![“[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)
Modern Family season finale charms viewers – 5/5 stars
May 23, 2013
When tragedy strikes the Dunphy family on Modern Family’s season finale, they, along with the rest of the gang, take a trip to Florida. However, there is more in store for this loveable group than just mourning.
Upon the family’s arrival, there is far less focus on the grief caused by the Phil’s (Ty Burrell) mother, Gracie’s, impending funeral, and more on the detailed sub plots revolving around many of the other characters.
When Gloria (Sofía Vergara) winds up in court due to past actions, Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) finds himself not only defending her, but also rekindling an old passion.
After participating in book club and board games, Cameron (Eric Stonestreet), unsurprisingly, gets involved in the catty drama of a group of elderly women from the retirement community.
A more unseen twist comes when Jay (Ed O’Neill) recognizes Frank Dunphy’s (Fred Willard) neighbor, a woman from his past.
Undoubtedly, the most heart wrenching aspect of this season’s final episode was enclosed in a small, blue shoe box, containing Gracie’s last wish and departing gifts for the children.
Phil is shocked when he reads his mother’s crazy final wish, but hesitantly complies. This leads to the first moment the audience is able to sense his grief.
After harping on her special bond with her grandmother throughout the entire episode, Alex (Ariel Winter) is clearly disappointed when she opens her gift and receives a seemingly insignificant lighter and a letter with no explanation. However, she eventually learns that this contains more than what she originally thought.
The episode culminates at the funeral with a voiceover of Alex reading the letter while she sets off fireworks, a special last gesture for her grandmother. The letter reveals the first time Gracie and Frank met, but, more significantly, reminds Alex that she does not need to be perfect all of the time.
ABC’s multi-Emmy winning comedy, Modern Family never fails to hilariously charm viewers while reminding them of the importance of family, and this season finale is no exception. The show’s only fault is that it won’t be back next week.
