Skip to Main Content
The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

"At this point, it's hard for me to think about what life would've been if I hadn't happened to ask my parents for an art tablet because it's led me to making new friends and pretty much set me on the "art" path I'm on right now. I'd probably have no idea what I would want to do at college and after if it weren't for it to be honest," Grace Park (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Grace Park pursues graphic design

by Ria Gupta, Reporter February 9, 2017

After wanting to recreate the pictures she saw online as a child, Grace Park (12) began to love art and graphic design. “I’ll always remember that first piece of digital art I did when I was like...

"I think it’s being more of a confident and open person, because I kind of create a wall around myself when I don’t know people or if I’m in a new situation for the first time, and it’s really hard for me to feel comfortable with myself until I somebody approaches me or I’m prompted to do something, and I think I need to especially work on this for next year, because I’m going to be in a completely new environment and I should be able to take initiative. I’ve improved on that in the past four years because in freshman year i was super shy, I didn’t join any clubs, I didn’t do anything, but I think now I’m more comfortable with myself," Anuva Mittal (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Anuva Mittal develops confidence throughout high school

by Sahana Srinivasan, Winged Post Managing Editor February 8, 2017

Dancing fingers, she and her friends call them, and they do dance. As Anuva Mittal (12) speaks, her fingers never cease to move, hands flipping and gesturing with every phrase. “I think that’s...

“Star Trek has this one episode with a doomsday device. They hypothesize it's from an undiscovered galaxy or part of the universe, and considering how destructive it is, it's also likely that those who created it no longer exist. There's the obvious commentary on potential nuclear holocausts, but it kind of also makes you think about consequences of your actions. Also, there's something that people just think is haunting and beautiful about an advanced civilization being lost like that," Lauren Liu (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Lauren Liu enjoys reading web comics

by Ruhi Sayana, Winged Post Copy Editor February 7, 2017

For Lauren Liu (12), XKCD and SMVC webcomics create a perfect storm of romance, sarcasm, math and language. Lauren explores the world of XKCD and SMBC web comics on the Internet when she’s not playing...

Cafe Vitale: Home-style Italian

Cafe Vitale: Home-style Italian

by Melissa Kwan, TALON Seniors Editor February 7, 2017

At first glance, Cafe Vitale has all the hallmarks of a classic Italian restaurant: white tablecloths, olive oil, balsamic vinegar bottles and vibrant street photos hanging on warm-toned walls. But...

 “I’m an empathetic person. I use that word because I think theater has helped me with that. I mean, you play different characters and you enter people’s lives for a bit, and it helps you see different perspectives. Sympathy is different than empathy. I think I’m an open-minded person,” Marina Newman (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Marina Newman exhibits personalities of the characters she plays

by Jin Tuan, Reporter February 6, 2017

 Both feet planted firmly on the pine needles and head held high, Marina Newman (12) stands for a silent second before becoming her character on the impromptu stage. As soon as she opens her mouth to...

Memoir Monday: From Snap Decision to Enduring Memories

Memoir Monday: From Snap Decision to Enduring Memories

by Jin Tuan, Reporter February 6, 2017

A herd of clouds traverse across the sky, illuminated from behind by the setting sun. Their scattered silhouettes carve shadows of figures from ancient cave paintings into the multicolored heavens. A band...

“Coaching has taught me a lot of leadership skills because it's pretty hard to organize kids who really don't know you. I've also had to interact with parents, and that can also be challenging. Sometimes you have to take that criticism and use that to adapt, and other times you just have to tell them that you're the coach so you have to stand up to them," Rahul Shukla (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Rahul Shukla coaches youth basketball

by Eleanor Xiao, TALON Student Life Editor February 5, 2017

Senior Rahul Shukla has been coaching elementary school kids at his local YMCA since the start of high school. In order to juggle the workload of high school alongside his love of basketball and service,...

“I like that [debate] allows for lot of creativity. The topics are pretty broad and you can focus on one thing and talk about that. There [are] many different styles that are acceptable [and] there [are] different types of arguments, so you can choose whatever you want to do or whatever you are good at. I like the debate community in general; I have made lot of friends from all over the U.S. That is also very cool,” Emmie Malyugina (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Emmie Malyugina finds a passion for debate

by Nisha Shankar, Reporter February 4, 2017

Through Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate, Emmie Malyugina (12) deliberates over moral dilemmas in topics from economics to social justice. “I did not get into [debate] until this year because I used to...

“I’m really competitive and I always try my best. I’ll do whatever it takes to get what I need done. I’m really self driven, and I just really want to do well for myself. It’s just doing what makes you happy and doing what you think is right,” Jordan Thompson (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Jordan Thompson incorporates basketball into her everyday life

by Nicole Chen, Features Editor February 2, 2017

As a middle schooler, Jordan Thompson (12) didn’t make the decision to join the basketball team: her father was the one who signed her up. After five years, her life revolves around the sport. “I...

“Foreign languages increase your scope of communication. It’s the ability to communicate with other people that are from different parts of the world that is interesting for me. I think when you want to learn about someone else’s culture, and if you’re able to do so in their language, rather than conversing in English, that makes it a lot more powerful,” Aditi Maheshwari (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Aditi Maheshwari explores different languages

by Ruhi Sayana, Winged Post Copy Editor February 1, 2017

As the president of the Spanish National Honor Society, Aditi enjoys learning foreign languages and exploring Latin American culture. Fluent in three languages and in the process of learning a fourth,...

Historian Carter Woodson, who started "Negro History Week" in 1926.

The Equity Beat: The history of Black History Month

by Rose Guan, Winged Post Copy Editor February 1, 2017

What is Black History Month? Black History Month, observed annually in the U.S. in February, aims to remember, celebrate and spotlight both historical and contemporary figures and events in the history...

Load More Stories