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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
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The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
Sydney Frank

Sydney Frank, Columnist

Sydney Frank has been a part of the Oracle since 2021. Her passion for learning about the world around her and her desire to help others inspired her to write a column about current events and their impact on her life. She hopes to educate those around her and bring new perspectives to light.

All content by Sydney Frank
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

February 2, 2023
This image depicts a tiger crawling out from the pages of a book. Storytelling is an integral part of ones life, whether it be the fables you hear as a child, your favorite movie or a book youve read for an English class. Storytellers have the power to bring people together and combat the hate we so commonly see in society today.

Column: Paper Tigers and Star Wars figurines

December 15, 2022
Three girls stand together, adorning their new “I voted” stickers. The US midterm elections occurred on Nov. 8, and many swarmed to the polls to vote.

Column: Our voices matter

December 4, 2022
Social media platforms swarm around the head of a girl. For many, social media serves as an escape from the real world. Fandoms made up of millions of stans span across the internet — most notably, BTS ARMY.

Column: What is a ‘stan’?

November 6, 2022
Archers Varsity tennis team poses with placards after winning the annual First Serve Tournament Sept. 24.

[Photo] Varsity tennis players reflect on undefeated league season, playoffs

November 15, 2022
Jackson Wang performs at Head in the Clouds. Located at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the annual music festival celebrates Asian and Asian American artists and culture.

Column: Head over heels for Head in the Clouds

September 22, 2022
Charlotte Tragos, staff photo 2022

[Photo] Charlotte Tragos

August 22, 2020
Students gather around tables in the courtyard to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Whether they were eating Asian snacks or playing games, everyone pitched in to celebrate.

Column: My story to tell

May 28, 2022
Pictured is me watching a CNN news broadcast in regards to the recent COVID-19 outbreaks in Shanghai, China. It is troubling to watch the pandemic continue its rampage throughout the world, and makes me wonder when life will go back to normal.

Column: Is this the new normal?

April 28, 2022
Various makeup products like eyeliner and eyeshadow, lie on a white sheet; products people use to participate in the popular “fox-eye” trend. The trend has taken the internet by storm—and not in a good way. People continue to romanticize having slanted eyes, although this only seems to apply to non-Asians.

Column: A TikTok trend or blatant racism?

April 1, 2022
Depicted in this drawing is an image of a girl listening to music. For many, music is a way to express oneself and often times escape from reality. Representation for Asians in media is so important, and through music is one of many ways we can continue to support Asian people as artists and creators.

Column: Five Asian artists that you need to know

March 4, 2022
“These Violent Delights” by Chloe Gong has earned its title as a New York Times Bestseller. It is a wonderful retelling of an old love story that we all know and love, but with a twist; now it is set in Shanghai and includes an Asian main character.

Review: Juliet-reimagined

January 23, 2022
The nostalgic children’s show, “Sesame Street” has introduced its first ever Asian-American puppet. Meet 7-year-old Ji-Young, as she learns about her identity as an Asian-American girl.

Column: Welcome to the neighborhood, Ji-Young

January 8, 2022
This drawing illustrates the facelessness many others, including myself, may feel when addressed by the wrong name, especially if it stems from the basis of race.

Column: Do you know my name?

December 2, 2021
The new Netflix sensation, Squid Game is taking over peoples lives, from Korea to America. The thrilling, engaging and suspenseful show is one of many to come from the Asian community.

Column: Red light, green light for Asian Americans

October 19, 2021
During the 2021 U.S. Open, 18 year old Emma Raducanu from Britain played fiercely. Through sheer determination and will, she was able to make it to the final and ultimately bring home her first Grand Slam win.

Column: I am not just one thing

September 18, 2021
Students faced delays with the cancellation of their flight that led to an over 20 hour long bus ride to Wyoming. It was definitely an adventure, because of the 20 hour bus ride to get there and the flight being canceled and everything. But once I was there it was super fun and Wyoming was beautiful, so I had a good time, Mia Makower (23) said. The most challenging moment was sleeping. First of all I had a hard time sleeping in the tent, but also backpacking because it was a lot of weight to hold on my back my shoulders, but I managed to do it.

[Photo] Eleventh grade Arrow Week: A photo journey through Wyoming

September 22, 2021
Azel Alkadiri

[Photo] Azel Al-Kadiri

May 21, 2021
As school has returned to in-person learning on-campus, pictured is me sitting in the courtyard. For the last two years, our world has undergone a nationwide pandemic called COVID-19. Minorities who were most affected by this virus of hate, such as the Asian American community and more, have started and continued to speak out against the injustices they have faced.

Column: It’s nice to meet you

September 7, 2021
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