![“[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)
The first week of school encompassed several introductory events to settle students into the school year, including Matriculation, the Conservatory Kick-off, and the first football game of the season.
“The highlight of the week was just seeing all the students so excited about being here,” Butch Keller said. “I always like the enthusiasm and the energy in the air right before the first football game. Matriculation was [also] fun with the skits, and I think that the student council did a good job.”
Matriculation took place on Monday, August 27, during which the student council and ASB performed a skit to introduce freshmen and new students to the community and give them a perspective of life at the Upper School. Head of School Chris Nikoloff addressed students with a speech about the importance of “Jam Sessions,” while Keller emphasized the significance of setting goals for the year.
On Wednesday, August 29, students participating in the Performing Arts department attended the annual Conservatory Kick-off. New students were introduced to the program, while returning students learned more about programs and changes for the year. The themes for the Spring Musical and Dance Production were both announced: Oklahoma! and the Elements, respectively.
Finally, the first football game of the season wrapped up the week on a positive note. On Friday, August 31, the Eagles defeated Yerba Buena High School at a varsity home game with a strong score of 49-0. Led by captains Spenser Quash (12), Drew Goldstein (12), Ryan Mui (12), JP Doherty (12), and Michael Chen (12), the team will play its next game on Friday, September 7, against Andrew Hill High School.
More events to look forward to next week include a schoolwide assembly, an update on the water polo teams, and the first freshman advisory session with Link Crew members.
