![“[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)
“Barefoot”: Upper School student’s aunt produces romantic comedy
WhiteFlame Productions
“Barefoot”, a romantic comedy starring Evan Rachel Wood and Scott Speedman and produced by Lisa Demetree, released yesterday in select theaters around the country as well as On Demand through cable providers.
Demetree is the aunt of Upper School student Emma Doherty (10) and a first-time film producer. She is represented by the William Morris Endeavor talent and literary agency, and the film is being distributed by Roadside Productions—both renowned Hollywood groups.
“Well it’s an amazing movie. It’s cute and it’s funny and it’s a movie that you’ll remember. I’m incredibly proud of the producer because it turned out to be everything I expected and better,” Emma said.
“Barefoot” chronicles the story of how the reckless son of a wealthy family (Scott Speedman) meets a free-spirited but sheltered woman (Evan Rachel Wood). In an attempt to convince his family that he is straightening out his life, he brings the girl to his brother’s wedding, where she captivates him and his family with her simple, genuine ways.
“I’m really proud of [my sister] and want to support her any way I can. PLEASE, tell your kids to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (whatever they want) their friends about the movie,” said Leslie Doherty, Emma’s mother, in an email sent out on Wednesday.
Students are highly encouraged to either watch the film in theaters or purchase it online as soon as possible, as this weekend’s turnout will determine future distribution.
Showtimes and tickets are available at www.fandango.com/barefoot_169910/movietimes.
Riya Godbole is the Lifestyle Editor of The Winged Post. She is a senior and has been part of the journalism program since her freshman year. Her favorite...