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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

Humans of Harker: Taking a step back

Humans of Harker: Taking a step back

by Shaurya Jain, Reporter May 22, 2025

Tweet. The sound of the referee’s whistle signals the end of the play, and as the pile of football players disassembles, only one remains on the ground: senior Sahil Varma, huddled tight, grasping...

“Lacrosse impacted my academic and social life since it forced me to really learn how to manage my time and how to build up a skill from zero to something. That’s something I’ve carried with me into everything I do," senior Gen Malenin said.

Humans of Harker: Cradling the chaos

by Abigail Cheng and Vivek Moorjani May 22, 2025

The sound of senior Gen Malinen’s sneakers pounding against the field echoes through the morning air. With every stride, she accelerates, her focus unwavering and her eyes locked on the goal. As...

Humans of Harker: Wiring components and communities

Humans of Harker: Wiring components and communities

by Christina Ruan, Reporter May 22, 2025

The tension in the pits at the Capital City Classic offseason competition is palpable, brimming with excitement and anxiety. Team 1072’s robot has just been sent off for a match, and every member...

Humans of Harker: Fencing for the future

Humans of Harker: Fencing for the future

by Johanna Byun, Reporter May 22, 2025

The gym was tense as the seconds on the timer dwindled down, inching closer to the end of the fencing match. With just seconds left on the clock and the crowd holding its breath, senior Ethan Wang...

Humans of Harker: Living in color

Humans of Harker: Living in color

by Emma Lee, TALON Student Life Editor May 22, 2025

It’s easy to be self-conscious. Imagine walking into the grocery store with your mom who’s wearing a silly, hot pink hair clip, perched on the center of her head. Would people stare? Would people...

“I wanted to play flute so I can play beautiful music that others can listen to, so if I were to listen to that music I would feel better. I want to share that same experience with other people, so I'm motivated to practice more, so I can sound better. I want people to hear good music when I play and get inspired to also study an instrument," senior Jessica Wang said.

Humans of Harker: Leading with harmony

by William Jiang, Copy Editor May 22, 2025

With the flute pressed gently to her lips, senior Jessica Wang’s fingers hover above the keys, her focus unshaken by the buzzing energy around her. As she begins to play, the room falls silent, each...

Humans of Harker: Leading with authenticity 

Humans of Harker: Leading with authenticity 

by Shreyas Karnam, Reporter May 21, 2025

It's 9:35 A.M., and hundreds of bleary-eyed students file into the Athletic Center for the weekly school meeting. Conversations, some whispered, others held brazenly, echo off the walls. Amidst all...

Humans of Harker: Motivation through minigames

Humans of Harker: Motivation through minigames

by Lindsay Li, Multimedia Editor May 21, 2025

Braving the summer heat, senior Tej Aswani readies himself, aiming for the spikeball net. With a pause for concentration, he sends the yellow ball straight into the center, ricocheting off of the net...

Humans of Harker: Justice through inclusivity

Humans of Harker: Justice through inclusivity

by Eden Ahluwalia, Reporter May 21, 2025

Knees bent, eyes sharp, senior Norah Mehanna crouches low as the opposing server tosses the ball into the air. The gym buzzes with tension, but Norah stays grounded: focused and steady. She reads the...

“Interacting with lower school students made me take more time for myself. I'm realizing that, not that there's no point in pushing forward, but if you only keep doing things right now for some future you, you're never going to have time to enjoy the present. And so this year, I've spent a lot more time for myself, like picking up hobbies again," senior Alicia Ran said.

Humans of Harker: Leading with heart

by Bella Wu and Victoria Li May 21, 2025

The Class of '25 eagle stood proud, draped in the bold stripes of the American flag and adorned with intricate scenes of revolution. Its wings stretched wide, blending homecoming spirit with Broadway,...

“The most rewarding thing about geography is learning about other cultures, learning about the architecture of other countries and being introduced to how other people live. There are a lot of things to learn about because the world's really unique, and there are lots of things you can observe," senior Eric Li said.

Humans of Harker: Coding for culture

by Aahana Sharma, Reporter May 21, 2025

A picture appears on the screen, an ordinary street view that, to the untrained eye, could be anywhere in the world. But to senior Eric Li, the image tells a different story. As his eyes scan the details...

I express myself in every aspect of my being. I try to be very true to who I am and what I want and how I feel. Whether it be my classes or what I'm writing about or who I'm talking to or how I'm dressing or the music I'm listening to that day, it's all very expressive and indicative of who I am," senior Avayna Glass said.

Humans of Harker: Crafting confections

by Maithili Gupta, Reporter May 21, 2025

Gooey pies, scrumptious cakes, delicious cookies — you name it, senior Avayna Glass has baked it. During Thanksgiving, her house fills with homemade treats. She started using knives with skill at...

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