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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

 “My philosophy is that I could die penniless and I wouldn’t care—I wouldn’t care what diploma I graduated with or what percentile my ranking was in my class. I’d rather be remembered for something good," Arthi Iyer (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Arthi Iyer strives to make an impact

by Raveena Kapatkar, Editor-in-Chief January 18, 2017

For Arthi Iyer (12), helping others serves as the driving force for many of her actions. From volunteering with the Humane Society for the past four years to tutoring students at Harker or with Kumon,...

“For me, acting is just something that I love to do, and the feeling when you’re on stage and you’re performing, it’s really unparalleled. And also, I think it’s the entire process that makes me come back for more. You know, the rehearsal process, character development, all of these things that kind of come together to form the final product that the audience doesn’t really see, but the actors spend so long making into their actual character," Chetana Kalidindi (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Chetana Kalidindi appreciates the process of performing

by Delaney Logue, Reporter January 17, 2017

Although her family focused on sports, Chetana gravitated towards performing arts ever since elementary school. “My sister was really heavily into volleyball,” she said. “My dad played volleyball,...

“[My dad] says life is a dot. Everyone is a small speck on the earth, so you have to make your dot as prominent as possible. You have to do everything you can to impact others and yourself while you live," Kendall Ka (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Kendall Ka expresses herself through film

by Megan Cardosi, TALON Sports Editor January 16, 2017

As a filmmaker and a storyteller, Kendall Ka (12) finds herself constantly looking into the future. “I can envision where I want to be in five years,” Kendall said. “I picture myself winning awards...

“One thing that is important to me when I do something is to actually be able to see if it gets results, so I like starting from nothing and then over time seeing the robot get built until the finished product. We actually keep a time-lapse of it, which is something I enjoy watching when it's done,” Karthik Sundaram (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Karthik Sundaram dedicates time in the robotics lab

by Nerine Uyanik, Reporter January 15, 2017

Joining robotics opened many doors for Karthik Sundaram (12). It aided him in his path towards discovering his passion, making new friends and eventually finding volunteer work in a similar field. Karthik...

“[Acting gives you] a chance to be not who you are. When you are a character, no one is looking at you the way they do in real life,” she said. “It’s cool to have an effect on the audience and to grow from that," Mia Giammona (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Mia Giammona develops confidence through performing arts

by Natasha Maniar, Reporter January 14, 2017

Mia Giammona (12) lives by the motto “Fortune favors the bold,” and believes that her self-confident nature has benefitted her performing arts career and mentoring activities as well as her willingness...

Surrounding myself with people who have such great leadership skills, such great confidence, people who are so smart, made me want to work hard. They all inspired me to grow. And I did grow. That person who sits in the corner—that’s not who I am anymore," Ankita Uppugunduri (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Ankita Uppugunduri gains confidence through business

by Prameela Kottapalli, Winged Post Asst. Features Editor January 13, 2017

Ankita Uppugunduri (12) entered high school as a reserved freshman, uncertain of what path she would pursue. But when she met the DECA officers—student leaders who exuded confidence and supported their...

“Using programming, I can tell [computers] what to do with their ridiculous brain power. Part of why I enjoy computer science is because of those moments where I go, ‘Oh man, I figured out the answer!’ whenever I solve whatever problem I’ve been trying to solve. There’s that little epiphany I get, and I think that’s the best feeling,” James He (12) said.

Humans of Harker: James He problem-solves using computer science

by Helen Yang, Reporter January 12, 2017

For James He (12), computer science is a passion, a hobby, and a way to connect with others. “There’s that atmosphere you get when people are working together on this one problem,” he said. “Part...

“I like that fact that [public forum debate] is based on the community because anyone can listen in on a public forum round and understand what is happening. We get judged by judges who are parents, teachers, or anyone from your community. I like the fact that it is so universal and inclusive," Joyce Huang (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Joyce Huang believes in the power of education

by Rashmi Iyer, Reporter January 11, 2017

When Joyce Huang (12) tried speech and debate for the first time in sixth grade, she hated it. But ever since she specialized in solely debate in seventh grade, it gradually became one of her greatest...

“[Meditation] has definitely affected me in a very positive way. I remember a couple years ago, before I started doing this I used to be very tense about everything and worrisome, and I wasn't very good with managing my time. After I started this I get into everything with a better mindset and much more calm and empty mind," Surabhi Rao (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Surabhi Rao meditates to alleviate stress

by Eleanor Xiao, TALON Student Life Editor January 10, 2017

4:30 a.m. While the world around her is asleep, senior Surabhi Rao’s alarm rings. She follows the usual routine of washing her face and brushing her teeth. Then, she sits down, closes her eyes and meditates. “It...

Golden Globes 2017: Best looks on the red carpet

Golden Globes 2017: Best looks on the red carpet

by Prameela Kottapalli, Winged Post Asst. Features Editor January 10, 2017

Hailee Steinfeld       A first-time nominee for her performance in the comedy “The Edge of Seventeen,” actress- singer Hailee Steinfeld dazzled onlookers with a lavender-hued...

“I think changing my last name made it easier in life. Not like school, because I don’t really care; I’m cool with all kinds of jokes in that sort of sense. But it’s easier, because if you grow up with the last name ‘Hussein,’ then it’s harder [in] airports and whatever; that was the case for my dad, so basically as a kid I was like: ‘I don’t want to be like that,’ so that’s why I changed my last name," Emaad Raghib (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Emaad Raghib finds the humor in situations

by Nicole Chen and Anthony Xu January 9, 2017

Joker. Wisecracker. Whatever the word, Emaad Raghib (12) has gained a reputation over the years for making people laugh. “My sense of humor is pretty dark, with a little twist to it. I think that's...

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