![“[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)
News update (Volume 19, Issue 5)
Provided by Harker JCL
Members of Harker’s JCL delegation cheer during the 2017 state convention’s opening ceremonies. This year’s California Regional Certamen Rounds (Carcer) was held at the Acalanes Adult Education Center in Walnut Creek, while the 2018 state convention will be held at the Menlo School from April 13 to 14.
March 8, 2018
Latin students immerse themselves in Latin culture at Regional Certamen
Upper school and middle school Latin students attended the California Regional Certamen Rounds (Carcer) on March 3.
Carcer is the qualifying competition for the teams that will compete in the semifinal and final rounds of competitive certamen at the state convention, a two-day event where members of the California Junior Classical League (CAJCL) convene to compete in academics, arts and sports.
Certamen, meaning “competition” in Latin, is a quiz bowl-style game with toss-up questions centered on the language, Roman culture and history of classical civilizations. The CAJCL is comprised of chapters, schools and other organizations with at least five eligible members and a sponsor. Students who either have taken or are currently taking a classical language can become members.
This year, Carcer was held at the Acalanes Adult Education Center in Walnut Creek. Harker sent level one and level two certamen teams from the middle school and an advanced team from the upper school.
“Certamen is perennially popular and I think that on one level, students like using the buzzer. On another level though, certamen is really great and fun because it’s got a little something for everybody,” Latin teacher Scott Paterson said. “It appeals to a wide variety of Latin students: those who are really into the language, those who are into the culture, something for everybody.”
The upcoming state convention will be at the Menlo School from April 13 to 14.
ICE agents arrest California immigrants
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have arrested over 150 individuals in Northern California.
Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf issued a warning on Saturday that ICE agents would be making rounds in California. She received backlash from ICE agents following these warnings.
California became a sanctuary state in the new year following a bill that was signed by California Gov. Jerry Brown. The bill barred police from asking people about their immigration status or participating in federal immigration enforcement activities.
ICE also pointed criticism towards San Francisco and Oakland for shielding criminals.
Brass band Lucky Chops performs for upper school
Brass band Lucky Chops performed a series of covers and original songs for the upper school on Feb. 26.
Based in New York, Lucky Chops gained popularity after fans began posting videos of their performances online.
Lucky Chops was introduced by instrumental music teacher Chris Florio, who found the band through YouTube. When the upper school orchestra went to New York’s Carnegie Hall last spring, Florio surprised the students with a performance by Lucky Chops.
This piece was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on March 6, 2018.
