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A decorative scarecrow is perched on the top of a tent looking out onto the courtyard. The festival closed after lunch, and students went off to their last to classes before Thanksgiving Break. “It’s fun, and everyone really got into it,” Meadows said. Its a nice, friendly competition and a great way to kick off Thanksgiving Break.
Photo Essay: Faux Final Friday Fall Fest inspires spirit, competition, raises money for junior, senior prom
Hermanas Unidas Board members present to families at Archers annual Spanish-Speaking Families Night Tuesday, Nov. 28. Their presentation included campus news and information about the college application process, as well as resources for Spanish-speaking families at Archer.
A space to ‘feel seen’: Annual Spanish-Speaking Families Night promotes connection, highlights diversity within community
Beyla Patil (’27) and Shanti Seth (’27) pass out chai to Lucy Kaplan (’26) in the courtyard during lunch. The Diwali celebration took place Nov. 14, and it included music, food and games.
‘Feel proud of where you come from’: Students plan, reflect on Diwali celebration
Service Squad member Avery Greene (26) donates food to the Service Squads annual Thanksgiving food drive Nov. 12-17. They created posters and set up bins for food in the front hallway, and at the end of the week, Greene sorted the food to be ready for donation. 
‘Accessible form of giving back’: Service Squad hosts annual Thanksgiving food drive
FULL CIRCLE singer Jagger Moon sings to the crowd during a lunchtime performance Wednesday, Oct. 25. Moon was joined in the courtyard by fellow bandmates Jason Peters, Sean Garrity and James Herron. According to Student Services Administrative Assistant Cori Morris, the performance was an extension of iHeart Radios campus lunchtime takeovers.
Circling back: Let’s talk about that FULL CIRCLE performance
In the 2023 haunted houses opening scene, it was senior Alex Martins birthday slumber party, where they are watching Scream. The theme was a birthday slumber party mixed with classic horror movies. 
Slumber party turned horror nightmare: Behind the scenes of the 2023 senior haunted house
A student waits inside of Starbucks, holding a matcha drink and strawberry refresher. Starbucks is a popular destination across Los Angeles and the U.S. that enables students easy access to caffeine. Teenagers caffeine consumption has greatly increased over the past few years.
More than a cup of coffee: Rise in caffeinated drink consumption, advertisements negatively affects teenagers
Eleventh grade history teacher Kathleen Niles leads her class through a lesson on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza. In her classes, Niles held a brief council for processing thoughts and emotions surrounding the crisis and followed with a lesson providing current and historical context for it. Each history teachers lesson plan surrounding the crisis varied based on grade-level and curriculum-specific needs. 
‘We’re as human as everybody else’: History department responds to ongoing crisis in Israel, Gaza, implements Code Red
A graphic illustration depicts two students at school; one is actively engaging in class after a getting full night of sleep, and the other is slumped over while scrolling on their phone, exhausted and sleep deprived. Sleeping for at least eight hours every 24 hours is essential for students, however, many of them are sleep deprived due to poor sleep hygiene, stress or trouble falling asleep. (Graphic Illustration by Emily Paschall)
Sleepy students: Effects of sleep deprivation, importance of healthy sleep schedules for adolescents
InvenTeam members assemble Hydra’s 3D printed case to present at Lemelson-MITs Eurekafest. They went to Boston as an alumni team and won the Golden Beaver Award for best use of technology. “It was such a great experience because it was a great culminating experience of my senior year and overall my time at Archer, Garcia said.
Think big, dream big: Journey of Hydra comes to an end
Lauryn Hill, touring as Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Fugees, sings Killing Me Softly With His Song alongside former band member Pras Michel Nov. 5. The engaging visuals, the performers and the crowds energy and the raw vocals made this concert unforgettable.
Review: Lauryn Hill reestablishes her greatness in The Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour
Dishes of dim sum from Maximum are presented in bamboo baskets. The dim sums are steamed, and they have a range of textures and tastes.
Cantonese culture’s culinary gem: Dim sum delights
I went with my friend to see Arctic Monkeys perform live at the Kia Forum Sept. 29. It was one of the best nights of my life, and I cannot recommend this band enough.
Review: Arctic Monkeys’ The Car Tour was best night of my life
Broadcast: Top 3 Disneyland rides that are worth the wait
Broadcast: Top 3 Disneyland rides that are worth the wait
INCAPTIVITY is an exhibit in the Eastern Star Gallery that features the work of Fulton Leroy Washington. Washington began his career in jail and created all of the oil-paintings exhibited in the gallery while serving a wrongful life sentence. 
‘Do it your way’: ‘INCAPTIVITY’ exhibit in Eastern Star Gallery inspires students with story of dedication
Lauryn Hill, touring as Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Fugees, sings Killing Me Softly With His Song alongside former band member Pras Michel Nov. 5. The engaging visuals, the performers and the crowds energy and the raw vocals made this concert unforgettable.
Review: Lauryn Hill reestablishes her greatness in The Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour
I went with my friend to see Arctic Monkeys perform live at the Kia Forum Sept. 29. It was one of the best nights of my life, and I cannot recommend this band enough.
Review: Arctic Monkeys’ The Car Tour was best night of my life
INCAPTIVITY is an exhibit in the Eastern Star Gallery that features the work of Fulton Leroy Washington. Washington began his career in jail and created all of the oil-paintings exhibited in the gallery while serving a wrongful life sentence. 
‘Do it your way’: ‘INCAPTIVITY’ exhibit in Eastern Star Gallery inspires students with story of dedication
Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran strums his guitar and instructs the audience to sing along to his hit song, “Sing.” Sheeran requested the audience sing background vocals for him a few times during the show, including during this song. The audience was captivated and engaged the entire concert.
Review: Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour is a testament to his musicianship, versatility
Senior Megan Kelley performs a scene from Yoga Play. The Drama Queens held their first performance of the school year Thursday, Oct. 19, during lunch in the Blackbox, and featured a collection of scenes and monologues from contemporary plays.
Drama Queens steal the show in first performance of year, present contemporary monologues, scenes
Dishes of dim sum from Maximum are presented in bamboo baskets. The dim sums are steamed, and they have a range of textures and tastes.
Cantonese culture’s culinary gem: Dim sum delights
Pictured are the tater tots, fries, Caesar salad, “Single Burg’r” and “Deluxe Crispy Chick’n” from Hart House. The fast food restaurant is completely plant-based and has four locations across L.A.
Review: Hart House transforms fast food dining with delicious plant-based menu
Pictured is Katsu Bar’s original katsu sandwich with waffle fries. The restaurant opened its sixth location May 1 in Santa Monica, and I reviewed four items on its menu.
Review: Katsu Bar brings delicious Japanese cuisine to Santa Monica
The birthday cake cookies I made using the Momofuku Milk Bar cookbook sit on top of the recipe. The recipe was straightforward and made the most delicious cookies.
Review: ‘Momofuku Milk Bar’ is delicious but complicated
This is the table set up at Haidilao Hot Pot that my extended family and I had when we went for dinner. We ordered many items, including egg noodles, spinach, corn, fried bean curd rolls and chicken fried rice. I highly recommend this restaurant for a unique dining experience that exposes you to a part of Chinese culture.
Review: Haidilao Hot Pot allows diners to not only enjoy a meal, but an experience
Sophomores Alex Laffitte and Oona Seppala high-five after winning a doubles match on Archer’s home courts, Barrington courts. The team is moving into the Gold Coast league next year, which means players will play different schools, including Brentwood, Crossroads and Viewpoint.
Going for gold: Varsity tennis moves up to Gold Coast League alongside new assistant coach
Mindset Performance Coach Pamela Kalinoski speaks to around 20 upper school students about the importance of being self-aware as an athlete. The event took place Tuesday, Nov. 14 in the library during US FLX Block.
Mindset Coach Pamela Kalinoski’s key to a successful underdog sports performance: self-awareness
Archer varsity tennis player Surya Patil (’25) high-fives her uncle during a match against her sister, Beyla Patil (’27), and her dad at the annual Parent-Daughter Round-Robin. Teams played doubles, the winners received prizes and at the end of the day, the Archer tennis community celebrated senior night.
Annual Parent-Daughter Round-Robin bonds tennis community, showcases athletic development
Team captains Stephanie Harrison (24) and Emi Marmol (24) chat as they come off the court. The JV tennis team had a final record of 8-1.
JV tennis coaches promote mental strength, in-person connection
Senior Sophie Sackett and her rowing crew wait for their coaches boat to launch from the dock before practice. Sackett practices Monday to Friday from 4:15-6:45 p.m. at Marina Aquatic Center in Marina Del Ray.
In the same boat: Rowing inspires, empowers seniors
This graphic illustration of a magnifying glass with an exclamation point being held up to text represents the importance of critically thinking about your news consumption to combat the spread of misinformation. The rapid spread of information facilitated by social media further underscores the importance of responsibly reporting and consuming news. (Graphic Illustration by Audrey Chang)
Editorial: Dangers of misinformation and how to combat it as a news consumer
Signs are displayed featuring phrases in favor of abortion protections and affirming a woman’s right to an abortion. Although Ohio’s passing of Issue 1 is important in re-securing reproductive freedoms across the U.S., it is hard to not feel disappointed that we must re-secure these protections in the first place.
Column: The small victory we never should have needed
The Barnes and Noble Banned Books Week display encourages readers to consume challenging reads and learn about current censorship. This article explores the negative effects of censorship on developing readers.
Column: Trigger warning (banned books)
My first out of 15 haikus about Charles Darwin is in quotes. Compared to when I had no prior knowledge about poetry and didnt understand why it mattered, I now feel a deeper appreciation for how poetry evokes different feelings for each reader. (Graphic Illustration by Melinda Wang)
Op-Ed: To each their own: The importance of personal poetic interpretations
A person feels overwhelmed and burned out by the abundance of news in her life. I believe it is important to set boundaries with the news to protect personal well-being and interest in keeping up with global affairs. (Graphic Illustration by Lila Paschall)
Column: Setting boundaries with the news
Signs are displayed featuring phrases in favor of abortion protections and affirming a woman’s right to an abortion. Although Ohio’s passing of Issue 1 is important in re-securing reproductive freedoms across the U.S., it is hard to not feel disappointed that we must re-secure these protections in the first place.
Column: The small victory we never should have needed
The Barnes and Noble Banned Books Week display encourages readers to consume challenging reads and learn about current censorship. This article explores the negative effects of censorship on developing readers.
Column: Trigger warning (banned books)
A person feels overwhelmed and burned out by the abundance of news in her life. I believe it is important to set boundaries with the news to protect personal well-being and interest in keeping up with global affairs. (Graphic Illustration by Lila Paschall)
Column: Setting boundaries with the news
This is one of of the Jordans I have been lucky enough to own; it is called the Nike Dunk Low Championship red. From the NBA court in the 80s to my closet, the Jordan 1s will follow you everywhere.
Column: The NBA couldn’t stop them: The Jordan 1’s imperishable legacy 
Duolingo, Dictionary.com, TED and The Washington Post respectively show a learning exercise, “Word of the Day,” motivational speech and an opinion article. Users are able to browse and practice language skills on these sites to maintain independence in human voice with the rise of AI deepfakes. (Graphic Illustration by Allie Yang)
Column: AI voice deepfakes signal deep trouble
This graphic illustration of a magnifying glass with an exclamation point being held up to text represents the importance of critically thinking about your news consumption to combat the spread of misinformation. The rapid spread of information facilitated by social media further underscores the importance of responsibly reporting and consuming news. (Graphic Illustration by Audrey Chang)
Editorial: Dangers of misinformation and how to combat it as a news consumer
My first out of 15 haikus about Charles Darwin is in quotes. Compared to when I had no prior knowledge about poetry and didnt understand why it mattered, I now feel a deeper appreciation for how poetry evokes different feelings for each reader. (Graphic Illustration by Melinda Wang)
Op-Ed: To each their own: The importance of personal poetic interpretations
The 46 American and Israeli teens of Yallah Israel! Bus 2 hug before saying goodbye to our Israeli friends for the last time. Leaving Israel this summer was one of the hardest things Ive had to do. Even after only knowing my Israeli friends for one week, nothing upsets me more than seeing their beautiful country being destroyed.
Commentary: War in Israel, through the eyes of Israeli teenagers
This is a group photo of my journalism class, a mix of freshman through seniors. I appreciate how Archer supports our press freedom and educational autonomy.
Op-Ed: Freedom is a right, not a privilege
Hands hold halloween candies packaged in non-recyclable wrappers. Opting to purchase candies packaged in compostable or recyclable wrappers is one method of making a beloved Halloween tradition more sustainable.
Editorial: Candy and composting: Incorporating sustainability into Halloween traditions
This quiz is a fun, light hearted, relatable Archer student quiz. Each question will highlight a relatable Archer experience. Complete the quiz, press finish to see your score and refer to the key to see what your score means.
Relatable Archer student quiz
My jack-o’-lantern is lit up in the dark. Jack-o’-lantern faces can be silly, scary or even sad. Along with carving pumpkins, baking fun treats, watching scary movies and picking apples are some of my favorite activities to in the fall. 
Spook-tacular festivities: 5 fun activities to do for fall
This image features a few album covers of certain tracks on my perfect autumn playlist. Covers include Fiona Apples classic, Tidal, and Ethel Cains Preachers Daughter. (Graphic Illustration by Siena Ferraro).
The perfect autumn playlist to maximize coziness all season long
My parents assemble all the ingredients necessary to make which dumpling filling. This particular dinner, my mom tried to step out of her comfort zone by making a pork and mushroom dumpling, which she had never attempted before.
My top 5 favorite Chinese foods
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
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
S4E2 - The Scoop on Archer’s holiday spirit: Diversity in holiday celebrations among students, faculty lights up campus
S4E2 – The Scoop on Archer’s holiday spirit: Diversity in holiday celebrations among students, faculty lights up campus
What’s the difference between news and opinion journalism? Oracle editors explain
What’s the difference between news and opinion journalism? Oracle editors explain
Broadcast: Top 3 Disneyland rides that are worth the wait
Broadcast: Top 3 Disneyland rides that are worth the wait
Sexplained S1E1 - Vulva 101: Understanding external female genitalia
Sexplained S1E1 – Vulva 101: Understanding external female genitalia
Lets Go to the Movies S1E1 - Barbenheimer: Why did it work and why did we love it?
Let’s Go to the Movies S1E1 – Barbenheimer: Why did it work and why did we love it?
S4E2 - The Scoop on Archer’s holiday spirit: Diversity in holiday celebrations among students, faculty lights up campus
S4E2 – The Scoop on Archer’s holiday spirit: Diversity in holiday celebrations among students, faculty lights up campus
Sexplained S1E1 - Vulva 101: Understanding external female genitalia
Sexplained S1E1 – Vulva 101: Understanding external female genitalia
Lets Go to the Movies S1E1 - Barbenheimer: Why did it work and why did we love it?
Let’s Go to the Movies S1E1 – Barbenheimer: Why did it work and why did we love it?
S4E1 - The Scoop on senior Amelia Hines commitment to swim at Brown University
S4E1 – The Scoop on senior Amelia Hines’ commitment to swim at Brown University
Self-Love Isnt Selfish S1E1 - The problem with perfectionism as we start the new year
Self-Love Isn’t Selfish S1E1 – The problem with perfectionism as we start the new year
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
Lola Thomas

Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter

Lola Thomas joined The Oracle as a staff reporter in 2022 and became a senior reporter in 2023. She is a part of the Ambassador Leadership Team, serves on the Black Student Union Board, and is a member of the Unaccompanied Minors. You can find her listening to music, hanging out with her friends, and playing with her puppy in her free time.

All content by Lola Thomas

S4E2 – The Scoop on Archer’s holiday spirit: Diversity in holiday celebrations among students, faculty lights up campus

By Lola Thomas and Emily Paschall
November 30, 2023
Team captains Stephanie Harrison (24) and Emi Marmol (24) chat as they come off the court. The JV tennis team had a final record of 8-1.

JV tennis coaches promote mental strength, in-person connection

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
October 25, 2023
Senior Lacey Thomson prepares to pitch a kickball. Seniors and faculty competed in Color Clash Oct. 6, an annual competitive game to raise school spirit. The seniors and faculty played kickball, where they tied 2-2.

Annual Color Clash brings community together despite heat

By Lola Thomas , Senior Reporter
October 12, 2023
Broadcast: Annual Club Fair fosters student engagement, existing clubs present to peers

Broadcast: Annual Club Fair fosters student engagement, existing clubs present to peers

By Lola Thomas and Nina Sperling
October 8, 2023
Harry Styles performs Late Night Talking at SoFi Stadium Oct. 23, 2022. Since 2019, the average concert price to see prominent artists like Styles has risen 18%.

Pulling back the curtains: Rising ticket prices impact concertgoers’ access to seeing artists live  

By Lola Thomas , Senior Reporter
September 25, 2023
Juniors sit at Union Peak in Lander, Wyoming. From Aug. 25-Sept. 1, most members of the Class of 2025 went on Arrow Week, a hiking and leadership program that is a part of Archer’s curriculum.

Juniors adapt to Arrow Week with fewer students attending, develop leadership skills

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
September 20, 2023
This slideshow presents information to seniors during College Jumpstart. Due to Hurricane Hilary, the event was moved online Aug. 21, and there was a follow-up session on campus the next day where seniors learned more about the college application process. 

Hurricane Hilary moves College Jumpstart to Zoom, seniors connect virtually 

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
August 28, 2023
An 8-year-old me holds up a photo of a Gucci dress, wearing the duplicate I made myself. Months earlier, I became infatuated with it in the mall, which inspired me to start sewing. I still make clothes to this day.

Commentary: My love and devotion to fashion

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
May 31, 2023
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

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
May 28, 2023
This illustration shows a Black girl with an afro. Since second grade, I’ve attended predominately white schools and have often been discriminated against for my natural hair. (Graphic Illustration by Lola Thomas)

Op-Ed: I’m not a guest, I’m a member

By Lola Thomas , Senior Reporter
May 21, 2023
Two archer students visit the Senior Visual Arts show. The show, displaying works by Mia Makower, Lucy Lassman and Georgia Ehrlich, first opened Wed. April 12 and closed April 14.

Senior art show ‘Perennial’ explores themes of childhood, imagination, nostalgia

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
May 4, 2023
Archers Disabled and Neurodiverse Student Union listen to activist Theodora Mashamba speak via Zoom April 20 in the Human Development room. Students said they were inspired and impacted by her story of determination.

Activist Theodora Mashamba gives advice for combating ableism, inspires community to learn more

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
April 23, 2023
Paramount Global’s Executive Vice President of Entertainment Diversity and Inclusion Tiffany Smith Anoa’i, advocate for justice and equality Sofia Shield and Education Director at the Anti-Defamation League in Southern California Megan Nevels speak on the Anti-Bias Panel in the Zeller Student Center. The panelists gave suggestions for navigating difficult conversations surrounding bias Feb. 24.

EBAD hosts panel on anti-bias, presenters advise on having difficult conversations

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
March 12, 2023
Freshman Vivi Arnold writes in her book-writing journal in the RBG courtyard. Arnold is writing her own fantasy novel entitled “Through the Years” about a time traveler and an immortal person that keep meeting each other and wonder why.

On the write track: Vivi Arnold writes book freshman year, inspires community

By Lola Thomas , Senior Reporter
February 21, 2023
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

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
February 16, 2023
Two players on the middle school basketball green team high-five during a game. I like the team very much and Im glad to be on the team with such great people. Alice Rifenbark said

The middle school green basketball team’s formula for success: optimism

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
January 25, 2023
Junior Alejandra Cortes holds the InvenTeam’s device, Hydra, which she has been working on for three years. Alejandra is currently working on motion programming for Hydra. Cortes has been on the InvenTeam leadership team for two years.

From ALT to InventTeam, Alejandra Cortes is taking the world by storm sySTEMatically

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
January 23, 2023
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