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The new, blank triangle sign on the gender-neutral bathroom replaces the old female figure sign. According to GSA Executive Board member and junior Remi Cannon, the opening of the gender-neutral bathroom helps provide a safe space for students of all gender identities at Archer.
New gender-neutral bathroom provides safety, comfort for students of all gender identities
Spanish teacher Talia Geffen produced the poster for the first ever ARCHERVISION competition based on the Eurovision Song Contest poster. The competition included both middle and upper school divisions. (Graphic Illustration by Talia Geffen)
Archer community celebrates middle, upper school ARCHERVISION winners
Senior Ella Poon recounts the power of theater for Latine Americans by highlighting everyday life in Washington Heights from the musical “In the Heights.” Archer’s annual Advanced Study Humanities Symposium was held in the library and Media Space Friday, May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
Annual Advanced Study Humanities Symposium highlights seniors’ passions through presentations, writing
Tess Hubbard (24) explains InvenTeams outreach strategies of connecting with local and digital audiences. The team presented on campus to parents, students and teachers during the STEM Symposiums third breakout session presentation.
STEM Symposium offers platform to discover scientific solutions, explore global problems
The Animal Rights Club holds a bake sale fundraiser with treats ranging from cookies to donuts to customizable lemonade. The club raised money for the Sanctuary at Soledad, an animal rescue center, Thursday, May 11, in the courtyard.
Baking a change: Animal Rights Club hosts bake sale, fundraises for the Sanctuary at Soledad
A graphic illustration depicts a teen girl being pointed at, feeling peer pressure. According to Firewall Times, 85% of high school students have felt peer pressure during middle or high school. (Graphic Illustration by Lola Thomas)
Archer students reflect on peer pressure’s impact, professionals describe psychological effects
Junior Maia Alvarez and sophomores Cezanne Silverton and Allie Yang practice for the speech and debate club’s national competition. According to another debate team member Lucy Williams (’25), the art and language of disagreement has largely been forgotten but is fundamental to understanding opposing opinions and one’s own beliefs.
The culture of discourse, importance of conversation, communication in the 21st century
An image of a phone with numerous searches for how to fix one’s body demonstrates social medias deeply-rooted diet culture. According to Healthline, there was a large user growth among girls ages 15-22 on TikTok, an app known to spread misinformation, especially about weight and dieting. (Graphic Illustration by Olivia Hallinan-Gan)
Teenage girls reflect on diet culture on social media in all-girls environment
This WordCloud illustrates the results of a survey about teenage girls’ self-esteem where Archer students were asked to describe how social media makes them feel in one word. Social media has both positive and negative effects on teen girls, specifically on their body image and mental health. (Graphic Illustration by Tavi Memoli)
Self-love and social media: Teen girls navigate their lives on, off the internet
An individual pushes away boxes labeled with common phrases teenagers say that misuse the labels of mental health disorders. Clinical psychologist and author Lisa Damour said it is essential that people separate describing momentary feelings from clinical diagnoses to not diminish the experience of those who struggle with the disorder. (Graphic illustration by Emily Paschall).
Teenagers’ conversations on mental health: misusing clinical diagnoses, social media’s impacts, self-diagnosing
Azel Al-Kadiri (23), portraying Elinor Dashwood, and Ella Gray (24), portraying Marianne Dashwood, hold hands during a technical rehearsal of Sense and Sensibility. Rehearsals for the upper school play began in January and spanned over three months.
From script to stage: Making of ‘Sense and Sensibility’
Choir Director Hannah O’Connor leads middle school a capella, the Middle C’s, as they sing “Roar” by Katy Perry. A cappella, choir and orchestra groups came together  to perform the Spring Concert May 3-5 in the amphitheater.
Cities, Seas and Stars: Spring Concert sends audience on musical journey through community, culture
Junior Julissa Espinoza creates pieces inspired by different interests and cultural connections for her Advanced Ceramics class. The skull ceramic piece was inspired by Mexican artist Alfonso Castillo Orta, and the lamp was inspired by nature, specifically sun rays, as well as the symbol sagrado corazon. (Graphic Illustration by Audrey Chang)
Cakes, culture and creativity: Advanced ceramics students construct independent projects, reflect on past year
Strawberries, pots, blueberries and more fill the Eastern Star Gallery. Seniors Sara Steiner and Lily Prokop opened their ceramics show, Soirée, Wednesday, May 10.
A community soirée: Lily Prokop, Sara Steiner open senior ceramics show
The front cover of the Nationals new album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, features a photograph of a young boy holding a mannequins head. The ninth album in their catalog finds the rock band examining sadness with a newfound softness.
Review: The National re-examines their sadness in ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’
Azel Al-Kadiri (23), portraying Elinor Dashwood, and Ella Gray (24), portraying Marianne Dashwood, hold hands during a technical rehearsal of Sense and Sensibility. Rehearsals for the upper school play began in January and spanned over three months.
From script to stage: Making of ‘Sense and Sensibility’
Choir Director Hannah O’Connor leads middle school a capella, the Middle C’s, as they sing “Roar” by Katy Perry. A cappella, choir and orchestra groups came together  to perform the Spring Concert May 3-5 in the amphitheater.
Cities, Seas and Stars: Spring Concert sends audience on musical journey through community, culture
Junior Julissa Espinoza creates pieces inspired by different interests and cultural connections for her Advanced Ceramics class. The skull ceramic piece was inspired by Mexican artist Alfonso Castillo Orta, and the lamp was inspired by nature, specifically sun rays, as well as the symbol sagrado corazon. (Graphic Illustration by Audrey Chang)
Cakes, culture and creativity: Advanced ceramics students construct independent projects, reflect on past year
Strawberries, pots, blueberries and more fill the Eastern Star Gallery. Seniors Sara Steiner and Lily Prokop opened their ceramics show, Soirée, Wednesday, May 10.
A community soirée: Lily Prokop, Sara Steiner open senior ceramics show
The front cover of the Nationals new album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, features a photograph of a young boy holding a mannequins head. The ninth album in their catalog finds the rock band examining sadness with a newfound softness.
Review: The National re-examines their sadness in ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’
This is the famous truffle pasta from Sushi House Unico located in Beverly Glen Circle. It was creamy and it had great texture to it. This was my favorite dish of the night.
Review: Sushi House Unico’s dishes capture wide range of cuisines
I hold my dessert from Pinkberry: a large pomegranate and tart swirl with cookies and cream and chocolate chips on top. Upon the first bite I knew this would be my new favorite dessert place.
Review: Pinkberry’s frozen yogurt is personalizable, delicious
The açaí bowl, margarita pizza and curry bowl are pictured at Gratitude Cafe. One of my favorites on the menu was the pizza as it replicated a traditional pizza, while adding new flavors and expanding my tastebuds. The cafe offers a wide range of vegan cuisine, such as an entirely plant-based cheese made from cashews.
Review: Cafe Gratitude offers wide variety of quality vegan dishes
My meal included pancakes and a side of bacon and scrambled eggs. After one bite, I was immediately hooked. I knew that the Good Neighbor Diner would forever be one of my all-time favorite restaurants.
Review: Studio City’s Good Neighbor Restaurant is the perfect small town spot
This year, we cooked up and untraditional Thanksgiving table at my grandmothers house consisting of Oysters Rockefeller, lobster bisque and debuting sweet potato Christmas trees. Experiment with new holiday dishes this winter to spice up your seasonal routine and impress friends and family.
A cozy, untraditional winter food adventure
A volleyball rests on the Archer logo, which is painted on the sports court. The court can function as a playing space for volleyball, pickle ball and basketball and hosts Archer fitness classes.
From classroom to carpool: Student athletes, athletics department reflect on campus sports facilities, transportation
Junior Izzy Jeffery holds hands with her teammate Kennedy Schultz (’23) during a match in the 2021-2022 season. Jeffery has played volleyball for eight years with little league, club and school teams, loving the sports energy and intensity throughout.
Q&A with volleyball player, Junior Olympics competitor Izzy Jeffery
Varsity basketball player Phoebe Ramirez (25) smiles as she accepts the Panther Award alongside her coaches. The Panther Award is given to one student athlete on each sports team for their demonstration of honesty, respect and responsibility throughout the season.
Athletic Awards Night recognizes upper school student athletes’ accomplishments, season highlights
Club lacrosse team Fire Lacrosse holds up sticks to cheer after a practice at John Adams Middle School. High school soccer goalie and club volleyball player Serenity Jones-Nwankwo said she has played through and not been fully honest about her injuries because she would rather play hurt than not play at all.
Managing athletic injuries: High school, collegiate concussion protocols, injury awareness
Junior Cate Childers poses in a Colgate University soccer jersey to celebrate her commitment to their Division I women’s soccer team. From starting soccer at age 4 to joining the recruiting pool freshman year to committing to Colgate April 29, Childers said she is relieved and excited to see what the future holds. 
Junior Cate Childers verbally commits to play Division I soccer at Colgate University
Instagram plays a large role in the growing rates of eating disorders in teenagers. As the apps popularity exponentially increases among teenagers, the commonality of eating disorders in teens has risen as well. (Graphic illustration by Tavi Memoli)
Op-Ed: Instagram’s role in the growing rates of eating disorders in teenagers
This graphic image contains promotional posters for five journalism films I believe are inspiring and powerful. These films range from the classic All the Presidents Men, which was revolutionary for the way it depicted journalism, to Bad Education, which emphasizes the power of student journalism in schools. (Graphic Illustration by Nina Sperling)
From ‘Shattered Glass’ to shattered glass ceilings: 5 films that capture the power of journalism
Jet Rags only location in Los Angeles has a large ground floor and a smaller second floor. Smaller items like rings, sunglasses and iron-on patches can be found near the cash register on the first floor.
My 3 favorite thrift stores in Los Angeles
Sophomore Mia Vosicher wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about the meaning of true activism and how people should approach making change today. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)
Op-Ed: What is true activism?
Sophomore Sophia Calne wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about how height should be included in the body positivity movement, and people should be more sensitive to differences in height. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)
Op-Ed: The weather down here
Japanese Breakfast performed May 11 at the Kilby Block Party Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah. Witnessing their performance live is one of my final memories of high school and stirred up a lot of bittersweet emotions.
Column: An ode to senior year… and Japanese Breakfast
My friend and I took this screenshot of our avatars on one of our favorite servers. Throughout all the years I’ve played video games, it’s always been the one I can consistently return to, having built some of my strongest relationships and shaped who I am as a person.
Column: Create new world
As I begin the road to graduation, Im reminded of the extraordinary experience that Ive had writing a feminist column. It has been a beautifully empowering process that I will be forever grateful for.
Column: Dear column, I love you.
Disney’s 2002 film “Lilo and Stitch” is getting a live action reboot, set to release in 2024. Recently, the film has come under fire, though, for its seemingly whitewashed casting decisions. (Graphic Illustration by Sydney Frank)
Column: “Ohana means family”
Image displays a Nintendo Switch alongside a gaming mouse and a few dollar bills. With the overwhelming prices of video games in the modern age, here are five wonderful games that you can play for free! Image credit to Paulina DePaulo.
Column: The best games in life are free
Instagram plays a large role in the growing rates of eating disorders in teenagers. As the apps popularity exponentially increases among teenagers, the commonality of eating disorders in teens has risen as well. (Graphic illustration by Tavi Memoli)
Op-Ed: Instagram’s role in the growing rates of eating disorders in teenagers
Sophomore Mia Vosicher wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about the meaning of true activism and how people should approach making change today. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)
Op-Ed: What is true activism?
Sophomore Sophia Calne wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about how height should be included in the body positivity movement, and people should be more sensitive to differences in height. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)
Op-Ed: The weather down here
Sophomore Natalie Huang wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about how personality tests can capitalize off of and further insecurities. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)
Op-Ed: This essay will tell you how insecure you are
Sophomore Sydney Curry wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about her experience being Black at a predominantly white school and the importance of affirming Black students value in their existence. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)
Op-Ed: Is it because I’m Black?
This graphic image contains promotional posters for five journalism films I believe are inspiring and powerful. These films range from the classic All the Presidents Men, which was revolutionary for the way it depicted journalism, to Bad Education, which emphasizes the power of student journalism in schools. (Graphic Illustration by Nina Sperling)
From ‘Shattered Glass’ to shattered glass ceilings: 5 films that capture the power of journalism
Jet Rags only location in Los Angeles has a large ground floor and a smaller second floor. Smaller items like rings, sunglasses and iron-on patches can be found near the cash register on the first floor.
My 3 favorite thrift stores in Los Angeles
Gift Guide: What to get your dad for Fathers Day
Gift Guide: What to get your dad for Father’s Day
These are six books I consider the perfect summer reads. They all take place in summer and are wonderful novels to keep you reading all season. (Graphic Illustration by Olivia Hallinan-Gan)
The perfect summer books with the perfect summer playlist
World Language Teacher Natalie Kang rock climbs up a large boulder on a sunny day. This is one of Kang’s favorite hobbies and she said it has helped her gain a higher tolerance for adversity.
Rocks, nature-walks, photography: Faculty members share their favorite hobbies
Letter to the Editor: See the whole person
Letter to the Editor: See the whole person
Conversation with Shirin Pakfar, head of private sector partnerships for United Nations Refugee Agency
Conversation with Shirin Pakfar, head of private sector partnerships for United Nations Refugee Agency
Letter to the Editor: Sun, sand and scrumptious
Letter to the Editor: Sun, sand and scrumptious
Letter to the Editor: Food deserts
Letter to the Editor: Food deserts
Letter to Editor: Mental Health Club: 8 Ways to stay occupied & healthy during social distancing
Letter to Editor: Mental Health Club: 8 Ways to stay occupied & healthy during social distancing
A graphic illustration depicts a teen girl being pointed at, feeling peer pressure. According to Firewall Times, 85% of high school students have felt peer pressure during middle or high school. (Graphic Illustration by Lola Thomas)
Archer students reflect on peer pressure’s impact, professionals describe psychological effects
The Scoop: A conversation with my trans brother
The Scoop: A conversation with my trans brother
Azel Al-Kadiri (23), portraying Elinor Dashwood, and Ella Gray (24), portraying Marianne Dashwood, hold hands during a technical rehearsal of Sense and Sensibility. Rehearsals for the upper school play began in January and spanned over three months.
From script to stage: Making of ‘Sense and Sensibility’
An image of a phone with numerous searches for how to fix one’s body demonstrates social medias deeply-rooted diet culture. According to Healthline, there was a large user growth among girls ages 15-22 on TikTok, an app known to spread misinformation, especially about weight and dieting. (Graphic Illustration by Olivia Hallinan-Gan)
Teenage girls reflect on diet culture on social media in all-girls environment
An individual pushes away boxes labeled with common phrases teenagers say that misuse the labels of mental health disorders. Clinical psychologist and author Lisa Damour said it is essential that people separate describing momentary feelings from clinical diagnoses to not diminish the experience of those who struggle with the disorder. (Graphic illustration by Emily Paschall).
Teenagers’ conversations on mental health: misusing clinical diagnoses, social media’s impacts, self-diagnosing
The Scoop: A conversation with my trans brother
The Scoop: A conversation with my trans brother
The Scoop on Academic Peer Pressure in preparation for College
The Scoop on Academic Peer Pressure in preparation for College
S3 Ep3 – Round Table: Varsity Winter Sports Captains
S3 Ep3 – Round Table: Varsity Winter Sports Captains
The Scoop S3 Ep3 – The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Alumni Lauren Finkelstein
The Scoop S3 Ep3 – The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Alumni Lauren Finkelstein
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
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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
Azel Alkadiri

Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist

Azel Al-Kadiri became an Oracle columnist in 2021. Her column discussed pop culture feminism and women's issues. She graduated in 2023.

All content by Azel Al-Kadiri
As I begin the road to graduation, Im reminded of the extraordinary experience that Ive had writing a feminist column. It has been a beautifully empowering process that I will be forever grateful for.

Column: Dear column, I love you.

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
May 18, 2023
Poolside, I lie with my legs tanning in the sunshine. As we head into the season of swimsuits and beach attire, I want to remind girls everywhere to resist unrealistic beauty standards, to nourish their bodies, and to embrace the beautiful girl in the mirror.

Column: Summertime sadness

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
May 4, 2023
A womans silhouette faces the words National Womens History Month. As we roll through the month of March, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women throughout history. This year, the National Women’s History Alliance honors the theme of “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” (Graphic Illustration by Azel Al-Kadiri)

Column: National Women’s History Month

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
March 19, 2023
I have a message for Cupid from the Valentines Day Grinch. As this years Valentines Day season comes to an end, I encourage young girls and women everywhere to not define their self-worth based on their relationship status!

Column: Cupid is a killer

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
February 22, 2023
As the senior class bAs the senior class begins their final semester and starts rocking their red, class of 23 t-shirts, we have a responsibility to voice the emotions we feel and welcome the feelings of others, through this incredible chapter of change.

Column: The year of the email

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
February 2, 2023
Society has taught girls to keep their voices and desires to themselves. This holiday season and every day, its essential that women speak up and communicate their needs.

Column: A gift for a girl

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
December 15, 2022
As Halloween season comes to a close, I urge girls everywhere to take a closer look at who they were towards other women this Halloween, and to continue to dress however they like.

Column: Hallo-whore?

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
November 30, 2022
As I blow out the candles of seventeen, I bite into the cupcake of adulthood. This new chapter of life is challenging for many women, but I know the journey will be very sweet in the end.

Column: Eighteen candles

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
October 22, 2022
As Scotland becomes the first country in the world to make period products free to everyone, the milestone reminds me of how much work still needs to be done in the period poverty movement in the United States, and beyond.

Column: The price of a period

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
September 18, 2022
My friends and I attended a march in downtown Los Angeles protesting for our reproductive rights on May 14. The thousands of faces marching alongside me was a reminder that women are so much stronger and powerful than any outrageous law. We will win this.

Column: How you become a woman

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
May 27, 2022
There are quite literally two Oscar awards for the same achievements, one for a man and the other for a woman. In a world of progress, change and steps towards gender equality, the annual Oscars event feels stuck in time. When men and women are handed different awards for the same job, it’s sending the message that their work is somehow unequal. The separation of men and women needs to be shifted to the separation of genres, so everyone is given a chance in the spotlight.

Column: It’s genre, not gender

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
May 2, 2022
The current war in Ukraine is absolutely devastating. As a society, we should be learning about the issue and how we can help, not shaming Ukrainian women for lack of involvement.

Column: A war against women

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
March 30, 2022
When I visualize what Hermia looks like, I see the same princesses I grew up with, wishing I could become. As we examine Shakespeare through a 21st century lens, I think its important we give female characters the vibrance and intelligence they deserve. They are more than ingénues, and so are we.

Column: The impact of the ingénue

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
March 2, 2022
American trailblazer Maya Angelou, along with four other incredible female figures will be featured on the U.S quarter. This achievement is an outstanding moment in history, not only for women but communities of color as well.

Column: A wallet of women

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
January 22, 2022
An array of sweet treats and desserts cover the kitchen table in preparation for Christmas dinner. This holiday season, I hope young women everywhere eat as much cake, pie and cookies as they please.

Column: A slice of skinny

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
January 6, 2022
We live in a society where women arent allowed to age gracefully and love who they please. So, instead of the cougar, its time we discuss the manthers of the world who are treated so differently.

Column: The man, the myth, the manther

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
November 29, 2021
My friends and I photographed walking, blissfully unaware of the struggles ahead of us.

Column: The walk of shame

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
October 30, 2021
As women, we have a moral obligation to advocate for our reproductive rights. The Heartbeat Act of Texas reminds us that they are not promised. No matter what, remember that it is your body and it is your choice.

Column: My heartbeat heartbreak

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
September 29, 2021
In the 2017 Womens March, women came together to continue the fight for gender equality. Recent events have proved the fight for female justice has only begun.

Column: Wake up, old man

By Azel Al-Kadiri, Columnist
September 13, 2021
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