The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

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

The Oracle
Gracie Doyle

Grace Doyle, Sports Editor

Grace Doyle joined the Oracle as a staff reporter in 2019 and served as the Sports Editor in the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. She loves journalism and attended the School of the New York Times for two summers studying journalism basics and national security reporting. She also held an internship with Cape Cod Broadcasting Media. She graduated in 2022.

All content by Grace Doyle
Michael Carter leads his mentorship in announcements and conversation. He hopes that the students he mentors will have a well rounded college experience. "Don't get bogged down in such a rigid program," Carter said. "Don't miss out on the other academic richness but also social richness."

Belwood Bakery, located in the Brentwood village, attracts many Archer students. Soon to be graduated seniors reflect on their love for the bakery. “I would warn people about the price because I feel like it’s very expensive,” senior Leah Abazari said. “But it’s worth it.”

Local small business: Seniors share their love for Belwood Bakery

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
May 8, 2022
Nichol Whiteman, Kiesha Nix, Michelle Bohan and Marlene Tsuchii-Dalston sit on a panel of women in leadership positions in different industries. The panelists, chosen by the Archer Alumni Board, spoke about a range of topics from their journeys to leadership to the advice they would give to their younger selves. “I feel like every day I take my whole community to work with me,” Nix said. “They’re counting on me. I can’t let them down — This is bigger than me. It’s great that I accomplished this but what can I do to pave the way for the next me?”

Women in Leadership Panel presented by Archer Alumni Board

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
April 21, 2022
With various options inside and outside of Archer, some athletes choose all of the above. "Don't limit yourself to one sport," senior Presley Sacavitch said. "Soccer and softball, completely different skills, but that doesn't mean that I can't try it."

How Archer’s multi-sport athletes ‘just show up’

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
March 31, 2022
Junior Presley Wernick and freshman Lily Grouf get into position with coach Elina Domnidou by their side. "The team is chill and fun," Wernick said. "Everyone is there for a good time."

Photo gallery: Varsity beach volleyball takes on Santa Monica High School

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
March 27, 2022
Vaughan Anoa'i ('22) bench presses in the gym. Besides her club or school volleyball practices, she trains on her own. Even in the off season she makes time to weightlift and practice. “I definitely was grateful for the high school season which kept me in shape as we transitioned back and forth,” Anoa’i said. “I definitely view the two of them as interchangeable in the sense that they rely on one another.”

To rest or not to rest: How Archer athletes spend their off season

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
March 1, 2022
Four members of the Chess Club think pensively about their next moves during a round of chess. Chess Club, Callighraphy Club, Stitch Perfect and Mental Health Club are all clubs on campus full of creativity, impact and community.

#SharingStories: Highlighting lesser known clubs on campus for Scholastic Journalism Week

By Maia Alvarez, Grace Doyle, Nyah Fernandez, and Jullie Cach
February 24, 2022
Students migrate throughout the courtyard to different activities and to watch different performances at this year's Lunar New Year festival. Here, they practice their calligraphy skills on traditional red envelopes. "It's a time for everyone to come together and celebrate a culture that may not be their own and learn new things," sophomore Sophie Paul said. "[It's] what Archer is all about."

Archer community celebrates Lunar New Year

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
February 23, 2022
Kim Smith, Director of Athletics, poses with the 2020-2021 varsity soccer team. Along with her posistion, she is also the coach of varsity scocer. "It takes effort," Smith said. "You know, it does. But it's so worth it because you never know the support you'll need or the inspiration that you'll be able to give to your teammates later on down the road."

Q&A with Kim Smith: Director of Athletics inducted into North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
February 9, 2022
Senior Anny Rodriguez-Alcala participates in an activity for sorting excitement and fear regarding leaving Archer. “I really think that that helps our students take advantage of the little time that we do have, especially in a space like this, which is catered to talking about how you're feeling about certain things," Dani LeNoir said.

Moving on: Seniors transition from college guidance to human development

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
January 24, 2022
Members of varsity basketball pose for a picture after practice. As athletics started off the first week of the semester with virtual training, upper school varsity soccer and varsity basketball were able to train on campus on Thursday and Friday. "At the beginning of the year we opened up and, so, those remote possibilities were ones that were really explored and dug into prior to that. So we had those solutions available." Director of Athletics Kim Smith said.

Deja vu: Athletics participate in hybrid training during virtual week

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
January 14, 2022
Maggie Hamilton records an episode of "Brain Breakdown Podcast." She took her passion for leaning about the brain and turned it into a podcast. "It's accessible to a lot of people because you can find it on Spotify," Hamilton said. "You can listen to it when you're in the car or doing just regular tasks, and it doesn't require sitting down and reading articles."

Brainstorm: Q&A with Maggie Hamilton on neuroscience podcast

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
January 11, 2022
Athlete Leadership Council members sit at a table in the Lantern Room during their meeting. The ALC meets every Tuesday at lunch to discuss and coordinate their responsibilities. "We are currently, as a group, we brainstormed ... who we'd like to hear and what's needed," Director of Athletics Kim Smith said. "And so we have a list and so we have some potential speakers for March 8."

Athlete leadership council embraces ‘hands-on’ role within Archer Athletics

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
December 14, 2021
Runners speed off at one of their meets. When looking at the season as a whole freshman Gabriella Spechieralla said it was rewarding. "Cross country is such a challenging sport and it's very tiring and to look back on all of the hard work we've put in and all of the miles we've run is really rewarding," Spechieralla said. "And just see how far we've come from the beginning of the season — it's great."

Varsity cross country ends season with accomplished goals

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
December 4, 2021
The varsity volleyball team warms up at a match against Buckley in mid-October. "A big focus of mine for this season was connection," Fenster said. "Just getting to know a lot of the girls outside of volleyball."

[Photo] A season of connection: Junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams wrap seasons

By Alexis David, Columnist
December 2, 2021
The middle school cross country team poses with their championship plaque after their win. In a history making season, the team remained undefeated in their league meets and finished the season with a championship win. “It was fun" sixth grader Camille Chi said. "It was challenging, but I think it was really, really worth it.”

Middle school cross county ends undefeated season with championship win

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
November 10, 2021
Photo Credit: Grace Doyle                                                                                All of the middle school teams practice on the sports court after school. The teams are split up by grade and have different configurations within each team. "Since I've been on the volleyball team I've gotten closer to some girls and I've made a lot of friends," Carolina Benabib said.

Three’s a party: Middle school volleyball hosts range of skill levels amongst teams

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
November 4, 2021
Senior Emilia Ramirez walks along the Ballona Wetlands saltwater marsh on her way to collect data with the water quality group. Senior Isabella Specchierla from the plant composition group enjoyed her time at the wetlands. "It's been amazing", Specchierla said. "I've learned so much about new plants that I've never seen before."

Sustainable living and design class takes field trip to Ballona Wetlands

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
October 26, 2021
Members of the cheerleading team train on the back field, learning new skills and the basics of cheer. In the future, the team could support Archer athletes at their competitions as well as compete in competitions of their own. Speaking to the environment thus far, Director of Athletics Kim Smith said the team was enjoying themselves. "I've been out there, and it looks like they're enjoying themselves, learning the skills and, you know, putting them together," Smith said. "They're meeting new friends and it seems like a positive, great outlet for them."

A-R-C-H-E-R: Cheerleading pilot program added to Archer Athletics led by award-winning coach

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
October 17, 2021
The varsity volleyball team comes together in a huddle at their recent match against Buckley. “We're all really great players individually," Milton said. "[We're] just using our strengths as a team to keep persevering."

[Photo] Volleyball spikes back: Captains discuss goals for 2021 season

By Alexis David, Columnist
October 17, 2021
The Oracle Editorial Board and staff reporters work independently in the Publication Lab on campus. As the 2021-2022 school year begins, we are thankful to have the opportunity to learn and connect with one another in person, as journalists everywhere felt the repercussions of the pandemic as it affected their reporting.

[Photo] Editorial: The first time we’ve felt like student-journalists in a long time

By 21-22 Oracle Editorial Board
October 4, 2021
Director of College Guidance Ivan Hauck is interviewed in Archer's historic Eastern Star courtyard for the open house video. "It was a wonderful opportunity to represent Archer and really articulate the goals and mission of our office and everything we are striving to do," Hauck said.

Quiet on set: Archer admissions films virtual open house on campus

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
September 29, 2021
Junior Treasure Brown takes the number 1 spot on the podium after her victory in discus. "I felt like I was on top of the world," Brown said. Brown along with sophomore Chloe Hayden, who placed 9th overall in the 400 meter, put Archer on the score board at the 2021 CIF Track and Field Finals.

CIF Spotlight: Archer track and field claims victory at 2021 Finals

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
September 23, 2021
Anaiya Asomugha and her sophomore friends each lunch outside of the the Diana Meehan academic center. “At first I was really scared,” Asomugha said about attending school in-person. “But I identify as an extrovert, so I didn’t have trouble reaching out to people and was really happy when they reached out too.”

New to campus but not to Archer: Students transition into on-campus learning

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
September 7, 2021
From soccer to swimming, basketball to softball and tennis to track, Archer Athletics are culminating their seasons that were met with "metal fortitude and joy" according to Director of Athletics Kim Smith. COVID-19 didn't stop teams from training, practicing and competing in the 2020-2021 seasons.

A year of ‘silver linings’: Looking back at 2020-2021 season for Archer Athletics

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
June 3, 2021
Flash cards and study guides fill the desks of many students in preparation for finals. Upper schoolers are reflecting on the online format. From nervousness to relief, students highlight how they feel going into finals. "I'm not that worried about it. I think that because we've done it before, before Winter Break, and I'm actually more relieved because I would have been more worried to do it in person," sophomore Eliza Tiles said.

The final push: Upper schoolers share their thoughts on upcoming virtual finals

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
May 22, 2021
The left cup, filled with matcha, and the right cup, filled with chai tea, steaming before being enjoyed. Although Chloe and Grace often bicker about which drink is superior, they have finally found common ground and can agree that both are valid ways to enjoy morning-time.

A battle of how to start the morning: Matcha vs. Chai tea latte

By Chloe Fidler and Grace Doyle
May 20, 2021
Archer's 10th annual Film Festival took place on April 22 via Zoom. The festival was comprised of the three finalist films, keynote speakers and alumni appearances. "The girls put it together and I get to sit there on the night and watch and have a wonderful time with everyone else," Steven Jacobson, Advisor to the Film Festival board said.

Lights, ‘Zoom’ Camera, Action: Archer Film Festival adapted to virtual setting for second year

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
May 19, 2021
Senior spring athletes are upon their final meet, match and game. As their seasons come to an end, senior athletes characterize it as "bittersweet" and "surreal" season. They have worked through a season riddled with COVID-19 and uncertainty.

Springing into senior season: Senior athletes reflect on ‘bittersweet’ last season

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
May 19, 2021
From popular movies to classic books fairytales are a staple in many childhoods. However, looking deeper into the stories reveal another side of the lighthearted stories. Jon McBride, a BYU professor wrote for Phsy.org, "It is quite evident that the characterization of all these princesses follows similar stereotypical tropes and provides the children with the same understanding of gender roles that align with the society’s conventional ideas."

Bippity boppity boo: Why we must offset fairytales’ harmful gender norms

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
May 7, 2021
Professional big wave surfer Bianca Valenti discusses her career as a professional big wave surfer, activist for gender equality and advocate for ocean conservation as the final speaker in the ALC’s Panther Speaker series. Her conversation ranged from mental toughness to fighting for equality across sports, with the hope to expand the conversation surrounding female empowerment.

Women of the waves: Final Panther Speaker Series features big wave surfer Valenti, Hamilton documentary

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
May 2, 2021
Cross County athletes Katherine Lee ('21), Keera Levell ('23), Nicole Farmer ('21), Alessandra Aragon('22) and Lauren Robson ('22) stand on the field next to Coach Leufroy during a practice on Nov. 19. As the fall sports season came to a close, senior athletes reflected on their last season. From cross country to volleyball athletes has to adapt to a Covid-19-plagued fall.

Final fall: Senior fall athletes reflect on their ‘non-traditional,’ ‘chaotic’ season

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
April 12, 2021
Archer's annual Spirit Week continues with modifications for an online environment. Each day's respective theme come with their own virtual activity.

Stay-at-home spirit: Student Council modifies annual Spirit Week for virtual celebration

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
March 14, 2021
In honor of Scholastic Journalism Week, students reflected on their media consumption. The Oracle put together a survey for students to fill out with the purpose of reflecting on media consumption and literacy.

Beyond scholastic journalism: Students reflect on media consumption

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
February 25, 2021
Lunar New Year celebrations for the Year of the Ox were translated onto an online space. A wide range of activities and learning opportunities were planed and executed by Chinese class students.

Chinese classes host online Lunar New Year festivities for Year of the Ox

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
February 14, 2021
Along with being a Harem Globetrotter, Cherelle “Torch” George is also a Guinness World Record holder for the most between-the-leg-tumble dribbles in a minute. George spoke to the Archer community as the fifth speaker in the Athlete Leadership Council's panther speaker series on Jan. 28.

Panther Speaker Series hosts Harem Globetrotter, Guinness World Record holder Cherelle George as fifth speaker

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
February 6, 2021
Black Student Union (BSU) held a meeting on Thurs. Jan. 14 to speak about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his tactics during the fight for social justice in the '60s. MLK Day falls today, on Jan. 18.

Black Student Union discusses ways to expand upon activism in honor of MLK day

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
January 18, 2021
The volleyball team wears masks to practice on campus to maintain COVID-19 guidelines. Both the upper school volleyball and cross country teams have the opportunity to practice on campus as they started on Nov. 8 with their COVID-19 friendly training.

On-campus sports practices structured with new framework, allows athletes to refine ‘basics’

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
December 20, 2020
Angela Hucles, the fourth speaker in the Panther Speaker Series, spoke to the Archer community about the importance of a positive attitude and perseverance. On Nov.19 via webinar she spoke to the community and was interviewed by members of the Athlete Leadership Council.

Olympic soccer player Angela Hucles discusses perseverance, athletic journey in fourth Panther Speaker Series

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
December 6, 2020
After researching select propositions, students in Margaret Shirk's Voice of Democracy class put together a Padlet with the pros and cons on their assigned California ballot propositions. Later, the Archer community watched the videos and voted on their preferred local policy.

Students vote on select California propositions to ‘learn about local politics’ during election season

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
November 22, 2020
The second and final presidential debate occurred on Oct. 22 at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. "I think the final presidential debate was much calmer than the first with fewer interruptions which allowed for the American people to hear actual policy discussion from both Trump and Biden," senior Mackenzie Turner said.

Archer community members offer perspectives on final presidential debate

By Grace Doyle and Nyah Fernandez
November 1, 2020

Chai tea latte

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
October 26, 2020
Coach Jill Ellis, the former U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team head coach, spoke in the Panther Speaker Series hosted by the Athletics Leadership Council. Ellis talked about her views of success and ways in which she frames failures.

Soccer coach Jill Ellis discusses successes, failures as second speaker in Panther Speaker Series

By Grace Doyle and Nyah Fernandez
October 25, 2020
Jordanian soccer player, Yasmeen Shabsough, took the time to present to the Archer community over Zoom about her journey in professional sports and other ventures. The Athlete Leadership Council will continue to host female athletes to share their stories and journeys within often male-dominated sporting fields.

Soccer player Yasmeen Shabsough seeks to empower students in first athletic speaker series

By Grace Doyle and Nyah Fernandez
October 11, 2020
The varsity basketball team poses for a picture after a game at The Buckley School. Athletes, such as the basketball team, will have to regain their team dynamic virtually. Discussions of the 2020-2021 timeline and ways to keep up training were weaved in with new opportunities coming in the fall announced Athletic Director Kim Smith.

One team on multiple screens: Archer athletics adapts for 2020-2021 sports season

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
September 28, 2020
Student body president Francesca Cappello created this digital poster when campaigning in May. Along with the goals laid out on the poster, Cappello said she plans to try to retain a sense of normalcy for this school year.

New year, new president: Q&A with Francesca Cappello

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
September 18, 2020
With over 100 community members watching over Zoom, senior Amelia Nathanson officially signed to play volleyball in college. "It means the world to me to be able to come together and celebrate something that's really special to me, especially in the midst of coronavirus," Nathanson said.

Play like a panther: Amelia Nathanson commits to Chapman volleyball via Zoom

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
May 31, 2020
Sixth grader Saskia Sommer and her tennis teammates meet on Zoom during the first week of the Panther Challenge. After traditional spring sports were cancelled, athletes shifted to a virtual model to promote psychical fitness, mental health, and team connectivity.

New challenges arise from cancellation of traditional spring sports season

By Grace Doyle and Rio Hundley
May 21, 2020
Pete Buttigieg delivers his final campaign remarks in South Bend, Indiana, following a poor showing in the South Carolina primary. Buttigieg's campaign surpassed expectations considering his relative youth and inexperience.

Pete Buttigieg’s campaign emphasized core values, closeness to issues

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
April 26, 2020
Sophomore Glorianna Chase takes the stage for a tech rehearsal show while Langdon Janos volunteers to fill in as an interactive audience member. In total, the Upper School play had five shows, all keeping within the 50 people or under order.

The show must go on: US play ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ adapts to coronavirus crisis

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
April 25, 2020

#press4education: Community weighs in on press freedom

By Chloe Fidler, Vaughan Anoa'i, Allie Worchell, and Grace Doyle
February 27, 2020
Chinese class 1B participates in a fan dance choreographed by eighth and eleventh grade Chinese students. Along with the fan dance, classes also participated in a skit and song.

Community celebrates Year of the Rat with Chinese New Year celebration

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
February 27, 2020
Drake University's Knapp Center served as Des Moines, Iowa's precinct. Starting at 8 p.m., Des Moines residents began caucusing for their preferred Democratic candidates.

Narrowing Democratic presidential race in Iowa fosters unity

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
February 12, 2020
Captain Riley Adams gives a half time pep talk during the Archer varsity soccer game against Oakwood hosted at Santa Monica College. Archer beat Oakwood 7-0.

Q&A with varsity soccer captains: Sophie Larbalestier, Stella Chuck

By Chloe Fidler and Grace Doyle
February 10, 2020
Sophomore Vaughn Anoa'i practices a "knee to-the-groin move" with an Impact Self Defense instructor. The culmination of the classes ends with a final fight where student compile all of the knowledge they have learned.

‘No! No! No!’: Archer implements self-defense program into sophomore fitness curriculum

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
February 7, 2020
Stella Kraus of the class of 2020 is the only senior to be named as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. She participates in a multitude of STEM-related clubs and the soccer team, in addition to playing the piano.

Senior Stella Kraus named 2020 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

By Grace Doyle, Sports Editor
January 27, 2020
As Archer's soccer team begin their season, they have the opportunity to play games at home due to the new regulation size field.

Varsity soccer kicks off season with new field

By Chloe Fidler and Grace Doyle
January 9, 2020
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