![“[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)
Assistant Head of School Jennifer Gargano commenced the school meeting on Oct. 29 by explaining the annual end-of-year awards that honor students’ characters. These include the Leadership Award for leading by example, the Love of Learning award for fostering a welcoming environment and the Mission of the School award for illustrating all of Harker’s values. Students recognized by two or more teachers receive invitations to an award ceremony banquet.
Honor Council member Christine Deng (11) introduced history department chair Mark Janda for a brief speech about the importance of respect, a core value in the school’s honor code, for Honor Week. He described his experience chaperoning the middle school Peru trip last year, highlighting how middle schoolers asking thoughtful questions to local Peruvian weavers showed genuine curiosity rather than judgement. He prompted students to listen to others’ stories, participate in class with authenticity and grow not for achievement but to become more insightful and appreciative individuals.
Conservatory representatives Anika Basu (11), Simon Kirjner (12), Taylor Summers (12), Megha Unny (11), and Emma Zhou (10) promoted upcoming performing arts events, including a performance by the Calder Quartet at Harker on Nov. 7. They also shared a promo code for students to receive free tickets for the fall play “Clue” happening on Oct. 29-31 at 7 p.m. to encourage attendance.
Eagle Updates hosts Charlotte Ludlow (12) and Pedro Castro III (11) announced varsity football captain Jackson Powell (12) and varsity boys water polo perimeter player Ian Cheline (11) as the Athletes of the Week. They spotlighted girls volleyball’s win against Menlo to clinch a spot in the Central Coast Section standings, football’s undefeated season and cross country competing in their second league meet.
History Club President Selina Wang (12) and history teacher James Tate introduced the Critical Issues Forum (CIF), an worldwide program that brings students, teachers and researchers together to explore the impacts of nuclear weapons. They described opportunities to develop fluency in nuclear technology and global policy and strengthen communication skills. Participants attend the CIF conference in the spring, where they present their research alongside students from schools around the world.
Student Events Committee representatives Amishi Gupta (12), Sofia Shah (12), Andrew Shin (11), Amber Wang (10) and Siddharth Hosakere (9) invited students to attend the annual Chellaween celebration this Friday during long lunch. The event will feature student performances, a book swap run by Book Blog, a Dia de los Muertos celebration hosted by LatinX, face painting and a photo booth for taking spooky pictures with friends.
Medical Club Co-Presidents Mendy Mao (12) and Mindy Truong (12) invited students to “An Evening of Medicine” on Nov. 7, from 5-7 p.m. Guest speaker Derek Amanatullah, an orthopedic surgeon and scientist from Stanford, will share his journey in medicine. There will also be hands-on workshops where students will be able to dissect a heart, explore the anatomy table and practice suture techniques.
Harker Spirit Leadership Team officers Alice Luo (11) and Megha Unny (11) performed a skit to encourage each grade to participate in Halloween-themed spirit activities this week, including a costume contest on Friday and the pumpkin carving competition on Wednesday.
Visual Arts Department Chair Josh Martinez introduced the new art installation by resident artist Teresa Fernandez, featuring two collections: one in the lower hallway of RPAC and the other on the upper mezzanine floor near the theater lobby. He encouraged students to visit the pieces and avoid bringing backpacks, food and drinks near the works.
ASB President Luke Wu dismissed the students to office hours to close the meeting.
