![“[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)
Seniors and juniors celebrate close of school year with annual Baccalaureate ceremony
Juniors Simar Bajaj and Jai Bahri read the program, waiting for the ceremony to begin. At Baccalaureate, the school welcomes the rising seniors to be the future leaders on campus next year.
May 23, 2019
Students of the class of 2019 and 2020 gathered in the quad with parents and faculty on yesterday for the annual Baccalaureate ceremony, an event where the current senior class passes down their responsibility as leaders of the school to the junior class.
“I think it is important to symbolically transfer the power from the seniors to the juniors,” Alicia Xu (11) said. “It tells us that it’s our turn to step up and become the role models of the campus.”
The upper school orchestra, led by instrumental music teacher Dr. David Hart, performed Irish ballad “Danny Boy” and tango piece “Libertango” by Astor Piazzola as guests settled into their seats. After the seniors were honored during a procession into the quad, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Jennifer Gargano began the ceremony by presenting a brief welcome speech discussing the history of the baccalaureate ceremony.
“The purpose of this evening is not only about saying farewell to the graduates and passing on our words of advice but also about celebrating each and every one of you,” Gargano said. “Tonight there will be no diplomas or individual awards or recognitions. Rather, we are celebrating all of you, and the time here that you spent at the Harker school as individuals and as a class.”
Upper school choir Cantilena, directed by Susan Nace, sang an a cappella rendition of “Wake Me Up!” by Bergling, Blacc and Einziger, followed by “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major” by Johann Sebastian Bach, played by the upper school orchestra.
Senior Honor Council member Stephanie Xiao then gave junior member Simar Bajaj a scroll in order to symbolize the rising senior class’ promise to continue to uphold the honor code and all community values. Afterwards, upper school head Butch Keller introduced this year’s Baccalaureate faculty speaker, upper school mathematics department chair Anthony Silk. In his speech, Silk shared advice given to him by his father and reminded students to pursue what truly makes them happy.
“If you know what you want to do for the rest of your life that’s great. If you don’t know, that’s even better,” Silk said. “The path that brings you the most happiness may not have even been invented yet. You may have to be the one to invent it.”
Following this, Baccalaureate student speaker Haris Hosseini (12) reflected on the class of 2019’s journey, recalling several humorous memories and shared hardships, and left some words of wisdom for the juniors, urging them to appreciate the supportive people around them.
“For these last four years, I haven’t just been part of a class. I’ve been part of a family,” Haris said. “There is something about the class of 2019, something about our drive, our heart, and our legacy. We left a legacy of spirit and community and kindness, not for the Harker community, but in it. Our legacy is an imprint that no departure, no matter how final, no matter how emotional, can erase.”
With parting words from Head of School Brian Yager, the ceremony was finished, and seniors were able to mingle as they took pictures and enjoyed some of their last memories together on campus before their graduation, which will take place at the Mountain Winery tomorrow at 5 p.m.
Tamar Sasson (12) views Baccalaureate as the final moments seniors have at the Harker School and a time to introspect and look back on the last four years.
“I related a lot to what Haris said, and I’ve been reflecting a lot. I haven’t really realized that [high school] is coming to an end this quickly,” Tamar said. “It’s a bittersweet thing, something that you have to experience. I definitely know now that I shouldn’t wait for the time to pass but let it sit with me.”
Tamar’s mother, middle school mathematics teacher Hava Sasson, adds how proud she is as both a parent and a teacher to watch the class’ journey over the last six years she has known them.
“I see [the seniors] now, and they’ve grown so much,” Sasson said. “I want to wish them good luck, and I want them to come back and visit us. Enjoy the journey.”
