![“[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 – 2/17
Students listen to various announcements presented at today’s school meeting. Announcements were made regarding the AP art exhibition, sports, and more.
The next installment of Head of School Christopher Nikoloff’s lecture series took place place during long lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the conference room.
11 exchange students from Switzerland are visiting the Upper School campus this week.
The computer science and engineering career panel will take place tomorrow during long lunch from 12 to 12:45 p.m.
Students interested in representing Harker at the National Shakespeare Competition should submit and their monologues prior to reciting them tomorrow during long lunch.
Student council has undertaken a number of projects throughout the year, including the addition of the dress code committee and is currently working on adding more charging stations and hosting the annual faculty appreciation breakfast.
The sophomore class bake sale series will continue this Thursday during advisory.
Chinese National Honor Society is hosting its week in celebration of Chinese New Year, which will be observed tomorrow. Various activities will take place each day during lunch.
Students interested in conducting a poster session at Synopsys should sign up by Feb. 27. The required signup form is located on the PCR announcements page.
The Upper School physics team won the annual USA Young Physicists’ Tournament (USAYPT) in Richmond, Virginia, for the third year in a row.
Students interested in mc-ing for HOSCARS should email Senior Shikhar Dixit, and students interested in performing should fill out the form that was emailed to the student body today.
There are no alternate or special schedules this week.
Maya Jeyendran (11) is the Lifestyle Editor of Harker Aquila. She been a part of Harker's journalism program since her freshman year, and has previously...