![“[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 celebrates Harvest Festival
Harker held its 64th annual Family and Alumni Picnic at the Blackford campus last Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Students, parents, faculty members and alumni came together to watch student performances, play carnival games and donate to Harker’s Rise to the Challenge initiative. This year’s theme was Harker Harvest Festival, so attendees had the opportunity to buy pumpkins and participate in other fall and Halloween related activities.
Between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m junior varsity dance troupe, Bel Canto, and Downbeat were among the performing arts groups that showcased their talents on the amphitheater stage. The show’s theme was “The Big Game,” and the performances related to sports including special appearances by the Harker cooking staff, Upper School Division Head Butch Keller and Head of School Chris Nikoloff.
Following the Student Show, the Upper, Middle and Lower school jazz bands played throughout the remainder of the picnic. The silent auction, raffle drawing and the Rise to the Challenge announcement closed the afternoon’s festivities.
“I really like the live music going on. It’s very lively and brings a good atmosphere,” Michael Jin (10) said. “Everyone who is here is having a good time, just vibing, listening to the good jazz music, and hanging out with teachers, staff, parents, students, family and friends. I think it’s just a good time for everyone.”
The picnic’s standard carnival games, petting zoo, bounce houses, and train all attracted people but this year’s new additions included food trucks, Laser Tag in the Cafetorium and a 30-foot tandem zipline.
“I think all things considered the turnout has been pretty good, it’s a hot day, and that might turn some people away but it’s great,” Assistant Head of School Greg Lawson said. “I think they have added some things that have created a different atmosphere. The kids seem to be happy, and that’s really the most important thing.”
Many high school students volunteered by working in booths and assisting with setting up activities.
“I am volunteering at the green team booth. This is the first [picnic] I’ve been too, and it actually seems really fun,” Mishi Vachev (12) said. “It’s a good way to get all the Harker families and friends from all the campuses together in a really fun way.”
Harker’s next major fundraising event will be “Night on the Town,” which is set to occur in February.
This piece was originally published in the pages of The Winged Post on October 17, 2014.
Megy Appalaraju (12) is the Sports Editor of Harker Aquila. This is her second year in the Harker journalism program. Her favorite part about journalism...