The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
  • November 17There will be a bus emergency drill Thursday, Nov. 21, and there is no late bus.
  • November 17The Amphitheater will be closed Monday, Nov. 18 for the removal of the US Musical set.
  • November 17School will be closed Friday, Nov. 22 for virtual parent-teacher conferences.
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
Anika Bhavnani

Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief

Anika Bhavnani became a member of the Oracle staff in 2015. She was promoted to co-Voices editor in 2016 and was promoted to editor-in-chief for the 2016-2017 school year. She is president of the Diversity Board, an Archer Ambassador and member of the Speech and Debate Team. During the summer of 2016, she went to the National Student Leadership Conference for journalism and hopes to bring back what she learned to The Oracle.

All content by Anika Bhavnani
Protestors gather in front of the Indiana State Capitol on Nov. 12, 2016 — immediately following the election of Donald Trump. Almost a year later, the country is more divided than ever and unity among all is needed to prevent further tragedy.

[Photo] Editorial: A Year after Trump

By 17-18 Editorial Board
November 1, 2017
Editor-in-Chief Anika Bhavnani's photo collage of her major milestones at Archer: from beginning to end. Bhavnani was at Archer for six years. Photo courtesy: Anika Bhavnani

Letter from the Editor: Wrapping up the year

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
May 16, 2017
Madison Turner and Claire Sulzer showcase senior art shows

Madison Turner and Claire Sulzer showcase senior art shows

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2017
Pictured above are six of Vanessa's food diaries. She included the time, what type of meal it was, what she ate and how she felt after each meal.

Food and the self: Changing attitudes towards eating disorders

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2017
Saskia Wong-Smith '18, Lola Wolf '19, Summer DeVera '18 and Dominique Cadenas '19 pose during the Honor Council's "positiviTEA." The event focused on April's word of the month: positivity.

Honor Education Council ends year of deliberation, innovation

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2017
Frank Marshall, Billie Wakeham '17, Alex Sherman '17, Kathleen Kennedy and Elizabeth English pose for a photo at the film festival. Kennedy was the keynote speaker at this year's film festival.

[Photo] The force is female at Archer’s annual film festival

By Harley Quinn Smith, Staff Writer
May 10, 2017
Namazie showcased her works in the upstairs gallery. The show was open to all students and faculty during X-block.

[Photo] Gallery Update: Briana Johnson, Leyla Namazie display senior exhibits

By Logan Connors, Staff Writer
May 5, 2017
Junior Nelly Rouzroch votes for the student council executive board for the 2017-2018 school year.

[Photo] Breaking: Student Council Executive Board announced

By Oracle Staff
April 26, 2017
Taken in 2005, two years after they moved to Los Angeles and before they were married, Jed Donnel and Samantha Coyne pose with their two dogs on Archer's front steps. They will be leaving this summer after 15 years at Archer. Photo courtesy of Donnel

Samantha Coyne-Donnel, Jed Donnel to leave Archer after 15 years

By Anika Bhavnani and Eloise Rollins-Fife
April 26, 2017
Jai Wolf performs on April 16 at Coachella 2017 in the Gobi Tent. The crowded tent was full of people dancing and singing.

6 ways to enjoy Coachella 2017: Weekend #2

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2017
Dr. Saba Soomekh spoke at The Archer School for Girls on March 21. She talked about the history of Islam and its variations throughout the Middle East.

[Photo] Dr. Saba Soomekh visits Archer, inspires conversation

By Maya Wernick, Voices Editor
March 23, 2017
Bigg Chil's frozen yogurt. I especially like their cookie dough.

Review: My bigg obsession

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
March 17, 2017
Kathleen Kennedy poses with Star Wars' R2-D2. She will be the keynote speaker for the sixth annual film festival. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Kennedy

Kennedy announced as sixth annual Archer Film Festival keynote speaker

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
March 8, 2017
The varsity soccer team huddles before the game. During the huddle, they shared positive words of encouragement.

Varsity soccer ties faculty team in ‘biggest game of the year’

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2017
From left to right, Nigol Vanian, Julia Vanian and Corrinne Vinian pose for a photo. The family has been involved with the United Nations.

United Nation members visit Archer

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2017
Featured soloists, Audrey Koh '17 and Hannah Kim '20, at the CAIS Honor Music Festival that took place at Viewpoint School this past weekend. Image courtesy of Ms. Burns.

Archer musicians attend CAIS Honor Music Festival

By Eden Motzkin and Anika Bhavnani
February 16, 2017
Soccer player Rachel Pike holds up a sign cheering on Alyssa Downer at the team's final game.

[Photo] Varsity winter sports celebrate ‘amazing’ Senior Nights

By Alexandra Chang, Managing Editor/Culture Editor
February 12, 2017
A section of the artwork featured in the Eastern Star Gallery. According to Grant, over 90 percent of Archer's community contributed to its creation.

[Photo] Antigone is you is me: Q&A with artist Alexandra Grant

By Eloise Rollins-Fife, Managing/News & Features Editor
February 13, 2017
Archer seniors Leyla Namazie, Isabelle Wilson, Clara Gasparetti, Rachel Pike, Carly Feldman, Eloise Rollins-Fife, Liadan Solomon, Audrey Koh, Isabel Adler, Ingrid Sant and junior Gemma Brand-Wolf pose for a photo at the Women's march in Downtown LA. They hand-made all of their posters. Photo Courtesy of Wilson.

Seniors feel ’empowered’ after Women’s March

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
February 3, 2017

Rachel Pike Signing Letter of Intent from Oracle on Vimeo.

Rachel Pike signs letter of intent to play soccer at Hamilton College

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
February 3, 2017
From left to right starting on the top row, head coach Salilah Gray, Ciel Torres '17, Isabel Adler '17, Allie Worchell '20, Abigale Lishack '20, Drew Kretchmer '20, Erica Dick '18, Isabelle Wilson '17, Marine Yamada '17, Charley Griffiths '20, Natalie Grant '19 and Olivia Richards '19 pose for a photo after the tournament. Two teams went undefeated. Photo courtesy of Adler.

Archer Debate places second in open tournament

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
January 31, 2017
The advanced theatre class, Drama Queens, performed a showcase for the Archer Community on Jan. 30, 2017. The comedic scene is called "Distracted" by Lisa Loomer. From left to right: Noa Diamond '18, Sophie Evans-Katz '18 and Maya Winkler '18.

[Photo] Drama Queens showcase comedic, dramatic abilities

By Nelly Rouzroch, Multimedia Editor
February 16, 2017

Sophie Larbalestier’s ‘fantastic goal’ featured on KNBC

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
January 22, 2017
Ingrid Sant and Isabel Adler (both '17) take a break from studying in the library.

[Photo] Column: Ode to January

By Isabel Adler, Columnist
January 20, 2017
A presenter at the 2016 conference speaks at a panel. Last year's conference was held in the library and was open to students throughout the day.

[Photo] Archer prepares for annual ‘Literature &…’ Conference

By Logan Connors, Staff Writer
February 3, 2017

Winter Wonderland Acapella from Oracle on Vimeo.

Something Minor and Major: a cappella at Archer

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
January 12, 2017

Finally, a role-model: Indian celebrities giving me hope

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
January 12, 2017
Editor-in-Chief Anika Bhavnani poses with holiday themed decorations. Bhavnani is going into her last semester of her Archer career.

Letter from the Editor: Where did first semester go?

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
December 14, 2016
A seasonally themed sign hangs in the courtyard. Student council decorated the entire courtyard for the event.

[Photo] Winter Wonderland celebration brings holiday cheer to Archer

By Anna Brodsky, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2016
From left to right, head coach Salilah Gray, Isabel Adler '17, Ciel Torres '17, Charley Griffiths '20,Abigale Lischak '20, Drew Kretchmer '20, Allie Worchell '20, Isabella Terraciano '20, Isabella Silvers '20 and Anna Brodksy '20 pose after the second tournament of the season. Adler and Torres went undefeated. Photo courtesy of Gray

Archer Debate dominates second tournament with ‘impressive performance’

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
December 7, 2016
Protesters rally against Trump's election at a Nov. 12 protest in downtown Los Angeles. Around 15 Archer students attended this rally as a way to voice their political beliefs. Photo courtesy of Anabel Robertson '17

Strengthening girls’ voices: protest rally brings mission to life

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
November 18, 2016
Zoe Pelikan '17 sets the ball to teammate Cydney Johnson '20. The team lost in quarterfinals after four games.

Archer varsity volleyball players feel ‘crushed’ after final game of season

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
November 13, 2016
Kaia Turowksi ‘17 helps with the senior‘s haunted house. The haunted house was carnival theme.

[Photo] Students celebrate haunting Halloween festivities

By Cybele Zhang, Editor-in-Chief
November 6, 2016
Cat Oriel '18 hugs Clara Gasparetti '17 on Senior Night. Senior Night is a night where seniors are recognized for their work on an Archer athletics team.

Fall sports celebrate ‘surreal’ Senior Nights

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2016
Seniors set up props after school on Oct. 28. This year's haunted house has a carnival theme.

[Photo] Annual senior haunted house brings fears to life, carries on tradition

By Cybele Zhang, Editor-in-Chief
October 31, 2016
Actors in the musical rehearse one of their songs for "The Mystery of Edward Drood." This is the last upper school musical in the Blackbox before construction begins next year.

Last US musical in the Blackbox: ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2016
Maren O'Sullivan '18, Sandy Frank '19, Eden Motzkin '19, and Maddie Jacobson '19 pose at their booth for the Found Animals Foundation at the 2016 Community Service Fair. This booth was for the "Adopt&Shop" program at the foundation.

[Photo] Community Service Leadership Board gives students more service opportunities

By Maya Wernick, Voices Editor
October 28, 2016
Stefanie Ferri approaches the net to hit the ball as Kim Smith attempts to block her. The Pink Panthers and Hawt Sawce competed in the final game.

[Photo] Salsa Verde kills second annual student, teacher volleyball game

By Logan Connors, Staff Writer
October 27, 2016
Ciel Torres '17, Isabel Adler '17, Livi Richards '19 and Natalie Grant '19 all pose with their trophies. These two teams went undefeated for the first league tournament of the year. Photo courtesy of Adler.

Archer Debate kicks off ‘incredible season’ with first tournament

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2016
Seniors show off their skirt lengths. Skirt length has been a topic of debate during the school year.

[Photo] Behind the Seams: Archer’s Conversation on Skirt Lengths

By Alexandra Chang, Managing Editor/Culture Editor
October 5, 2016
Four Archer juniors pose on top of a glacier during their last Arrow Week. This is the winning photo from the 11th grade photo competition.

11th Grade Arrow Week Photo Competition winner announced

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2016
Seniors, Valentina Pianiri, Sophie Smyth, Zoe Pelikan and Clara Gasparetti (from left to right) pose in their volleyball uniforms. All four seniors have played four years of Archer volleyball. Image courtesy of Smyth.

Q&A with 2016-2017 varsity volleyball seniors

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
September 24, 2016
Anna Brodsky '20 and Marine Yamada '17 pose with their Honor Education Council sweatshirts. "These group of 12 girls and 3 faculty that make the honor council truly resemble a family. Although we take our purpose very seriously, laughter and smiles consistently fill our meetings. We have sleepovers, lunches, etc. and we treat each individual as an equal- regardless of grade or age, we all serve the community and we have equal power to do so," Yamada said.

Meet the 2016-2017 Honor Education Council

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
September 24, 2016
Seniors, Talia Goodman, Annie Schindel and Anabella Ronson Benenati spend their free X-Block on homework. Students have an additional X-Block in their schedule this year.

New Year, New Schedule

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2016
Juan Carlos Moraga Vidal and Mark Forte, both new Spanish teachers. The two met a few weeks ago at the new faculty retreat.

[Photo] Video: Meet new Archer faculty and staff

By Nelly Rouzroch, Multimedia Editor
September 20, 2016
Anika Bhavnani '17 poses in front of The Archer School for Girls. Bhavnani is Editor-In-Chief of The Oracle for the 2016-2017 school year.

Letter from the Editor

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
September 1, 2016
"Ambitious Joyful Learner" is a quote heavily stressed at Archer. This brochure is found in the admissions waiting area, for prospective students to read. Photographer: Anika Bhavnani '17

Measuring ambition in “Ambitious, Joyful Learning”

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
May 27, 2016

‘Spring Awakening’ wins Best Ensemble at Jerry Herman Awards

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
May 27, 2016
Yearbook Co-Editors Alyssa Downer '17 and Madina Mohammed '17 pose for the camera. Both are equally excited for the future of the yearbook. Photo by Anika Bhavnani '17

Archer Yearbook is on Fire

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
May 20, 2016
During "Breaking into the Business," panelists gave aspiring people advice how they got into the film industry and how they can get into the industry as well. Panelists ranged from actors, producers, directors and writers. Photo by Anika Bhavnani '17

Learn from the pros: breaking down Archer’s Film Festival panels

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
May 6, 2016
The students on the trip pose with their chaperones and two instructors. "I loved one of our instructors, Andria. She was the best — she was so funny. She really connected with us which made the experience so much better," Cydney Davis '18 said about one of the instructors. This photo was taken at the top of the mountain on a strenuous hike. Photo courtesy of Hanna Shohfi.

Archer’s first abroad trip to Belize was ‘Unbelizable’

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
April 28, 2016
The 2014-2015 advanced film class pose together at the Film Festival last year. Photo courtesy of Alex Sherman '17.

Behind the Scenes of The Archer Film Festival

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
April 27, 2016
March Madness is the month long playoff that leads up to the Division I NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. In it, a starting sixty four college teams compete against one another— win or go home.

How to enjoy March Madness

By Cybele Zhang and Anika Bhavnani
March 24, 2016

Students chosen to exhibit artwork at Marlborough Invitational Art Show

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
March 18, 2016
Teachers from left to right, Valerie Yoshimura, Meg Shirk, Amelia Mathis and Hanna Shohfi, dress as students for Spirit Week. At Archer, teachers are expected to participate outside the classroom too; Many coach sports, attend NOLS trips and advise clubs.

[Photo] Making an Archer teacher: exploring the hiring process

By Cybele Zhang, Editor-in-Chief
April 13, 2016
Marine Yamada '17 wears her vest in the library. She likes the vest, and finds it very fashionable. Photo by Anika Bhavnani '17

Down vest sparks debate amongst students

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
March 4, 2016
Eighth grade dance company: India Berman '20, Audrey Choate '20, Zoey Cort '20, Lauren Evans-Katz '20, Ariana Golpa '20, Stella Gregg '20, Talia Mainwaring '20, Casey Nuss '20, Vivian Shay '20, Scarlett Strasberg '20, and Kelsey Thompson '20 danced to a piece called "Chilling Results." The music was by Maxence Cyrin and Nikki White choreographed the dance.

Photo Gallery: Archer’s dance show ‘Threads: 20 Years of Change and Innovation’

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
February 26, 2016
Grandparents, special friends and middle schoolers listen to Head of School Elizabeth English's address to the community on Friday Feb. 12. Photo by Syd Stone '16.

Middle Schoolers celebrate Grandparents and Special Friends Day

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2016
Bhavnani '17 poses with her affinity group. This was the South-Asian affinity group, or as they called themselves, "The Brown Fam." Photo courtesy of Anika Bhavnani '17

Unwrapping diversity at Archer: what I learned from SDLC

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2016
Roberts, number 14, sets in the ball in a game against Armenian General Benevolent Union Manoogian-Demirdjian School. As a sophomore, she was co-captain of the junior varsity team and moved to varsity midway through the season.

Triple-threat Dani Roberts shines in athletics, the classroom

By Cybele Zhang and Anika Bhavnani
December 18, 2015
How to stay warm during the cold

How to stay warm during the cold

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2015
Varsity Tennis pictured smiles together before one of their matches. This season has been an all-time high for the team. Photo courtesy of Sara Rabinowitz '17.

Juniors Mari Goldberg, Sara Rabinowitz win league tennis championships, break school record

By Anika Bhavnani, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2015
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