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
Oona Seppala

Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor

Oona Seppala joined the Oracle in 2022, was a senior reporter in 2023 and became the multimedia editor in 2024. She plays on the varsity tennis team and is a member of Archer’s a cappella group, the Honor Education Council and the Service Squad. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, reading and volunteering.

All content by Oona Seppala
An upper school student walks in the front of the school, wearing a transgender flag on their back. In President Trump's inauguration speech, he declared that "there are only two genders: male and female." During this time, transgender and nonbianary Archer students aim to educate the community and fight against gender inequality.

Accuracy, activism: Archer students navigate Trump anti-transgender policy

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
March 17, 2025

S5E9 – The Scoop on 7th grade, nationally ranked hockey player Quinn Albrecht

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
March 17, 2025
Juniors Noah Johnson and Avery Greene laugh during a discussion in English 11: Advanced Study. Although much of the course has a focus on literary and rhetorical analysis, the monologue assignment provides an opportunity for students do engage in creative writing.

From ‘Streetcar’ to self exploration: Juniors reflect on identity with monologue assignment

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
February 25, 2025
Middle school students rehearse their dragon performance minutes before the courtyard fills with community members during the annual Lunar New Year celebration in the courtyard. The celebration took place Jan. 29 and included sustainable Taiwanese night market games, Chinese song and dance performances and different Asian foods.

Annual Lunar New Year festival encourages sustainable celebration, shares cultural traditions

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
February 3, 2025
A silhouette figure holds a balloon which looks like a surrealist portrait of Mac Miller. Miller's estate released his second posthumous album on Jan. 17, 2025. (Image courtesy of Sony Music)

Review: Mac Miller’s second posthumous release, “Balloonerism,” embodies his lasting legacy

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
January 28, 2025
A cartoon stick figure ponders which holiday film to choose on a night in. For as long as I can remember, a cup of sweet hot chocolate and a Christmas classic have been the epitome of holiday spirit. (Graphic illustration by Oona Seppala, made on Canva)

5 festive films to watch this holiday season

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
December 16, 2024

Video Q&A with multimedia journalist, Archer alum Chace Beech

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
December 1, 2024
Anxiety to action: Strategies to help with election anxiety

Anxiety to action: Strategies to help with election anxiety

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
November 5, 2024
A laptop is open to the opening slide of the Jewish Student Union's Oct. 7 commemoration, as two students embrace in the background. The presentation was one example of how communities in Archer and in Los Angeles came together to recognize the anniversary of the war in Israel and Palestine.

Students, faculty find community amidst anniversary of Oct. 7, start of deadly Israel-Hamas war

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
October 16, 2024

S5E1 – The Scoop on summer jobs, working with kids

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
October 6, 2024
Maya Acutt ('25), Kate Hanney ('25) and Gabriella Specchierla ('25) clap as they celebrate their teammates during last season's Senior Night. The three seniors are the only runners from The Class of 2025 on the team, forging a special bond that they will carry with them, even as the prepare to leave Archer.

‘Side by side’: Q&A with three varsity cross country seniors

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
October 6, 2024
A student reads "Exit West" by Moshin Hamid in the Tia Palermo Library. The novel follows refugees Nadia and Saeed as they emigrate from their home country to the United States through a series of magical doors.

Review: Moshin Hamid’s “Exit West” inspires empathy, modern storytelling

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
September 11, 2024

Broadcast: Class of 2024 graduates with love, laughter

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
May 30, 2024
Former U.S senator Barbra Boxer gave this years commencement speech. Graduation took place at the Skirball Cultural Center on May 24.

[Photo] Seniors reflect on their time at Archer, share their thoughts on graduating

By Sydney Tilles, Outreach Editor
May 30, 2024
Broadcast: Joy and competition—how the middle school tennis team overcomes isolation of tennis

Broadcast: Joy and competition—how the middle school tennis team overcomes isolation of tennis

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
May 22, 2024

The Scoop on Multimedia

By Oona Seppala and Francie Wallack
May 21, 2024
A silhouette of a woman stands with a thought bubble about the ban of TikTok. As legislation proposing changes to the owners and future of TikTok in the United States passes through the House, we are facing the possibility of a TikTok-less life, but it may be different than you think. (Graphic Illustration by Oona Seppala) 

Commentary: The 5 biggest effects deleting TikTok had on my life

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
May 3, 2024
A pickleball ball lays still on the sport court on Archer's back field. As a part of their fitness curriculum, 10th graders have a pickleball unit, where they practice drills and participate in round-robin style play. 

What’s the dill: Exploring the popularity of pickleball

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
April 23, 2024
Annie Friedman (’24) and Malia Apor (’24) pose for a photo in front of the title wall for their "Petals and Paths" senior art show. Friedman and Apor are Advanced Study Ceramics students and chose to display pottery with themes of nature and family Wednesday, March 6. “I’m drawn to using one glaze called overglaze to make it more cohesive,” Friedman said. “I know Malia uses something called underglazing sometimes, and it’s cool that there’s multiple different ways.” 

Senior art show opening ‘Petals and Paths’ culminates themes of family, nature through ceramics

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
March 21, 2024

S4E6 – The Scoop on Archer sophomore actress, how she transformed her passion into a career

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
February 22, 2024
Eighth graders reference a slideshow on each of the amendments composing the Bill of Rights Wednesday, Feb. 14. Prior to having students begin working on a Bill of Rights scenario worksheet, history teacher Bethany Neubauer presented about each of the amendments, including when they are most relevant and why they are important.

[Photo] #FirstAmendment: Student journalists across California discuss teaching, impact of First Amendment on publications

February 19, 2024
The Security Council Chamber lies empty on a June afternoon. During a guided tour of the United Nations Building in New York, I was lucky enough to go into the General Assembly, Security Council, ECOSOC and Trusteeship Council and learn about the purpose of each council.

Op-Ed: Is the UN still relevant?

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
February 1, 2024
Parents and students listen to college guidance counselors Shalyn Tharayil and Ivan Hauck speak about the importance and challenges of introspective writing in the college process. The audience listened to the college guidance department present statistics, facts, case studies and answer common questions in the dining hall Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 7:30-9 p.m.

Junior class kicks off college process during annual event, prepares for applications, essays

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
January 30, 2024
Elyse Harris (’29) dribbles the basketball away from a Crossroads navy team member. The middle school purple basketball team beat Crossroads 41-5 in their first game of the season Wednesday, Dec. 13. Photo by Archer Athletics.

Defining success: Middle school purple basketball begins season with ‘spirit,’ ‘pride’

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
December 15, 2023

S4E4 – The Scoop on junior Parker Keston: Keeping bee-sy with a passion project

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
December 14, 2023
Panelist and Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Chaitali Gala Mehta answers a question about how she began her career in philanthropic fundraising. The panelists were four women in fundraising who shared insight into giving back to the community and gave advice to seniors about careers in philanthropy. 

Money, money, money: Philanthropy panelists discuss fundraising for nonprofits, confidence in careers with senior class

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
December 12, 2023
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. "It's 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

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
December 4, 2023
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

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
October 25, 2023
Founder of cookie dough company Sweet Loren’s Loren Castle, body acceptance coach Debbie Saroufim, Archer alumna, psychologist and life coach for girls Olivia Tiffany ('09) and Shanthi Seth ('27) smile as the audience asks questions at the end of a panel on mental health and well-being. The panel was mandatory for upper school students and took place Monday, Oct. 16.

Mental health, well-being panel ‘inspires’ students, panelists share insight about careers

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
October 25, 2023
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

By Oona Seppala and Ella Schwartz
October 19, 2023

Broadcast: Archer taps into new safety measures with School Pass

By Oona Seppala and Sydney Tilles
October 11, 2023
Visual Arts teacher Hannah Kremin positions her artwork and prepares for the opening of the 2023 Eastern Star Gallery faculty and staff art show. Kremin's piece on display is called "Swan's Dance" and was made from clay, plaster, acrylic, sand and wax.

 ‘It’s humanizing’: Eastern Star Gallery show facilitates student, faculty connection

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
September 20, 2023
Freshmen Phoebe Measer and Chloe Ventura Ruvalcaba high-five after a point in a preseason match against St. Monica Preparatory. Archer's JV volleyball team lost 0-2 against St. Monica and most recently beat the Oakwood School 2-0. Photo by Archer Athletics.

Freshman-filled JV volleyball team adjusts to change, builds confidence

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
September 19, 2023
Freshman Emerson Cohen works on her Music Styles and Composition course final project, composing an original song on GarageBand. Cohen has continued to grow her passion by exploring new avenues of music. “I’m still getting used to the songwriting process because my initial beginning was mostly performance and playing,” Cohen said.

‘I can’t see my life without music’: Q&A with freshman Emerson Cohen on music composition, arrangement

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
May 31, 2023
My sister and I smile for a picture in the summer of 2012. We have always had a very close relationship, and I have loved taking care of her; she has taught me so many lessons. I am grateful that she helped me grow my leadership skills through the experience of taking care of her.

Op-Ed: Being a big sister made me a better leader

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
May 31, 2023
Junior Maia Alvarez and sophomores Cezanne Silverton and Allie Yang practice for the speech and debate club’s national competition. According to another debate team member Lucy Williams (’25), the art and language of disagreement has largely been forgotten but is fundamental to understanding opposing opinions and one’s own beliefs.

The culture of discourse, importance of conversation, communication in the 21st century

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
May 27, 2023
The new, blank triangle sign on the gender-neutral bathroom replaces the old female figure sign. According to GSA Executive Board member and junior Remi Cannon, the opening of the gender-neutral bathroom helps provide a safe space for students of all gender identities at Archer.

New gender-neutral bathroom provides safety, comfort for students of all gender identities

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
May 27, 2023
Protagonists Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin) and Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) are seen exiting their private jet in the midst of their North American tour. Fans swarm the plane as the group enters the stage. "Daisy Jones and The Six" is human, raw and perfect for music lovers.

Review: ‘Daisy Jones and The Six’ is dramatic, personal, filled with catchy tunes

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
May 9, 2023

Read the book

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
May 1, 2023
My father and I celebrate my second birthday in 2009. In my family, birthdays are heavily celebrated and many memories of wishing to be older come from these parties. 

Commentary: A teenage dream

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
March 3, 2023
The middle school green soccer team poses for a photo after a game against The Brentwood School's blue soccer team. Archer lost this game 3-4. "It’s great because everyone is so nice to each other" team member Edie Wyles ('27) said. "In the beginning of the game it doesn't really matter because at the end, we all just tried our best."

Follow the leaders: Eighth graders lead and middle school green soccer team to playoffs

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
February 16, 2023
Service Squad members Malia Apor ('24) and Kayla Bruce ('24), as well as a Red Cross representative, highlight names and check in blood donors outside the Zeller Student Center. “Donating blood is an accessible and easy way to give back to people who need it," Service Squad member Ella Dorfman ('25) said. "We have a lot of people who have a lot of blood to give that’s healthy.”

Red Cross crosses paths with Service Squad for annual blood drive

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
February 15, 2023
Piper Rutman leads the Unaccompanied Minors in a rehearsal before the winter concert preview. Rutman is the a cappella group manager and has arranged many songs for the group. "I want my music to be spark emotions in a good way and be that sad or happy or whatever," Rutman said.

Pandemic pursuit: how Piper Rutman explored passion for music composition, plans for future

By Oona Seppala, Multimedia Editor
January 20, 2023
Allegra Carney staff photo 2022

[Photo] Allegra Carney

September 13, 2022
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