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The Oracle
  • May 11Archer Athletics Awards Night will happen Tuesday, May 13
  • May 11The Advanced Study Humanities Symposium will be held Friday, May 16
  • May 11The senior fountain jump will happen Friday, May 16
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
Surya Patil

Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief

Surya Patil joined The Oracle as a staff reporter in 2021, became sports editor in 2022.  She currently serves as the editor-in-chief. She plays on the Archer varsity tennis team and is on the Athletic Leadership Council. When she is not reporting or playing tennis, you can find her binging 2000s TV shows and spending time with her friends and family.

All content by Surya Patil
My grandmother is shown on the right along with all of her grandkids. Every year, my dad's family spend Christmas together at our house, sharing stories and creating memories. (Photo by Rajita Patil.)

Commentary: Storytelling through stargazing — How I connect the dots

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
May 9, 2025
PNP Paribas Open Champion Meera Andreeva plays against Danish player Clara Tauson in the Round of 32. Seniors Parker Keston and Presley Forster attended the tournament and said they loved watched their favorite players in-person. (Photo provided by Parker Keston.)

‘Age is just a number’: Indian Wells’ young champions inspire Archer tennis players, new generation

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
March 21, 2025
A promotional poster for the film "My Fault: London" depicts Nick (Gabriel Guevara) and Noah (Nicole Wallace) in their racing gear. The film follows their budding romance, as they navigate rocky relationships with their parents. Promotional image courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios.

Review: Slow start, flat finish — ‘My Fault: London’ misses the checkered flag

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
March 5, 2025
Tattered Tales Founder Natalie London ('26) runs a book fair to provide free books children living in underserved communities. London donates her own books and also collects books from her local communities, such as Archer. Photo provided by Natalie London.

Tattered Tales nonprofit hosts free book fairs, collects donations from Archer

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
December 8, 2024
Archer parent Eric Borstein walks through the marine base, Camp Pendleton, on his walk from Los Angeles to San Diego. Borstein completed the walk during the first Where is EB? fundraiser, which raised awareness for patients, like himself, diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Photo Courtesy of US Marine Corps.

Where is EB? Fundraiser raises nearly 200 grand for pulmonary arterial hypertension patients

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
October 14, 2024
This was my view of the U.S. Open from my seats at the "Cosm." This venue offers showings of live events, including sports games and media art, and utilizes technology to create an impressive immersive experience.

Review: “Cosm” transports viewers into live events through immersive technology, offers affordable alternative

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2024
Fellow Northwestern Medill Cherubs and I visit the Chicago CBS News Station. I watched the 11 a.m. news live and was able to see professional journalists in their element. Photo by Gabrielle Egozi.

Letter From the Editor

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
August 26, 2024
Various reality TV shows that are available for streaming on Hulu are shown. There are several genres within reality TV, such as makeover and romance, which makes reality TV appealing to different audiences.

From ‘The Bachelor’ to ‘Love is Blind,’ reality TV is ‘entertaining,’ ‘comforting’ despite inherent artificiality

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
April 10, 2024
Seniors Lacey Thompson and Laila Charles pour smoothies into cups for the “Guess the Smoothie” activity. The activity took place March 20 for the “Wild West vs. West Coast” Spirit Week theme day.

Spirit Week incorporates new, old themes during major assessment week

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2024
Junior Lili Franks completes an ACT online practice math section, provided by Test Innovators. Franks, along with several other juniors, are planning to take the ACT in April.  

Yale reinstates SAT, ACT requirement, juniors discuss standardized testing plans

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
March 4, 2024
Volumes of The Oracle’s past print volumes are displayed. The editorial board reflected on the history of The Oracle, how it has changed over time and its purpose in our community.

[Photo] Editorial: Oracle origins: How the role of The Oracle, editorial board has evolved since founding

By 23-24 Editorial Board
February 26, 2024
The L.A. river is rushing with rainwater. Hazardous conditions caused by excessive amounts of rainfall prompted campus closure and asynchronous lessons Monday, Feb. 4.

‘Flashback to the pandemic’: Storm causes asynchronous learning, campus closure

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2024
Oatmilk, almond milk and cow's milk are shown next to each other in a refrigerator. While alternative milk does have certain health benefits, unfortified beverages lack the levels of calcium found in cow's milk. Junior Ivy Woolenberg said she consumes almond and oat milk on a daily basis with her coffee. Photo by Ivy Woolenberg.

Building bones: How adolescents should maximize bone strength, density

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 27, 2024
TV Throwbacks: My 10 favorite 2000s shows

TV Throwbacks: My 10 favorite 2000s shows

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 24, 2024
Junior Gemma Wyles performs "Blackened Lungs," an original song. Wyles performed the piece at the Girls Empowering Girls open mic event Friday, Jan. 5.

GEG hosts open mic event in courtyard, highlights Archer’s musicians

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 10, 2024
Mindset Performance Coach Pamela Kalinoski speaks to around 20 upper school students about the importance of being self-aware as an athlete. The event took place Tuesday, Nov. 14 in the library during US FLX Block.

Mindset Coach Pamela Kalinoski’s key to a successful underdog sports performance: self-awareness

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
November 26, 2023
Eighth graders Phoebe Miro, Leani Al-Midani and Nissara Shah give a speech about child marriage in the U.S. and the world at their VOW for Girls fundraiser Friday, Oct. 20. The girls shared statistics about the occurrence of child marriage and educated their fellow eighth grade attendees about the dangers associated with it. Photo by Miya Nambiar.

Banning child marriage: 3 eighth grade students organize VOW for Girls fundraiser

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2023
"INCAPTIVITY" is an exhibit in the Eastern Star Gallery that features the work of Fulton Leroy Washington. Washington began his career in jail and created all of the oil-paintings exhibited in the gallery while serving a wrongful life sentence. 

[Photo] ‘Do it your way’: ‘INCAPTIVITY’ exhibit in Eastern Star Gallery inspires students with story of dedication

By Zoe Gazzuolo, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2023
Senior Gemma Larbalestier dives for the ball during the game against Milken Community School. The varsity volleyball senior night ceremony took place after the game. Photo by Rebecca Aranda.

Varsity volleyball senior night displays ‘sisterhood,’ seniors reflect on leadership, legacy

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2023
Actresses Judy Reyes and Ana Ortiz picket at the Writers Guild Association strike May 8. Ortiz has been attending WGA and SAG-AFTRA protests almost daily since the start of the unions’ strikes. Photo by Noah Lebenzon.

Hollywood actors, writers share insight into cause, impact of ongoing dual strike

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
September 13, 2023
Athletic Director Kim Smith gives an opening speech at the 2022-2023 Athletic Awards Night. Last year, along with Athletic Awards Night, she organized college signings, pep rallies and other events. Photo by Rebecca Aranda.

Q&A with Athletic Director Kim Smith on start of sports seasons, goals for year

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2023
Student Body President Anaiya Asomugha ('24) and Executive Board member Tess Hubbard ('24) hold their hands up to create a human tunnel as the younger students run through. Moving Up Day took place June 2 and commemorated non-graduating students and their achievements this year.

Moving Up Day celebrates ‘motivated,’ ‘creative’ rising senior class

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
June 4, 2023
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

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
May 25, 2023
Journalism adviser Kristin Taylor helps publications staff members organize the yearbooks while grades six through 11 line up to receive them Wednesday, May 24. Community members signed each other's yearbooks to reflect on the year before summer break.

[Photo] Yearbook distribution week resurfaces community memories from school year

By Lucy Williams, Voices Editor
May 29, 2023
Destroyed buildings and piled rubble span the northwestern area of Syria. Millions of Syrians live in the areas most affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria Feb. 6. 

Op-Ed: U.S. sanctions, political rivalries hinder foreign aid to Syria after earthquake

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
April 19, 2023

S3 Ep3 – Round Table: Varsity Winter Sports Captains

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
March 24, 2023
Sophomores Bryce Collis and Hayden Said perform "Star Pants Waiting In The Sky," which was written by Collis. This scene highlighted coming-of-age themes as they explore their identities.

Drama Queens’ student-written performances tackle female-centered themes

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
March 9, 2023
Staff Reporters Lucia Williams ('25) and Surya Patil ('25) and journalism adviser Kristin Taylor accept the 2022 Online Pacemaker Finalist award at the 2022 National High School Journalism Convention. This award recognized high school news sites for journalistic excellence. 

Commentary: Celebrating Student Press Freedom Day with bold journalism, brave advocacy

By Surya Patil and Lucy Williams
February 24, 2023
Sophomores Siena Ferraro, Mia Vosicher and Bryce Collis present their display of books they brought in for the used book fair. The fair took place in the library Friday, Feb. 17, during lunchtime.

Sophomore Siena Ferraro hosts first used book fair, equitably promotes joy of literature

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
February 22, 2023
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

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 31, 2023
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

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 23, 2023
Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls

Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 23, 2023

The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 10, 2023
Crops grow at GrowGood, an urban farm located in Los Angeles. Senior Eliza Tiles has been volunteering at GrowGood since she returned from working on an urban farm in Maine. Urban farms help provide communities with sustainable ways of eating and can reduce outside temperatures, an effect of climate change.

Global South leads fight for climate justice; Archer students follow

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 8, 2023
Members of Hermanas Unidas and faculty present to Spanish-speaking families. Families gathered in Archer’s library Nov. 29 where they learned more about daily life at Archer and bonded over their common language and culture.

Familias Unidas: Community bonds over shared culture at Spanish-Speaking Family Night

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
December 6, 2022
Swimmers on the middle school swim team throw their hands up in celebration after winning the PBL championship. The PBL final took place at Palisades Charter High School Nov. 5.

Middle school swim earns 8th PBL Championship for swim program

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
November 27, 2022
Sophia Landers ('24) smiles for a photo with her club poster. Landers's club focuses on engaging with French culture.

Club Fair showcases diverse range of students interests

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2022
Junior Malia Apor lifts the bar and two additional ten pound weights during A-train Sept. 22. A-train takes place from 4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Learning to lift: Upper school students join A-train, Barbell Club

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
September 28, 2022
Pictured left to right are Nadia Ghassemi, Dominique Greene, Una Fox, Saira Rahman and Maddi Stein. "At some point you might have to... just say, 'I believe this is the right path for me,'" Ghassemi said. "And I may lose a little money or a little time in the short term, but it's going to get me to where I want to be."

‘Confidence becomes the differentiator’: Women in business, technology speak on panel

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2022
Elle Vandewhege ('26) serves a ball at a beach volleyball scrimmage against Windward School. Her partner, Similce Diesel ('26), was prepared to return the opponent's ball.

Pilot beach volleyball program engages middle school athletes post-pandemic

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2022
The writing on the glass refers to one of the soups of the day, and reads "does not contain gluten ingredients." Meghan Lambert, director of dining services, said the servery aims to have at least one, if not both, of the soups of the day be gluten-free.

Students express concerns about gluten-free options in servery

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2022
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.

This is a certificate I received after passing level five of Certificate of Merit in 2019 for piano and music theory. When I received it in the mail, my first emotion was relief, because I knew I would be free of judgement from the people around.

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

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
April 20, 2022
Panelists and hosts Samantha Garibaldi and Zoe Griffin converse with each other moments before the Q&A began. The panel was located in the dining hall and upper school students sat in rows of chairs to view the presentation.

‘You have everything to be successful’: Leading women in finance speak to upper school

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
March 27, 2022
Student Body President Langdon Janos and freshman Julianna Hatton prepare the Archer community for the pie to the face Executive Board members Marissa Gendy and Bess Frierson are about to receive.

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

By Chloe Fidler, Voices Editor
March 22, 2022
Pictured are common materials found in teachers' classrooms to combat the spread of COVID-19. Friday March 13, 2020 was the last day students attended school without masks on indoors. The two years and one day later, students will have the option to remove their masks indoors.

Archer lifts indoor mask mandate

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
March 12, 2022
Freshman Ivy Woolenberg holds one of her cupcake creations. This cupcake was one of several packed for an order she received. Throughout quarantine the number of orders she packs a day has increased exponentially. "Over quarantine not a lot of bakeries were open, so it was a good time for me to leverage my business," Woolenberg said.

Student business spotlight: ‘BakedwithLovebyIvy’ takes off during pandemic

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
March 4, 2022
Sixth grader Bella Hansen dribbles to the basket. This home game was against Brentwood and resulted in a 18-16 loss for Archer. "I got stronger, both as a player and as a person throughout the season, and saw improvement in myself," Hansen said.

Hoops and highlights: Middle school basketball wraps winter season

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
February 11, 2022
This picture shows me serving at 9 p.m. on a Tuesday night. I try to come out and take a basket of serves daily, in order to better my serve speed, technique and spin.

Op-Ed: What off-season?

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
February 5, 2022
Depicted is "14 Peaks" featured climber Nirmal Purja, staring at a mountain range reflected in his goggles, before him. The image shown is taken from Netflix's main promotional poster, who released the film on Nov. 29, 2021.

Review: ’14 Peaks’ documents Nepalese climber’s inspiring expedition

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 28, 2022
Middle school students run through their dance during MS-FlX Block. Pictured was the dancers in formation at the beginning of a dance. All middle school students had the choice at the beginning of the school year to sign up for MS-FLX Block dance class in which the dance they learned would be showcased at the annual Night of Dance performance.

‘The restrictions have brought out strength’: Night of Dance plans shift as cases surge

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 19, 2022
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

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
January 12, 2022
Sixth grader Bella Hansen shoots a ball at the team's last game. They played Windward last Friday, Dec. 10, where they lost 8-38. "We learned the importance of having a good balance between having a strong defense and being aggressive," seventh grader, Paloma Lebenzon said.

‘An exciting atmosphere’: Middle school basketball bounces into start of season

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2021
At the Archer in Action Fair, Chloe Fidler presents for Mayor's Youth Council, and Charlotte Tragos and Sophie Altemus (not pictured) presents for Grassroots Democrats HQ. This fair took place in the courtyard, at lunch, on Nov. 9. Pictured from left to right are Chloe Fidler ('22) and Charlotte Tragos ('23).

Activism at Archer: Senior service learning projects shine through the Artemis Center

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
December 2, 2021
Archer's new athletics assistant Madison Witt works at her desk. The Oracle held a Q&A with Witt, asking about her position and experience at Archer so far.

Q&A with the new athletics assistant: Madison Witt

By Surya Patil, Editor-in-Chief
November 6, 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

By Surya Patil and Lucy Williams
October 10, 2021
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