![“[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)
Chipotle to close restaurants briefly Feb. 8 for evaluation
E. Coli Emergency Chipotle’s bowl optino is an alternative to burritos for the customers who prefer healthier choices. The recent disease outbreaks in Chipotle stores have contributed to Chipotle’s decision to close stores on Feb. 8.
January 28, 2016
Chipotle will close its restaurants across the nation on Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to hold a meeting for the whole company in order to discuss food safety and the recent incidents. In an effort to polish its image after recent food poisoning incidents, Chipotle is taking stricter measures on ensuring the safety of its food.
The incidents occurred last August in Minnesota, where a salmonella outbreak affecting 64 customers was traced back to Chipotle restaurants in the state. This was followed by a norovirus outbreak in California, which sickened about 100 people. Subsequently, an E. coli outbreak took place in the states of Washington and Oregon, affecting 53 people as it spread through multiple states. Norovirus and E. coli outbreaks appeared again in November and December.
Director of Health Services at Harker Debra Nott found the source of the virus to be unexpected.
“Originally, I was surprised to discover that they traced it quickly to vegetables,” Nott said. “Ordinarily, you expect E. coli to be in meat products that have not been heated to the proper temperature.”
The incidents and the fear of outbreaks have led some students to stop eating food from Chipotle restaurants.
“Normally, when I go hiking and wildlife-viewing in remote places, Chipotle is one of the only options available on the highway, especially for vegetarians, but because of the outbreak, it’s not an option anymore,” Venkat Sankar (11) said.
Following the incidents, Chipotle is raising its food safety standards, and has promised an explanation of the causes of the incidents. It is also offering more free food in its giveaways and rewards, which vary among the different restaurant locations.
The company is set to debut a new marketing campaign in February after the company-wide meeting.
This piece was originally published in the pages of The Winged Post on January 27, 2016.
