as various actors and actresses traced out the Disney logo with a sparkly blue wand, my ears blocking out the pots and...

These characters made the movie Marvel’s most diverse release yet, and I am grateful that Zhao chose to increase the inclusivity of the film when adapting it from the comics. However, the diverse characters lack sufficient portrayal as exemplified by the poor memorability of Kingo’s character. It’s not enough to simply include these characters, Marvel needs to represent them properly.

Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ falls flat in portrayal of diverse characters

by Kinnera Mulam, Reporter January 22, 2022

 harkeraquila · Aquila Audible of "Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ falls flat in portrayal of diverse characters" There they were. All 10 of them, capes undulating in the wind, heads held high as they...

With speculation and rumors spreading faster than the omicron variant itself, tension permeates the campus atmosphere, as empty seats dot classrooms and lunchtime conversations detail the friends who are quarantining in their rooms. In total, 48 students and 16 staff members have tested positive since the start of the school year. 

Editorial: We need answers

by Editorial Board January 15, 2022

In a survey sent out to members of the Harker Journalism news staff, 96.9% of the 32 responders indicated that they agreed with the stance of this editorial. With speculation and rumors spreading faster...

Santa, Cant You Hear Me plays on Spotify as a wrap on the holiday season. Assistant news editor Ananya Sriram offers her top five holiday song picks.

Friday Five: Holiday songs

by Ananya Sriram, Assistant News Editor January 7, 2022

“10, nine, eight, seven, six …” I hear, as the broadcast of the famous Times Square New Years eve ball drop plays on my television screen. When the clock hits zero, a wave of cheers erupts, prompting...

The audiobook edition of “Chain of Gold” by Cassandra Clare borrowed from Sora stands next to the hardcover edition. This novel was the first audiobook I ever listened to, and it introduced me to a new form of consuming media that I had previously shunned due to misconceptions.

Reading audiobooks isn’t cheating

by Irene Yuan, Co-Managing Editor December 14, 2021

Listen to the audio reading of the following article at the link below.  harkeraquila · Listen-ature is valid, reading audiobooks isn’t cheating"DAYS PAST: 1897,” a voice intoned. “Lucie Herondale...

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