![“[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)
Class of 2017 graduates in Saratoga Mountain Winery ceremony
The Class of 2017 throws their caps into the air. The graduation ceremony was held at the Saratoga Mountain Winery yesterday from 5 to 7 p.m.
May 19, 2017
The class of 2017 graduated in a ceremony at the Saratoga Mountain Winery yesterday from 5 to 7 p.m.
The ceremony featured the upper school’s orchestra and graduation chorus and addresses from Upper School Head Butch Keller, valedictorian Kai-Siang Ang (‘17), keynote speaker and Nvidia co-founder Chris Malachowsky and Head of School Christopher Nikoloff.
The orchestra performed prelude music as attendees filled the winery’s seats and Edward Elgar’s “Pomp & Circumstance” as graduates and teachers processed in graduation gowns at 5 p.m.
After the processional, the graduation chorus of upper school vocal ensembles Bel Canto, Cantilena, Camerata and Downbeat, conducted by Carl Oser, performed Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner,” arranged by vocal music teacher Susan Nace.
Keller then gave a welcome address and introduced Kai, whose speech used analogies involving math and the story of the itsy bitsy spider to promote understanding, teamwork and unity.
Valedictorian Kai-Siang Ang delivers his speech at the graduation ceremony.
“We stand on the educational foundation of Harker that exists only because of the emotional and financial investments of our parents, the tireless efforts and devotion of our teachers, faculty and staff and the tender roasting of our friends,” Kai said. “Although failure is an inevitability, that’s okay. Even if perfection itself is impossible, striving for improvement may put us on a function whose limit is perfection.”
The graduation chorus then performed Jim Papoulis’s “New Beginnings,” conducted by Nace.
Malachowsky, the senior vice president, a fellow, and co-founder of Nvidia, then gave his commencement address. Malachowsky spoke about his experiences as a tech executive and father and his hopes for the graduating class’s college career.
Graduation keynote speaker and co-founder pf technology company Nvidia Chris Malachowsky delivers his address at the graduation ceremony.
“Your enrollment here at Harker is testament to just how deeply your parents are committed to your success. As you move forward and enter college, that sort of responsibility will begin to shift to be squarely on your shoulders,” he said. “Your college experience will be what you make of it, regardless of who foots the bill.”
Following his address, Honor Council and National Honor Society representatives passed their leadership roles to their successors, and Nikoloff gave a farewell speech to the graduates.
“Today is a special graduation to me because we are, in fact, graduating together, although I am sure you are graduating with a higher GPA,” Nikoloff said. “Even though we are leaving Harker together, its values of lifelong learning, commitment to excellence and service to others will not leave us.”
Keller, Nikoloff and class of 2017 dean Jeffrey Draper then presented the 190 students in the graduating class with their diplomas.
The graduates threw their caps into the air before Nikoloff and Assistant Head of School Jennifer Gargano released doves, a customary gesture to symbolize the graduates’ leaving the nest.
The graduates and attendees recessed as the orchestra performed Camille Saint-Saens’s “Marche Heroique.”
