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

My parents told me, You can’t change anything about yourself. Despite how good it feels when people enjoy what I make, I don’t want to trap myself in the mindset of depending on others for validation. I have to accept who I am, Sonya He (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Coloring in the gaps

by Alison Yang, Co-A&E Editor May 15, 2023

To create is peculiar. In one sense, everything is simply an amalgamation of past materials and experiences, and nothing is ever truly new. But by infusing narrative and intention, one can distinguish...

I expect the rocket to break on the first try. But with projects like these, the final test is just something at the end you do to see if it works. The main takeaway is the experience of building it. If it lands, that’s wonderful, but if it doesn’t, everything I’ve learned from the project is still there, Grant Sims (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Engineering dreams

by Andrew Liang, Co-News Editor May 13, 2023

Launching rovers to Mars is always a tense process for NASA, and some of the most critical moments are those just before the rover touches down. When NASA sends the rover its last commands before landing,...

“When I’m in despair and anguish, I’ll make something really jarring. My work goes like that. Based off of how I’m feeling, I put that in my work. Art in general expresses who we are because it’s everyone’s art, your art, my art, Shreya Balakrishnan (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Essence of expression

by Angelina Burrows, TALON Co-Sports Editor May 11, 2023

As you walk into Shreya Balakrishnan's (12) AP Art Exhibit, the striking images on display jump off the walls and come to life. From dissociation to body dysmorphia, Shreya takes their audience on a journey...

Ive discovered that I like finding the intersection between environmentalism and robotics. When I went into Harker, I wasnt sure where I would end up with my interests because I knew I liked the environment, and I had been doing robotics since the beginning of middle school. Now, Ive reached a point where it makes more sense to me. That journey to get to find out where that intersection lies has been really enlightening, Gary Ding (12) said.

Humans of Harker: For the greater green

by Mia Tang, Reporter May 11, 2023

From weekly reminders to limit food waste to clothing drives promoting sustainability, Green Team promotes environmental preservation through everyday actions. President Gary Ding (12) leads this club,...

One of my goals right now is being able to do handstand push ups. Things I’m passionate about, I’m able to keep it up for a very long time. Once you have a purpose or explicit image of yourself, then it becomes [something] you’ll do every day or do consistently, Matthew Lau (12) said.

Humans of Harker: The big picture

by Jonathan Xue and Grant Yang May 11, 2023

Farmer John’s cows are at it again! How would you sort them in height order with the minimum number of operations? Or select a given cow in a line with just a few comparisons? For Matthew Lau (12), this...

“While talking to doctors through a program that I set up, I learned a lot about the advice that they had to give. A lot of it was about going at your own pace and being kind to others. Ive tried to incorporate that into my own life by being more conscious of going at my own pace,” Johnathan said.

Humans of Harker: Legacy of love

by Connie Xu and Jonathan Xue May 11, 2023

Independent and innovative. Creative and collaborative. With these qualities, whether it be through music, medicine or other mediums, Johnathan Mo (12) brings his best effort and energy to everything he...

“Teamwork and the ability to adapt to how other people play is important because everyone has a different skill level and isn’t going to be perfect at first. You’re not going to be perfect when you start. Being able to be patient with yourself and others and then trusting your team is something I’ve learned, Chris Tonev (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Captain of connection

by Ashley Mo, Reporter May 10, 2023

Anticipation hums in the air as the Harker football team emerges from the locker room in unity, arms linked together. It's the 2022 Homecoming game, and the crowd erupts into deafening cheers as the players...

Framing is really important. You can take any situation and convince yourself whether you like it or hate it. Approaching things with a different attitude really, really changes what you take out of it. I try to be positive throughout anything that happens. The way I frame things that happen to me affects how satisfied I am with my life overall, Ada Praun-Petrovic (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Power of perspective

by Claire Yu, Reporter May 10, 2023

Pride rushed through nine-year-old Ada Praun-Petrovic (12) as she glanced at the numbers displayed on her father’s watch. She had just completed a three-mile-run, a huge milestone for young Ada. Soon...

I try to live every single day like it’s my last day and savor every single small moment that I can. Especially in my senior year, I really tried to live in the moment and enjoy all the things that I can. After high school, nothing is guaranteed. Everyone goes their separate ways. I always try to appreciate the friends and experiences I have now, Rachel Ning (12) said.

Humans of Harker: The art of introspection

by Katie Reed, TALON Business and PDA Manager May 8, 2023

Posters advertising her favorite artists’ new releases and printed photos from her camera roll adorn the cream-colored walls of Rachel Ning’s (12) bedroom. Amidst the cozy blankets and homey decorations...

I live my life enjoying the moment while investing into the future. I only do things with purpose and do things I enjoy. For sports, it isn’t just the competitive nature, but the idea of feeling like a part of something whole and loving something to the point where you lose your mind over it, Zeke Weng (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Playing with perspectives

by Jessica Tang, Photo Editor May 8, 2023

The crowd watches in anticipation as the football sails over teammates and opponents, eventually landing in the outstretched grip of wide receiver Zeke Weng (12), a blurred figure sporting jersey number...

There are not a lot of people who identify as Punjabi Sikh, so I used to really distance myself from it. But over quarantine, I was forced to sit with myself and figure out who I was and who I wanted to be. I started learning about my religion and history and realized how much I appreciate it. Now, I’m proud to say that I am who I am, Jasleen Hansra (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Unapologetic and unstoppable

by Mihir Kotbagi, Reporter May 8, 2023

As the buzzer sounds, signaling the end of the first half of the game, the varsity girls water polo team meets at the edge of the pool. Palo Alto High School leads by multiple goals, but the game is not...

Sometimes, choir is nerve- racking, depending on how much we prepared the song. But in general, when I go up on the stage, it feels like all the nerves melt away. I’m just with my choir, and we’re having a good time, Ayla Apsey (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Harmonizing positivity

by Angelina Burrows, TALON Co-Sports Editor May 8, 2023

In only a few weeks, the velvet seats of the Rothschild Performing Arts Center will fill with an audience anticipating a night of harmony and soothing music. On stage, a group of singers dressed in black...

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