![“[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)
School meeting recap 8/29/22: Student Diversity Leadership Conference, math competitions and spirit kickoff
Harker Spirit Leadership Team (HSLT), led by president Sawyer Lai (12) and vice president Paulina Gicqueau (12), entered to the song “Classic” by MKTO. Monday’s school meeting included announcements by HSLT, TedX, Dance Club and other organizations.
August 31, 2022
Associated Student Body (ASB) president Kris Estrada (12) opened the second school meeting of the year in the Zhang Athletic Center on Monday.
Performing Arts Production Manager Brian Larsen reminded students that no food or drink is allowed in academic buildings, and the upper floor of the Rothschild Performing Arts Center (RPAC) is closed. While students may access the upper floor to attend classes or access their lockers, they may not use the space to study or gather. Larsen also gave a brief refresher on proper microphone use.
Next, Student Diversity Coalition (SDC) leaders Dina Ande (11) and KJ Williams (12) announced the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, which will take place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 in San Antonio, Texas. At the conference, high school students from across the nation will discuss social justice, allyship, community building and more. Students who are interested must apply by Sept. 12 and can contact SDC adviser Tyeshia Brown or upper school history teacher Mark Janda with questions. Six representatives will be selected to attend the conference. KJ and Dina also mentioned the upcoming Challenge Day on Sept. 12, an opportunity for juniors and seniors to develop closer bonds with other students. Registration closes on Sept. 8 at 3:00 p.m., and the first 100 students to complete the form will be excused from their classes to attend the event.
Dance Club then showed a video of club members performing to the song “Lights Down Low.” Club president Nupur Gupta (12) welcomed students to attend student-taught dance lessons, which will occur each Wednesday starting on Aug. 31 from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Classes will range from hip hop to contemporary, with no experience required. Students can sign up at tiny.cc/danceclub or drop in.
After Dance Club, Future Problem Solvers (FPS) co-presidents Ashley Ma (12) and Eddie Sun (12) introduced the different FPS competitions that students may participate in, such as Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS), Community Problem Solving (CMPS), scenario writing and scenario performance. They also announced a FPS launch event that will occur on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the event, students will practice for FPS competitions and hear from FPS alumni. Lunch, snacks and gift card prizes will be provided, and there is no cost for admission. Students who are interested can register through a Schoology announcement or the club’s Instagram.
TEDx leaders Krish Maniar (12) and Medha Yarlagadda (11) invited students to attend a TEDx event after school on Oct. 21. The event will feature interactive booths, speakers and snacks, and will be free of charge. Seniors can also apply to give a talk and will be sent an email with more information. The club is also considering opening speaker applications to faculty as well.
Following the TEDx leaders, upper school math department chair Anthony Silk reminded students about the upcoming American Mathematics Contest (AMC) 10 and AMC 12 competitions, which will be held after school on Sept. 16. Frosh and sophomores can participate in the AMC 10, and any student can participate in the AMC 12. In both tests, competitors are given 75 minutes to solve 25 questions. Students must sign up by Sept. 16 and can find instructions for registration posted throughout Dobbins Hall. Additionally, those who are interested in competing in the AMC 10B or AMC 12B must be active members of Math Club.
Next, Junior Classical League (JCL) officers Rupert Chen (12), Trisha Iyer (11) and Jason Shim (10) recognized student achievements from the National JCL Convention that took place in Lafayette, Louisiana over the summer. California ranked second in ultimate frisbee, and Trisha took top places in reading comprehension, oratory, sight reading and overall creative arts. In the politics category, Rupert was elected national First Vice President. The officers ended by recognizing current and former California JCL officers Trisha, Tiffany Chang (12) and Kabir Ramzan (11).
Harker Aquila then shared a video filmed during Editor’s Week, when members of Harker Journalism’s four publications gathered in preparation for the upcoming school year. After the video, Aquila co-editors-in-chief Isha Moorjani (12) and Sally Zhu (12) announced the revival of the community pitch form, at tinyurl.com/aquilapitchform. Through the form, students, faculty and staff can propose news stories, opinions pieces and more to be featured on Aquila.
Next, members of Harker Spirit Leadership Team (HSLT) dashed to the center of the gym to the song “Classic” by MKTO. HSLT president Sawyer Lai (12) and vice president Paulina Gicqueau (12) introduced themselves to the student body before revealing the theme of this year’s spirit kickoff, spirit of summer. The kickoff will take place after school this Friday, and students can look forward to arts and crafts, photo booths, shaved ice and free prizes.
Finally, BB Ajlouny (12), Abhi Namala (12) and Zain Vakath (12) closed out the school meeting with their recurring Eagle Update. After leading the room through the “put your eagles up” tradition, they continued on to recent achievements and upcoming events in athletics.
Though football lost their first game of the season 44-27, touchdowns were scored by Rayan Arya (10), Ryan Barth (11), Rohan Gorti (12) and Zeke Weng (12). Their next game will be against Swett High School on Friday.
Girls volleyball fell 3-0 in their season opener on Thursday but will compete in the Spikefest tournament on Saturday.
The boys water polo team will face off against Skyline High School at the Singh Aquatic Center on Friday. The junior varsity game will begin at 6:00 p.m., and the varsity game will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Girls golf started their season on Monday in a match against Notre Dame San Jose, and will compete in a tri-match on Thursday.
Lastly, girls water polo, cross country and girls tennis will participate in their first competitions of the season on Sept. 6, Sept. 17 and Sept. 27, respectively.
Kris ended the meeting with a short poem.
“The sun is for the light, the moon is for the night, and Harker, you are K through life,” Kris said.
