![“[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)
Performing arts groups light up Santana Row
Varsity dance poses at the end of their routine. Varsity dance, JV dance, Kinetic Krew and Downbeat were among some of the groups that performed at the Santana Row Tree Lighting ceremony last year.
November 17, 2016
Performing arts groups from the middle and upper schools are set to dazzle onstage at the annual Santana Row tree lighting ceremony tomorrow. This ceremony features performances from the junior varsity and varsity dance teams, Kinetic Krew and Downbeat as well as middle school dance groups Showstoppers and High Voltage.
Santana Row kicks off the holiday season every year with its tree lighting ceremony of a 40-foot tree as well as a multitude of performances from local performance groups and special guests.
“I’ve performed for Dance Fusion and Showstoppers in the past,” Haley Keller (11) said. “I love performing in front of all the people out there. It’s always packed with kids and their parents, and they always cheer us on during the performance. They’re always smiling, and everyone’s in the winter spirit.”
Throughout the night, attendees will also be able to take pictures with Santa Claus to benefit the charity Toys for Tots, an organization that donates toys to children in need during the holiday season.
Performances from special guests, costumed characters, local theater groups and live music will take place tomorrow at 5 p.m. This includes performances from the Harker dance groups.
“It’s an honor to be able to represent Harker amongst the other schools that perform there,” Kinetic Krew member Randy Zhao (11) said. “Performing for the public is always very fun.”
This piece was originally published in the pages of The Winged Post on November 16, 2016.
