![“[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 nominations for homecoming court were announced on Friday, increasing the anticipation for Homecoming Week.
Student Activities Coordinator Kerry Enzensperger explained what she believes the homecoming court embodies.
“It’s really about two people that you want to represent your class as a whole, it’s not a couples thing,” she said. “It’s someone you are proud to have represent your class.”
Every student has the opportunity to nominate a male and female candidate, and those with a sufficient number of votes are officially nominated. A later vote will determine the “prince” and “princess” of the freshmen, sophomore, and junior class. The senior class has three couples that are chosen as princes and princesses. One senior couple will be crowned Homecoming King and Queen.
Chirag Aswani (10) was nominated for the first time this year.
“I did not expect to be nominated this year, so I’m not to sure about the whole process,” he said. “Since I am nominated, I am hoping to win.”
When elected, the court will play an important role in activities, including an obstacle course during the rally. They will also be recognized during halftime of the Homecoming game, when the King and Queen will be crowned.
Tasia Belton (9) was similarly surprised to receive a nomination from her class.
“I was a little surprised because I’m a new student,” she said. “I’m kind of excited to see what happens; it [will be] interesting.”
However, not all of the people nominated accepted the nomination, including Aaron Lee (11).
“I rejected my nomination cause, even though I felt really honored to be nominated by my classmates, but I just wasn’t sure if I was ready to represent my class in such an important spirit occasion,” he said.
The list of nominees can be found on the spirit board outside of Enzensperger’s room.
