![“[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)
This week was busy in all aspects of student life, from performing arts to academic achievements to charity related events.
“I have to address the history that was made with the Siemens presentation [by] Ramya and Albert […] That was so huge an accomplishment for the two of them. On the other hand, how can you not applaud all the people who went out of their comfort zone for the Hoscars? I know the hard work that went into making the Hoscars a reality by the student council,” Butch Keller said. “I feel very thankful to be in a community where the student body would work so hard to make all of this happen. I think this week is a clear example of our diversity and community spirit.”
On Wednesday, March 7, seniors Ramya Rangan and Albert Wu were honored with the 2011 Siemens Award for AP winners at the Upper School. For the first time in the foundation’s history since only two national winners were announced, both students are from not only the same state, but also the same school. The Siemens Foundation grants this title to students who have the highest composite AP test scores in the nation on eight math and science related APs. After the award ceremony, Camerata, Downbeat, and the Wind Quintet performed for the school.
Throughout the week, the Red Cross Club hosted various events and inter-grade competitions to promote awareness about the club’s purpose, such as lighting a controlled fire and creating small scale earthquake proof buildings. Additionally, those who met certain physical qualifications were eligible to donate blood to save lives on Tuesday.
On Thursday, March 8, the student council held the Upper School’s annual Hoscars, hosted by seniors Ananth Subramaniam and Michelle Lo. Students from all grades auditioned to perform numbers including vocal and instrumental acts. The All Star Award went to Apoorva Rangan (9) for beatboxing on the flute while the Supernova Award went to Maya Nelson (12) for a jazz vocal performance with Divya Sarathy (12) receiving an honorable mention. The Varsity basketball team’s act featuring Coach Keller won the Galactic Award. Finally, Simon Orr (10) won the Bootes Award for his comedic vocal rendition.
More events to look forward to next week include the Yale men’s A Capella group, a Cum Laude lecture, and an update on the baseball team.
