![“[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)
Spirit Club prepares for Winter Ball
With the annual Upper School Winter Ball approaching on Saturday, Jan. 17, Spirit Club has been selling tickets for the dance and setting up decorations over the previous few weeks.
Planned for the day after the end of the first semester, Winter Ball serves as a chance for students to relieve themselves from school work and stress. Over the previous years, the dance has featured slow dancing, a DJ, refreshments, catered food and decorations to accommodate the student body in attendance.
Those who plan on attending the dance should also expect a revamped theme. According to Eric Kallbrier, the Assistant to Directors of Activities and Business and Entrepreneurship Programs, students chose a sleeker look this year.
“The students get to decide what their Winter Ball gets to look like,” Kallbrier said. “It is designed by students for students. And this year the students wanted something classy, black-and-white, like James Bond 007.”
Edward Sheu (11), junior class Spirit Coordinator, listed the unique touches added to the dance this year.
“We have got some really nice stuff, like chandeliers, high tables, couches,” Edward said. “We are trying to keep it classy to go with the theme.”
With over 300 tickets already bought for the dance, this year’s Winter Ball has a greater projected attendance than last year’s event. According to Leon Chin (11), a Spirit board member, the key to raising attendance was lowering ticket fees. Prices dropped from $30 last year to $20 per ticket this year. In addition, Spirit Club began offering two tickets for $15 dollars each, a deal that lasted until last week. These pricing changes contributed to the increase in sales.
As with previous years, lunchtime ticket sales have comprised the bulk of student purchases. In addition, the Spirit Club plans to sell tickets at the door to increase the number of students who attend.
Leon also explained that preparation for the event exceeded the initial budget of $6,000, but with the club selling over 300 tickets, he believes that these costs will be covered. In fact, the remaining funds will be donated to the junior class fundraiser for next year.
Evan Lohn (11), who will attend this year’s Winter Ball, expressed enthusiasm for the new theme, budget and atmosphere.
“I think the James bond theme was a great idea, and I’m hoping that the increased budget for the dance will allow us to see a large increase in quality compared to previous Winter Balls,” Evan said over an email interview. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
The Winter Ball will take place tonight in the Nichols Atrium from 8 p.m to 11 p.m.
Aditya Varshney (12) is the opinion editor of Harker Aquila and the Winged Post. This is his second year on staff. During his junior year, he occupied...