Victor Gong

Seniors of the Witschorik advisory Khanhlinh Tran and Aarav Borthakur play make-shift ping pong during advisory. They call this tradition “Chuck Pong” after their advisor’s name.

During students’ fast-paced four years of high school, advisory serves as a point of constancy: time dedicated to a small, familiar group outside of academics. But advisories also present opportunity for activity and discovery. Over time, many advisories develop their own quirks and traditions that become a source of bonding for their members. From group games to favorite foods, Harker Aquila takes a peek into the traditions of four advisories around campus.

Basketball on wheels — Acheatel advisory

The Acheatel advisory developed its own version of basketball: “chair ball,” played exclusively from the wheeled chairs. Acheatel’s room is equipped with mini hoops and rolling chairs, allowing students to glide across the room while executing the maneuvers and teamwork skills of regular basketball. 

“It brings us together, and it’s a really fun and unique way to bond,” frosh Siddharth Muchherla said. “Not only do you bond with your teammates, but you bond with the enemy team through strife and struggle.”

The advisees also set up a “player competition” chart on the whiteboard, where they compare themselves to established NBA players based on the way they play in each game. They play almost every advisory.

Cereal bar — Haley advisory

History teacher Karen Haley began the tradition of a cereal bar for her advisory more than twenty years ago, before she had even joined Harker. At the start of each year, advisees collectively bring their favorite cereal boxes to share with cold milk and conversation. Popular flavors include Captain Crunch, Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

“Students are rushing out the door and don’t have breakfast,” Haley said. “Then they come in and are hungry, so I started the cereal bar with my advisory. They would start coming in even when it was not an advisory day, and it just made everyone happy.”

Animal charades — Oliver advisory

The Oliver advisory built a lighthearted tradition centered around the charades game “Heads Up.” From acting out animals to expressions, advisees enjoy the challenge of guessing different answers while watching their friends perform dramatic and ridiculous gestures. “Heads Up” has been a staple of the Oliver advisory, creating a fun break from the school day.

“We all end up laughing at our poor imitation of the animals,” junior Ethan Lei said. “Mr. Oliver always makes these funny moves which helps us to guess the correct animal.”

Desk ping pong — Witschorik advisory

Seniors of the Witschorik advisory created the game “Chuck Pong,” named after their advisor. The advisees transformed class desks into makeshift ping pong tables, starting out with casual doubles matches in their sophomore year. Their tradition has since expanded to full-fledged, more competitive singles tournaments.

“It’s brought a sense of community to the advisory and filled the room with laughter and warmth and lots of banging around of ping pong balls,” senior Khanhlinh Tran said. “I like it because it’s a game that everybody can kind of play, but it’s still competitive.”