![“[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)
Starting this Monday, the National Honor Society (NHS) is hosting its first ever book drive for students at the KIPP Heartwood Academy.
NHS has had a long-standing relationship with KIPP Heartwood and its students, who range from 10 to 14 years old and have been tutored by NHS members on a monthly basis. NHS members and officers decided that these students, many of whom are underprivileged, would benefit from having more books to read.
“NHS thought that the students could use books, and there are so many new and also used books that Harker students have and don’t necessarily need any more. Jenny Chen (12) and some of the other officers decided to put together this book drive where they can donate books to students at KIPP,” NHS advisor Jennifer Siraganian said.
Many of the members greatly enjoy working with the young children and hope that the extra books will further their love of learning. From picture stories to high school novels, the books are meant to cater to all students.
“KIPP already has a sizable collection of books, but with the resources and privileges we students enjoy here at Harker, our donations could greatly enhance the literary world the KIPP kids get to experience,” NHS community service director Samantha Hoffman (12) said. “If one kid finds a book in there that inspires him in some way, we will have accomplished our goal.”
Few students at the Upper School have participated in the book drive so far due to the lack of publicity.
“The response to the book drive has been rather low, unfortunately. It has been just a week though. People may not have had the time to look around for their old books and to bring them all the way to school,” NHS president Jenny said. “We hope to get at least a box or two of books to bring to KIPP. Perhaps with greater advertising and making the collection boxes more visible, we will be able to do so.”
The book drive will continue through AP week and students can drop off books in front of Siraganian’s room, advisor Evan Barth’s room, and the edge.
