![“[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 wear red on National Coming Out Day
Students wore red to show support for the LGBT community. National Coming Out Day was on Friday.
Upper school students and teachers wore red in support of the LGBT community on National Coming Out Day on Friday.
Flyers were posted around campus during the week leading up to the occasion to remind and encourage everyone to wear red on Oct. 9.
This campus-wide event was dedicated to celebrating equality and acceptance across all sexual orientations, genders and more.
Illana Goldberg (11) shared why wearing red clothing or accessories demonstrated the Harker community’s support of LGBT individuals.
“It brought awareness to the issue, but I think most importantly, school-wide participation shows support for everyone who is trying to feel accepted,” she said. “It brings a sense of comfort and security.”
During both lunches, Spanish teacher and language department chair Abel Olivas along with student members of Harker GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) handed out rainbow smiley-face stickers in front of Manzanita to those who passed by. Students wore these stickers and placed them around campus, further spreading the celebration and welcoming atmosphere.
Harker GSA member Jenny Bourke (12) explained why this event was crucial for those struggling with issues pertaining to being LGBT.
“I think it is important that they participated because that means that anyone in the closet, or struggling with their own issues, can feel safer, and they can come out and be who they truly are with all the people they are around every day,” she said.
Support for the LGBT community has been a constant activity in the school. Students are educated on this issue both by their peers as well as their educators. Last year, a video was shown during school meeting that showed gay or lesbian teachers answering questions about their lifestyles and displaying their pride.
The Upper School emphasizes its support by continuing the tradition of wearing red each year on this nationwide holiday.
Maya Valluru (12) is a News Editor for Harker Aquila. She enjoys writing short stories and doing service with Harker Key Club. She joined journalism in...