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

“Its fun to not care and not care about something and just do it for the fun of it, which we dont really get to do at Harker. I find that these extracurricular activities like diving, soccer or even League of Legends are really fun to do in my free time. Its good to just have some fun once in a while. And I think exploring new ways to do this is really, really valuable, Jack Dawson (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Diving deep

by Andrew Chang, TALON Co-Sports Editor May 24, 2019

Feeling the rush of the sub-60 degree water through his ScubaPro bodysuit, Jack Dawson ('19) dives deep underwater under the slow-crashing waves of the Monterey Bay, contemplating which direction to go...

At this point, I have honestly no clue at all where exactly Im going to be in 20 years, but just the freedom of knowing that I can control where I want to go and that if at any point I do change my mind, I have the power to take whatever I have in my own hands and change my future. That’s very valuable to me, just knowing that I have freedom to choose is what makes me happiest, Helen Yang (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Compassion and choice

by Emma Gurleroglu, TALON May 23, 2019

Her lips move a mile a minute as she begins to speak about one of her greatest passions: BTS. Helen Yang (12) closes her eyes, tipping her head back as she lets out a gleeful laugh, spinning into another...

I think there is an element of personality in music. If you give people the same melody or the same sample or idea, theyre going to come up with different things based on this given input because of the differences in their own worldview experiences and styles. Personally, I like the romantic styles a lot. Romantic is when people started experimenting with chords and focusing more on the feeling of the music. I think those pieces are really pretty because of that, Annabelle Perng (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Not so quiet after all

by Anthony Xu, TALON Editor-In-Chief May 22, 2019

When you’re passing by from class to class, you might see Annabelle Perng (12) walking quietly through the hallways, keeping to herself. You might have her in some of your classes, and notice how quiet...

Football taught me how to work hard and play with teammates. Most importantly, it has given me my best friends, Jared Anderson (120 said.

Humans of Harker: Strongest as a team

by Eric Fang, News Editor May 22, 2019

Jared Anderson’s gray eyes stared down the soccer ball in the palm of his hand, concentrating on performing the trick he rehearsed countless times. With a flash, his palm turned and the ball dropped…...

“When you think about it, we’re only sixteen years old,” Prameela Kottapalli (12) said. “How much can we do? We can’t even vote. I’m aware of this. The people my age are aware of this. But the world doesn’t give us straightforward opportunities to make a difference. So writing was the way I could be able to promote awareness. So this was the breakthrough that I had for journalism, but it was also the breakthrough that I had in life.”

Humans of Harker: Power in words

by Emily Chen and Irene Yuan May 22, 2019

Behind the tinted doors of the journalism room, Prameela Kottapalli (12) is always hard at work. You can find her completely immersed in her work, constantly writing and editing, fingers flying over the...

I think everyone has their own path and their own way of going through life, and I think that it is important that we all appreciate each other’s strengths and interests while developing our own, Aneesha Kumar (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Accept and improve

by Anika Rajamani, Reporter May 21, 2019

The lights go down in the theater, as the live musicians tune their instruments. Aneesha Kumar (12) waits anxiously in the wings, calming herself before the dance begins. As the singing starts, she steps...

I realized that I really didnt want to be a quiet Chinese girl I want to be outspoken and overcome those stereotypes and really try to improve on some of the better qualities. Who wants to be that little girl crying because she cant speak up? I would be so mad because when I see that in other people, I get really mad. Like, “Why dont you just speak up?” But then Im also a little bit [like] that person, so I really try to be better, Taylor Lam (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Leader and supporter

by Jin Tuan, Lifestyle Editor May 21, 2019

Bright brown eyes and a genuine smile greet the world as Taylor Lam (12) sits in the sun on the Shah patio, discussing her passions and pets. A naturally shy person, Taylor finds that her passion for helping...

Members of both JV and Varsity dance stand in a line and execute a move from Olivia Esparzas (12) senior showcase dance.

Behind the Scenes: Students rehearse for annual Senior Showcase performance

by Esha Gohil and Gloria Zhang May 21, 2019

The annual Senior Showcase premiered the performances of graduating Certificate Program seniors and their accompaniments last Friday at 7 p.m. in the Rothschild Performing Arts Center’s Patil Theater...

“Some of my friends are a lot more social than me, but they’ve pushed me to open up and try new things,” Laura Wu (12) said. “I’m kind of sad that I’m leaving the school, but in some ways, I’m excited because I’m going to be starting over in a new place and meet even more new people.”

Humans of Harker: Breaking barriers

by Sabrina Takemoto and Olivia Guo May 20, 2019

While she may have a calm and quiet demeanor, Laura Wu (12) has become a leader throughout her years in high school. From serving as Seniors and People's editor in yearbook to volunteering for the Interact...

“For me, mountain biking is about the experience and the community and people you hang out with. I don’t dwell much on what place I finish, but more on improving my time, meeting new people, hanging out with my friends,” Chris Leafstrand (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Robotics and Relaxation

by Saurav Tewari, Reporter May 20, 2019

As soon as the after-school bell rings, Chris Leafstrand (12) makes his way towards the Robotics Lab, where he spends countless hours designing Team 1072’s robot. Then, during competitions, he is on...

“I would describe myself as a mix of Midwestern values with the Silicon Valley spirit. Grounded, hardworking, always trying to lend a helping hand. In high school, all those things flourished and led me to run for Student Council, join journalism, dance, play tennis and express my opinions while trying to support others along the way,” Anjay Saklecha (12) said.

Humans of Harker: A helping hand

by Aditya Singhvi, Sports Editor May 19, 2019

Surrounded by a group of friends, Anjay Saklecha (12) can often be found laughing and relaxing on the couches in Shah Hall. Always accompanied by a twinkle in his eye, his smile — wide, playful and somewhat...

“Nothing right now matters. I know it sounds pessimistic but I really dont think it is. I personally dont think there is a set purpose for anyones life, and in that sense it can become exactly what they want it to be. Your life is what you make of it and I take that very literally. There is no set way of doing things, so just focus on what matters to you and if everyone does that then we the world would just be so much happier,” Neha Tallapragada (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Connecting with community

by Sriya Batchu, Reporter May 19, 2019

At first, Neha Tallapragada (12) sat and talked quietly while holding her blue Contigo water bottle, but as time passed, she opened up and was not afraid to voice her thoughts. One thing that has always...

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