![“[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 – 12/13
As students prepared for their exams the week before finals, they also had the opportunity to participate in the annual spirit competition of gingerbread house making, help members of Harker’s Eclectic Literary Magazine (HELM) fundraise, and watch the annual Holiday Show.
The gingerbread houses, HELM week and the holiday show are all so unique in what they bring to the community. The gingerbread houses were the best, and I think people had a lot of fun doing it. I appreciate the fact that our community does know how to have fun. Of course, the Holiday show, I’ve heard people talking about it now for two weeks, how much they’re looking forward to it, so I know it’s going to be fantastic as it always is. The holiday show is a favorite of mine because the whole community comes together and celebrates.
Five gingerbread houses now decorate the entrance to Manzanita, one made by each class and a special entry by faculty members for a holiday themed spirit competition. Each group used various candy and frosting to decorate their winter-themed house. The sophomores took first place, followed by the freshmen in second, and the seniors in third. The Juniors were disqualified for using a bowl in their final creation which took the shape of an igloo.
HELM used the week before break as a fundraising week. After school they sold baked goods and other trinkets to raise money for the production of their magazine. The week also served as an advertisement to remind prospective writers of the due date, January 6th. As of Monday, the due date has been extended by two weeks.
The annual Holiday Show featured performing arts groups from all three campuses. Groups including Downbeat, Varsity Dance, Harmonics, and the Upper School Orchestra performed holiday favorites for the crowds enjoyment. The show not only includes performers of all ages, but also is performed at three of the campuses to spread the holiday cheer to most of the school, including Keller.
As school begins again, league play for sports teams starts as well as the much anticipated Student Directed Showcase.
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...