Tiffany Chang

“The most rewarding part [of what I do] is the personal growth, constantly getting better at something and watching my effort pay off. In jazz, I would take home charts to study and practice so that I can play better the next rehearsal. It’s really rewarding for me to know that I made a difference,” Atri Banerjee (’23) said.

In the high-ceilinged halls of the Rothschild Performing Arts Center, Atri Banerjee (’23) attempts to balance a trombone on his head, light reflecting off the golden brass of the instrument. As the instrument finally comes to a still on his head, an infectious smile spreads across his face. Just as Atri balances the trombone on his head, he balances a diverse range of interests, bringing his contagious energy to each of them.

One such interest is chess. After discovering the game at four years old, Atri aspired to become a chess grandmaster one day. Although that dream has, admittedly, become less of a reality over time, his passion for chess has never dwindled. Atri has expanded his gameplay from both convoluted openings to nerve-wracking endgames.

As the Chess Club president, Atri put his all into reviving the club by organizing appealing and vibrant meetings. Fellow club member Rohan Kondapalli (’23) described Atri’s undertakings to make such meetings come to fruition.

“Because most of the prior officers graduated, Atri rebuilt the club from the start,” Rohan said. “I see him at every chess club meeting having bought snacks and gathered chess boards for the attendees. His leadership qualities really stand out when he’s leading chess.”

Atri goes the extra mile to ensure the success of the club, but he also manages to view chess in a fun and casual manner. While chess can be a competitive battle of wits and acuity, Atri also treats it as a leisurely pastime between peers. 

 “Chess has a reputation of being a serious, intellectual [sport], but the chess club just plays chess for fun,” Atri said. “We sometimes make really bad moves on purpose, and it’s a good time.”

Beyond Chess Club, Atri also contributes to the school community through the Harker Spirit Leadership Team (HSLT), which he joined to similarly bolster student morale and welfare. Committed to fostering a sense of school spirit, has worked behind the scenes this year to oversee the spirit website, implement Spirit Kickoff, and organize the Homecoming Relay. Friend and varsity boys soccer teammate Ethan Joseph (’23) comments on Atri’s steadfast and diligent commitment both in school spirit and on the soccer team.

“Atri’s extremely compassionate, and he puts a tremendous amount of effort into ensuring that everyone around him feels spirited,” Ethan said. “When Atri wasn’t able to play [soccer], he still came to support all of our games. And when he does show up to train, he takes initiative. Even though Atri isn’t team captain, he certainly acts like one.”

Close friend and soccer teammate Rohan Kondapalli (’23), who met Atri after joining Harker in ninth grade, appreciates his welcoming personality and ability to bring people together.

“At the start of ninth grade, he was the main person who welcomed me and showed me around campus,” Rohan said. “Now we do a bunch of activities together like chess club. He’s super welcoming, and I’ve seen that with him and other people too. He’s always the person who brings people together.”

Atri also brings his enthusiasm and spirit to the Jazz Band, in which he is a first-string trombonist. At concerts, rallies, games, and open houses, the Jazz Band not only provides entertainment but serves as an ambassador for the school. Upper school Jazz Band director Jaco Wong commends Atri not only for his musical talent but his uplifting and collaborative spirit.

“Atri is a really strong musician, and whenever there’s a trombone solo, he often takes that role,” Mr. Wong said. “In the case of last week’s concert, he just murdered his solo. Not only is Atri bringing the best attitude to rehearsal, he’s also helping his peers in the most collaborative manner, as a senior helping the underclassmen [and] helping me as a teacher. This is my first semester doing some of these events here, and Atri came to office hours and helped me walk through [the dynamics of the upper school].”

The aspects of personal growth and connecting with his community in each of his diverse interests bring Atri joy. He approaches his activities with playfulness, optimism and an open mindset, seeking to spend quality time with others and bond over shared interests.

“The most rewarding part [of what I do] is the personal growth, constantly getting better at something and watching my effort pay off,” Atri said. “In jazz, I would take home charts to study and practice so that I can play better the next rehearsal. If someone says ‘Oh, wow, you sound better this time,’ it’s really rewarding for me to know that I made a difference.”

Given Atri’s wide array of commitments, he emphasizes the importance of pursuing activities one is truly passionate about with greater depth and finding a balance between focusing on one’s strengths and trying new things.

“I believe it’s meaningful to pursue fewer activities and to go to further depth in them instead of spreading yourself so thin that you really can’t stand out in any particular activity,” Atri said. “But I would also encourage you not to do everything, or not to do only the things that you’re good at; I think it’s worth trying to develop new skills and to do things just for fun.”

Reflecting on his journey through high school, Atri pulls a circle kicker on the themes of his experience — fun, effort, and humility.

“I hope they remember me as an easygoing person who, although definitely puts effort into things and tries for things to happen, doesn’t stress himself out about it,” Atri said. “I hope my example is one that other people can look up to, that you don’t have to completely overwork yourself [but rather] can prioritize your happiness at school.”