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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

“The most important thing to me is helping others and making other people feel happy. That's what brings me joy. And so I always try to take that into account every day and try to bring a smile to other people's faces," senior Ariana Gauba.

Humans of Harker: Champion of change

by Dyuthi Vallamsetty, Reporter May 24, 2025

12. That’s how many words Ariana Gauba (’25) lives by: “Take everything one step at a time and have compassion for yourself.” This simple phrase has guided Ariana through three transformative...

Humans of Harker: One feather at a time

Humans of Harker: One feather at a time

by Alvira Agarwal, TALON Managing Editor May 22, 2025

A quiet breeze ruffles a grassy terrain filled with bushes and rocks surrounding a trail. Surrounded by the trail is a still lake, completely undisturbed. Quiet footsteps sneak up towards a tree, before...

"I really enjoy working with the students in our programs and being able to impart my passion for engineering. The most rewarding moment is seeing their eyes light up when they understand something, and they feel like they also want to continue to pursue STEM and do engineering and robotics," senior Sophia Zhu said.

Humans of Harker: Taking her shot

by Isabel Yang, Reporter May 22, 2025

Soft yellow squares gleam on the surface of a delicate puddle, rippling with colors and shapes. Behind it, senior Sophia Zhu crouches, her head tilted oddly and her camera poised cautiously in her...

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...

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