On April 28, students entering campus saw Archer’s front lawn more colorful than normal. The annual Maypole had been set up, signifying the start of May.

The Maypole holds significance for the Archer community and Eastern Star Retirement Home, which occupied the historical building before Archer. Both communities have enjoyed the Maypole’s colorful presence.

This tradition was started well before Archer occupied its historic building. According to Carla Rivera’s 2007 Los Angeles Times article, the Maypole’s inception was in 1981 and has graced Archer’s front lawn ever since.

Camila Gazcon ’15  says, “The Maypole signifies unity and it signifies summer.”

French teacher Valerie Yoshimura says, “To me, the Maypole represents everything that is beautiful and joyous about spring—the flowers, the fragrances, the colors—and simultaneously all that is beautiful and joyous about Archer, with the different colors representing the diversity of our campus.”

On Moving Up Day, the last day of the school year, the 6th graders weave the ribbons in front of the entire school after weeks of diligent practice. This tradition has been upheld for many years.

Theresa Dahlin, 6th grade class dean, remarks, “The 6th grade team and girls get giddy every year when the Maypole goes up. They know the time is drawing near for them to perform for the entire school. It is a huge honor and scary responsibility – but we love it! We start practicing our steps and our weaving on the fay-pole (fake maypole) early in May! Wish us luck!”

Vivian Shay ’20, an Archer 6th grader, adds “The Maypole is a way of showing that we are all separate, but the dance brings us together and we are all one.”

Fellow 6th grader Miela Efraim ’20 comments on the dance, saying, “The Maypole is magical. It’s what makes Archer unique and different from other schools. Having the opportunity to weave it makes you smile and proud to be an Archer girl.”