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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

Departing staff reflect on their years of service

Departing staff reflect on their years of service

by Aryana Bharali, Humans of Harker Co-Managing Editor May 24, 2024

This year, Harker bids farewell to four staff members: Library Director Lauri Vaughan, Speech and Debate teacher Scott Odekirk, Computer Science teacher Susan King and Director of Diversity, Equity and...

“I feel like something can only teach you so much. Personally, I like growing more holistically, being challenged but also finding my safety zone. I consistently try to sand down another edge in some sense by pushing myself. Everything cross applies, and when you stay in one niche, you don't grow as much," Mariana Rai (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Directing with dedication

by Sidak Sanghari, Humans of Harker Co-Managing Editor May 23, 2024

A glittering gold and black dress. A navy blue varsity bomber jacket with DECA printed across the top. A tan-colored Boy Scouts shirt covered in patches. A maroon crewneck, the back covered in illustrations...

“It’s gratifying knowing that I’m helping people, especially when I see that they’re struggling. People have their conditions that they have to live with, and if I can help with that, then I will. There’s a lot of people who are scared to ask for help, so volunteering gave me that experience of being the one to reach out to them and offer that help," Diya Mukherjee (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Countering complications

by Aryana Bharali, Humans of Harker Co-Managing Editor May 23, 2024

Amidst the tumult of health care routines at Kaiser Permanente, a moment of tranquility unfolds as Diya Mukherjee (12) stands beside an elderly patient. She attentively guides him through the final...

English teacher Susanne Salhab congratulates seniors Daniel Lin and Claire Miao on their completion of high school. Daniel and Claire were both members of Salhab's AP Literature class.

Classes of 2024 and 2025 close the year with bricks and Baccalaureate

by Jessica Hu and Felix Chen May 20, 2024

Seniors, their family members, juniors and faculty celebrated the class of 2024 during the Brick Ceremony and the transfer of leadership to the class of 2025 at Baccalaureate Friday night.  Head...

Volunteering impact also does not need to be confined to a set amount of time or awards. If we encourage students to approach their nonprofit work with longevity in mind, they are more likely to carry on their work, furthering acts of volunteerism in their community.

Editorial: Resume-building diminishes commitment to community service

by Editorial Board May 16, 2024

Scrolling through Instagram, numerous abandoned nonprofit accounts emerge. Initiatives that were once active during a student’s time in high school now lie dormant. These accounts cast doubt on the extent...

Meet your staff: Spreading smiles through song

Meet your staff: Spreading smiles through song

by Charlize Wang, Aquila Co-Managing Editor May 9, 2024

Music holds meaning. For some, it’s a source of energy. For others, it’s an escape from the raucous rhythm of reality. And for history teacher Dr. Witschorik, it’s a beacon of positivity where...

Editor's Note: Two-way streets

Editor’s Note: Two-way streets

by Ella Yee, Aquila Co-Editor-in-Chief March 20, 2024

In every interview, I’ve found precious surprises. Beyond the surface, deeper than what can be taken at first glance, we each carry beliefs that shape our stories. Press pass and reporter’s notebook...

The Japan Self-Defense Forces scout around a damaged road, looking for an evacuation route, in the city of Wajima, Ishikawa on Jan. 6. "Some people who don't live in the area would like to help, but they don't welcome trucks or food because the roads are destroyed," Japanese teacher Noriyo Ikeda said. (Provided by the Japanese Ministry of Defense)

7.6-magnitude earthquake strikes Japan on New Year’s Day

by Jessica Hu, Assistant Copy Editor January 24, 2024

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake hit the western coast of Japan at around 4:10 p.m. on Jan. 1, killing 232 people, setting off tsunami waves and causing widespread damage.  The earthquake, which struck the...

While it is essential to recognize and respect these collective identities and histories, it's equally crucial to ensure that they do not become restrictive boxes that prevent us from seeing the rich tapestry of individual experiences within them.

Lunging over boundaries of identity

by Anwen Hao, Co-Multimedia Editor January 24, 2024

My hands trembled as I connected my fencing body cord to the reel at the end of the piste. This was my second match in the direct elimination round, and a victory here would secure me a spot in the top...

"Priscilla" presents the famous relationship between Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu from her perspective. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the film delves into her coming-of-age both within and outside the gates of her marriage.

“Priscilla” can’t help scrutinizing loneliness, liberation and love

by Eva Cheng, Assistant Sports Editor January 20, 2024

Hi, I’m Eva, and today I am going to be talking about my thoughts on the 2023 release of Priscilla, starring Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi and directed by Sofia Coppola. Honestly, I didn’t have...

Winter instrumental concert rings in seasonal spirit

Winter instrumental concert rings in seasonal spirit

by Alison Yang and Jessica Wang January 17, 2024

Discord fills the Rothschild Performing theater. Upstairs, the tuning of instruments battles with anticipatory chatter and last-minute pep talks. Downstairs, audience members rustle through programs...

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