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The Oracle
Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Hollyn Alpert (’28) runs while tossing blue powder into the air March 22. Students celebrated Holi on the back field and threw colored powder at each other at commemorate the new spring.  
A vibrant Holi-day: Holi celebration marks beginning of spring
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Womens Day event, honors theme of Inspiring Inclusion
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Women’s Day event, honors theme of ‘Inspiring Inclusion’
Seniors Lacey Thompson and Laila Charles pour smoothies into cups for the “Guess the Smoothie” activity. The activity took place March 20 for the “Wild West vs. West Coast” Spirit Week theme day.
Spirit Week incorporates new, old themes during major assessment week
Freshman Milan Earl and sophomore Lucy Kaplan sit with their grandparents at Archer’s annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day Friday, March 15. The event took place over three 75-minute sessions.  “[I hope my grandparents] gain an understanding about what I do, Kaplan said, because I know they ask a lot of questions and can sort of see what I do in school and what the experience is like to be here.
Archer hosts annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day, students share school culture with loved ones
Associate Director of College Guidance Shalyn Tharayil works in her office in preparation for rising seniors college application season. Tharayil has worked with schools all over the world and reflected on her first year at Archer. I think the culture fit at Archer — the students, the teachers, our team — I just think I really fit well with the ethos of how we approach college counseling here, which is very holistic and very student-centered, Tharayil said.
Q&A with college guidance counselor on supporting students through journey of self-discovery
Four stuffed animals and one stuffed avocado are clustered on a bed. A New York Times article stated that stuffed animals help people cope with stress because of the comfort they provide.
More than toys: Stuffed animals’ calming effects on mental health
Maia Alvarez (’24), Allie Yang (’25) and Shae Killam (’27) pose with an award after their Western Bay Forensic League tournament. Their tournament took place at Harvard-Westlake School March 2. Photo provided by Maia Alvarez.
Q&A with speech and debate team captains on promoting positivity, friendship within team
Gabrielle Cain stands at her graduation in Naval Academy outfit. She graduated from flight school and became a Naval Aviator in 2023. Photo provided by Gabrielle Cain.
‘Unicorn’ in her field: Life in the military as a Black woman
A graphic illustration displays an individual speaking a world language with a native speaker via an online conversation platform. Upper school French and Spanish classes incorporated Boomalang, and upper school Chinese classes switched student groups at the National Taiwan University to help students practice their communication skills in the target language. (Graphic Illustration by Emily Paschall).
Beyond the classroom: World language classes utilize tutoring platforms, students become ‘open-minded citizens of the world’
Chappell Roan stands in front of a vanity with a full face of makeup on and prom-like outfit for her album cover. Roan described her look in a Rolling Stone article as her own version of drag. Photo Source: Image from Official Chappell Roan site.
Review: Chappell Roan’s ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ is an instant queer pop classic
Upon a backdrop of lush greenery, Kacey Musgraves holds a flower to her face, creating the album cover for Deeper Well. The album, released March 15, details Musgraves internal rhetoric of peace, whimsy and everything in between. Photo credit: “Deeper Well” album cover courtesy of Interscope Records .
Review: Kacey Musgraves heals, embraces peace on ‘Deeper Well’
There are sea anemones for days at Broad Beach, and, for some reason, the child in me cant help but get a closer look. This is just one of my favorite beaches in LA County that offers fun amenities and beautiful scenery you wont want to miss. Photo by Kate Hanney (25).
Review: My favorite beaches on LA County coast
Serenity Jones (26) and Alice Rifenbark (28) interact with senior Sadie Longs artwork. Long and Chloe Resnick (24) opened their senior show, Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings, in the Eastern Star Gallery Wednesday, April 10.
Senior show ‘Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings’ displays introspection, reflection on senior year
A man works at the counter at The Bread Lounge. Loaves of bread lined the shelves at this bakery that prides itself on its bountiful offerings.
Review: Bread Lounge delivers delicious, doughy treats, unique experience
Chappell Roan stands in front of a vanity with a full face of makeup on and prom-like outfit for her album cover. Roan described her look in a Rolling Stone article as her own version of drag. Photo Source: Image from Official Chappell Roan site.
Review: Chappell Roan’s ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ is an instant queer pop classic
Upon a backdrop of lush greenery, Kacey Musgraves holds a flower to her face, creating the album cover for Deeper Well. The album, released March 15, details Musgraves internal rhetoric of peace, whimsy and everything in between. Photo credit: “Deeper Well” album cover courtesy of Interscope Records .
Review: Kacey Musgraves heals, embraces peace on ‘Deeper Well’
Serenity Jones (26) and Alice Rifenbark (28) interact with senior Sadie Longs artwork. Long and Chloe Resnick (24) opened their senior show, Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings, in the Eastern Star Gallery Wednesday, April 10.
Senior show ‘Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings’ displays introspection, reflection on senior year
Various reality TV shows that are available for streaming on Hulu are shown. There are several genres within reality TV, such as makeover and romance, which makes reality TV appealing to different audiences.
From ‘The Bachelor’ to ‘Love is Blind,’ reality TV is ‘entertaining,’ ‘comforting’ despite inherent artificiality
Broadcast: Senior dance captain celebrates annual Night of Dance, reflects on Archer dance community
Broadcast: Senior dance captain celebrates annual Night of Dance, reflects on Archer dance community
A man works at the counter at The Bread Lounge. Loaves of bread lined the shelves at this bakery that prides itself on its bountiful offerings.
Review: Bread Lounge delivers delicious, doughy treats, unique experience
The bag customers at Sockerbit, a Swedish candy store, use to hold their delicious sweets is displayed. My favorites included their sour coke and lemon skulls and strawberry gummies.
Review: Sockerbit provides sweet escape into world of Swedish candy
Sweet Rose Creamery is shown above with its vibrant logo on display. The parlor makes a vast array of delicious flavors. 
Review: Sweet Rose Creamery has wonderfully versatile, delicious ice cream
Pastries and baked goods rest in the display case at Modern Bread & Bagel. Modern Bread & Bagel is a 100% gluten-free bakery that offers dishes and flavors from across the globe.
Review: Modern Bread & Bagel: Gluten-free has never tasted this good
The Apple Pan has a classic look and feel, with their slogan outlined on all of their signs: Quality Forever. Their classic Hickoryburger has a unique, smoky flavor that Ive never tasted before.
Review: The Apple Pan is an LA classic
A pickleball ball lays still on the sport court on Archers back field. As a part of their fitness curriculum, 10th graders have a pickleball unit, where they practice drills and participate in round-robin style play. 
What’s the dill: Exploring the popularity of pickleball
Freshmen Snow Zhou and Nicole Svendsen play against Pacifica Christian at Annenberg Beach Club on a day with sunny weather. During their season, the team had to adjust to the ever-changing weather in Los Angeles this year. Were very consistent with our serves, Zhou said. So even if its raining, we still put effort into the serves and all the practices.  Photo by Long Tom Zhou.
You’re hot then you’re cold: Varsity beach volleyball team perseveres despite weather challenges
The middle school softball team huddles together with head coach Bre Brown. The team has won all four of their games so far. Photo by Archer Athletics.
‘They all have their own superpower’: Middle school softball team slides through beginning of season
A March Madness set-up displays multiple games and different teams merchandise. This years womens March Madness tournament, which started March 22 and concluded April 8, marked record-breaking viewership. Photo by Rebecca Lazarus.
March Madness: Students, athletic director discuss record-breaking viewership of NCAA women’s basketball
Eighth grader Andrea Fuentes pitches for the Archer middle school softball team at a home game against Brentwood School. Fuentes began playing softball when she was 4 and has pitched for the Archer team for the past three years.
Q&A with eighth grade pitcher of middle school softball team
These are promotional posters of films I want to rewatch before graduation. The films range from introspective, yet humorous, to nostalgic and lighthearted. Photo credits: Lady Bird poster courtesy of A24. Booksmart poster courtesy of Annapurna Pictures. 10 Things I Hate About You poster courtesy of
Witty, whimsical, wise: 6 films to watch before graduating
Ten-year-old me holds a beet in one hand in the middle of a farm. Ive been vegetarian since I was 5 — a decision I promised myself Id stay true to. Photo by Jacoba Smulders.
Op-Ed: More people should consider a vegetarian diet
This collage features a book that showcases many of the Dior collections from 1947-2017. I hand selected a couple looks from collections dating back to the 80s all the way to 2015 that incorporate the trends I discuss in this column.
Column: 2024 in fashion: What to look forward to in this year’s style
The words Advanced Placement and Advanced Study rest on opposite sides of a scale. In the 2022-2023 school year, Archer removed Advanced Placement courses, replacing them with advanced study. The editorial board reflected on this transition and shared their insights on the new courses. (Graphic Illustration by Oona Seppala and Francie Wallack) 
Editorial: Advanced study courses benefit student engagement, growth
These quotes give you a peek into Dolly Aldertons chaotic world and brilliant mind through her memoir, Everything I Know About Parties, Dates, Friends, Jobs, Life, Love. As my first memoir, I enjoyed witnessing the highs and lows of her lifetime, which lead to my subsequent existential crisis.
Column: Everything I didn’t know about memoirs
This collage features a book that showcases many of the Dior collections from 1947-2017. I hand selected a couple looks from collections dating back to the 80s all the way to 2015 that incorporate the trends I discuss in this column.
Column: 2024 in fashion: What to look forward to in this year’s style
These quotes give you a peek into Dolly Aldertons chaotic world and brilliant mind through her memoir, Everything I Know About Parties, Dates, Friends, Jobs, Life, Love. As my first memoir, I enjoyed witnessing the highs and lows of her lifetime, which lead to my subsequent existential crisis.
Column: Everything I didn’t know about memoirs
The candy aisle of a Target store represents the abundance of choices people have in our society on a day-to-day level, which can ultimately lead to decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is when you make poorer decisions due the exhaustion that comes from making a lot of previous decisions; I suggest combating it by decreasing the number of decisions you make per day, which leaves more mental energy for important choices.
Column: This or that? The problem of decision fatigue.
This image features a video of Andrew Tate’s entitled, “Outwork Everyone Else.” This photo represents how one might be sucked into his content, believing it to be empowering and motivational rather than the hateful rhetoric it truly is. It also illustrates how Tate markets his videos in an unassuming manner to draw in and indoctrinate new viewers.
Column: ‘Alpha Male Podcast Bros’ and the epidemic of misogyny
Celebrity names are connected by arrows to 4chan and Telegram logos. These are just some of the public figures who have been explicitly disfigured by AI on social platforms. (Graphic Illustration by Allie Yang)
Column: AI deepfakes denote deep consequences for all
Ten-year-old me holds a beet in one hand in the middle of a farm. Ive been vegetarian since I was 5 — a decision I promised myself Id stay true to. Photo by Jacoba Smulders.
Op-Ed: More people should consider a vegetarian diet
The words Advanced Placement and Advanced Study rest on opposite sides of a scale. In the 2022-2023 school year, Archer removed Advanced Placement courses, replacing them with advanced study. The editorial board reflected on this transition and shared their insights on the new courses. (Graphic Illustration by Oona Seppala and Francie Wallack) 
Editorial: Advanced study courses benefit student engagement, growth
The graphic illustration portrays a hand holding a heart, symbolizing a charitable nonprofit, next to a question mark. I have noticed a recent increase in youth-led nonprofit organizations, and I feel it is now more important than ever to consider the intentions behind their founding, which can affect the sustainability of such organizations in the long run. (Graphic Illustration by Melinda Wang)
Op-Ed: Passion should be the real foundation for student-led nonprofits
Freshmen Phoebe Gustafson and Lena Sakhnini look at their phones during lunch. Teens often find it hard to live without their phones on a daily basis. According to a Pew Research study, About three-quarters of teens (77%) say they use YouTube daily, while a smaller majority of teens (58%) say the same about TikTok.
Op-Ed: Charging your own battery
This photo was taken when my mom Tracy legally adopted me. We were surrounded by family and friends. Photo by Angelica Hernández.
Commentary: Growing up with an anonymous father
These are promotional posters of films I want to rewatch before graduation. The films range from introspective, yet humorous, to nostalgic and lighthearted. Photo credits: Lady Bird poster courtesy of A24. Booksmart poster courtesy of Annapurna Pictures. 10 Things I Hate About You poster courtesy of
Witty, whimsical, wise: 6 films to watch before graduating
My sister and I went to the Aquarium of the Pacific when we were younger. Entering an aquarium can feel like entering a new world. With the wondrous sea creatures and the unique habitats, there’s always more to explore. Photo by Lara Burnap.
Fun and fulfilling: 4 places to release your inner child
This image features four album covers from the highlighted, lesser-known artists I absolutely love. Covers include “Revealer” by Madison Cunningham and “Going Through It” by Eliza McLamb. Photo credits: “Revealer” album cover courtesy of Verve Label Group. “Going Through It” album cover courtesy of Royal Mountain Records. “Vienna (In Memoriam)” album cover courtesy of New Gold Medal. “Drunk on a Flight” album cover courtesy of AWAL Recordings.
4 favorites: Smaller, alternative musicians I can’t stop listening to
A collection of cut avocados rest on a cutting board. Using these avocados, I made a giant batch of guacamole for the Super Bowl Feb. 11.
The 4 best ways to eat an avocado (besides your basic avocado toast)
TV Throwbacks: My 10 favorite 2000s shows
TV Throwbacks: My 10 favorite 2000s shows
Letter to the Editor: Archers insufficient communication about Israel
Letter to the Editor: Archer’s insufficient communication about Israel
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
Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Lets Go to the Movies S1E3 - Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
Let’s Go to the Movies S1E3 – Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Womens Day event, honors theme of Inspiring Inclusion
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Women’s Day event, honors theme of ‘Inspiring Inclusion’
The BLACKCAST S1E4 - And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
The BLACKCAST S1E4 – And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
Broadcast: Senior dance captain celebrates annual Night of Dance, reflects on Archer dance community
Broadcast: Senior dance captain celebrates annual Night of Dance, reflects on Archer dance community
Lets Go to the Movies S1E3 - Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
Let’s Go to the Movies S1E3 – Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
The BLACKCAST S1E4 - And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
The BLACKCAST S1E4 – And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
S4E9 - The Scoop on Archer’s English curriculum, impact of certain novels
S4E9 – The Scoop on Archer’s English curriculum, impact of certain novels
S4E8 - The Scoop on student journalist Lisa, her perspective on student censorship
S4E8 – The Scoop on student journalist Lisa, her perspective on student censorship
S4E7 - The Scoop on students’ passion-led service projects
S4E7 – The Scoop on students’ passion-led service projects
The Latest
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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