![“[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)
Chaos and turmoil everywhere you look. Boys falling left and right, tripping over their friends and feet alike. Then, in one glorious moment, the stunt goes up.
The sophomore and junior boys held their first practice for the powderpuff game this morning, arriving half an hour early to get started on the routine. The group plans to have a total of three practices, one of which took place today and another two which are planned for tomorrow.
“We have prepared immensely for our cheer routine and we learned how to stunt,” Nicholas Nguyen (10) said. “I expect the game to be very exciting and fun to watch.”
Despite the late start, the coaches, sophomore and junior members of the cheer team, mixed up a couple songs and pulled together a routine, incorporating segments of dance and cheer stunts, like halves, knee stands, and shoulder sits.
“We’re definitely a lot more unprepared than last year. Being busy with the boat and choreographed dance, we didn’t have as much time to devote to powderpuff as we would’ve liked,” coach Riya Godbole (10) said. “I’m sure the boys will be able to come together at the last minute and set out something funny.”
As a means of further encouragement, the coaches promised food during the next meeting to prompt more boys to be involved. Though greater participation is encouraged, some students are simply caught between other commitments.
“I really want to do powderpuff because it gives me a chance to be on the other side of cheering instead of being the player in the actual game. And it is showing class spirit, and I love my class and hanging out with my friends,” Sidhart Krishnamurthi (10) said. “Unfortunately, I can’t do powderpuff because I have to make up a math test.”
Though only sophomore boys showed up to the practice this morning, the group anticipates future involvement from the junior class boys.
“Guys shouldn’t be shy to come out and participate. It’s spirit week and powderpuff is a great way to show class spirit and just have a good time,” coach Nikkan Ghosh (11) said.
The boys will perform their polished routine at halftime during the powderpuff game held at long lunch tomorrow.
