![“[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)
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![“[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)
Spanish National Honor Society welcomes new members at luncheon
Spanish National Honor Society members recite a pledge to dedicate themselves to the study of the Spanish language. The society inducted its new members today during long lunch.
Spanish National Honor Society (SNHS) welcomed its new members for the upcoming school year and enjoyed traditional Mexican cuisine today during long lunch.
The luncheon was held at Mexico Lindo, a restaurant located in San Jose. The society’s members traveled to the restaurant in buses at the beginning of lunch.
After enjoying a meal of salad, rice, beans, enchiladas, and soft drinks, SNHS inducted its new members by awarding them official certificates. Following the initiation, all members of the society pledged to dedicate themselves to the study of the Spanish language.
Spanish teacher Diana Moss was enthusiastic about the luncheon overall.
“[It’s] nice to get off campus and be all together for a delicious Mexican food meal. I love inducting the new members and reciting the oath together, though it’s kind of corny,” she said.
In order to be eligible for the society, students must take at least three semesters of Spanish at the Upper School and obtain an A- or higher at the end of the third semester. In addition, they must be enrolled in an honors or AP Spanish course.
Sophomore Evan Lohn commended the luncheon for its execution.
“The lunch was really well put together, with great food and drinks set in a legitimately Spanish environment,” he said. “My friends and I are all excited about being part of this incredible group of students, and we look forward to furthering our Spanish education inside and outside the classroom.”
Brandon Aguilar (11) echoed similar sentiments, believing the lunch offered an opportunity to bond with existing members and learn about the society’s activities.
“Now I can demonstrate my passion and interest in the Hispanic culture to the school with other students who feel the same way,” he said. “I look forward to having discussions about current world issues that are happening in Spanish-speaking countries as well.”
Vikas Bhetanabhotla (12), editor-in-chief of the society’s biannual newsletter “Pórtico,” is enthusiastic about the organization’s future.
“Since this is my last year in the society, I’ve really enjoyed welcoming the new members in. I’m excited for where they will take the society,” he said. “I’m grateful to have been able to contribute to the society in this way.”
SNHS members must write at least once for the biannual society newsletter entitled Pórtico al Mundo Hispano. In addition, students must organize and attend Spanish Cultural Night.
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...