![“[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)
Volleyball senior officially commits to Stanford
Shannon Richardson (12) smiles while carrying congratulatory balloons from friends and family today in front of Main after signing the Letter of Intent. Following a period of verbal commitment, Shannon officially committed to playing for Stanford Volleyball.
November 11, 2015
Senior Shannon Richardson, co-captain of upper school girls varsity volleyball team, signed her Letter of Intent to commit to the Stanford women’s beach volleyball program today at noon in the college counseling office.
Many people attended the signing, including Shannon’s parents, teammates and classmates.
“I’ve thought about this moment for so long that it’s kind of surreal that it finally happened. It’s still kind of sinking in, but I was really happy and pleased,” Shannon said. “It was an exciting moment and I’m glad I got to share it with everyone.”
Co-captain Doreene Kang (12) recounted the effort Shannon has put into playing volleyball and is happy for her accomplishment.
“She works so hard and really puts all that she has into the team,” Doreene said. “I’m really proud that it paid off, and she was able to go to her dream school.”
Kurt Schwartz (12) expressed his excitement about her commitment.
“I’m ridiculously proud of her,” Kurt said. “She’s honestly been working toward this for years, and I know it means a lot to her.”
The National Letter of Intent, an NCAA document for student-athletes receiving scholarships, officially binds an athlete to a school and works as a contract between the school, coaches and player.
The varsity team’s next CCS playoff game will be at the Blackford gym on Saturday at 7 p.m.
