![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
To raise funds for Sunday Friends, an organization that empowers low-income families, Key Club is hosting various events this week including bake sales, a Pinkberry fundraiser, and a basketball tournament.
According to many students, one of the most highly anticipated events of the week is the frozen yogurt fundraiser.
Key Club originally planned to sell the frozen yogurt during long lunch, but the weather forced the club to push back the fundraiser to Thursday and Friday during lunch, advisory period, and after school.
Due to issues involving the price of Pinkberry, Key Club had to cut back on its monetary goal.
“Our goal was originally around $2000, but now we’re aiming for $1500 because there were complications along the way,” Key Club President Alan Soetikno (12) said. “We were planning to have free froyo delivered to us, but our supplier couldn’t follow through with the plan, so we just had to go with a discounted price.”
Despite these obstacles, Alan is confident that the event will be a success later this week.
“It’s a brand new fundraiser so we’re hoping it’s going to raise a lot of money while bringing a lot of happiness,” he said.
In addition to selling frozen yogurt, Key Club plans to hold a basketball shooting tournament inspired by March Madness during Wednesday long lunch. All players will receive free Pinkberry, and the champions will win free donuts for their entire class.
“The basketball tournament was received by both members and people outside of the club well when we met to decide on our events,” Public Relations officer Jerry Shen (11) said. “We thought that the classes would be willing to participate in a class event as well.”
All proceeds will go to the non-profit organization Sunday Friends, which provides assistance for low-income families. Participants receive tickets which they can exchange for basic necessities such as soap and toothpaste.
Furthermore, by encouraging parents to attend classes that teach money management or health and nutrition, the organization helps adults develop skills necessary to find jobs and take care of their children.
The idea to fundraise for Sunday Friends was recommended by several students who currently volunteer for the program by helping children complete projects that aid the community while the children’s parents attend classes.
“Every time I volunteer, I lead an art project for the children,” Janet Lee (9) said. “We make crafts and give them to different organizations such as charities, senior homes, and hospitals.”
To support Sunday Friends, hot chocolate and bake sales will take place throughout the week, as members bake cookies, cupcakes, and cake pops daily.
