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

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 dont live in the area would like to help, but they dont 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...

Civic Tech Club President Krish Nachnani (10) asks speaker Sam Liccardo a question during a club event on Jan. 11. Liccardo touched upon topics of advocacy through talking about his past experiences.

Civic Tech Club continues speaker series with technology and advocacy experts

by Vivek Moorjani, Humans of Harker Profiler January 24, 2024

Civic Tech Club organized a meeting with former San Jose mayor and civic tech specialist Sam Liccardo in upper school history teacher Karen Haley’s classroom at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 11.  Civic Tech...

Humans of Harker: Exploration of expression

Humans of Harker: Exploration of expression

by Lily Shi, Co-Assistant STEM Editor January 24, 2024

A man sits alone on an airplane, his face just visible from across the aisle; a warm light illuminates his features while those around him are shrouded in darkness. Precise brushstrokes depict every...

While it is essential to recognize and respect these collective identities and histories, its 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...

“Water polo helped me shape who I am today because at first it helped me open up socially. Im a little bit more introverted, so it helped me make friends really easily. Also, water polo helped me with several things outside of that as well. It helped me become a better listener, helped me stay in shape, helped me set and achieve goals,” Lachlan Rossi (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Pooling friendships

by Alvira Agarwal, TALON Reporter January 24, 2024

Shouting echoes through the otherwise silent Harker Aquatic Center, water splashing onto the ground from the pool. The intense game livens the atmosphere, and members of the audience yell support for...

Music Monday is a new installation featuring a different category of songs on a weekly basis.

Music Monday: Kick back with shoegaze

by Emma Li, Assistant A&E/Lifestyle Editor January 23, 2024

Music Monday features a different category of songs on a weekly basis. Each Monday, Harker Aquila will release seven songs, one song for each day of the week.  As schoolwork ramps up, assignments pile...

“You have to be patient. When youre restraining an animal for it to be tube-fed, you have to trust that the people around you will keep you safe from the other animals in the pen. If you flinch, it could really hurt the animal or you could get hurt yourself, so you just have to trust,” Neel Handa (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Testing the waters

by Claire Zhao, Co-STEM Editor January 22, 2024

On a peaceful afternoon in Sausalito, Calif., pristine, emerald waters stretch for miles in every direction, and jagged rocks dotted with barnacles line the sky’s fog-blanketed edges. But volunteering...

Harker Conservatory representatives present Conservatory Student of the Month Cantilena singer Juhi Madala (12) with a crown. Conservatory representatives also invited everyone to attend the 2024 Dance Production.

School meeting 1/17: Campus animals, Winter Ball, lockdown protocol

by Felix Chen, Co-News Editor January 22, 2024

Associated Student Body Vice President Ella Lan (12) opened the first school meeting of the second semester on Wednesday.  Sophomores Ashley Mo and Aline Grinspan of Students for Ethical Treatment...

“I always try to put others in front of me and make sure that I can be there for as many people in my life as possible. Even if Im going through something I make sure to give people my undivided attention if they need it. When I volunteered at the Marine Center in Santa Cruz, I encountered so many people with so many different opinions. Just meeting new people with unique personalities taught me to have an open mind in any situation,” Medini Halepete (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Fostering connection

by Disha Gupta, Co-Assistant Opinions Editor January 21, 2024

Towering redwood trees and biting winds characterize the road to Santa Cruz: now Medini Halepete’s (12) weekly commute. Whether she is visiting biochemistry labs on the UC Santa Cruz campus or volunteering...

Former Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo. Kissinger remained active and prominent in global politics long after his retirement. (Provided by state.gov)

What was Henry Kissinger’s legacy?

by Hima Thota, Felix Chen, and Vika Gautham January 17, 2024

From orchestrating clandestine bombings in Cambodia to involvement in Latin American governments, few historical figures have left more of a controversial legacy than former 56th secretary of state Henry...

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...

The Big 10 suspended University of Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh for three games on Nov. 10 after reports of a Wolverines staffer’s sign-stealing plot sparked major headlines.

Anatomy of a climb

by Gabe Sachse, Co-News Editor January 16, 2024

The Big 10 suspended University of Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh for three games on Nov. 10 after reports of a Wolverines staffer’s sign-stealing plot sparked major headlines.  Less...

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