![LALC Vice President of External Affairs Raeanne Li (11) explains the International Phonetic Alphabet to attendees. "We decided to have more fun topics this year instead of just talking about the same things every year so our older members can also [enjoy],” Raeanne said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC_4627-1200x795.jpg)
![“[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–11/30
Harker spirit members Arben Gutierrez-Bujari (11) and Kailee Gifford (11) update the upper school about spirit events. This week, each class will decorate a Christmas tree, which will be judged during extra help on Friday.
November 30, 2015
The Diversity Committee adjusted the dress code, taking into account all the feedback it received since the beginning of the school year. Students must cultivate an attitude of respect with their outfits and all members of the student body are expected to be respectful, engaged, kind, courteous and to conduct oneself with integrity. Clothing should not be too casual or exhibit suggestive or inappropriate themes. To approve certain apparel, such as advisory or club sweatshirts, an application can be filled out from dean of students Kevin Williamson’s office.
The Red Cross Club is holding its blood drive this Wednesday in the gym during long lunch. The club currently need 15 more signups. Students can sign up during both lunches in Manzanita on Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday and Friday, the club will sell hot chocolate after school.
As finals are right around the corner, the Honor Council is piloting a study space in Manzanita from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in these two weeks.
Junior Niki Iyer placed fifth in the State Division Four Cross Country Championship. She set a personal record on the course running a 17:50, which is thirty seconds better than her fifth place finish last year.
Girls tennis doubles duo of Elizabeth Schick (10) and Pamela Duke (9) qualified for the CCS semifinals, advancing farther than any other team in girls tennis history.
Team captains for winter sports should email Shannon Richardson (12) or Oisin Coveney (12) information for the weekly eagle update.
The new swimming coach Tania Chadwick will hold a meeting near Singh Aquatic Center on Wednesday from noon to 12:45 p.m. for students interested in participating in swimming this spring.
Harker Spirit will hold a tree decorating contest in Manzanita hall. Throughout the week, each class has the opportunity to decorate their Christmas trees, which will be judged during extra help on Friday. Additionally, Spirit will show Home Alone in Manzanita Hall on Dec. 4 at 5 p.m.
Assistant head of school Greg Lawson reviewed the emergency procedure for toxic gas pollution on campus. He advised for students to gather in the central shelter, the gym, upon hearing an announcement. Students and faculty must then proceed to close all windows and door cracks with any necessary supplies, such as duct tape or jackets.
There are no special or alternate schedules this week.
