![“[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)
Water polo seniors recognized at their last home game
Varsity girls head coach Allison Lamb presents Sonia Sidhu (12) a bouquet of flowers at senior night. The girls won 9-8 against Monta Vista High School at their last home game.
The Varsity water polo teams honored 13 seniors, six boys and seven girls, at their last home game yesterday. The girls won narrowly against Monta Vista High School 9-8, while the boys lost to Lynbrook High School 10-13.
During the Varsity boys’ game, goals were scored by Gilad Nilo (12), Karan Das-Grande (12), Ryan Hume (12), Eric Holt (10), and Billy Bloomquist (10).
“I wish I could keep on playing for Harker. It’s been fun with all the guys, and we’ve gotten a lot better,” captain Karan said, reflecting on what senior night meant to him.
Both games drew a large crowd, and stands were filled with repeated cheers from parents and senior classmates who came to support their friends.
“I never felt more loved and accepted than I did when I turned and saw how people were cheering for [us] so late on a school night because they cared,” Varsity member Daphne Millard (12) said.
Despite the boys’ loss, the Varsity girls claimed an overtime victory over rival Monta Vista. Tied at the end of the game, the girls played two three-minute overtime quarters. With only eight seconds remaining in overtime, Rachel Yanovsky (12) scored her second goal of the game, which was also the decisive goal in the victory. Additional goals were made by Keri Clifford (12), who led the team with four goals, Sonia Sidhu (12), and Anushka Das (10).
In addition to support from fellow team members, co-captain Keri said that the team could not have reached where they are today without the support of their coach, Allison Lamb.
“She truly cares about us and puts a lot of time and effort into our team,” Keri said.
Lamb was ecstatic over the team’s victory, believing that the girls deserved the win.
“They have, as a team, gone through a lot to get where they are today,” she said. “The seniors are at the heart of the program and the [team] will definitely be hit next year, [but] the underclassmen are definitely ready to step up to the game.”
Varsity boys head coach Ted Ujifusa also offered his view on this year’s seniors in the team.
“It really marks the end of a particular era, and it’s always very difficult to let go of your players. It’s like having your own kids move away and it’s really heartbreaking at times,” he said.
The girls are currently tied for first in league. Both boys and girls play their last league game next Tuesday against Cupertino High.
Angeline Pan is the assistant Photo Editor of TALON. She is a junior and has been part of the journalism program since her sophomore year. Her favorite...
Roshni Pankhaniya is the Sports Editor of the Winged Post. She is a senior and has been previously been a reporter and the Sports Editor for Harker Aquila....