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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

“I really [believe in] having a moral code that rubs off on other people and makes other people better in your presence. Generally, people reflect the energy you give them, so you can expect whatever you're giving out,” Jason Hoang (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Live, laugh, learn

by Katie Wang, TALON Asst. Photo Editor January 5, 2021

At 1:30 a.m. on most days of the week, Jason Hoang (12) fills the kitchen with the sizzling of French toast on the stove or the bubbling of boiling water for ramen. Whether it be pancakes, eggs or cereal,...

What helped us get through what happened in 2020? Calls with our family, friends and classmates kept us connected to each other, helping us appreciate the positivity and joy that others can bring into our lives. Looking forward, these relationships need to be treasured and kept close to our hearts. 

Goodbye, 2020. Hello, 2021.

by Michelle Liu, Winged Post Design Editor January 5, 2021

As we say goodbye to 2020, the Harker community reflects on the most exciting, catastrophic and positive events that have affected their lives this year. What has 2020 allowed us to learn about ourselves?...

“I just love traveling to new places because the highlights are a different culture and an entirely different experience. I never feel comfortable staying home for a while because I feel bored with my current situation, as if it's just the same repeated day over and over again,” Fonda Hu (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Beyond the basics

by Tina Xu, TALON Photo Editor January 5, 2021

“I often associate myself with Dora the Explorer just because for the majority of my life, I had a haircut that was between a bowl cut and a normal haircut, and it resembled Dora the Explorer’s,”...

“Understanding people's perspectives is something that I try to do. No matter what situation I'm in, I never immediately judge someone. [With] people who have different beliefs than me [and] different opinions, before I try and fight against them, I try and understand where they're coming from and why they believe what they believe,” Calais Poirson (12) said.

Humans of Harker: The light in every room

by Arely Sun, Winged Post Lifestyle Editor and Social Media Editor January 4, 2021

Calais Poirson (12) is no stranger to the Harker community. From singing onstage with Downbeat in a glittery gold dress to greeting students at the door of the winter ball to decking out in cheerful white...

“I got to a certain place where … you start to really feel empathy with [tabla], and you just enjoy playing and enjoy the speed. I felt like [the instrument] was trapped in this box of classical Indian music … But listening to the songs I listen to every day, I would start drumming in my lap, and at that point, I thought, ‘This isn’t out of place,’” Nicky Kriplani (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Rhythmic confidence

by Nicholas Wei, Humans of Harker Profiler January 4, 2021

Sitting cross-legged before the tabla, a classical Indian pair of drums, Aniket “Nicky” Kriplani (12) gazes intently as he rests his hands on the twin set of instruments. A pulse echoes in his mind...

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

Music Monday: New beginnings with Aquila

by Alysa Suleiman, A&E Editor January 4, 2021

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. Whether you've "gotta feeling" for what will...

But regardless, there's one thing I now know for sure: every time I walk out into the crisp autumn air, the wind playfully lifts and blows the knot-free strands around my face, and I'm reminded that I have no regrets, only a happier state of mind. And when I step back inside and face my reflection, the girl in the mirror smiles widely back.

Smiling back at the girl in the mirror 

by Alysa Suleiman, A&E Editor January 3, 2021

Rough, dry, prickly. My eyes travel down a straight line of hair, pulled taut from root to tip.  As I roll the semi-bleached strands between the pads of my fingers, more uneven bristles twist outwards,...

“I want [people] to remember me for always being a team player and always looking out for other people. Especially in athletics, I want to be supportive of everyone around me and show others that they’re not in it alone. You'll always have the support of other people in your community,” Maria Vazhaeparambil (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Encouragement on and off the court

by Sabrina Zhu, Asst. STEM Editor December 28, 2020

Nine girls bustle around a busy kitchen. A mix of different aromas wafts through the house, and the sound of metal tools clinking combined with joyful laughter fills the room. Maria Vazhaeparambil (12)...

“There’s a lot of social skills and communication skills that you get from [theater]. There’s just this bonding and camaraderie you can get from these ensembles, from these big groups, and it’s invaluable. That sense of community [and] belonging just keeps me going back because I’m comfortable there, the other people are comfortable, and we’re all just trying to help each other,” Austin Killam (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Full of zest

by Tiffany Chang, TALON Conservatory Editor December 24, 2020

Student Directed Showcase. Spring musical. Fall play. Dance production. Attend any of these shows, and you’ll find Austin Killam (12) center stage — singing, dancing or acting his heart out. From middle...

“It's really helpful to understand that the people around you aren't your competition; you are your own competition. [That’s] the only way you're ever going to truly progress in life and become a better version of yourself,” Sarina Sharma (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Confidence is key

by Lavanya Subramanian, TALON Organizations Editor December 23, 2020

Applause rings out from the crowd as Sarina Sharma (12) holds the last note of Titanium by David Guetta and Sia. The previously dark audience slowly brightens as the lights turn on, and Sarina’s eyes...

"The biggest underlying message [of my filmmaking is] the message of unity. The films might not be Oscar worthy or cinematic masterpieces, but since it's documented, I think I'm going to have a lot of fun looking back on it and seeing us together and making the film together," Ethan Choi (12) said. 

Humans of Harker: The American dream

by Erica Cai, Humans of Harker Co-Managing Editor December 22, 2020

Imagine 20 eighth and ninth graders, dressed in immaculate suits and gathered around a rickety set-up of tripods and iPhones amid the sweltering Fremont heat. They take turns reciting lines, switching...

“As a child, I wanted to be a fashion designer and I was really interested in designing clothes and sewing … but there's not a lot of children's clothes that follow a lot of recent trends. So, as I got older, I began to develop my own unique style,” Selin Aras (12) said.

Humans of Harker: A lover of arts

by Rachel Ning, TALON Co-People Editor December 21, 2020

Resting her head in her hands, Selin Aras (12) drowns the world out and focuses only on the steady beat flowing through her earbuds. Holding her phone protected by a clean plaid yellow case, she scrolls...

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