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 parents have videos of me carrying a mic around and pretending I was a reporter travelling the world. I always used to look at the news anchors on TV. One of my greatest concerns as a kid was “how are they going to pronounce my name” when they said “back to you, Kshithija! Kshithija KJ Mulam (12) said.

Humans of Harker: KJ Mulam’s lifelong journalistic journey

by Meilan Steimle, Winged Post Editor-in-Chief April 21, 2017

On campus, Kshithija “KJ” Mulam (12) makes a distinctive figure. Just over five feet tall, she can usually be spotted pounding up and down hallways in a sassy tee-shirt, camera slung around her neck,...

“One of the most important lessons my coach has ever taught me is how to open your tennis book and close all other books to only focus on tennis at the moment. When I do that, it is so easy to only focus on what I’m doing on the court, and the more I do that, the more easily it comes, Edward Tischler (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Edward Tischler finds his passions for tennis and chemistry

by Eric Fang, Reporter April 20, 2017

For many years now, Edward Tischler (12) has had a passion for two things: tennis and chemistry. Edward began playing tennis in the summer of sixth grade and was instantly hooked. He had previously...

“Business gives you infinite possibilities. One day you could be starting your own tech company and on another, you could be providing microfinance loans to farmers in rural China. Whatever the reason, business allows the world come together and gives anyone the opportunity to chase their passions, Jonathan Liu (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Jonathan Liu desires to takes on business in his future

by Anjay Saklecha, Sports Editor April 19, 2017

Coming from a family where both parents are in business and dinner talks revolve around economics and politics, Jonathan Liu (12) is naturally navigating towards a similar career path. He credits his...

“My friends often describe me as a typical Indian auntie or uncle. I do [agree], a lot of my mannerisms are like an Indian auntie or uncle. My ideas and beliefs are much more modern,” Ashwin Rao (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Ashwin Rao develops his interest in performing arts

by Mahika Halepete, Reporter April 15, 2017

Senior Ashwin Rao’s high school journey consisted of finding and following his passion. Ashwin wound down the path of performing arts, from his early roots in Indian classical music to his work in Harker’s...

“If there’s no place to go, I dont think your looking hard enough. You can always make things better, be in in terms of technology, peace, education. The world in general has a long way to go, and I think people should keep that in mind and put more effort into bettering themselves and the world around them, Brendan Tobin (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Brendan Tobin lives his life as a creator

by Maya Kumar, Winged Post Features Editor April 14, 2017

For as long as he can remember, Brendan Tobin (12) has been a creator. Regardless of the medium - carving, writing, graphic design - Brendan finds joy in building things with his hands. “[Success...

“I’m sure everyone has their own passion that they cherish and hold close to their heart and want to keep on working at and improving, and that’s the purest form of passion there is. When you want to work hard at something yourself, you know you can always count on yourself to put your all into it, Eddie Shang (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Eddie Shiang finds a passion for dance

by Lavinia Ding, TALON Organizations Editor April 10, 2017

In fifth grade, Eddie Shiang’s (12) parents often saw their son mesmerized for hours on end by Michael Jackson music videos. Fascinated by Jackson’s iconic dance moves, impeccable sense of rhythm,...

“I’d like to be open-minded and informed enough to be able to forge my own opinions and place in the world,” Shasvat Jawahar (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Shasvat Jawahar listens to the legends of rap

by Prameela Kottapalli, Winged Post Asst. Features Editor April 4, 2017

When Shasvat Jawahar (12) puts on his headphones and launches his Spotify playlist, he does more than just listen to the music. He feels the artist’s emotions, invests himself in their stories and connects...

 “Right now [I like] chemistry. It’s really fun. I like to see all the molecules work together. Before sophomore year, I hated chemistry, and then I took AP chemistry and it was really fun so now I like it. It was easier and more fun plus we got to blow things up, Judy Pan (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Judy Pan finds ways to relieve stress despite busy school schedule

by Brandie Vanlonden, Reporter April 3, 2017

Unlike most stressed out seniors, Judy Pan (12) has found different ways to unwind after difficult school days; like most students, she turns to music. She has been playing piano and violin since the...

“Its all about instinct. I ask myself – how passionate are you about whatever I’m doing, would you do anything for your family, friends, or teammates on the court, would you take risks, take dives, do all that for your family, for the people watching? If I answer ‘no’ to any of those questions, Id stop what I’m doing and re-assess my decisions, Woody Ye (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Woody Ye balances his life with both arts and sciences

by Anjay Saklecha, Sports Editor March 30, 2017

Science, humanities, or sports? For Woody Ye (12), this is not a question but rather a perfect balance that he tries to achieve in his life. He credits his passion and appreciation for both logic and creativity...

When I was in middle school, I didnt talk to that many people. I would just do my thing, stay in my lane. But in high school, I realized that if you do that, you wont get anything done in these four years. Having people to talk to helps not only within the classroom, it helps you get things done, and also talking with your teachers is so important. Just talking with people is such a valuable skill, and so many people dont see that. Its one of the most important things Ive learned in high school,” Abhay Varmaraja (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Abhay Varmaraja and his journey with basketball

by Angele Yang, Reporter March 29, 2017

Abhay Varmaraja (12) realized his love for basketball when he transitioned from playing basketball recreationally to joining an official school team in sixth grade. “I really enjoy playing basketball;...

“Most of the shelter dogs have been hurt so much, whether physically or emotionally by previous owners, or theyve had to bear very bad conditions if they were strays on the streets. But as a foster carer, within a few hours, dogs will learn to trust you and give you all of their love, Pooja Kini (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Pooja Kini fosters dogs in need of homes

by Lavinia Ding, TALON Organizations Editor March 28, 2017

Anytime a dog walks by, Pooja Kini’s (12) face lights up with joy regardless of the situation. A dog lover her entire life, she decided to help out the canine community in seventh grade and began volunteering...

 “Social issues and stuff like that inspires me to draw. I feel that art speaks a lot more than words sometimes and I like using art as a platform to showcase my thoughts about society,” Maya Rai (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Maya Rai finds inspiration in art

by Laura Wu, TALON Business Manager March 26, 2017

Since she was young, Maya Rai (12) has always been interested in art and has been drawing for as long as she can remember. As a child, her father taught her how to draw.  “I like using Microns, a...

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