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
Emily Paschall

Emily Paschall, News Editor

Emily Paschall joined the Oracle in 2022, became a senior reporter in 2023 and is now the news editor. She participates in dance and aerial silks at Archer. She is also a part of the Ambassador Leadership Team Advisory Board, Dance Leadership Team and co-leads the Empowering Heart club. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing with her dog.

All content by Emily Paschall
The starting line for City of Hope's Walk for Hope is framed with a rainbow sign. Breast Cancer Awareness Month officially concluded Thursday, Oct. 31. There are many ways to spread breast cancer awareness.

Breast cancer survivors share their stories in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
November 17, 2024
Wearing traditional clothing, Janeth Guanulema of the Indigenous group in the Amazon rainforest, called the Cofán, smiles for the camera. Sophomore Katia Thomas volunteers with the Cofán and said they are a resilient community that is working on land restoration. Thomas, along with other students and faculty, emphasized the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and sharing the stories of Indigenous communities. Photo provided by Kumiko Hayashi.

‘Healing wounds’: Importance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
October 18, 2024
Swinging her racket, junior Isley Bonney practices her tennis swings out on the back court. Bonney plays on the JV tennis team and said she has grown immensely since she started tennis in ninth grade.

A Joyful journey: Junior JV tennis player inspires teammates, shares advice

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
October 6, 2024
A streetlamp illuminates a car on the roof of a parking structure at night. This situation could be dangerous and would likely scare high school students, which is why we believe schools should teach self-defense.

Editorial: A safer walk home

By 24-25 Oracle Editorial Board and Emily Paschall
September 20, 2024
Dropping her phone into her backpack for the day, a student follows the rules of the new tech-free phone policy. Upper School Director Maggie Cenan said the new policy aligns with Archer's mission to best serve students.

Addressing a global issue: New phone-free campus plan announced

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
September 1, 2024
Smith conducts the Upper School Orchestra in this year's Winter Concert. Smith said, although she is leaving, she plans to stay connected to the orchestra program. "I'm not going to be a stranger," Smith said. "I am absolutely going to be continuing to support the performing arts program here and coming to see everybody in their shows."

[Photo] Learning alongside them: Orchestra director announces retirement after 23 years with program

By Vivianne Arnold, Senior Reporter
May 30, 2024

[Video] Slideshow: Life of Thai immigrant in authentic Thai restaurant 

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
May 7, 2024
Ribbons of the practice Maypole float in the breeze on the sport court during sixth grade’s Maypole rehearsal May 2. Sixth grade Dean of Community, Culture and Belonging Natalie Kang described the Maypole as a "rite of passage" from sixth to seventh grade. Sixth grade will continue to rehearse up to their performance May 31. 

‘They’re rooting for each other’: Sixth graders begin Maypole rehearsals, reflect on growth

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
May 7, 2024

Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break

By Meredith Ho and Emily Paschall
April 21, 2024
A graphic illustration displays an individual speaking a world language with a native speaker via an online conversation platform. Upper school French and Spanish classes incorporated Boomalang, and upper school Chinese classes switched student groups at the National Taiwan University to help students practice their communication skills in the target language. (Graphic Illustration by Emily Paschall).

Beyond the classroom: World language classes utilize tutoring platforms, students become ‘open-minded citizens of the world’

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
March 24, 2024
Adding blueberries to her fruit bowl, a student assembles a rainbow-inspired fruit snack at CulinArt’s most recent wellness table Monday, March 11. The theme was “All About HUE,” which promoted incorporating more colorful fruits and vegetables into one’s daily diet for National Nutrition Month.

Springtime sweets: CulinArt provides nutrient-rich, colorful pop-up for National Nutrition Month

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
March 18, 2024
With their water bottles in hand, Chloe Hayden (’24), Maya Acutt (’25), Alex Bridwell (’27), Sophie Cousens (’27) walk across the West LA College field during their first track and field meet of the season. The team has faced challenges due to its size, but the runners have persevered through them and stayed committed, Athletics Assistant Madison Witt said. Photo by Archer Athletics.

‘Small but mighty’: Varsity track and field adapts to challenges with team size

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
March 12, 2024

S4E7 – The Scoop on students’ passion-led service projects

By Meredith Ho and Emily Paschall
March 7, 2024

Broadcast: 10th grade holds Valentine’s Day fundraiser, Student Council representative reflects on holiday growing up 

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
February 28, 2024
Displaying her portfolio to The Oracle staff, Features Editor Maia Alvarez (’24) presents about her journey as a student journalist over her three years on the publication. Alvarez was the first Oracle reporter to apply for California Journalist of the Year, and she won first in Southern California and third in California for the competition.

Features editor places 1st in Southern California, 3rd in state for California Journalist of the Year award

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
February 19, 2024
Kareena Desai ('30) sings a solo in "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell as eighth grade Dean of Culture, Community and Belonging and middle and upper school choral director Hannah O’Connor smiles at her. Desai began taking Indian classical singing lessons — Hindustani classical — about one year ago, and she joined middle school choir this year. "When I auditioned for the solo, I thought priority was given to eighth graders, so I wasn't really confident that I was going to get it," Desai said. "So I'm really grateful for the solo. I always get a little nervous ... but it's actually really fun."

Photo Essay: ‘We all need joy in our lives’: Annual Winter Concert embodies ‘The Joy of Music’ title

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
January 24, 2024
A referee stands ready on the ice while players go for the puck during a hockey game. Math teacher and referee Matthew Bartha said he was inspired to become a referee from his previous hockey experiences. Bartha and Los Angeles Junior Kings coach Zach Margeson both said youth ice hockey has been impacted greatly by the referee shortage.

On and off the ice: Community members, coach discuss impacts of referee shortage on youth hockey 

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
January 18, 2024
Earning spirit points for eighth grade, Posie Hexner (’28) receives a spirit point ticket from world language teacher Juan Carlos Moraga Vidal for her outfit. Student Council Executive Board member Laila Charles (’24) said this event offered many opportunities for students to win spirit points, increasing their energy. 

Making spirit (points) bright: Annual Winter Wonderland encourages holiday cheer

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
December 13, 2023
Photo Essay: Movement blossoming: Night of Dance rehearsals progress, resonate with 'Efflorescent' theme

Photo Essay: Movement blossoming: Night of Dance rehearsals progress, resonate with ‘Efflorescent’ theme

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
December 8, 2023

[Video] S4E2 – The Scoop on Archer’s holiday spirit: Diversity in holiday celebrations among students, faculty lights up campus

By Lola Thomas and Emily Paschall
November 30, 2023
A student waits inside of Starbucks, holding a matcha drink and strawberry refresher. Starbucks is a popular destination across Los Angeles and the U.S. that enables students easy access to caffeine. Teenagers' caffeine consumption has greatly increased over the past few years.

More than a cup of coffee: Rise in caffeinated drink consumption, advertisements negatively affects teenagers

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
November 28, 2023
A graphic illustration depicts two students at school; one is actively engaging in class after a getting full night of sleep, and the other is slumped over while scrolling on their phone, exhausted and sleep deprived. Sleeping for at least eight hours every 24 hours is essential for students, however, many of them are sleep deprived due to poor sleep hygiene, stress or trouble falling asleep. (Graphic Illustration by Emily Paschall)

Sleepy students: Effects of sleep deprivation, importance of healthy sleep schedules for adolescents

By Emily Paschall and Melinda Wang
November 25, 2023
Sophomore Melinda Wang reads "Reflect Empathy Ukraine Anthology" in the library. She and sophomore Shayl Khatod, who attends Santa Monica High School, published their book Oct. 21 and said they hope it spreads awareness about the humanitarian crisis Ukraine continues to face. 

Awareness through arts and literature: Sophomore Melinda Wang co-publishes Ukraine anthology

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
October 29, 2023

Broadcast: A conversation with school counselor Erica Greene

By Emily Paschall and Melinda Wang
October 22, 2023
A picture of Snoopy riding Charlie Brown’s back states a life lesson Charles M. Schulz highlights through these characters in "Peanuts." We should appreciate the positive influences comics and children's books have had on our lives but also challenge the biases we've developed through consuming these stories.

Op-Ed: Small words, big impacts

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
October 7, 2023
Senior Chloe Resnick and world language teacher Mark Forte stand together at Zuma beach after Resnick competed in a surf competition. For the fall season, the surf team has expanded to include experienced middle school surfers. Photo by Kim Smith.

Surf’s up: Surf team expands to experienced middle school surfers

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
September 29, 2023
Seventh graders Zoe Butler and Isabel Kromwyk run side by side on a sunny afternoon during cross country practice. Middle school cross country coach Kiaira Bostic said they are both determined athletes, and she looks forward to seeing them become stronger runners this season. Photo by Marcelle Dulan.

Side by side: Seventh graders Zoe Butler, Isabel Kromwyk jog into middle school cross country season

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
September 20, 2023
The Class of 2025 gathers inside LAX the morning of Friday, Aug. 25, prior to departing to Salt Lake City, Utah. From there, the grade took an approximately six-hour drive to Lander, Wyoming. "I'm really hopeful that we can reframe some of the negative thoughts or the fears around [Arrow Week] and have students bond and find some positive moments together on the trail," 11th grade Dean of Culture Community and Belonging Casey Huff said. Photo by Casey Huff.

Class of 2025 kicks off junior year with final Arrow Week in Lander, Wyoming

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
August 29, 2023
This is the table set up at Haidilao Hot Pot that my extended family and I had when we went for dinner. We ordered many items, including egg noodles, spinach, corn, fried bean curd rolls and chicken fried rice. I highly recommend this restaurant for a unique dining experience that exposes you to a part of Chinese culture.

Review: Haidilao Hot Pot allows diners to not only enjoy a meal, but an experience

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
May 31, 2023
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

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
May 19, 2023
Middle schoolers' Lil' SIS projects are displayed on vibrant posters, which are lined up in the library. Archer recently had their 10th annual Lil' SIS May 10, and sixth graders said they enjoyed learning how to use the scientific method while practicing group work. 

Beyond the lab: 6th graders, new teacher reflect on first Lil’ SIS

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
May 17, 2023
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

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
May 7, 2023
This is the “Love Yourself: Answer” repackaged album cover by South Korean boy band Bangtan Boys or BTS. It was released Aug. 24, 2018, and broke records for the group. It sold more than 1.51 million copies within the first six days of the pre-order period. Photo Source: Image from Official Big Hit Music website.

Review: ‘Love Yourself: Answer’ teaches fans to accept, love themselves

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
May 6, 2023
World language teacher Talia Geffen displays a large bracket on her classroom whiteboard that presents the different songs competing against each other to win this year’s Locura De Marzo. Geffen started incorporating Locura De Marzo into her curriculum in 2020 to make online learning more exciting and interactive for students.

Locura De Marzo musically motivates Spanish teachers, students at Archer, around world

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
March 12, 2023
My nanny plays Santa Claus in the living room with me and my siblings. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, and she was with us for 14 years. We recently lost her to breast cancer, and I want to bring awareness to how the disease impacts lives.

Op-Ed: Importance of breast cancer awareness, understanding how it affects lives

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
March 3, 2023
The road of Archer's back parking lot is slick and covered with large puddles. This past week, Los Angeles has experienced rain, hail and a drop in temperature.

Icy, wet weather conditions hit Archer, appropriate safety precautions follow

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
February 25, 2023
Lucine Stephan, Quinn Evans-Agard and Claire Doyle lift weights during varsity swim practice in the training center. The team practices five to six days a week, focusing on various skills and mindsets. "This year, we're focusing on standing tall," Head Coach Wilma Wong said. 

Varsity swim team aims for new records, gains endurance through dryland workouts

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
February 20, 2023
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.

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
January 27, 2023
Running swiftly with a treat in her hand, junior Anna Entin leads Associate Head of School Karen Pavliscak’s dog, Mr. Hubble, through the tunnel and jump of the dog agility course in the backfield. Entin has led the dog agility team at Archer since seventh grade.

Leading the pack: Anna Entin gains leadership skills through dog agility

By Emily Paschall, News Editor
January 16, 2023
Load More Stories