![“[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)
Senior receives recognition for community service
Alan Soetikno (12) makes a speech about his experience with community service during this Tuesday’s school meeting. He received $200 to donate to Sunday Friends.
More causes, more service, more rewards. The new implemented community service award allows individuals who have shown distinction in their service work to receive recognition for their time put into the community.
As announced in today’s meeting, the administration has put in extra effort to encourage students to become more involved in the improvement of their community. The proposition entails that a handful of selected students will be interviewed regarding their community work and a distinguished individual will be listed as the awardee.
This year’s winner is Alan Soetikno (12) for the hours of service he dedicated to the community. His first taste of community service was when he attended freshman service day. Since then, he continued volunteering through school, including tutoring and as part of Key Club, Red Cross Club, Interact Club, and Tutoring Club.
“[Community service] cannot be explained by a number,” he said during his speech. “You do it for them–the less fortunate. You do it because it is quite simply the right and honorable thing to do.”
According to Alan, unlike previous years where the winner received $500 to keep, this year he will receive $200 to donate to the charity of his or her choice.
Many students believe that service is an integral part of society.
“Community service in my mind makes the world go round. People that make these selfless acts to help the underprivileged or anyone by giving back to this generous world deserve some recognition,” Shikhar Dixit (10) said.
Community service coordinator Kerry Enzensperger described how inspiring and wonderful community service can be.
“When you go out and you do something and you feel like you’ve made a difference and helped, it’s a really powerful feeling,” she said. “[By] getting out there and involved, hopefully it will [become] a lifelong commitment.”
Alan chose to donate the $200 check he received to Sunday Friends, a non-profit organization that teaches families life skills to help them find jobs and lead better lives. He believes that the organization allows people to earn what they deserve.
The administration plans to continue awarding recognition to exemplary students in the future in hopes of encouraging others to take a bigger leap in bettering their community.
Mariam Sulakian is the Features Editor of Harker Aquila. She has been a member of the journalism program for four years and appreciates the opportunities...
Priscilla Pan is the features editor for the Winged Post and co-creator of In a Nutshell. She is a senior and has been part of the journalism program for...