![“[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)
Swim seniors recognized at last home meet
Leon Chin (11) swims the fly as part of the 200 IM. The Varsity swim team competed at its last home meet today against Sacred Heart Preparatory School
The Varsity swim team honored four seniors at its last home meet today against Sacred Heart Preparatory School.
Prior to the start of the meet, seniors Kimberly Ma, Audebert Manon, Brian Tuan, and Kenneth Zhang were presented with a bouquet of roses and gifts from their team members for their hard-work and dedication to the team.
“Senior night is a great way to reward the seniors for all their effort and hard work throughout the season,” Parth Pendurkar (9) said. “It’s my first year swimming but I think senior night really helps us come together as a team.”
Though the team did not win the meet, its loss did not dampen its spirits.
“Honestly we’re not going to win and we’re going to lose by a lot, but I think that we’re going to put in our best efforts just for the seniors and celebrate all that they have done for us this season,” Jackelyn Shen said (11).
The team has faced many challenges this season due to commitment issues and quits mid-season.
Head Coach Ronni Gautschi echoed Jackelyn’s thoughts on commitment while also commenting on the team’s improvement throughout the season.
“We’ve definitely improved our times, which has been a goal of mine, but in the future I would like to see more commitment from the team,” Gautschi said. “They know that if they don’t come, they get kicked off the team and that if they can’t commit, then they need to quit.”
The team looks to improve times and see continued commitment from current swimmers for the rest of the season. JV and Varsity compete against Menlo School in an away meet next Wednesday.
Roshni Pankhaniya is the Sports Editor of the Winged Post. She is a senior and has been previously been a reporter and the Sports Editor for Harker Aquila....