![“[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)
Upper school students, faculty and administration honored the start of the 2023-24 school year through the annual matriculation ceremony featuring speeches, skits and music in the Zhang Gymnasium on Friday.
After the Class of 2027 and their advisers processed into the gym to applause at 9 a.m., Head of School Brian Yager gave opening remarks and emphasized the school’s support for community members. He introduced the alto and soprano choir Cantilena, who performed Rosephanye Powell’s “Still I Rise” directed by vocal music teacher Susan Nace.
Head of Upper School Paul Barsky delivered his matriculation address, which focused on “The Book of Charlie,” a novel that recounts the life experiences of a 109-year-old man. Barsky related Charlie’s persistence and generosity to Harker’s core tenets.
“It has been said that all sorrow comes from thinking of oneself, and all joy comes from thinking of others,” Barsky said in his speech. “In service, you’re lifting up others as you bring joy to yourself as well. So ground yourself in the Harker tenets, make them your moral compass: excellence, character, knowledge and service.”
Following Barsky’s address, Associated Student Body (ASB) President Daniel Lin (12) welcomed the Class of 2027 through a “get ready with me” inspired speech, comparing makeup products to core values of the Harker community. Student Diversity Coalition (SDC) Leaders then introduced the coalition’s purpose and encouraged students to engage in events throughout the year like Culture Week and Challenge Day.
“The SDC makes a commitment to celebrate all identities and backgrounds,” SDC Leader Iris Fu (12) said. “We held a campus-wide culture week, showcasing the diversity of our community through dress, booths, art, food and more.”
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Brian Davis, who co-advises SDC with DEI Coordinator Tyeshia Brown, discussed the importance of community at Harker and emphasized the recent increase in student affinity groups.
“The community here is very strong,” Davis said. “I love being immersed in that, and I want people to remember that even if it is your first time here on this campus, there is a community here for you and from there extending to the affinity groups … students wanted to create spaces for themselves.”
Daniel then introduced the student government for each class. Afterward, ASB Vice President Ella Lan (12) led all students and faculty in reciting the Matriculation Oath. The Class of 2027 signed the Harker Matriculation Book that recognizes them as official members of the Harker community who pledge to uphold the oath.
As frosh signed the book, the Harker String Quartet, conducted by instrumental music teacher Jaco Wong played “Stay with Me” by Sam Smith and “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay. Class Councils and Honor Council took to the stage to perform the “Upper School 101” skits to introduce frosh to the upper school. The Class of 2026’s student council and Student Activities Board (SAB) enacted a “The Lego Movie”-themed skit to explain Harker’s extracurriculars to the new frosh class. The Class of 2025 followed with their skit based on the animated series “Pokemon” by giving a detailed introduction to the Harker campus and buildings. Class of 2024 presented their skit on upcoming Harker spirit events by mimicking “The Bachelor” as the Honor Council concluded the skits with their “Inside Out”-inspired skit, detailing the importance of academic integrity and honorable conduct even in times of stress.
“The skits were all funny, and I appreciated [that] everyone came to rehearsal and was on time,” Honor Council Representative Suhana Bandare (10) said. “It felt like we were a unit and I’m glad that we came together and put that show on.”
Yager then gave his closing remarks and dismissed the students to their advisers. The agenda for the remainder of the day included lunch, student photos and orientations for each grade.
“I feel that through matriculation and orientation, I was able to meet new people,” Varun Kaushik (9) said. “It seems like everyone’s so chill here, especially after listening to Daniel’s speech where he was doing makeup while giving his speech, so I can’t wait to be part of it.”
