The Honor Education Council is a selected group of students from grades nine-12, along with faculty members, that promote Archer’s honor code around campus. Each grade has three representatives, and the faculty also has three representatives. The Oracle sent out a survey to all the students and faculty with some questions about why they wanted to join the Honor Council. Continue reading to see their responses.

Anna Brodsky ’20

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I decided to run for HEC because I wanted to be more involved in the Archer community and hone my leadership skills. I also thought that it would be a great way to connect with people from other grades, and many people who were on it last year recommended it to me.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

This is my first year.

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

I’m very excited about everything I will learn on HEC. I’ve always been interested in ethics, and I think I will really enjoy applying that interest to real world situations. I also think that the HEC will help me further develop my sense of empathy.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

I think that the Honor Code is important because it is so universal. We, as students, can apply the honor code to situations outside of school, and we will have a code of ethics to consult for the rest of our lives.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

I am incredibly obsessed with Hamilton. I’ve memorized the entire soundtrack, read the Chernow biography, and taught a lesson on Hamilton to my history class.

Charley Griffiths ’20

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I wanted to be a part of the Honor Education Council because I want to contribute to the school’s environment and atmosphere.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

This will be my first year on HEC!

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

I look forward to making the Honor Code a fun thing to learn. I’m excited to participate in skits, get to know more girls at Archer and learn more about the Honor Code.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

I think the Honor Code is important at Archer because it gives a clear message of the values that Archer girls should uphold.

Abigale Lischak ’20

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I wanted to be a part of the Honor Education Council because I wanted to do something for and be involved in the community.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

This is my first year

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

I am looking forward to doing fun skits and activities to teach the school about the honor code. I am also looking forward to getting to know girls from different grades and bonding with them.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

I think the honor code is important at Archer because it is a set of values and responsibilities that will be relevant and important our whole lives. It also helps creates an environment of trust and respect in the Archer community.

Jordan Mamalakis ’19

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I want to be apart of the honor education council because I genuinely care about everyone in the school and I want to help educate others on the honor code and help them to learn and grow from their mistakes as well as grow and learn myself.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

This is my second year

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

My favorite part of HEC is all of the amazing people I get to become close to and get to know and the deep and interesting conversations that we have about ethics.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

I think the honor code is important because it helps keep Archer a safe place for everyone by creating fair guidelines or expectation for all to follow.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

I love to dance but I’m incredibly terrible at it.

Samantha Raucher ’19

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I wanted to be part of the Honor Council because I wanted to make a difference in my school community. I love the education part of Honor Council and the fact that we are responsible for educating the community about the Honor Code and ethics in general. I also wanted to be in Honor Council because I want to be there to support and help students who might appear in front of us at a hearing. I wanted to be able to be a part of the group that might recommend future steps for a student to take because I felt like I could empathize and understand what the student was going through and what they could do to improve.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

This is my second year

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

One of my favorite parts of HEC is how close we are as a group. We are all friends with each other and treat each other equally, no matter what grade we’re in. I also love learning more about ethics and discussing sticky situations. It’s really interesting to see different people’s perspectives and realize that almost all situations are not black and white. I’ve learned that there is a lot of gray or unclear area in most situations.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

The Honor Code is important because it sets a standard of how we should go about our daily actions and how we should treat each other here at Archer.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

I was on national TV a few times cheering at We Day (a motivational, community service event/concert)!

Lola Wolf ’19

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I saw a photo of the HEC members in a hall one day and couldn’t help but admire their smiles. They were everything I wanted to be; ethical, empathetic, poised, and respectful. I had regarded them as role models, and it was the least I could do to follow in their footsteps.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

This is my second year.

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

The girls on the HEC with me are the best! They’re all so sweet and hilarious in their own ways. I consider all of them to be close friends of mine.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

The Honor Code represents how much of a role trust plays in our actions at Archer. Breaking the rules isn’t about whether you’ll get in trouble or not; it’s about whether you’ll damage your trusting relationship with a teacher or student. The opposing values make all the difference.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

I can hyperextend my right elbow so my arm bends the wrong way. It’s an excellent conversation starter.

Summer Devera ’18

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I wanted to be a part of the HEC because the whole group and idea of a student-led judicial council intrigued me and changed the way I thought of Archer and its philosophy. Not only is the council here to educate the community about ethics, but it provides students a learning opportunity when the Honor Code is broken. Instead of talking to an adult who might not be able to relate to the student, the student’s peers are able to listen to her case and (in my opinion) make fairer decisions about the consequence(s) as we can be more empathetic.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

I have been on Honor Council for two years. This is my third.

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

I love how close the council becomes throughout the year. Because we meet every week and work with each other outside of meetings, we bond a lot more. It makes the experience more special and makes me feel a part of a community that not many people are a part of.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

Our Honor Code states principles that the whole community lives by, and I think those principles/values unite us and really affect the way we learn/teach here.

Cameron Thompson ’18

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I wanted to be a part of the Honor Education Council in 8th grade because I wanted to help educate the Archer community about ethics and the Honor code, while learning about its importance myself.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

I have been on HEC since 9th grade.

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

My favorite part of HEC is discussing ethics in current events or news articles. Some of our best meetings in the past have been engaging discussions about ethics in medicine, politics, education, and so much more.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

The Honor Code is so important, at Archer, because it is a brief summary of ethical guidelines for the community to follow. Without an Honor Code, there would be a lack of honesty, respect, and responsibility (Archer’s core values). As HEC members, it is our job to educate the community about its purpose and significance, and I believe that Archer girls do a great job upholding the Honor Code.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

I’m terrified of lizards. One time, I tried to pick one up and it jumped on my jacket sleeve. I got so freaked out, so I tried to shake it off, but it wouldn’t leave my arm until I jumped up and down. Ever since that incident, I have tried to avoid lizards on hikes.

Saskia Wong-Smith ’18

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I wanted to be a part of the HEC because I was interested in Archer’s unique process of dealing with violations of the Honor Code. I loved the idea that peers can work together to figure situations out and help a student grow from it. Also, I knew that I was (and still am) a thoughtful person, who wants to give my best to help a friend or peer. I believed I would be a valuable member of the HEC.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

I have been involved with HEC for 2 years, and this year will be my 3rd.

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

My favorite part about HEC is the bonds I have created with the the other members in the group. I love that I am able to work with such intelligent, understanding, and joyful girls (and teachers). In our HEC meetings, we discuss ethical dilemmas that often have a gray areas and no clear, correct outcome. The other members of HEC always make these discussions more interesting, engaging, and fun. We are able to listen to each other, say our honest opinion, and think about multiple sides of one situation. These girls and teachers have made HEC such a memorable and valued experience.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

I think the Honor Code at Archer is important because it represents the values within our community. These values are our responsibilities that we share as members of the community. Because the writing in the Honor Code displays how girls are expected to act rather than just a list of do’s and don’ts, it shows that each girl understands what it means to act with respect, honesty, and responsibility. We do not need specific examples to show this.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

My pinkies are abnormally small.

Halle Jacobs ’17

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

The HEC is an incredibly unique program at Archer – unlike any other school. When I was first introduced to the Honor Education Council in 8th grade, I was impressed by the upper schoolers who held such an important role within our community, and I immediately wanted to get involved. It’s a leadership position that encourages students to think about the Archer community in a different way than Student Council or Ambassador Leadership Team.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

This is my fourth year (I’ve been on HEC since 9th grade).

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

HEC has been an incredibly formative part of my high school experience. It has shaped the way I approach, discuss, and think about problems and issues both in and out of class. The majority of our conversations take place in the “gray areas” of situations (that’s why we’re here!), which has challenged me to ask more questions and think deeply about seemingly “black and white” issues.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

Archer’s Honor Code reminds students to act with integrity and fosters a community of awareness and respect.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

I can’t think of anything but I know that I have a million 😉

Isabelle Wilson ’17

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

Having a key role in helping maintain the joyful, respectful environment at Archer was definitely appealing to me when I applied for the HEC. I also love delving into gray-area, ethical questions, so I felt like this role would be a good fit.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

This is my fourth year

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

My favorite part about the HEC is exploring different ethical dilemmas and scenarios in our weekly meetings. I also love planning outreach and presentations for the school!

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

I think that the Honor Code sets the foundation for Archer’s tight-knit community; it reminds us to be respectful of our peers and teaches us to understand how our actions impact others.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

I love green apples, and during this year’s HEC retreat, I told everyone that I would rather be able to eat green apples than have a superpower.

Marine Yamada ’17

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I loved the idea of working for a meaningful change that would benefit every member of our community from teachers and staff to students.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

Since 9th grade (past 3 years)

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

My favorite part of the HEC is connecting with the entire school and working towards building a stronger community where we can all trust one another and take pride in our actions. I also love working and feeling like equals with other members (sometimes I even forget what grade we’re all in).

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

At a rigorous school like Archer, it can be easy to get caught up in everything, so I think the Honor Code is necessary in reminding us which values are most important to us as a community.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

I once said “poop has always had a special place in my heart” on camera for an international campaign/project. Later, I clarified that this was because I tried to create a device that converts poop into renewable fuel in the 9th grade, but I was still SO embarrassed.

Sonia Arora

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I applied to be part of HEC because I wanted to exchange ideas with students, learn about their concerns, and have a larger impact on school culture at Archer.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

I’m new to HEC this year.

What grade are you in/What do you teach?

As a college counselor at Archer, I work with juniors and seniors and teach both grades in human development.

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

The HEC students I’ve met so far have been extremely thoughtful and intellectually engaged. I look forward to discussions with them and hearing their perspectives. It’s been fun to help them collaborate and set goals.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

More than most, our Honor Code is a reflection of our school, not an aspirational document. But in order to keep it relevant, we have to maintain a dialogue about its purpose and impact.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

I love ancestry research! It allows me to engage my passion for history and learn about people’s lives and stories. Most of the fellow researchers with whom I cross paths are retired folks at a very different stage of life. They often tell me to wait a few decades so I have something to keep me busy when I’m older!

Wendy Deming

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

Thoughtfully grappling with ethical dilemmas is a life task, a life skill. School is a great place to examine tough ethical issues in a safe space, preparing to apply those skills outside of school. I feel lucky to be a part of this life-worthy work.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

This is my first year involved in HEC.

What grade are you in/What do you teach?

I teach English.

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

I am looking forward to having conversations with students about the ‘grey areas’ of life.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

See my first response.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

I am 30-something and cannot put contact lenses in my eyes. Just can’t. Tried. Not working.

Amelia Mathis

Why did you want to be part of Honor Education Council?

I think the important word is Education. I wanted to be a part of the HEC because I wanted to help educate the Archer Community about our ethical behavior on campus, which leads to our behavior outside of campus. I want help students grow not just socially and academically but ethically.

How long have you been involved in Honor Council?

2 years

What grade are you in/What do you teach?

I teach 6-10 Fitness and 11th grade HD and Advisor

What is your favorite part about HEC? And if you are new, what are you looking forward to?

My favorite part is coming together as a community and graveling with situations that may or may not happen at Archer. I also enjoy finding ways to empathize with students about their ethical actions.

Why do you think the Honor Code at Archer is important?

It is important because we are a school that teaches the future, we want to make sure that we keep eachother accountable for our actions and our behaviors. Without the honor code the system would be very difficult to manage, giving students leeway to do whatever they wanted. This keeps them grounded and accountable.

Share an embarrassing or funny fact/moment about yourself:

When I was in High School I had to give a speech as Student Body President and I went to step up on the podium and split my pants in front of the whole school 1500+ students.