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

Throughout comedy’s history, humor has been used as a way to reinforce power dynamics, with women usually being the target of sexist jokes. Despite strides in gender equality in the entertainment industry, the belief that “men are funnier than women” persists, solidifying comedy as a male-dominated field where women struggle to gain visibility.

More than just a punchline

by Ashley Mo March 28, 2024

“It’s just a joke.” “You’re too soft.” “Stop being so sensitive.” These commonly heard phrases dismiss the effects of hurtful humor and imply that it’s normal to “laugh off” problematic...

Stanley sensation sweeps social media

Stanley sensation sweeps social media

by Lily Shi March 8, 2024

Viral videos capture crowds of people instigating mobs in Target, pushing each other as they reach for a standalone rack in the center of the store. Their object of desire? A $45 limited-edition Quencher...

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...

Upper school French teacher Galina Tchourilova reviews material at the Council for Creative Education (CCE) Finland conference. The conference, which lasted five days, took place over the February break.

‘How to Define Success’: Teachers explore Finnish school system

by Katerina Matta and Vika Gautham March 16, 2023

Do you dream of a land without tests or homework? Of a world freed from the clutches of the SAT, AP exams and, worst of all, the dreaded mid-chapter assessment? Look no further than Finland. Famously...

Sophomore students rise in response to youth advocate Charis Denisons opening prompt, Stand up if in the last few weeks you reacted [to a situation] and then went home and went through all of the things you wish you had said or done rather than what you actually did. In her talk, Denison taught students about how to connect their feelings, thoughts and actions.

Speakers share insights about essential skills in annual LIFE sessions

by Ella Yee, Co-Asst. Multimedia Editor March 31, 2022

Additional reporting by Isha Moorjani and Lucy Ge Upper school students explored various topics from course planning to safe driving in interactive sessions coordinated by the Living With Intent, Focus...

An illustration of a photo album, reminiscent of those of families that were forced to give up personal belongings such as family photos due to being forced to enter concentration camps.

Pulse of the People: ‘Never forget, never again’

by Alysa Suleiman and Emily Tan December 3, 2021

Harker Aquila spoke with upper school faculty and students, local Jewish synagogue members and Holocaust research experts on the lasting impacts of the Holocaust and the value and necessity of integrating...

Native American tribes such as the Muwekma Ohlone used bundles of tule, a wetland bulrush plant, to construct boats for transportation. The month of November, officially recognized as Native American Heritage Month by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, commemorates the history and culture of Native American peoples.

‘We are still here’: Native American Heritage Month pays tribute to rich tribal history and traditions

by Michelle Liu and Selina Xu November 29, 2021

When Aneesha Asthana (11) attended the Women for the Rivers Gathering in Minnesota this summer, she knew little about the cause behind the movement. They had originally attended for their sister, who does...

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 ...

This Talk Around Campus addresses how the situation has impacted both students and teachers, how they believe America can move forward from this moment and what they wish they could say to the community and to the nation.

Talk around campus: Community response to U.S. Capitol riots

by Alysa Suleiman, A&E Editor January 8, 2021

Pro-Trump supporters gathered in mobs outside the walls of Capitol Hill, responding to Trump's "Save America" rally on Jan. 6. With no regard for security measures, the rioters then broke into the Capitol,...

Attendees at the second annual Student Diversity Leadership Gathering participate in the fishbowl activity. In the “fishbowl activity,” chairs were set up in the center of the room with people of color in the middle and white people forming a ring around them. Featured speaker and organizer Dr. Rodney Glasgow showed three videos to prompt discussion.

Inside the fishbowl: Students explore diversity and race at the Student Diversity Leadership Gathering

by Isha Moorjani and Irene Yuan January 23, 2020

The Diversity Committee hosted the second Student Diversity Leadership Gathering at the upper school on January 20 from 8 a.m. from 4 p.m., and it was also Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day on which people...

Art teacher Jaap Bongers speaks about the genocides in Namibia. This Shah Salon was about topics related to apartheid.

Teachers host second Shah Salons of the year

by Arushi Saxena, Global Editor January 30, 2019

The second Shah Salon took place on Jan. 23 from 3:15-4:30, with five sessions held by various history and art teachers. Students were invited to attend all of the sessions whic covered different topics:...

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