![“[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)
Moving on: Staff transitions
Provided by Harker Staff Directory
Biology teacher Dr. Gary Blickenstaff, Academic Dean Evan Barth and psychology teacher Kelly Horan will be transitioning out of their current faculty positions into new roles for the upcoming school year. While Blickenstaff will be retiring, Barth will transfer to the middle school as the Middle School Division Head, with Horan taking on Barth’s position of Academic Dean.
May 7, 2018
AP and Honors Biology teacher, Synopsys advisor retires
Gary Blickenstaff will be retiring. He is currently a biology teacher and has taught AP Biology, Honors Biology, Evolution and summer AP Biology courses. He also served as the advisor for the annual Synopsys competition, Science Bowl and the Red Cross Club. He will be replaced by Thomas Artiss, who is currently a biology teacher at the middle school. Blickenstaff took up teaching at Harker after teaching one year at Del Mar High School. He moved to San Jose in 2000 when he started teaching in the Bay Area.
Previously, Blickenstaff served as a research associate in 1989 at the University of California, Irvine. He received his B.A. and Ph.D from the University of California, Santa Cruz after graduating from Archbishop Mitty in 1968.
In addition to teaching AP Biology, Blickenstaff taught Honors Biology as well as the biotech and evolution class this year.
Upper school dean transitions to middle school head
Evan Barth will be leaving his position as Upper School Academic Dean and Pre-College Counselor and moving to serve as the Middle School Division Head for the next school year. He and Middle School Assistant Head Patricia Burrows have begun meeting with architects about various projects, such as the middle school’s move to the Union campus in 2021, and reverting the school uniform to its original green.
“The Division Head serves the faculty so that they can make sure that the students receive the best out of their education, which is why we’re here,” Barth said.
Throughout his 18 years at Harker, Barth has taught several math classes, a yearly engineering class and coached and assisted the varsity girls soccer and volleyball teams. He has also served as the faculty chair of the Honor Council and Honor Board.
“Over the years, I’ve enjoyed speaking with students who just walk into my office to chat,” Barth said.
Class of 2020 dean becomes next upper school dean
Kelly Horan will be replacing Evan Barth as Upper School Academic Dean and Pre-College Counselor. She is currently an AP Psychology teacher and the Class of 2020 dean. Throughout her eight years at the upper school, Horan has served as a member of Challenge Success, the Bell Schedule Committee and Honor Council.
Her ideas for next year include increased interaction with students, rather than solely parents. She hopes to bring her background in psychology to the job and help students find a balance in their academic life.
Her new responsibilities will include assisting Upper School Head Butch Keller and helping students with planning their four-year academic plan.
“I hope that I’m approachable,” Horan said. “I’m approachable in my classroom, which is why kids are very open with their thoughts. I hope that my being in the office doesn’t change that. Ultimately, I’m the same person; I’m just playing a different role.”
This piece was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on May 7, 2018.
