![“I wasn't discouraged by some of the obstacles we faced. I learned a lot from the leadership. I found that different people need different ways of receiving feedback — you can't [just] tell them to do something and expect the best. [Some] people needed more incentive. A large part of my role was to figure out what worked for everyone and to figure out how to lead all these separate individuals as a team,” Suhana Bhandare (’26) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SuhanaBhandare_JasmineHansra-1-1200x798.jpg)
![“This is actually from Randy Pausch Randy P. Brick: ‘Walls are there for a reason. You have to show how much you want to overcome them.’ You have to show how much you want something. That's what I've always been able to do with tennis, Link Crew and getting that internship [with Kushy Baby]. It’s important pushing through that — getting around that brick wall, climbing over it or clawing through it,” Yash Sachdeva (’26) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/YashSachdeva_RamBatchu-copy-1200x1002.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 5/2
ASB president Jimmy Lin (12) delivers his State of the School address, in which he reviewed student council’s projects and work over the course of the school year. Jimmy delivered his customary line, “Class starts at 10:50 you’re all dismissed,” for the final time at today’s school meeting.
May 2, 2018
Harker Athletics gave a short update about games this past week and encouraged students and faculty to support the teams at upcoming games this week.
The varsity softball and track and field teams played videos inviting students and faculty to attend their senior nights against Castilleja and at the WBAL Championship Trials on May 3 and May 5, respectively. The softball match will begin at 4 p.m. on the Saratoga campus.
Student council’s Happiness Committee representative Kelsey Wu (11) shared details about the council’s newest project the Contemplative Quiet Space, designed to provide students with an area for relaxation and rest during AP exams weeks. The Contemplative Quiet Space will be stationed in the athletics center MPR. Students may also visit an inflatable slide on Davis Field throughout the school day on May 10.
Harker Model UN members Logan Bhamidipaty (11) and Amy Dunphy (12) encouraged students to sign up for the Stanford Model UN Conference, which will be held at Stanford University from Nov. 9 to 11. Permission slips are available in history teacher Carol Green’s room and via Harker Model UN’s Schoology page, and are due by May 31.
Quiz Bowl representatives Swapnil Garg (12), Edgar Lin (12) and Michael Eng (9) announced the upcoming competitions Foner Bowl, World Bowl and Euro Bowl. Foner Bowl will take place on May 4 during long lunch, World Bowl May 8 during long lunch and Euro Bowl May 10 during long lunch.
Harker Spirit and student council members reviewed seating for this coming Friday’s rally. Junior class council treasurer Shania Wang (11) also encouraged students and faculty to attend today’s Quadchella, which will be held during long lunch in the quad.
The upper school orchestra played a promotional video showcasing their graduating seniors and the repertoire they will be performing at their upcoming Spring Concert, which will be held on May 4 at 7 p.m. in the Rothschild Performing Arts Center. Tickets for the concert are available here.
Members of various upper school choirs encouraged students and faculty to attend the spring vocal concert, which will be held on May 3 at 6 p.m. in the Rothschild Performing Arts Center. Guys’ Gig performed Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You,” a song they will be singing at the event.
ASB president Jimmy Lin (12) delivered his State of the School address, in which he praised the four student council committees of Food Committee, Student Life Committee, Student Events Committee and Renovation Committee for their dedication towards bringing together the upper school community. Current ASB vice president and rising ASB president Neil Ramaswamy (11) then took the stage to outline his plans for the next school year, which include collaborating with other student clubs and groups on campus on projects and involving more of the student body in student council discussions.
