![“[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)
School meeting recap – 9/8
Joe Rosenthal, Executive Director of Advancement, explained the Capital Giving Project, which hopes to create a performing Arts Center and gymnasium on the Upper School Campus. Information about the new facility can be found at harker.org/eventcenter.
Joe Rosenthal, Executive Director of Advancement, explained the Capital Giving Project, which hopes to create a performing Arts Center and gymnasium on the Upper School Campus. Information about the new facility can be found at www.harker.org/eventcenter. All pledges for both the Annual Giving and the Capital Giving made before the Harker Alumni Picnic on Oct. 12 will be matched.
In case of an emergency, all students and faculty should quietly walk to Davis Field and sit by advisory. Classes of 2015 and 2018 should enter the field via the entry closest to the freeway wall and exit the same way. Students are safe to leave once the Incident Commander, Butch Keller, allows it.
Greg Lawson, Assistant Head of School – Student Affairs, reiterated to students should remain cautious of cars on Saratoga Avenue while crossing the street by looking both ways before crossing.
The first of three JSA Conventions, Fall State, will take place from Nov. 15 to 16. If interested, contact [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].
Harker National Honor Society applications are live as of today for any interested sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Students should ask for recommendations from teachers now to give them ample amount of time to complete it. Questions will be answered through [email protected].
Paper cups are not available at the Upper School, so students must bring water bottles that they can fill at school. Water coolers are located in Dobbins, Nichols, Manzanita, and Main. More are coming soon for example, in Shah Hall.
Green Team will be selling water bottles during Club Fair this Wednesday along with free smoothies.
Order forms for the 2015 yearbook are outside the journalism room. There will be a drawing for cookies and a free yearbook during class meeting tomorrow for students who have already turned in their forms.
Auditions for the 2015 Dance Production, themed Welcome to the Jungle, will take place this Saturday, Sept. 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Blackford MPR. Dress rehearsal is Jan. 24 and the shows are Jan. 30 and 31.
Dodgeball will be held next Wednesday during long lunch. Announcements for Homecoming nominations are coming soon.
Eagle Update:
Girls tennis team was crowned Division 6 Champions after winning 5-0 at the California Tennis Classic in Fresno. The team plays Santa Clara High tomorrow at Decathlon and at Wilcox Thursday.
Girls Varsity Volleyball lost to Homestead, Friday at Blackford 1-3. The girls travel to St. Francis this Thursday.
The football team lost to Overfelt Friday 38-21 in their first game. The team travels to nearby Del Mar High this Friday for a 7:00 pm kickoff.
Boys Water Polo won 1 and lost 3 at the Lynbrook Tournament Friday and Saturday.
This week, girls golf competes at a tournament today at Poplar Creek. Girls Water Polo plays in the Wilcox Tournament Friday and Saturday, and cross country races at Toro Park in Watsonville Saturday.
Sharanya Balaji (12) is the Editor-In-Chief for Harker Aquila and has been on staff for the past three years. Additionally, during her freshman year she...