![“[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)
December’s athletes of the month are Kevin Moss and Gabi Gupta.
As a sophomore in his second season on Varsity soccer, Kevin Moss is a strong midfield player, has scored goals on multiple occasions throughout the season, and has now been named December’s Male Athlete of the Month.
He has goals in games against Pinewood, Eastside College Prep, and others.
His combination of determination, technical skill and initiative make him a key addition to the team. Kevin has gained the trust and respect of his teammates, both younger and older.
“He has that never-back-down attitude that makes him invaluable in the midfield.” Co-Captain Deniz Celik (11) said. “He is one of those guys who you feel you can trust on and off the field.”
As a midfielder, Kevin usually steals the ball from his opponents and helps move in up the field, opening up shooting opportunities for the team. According to head coach Shaun Tsakiris, Kevin has exhibited a decent performance in all technical aspects but what sets him apart from his teammates is his leadership.
“He’s a natural leader. He’s the hardest working guy on the field and that’s what earns him respect from a lot of the guys [on the team].” Tsakiris said.
According to Tsakiris, Kevin is like the “glue” of the team, he pulls his teammates together and makes them stronger as a unit, and because of this, he is an invaluable asset to the team.
—
As only a freshman, Gabi Gupta is already one of Varsity soccer’s strongest offensive players and top scorers. She has contributed one or more goals and assists in many of this season’s games.
“Gabi not only is really fast, but she really creates [a lot] for our team in terms of offensive opportunities,” Varsity co-captain Nicole Dalal (12) said. “One of the main differences this year is that we score a lot more goals. I think Gabi has been a big part of that; [she] distributes the ball and allows us to work the field better.”
Gabi uses her speed to her advantage to set up chances for her team to score.
As of January 25, she is leading her team with 12 goals and 6 assists total. Her teammates and coach also regard her as a very versatile player. They say she help whenever she is needed.
“She offers quite a bit of creativity on the ball. […] She’s a good attacker as well as a good defender,” head coach Jason Berry said. “She has a keen sense of where she needs to be on the field.”
Her coach and teammates not only note her impressive technical skills but also appreciate her positive attitude and charismatic spirit.
“Gabi brings a lot of energy to the team. She’s always lighthearted about everything,” Amy Gendotti (11) said.
Gabi is helping the team organize the Kicks Against Cancer game on February 1 by selling tickets, talking to families from Camp Okizu, and ultimately playing in the game.
![Senior Gabe Sachse and sophomore Shaurya Jain hug after winning the game. “I don’t want to say goodbye because [the seniors] are my friends outside of baseball as well,” Shaurya said. “Either way, I wanted to go all out for the seniors.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/53-KAT_4240-e1747776384650-1200x778.jpg)
