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The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
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A class, but always a ‘family’: Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony

By Ally O’Boyle and Izzie Erickson
May 29, 2026
By Ally O’Boyle and Izzie Erickson

Wearing flower crowns and white dresses, the graduating Class of 2026 was handed their diplomas Friday, May 22. Seniors lined up outside the Skirball Cultural Center, awaiting their walk across the staged. At the commencement ceremony, the graduates cherished their final moments together as a whole class.

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Senior leaders stand in row and applaud each other. Olivia Broock (‘27) is a member of Drama Queens and has been in the process of organizing the posters for the seniors in her class. She said it feels strange to be a rising senior and to see some of her closest friends embark on a new journey. “Honestly, some of these seniors are some of my best friends,” Broock said. “Whether I've gotten a lot closer with them this year or they've been one of my really close friends since I first got here, it really doesn't feel real that they're leaving.”
Photo Gallery: 'A lasting impression'
After donating blood during Archer's annual blood drive, Bonnie Van Hoytema ('28) reaches for a bottle of water and a chocolate bar. Donors are given sugary snacks and fluids to help their bodies recover following the procedure. The campus event brought together students, faculty and staff in an effort to address ongoing blood shortages. "I donated because I want to make an impact for others," Van Hoytema said. "Our youth really drives activism, and I want to take advantage of opportunities like this to help."
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Sixth graders practice with their partners for the upcoming Maypole dance. The practice is led by the Director of Middle School Reed Farley. The Maypole ceremony has existed since 1981, when Archer was formerly the Eastern Star Home for Women.
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Liana Awai (‘29) shows her ear with her hearing aid attatched. Hearing aids amplify sound for those with partial hearing loss to hear sound more clearly. “At first I was hesitant because I just didn't want to get hearing aids, but I am so glad I did,” Awai said. “I felt proud that I could finally hear and understand and listen.”
Being deaf or hard of hearing: Barriers, support, lived experience
Fashion Alley in Downtown Los Angeles does not bustle with as many people as it used to. Recent ICE raids have created fear and left more store owners without customers. Store owner Santiago Rodriguez has felt the impact of lower sales. "Well, people are scared," Rodriguez said. "When people notice immigration around these places — well, people, more than anything, in businesses and small businesses, people stop coming."
Downtown Los Angeles store owners in crisis
About the Contributors
Ally O’Boyle
Ally O’Boyle, Multimedia Reporter
Ally O’Boyle joined The Oracle in 2024 as a staff reporter. Ally plays for Archer’s JV tennis team and in her free time volunteers at her preschool, hangs out with friends and does tennis outside of school as well. She loves to read and go on runs.
Izzie Erickson
Izzie Erickson, Multimedia Reporter
Izzie Erickson joined the Oracle as a staff reporter in 2024, and is now a multimedia student. Izzie will play for Archer’s Beach volleyball team in the spring and in her free time volunteers for assisted living facilities. She loves baking, watching TV and shopping with friends.