![“[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)
Keller’s Korner – 11/8 & 11/15
The past two weeks have been filled with numerous performing arts events, the start of the Nikoloff lecture series, and multiple athletic events including the annual dodgeball tournament.
The fall play Anon(ymous) featured Anon, played by Vishal Vaidya (11), in his discovery of his past after being separated from his mother as a child. Directed by Jeffrey Draper, the play had a total of four performances throughout the week.
“I always look forward to the play,” said Head of the Upper School Butch Keller. “One of my favorite parts about the fall play is so many kids got to be in it. Although a play with four or five people can be funny, exciting, or dramatic, I just enjoy watching a lot of people participate, and they did a good job as always. Mr. Draper obviously is a fantastic director.”
The first round of dodgeball was held on Nov. 6. The juniors defeated the sophomore class in two out of three games. Similarly, the seniors beat the the freshmen to advance to the next round. On Nov. 13, the seniors beat the juniors in two quick games to advance to play the faculty next Wednesday.
“Dodgeball is one of the most fun things the students get to do, and I enjoy watching them have fun,” Keller said.
https://harkeraquila.com/13166/showcase/seniors-win-annual-dodgeball-tournament/
https://harkeraquila.com/13127/news/upper-school-competes-in-annual-dodgeball-competition/
The annual lecture series held by Head of the Upper School Chris Nikoloff began on Nov. 6, discussing the western philosophy on happiness. The lecture is split into four topics; the first one “Be Good” focused on the questions “What is happiness?” and “Can I do anything about it?”
“Mr. Nikoloff’s lecture series is gaining momentum every year,” Keller said. “I’m always pleased to see students enjoy that and expand their intellectual curiosity with him.”
The second Coffee House of the year took place last Friday. For the first half, the Improv Troupe performed based on suggestions from the audience by incorporating them in a variety of improv games such as the ones performed at school meeting. Following the performance was an open mic session for singers, musicians, or any other act that wanted to demonstrate their talent.
“The Improv Troupe, after the demonstration on Monday at the school meeting, should have quite a few people there to watch it,” Keller said Friday morning. “It sounds like it’s a lot of fun.”
In its last game of the season, the JV Football team beat Leigh High School 24-21. The team’s overall record for the season is 6-1, the best for any JV football team at the Upper School.
“The last football game, it’s always sad when you’re saying the last of anything, should be exciting after the one point victory last weekend,” Keller said.
The annual Fall Concert featuring Bel Canto, Camerata, Guys’ Gig, and Cantilena took place on Saturday. The four groups performed music from Russia, the Ukraine, and Eastern and Central Europe.
“The concert is a lot of students putting in some hard work and showing off their talent,” Keller said. “It’ll be a lot of fun.”
The girls’ Volleyball team beat Castilleja three sets to one in the second round of the Central Coast Section (CCS) championship tournament. Although they lost the first set, the girls won the next three 25-13, 25-11, and 25-19. They will play Menlo School in the semifinals on Wednesday.
“Anytime a team is playing in CCS, it’s exciting, and the fact that we’re playing in the second round at home with the girls’ volleyball makes it even more exciting,” Keller said.
https://harkeraquila.com/13203/sports/girls-volleyball-beats-castilleja-in-ccs-quarter-finals/
Alyssa Amick (12) is the Co- Editor in Chief of Harker Aquila. She has been part of the journalism program since her freshman year. Her favorite part of...