![“[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)
Winter Ball tickets selling
Junior class Vice President Jessica Chang sits in Manzanita to sell Winter Ball tickets since the junior class is hosting the event. The dance will be held on January 18 in the Atrium.
Winter Ball tickets will be sold this week in Manzanita during lunch for $25, as announced yesterday during the school meeting by co-Spirit Presidents Julia Wang (11) and Katy Sanchez (11).
Ticket prices will rise for those who purchase tickets next week. The higher price is still undecided and will be announced after the junior class council and Spirit Club reach a conclusion on the price.
This year’s dance will be hosted by the junior class, incorporating the theme of The Great Gatsby. Spirit Club, along with the junior class student council, has spent the last month planning the event from decorations to food preparations.
The dance this year will be held not only in the Atrium, but also upstairs of Nichols Hall.
“I think it will go well and people who go will have a lot of fun,” Julia said.
Winter Ball provides an opportunity for students spend time with their friends outside of class.
“My favorite part of Winter Ball is getting ready with friends before and dressing up and doing makeup,” Christina Andrus (11) said. “I’m really excited.”
Freshman Isabel Lai, who will be attending her first high school dance, also plans on getting ready with her friends.
“I haven’t gone to a dance yet and it sounds really fun, so I think I will go with my friends,” she said.
On the other hand, some students already have plans on the day of the dance.
“I’m going to Davis with my friends over the weekend, so I’m not going to Winter Ball,” Omar Hamade (10) said. “I would probably go if I could.”
Spirit Club is making invitations today to be sent out on Thursday during advisory for Winter Ball.
Formal attire will be expected for the dance, which will take place on Saturday, Jan. 18 in the Nichols Atrium from 8 p.m.-11 p.m.
Shannon Su is the Managing Editor and Executive News Director of Harker Aquila. She joined the program as a reporter her freshman year and has held many...