![“[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)
In honor of the renowned mathematics constant π, the sophomore class held a pie fundraiser on March 14, beginning sales at 3:14 PM.
A week prior to the event, Class of 2014 dean, Victor Adler, began posting comedic reminders on the daily bulletin stating that March 14 was fast approaching, hoping to stir anticipation for the fundraiser. This is the first pie fundraiser organized by the sophomore class, so the student council officers ensured that both students and faculty were well aware of such event.
“Although it was a little chaotic in the beginning, I think that in the end when everything was sold, we really did a great job getting the pies cut, and I think the theme was a great idea,” Treasurer Rohith Bhethanabotla (10) said.
Immediately after school, students hoarded around the sales table in the front-loading zone, waiting to buy their pies. The officers were selling for approximately thirty minutes with a variety of pies available, from the typical Pumpkin and Apple Pies to the more elaborate Banana Cream and Chocolate Cream Pies.
As one of the most important constants in mathematics, the numerical value of pi never repeats any pattern of digits nor does it ever end. Therefore, Class President Arjun Goyal wished to recognize the significance of it and hoped to celebrate π day by coordinating this lighthearted event.
“The reason we wanted to do pi day was […] because it’s a special day and […] we can use the money [we raise] to help our class for the upcoming spirit week,” Arjun said.
According to Rohith, the sophomore class earned $230 in profit from the after school sale. But, the pies do not end there. The following day, on March 15, the class officers sold before school and delivered pies during advisory to those who placed an order. Pies were delivered to around 12 advisories.
Meanwhile, Renu Singh (10) attempted to sell other baked goods during advisory, but later found that pie sales took a higher precedence then brownies and cookies.
“It’s a fun and unique way to raise money for our class,” she said.
The sophomore class earned a $284 profit at the end of the fundraiser.
