![“[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)
From spring concerts to the annual art exhibition, this week’s events allowed students to showcase the work they have done throughout the year. Additionally, the teacher appreciation breakfast reflected the winding down of the year as APs approach.
“The art exhibit has grown so much in the last 3 years. Seeing both the depth and breadth of what our students are doing and what the art teachers are doing is very gratifying,” Butch Keller said. “Any time that we can show as a community how much we appreciate all the time, effort, and work that our faculty puts into making this such a great place to be for our students, that is a big deal, and it’s wonderful when the student council can recognize it.”
Two vocal Spring Concerts took place this week. On Tuesday, May 1, Camerata, Cantilena, and Guys’ Gig, directed by Susan Nace, held their concluding concert in Nichols Hall. Downbeat and Bel Canto, directed by Laura Lang-Ree and Catherine Snider, prepared a set for their final performance, Songs Into Summer, on Friday, May 4.
At the annual art exhibition held in Nichols Hall on Wednesday, May 2, students from various art classes had the opportunity to feature their photography, drawings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and graphic art. Certain students were recognized for their work with honorable mentions and awards. During the exhibition, the Spirit Club sponsored a DJ to play music.
On Friday, May 4, student council members hosted a breakfast in Manzanita before school for all the Upper School teachers in appreciation of the work that they have done throughout the year. Students served food while teachers sat down to converse with one another.
Stay tuned for photos next week as the campus slows down for APs.
