![“[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)
Students and teachers to celebrate Memorial Day
Courtesy of WIkimedia Commons
President Obama sets a wreath in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Memorial Day in 2013. Students and teachers at Harker will spend their Memorial Day weekend in different ways.
Memorial Day, a day for students and teachers to commemorate and celebrate soldiers in the armed forces who died while serving, remains a day that is special to many students and staff members who have family members or friends in the armed forces.
Many memorial day parades and ceremonies are held in the Bay Area, including events in Saratoga and Cupertino.
Following a tradition since 1928, Saratoga will hold a parade starting at the Memorial Arch continuing to Madronia Cemetery, where there will then be a wreath-laying ceremony. There will also be a ceremony at Cupertino Memorial Park recognizing soldiers who have died, particularly those who grew up in the Bay Area.
“It was a special memory to see local veterans in uniform present the flag as we sang the national anthem and saluted the flag with fellow patriots,” Harker Teacher Heather Russell said. “Placing flowers at the base of the statue honoring a childhood friend and local hero, Matt Axelson was also a meaningful way to honor the sacrifice given by many for our freedoms.”
Despite the significance of the holiday for many people who are in the armed forces or have family members in the armed forces, many students will not recognize this holiday with any special activities or actions due to upcoming finals. Some students mentioned that they do not celebrate Memorial Day.
“I’m probably just going to be in my room all day studying for finals, because that’s the thing that’s important for my grade right now,” Eric Tran (9) said.
Most students did express appreciation for those in the armed forces and soldiers who died while serving, but found that the stress of upcoming finals kept them from celebrating. Others felt that the importance of Memorial Day was undermined due to the busy time of year.
“Most students just think of Memorial Day as an extra day to sleep in and not go to school.” Megan Swanson (10) said. “I, myself, rarely think about the actual reason for the holiday, but I believe that it is important for everyone to realize its significance and how much of our country treats Memorial Day.”
A few students are going to be taking advantage of the three-day weekend by going on trips with their families.
“First of all, my family and I are going to Los Angeles to visit some of my family from my dad’s side, David Roman (9) said. “There is also a quinceañera we have to attend there. After visiting LA, we will go to Modesto and visit another aunt and uncle.”
Whether or not Memorial Day is celebrated by a majority of students, there are many locally-organized opportunities for those looking to recognize soldiers and their families.
Lauren Russell (10) is a reporter in her second year on staff for the Winged Post. After joining the staff for freshman year, she looks forward to continuing...