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The Oracle
Executive Board Candidates 2022
Executive Board Candidates 2022
Seniors and their families participate in the Maypole set-up event Thursday, May 5. This year’s Maypole process was different than in previous years because its set-up was lead entirely by Archer staff members.
Community reflects on process, significance of annual Maypole setup
Junior Dani Fenster works on a homework sheet while wearing a mask in math teacher Matthew Barthas classroom. On May 4, the indoor mask mandate took effect once again due to the rising cases on campus.
Mask from the past: Indoor mask mandate reinstated until further notice
The chess team and chess coach Jay Stallings stand in front of a poster advertising the tournament before competing in their first rounds of matches. At the tournament, each player earned at least one point by winning a match for the Archer chess team.
‘A uniting experience’: Chess Club members compete in All-Girls National Championships in Chicago
Chelsea Austin explains the inspiration for her book at her book talk. Austin held a book talk for the Archer community April 1 to discuss her new memoir, “Inexplicably Me.” “I just want everybody to walk away feeling as loved as possible because a lot of people don’t feel that love, at home, at school, wherever it is,” Austin said. “So my hope is that I can exude this aura of love and that they can take away that they feel loved, even if it’s not conscious.”
Alumni Chelsea Austin’s book talk teaches attendees ‘self worth, self acceptance’
Next Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is sworn in prior to testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee April 28. On April 7, the Senate voted in favor of her confirmation.
Archer students reflect on Next Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s ‘impactful’ confirmation
Students like Gendy and Lassman feel silenced when society assumes they are white due to their light skin or straight hair. Lassman said that if people take the time to educate and spread information, they show they care about students from other backgrounds.
“A part of me that was overlooked”: the microaggressions on white-passing Multiracial identities
Seniors Andrea Ramirez, Destiny Morado and other students participate in a baile folkorico lesson led by senior Anny Rodriguez during an Hermanas Unidas meeting. This meeting was open to all of the Archer community and featured the history of this traditional Mexican dance. Affinity club leaders said they hope to see more student allies attending their open club meetings to support and learn.
Student leaders celebrate affinity spaces, call for more allyship
History teacher Beth Gold teaches her ninth grade students about Ibram X Kendis childrens book, Antiracist Baby. The class dives into a multitude of difficult topics throughout the year through units on race, religion, gender, government and gender and sexuality. Difficult knowledge often comes up in these units, and the curriculum has changed over the years due to new research or social movements.
‘There’s always going to be something missing’: Archer’s community practice unpacks difficult knowledge
Fourth grader Daniel Cortez, who has down syndrome learning about a sunflower from his mother, Marisol Cortez at Avila Farm during quarantine. Dr. Douglas said through exposure and intentional education, different kinds of diversity can be explored. Neurodiversity is just one of the dimensions of diversity, that we can experience, Vanderbilt said. Its another diversity element that people should be thinking about and how do we learn more about that in addition to ethnicity and culture and gender and sexual orientation.
‘Another dimension of diversity’: Special-Education students engage in school communities
Lily Miro (22) shows observers her ceramic cups, bowls and sculptures that depict peoples mouths. The Eastern Star Gallery is filled with different forms of self expression and artwork from Miro, Ben-Meir and Soriano, that all come together to make énouement.
Paintings, pots and film: Naya Ben-Meir, Lily Miro and Faith Soriano open senior art show
The Midnight Gospel series consists of eight episodes and delves into important topics connected to spirituality. Clancy, the main character, is seen sitting with his pet, Charlotte. When we set an intention, somehow the world seems to magically come to meet us,” Trudy the Love Barbarian said.
Review: Animated series ‘The Midnight Gospel’ teleports you to another dimension
Belwood Bakery, located in the Brentwood village, attracts many Archer students. Soon to be graduated seniors reflect on their love for the bakery. “I would warn people about the price because I feel like it’s very expensive,” senior Leah Abazari said. “But it’s worth it.”
Local small business: Seniors share their love for Belwood Bakery
This graphic illustrates Karol G, Grupo Firme and Anitta who all attended this years Coachella Music and Arts Festival. The annual music festival hosted 20 Latin American artists in their lineup, which has been the most in Coachellas history. Watching every performance made me feel represented as I saw songs being sang in Spanish in one of the biggest musical stages.
Commentary: Viva la musica latina
The Middle Cs finish singing for the Brentwood Earth Day celebration. Both the middle and upper school a cappella groups preformed a song during the event.
Archer’s a cappella groups perform on International Earth Day
Lily Miro (22) shows observers her ceramic cups, bowls and sculptures that depict peoples mouths. The Eastern Star Gallery is filled with different forms of self expression and artwork from Miro, Ben-Meir and Soriano, that all come together to make énouement.
Paintings, pots and film: Naya Ben-Meir, Lily Miro and Faith Soriano open senior art show
The Midnight Gospel series consists of eight episodes and delves into important topics connected to spirituality. Clancy, the main character, is seen sitting with his pet, Charlotte. When we set an intention, somehow the world seems to magically come to meet us,” Trudy the Love Barbarian said.
Review: Animated series ‘The Midnight Gospel’ teleports you to another dimension
Belwood Bakery, located in the Brentwood village, attracts many Archer students. Soon to be graduated seniors reflect on their love for the bakery. “I would warn people about the price because I feel like it’s very expensive,” senior Leah Abazari said. “But it’s worth it.”
Local small business: Seniors share their love for Belwood Bakery
This graphic illustrates Karol G, Grupo Firme and Anitta who all attended this years Coachella Music and Arts Festival. The annual music festival hosted 20 Latin American artists in their lineup, which has been the most in Coachellas history. Watching every performance made me feel represented as I saw songs being sang in Spanish in one of the biggest musical stages.
Commentary: Viva la musica latina
The Middle Cs finish singing for the Brentwood Earth Day celebration. Both the middle and upper school a cappella groups preformed a song during the event.
Archer’s a cappella groups perform on International Earth Day
The pork (left), chicken (middle) and brisket (right) tacos in all of their glory. They are served with a charred green pepper that gives each taco a nice kick of spice.
Column: Gochu Gang: A Korean-Mexican fusion dream
The Surf and Turf burger is topped with a whole fried lobster tail, crispy onions, lettuce and a perfectly toasted bun. This was definitely the star of the menu and worth every penny.
Column: Surf and turf, burger style
Claire Leimone poses will a Trader Joes reusable bag filled with grocery items. On top of their fantastic food and welcoming stores, Trader Joes provides recyclable and reusable bags.
An ode to Trader Joe’s
The delicious Nutella crepe topped with blueberries, bananas and powdered sugar. This crepe was definitely my favorite and a must try if you venture to Black Flour Crepes.
Column: Cut the crepe: An honest review of Black Flour Crepes
The American Girl burgers stacked on top of each other. This burger is the most classic one on the menu and the closest you will find to an original cheeseburger.
Column: Baby’s Badass Burgers
Seniors Faith Soriano and Isabella Specchierla smile as they sign their National Letters of Intent and Commitment in the amphitheater. After 12 years of training in their sports, Soriano committed to play softball at California State University Monterey Bay, and Specchierla committed to play soccer at Swarthmore University.
‘Know your potential’: Archer’s senior athletes sign college letters of intent
The middle school softball team poses for a photo with assistant coach Dani LeNoir (left) and head coach Natalie Chambers (right). The team is comprised of sixth and seventh graders. At some point, the middle school team diminished because the interest wasnt there, Chambers said. It has been a while, so the fact that we had a lot of girls sign up and really want to commit themselves — I couldnt ask for anything more.
‘They push me to do better’: Q&A with middle school softball coach, Natalie Chambers
The varsity softball team poses for a team photo after their game against Marymount. The team won with a score of 16-6. I love our team because of how supportive everyone is of each other, Apor said. We always pick each other up after a loss because softball is a big game of mistakes, and it’s the only way we will get better.
Varsity softball ends season with ‘sense of togetherness’
Thiagarjan poses with his Division 7 CIF championship plaque. I do not get as much sleep as I should so I am usually very, very tired during school. Thiagarajan said. As an athlete, I have to have very good grades to play and when I do play [especially as goalie], my games have to be perfect.
‘It does have its toxic side’: A ‘desperate’ need for sports psychiatry in athletes’ lives
Faith Soriano prepares to throw the ball to a teammate. Softball has been my rock, Soriano said.
Seven softball seniors: Their final swings, sentiments, stories
A handful of trophies, medals and certificates that I have won in various activities lie on the floor. These examples of physical achievements represent the visible wins, but fail to reflect all of the hard work and challenges I faced throughout the process.
Commentary: There is bravery in letting go
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
Stickers line the outside of my kitchen window promoting pride and transgender visibility. There are many ways to uplift transgender show your support for the transgender community following March 31.
Column: Transgender visibility: A continual effort
There is not one look for a family. They come in different sizes and shapes. This is my family. They dont all look the same, talk the same or even act the same. We have different struggles and different places of happiness, but, at the end of the day, they are the family I have searched for and have found.
Column: What is family?
Pictured is me watching a CNN news broadcast in regards to the recent COVID-19 outbreaks in Shanghai, China. It is troubling to watch the pandemic continue its rampage throughout the world, and makes me wonder when life will go back to normal.
Column: Is this the new normal?
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
Stickers line the outside of my kitchen window promoting pride and transgender visibility. There are many ways to uplift transgender show your support for the transgender community following March 31.
Column: Transgender visibility: A continual effort
There is not one look for a family. They come in different sizes and shapes. This is my family. They dont all look the same, talk the same or even act the same. We have different struggles and different places of happiness, but, at the end of the day, they are the family I have searched for and have found.
Column: What is family?
Pictured is me watching a CNN news broadcast in regards to the recent COVID-19 outbreaks in Shanghai, China. It is troubling to watch the pandemic continue its rampage throughout the world, and makes me wonder when life will go back to normal.
Column: Is this the new normal?
Various makeup products like eyeliner and eyeshadow, lie on a white sheet; products people use to participate in the popular “fox-eye” trend. The trend has taken the internet by storm—and not in a good way. People continue to romanticize having slanted eyes, although this only seems to apply to non-Asians.
Column: A TikTok trend or blatant racism?
A handful of trophies, medals and certificates that I have won in various activities lie on the floor. These examples of physical achievements represent the visible wins, but fail to reflect all of the hard work and challenges I faced throughout the process.
Commentary: There is bravery in letting go
Juniors Dani Fenster and Uma Bajaj hold up a sign while marching at the Youth Climate Strike Los Angeles. The strike took place March 25 in Downtown Los Angeles, and Archer students were granted excused absences for attending.
Editorial: The immeasurable value of administrative support for climate activism
I shuffle laterally across the net as I prepare to jump in the air and block the opposing teams offensive attack. On a day-to-day basis, I also feel as though I have to block or combat the ignorant assumptions and comments that people will make when discussing my college journey.
Op-Ed: Take a walk or run in my shoes
The language hallways walls are filled with the work of students in Archers Spanish, Chinese and French classes. For me, its extra special to see the work in Spanish and to walk by classrooms speaking my native language. Like in many places, the Spanish language is what brings a sense of home and security for me.
Commentary: A love letter to Spanish
I sit under the various alumni pennants that are hanging in the business hallway. When I sat below the pennants, I felt nothing but admiration for the previous alumnis accomplishments. I hope I can be like them in my own way.
Op-Ed: The pressure of what comes next
Claire Leimone poses will a Trader Joes reusable bag filled with grocery items. On top of their fantastic food and welcoming stores, Trader Joes provides recyclable and reusable bags.
An ode to Trader Joe’s
These are some of my favorite snacks from the servery. There are so many different types of snacks for all tastebuds.
Photo Gallery: My favorite servery snacks
Happy holidays with this gift guide that comes straight from The Oracle editorial board. A curated list of what they are gifting this holiday season and hope to receive.
Gift Guide: The Oracle editors share items from holiday season wish list
Happy holidays with this cheerful gift guide. Celebrate the merry season with a gift for everyone on your list, without breaking the bank. This guide feature 40 gifts all under 50 dollars.
Gift Guide: 40 gifts under $50 for the holidays
Parker Keston lights the menorah as she celebrates Chanukah with her family. Keston shared how lighting the menorah is an important aspect of the holiday.
Photo Gallery: What is your favorite holiday tradition?
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
Letter to the Editor: Inspirational advocates have advice for you
Letter to the Editor: Inspirational advocates have advice for you
Letter to the Editor: Grin yourself a good day
Letter to the Editor: Grin yourself a good day
Letter to the Editor: Elementary, My Dear
Letter to the Editor: Elementary, My Dear
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 - The Scoop on Division Disconnection
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 – The Scoop on Division Disconnection
The senior team performs with their grade mascot, the shark. Many students showed up to support their classmates and watch the dances. “It’s a hard process but the end goal is really good,” senior Naya Ben-Meir said. “I also love how spirited the whole day is.”
Boogie battle: Spirit Week culminates with annual dance competition
Mills brother, Harrison Mills, sits in front of a painting hung in their house. This piece is currently untitled because I still feel like I need to explore the work a little bit more and sit with a piece to have a solid title yet, Mills said. When it comes to my titles, I like to spend a bit of time with them, and I like to make sure that they align with the message that Im trying to explore.
Artist insight: Inside photographer Marley Mills’ process
A group of middle school students participate in the PAW-Some Pup Run Club, working on dog agility and helping Boo go over a hurdle. “[The dogs have] actually improved a lot,” sixth grader Josephine Hatton said. “At the beginning, some of them did not know how to do anything at all, and the students have trained them to be really attentive and do the agility courses.”
PAW-Some Pup Run Club empowers students, inspires ‘joy,’ ‘confidence’
At the VOXLunch performance, detailed programs were passed out to the audience highlighting the various performers. I think there was a moment where we both had this passion, Bahedry said. The event took place in the on campus garden, at lunch, on Dec. 3.
LunchVOX performance: Rose Morris hosts Archer’s first open mic event
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 - The Scoop on Division Disconnection
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 – The Scoop on Division Disconnection
The Scoop S2 Ep 1: Inside the Walls of Archer with Samantha Hazell-OBrien
The Scoop S2 Ep 1: Inside the Walls of Archer with Samantha Hazell-O’Brien
The Scoop S1 Ep 6 – Colonialism, Capitalism and Carbon Emissions
The Scoop S1 Ep 5 - #COVID19: Archer teen volunteers for adolescent Pfizer trial
The Scoop S1 Ep 5 – #COVID19: Archer teen volunteers for adolescent Pfizer trial
The Scoop S1 Ep 4 – Transition of Power: Conversations about Democracy Part 2
The Scoop S1 Ep 4 – Transition of Power: Conversations about Democracy Part 2
The Latest
  • May 15 As of May 9, the community positivity rate is 2.3%.
  • May 10 This year’s Middle School musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will take place Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21, at Archer.
  • May 3 As of May 3, the indoor mask mandate will be reinstated until further notice.
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
Lucy Williams

Lucy Williams, Staff Reporter

Lucy Williams joined the Oracle as a 9th-grade staff reporter in 2021. She is passionate about feminism and books. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and dancing.

All content by Lucy Williams
The position of Student Body President goes to Rose Chuck, as she received the most votes from the rising upper schoolers. The Executive Board will be comprised of Tess Hubbard, Alyssa Ponrartana and Meera Mahidhara.

BREAKING: 2022-2023 Student Council Executive Board results announced

May 13, 2022
Seniors Faith Soriano and Isabella Specchierla smile as they sign their National Letters of Intent and Commitment in the amphitheater. After 12 years of training in their sports, Soriano committed to play softball at California State University Monterey Bay, and Specchierla committed to play soccer at Swarthmore University.

‘Know your potential’: Archer’s senior athletes sign college letters of intent

May 12, 2022
Students like Gendy and Lassman feel silenced when society assumes they are white due to their light skin or straight hair. Lassman said that if people take the time to educate and spread information, they show they care about students from other backgrounds.

“A part of me that was overlooked”: the microaggressions on white-passing Multiracial identities

May 2, 2022
Board members Grace DeLossa (23) and Olivia Jarvie (22) interview special guest María Ellingen and speakers David Ronn and Jordan Kerner about genders role in the film industry. DeLossa said she was inspired by their advice about the importance of communicating your values through the big screen. Following the interview, the audience watched 12 films by high school filmmakers that shared their identities, including perspectives from experiencing racism in school to grieving over a deceased mother.

‘This is who we are’: Archer’s 11th Annual Film Festival amplifies female voices

April 29, 2022
History teacher Beth Gold teaches her ninth grade students about Ibram X Kendis childrens book, Antiracist Baby. The class dives into a multitude of difficult topics throughout the year through units on race, religion, gender, government and gender and sexuality. Difficult knowledge often comes up in these units, and the curriculum has changed over the years due to new research or social movements.

‘There’s always going to be something missing’: Archer’s community practice unpacks difficult knowledge

April 26, 2022
Senior Marissa Gendy gets a pie to the face. I just ate shaving cream, Gendy said.

[Photo] Photo Gallery: Student perspectives on annual Spirit Week event

March 22, 2022
The Netflix film Icarus was released in 2017 and has since won an Academy Award. In this promotional photo, it is illustrated that the Russian government is controlling an Olympic runner, similar to a puppet. The Russian government asserts complete control over their athletes, and gives them little freedom.

Review: ‘Icarus’ transports viewers on unforeseen Russian geopolitical thriller

March 12, 2022
Sophomore Chloe Chu spikes the volleyball over the net during team practice at Annenberg Community Beach on Feb. 9. The team enjoys watching the sunset while bonding and staying active, teammate Tavi Memoli (25) said.

Upper school beach volleyball hits the sand for new season

February 18, 2022
Pictured are seniors (from left to right) Tina Fuentes-Alva, Thea Leimone and Vaughan Anoai competing in a round of tug of war against the juniors. Fellow senior Chidimma Nwafor said they really came together during their last Color Wars at Archer.

Color Wars event ‘unifies grades’ and recaptures Archer’s pride

February 16, 2022
As I demonstrate how to cut salmon, my middle sister continues to experiment with her “axe” and my youngest sister just eats the piece whole. I have taught multiple knife-skills classes to my siblings over the years; I guess there’s better things to do at the Cheesecake Factory.

Op-Ed: Welcome to parenthood, eldest child

February 11, 2022
Climate-action youth advocates gather in downtown Los Angeles for the Youth Climate Strike Los Angeles 24- Hour Strike on Sept. 24-25, 2021. Multiple activities took place around Los Angeles demanding Governor Gavin Newsom to pass measures to help save the climate.

Breaking the glass ceiling: Archer activists work toward social justice

February 3, 2022
Freshmen Lili Franks and Cezanne Silverton work on a debate case in the library during their first week back from remote learning. Franks is wearing a KN95 mask to take extra precaution against COVID-19. Students have continued the normal school schedule since the return to campus; however, they have to communicate with many classmates online who have had exposure or infection to COVID-19.

Archer experiences COVID-19 uncertainty, safety protocols updated

January 20, 2022
Co-directors Azel Alkadiri (23) and Grace Whitney (25) strategize with Tracy Poverstein on opening night of Bright. Young. Things. The cast was running through rehearsals in the anticipating hours before the show.

‘It’s been an honor:’ Azel Alkadiri and Grace Whitney co-direct middle school play

December 17, 2021
Senior Bess Frierson, founder and leader of the garden committee, gets to work inspecting the vegetation in Archers garden. She hopes that time spent in the garden will (quote)

‘It’s a unifying place’: Students ‘get their hands dirty’ with Archer’s garden committee

December 14, 2021
Thanksgiving dishes crowd the stove on Nov. 25, 2021 in preparation for a Thanksgiving meal. Many families returned to their Thanksgiving traditions after pandemic cancellations last year. However, precautions were still taken by many families due to the current state of the pandemic.

Gratitude and food: Navigating Thanksgiving in a pandemic

December 2, 2021
Eighth-graders Julia Ong, Shayla Covington and Callie Roth represent their grade in the pumpkin decorating contest. Teams from all grade levels had to use their own supplies to transform the pumpkin in 15 minutes.

Spooktacular celebrations: Halloween returns to Archer

November 10, 2021
Members of the varsity cross country team celebrate after placing second in their first Liberty League meet of the season. They trained throughout the weeks prior to prepare for the meet. Pictured from left to right are Maya Acutt (25), Kayla Bruce (24), Kate Hanney (25), Gabriella Specchierla (25), captain Lauren Robson (22), Ali Aragon (22) and Keera Levell-Guerrero (23).

Just keep running: Varsity cross country embarks on season with CIF in mind

October 10, 2021
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