The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
  • November 17There will be a bus emergency drill Thursday, Nov. 21, and there is no late bus.
  • November 17The Amphitheater will be closed Monday, Nov. 18 for the removal of the US Musical set.
  • November 17School will be closed Friday, Nov. 22 for virtual parent-teacher conferences.
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
Celeste Ramirez

Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor

Celeste Ramirez joined the Oracle as a columnist in 2017 and is now the Multimedia Editor. Her column focuses on diversity at Archer, highlighting the connection between her Latinx culture and life at Archer. Outside of publications, she serves as Co-President of Hermanas Unidas, and is on the Diversity Conference Student Leadership Team and Dance Leadership Team. She also enjoys doing community service and being a part of Mobile Science Camp and the Archer Ambassador program.

All content by Celeste Ramirez
Seniors Norah Adler and Addison Lee at the Global Climate Strike earlier this school year.

Photo Essay: Through the eyes of Addison Lee

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
May 21, 2020
An artistic illustration by senior Leslie Castaneda shows Celeste speaking to her younger self. The image portrays the reflective nature of her column, where she writes about what she has learned about identity during high school. After three years, this is her final addition to the Oracle.

Column: My complex relationship with Archer

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
May 21, 2020
Take a walk: Archer community during social distancing

Take a walk: Archer community during social distancing

By Celeste Ramirez and Allie Worchell
April 27, 2020
Members of the military register people at a COVID-19 Mobile Testing Center in Glenn Island Park, New Rochelle, Mar. 14, 2020. Members of the Army and Air National Guard from across several states have been activated under Operation COVID-19 to support federal, state and local efforts.

Breaking down COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) misinformation

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
April 14, 2020
Art pieces hang on the art hallway walls. Thirty Archer students were recognized by the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the longest-running and most prestigious national program for teens in grades seven to 12.

30 Archer students recognized in Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
April 2, 2020
An artistic illustration by senior Leslie Castaneda depicts some of the many different skin tones that are present in the Latinx community. This column covers anti-blackness in the Latinx community, specifically after the controversy surrounding this year's Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring JLo and Shakira.

Column: Anti-blackness in the Latinx community

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
March 17, 2020
PJ the day away: Pajama Day exemplifies tradition, incorporates new features, Gonzalez says

PJ the day away: Pajama Day exemplifies tradition, incorporates new features, Gonzalez says

By Anna Brodsky and Celeste Ramirez
March 2, 2020

[Video] A changing game: Varsity basketball talks new coaches, players and leadership

February 26, 2020
#Askedandanswered: Impactful stories of 2019-2020

#Askedandanswered: Impactful stories of 2019-2020

By Anna Brodsky, Celeste Ramirez, Nyah Fernandez, and Jessica Jimenez
February 24, 2020
Senior Nia Mosby signs her National Letter of Intent to play Division 1 track and field at Princeton University. Mosby signed her letter alongside Archer varsity track and field coach Phil Smith and her parents, Potesia Perry and Anthony Mosby.

‘I will never forget this’: Nia Mosby signs letter of intent to run Division I track and field

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
February 23, 2020
An artistic illustration by senior Leslie Castaneda. The illustration depicts a person of color holding a literal card surrounded by many question marks, symbolizing how senior Celeste Ramirez grapples with the concept of a "race card" in this column.

Column: What even is a ‘race card’?

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
February 6, 2020
The Student Diversity Conference Leadership Team does their final run through before the Diversity Conference alongside some adult DEI team members.

Op-Ed: Why you should go to the Diversity Conference

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
January 28, 2020
Seventh grader Sydney Curry prepares for a performance of the "Hot Chocolate Nutcracker" in a dressing room. This year was the 10th anniversary of Debbie Allen's adaptation of the original "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" ballet. Curry, who has been dancing since she was two, has danced in the show for four years.

Sydney Curry performs in Debbie Allen’s ‘Hot Chocolate Nutcracker’

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
January 21, 2020
An artistic illustration by senior Leslie Castaneda. The illustration features a poster with the words "Defend DACA," similar to the posters protestors have been holding up outside the White House. The illustration also has 22 candles like the ones used in the El Paso memorials. The candles commemorate the 22 lives lost.

Column: The immigration crisis is not just topic for political discussion

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
December 11, 2019
Senior Kimberly Tuxpan does homework in the library. This photo essay shows daily life at Archer through the eyes of Tuxpan, who has been at Archer since the sixth grade.

Photo Essay: Through the eyes of Kimberly Tuxpan

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
December 6, 2019
A promotional image for Netflix's "When They See Us" series. The four episode series was directed and co-written by Ava DuVernay and premiered on May 21, 2019.

Review: Ava DuVernay’s ‘When They See Us’ holds nothing back

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
December 4, 2019
Athletes, including sophomores Naya Ben-Meir and Vaughan Anoa'i and eighth grader Julissa Cach practice their sports. Varsity Tennis, Varsity and Middle School Volleyball, Cross Country and Middle School Swim were all affected by the Getty fire, which left many students evacuated from October 28 to October 31. Photos courtesy of Archer Athletics. Photo editing by Rio Hundley

Getty fire impacts athletes’ practice, game schedules

By Lizette Gonzalez, Rio Hundley, and Celeste Ramirez
November 14, 2019
The backdrop of the welcome and opening remarks ceremony on the first day of school. The backdrop was inspired by the Maypole, a spring tradition that takes place on May 1 every year. Sixth grade dean Lauren Sekula said seeing that backdrop on the first day of school made her 'excited' for the spring tradition.

Beginnings: Back to school with sixth graders

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
October 27, 2019
The backdrop of the welcome and opening remarks ceremony on the first day of school. The backdrop was inspired by the Maypole, a spring tradition that takes place on May 1 every year. Sixth grade dean Lauren Sekula said seeing that backdrop on the first day of school made her 'excited' for the spring tradition.

Endings: Back to school with seniors

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
October 27, 2019
The varsity cross country team, including senior Sophie Larbalestier, runs during an on campus practice. Larbalestier has been running cross country since the tenth grade and is team captain this year.

Q&A with varsity cross country captain: Sophie Larbalestier

By Lizette Gonzalez, Vaughan Anoa'i, and Celeste Ramirez
October 24, 2019
Seniors celebrate their first and last Color Clash in the Courtyard. The inaugural event split grades into two teams (red and black) to compete in a number of activities for spirit points.

[Photo] Color Clash: Student Council organizes ‘supportive,’ ‘competitive’ new event

By Rio Hundley, Features Editor
October 16, 2019
Executive Board Member Kelsey Thompson '20 rehearses for this year's Night of Dance, "Mirage," which explored twisted fairytales and reimagines characters like Hansel and Gretel, Peter Pan and Snow White.

[Photo] Dancers aim to present ‘Grimm’ interpretation of fairytales in annual show

By Rio Hundley, Features Editor
October 4, 2019

[Video] Students of color reflect on code-switching at Archer

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
June 7, 2019
Photographs of fellow seniors by Madison Dea with paint-designs by Megan Escobar hang on the wall in the Eastern Star Gallery on May 16 for Escobar and Dae's senior art show entitled "a dEtOUR tHrOuGh THe miNd." Escobar explains that the black and white portraits represent the "restrictions of life" and the paint and different figures represent the students' "creative space as artists."

Madison Dea, Megan Escobar take ‘a detour through the mind’ in collaborative senior art show

By Lola Lamberg and Celeste Ramirez
June 2, 2019
Class of 2019 prepares for life after Archer

Class of 2019 prepares for life after Archer

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
May 23, 2019
Junior Kimberly Tuxpan and freshman Mikalya Weinhouse, Cristina Fuentes-Alva and Presley Sacavitch at a softball game on April 23 against Rolling Hills Prep. This year, the varsity softball team only made it to the first round of playoffs but according to junior Victoria Pinkett, throughout all of the challenges the team faced, they fed off of each other's success to have a “good” season.

Softball team ends season in first round of playoffs, experiences ‘personal growth’

By Nicki Rosenberg and Celeste Ramirez
May 22, 2019
Aniyah Shirehjini '21, Leslie Ignacio '21, Audrey Irvine '21, Kaiya Jefferson '21 and Addison Lee '21 visit the Museo de León. Fourteen students and two faculty members journeyed to Spain for a language immersion trip over spring break.

[Photo] Spain language immersion trip ‘amazing,’ ‘challenging’ experience

By Nicki Rosenberg and Molly Goldberg
May 30, 2019
Junior Anaya Thompson completes homework in the individual library cubbies during her free period. Many juniors described this year as "stressful" but are excited for what is to come.

Keep calm or stress on? Junior class reflects on school year

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
May 16, 2019
Eighth graders Uma Bajaj, Karen Pavliscak, Daisy Marmur, Genevieve Sieve, Sydney Frank, Juliet Katz, Zoe Woolenberg and Margaret Morris sit with Pavliscak on the front steps. Pavliscak is currently serving as Middle School director and Assistant Head of School and will assume the role of Associate Head at the beginning of July.

‘I am channeling my inner Archer girl’: Middle School Director, Assistant Head Pavliscak to become Associate Head

By Amelia Stone and Celeste Ramirez
May 15, 2019
Seniors Madison Tyler and Megan Escobar collaborate during a free period. Escobar and Tyler have been working together as a part of the student tech crew for various Archer productions since their freshman years. "Madison is a little more on the creative side as in envisioning how things go together, piecing together things for the final product," Escobar said. "I'm more of the problem-solving type when it comes to tech things and show emergencies. I'm good at quick thinking."

Senior tech crew members say goodbye to their ‘powerhouse techies’

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
May 12, 2019
A corner of the Eastern Star Gallery features Bea Freeman's senior show. The gallery walls were filled with "a collection of eleven portraits that explore themes of identity, individuality, and diversity," according to Freeman's artist statement.

Bea Freeman, Sarah Traenkle exhibit portraiture, ceramic work in senior shows

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
April 25, 2019
Zahra Umoja performing in the "Medusa: Goddess of Control" dance at this year's Odyssey-themed annual Night of Dance. Umoja has been dancing for five years and started off in various styles such as Jazz and Hip Hop.

Goddess of Versatility: Sophomore Zahra Umoja dances into the lead

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
April 18, 2019
Noa Wallock ('22) runs to her team during 2018 Color Wars.

Color Wars postponed due to rain

By Liz Haltrecht and Celeste Ramirez
February 22, 2019
An artistic illustration by junior student-artist, Leslie Castaneda, of myself. This piece is a reflection of my specific experience as a student of color in the classroom.

Column: What it’s actually like being Latina in the classroom

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
February 14, 2019
Victoria Pinkett '20 teaches kids at Brockton Avenue Elementary about kinetic and potential energy. The Mobile Science Camp club at Archer teaches hour-long science lessons at Brockton Ave. once a month.

Mobile Science Camp strives to make STEM inclusive, accessible

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
February 3, 2019
An artistic illustration by Leslie Castaneda '20 shows how confusing and complex the topic of name pronunciation can be for people.

Column: Why would I mispronounce my name?

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
January 21, 2019
Emily Delossa '20, Marie Chorpita '19 and Ariel Heimanson '21 pose for a picture at a robotics competition. The team ranked third out of ten teams in the league during the meet.

Success & ‘Ruckus’: Robotics team places third in competition

By Celeste Ramirez and Liz Haltrecht
January 14, 2019
An artistic illustration by Leslie Castaneda '20 shows the diversity of skin colors in communities of color.

Column: Complexity of colorism in Latinx community

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
December 6, 2018
Art inside the Faculty and Staff art show in the Eastern Star Gallery. The exhibit featured everything from ceramics and paintings to poems and printed fabrics.

‘Beautiful little connections’: Archer revives faculty, staff art show

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
November 30, 2018
The Self Love Club has a discussion about Photoshop in our media. The club meets monthly and focuses on issues that impact self love.

Self Love Club discusses teenage insecurities in second meeting

By Celeste Ramirez and Liz Haltrecht
November 30, 2018
Sophomore Lexi Ben-Meir practices for an upcoming match. "The experience has been amazing — better than I could have imagined," Ben-Meir said. "It's like we're all one big family."

Varsity tennis has ‘best season yet,’ players participate in CIFs

By Nicki Rosenberg and Celeste Ramirez
November 27, 2018
Students observe different hues of color on canvas by artist Meg Cranston. The girls talked with Cranston about which colored canvas they most strongly responded to.

Hue-man reaction: Students participate in focus group with artist Meg Cranston

By Lola Lamberg and Celeste Ramirez
November 15, 2018
Students listen to today's lunch performance by the Time Warp Trio. The group blends classical and modern styles.

Warp Trio performs ‘spin’ on classical music for Archer community

By Liz Haltrecht and Celeste Ramirez
November 8, 2018
Members of the Math Team play Set, a mathematical card game which consists of finding cards that are similar or different. These findings are based on four different variables: number, color, shading and shape. "It's pretty tricky, but we have some great players," club leader Lola Wolf '19 said.

‘Mistakes are welcome’: Math Team plays games, participates in national exams

By Liz Haltrecht and Celeste Ramirez
October 26, 2018
The varsity volleyball team poses for a group photo. The team will advance to the second round of CIF playoffs.

Varsity volleyball wins first round of CIF playoffs

By Liz Haltrecht and Celeste Ramirez
October 18, 2018
An artistic representation demonstrates how Latina beauty can be diverse. Latinas come from many different ethnic backgrounds and should not be forced into one stereotype. Photo illustration by Leslie Castaneda '20

Column: We don’t all look like that – reinforced Latina beauty standards are harmful and unrealistic

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
October 16, 2018
Students line up to purchase snacks at the Snack Shack's opening.

Student Store Board puts ‘hard work on display’ at Snack Shack opening

By Liz Haltrecht and Celeste Ramirez
October 11, 2018
A promotional image of students at a Los Angeles walkout in 1968. Students demanded quality education and to be treated fairly. Image source: PBS.

Column: East L.A. Walkouts 50 Years Later

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
April 21, 2018
A promotional poster for the 1997 movie "Selena." The biographical drama documents the like of Selena Quintanilla (Jennifer Lopez), a Mexican-American from Texas. Image source City of Abilene.

Column: Latinx in the Media

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
February 22, 2018
This is a picture I took with my group of friends to remind us about how beautiful we all are. This is obviously not the entire range of skin tones, but just a symbol of diversity and inclusivity.

Column: Change the Makeup Game

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
January 21, 2018
An art piece including me depicting mental illness. The work shows that someone may seem fine and not say anything, but internally they could have a range of emotions, making it hard to contain and fully function. Photo illustration by Miaya South '19.

Column: Ending the stigma around of mental health in the Latino community

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
November 15, 2017
Hundreds of protesters march during a pro-DACA protest. "It was heartwarming to see how many people care about an issue I am passionate about. We took it to the streets, and we were so loud. We wanted people to hear us,” Angelica Gonzalez '20 said.

Column: Fighting for DACA

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
October 8, 2017
Victoria Pinkett, Anaya Nwachuku Thompson, Leslie Castaneda and me (all '20) work together on a project. Archer's diversity has been an important part of my high school experience.

Column: Latina Girl in an Archer World

By Celeste Ramirez, Multimedia Editor
September 29, 2017
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