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Students from the Chinese 1 class dance around the courtyard in a big red and gold dragon to symbolize good luck for the new year. The Archer community celebrated the Lunar New Year through student-led crafts, songs and dances Jan. 27.
Archer community hops into Lunar New Year with courtyard celebration, fashion show
A student views his computer which alerts him of the recents mass shootings in the U.S.
Low turnout at Monterey Park reflection spaces worries community members about desensitization to gun violence
Red felt is cut into elaborate patterns and characters and hung around the house or above doorframes. People who celebrate Lunar New Year hang the felt for good luck, which is shown through the character “fu” (福) because it can mean “good luck” or “prosperity.”
New moons, old traditions: students, faculty celebrate Lunar New Year with unique traditions 
Holocaust survivor and artist Trudie Strobel speaks about her experiences during the Holocaust and the importance of her work as an artist throughout her life. Strobel spoke to the upper school, and the middle school watched from a livestream in mentorships, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day Friday, Jan. 27.
Archer community commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day, hears from Holocaust survivor, artist Trudie Strobel
This book display in Archer’s library showcases books about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and spotlights the causes he supported. Assistant Librarian Denise Hernandez helped assemble this book display, which is one of the many ways students and faculty at Archer celebrated and honored MLK Day.
Archer celebrates dynamic, ongoing legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Senior Alyssa Ponrartana presents her research project at Archer’s annual Student STEM Symposium May 14, 2022. Ponrartana was named a scholar in the 82nd Regeneron Science Talent Search for her research intersecting neurodevelopment and environment.
Senior Alyssa Ponrartana named Regeneron Scholar for neurodevelopmental research
Laura Borstien (26), Eman Said, Sophia Shin (25) and Francie Wallack (25) pose together in the amphitheater. Said says the best part about coming to work is seeing the students because they are so friendly.
Eman Said is a servery employee by day, accountant by night
Sasha Capatori-Poole (26) poses in front of the Eastern Star Gallery. She is a leader of the animal rights club and is passionate about spreading awareness on the topic.
Club leader, activist Sasha Capatori-Poole strives to spread awareness for animal rights
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
Boy Scout Belén Haro (26) works on her mural of the six women who are or have been on the Supreme Court. She is creating this mural for her Eagle Project, which aims to influence her Boy Scout and school community. 
Painting our future: Belén Haro designs mural to impact greater community
The Kia Forum was lit up in pink and blue in honor of Harry Styles fourteenth Los Angeles show. Styles sold out 15 nights in the Inglewood venue, and he played a 90-minute setlist to a sea of fans with colorful outfits and boas.
Review: Harry Styles puts the love in ‘Love on Tour’ during his 14 LA show
Platinum and purple banners, along with a sliver crest reading Disney 100, adorn Sleeping Beautys Castle while fountains spray out of its moat. The decor is displayed in honor of the Walt Disney Companys 100th anniversary celebration, which began Jan. 27.
Review: Disney100 celebration pays glittering homage to company’s legacy
Marcel, the one-inch-tall, one eyed shell stands with his pink shoes on. The curious, resourceful and heartwarming shell has been entertaining viewers in short films for almost 13 years, but he finally made his big screen debut in 2022.
Review: ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’ takes viewers on heartwarming, emotional journey
People converse and view They Come to Pay Respect: Boreal Forest As Tar Sands at the opening exhibition of Cornucopia. The piece is a 12-foot by 3.5-foot monotype made by Paper Buck, which uses used oil pastel, India ink and tusche.
Eastern Star Gallery’s second show, “Cornucopia,” inspires deep thought with anti-colonialist, environmentalist art
The Mardini sisters, two gifted swimmers, play in the ocean during sunset. Netflix released the film Nov. 23. The film highlights the Syrian refugee crisis through the Mardini sisters story.
Review: ‘The Swimmers’ exposes inhumane obstacles Syrian refugees overcome
The Kia Forum was lit up in pink and blue in honor of Harry Styles fourteenth Los Angeles show. Styles sold out 15 nights in the Inglewood venue, and he played a 90-minute setlist to a sea of fans with colorful outfits and boas.
Review: Harry Styles puts the love in ‘Love on Tour’ during his 14 LA show
Platinum and purple banners, along with a sliver crest reading Disney 100, adorn Sleeping Beautys Castle while fountains spray out of its moat. The decor is displayed in honor of the Walt Disney Companys 100th anniversary celebration, which began Jan. 27.
Review: Disney100 celebration pays glittering homage to company’s legacy
Marcel, the one-inch-tall, one eyed shell stands with his pink shoes on. The curious, resourceful and heartwarming shell has been entertaining viewers in short films for almost 13 years, but he finally made his big screen debut in 2022.
Review: ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’ takes viewers on heartwarming, emotional journey
People converse and view They Come to Pay Respect: Boreal Forest As Tar Sands at the opening exhibition of Cornucopia. The piece is a 12-foot by 3.5-foot monotype made by Paper Buck, which uses used oil pastel, India ink and tusche.
Eastern Star Gallery’s second show, “Cornucopia,” inspires deep thought with anti-colonialist, environmentalist art
The Mardini sisters, two gifted swimmers, play in the ocean during sunset. Netflix released the film Nov. 23. The film highlights the Syrian refugee crisis through the Mardini sisters story.
Review: ‘The Swimmers’ exposes inhumane obstacles Syrian refugees overcome
This year, we cooked up and untraditional Thanksgiving table at my grandmothers house consisting of Oysters Rockefeller, lobster bisque and debuting sweet potato Christmas trees. Experiment with new holiday dishes this winter to spice up your seasonal routine and impress friends and family.
A cozy, untraditional winter food adventure
The falafel pita, served with perfectly fried falafel, red cabbage, tomatoes, pickles, cucumbers, tahini, and hummus. A deliciously classic falafel pita.
Column: A Meating Point and an ending point
11 Madison Parks summer salad highlights all different types, colors and shapes of tomatoes. This was one of my favorite dishes at 11 Madison Park because of how fresh each ingredient included is.
Review: 11 Madison Park’s new plant-based menu has transformed fine dining
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
Sixth grader Haley Lazarus dribbles down the field at a home game against Brentwood. Archer won 2-1 against Brentwood, continuing their undefeated season.
Through the storm: Middle School soccer adapts to rain, remains undefeated
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
Sophomore Carrie Xue tosses a tennis ball while she holds a tennis racket. 2022 was Xue’s first year at Archer and she joined Archer’s tennis team. “something very fun to be a part of.”
Weil tennis player Carrie Xue aces through first semester
The varsity basketball team poses together after winning a game against Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles. The game took place on Dec. 14, and the score was 35-31.
Varsity basketball team begins season with change in leadership, overcomes previous obstacles
Junior Malia Apor holds up her softball bat on Archers softball field. Apor said she developed a love for the game when she first started playing more than 10 years ago. “[Softball] is a rock for me,” Apor said. “Its something I really enjoy, and it brings me a lot of happiness.”
From All-Star softball to Archer’s varsity team, Malia Apor leaves a mark
This image depicts Lunar New Year festivities in a town, but what has been a peaceful time for celebration in the past has recently become a call to action. Jan. 21., citizens of Monterey Park were killed in a mass shooting following a popular Lunar New Year festival in the neighborhood.
Column: Why the Monterey Park shooting affects all of us
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
This image features a vanilla Disney-themed birthday cake I made for a 3-year-old girl during the summer of 2022. Volunteering for the organization For Goodness Cakes for over two years, now, has allowed me to see the immensely positive impact even small actions like baking a cake can have on a persons life.
Op-Ed: You can bake an impact
A screenshot of Little Nightmare’s profile on Steam, a popular video game marketplace. “Little Nightmares” is a 3D puzzle-platformer that follows the adventures of main character Six in an underground resort complex.
Column: Smaller than life
Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls
Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls
This image depicts Lunar New Year festivities in a town, but what has been a peaceful time for celebration in the past has recently become a call to action. Jan. 21., citizens of Monterey Park were killed in a mass shooting following a popular Lunar New Year festival in the neighborhood.
Column: Why the Monterey Park shooting affects all of us
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
A screenshot of Little Nightmare’s profile on Steam, a popular video game marketplace. “Little Nightmares” is a 3D puzzle-platformer that follows the adventures of main character Six in an underground resort complex.
Column: Smaller than life
A fallen Christmas tree perfectly represents our departure from the true meaning of the holidays, and instead the overconsumption of material goods society has undertaken. This holiday season I hope you reflect on your own consumption and reduce waste where you can. 
Column: Consumerism isn’t just ruining the holidays, it’s ruining the planet
The American flag flies above the US capitol on a windy afternoon. The United States congress has been sworn in and will begin governance in January.
Column: Political violence and de threats to democracy
This image features a vanilla Disney-themed birthday cake I made for a 3-year-old girl during the summer of 2022. Volunteering for the organization For Goodness Cakes for over two years, now, has allowed me to see the immensely positive impact even small actions like baking a cake can have on a persons life.
Op-Ed: You can bake an impact
A map of the U.S. has states crossed out in orange or red. States with a red x have banned or heavily limited abortion, and states marked with orange an x have uncertain legal status regarding abortion. States where abortion is legal are left blank. My friends and I have made maps like this after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark case legalizing abortion, on June 24, 2022. At least 13 states have banned abortion as of December 2022.
Commentary: Making college decisions in a post-Roe world
A girl sits in front of her laptop and does work for her Latine Studies course. This year, I enrolled in my first ever ethnic studies course, and it has erupted a passion in me in this field. It has also helped me feel represented in history curriculums.
Op-Ed: My Latine studies class changed my life
A reporters notebook and recording device is a must for each individual on The Oracle. As a editorial board however, we hold the responsibility of not only editing each piece on The Oracle, but also deciding what we wish to cover.
Editorial: An editorial board’s purpose
In response to the rise in antisemitic incidents in Los Angeles, we can stand up to antisemitism by staying informed, supporting the Jewish members of our communities and speaking out against antisemitic actions. Yes antisemitic tweets Oct. 8 sparked public demonstrations in Los Angeles.
Editorial: How we can stand up to antisemitism
This graphic depicts promotional album covers of the songs that I chose for this rainy day list. These songs range from lo-fi R & B to confidence-boosting and dance-worthy indie pop. I hope these songs get you through these unusually rainy days.
Singing in the rain: Six songs to get you through the rainy, cloudy days
Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls
Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls
Flour Shops location in Beverly Hills, CA, displays their colorful merch wall, including clothes and baking supplies. The store originated in New York and expanded to Los Angeles in 2020.
My 5 favorite bakeries in Los Angeles
This graphic depicts posters for several documentaries and films that I chose, exploring various topics highlighting influential women. I hope you find inspiration from this selection of films and engaging content. Graphic illustration curated with promotional film, tv show and documentary images.
Spirited six: Feminist films to empower, inspire over summer
I frequently find myself searching for summer playlists but none are ever perfect. I have attempted to curate the ultimate summer playlist full of joyful music.
Magnetic music: Dance-worthy playlist perfect for summer
Conversation with Shirin Pakfar, head of private sector partnerships for United Nations Refugee Agency
Conversation with Shirin Pakfar, head of private sector partnerships for United Nations Refugee Agency
Letter to the Editor: Sun, sand and scrumptious
Letter to the Editor: Sun, sand and scrumptious
Letter to the Editor: Food deserts
Letter to the Editor: Food deserts
Letter to Editor: Mental Health Club: 8 Ways to stay occupied & healthy during social distancing
Letter to Editor: Mental Health Club: 8 Ways to stay occupied & healthy during social distancing
Letter to the Editor: Inspirational advocates have advice for you
Letter to the Editor: Inspirational advocates have advice for you
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep1 –The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Sydney Curry
The Scoop S3 Ep1 –The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Sydney Curry
Live on the fright side: Halloween celebration encourages joy on campus
Live on the fright side: Halloween celebration encourages joy on campus
Caption: The graphic showcases the bakeries and shops students can visit when traveling to the Brentwood village. Starting Oct.3, seniors, juniors and sophomores could travel off-campus to the Brentwood Village to purchase anything from the stores available including coffee, tea, pastries and lunch during the school day.
Off-campus privileges resume for sophomores, juniors, seniors
In this broadcast, students from within and outside Archer share their opinions on the hardening versus softening of schools in response to gun violence. These disparate approaches to school safety are of great discussion around the country following multiple school shootings in 2022.
Hardening versus softening: Student opinions on school gun safety precautions
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep1 –The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Sydney Curry
The Scoop S3 Ep1 –The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Sydney Curry
The Scoop S2 Ep3 - The Scoop on Hestias Flame, Archers Yearbook
The Scoop S2 Ep3 – The Scoop on Hestia’s Flame, Archer’s Yearbook
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 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
Lucy Williams

Lucy Williams, Senior Reporter

Lucy Williams joined the Oracle as a staff reporter in 2021 and became a senior reporter in 2022. She runs a Los Angeles food blog on Tiktok and Instagram under the epithet "Little Savvy." She serves on the Hermanas Unidas club board and the debate team and is passionate about reading and sociology.

All content by Lucy Williams
Seniors Genevieve Sive, Sienna Ozar, Kennedy Schultz and Audrey DeUgarte study for final exams in Clark Street Bakery across the street from Archer. Many teachers made lengthy study guides for upper schoolers to practice material since many exams covered class material taught back in September.

New year, new finals: Students respond to finals week after winter break

January 24, 2023
This year, we cooked up and untraditional Thanksgiving table at my grandmothers house consisting of Oysters Rockefeller, lobster bisque and debuting sweet potato Christmas trees. Experiment with new holiday dishes this winter to spice up your seasonal routine and impress friends and family.

A cozy, untraditional winter food adventure

January 18, 2023
Freshmen Sara Salehi and Julia Ong watch the USA v Iran World Cup game Nov. 29 in the dining hall. The Archer community has been closely following each bracket of games in anticipation of the winning team.

World Cup inspires Archer’s diversity, connectivity

December 12, 2022
The Crown is a Netflix series about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the royals impact on Britain. Season 5 is set in the 1990s, and it brings more drama and intensity to this worldwide favorite.

Review: ‘The Crown’ season 5 is a bingeworthy British bomb

December 7, 2022

The Scoop S3 Ep1 –The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Sydney Curry

December 3, 2022
The cheerleading team lifts freshman Emily Paschall into the air at Archers fall sports pep rally in their first performance of the year. In the future, the team hopes to perform more, possibly at Archer sports games.

Somersaults for Spirit: Archer’s cheerleaders don’t need a football team

November 29, 2022
Head of School Elizabeth English teaches the origins of visual design elements in her seminar American History through Architecture. She said teaching has made her more connected to the class of 2023 and faculty.

Building blocks of connection: Head of School teaches senior seminar about architecture

October 31, 2022
These antisemitic posters encased in plastic bags and weighed with sand were found in Beverly Hills Sunday. The Goyim Defense League, an antisemitic hate group, dispersed these Saturday night, and junior Stephanie Harrison said many of her neighbors found them in their backyards.

‘I feel jaded at this point’: Archer students respond to antisemitism in Los Angeles

October 29, 2022
Every number of a death toll generates the same image for a person: a dead body. Stopping to consider the lives and suffering of each person in that number will create the empathy we need to act as a community.

Op-Ed: There are lives behind the death toll

September 30, 2022
Student Body President Rose Chuck (23) dances with seniors Eliza Tiles, Georgia Ehrlich and Azel Al-Kadiri in the courtyard on the kickoff First Friday event of the year. Many students, from sixth graders to seniors, ran around, ate candy and taped magazines to Student Council’s Archer vision board.

Dance parties and visions: Student Council kicks off First Fridays event, celebrates community

September 21, 2022
Senior Olivia Jarvie presents her project about the effects of snail slime on chronic wound healing. Judges Max Ezin and Lynn Bresnahan grade her presentation and research skills. Student scientists in Archers research classes used the symposium as an opportunity to showcase the projects that they had been working on all year.

Worms healing wounds, devices fighting fires: STEM Symposium features Los Angeles student scientists

June 4, 2022
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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