![“[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)
Flight Zone rallies crowds at students’ sports games
Flight Zone suggested the students create a “blackout” at the homecoming football game by wearing all black to support the team.
The Spirit and Athletic Affairs Committee revamped the the Student Supporters’ Section at athletic events with a new name, “Flight Zone” on Sept. 23.
The Athletic Affairs Committee chose “Flight Zone” over two other suggested names: “The Landing” and “The Aviary”.
“My favorite is whatever the students like best,” Assistant to Activities Coordinator Eric Kallbrier said. “Whatever the students choose, I support it 100 percent.”
Flight Zone’s recent name change signals other changes that have been brewing as well. While it was established several years ago, the organization is showing a new enthusiasm this year. The number of activities has ramped up, and there is increased organized support during games.
To create buzz in the sports world, Flight Zone has used several strategies to entice students to come to games, including social media and food. Members have also created posters for each varsity sports team and received a T-shirt to wear while they cheer.
Athletes and faculty both expressed their feelings about Flight Zone’s revival.
“As a part of Harker spirit, we really wanted to vamp up school pride,” Director of Athletic Affairs Committee Shannon Richardson (12) said. “Ever since Eagle Nation was [established] a couple years ago, it was more of an exclusive group, and what we wanted to do was to make it so that everyone could be a part of a group to cheer for sports.”
Varsity girls’ tennis player Karina Butani (10) also shared Shannon’s positive sentiments about Flight Zone.
“We don’t really get that many supporters because our games are off site at Santa Clara,” she said. “But when people cheer it really encourages me and the whole team to play a better game, especially when I am having one of those bad days.”
Kallbrier thinks that Flight Zone provides an opportunity for bonding and will become widespread among students.
“Hopefully, there is intrinsic value to being a part of this that people will want to go out and support their friends, that people will want to show pride in their school,” he said.
By the end of this year, Flight Zone aims to have cheered at least once for each varsity sport’s team.
Kaitlin Hsu (11) is the Editor-in-Chief of Wingspan Magazine. In her freshmen year, she was a reporter, and in her sophomore year, she was the Features...
Zachary Hoffman (9) is a reporter for the Winged Post. Since first grade he has attended Harker, and he looks forward to writing about school-wide events....