![“[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)
Student Directed Showcase stage readings begin
Senior directors and students from all different grades read sections of the play Check, Please during lunch in Laura Lang-Ree’s room.
Student Directed Showcase stage readings were during Monday and Tuesday lunches in Performing Arts Department Chair Laura Lang-Ree’s room and prepared students for the upcoming auditions.
“I love teaching Student Directed Showcase,” Lang-Ree said. “It is a great passion of mine to teach upcoming directors. Everyday in class is a blast.”
This years director’s are seniors Caroline Howells, Zoe Woehrmann, Jay Ahuja, and Madi Lang-Ree.
Directors chose their cast and start rehearsing their plays soon.
“I am so excited to go through the casting,” Zoe said. “I am also looking forward to helping the cast bond and help the actors perform in the depth that I know they can.”
Each one of these directors chose one play over the summer to cast, direct and produce. The plays compromise of “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani showcased by Caroline, “Exit” by Ron Dune directed by Zoe, “Check, Please” by Jonathan Rand chosen by Jay, and “We Live Here” by Zoe Kazan soon to be directed by Madi.
Students came to the readings expressed excitement for the student directed showcases.
“I am just looking forward to meeting new people, getting better at acting, and having fun,” said Noa Sasson (10), who plans to audition.
Freshman students who participated in productions at the middle school get ready for auditions and being in the show.
“I am looking forward to Student Directed Showcase, because it is student directed and they are able to relate to us more,” Sameep Mangat (9) said. “They will not only be our teachers and directors, but also our friends throughout the whole process.”
New Harker freshmen who acted before also came to the stage reading.
“ I love being in shows and being in the theater community is exciting,” Jessica Skinner (9) said.
Auditions will take place within a week on Monday and Tuesday after school and callbacks will follow on Thursday.
Sanjana Avula (9) is a reporter for The Winged Post. In her free time she enjoys biking, watching movies, and spending time with her family. Sanjana also...