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

Humans of Harker: Persuasion through policy

Humans of Harker: Persuasion through policy

by Young Min, Winged Post Managing Editor April 21, 2025

A maze of printed legislation, highlighted articles and public records spills across the table as senior Aaron Bao rapidly scribbles on a long sheet of white paper, outlining the structure for his...

“D&D seems like one of the nerdiest things you can do. You're going to get a group of people together to play a role-play game where you're fighting dragons and you're rolling dice to calculate how your battles are going. But I don’t think you should let what people think get in the way of you experiencing and loving things," senior Connor Su said.

Humans of Harker: Creatures and creativity

by Charlie Folk, TALON Organizations Editor April 21, 2025

With shaking hands and a small, whispered prayer for good luck, senior Connor Su throws the dice onto the table, his friends watching in anticipation. Rolling and stumbling over its many sides, the...

“I used to be very secluded and not very social or trusting of people, but all that did was make me feel alone, so in high school, I decided to open up and let people into my life. When I finally let people in, I felt a lot more whole and happy in my life, which really impacted me because now I have people I trust, like my teammates, to help me whenever I need support, and I realized how I would do the same for them, too," senior Rohit Yalla said.

Humans of Harker: Outside the arc

by Gemma Chan, TALON Managing Editor April 21, 2025

Point guard in trouble, senior Rohit Yalla calls for the ball, standing in the corner behind the three-point line. The ball flies towards him as he sets his feet for the perfect three-point shot. Catching...

“If I lead by example, people will be able to say, ‘Oh, look at how many team bondings she did. I should do that too or even more,’ and try to surpass that and in the future, probably have a more bonded team. In DECA, I want there to be a lot more transparency between the officers and the members. If I foster that, then the next generation will foster that, and then the next generation will foster that," senior Maya Affaki said.

Humans of Harker: Radiating in rhythm

by Aryana Bharali, Humans of Harker Managing Editor April 21, 2025

Over 20,000 high school students from around the world sit in orderly rows of chairs within a vast, dimly lit room. Their gazes remain fixed on the brightly illuminated stage upfront, each of them...

“You only live once, right? My family has always taught me to do as much as you can for the community, because what you're gonna leave behind is your community. Helping them in the best way you can will also be in your best interest. I don't really have an external motivator, but it just makes me happy," senior Sriteja Kataru said.

Humans of Harker: Building more than a brand

by Lily Shi, News Editor April 14, 2025

A small red and teal jar lies on the counter. Open it and you’ll see 30 bright orange vitamin gummies; taste one and you’ll find a delicious, tart flavor bursting in your mouth. These are TEJA...

Humans of Harker: Kicking off conversations

Humans of Harker: Kicking off conversations

by Isabella Lo, Aquila Co-Managing Editor April 11, 2025

During lunch time, senior Ruhan Sahasi can always be found playing soccer on Davis field with his friends. Originating in middle school, this tradition has grown into a space for building stronger...

Humans of Harker: Leading with every lesson

Humans of Harker: Leading with every lesson

by Emma Milner, Aquila Editor-in-Chief February 24, 2025

View the full transcript here: Emily Mitnick (12): In middle school, I was at a different school, and we had a snack cart that I was in charge of running and we were selling snacks to students during...

“For me, discipline can only happen when I try the things that I really like. Since I like basketball and I like guitar, I'm willing to contribute to the discipline. It's not really discipline at that point — it's passion," senior Advay Monga said.

Humans of Harker: Dribble and drive

by Kairui Sun, Photo Editor February 4, 2025

Colorful shoes squeak on the floor as a basketball dances between the ground and a pair of hands. Suddenly, senior Advay Monga finds the ball hurled in his direction. Before he can think, he catches...

“Working on Roobi has taught me how to bounce back from failures, and that problems need to be addressed one bit at a time because you can't just tackle huge goals. I learned to not be afraid of failure because every failure is a step towards success. I try not to look back and wish I could change something because I can't. It's the past. Instead, I look forward," senior Daniel Dorfman said.

Humans of Harker: Steeped for success

by Tiffany Zhu, Co-Sports Editor December 4, 2024

Senior Daniel Dorfman bolts out of the classroom, weaving through crowded halls to get to his car before dashing to his makeshift kitchen-turned-warehouse. In just a few hours, he’ll need to be back...

“With volleyball and Medical Club, I love working with people. I get to work with people who aren't necessarily in my classes or aren't my friends specifically, but we get to work hard and work together towards a common goal. That collaboration aspect is really important to me," senior Navya Samuel said.

Humans of Harker: Cooperation through competition

by Mendy Mao, Co-Features Editor November 21, 2024

Senior Navya Samuel walks into the vast convention center, greeted by the sight of hundreds of girls clad in volleyball jerseys. Scattered across the many volleyball courts, skilled players spike balls...

“Human connection is very important to staying grounded and stable. The people around me are one of the reasons that I'm not fully burnt out, so I really prioritize keeping a good schedule for myself. Being able to prioritize the things in life that give me internal satisfaction is important to me because that's what allows me to have the drive to do good with the rest of my time. Talking to people is a way for me to replenish," senior Kashish Priyam said.

Humans of Harker: Pep in every step

by Suhani Gupta, Co-A&E/Lifestyle Editor November 15, 2024

“Everybody up for the kick-off!”  Senior Kashish Priyam energetically shouts the chant, leading her cheer teammates in their performance before the football season opener. Dressed in green...

“It's very important to make sure the people in your life know they're important to you. Whether that's doing small acts of kindness or just being there whenever they need you, having a really strong support system is what gets you through life, and it's a really valuable life skill to have," Sofie Marino (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Pillar of support

by Chayce Milheim, TALON Editor-in-Chief November 9, 2024

The whistle blows for a timeout. The San Jose Express age 12 and under (12U) girls’ water polo team has twenty seconds to debrief and plan for the next play, tensions running high as they prepare...

Load More Stories