The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

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

The Oracle
Maia Alvarez

Maia Alvarez, Features Editor

Maia Alvarez joined The Oracle as a staff reporter in 2021 and became the Multimedia Editor in 2022. In 2023, she became the Features Editor. She was on the leadership board for InvenTeam, led the Best Buddies club, and was a member of the Speech and Debate team. Outside of school, she practiced taekwondo as a second-degree black belt and volunteered as a tutor. She graduated in 2024.

All content by Maia Alvarez
The National Landmark plaque hangs on the front veranda. The original historic building was built in 1932, while the academic center was completed in 2019. Accessibility at Archer differs depending on where a student is located on campus.

Accessibility at a national landmark campus

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
May 21, 2024
The renovation team continues to remodel the interior of the Barrington Starbucks location Thursday, April 11. Since returning from spring break, upper school students with across-the-street privileges, faculty and staff have grieved over the temporary closing of the Barrington Starbucks location. The coffee shop is set to re-open early next week.

[Video] #StudentPressFreedomDay: Archer wins 9th FAFPA, Oracle staff discusses value of press freedom

By Lola Thomas and Maia Alvarez
February 22, 2024
Lucia Macy ('29) and Dealer, Macy’s trainer’s horse, show their winning ribbons after a horse show. As the equestrian team practices year-round, riders have trained at their respective barns and participated in other horse shows to prepare for the upcoming Interscholastic Equestrian Show in March. Photo courtesy of Lucia Macy.

Saddle up: Equestrian team reigns in new year practicing for March show

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
February 18, 2024
Jewish Student Union Executive Board members Rebecca Lazarus ('24), Jordanna Boxer-Wachler ('24) and Micaela Boxer-Wachler ('24) spotlight students' emotions around campus about the crisis in Israel and Gaza in an upper school presentation. Since Hamas' attack on Israel Oct. 7, JSU has aimed to be a pillar of support and information for the community.

Bastien Beaufort, the director of Guyapi Paris and specialist in fair trade and indigenous plants, explains the history of the slow food movement and the organization's efforts to bring indigenous knowledge and plant-based nutrients to French consumers. This past summer, French students traveled to France and Belgium for a sustainability-focused Archer Abroad trip June 3-10. Photo by Travis Nesbitt.

Archer Abroad trip to France, Belgium engages French students in environmental studies, language, culture

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
December 6, 2023
AJR's fifth studio album, "The Maybe Man," was released Nov. 9. The album follows band members Adam, Jack and Ryan's re-examination of life in their most authentic album to date. Photo Source: Image from "The Maybe Man" on Apple Music.

Review: ‘The Maybe Man’ by AJR calls for authenticity in the music industry

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
December 6, 2023
The Archer administration and the Jewish Student Union organized affinity spaces Tuesday, Oct. 10, for students to process the attacks in Israel, which began Saturday, Oct. 7. The JSU Executive Board and school administrators will continue organizing additional presentations and discussions in the coming week.

Adminstration, JSU organize affinity spaces, meetings following attacks in Israel

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
October 13, 2023
Sophomore Meredith Ho edits an interview transcription on Otter.ai. With the addition of AI guidelines to the student handbook, our editorial board has been questioning how AI technology can impact journalism.

[Photo] Editorial: AI is a tool, not the future of journalism

By 23-24 Editorial Board
September 30, 2023
Sophomores Emerson Cohen, Emily Paschall and Meredith Ho gather together for a picture at Leo Carrillo Beach. To commence the school year, sixth through 10th grade students participated in Archer’s annual Fall Outing, where they connected through outdoor activities including ropes courses, games and swimming. “I think it was definitely my favorite fall outing that we’ve done so far,” sophomore Darian Weiss said. “It’s nice that was our last one. It was a good way to end it off.”

Fall Outings for grades 6-10 promote team building, leadership

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
September 10, 2023
Juniors Emma Winkler and Rachel Michiel practice giving and receiving feedback at the publications leadership retreat. From Aug. 14-18, student leaders of the Honor Education Council, Ambassador Leadership Team and Student Council also gathered on campus to learn about leadership, set goals and plan upcoming programs.

Student leaders of HEC, ALT, Student Council team build, set goals for school year at summer retreats

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
August 21, 2023

The Scoop on the History of the Senior Fountain Jump

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
June 1, 2023
Sophomore Sophia Calne wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about how height should be included in the body positivity movement, and people should be more sensitive to differences in height. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)

[Photo] Op-Ed: The weather down here

May 27, 2023
Sophomore Mia Vosicher wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about the meaning of true activism and how people should approach making change today. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)

[Photo] Op-Ed: What is true activism?

May 27, 2023
Sophomore Natalie Huang wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about how personality tests can capitalize off of and further insecurities. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)

[Photo] Op-Ed: This essay will tell you how insecure you are

May 27, 2023
Sophomore Sydney Curry wrote an opinion piece for her 10th grade English class about her experience being Black at a predominantly white school and the importance of affirming Black students' value in their existence. (Graphic Illustration by Maia Alvarez)

[Photo] Op-Ed: Is it because I’m Black?

By Sydney Curry, Podcaster
May 27, 2023
Senior Ella Poon recounts the power of theater for Latine Americans by highlighting everyday life in Washington Heights from the musical “In the Heights.” Archer’s annual Advanced Study Humanities Symposium was held in the library and Media Space Friday, May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Annual Advanced Study Humanities Symposium highlights seniors’ passions through presentations, writing

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
May 24, 2023
While 20% of students at Archer recieve some form of Flexible Tuition, the school's term for financial aid, none of these students receive meal stipends for breakfast or lunch. Within this piece, students share their concerns with the lack of meal stipends, while administration explains the complexities of the school's budgeting system. (Graphic Illustration: Maia Alvarez)

Students raise concerns about lack of food stipends, administration shares complexities behind school’s budgeting

By Lizette Gonzalez and Maia Alvarez
May 7, 2023
While 20% of students at Archer recieve some form of Flexible Tuition, the school's term of financial aid, none of these students recieve meal stipends for breakfast or lunch. Within this piece, students share their concerns with the lack of meal stipends while adminstration explains the complexities of the school's budgeting system.

The position of middle school president goes to Asha Parry (’28), as she received the most votes from the rising seventh and eighth graders.

[Photo] BREAKING: 2023-2024 middle school election results announced

May 5, 2023
The position of Student Body President goes to Anaiya Asomugha (’24), as she received the most votes from the rising upper schoolers. The Executive Board will be comprised of Tess Hubbard (’24), Amelia Hines (’24) and Laila Charles (’24).

[Photo] BREAKING: 2023-2024 Student Council Executive Board results announced

May 2, 2023
A row of cardboard boxes lines the front hallway wall where students can donate items. Between Monday, April 10, and Monday, April 17, students donated to the American Red Cross Drive for refugees fleeing unsafe conditions.

American Red Cross Club hosts refugee drive, motivates community towards service work

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
April 18, 2023
Senior Lily Prokop cheers on her teammate at the first swim meet of the season. As club and non-club athletes on the swim team do not practice together, meets are a unique time to build connections within Archer's swim community.

To club or not to club: Varsity, JV Swim find community between small practices, scattered meets

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
April 11, 2023
The row of the 5:30 late buses to take students home after sports practice or extracurriculars. As students, faculty and staff come from over 76 zip codes around Los Angeles County, long morning commuting through busing and driving has become a lifestyle for many.

Long commutes to campus challenge student, faculty timeliness, affects productivity

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
March 6, 2023
Graphic Ilustration by Maia Alvarez.

Oracle staff members discuss and edit articles. Layout and Design Editor of Archer’s yearbook Lucia Ponti (’24) and Sports Editor Surya Patil (’25) said they ensure every story has three sources, follows AP-Style rules and includes fact-checked information.

#InclusiveReporting: The Oracle diversity audit reveals how unique perspectives ‘highlight stories hidden in the everyday’

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
February 22, 2023
My speech and debate teammates lift me up for a photo. Even if I do not perform my best at a tournament, I never feel the need to compare myself to other competitors. My enjoyment of the activity is my primary focus.

[Photo] Commentary: My ongoing relationship with comparison

By Allie Yang, Columnist
February 12, 2023
A student views his computer which alerts him of the recents mass shootings in the U.S.

[Photo] Low turnout at Monterey Park reflection spaces worries community members about desensitization to gun violence

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 31, 2023
Like the student pictured above, students often experience stress during finals week and in the weeks leading up to it. As a community, we should work together to reduce our stress, especially towards the end of semesters. Graphic Design by Maia Alvarez

[Photo] Editorial: Why administration efforts matter, additional support strategies are vital

By 22-23 Editorial Board
February 11, 2023
The illustration shows books and a laptop signifying the research students in the new advanced study curriculum delve into. Seniors who decided to take the advanced class equivalent of either their history or English course completed an individually designed semester-long project.

[Photo] Seniors develop research skills, explore own interests through humanities advanced study curriculum

By Lizette Gonzalez, Features Editor
January 19, 2023
Chair of Honor Education Council Rachel Heyman ('23) discusses her perspective a scenario during the HEC general session Friday, Jan. 13. At the biweekly general sessions, upper school students have been joining HEC members to discuss real-world ethical dilemmas, learn about the honor code and get advice on moral situations of their own.

HEC hosts upper school general sessions, discusses ethical decision-making before finals week

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
January 18, 2023
This illustration shows me listening to music through my headphones. While I've been hard of hearing most of my life, music has been a constant and I'm grateful to have it in my life.

Commentary: Music’s importance to me

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
January 7, 2023
A reporter's 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.

[Photo] Editorial: An editorial board’s purpose

By 22-23 Editorial Board
December 15, 2022
Sophia Altemus, Azel Al-Kadiri and Noor Afshar wave their white roses as the Unaccompained Minors, Archer’s upper school a cappella group, performs the school’s song “Within the Walls of Archer.” The annual Founder’s Day and the Senior Recognition Ceremony celebrated the women who established Archer and the women who will soon step into the world beyond Archer’s walls.

Founder’s Day, senior recognition ceremony honor founders, alumna, seniors

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
December 9, 2022
Live on the fright side: Halloween celebration encourages joy on campus

Live on the fright side: Halloween celebration encourages joy on campus

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
November 16, 2022
Dani Fenster ('23) and Uma Bajaj ('23) defend a strike by Coach Stephanie Ferri. Members of the faculty and class of 2023 faced off in a volleyball match Friday Oct. 21.

‘What Archer spirit really looks like’: Color clash encourages school spirit, seniors edge out faculty in volleyball game

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
November 1, 2022
Serenity Jones ('26) preparing to serve to begin the next set during their game against Buckley Sept. 24. The JV varsity volleyball team's overall record so far this season is 7-6.

Bringing the ‘best game energy’: JV Volleyball celebrates new skills, strengthen team dynamic

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
October 29, 2022
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

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
October 23, 2022
Students play a game where teams catch as many balls as they can in their nets. “It’s similar to basketball, it’s a similar look to soccer, so it’s not completely foreign to something that someone may have done before,” Lacrosse Coach Megan Toomey said. “It’s just a perfect spring sport for anyone that’s looking to do more athletics.”

Student’s initiative launches pilot lacrosse clinics during fall season

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
October 19, 2022
Meera Mahidhara ('23) presents the Home Screen Club to sixth grader Samaira Modgil. "HomeScreens plans on garnering more volunteers and spreading more awareness about the mental health crisis in the homeless population," Mahidhara said.

[Photo] Club Fair showcases diverse range of students interests

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2022
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

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
October 14, 2022
Students gather in the courtyard on the first day of classes to eat lunch and take their yearbook photos while trying to stay in the shade as much as possible. At the start of the new school year, the Los Angeles community experienced California's hottest and longest heatwave in its history. "It takes a lot of effort for you to do the tasks that you need to do when it's too hot," facilities staff member Enrique Montoya said. "You need to keep drinking water and make sure you stay cool throughout the day.”

Record-setting heat wave challenges community’s first week back

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
September 15, 2022
Students arrive to campus on their first day of the new school year September 6. Prior to the start of school, students from a variety of grade levels experienced outdoor education programs, orientation or a College Jumpstart Meeting.

[Photo] Fall Outing, orientation and College Jumpstart: Archer leadership welcomes students back to campus

September 20, 2022

[Video] The journey of Archer’s Maypole, Moving Up Day tradition

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
June 10, 2022

[Video] The Scoop S2 Ep3 – The Scoop on Hestia’s Flame, Archer’s Yearbook

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
June 3, 2022
Seniors Emily Cadenas and Naobi Benjamin pose with their flowers to commence the opening of their art gallery. “Character Development” opened Wednesday, March 30, at the Eastern Star Gallery and highlighted their joint artwork about their growth as POC women. “Working with Emily  — she’s one of my best friends, so it’s cool to have a best friend who will encourage you and help you,” Benjamin said. “Our gallery was really successful because we have that trust and connection as well.”

‘Character Development’ in progress: Senior art show explores ‘space of transformation’

By Maia Alvarez and Jullie Cach
June 2, 2022
The middle school purple tennis team celebrates after finishing as runner-ups at the Pacific Basin League Finals with Head Coach Paula Feignbaum and Assistant Coach Sydney Streimer.  “Wanting to see your teammates succeed, you’re not really focused on yourself,” Sepalla said. “There was a little bit of anxiety surrounding going into the finals because I don’t think anyone had ever done anything like that before. But, when we got there, we knew that our nerves would settle because we were there together. We weren’t on our own.” 

Swings and wins: Middle school tennis runner-up in PBL finals and Individuals Championships 

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
May 31, 2022
Sophomore Camila Blank sprays seventh grader Nicole Svendsen after moving during a game of Red LIght, Green Light. To commence Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, APSU hosted a celebration on May 16 where students could participate in games and enjoy food from different Asian cultures. "It's no small thing to consume Asian and Asian American media and make an Asian presence in the media more common and more mainstream," Fester said. "Whether that's music or movies or books, it's a really big thing to increase exposure."

‘Not just one Asian tradition’: APSU hosts game-filled celebration for AAPI Month 

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
May 29, 2022
Planaria and Parkinson's Disease: Four student scientists place at California State Science Fair

Planaria and Parkinson’s Disease: Four student scientists place at California State Science Fair

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
May 28, 2022
letterstotheeditor-2

[Photo] Letter to the Editor: Sun, sand and scrumptious

By Carolina Benabib
May 23, 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.

[Photo] BREAKING: 2022-2023 Student Council Executive Board results announced

By Lucy Williams, Voices Editor
May 13, 2022
Election Template Question Mark

[Photo] Executive Board Candidates 2022

By Oracle Staff
May 11, 2022
22-23 Alyssa Ponratana (1)

[Photo] Meet the Candidate: Alyssa Ponrartana

May 11, 2022
22-23 Paulina

[Photo] Meet the Candidate: Mia Makower

May 11, 2022
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’

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
May 1, 2022
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. "It's 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

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
April 24, 2022

The Scoop S2 Ep 2 – The Scoop on Division Disconnection

By Maia Alvarez, Features Editor
April 1, 2022
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