The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
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
Spanish teacher Talia Geffen produced the poster for the first ever ARCHERVISION competition based on the Eurovision Song Contest poster. The competition included both middle and upper school divisions. (Graphic Illustration by Talia Geffen)
Archer community celebrates middle, upper school ARCHERVISION winners
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
Tess Hubbard (24) explains InvenTeams outreach strategies of connecting with local and digital audiences. The team presented on campus to parents, students and teachers during the STEM Symposiums third breakout session presentation.
STEM Symposium offers platform to discover scientific solutions, explore global problems
The Animal Rights Club holds a bake sale fundraiser with treats ranging from cookies to donuts to customizable lemonade. The club raised money for the Sanctuary at Soledad, an animal rescue center, Thursday, May 11, in the courtyard.
Baking a change: Animal Rights Club hosts bake sale, fundraises for the Sanctuary at Soledad
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
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
An image of a phone with numerous searches for how to fix one’s body demonstrates social medias deeply-rooted diet culture. According to Healthline, there was a large user growth among girls ages 15-22 on TikTok, an app known to spread misinformation, especially about weight and dieting. (Graphic Illustration by Olivia Hallinan-Gan)
Teenage girls reflect on diet culture on social media in all-girls environment
This WordCloud illustrates the results of a survey about teenage girls’ self-esteem where Archer students were asked to describe how social media makes them feel in one word. Social media has both positive and negative effects on teen girls, specifically on their body image and mental health. (Graphic Illustration by Tavi Memoli)
Self-love and social media: Teen girls navigate their lives on, off the internet
An individual pushes away boxes labeled with common phrases teenagers say that misuse the labels of mental health disorders. Clinical psychologist and author Lisa Damour said it is essential that people separate describing momentary feelings from clinical diagnoses to not diminish the experience of those who struggle with the disorder. (Graphic illustration by Emily Paschall).
Teenagers’ conversations on mental health: misusing clinical diagnoses, social media’s impacts, self-diagnosing
Azel Al-Kadiri (23), portraying Elinor Dashwood, and Ella Gray (24), portraying Marianne Dashwood, hold hands during a technical rehearsal of Sense and Sensibility. Rehearsals for the upper school play began in January and spanned over three months.
From script to stage: Making of ‘Sense and Sensibility’
Choir Director Hannah O’Connor leads middle school a capella, the Middle C’s, as they sing “Roar” by Katy Perry. A cappella, choir and orchestra groups came together  to perform the Spring Concert May 3-5 in the amphitheater.
Cities, Seas and Stars: Spring Concert sends audience on musical journey through community, culture
Junior Julissa Espinoza creates pieces inspired by different interests and cultural connections for her Advanced Ceramics class. The skull ceramic piece was inspired by Mexican artist Alfonso Castillo Orta, and the lamp was inspired by nature, specifically sun rays, as well as the symbol sagrado corazon. (Graphic Illustration by Audrey Chang)
Cakes, culture and creativity: Advanced ceramics students construct independent projects, reflect on past year
Strawberries, pots, blueberries and more fill the Eastern Star Gallery. Seniors Sara Steiner and Lily Prokop opened their ceramics show, Soirée, Wednesday, May 10.
A community soirée: Lily Prokop, Sara Steiner open senior ceramics show
The front cover of the Nationals new album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, features a photograph of a young boy holding a mannequins head. The ninth album in their catalog finds the rock band examining sadness with a newfound softness.
Review: The National re-examines their sadness in ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’
Azel Al-Kadiri (23), portraying Elinor Dashwood, and Ella Gray (24), portraying Marianne Dashwood, hold hands during a technical rehearsal of Sense and Sensibility. Rehearsals for the upper school play began in January and spanned over three months.
From script to stage: Making of ‘Sense and Sensibility’
Choir Director Hannah O’Connor leads middle school a capella, the Middle C’s, as they sing “Roar” by Katy Perry. A cappella, choir and orchestra groups came together  to perform the Spring Concert May 3-5 in the amphitheater.
Cities, Seas and Stars: Spring Concert sends audience on musical journey through community, culture
Junior Julissa Espinoza creates pieces inspired by different interests and cultural connections for her Advanced Ceramics class. The skull ceramic piece was inspired by Mexican artist Alfonso Castillo Orta, and the lamp was inspired by nature, specifically sun rays, as well as the symbol sagrado corazon. (Graphic Illustration by Audrey Chang)
Cakes, culture and creativity: Advanced ceramics students construct independent projects, reflect on past year
Strawberries, pots, blueberries and more fill the Eastern Star Gallery. Seniors Sara Steiner and Lily Prokop opened their ceramics show, Soirée, Wednesday, May 10.
A community soirée: Lily Prokop, Sara Steiner open senior ceramics show
The front cover of the Nationals new album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, features a photograph of a young boy holding a mannequins head. The ninth album in their catalog finds the rock band examining sadness with a newfound softness.
Review: The National re-examines their sadness in ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’
This is the famous truffle pasta from Sushi House Unico located in Beverly Glen Circle. It was creamy and it had great texture to it. This was my favorite dish of the night.
Review: Sushi House Unico’s dishes capture wide range of cuisines
I hold my dessert from Pinkberry: a large pomegranate and tart swirl with cookies and cream and chocolate chips on top. Upon the first bite I knew this would be my new favorite dessert place.
Review: Pinkberry’s frozen yogurt is personalizable, delicious
The açaí bowl, margarita pizza and curry bowl are pictured at Gratitude Cafe. One of my favorites on the menu was the pizza as it replicated a traditional pizza, while adding new flavors and expanding my tastebuds. The cafe offers a wide range of vegan cuisine, such as an entirely plant-based cheese made from cashews.
Review: Cafe Gratitude offers wide variety of quality vegan dishes
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
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
A volleyball rests on the Archer logo, which is painted on the sports court. The court can function as a playing space for volleyball, pickle ball and basketball and hosts Archer fitness classes.
From classroom to carpool: Student athletes, athletics department reflect on campus sports facilities, transportation
Junior Izzy Jeffery holds hands with her teammate Kennedy Schultz (’23) during a match in the 2021-2022 season. Jeffery has played volleyball for eight years with little league, club and school teams, loving the sports energy and intensity throughout.
Q&A with volleyball player, Junior Olympics competitor Izzy Jeffery
Varsity basketball player Phoebe Ramirez (25) smiles as she accepts the Panther Award alongside her coaches. The Panther Award is given to one student athlete on each sports team for their demonstration of honesty, respect and responsibility throughout the season.
Athletic Awards Night recognizes upper school student athletes’ accomplishments, season highlights
Club lacrosse team Fire Lacrosse holds up sticks to cheer after a practice at John Adams Middle School. High school soccer goalie and club volleyball player Serenity Jones-Nwankwo said she has played through and not been fully honest about her injuries because she would rather play hurt than not play at all.
Managing athletic injuries: High school, collegiate concussion protocols, injury awareness
Junior Cate Childers poses in a Colgate University soccer jersey to celebrate her commitment to their Division I women’s soccer team. From starting soccer at age 4 to joining the recruiting pool freshman year to committing to Colgate April 29, Childers said she is relieved and excited to see what the future holds. 
Junior Cate Childers verbally commits to play Division I soccer at Colgate University
Instagram plays a large role in the growing rates of eating disorders in teenagers. As the apps popularity exponentially increases among teenagers, the commonality of eating disorders in teens has risen as well. (Graphic illustration by Tavi Memoli)
Op-Ed: Instagram’s role in the growing rates of eating disorders in teenagers
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
Jet Rags only location in Los Angeles has a large ground floor and a smaller second floor. Smaller items like rings, sunglasses and iron-on patches can be found near the cash register on the first floor.
My 3 favorite thrift stores in Los Angeles
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)
Op-Ed: What is true activism?
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)
Op-Ed: The weather down here
Japanese Breakfast performed May 11 at the Kilby Block Party Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah. Witnessing their performance live is one of my final memories of high school and stirred up a lot of bittersweet emotions.
Column: An ode to senior year… and Japanese Breakfast
My friend and I took this screenshot of our avatars on one of our favorite servers. Throughout all the years I’ve played video games, it’s always been the one I can consistently return to, having built some of my strongest relationships and shaped who I am as a person.
Column: Create new world
As I begin the road to graduation, Im reminded of the extraordinary experience that Ive had writing a feminist column. It has been a beautifully empowering process that I will be forever grateful for.
Column: Dear column, I love you.
Disney’s 2002 film “Lilo and Stitch” is getting a live action reboot, set to release in 2024. Recently, the film has come under fire, though, for its seemingly whitewashed casting decisions. (Graphic Illustration by Sydney Frank)
Column: “Ohana means family”
Image displays a Nintendo Switch alongside a gaming mouse and a few dollar bills. With the overwhelming prices of video games in the modern age, here are five wonderful games that you can play for free! Image credit to Paulina DePaulo.
Column: The best games in life are free
Instagram plays a large role in the growing rates of eating disorders in teenagers. As the apps popularity exponentially increases among teenagers, the commonality of eating disorders in teens has risen as well. (Graphic illustration by Tavi Memoli)
Op-Ed: Instagram’s role in the growing rates of eating disorders in teenagers
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)
Op-Ed: What is true activism?
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)
Op-Ed: The weather down here
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)
Op-Ed: This essay will tell you how insecure you are
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)
Op-Ed: Is it because I’m Black?
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
Jet Rags only location in Los Angeles has a large ground floor and a smaller second floor. Smaller items like rings, sunglasses and iron-on patches can be found near the cash register on the first floor.
My 3 favorite thrift stores in Los Angeles
Gift Guide: What to get your dad for Fathers Day
Gift Guide: What to get your dad for Father’s Day
These are six books I consider the perfect summer reads. They all take place in summer and are wonderful novels to keep you reading all season. (Graphic Illustration by Olivia Hallinan-Gan)
The perfect summer books with the perfect summer playlist
World Language Teacher Natalie Kang rock climbs up a large boulder on a sunny day. This is one of Kang’s favorite hobbies and she said it has helped her gain a higher tolerance for adversity.
Rocks, nature-walks, photography: Faculty members share their favorite hobbies
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
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
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
The Scoop: A conversation with my trans brother
The Scoop: A conversation with my trans brother
Azel Al-Kadiri (23), portraying Elinor Dashwood, and Ella Gray (24), portraying Marianne Dashwood, hold hands during a technical rehearsal of Sense and Sensibility. Rehearsals for the upper school play began in January and spanned over three months.
From script to stage: Making of ‘Sense and Sensibility’
An image of a phone with numerous searches for how to fix one’s body demonstrates social medias deeply-rooted diet culture. According to Healthline, there was a large user growth among girls ages 15-22 on TikTok, an app known to spread misinformation, especially about weight and dieting. (Graphic Illustration by Olivia Hallinan-Gan)
Teenage girls reflect on diet culture on social media in all-girls environment
An individual pushes away boxes labeled with common phrases teenagers say that misuse the labels of mental health disorders. Clinical psychologist and author Lisa Damour said it is essential that people separate describing momentary feelings from clinical diagnoses to not diminish the experience of those who struggle with the disorder. (Graphic illustration by Emily Paschall).
Teenagers’ conversations on mental health: misusing clinical diagnoses, social media’s impacts, self-diagnosing
The Scoop: A conversation with my trans brother
The Scoop: A conversation with my trans brother
The Scoop on Academic Peer Pressure in preparation for College
The Scoop on Academic Peer Pressure in preparation for College
S3 Ep3 – Round Table: Varsity Winter Sports Captains
S3 Ep3 – Round Table: Varsity Winter Sports Captains
The Scoop S3 Ep3 – The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Alumni Lauren Finkelstein
The Scoop S3 Ep3 – The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Alumni Lauren Finkelstein
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
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
Sarah Wagner

Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief

Sarah Wagner graduated in 2016. She was the Co-Editor-In-Chief of the Oracle in 2015-2016 along with Syd Stone. In her sophomore and junior years, she served as the News and Features editor. In 2014, she worked as an intern at the local paper The Brentwood News. Outside of the Oracle, she was a volunteer at the teen hotline Teenline, Co-President of the Student store, a member of the debate team and a PAWS peer tutor.

All content by Sarah Wagner
Sara Seaman 16 poses with three friends on Moving Up Day. Seaman is pictured in bubble-gum pink hair, which is not allowed under Archers current policy. Seaman believes being an Archer girl and having pink hair should not be mutually exclusive. Photo courtesy of Ali Kiley 16.

Hair color blues: examining Archer’s hair color policy

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
May 26, 2016
The track team poses at their first league meet at Birmingham Community High School. This seasons team has already broken multiple school records. Photo courtesy of Marcela Riddick 16.

Q&A with 2015-2016 varsity track seniors

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
March 24, 2016
Mayim Bialik speaks at FabLabs press event in the Dining Hall. Mayim is a neuroscientist. She researched OCD and chemicals in the brain that contributed to the disorder for her PHD dissertation. Photo by Sarah Wagner 16

‘FabLab TV’ launches new show at Archer

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
March 4, 2016
What would happen?: Examining Archers philosophy on teen pregnancy

What would happen?: Examining Archer’s philosophy on teen pregnancy

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2016
A step by step guide on how to crush your finals

A step by step guide on how to crush your finals

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
December 1, 2015
Members of the InvenTeam pose with their grant. The team hopes to investigate a practical and effective solution to the California drought.

Archer group named official Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam, receives grant

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
November 6, 2015
A #standwithPP sign. The campaign #standwithPP went viral as social media users shared their support for Planned Parenthood online. Photo from NARAL Massachusetts website.

Op-Ed: House Vote to Defund Planned Parenthood was an Unjustified Attack on Women’s Health

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
October 19, 2015
Ella Angel 16 looks up at her horse. Angels horses barn name is Reddy and his stage name is Killian’s Irish Red. Use with permission from Jan Birch.

Q&A with 2015-2016 Equestrian Captain Ella Angel

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
October 2, 2015
National Spanish Exam Winners Announced

National Spanish Exam Winners Announced

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
May 29, 2015
Sarah Wagner photo illustration

Opinions Differ on Online Gradebook, Parent Access

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
May 21, 2015
Q&A with future ASB president Ali Kiley

Q&A with future ASB president Ali Kiley

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2015
How to battle standardized tests and win

How to battle standardized tests and win

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2015
David Roderick shares poetry with Archer students

David Roderick shares poetry with Archer students

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2015
10th grade takes field trip to Getty

10th grade takes field trip to Getty

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
April 20, 2015
Student papers sit on a table in Kristin Taylors classroom. The Literature &... Conference announced the schedule Thursday, Feb. 12 Photographer: Sarah Wagner 16

Lineup for 9th Annual ‘Literature &…’ Conference announced

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2015
The team posing after their victory. They held up signs of Rachel Magnins 15 face in support of her basketball achievements. Photographer: Shishi Shomloo 15

Archer basketball senior night celebrates senior Rachel Magnin ’15

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2015
Namazie and OConnor excitedly sign their letters of intent. They are surrounded by members of the Archer faculty. Photographer: Daniel In

O’Connor, Namazie Sign With Colleges On National Signing Day

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
February 10, 2015
Siena Deck 16 facing the decision of whether or not to watch the next episode of Orange is the New Black. Her math homework sits to the side, neglected.

Procrasti-Nation

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
February 5, 2015
5 Things to Get Excited About for Winter Break

5 Things to Get Excited About for Winter Break

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
December 4, 2014
A security guard sits at his post. Photographer: Sarah Wagner 16

Gunmen Arrested in Brentwood Village

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
November 20, 2014

How Archer Girls Spend Thanksgiving

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
November 20, 2014
Chloe Feminism

Senior Chloe Hallinan Writes for Feminist Blog

October 1, 2014
The participants of the program, along with Jenn Babin, Merran OConnor, and Elizabeth English. Photographer: Daniel In

Archer Participates in Pilot Year of Australian Exchange Program

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2014
Fishy Smell May Help Cancer Patients

Fishy Smell May Help Cancer Patients

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
May 16, 2014

Archer History Teacher Attends White House Correspondents’ Dinner

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
May 16, 2014

An Open Letter to the Starbucks Macchiato

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
May 1, 2014
Photo courtesy of Erin McKean, used with permission.

Erin McKean Creates New Shape for Dictionary

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2014
Op-Ed: Don’t Fall Prey to Tumblr’s Trap

Op-Ed: Don’t Fall Prey to Tumblr’s Trap

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
February 5, 2014

En Garde! A look into Ava Rose’s Fencing Journey

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
January 28, 2014
Op-Ed: The Messages in Songs Matter

Op-Ed: The Messages in Songs Matter

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
December 11, 2013
Archers Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day tradition continues

Archer’s Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day tradition continues

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
December 11, 2013
Archer Community questions homework load

Archer Community questions homework load

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
December 4, 2013
Op-Ed: Malala Yousafzai Should Have Won the Nobel Peace Prize

Op-Ed: Malala Yousafzai Should Have Won the Nobel Peace Prize

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2013
Photographer: Sarah Wagner

Fall Begins with Seasonal Beverages

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2013
Coffee Beans Pumpkin Ice Blended Photographer: Sarah Wagner

[Photo]

A student picks up her Fresh Lunch. Photographer: Sarah Wagner 16

Fresh Lunches Cater to Students’ Needs, Supporters Say

By Sarah Wagner, Editor-in-Chief
October 8, 2013
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