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

Colorism is the discrimination of individuals based on skin color, with lighter-skinned individuals receiving preferential treatment compared to people with darker complexions. It often infiltrates beauty standards to emphasize fair skin as a part of the “pure, white and innocent” look. Margaret Wolfe Hungerford, an Irish romantic novelist in the 19th century, said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” but if the core of both typical western and international beauty has been reduced to one skin tone, is it even a matter of personal preference? 

Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all: Colorism on dating shows promotes toxic and classicist beauty standards

by Ananya Sriram, Asst. News Editor March 8, 2022

On a sunny day, the wind blows across a beach in Sayulita, Mexico as prospective couples fill a romantic resort. They happily pass the time with each other, while other contestants get to know each other...

Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist group based in Afghanistan, on Aug. 15, 2021 after the Afghan government collapsed as then-president Ashraf Ghani fled the country. To understand the complexity of the current situation means to trace the ridges of Afghanistan, means to be aware of the country where we stand and to see what America has done to the history of a nation across the world from ours.

‘It almost felt like a funeral for my country’

by Sarah Mohammed, Lucy Ge, Olivia Xu, and Isha Moorjani March 7, 2022

As Bay Area students, news about Afghanistan and other nations can seem distant from our lives. Through writing this piece, we explore the human crisis resulting from the Afghanistan war. We brought...

Keller encourages his team at the varsity boys basketball game against Oak Grove high school on Nov. 16. Keller has served as head coach for the varsity boys basketball team at Harker for 15 seasons, coaching for 25 years before coming to Harker.

Head of Upper School Butch Keller to retire

by Sriya Batchu, Reporter February 13, 2022

Coach. Mentor. Adviser. Leader. After 15 years at Harker as Head of Upper School and varsity boys basketball coach, Samuel “Butch” Keller, Jr. announced his retirement in early fall. He and his wife,...

This pandemic isn’t behind us yet, so we take on the responsibility to assure each other through the simple actions of sitting two to a table or waiting a few more months for a hug. Practicing simple actions protects the community we have waited so long to meet again.

Safety depends on accountability

by Editorial Board May 18, 2021

Four weeks ago, our student body’s year-long separation from the upper school campus finally came to an end. Shortly after Santa Clara County restrictions eased restrictions, the senior class spirit...

A fire broke out at the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world, the Serum Institute of India, on Jan. 21, leaving at least five people dead.

Global Headlines (Issue 4)

by Isha Moorjani, Asst. News Editor February 15, 2021

London approves removal of statues related to city’s role in slavery The removal of the statues of William Beckford and Sir John Cass from the Guildhall home of statues was approved by the Policy...

As we reaffirm our commitment to our mis- sion as a publication, we will bring this improved perspective of inspired action to our reporting — not despairing what might await us, but hoping, and fighting, for what could.

Editor’s Note: Building on this moment of hope

by Arya Maheshwari, Srinath Somasundaram, and Sara Yen February 11, 2021

Two months ago, we were counting down the days to a new year — hoping that a changed calendar would bring a blank slate, free from the stains of 2020. But 2021 didn’t start that way. Just six days...

Upper school history teacher Mark Janda speaks about African American history during an Introduction to Social Justice class on Feb. 2. I hope [students] take away agency [from this class], Janda said. I hope they take away a sense of how they can participate and change their world.

New semester electives offer unique opportunities for students in the 2020-21 academic year

by Isha Moorjani, Asst. News Editor February 10, 2021

The upper school offered eight new semester electives this year, providing students with the opportunity to further explore various interests and hobbies in an academic setting. These new courses include ...

Flags of different countries stand outside a 2016 meeting of the International Syria Support Group. “I think we can all come together and agree that Bidens vision of America is a fundamentally more optimistic one.” Youth Activism Club president Ethan Choi (12) said. “And its one that values the impact of immigrants so much more so than [former President] Trump.”

President Biden signs executive orders regarding immigration

by Irene Yuan, Multimedia Editor February 1, 2021

In the first days of his presidency, President Biden signed several executive orders regarding immigration, including defending the DACA program, ending the "Muslim-travel ban," changing immigration enforcement...

“I love you,” my dad said, radiating warmth and alacrity before his cheery smile, with the scruffy beginnings of a beard, disappeared from the screen. In those short minutes, he never once mentioned the demoralizing experience of complete isolation for two weeks, pacing back and forth each day in less than 300 square feet of space with just a small window overlooking a measly freeway.  

Pandemic journal: Heart to heart, mind to mind 

by Alysa Suleiman, A&E Editor January 15, 2021

“Qi Qi!” My dad’s beaming face fills up my small phone screen, a tiny beacon in the post-sunset gloom of an early November evening.  “Hello?” I said, happy to see him, but nonetheless surprised....

Nearly 900 upper school students and faculty attended a Challenge Day assembly over Zoom on Monday to learn about the importance of empathy and awareness in the community. Challenge Day is a nonprofit working to bridge differences and build compassion in communities.

Upper school community embraces vulnerability at virtual Challenge Day

by Lucy Ge and Anna Vazhaeparambil September 23, 2020

Nearly 900 upper school students and faculty attended a Challenge Day assembly over Zoom on Monday to learn about the importance of empathy and awareness in the community. Challenge Day is a nonprofit...

Only a chain-link fence separates the Joe Rodota Trail, a pedestrian and bike path, from California State Route 12 in Santa Rosa. Over the month of January, city officials relocated over 250 individuals living at the trail encampment, sending some to shelters across the city and some to temporary “pallet buildings” with bunk beds, heat and electricity in Los Guilicos in East Santa Rosa, a two-hour drive from the trail.

What does shelter-in-place mean when shelter is unaffordable?

On March 16, Bay Area officials in six counties announced shelter-in-place directives, mandating that residents only leave their homes for essential purposes. But what does sheltering in place look like in the Bay Area, one of the most unaffordable housing markets in the U.S.? 
Heart of Harker: Wellness during shelter-in-place

Heart of Harker: Wellness during shelter-in-place

by Counseling Team, Guest Writer May 28, 2020

We hope you are all doing well and wanted to remind you that we are still here and available to help support you however we can both through email and Zoom. We all recognize what a difficult and challenging...

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