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The Oracle
Tenth grade students lead the Shabbat prayers as attendees gather around and join in prayer. The Shabbat prayers consist of candle lighting, blessing the wine or juice and blessing the challah. Photo by Mia Alpert.
Parents of Jewish Archer Students affinity group holds Shabbat, encourages community bonding
A group of juniors get ready together for prom. The event took place at the Universal Sheraton Hotel from 7:30-10:00 pm. Photo by Sophia Shin.
Dining and dancing: Juniors, seniors celebrate during prom
Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Hollyn Alpert (’28) runs while tossing blue powder into the air March 22. Students celebrated Holi on the back field and threw colored powder at each other at commemorate the new spring.  
A vibrant Holi-day: Holi celebration marks beginning of spring
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Womens Day event, honors theme of Inspiring Inclusion
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Women’s Day event, honors theme of ‘Inspiring Inclusion’
Associate Director of College Guidance Shalyn Tharayil works in her office in preparation for rising seniors college application season. Tharayil has worked with schools all over the world and reflected on her first year at Archer. I think the culture fit at Archer — the students, the teachers, our team — I just think I really fit well with the ethos of how we approach college counseling here, which is very holistic and very student-centered, Tharayil said.
Q&A with college guidance counselor on supporting students through journey of self-discovery
Four stuffed animals and one stuffed avocado are clustered on a bed. A New York Times article stated that stuffed animals help people cope with stress because of the comfort they provide.
More than toys: Stuffed animals’ calming effects on mental health
Maia Alvarez (’24), Allie Yang (’25) and Shae Killam (’27) pose with an award after their Western Bay Forensic League tournament. Their tournament took place at Harvard-Westlake School March 2. Photo provided by Maia Alvarez.
Q&A with speech and debate team captains on promoting positivity, friendship within team
Gabrielle Cain stands at her graduation in Naval Academy outfit. She graduated from flight school and became a Naval Aviator in 2023. Photo provided by Gabrielle Cain.
‘Unicorn’ in her field: Life in the military as a Black woman
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’
Junior Bryce Collis and sophomore Emerson Cohen practice a dance move during the upper school Night of Dance and dance company auditions April 15. Students first auditioned in randomly-sorted groups before performing by grade level.
Tempos and tryouts: Dance company auditions foster ‘supportive’ atmosphere across grade levels 
Chappell Roan stands in front of a vanity with a full face of makeup on and prom-like outfit for her album cover. Roan described her look in a Rolling Stone article as her own version of drag. Photo Source: Image from Official Chappell Roan site.
Review: Chappell Roan’s ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ is an instant queer pop classic
Upon a backdrop of lush greenery, Kacey Musgraves holds a flower to her face, creating the album cover for Deeper Well. The album, released March 15, details Musgraves internal rhetoric of peace, whimsy and everything in between. Photo credit: “Deeper Well” album cover courtesy of Interscope Records .
Review: Kacey Musgraves heals, embraces peace on ‘Deeper Well’
There are sea anemones for days at Broad Beach, and, for some reason, the child in me cant help but get a closer look. This is just one of my favorite beaches in LA County that offers fun amenities and beautiful scenery you wont want to miss. Photo by Kate Hanney (25).
Review: My favorite beaches on LA County coast
Serenity Jones (26) and Alice Rifenbark (28) interact with senior Sadie Longs artwork. Long and Chloe Resnick (24) opened their senior show, Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings, in the Eastern Star Gallery Wednesday, April 10.
Senior show ‘Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings’ displays introspection, reflection on senior year
Junior Bryce Collis and sophomore Emerson Cohen practice a dance move during the upper school Night of Dance and dance company auditions April 15. Students first auditioned in randomly-sorted groups before performing by grade level.
Tempos and tryouts: Dance company auditions foster ‘supportive’ atmosphere across grade levels 
Chappell Roan stands in front of a vanity with a full face of makeup on and prom-like outfit for her album cover. Roan described her look in a Rolling Stone article as her own version of drag. Photo Source: Image from Official Chappell Roan site.
Review: Chappell Roan’s ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ is an instant queer pop classic
Upon a backdrop of lush greenery, Kacey Musgraves holds a flower to her face, creating the album cover for Deeper Well. The album, released March 15, details Musgraves internal rhetoric of peace, whimsy and everything in between. Photo credit: “Deeper Well” album cover courtesy of Interscope Records .
Review: Kacey Musgraves heals, embraces peace on ‘Deeper Well’
Serenity Jones (26) and Alice Rifenbark (28) interact with senior Sadie Longs artwork. Long and Chloe Resnick (24) opened their senior show, Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings, in the Eastern Star Gallery Wednesday, April 10.
Senior show ‘Roots & Reflections: A Surreal Look at Beginnings’ displays introspection, reflection on senior year
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
A man works at the counter at The Bread Lounge. Loaves of bread lined the shelves at this bakery that prides itself on its bountiful offerings.
Review: Bread Lounge delivers delicious, doughy treats, unique experience
The bag customers at Sockerbit, a Swedish candy store, use to hold their delicious sweets is displayed. My favorites included their sour coke and lemon skulls and strawberry gummies.
Review: Sockerbit provides sweet escape into world of Swedish candy
Sweet Rose Creamery is shown above with its vibrant logo on display. The parlor makes a vast array of delicious flavors. 
Review: Sweet Rose Creamery has wonderfully versatile, delicious ice cream
Pastries and baked goods rest in the display case at Modern Bread & Bagel. Modern Bread & Bagel is a 100% gluten-free bakery that offers dishes and flavors from across the globe.
Review: Modern Bread & Bagel: Gluten-free has never tasted this good
The Apple Pan has a classic look and feel, with their slogan outlined on all of their signs: Quality Forever. Their classic Hickoryburger has a unique, smoky flavor that Ive never tasted before.
Review: The Apple Pan is an LA classic
The illustration represents different types of athletes around the world. Members of the Archer community discussed female athletes who inspire them. (Graphic Illustration by Bernice Wong)
Icons of inspiration: Female athletes empower community
A pickleball ball lays still on the sport court on Archers back field. As a part of their fitness curriculum, 10th graders have a pickleball unit, where they practice drills and participate in round-robin style play. 
What’s the dill: Exploring the popularity of pickleball
Freshmen Snow Zhou and Nicole Svendsen play against Pacifica Christian at Annenberg Beach Club on a day with sunny weather. During their season, the team had to adjust to the ever-changing weather in Los Angeles this year. Were very consistent with our serves, Zhou said. So even if its raining, we still put effort into the serves and all the practices.  Photo by Long Tom Zhou.
You’re hot then you’re cold: Varsity beach volleyball team perseveres despite weather challenges
The middle school softball team huddles together with head coach Bre Brown. The team has won all four of their games so far. Photo by Archer Athletics.
‘They all have their own superpower’: Middle school softball team slides through beginning of season
A March Madness set-up displays multiple games and different teams merchandise. This years womens March Madness tournament, which started March 22 and concluded April 8, marked record-breaking viewership. Photo by Rebecca Lazarus.
March Madness: Students, athletic director discuss record-breaking viewership of NCAA women’s basketball
A person sits at their desk feeling very bored, unaware that they are about to come up with a great invention and realization. This image represents the power of boredom to enhance our creativity and mental health, especially as society vies for our time and attention with endless distractions and entertainment. (Graphic Illustration by Lila Paschall)
Column: Beautiful boredom
These are promotional posters of films I want to rewatch before graduation. The films range from introspective, yet humorous, to nostalgic and lighthearted. Photo credits: Lady Bird poster courtesy of A24. Booksmart poster courtesy of Annapurna Pictures. 10 Things I Hate About You poster courtesy of
Witty, whimsical, wise: 6 films to watch before graduating
Ten-year-old me holds a beet in one hand in the middle of a farm. Ive been vegetarian since I was 5 — a decision I promised myself Id stay true to. Photo by Jacoba Smulders.
Op-Ed: More people should consider a vegetarian diet
This collage features a book that showcases many of the Dior collections from 1947-2017. I hand selected a couple looks from collections dating back to the 80s all the way to 2015 that incorporate the trends I discuss in this column.
Column: 2024 in fashion: What to look forward to in this year’s style
The words Advanced Placement and Advanced Study rest on opposite sides of a scale. In the 2022-2023 school year, Archer removed Advanced Placement courses, replacing them with advanced study. The editorial board reflected on this transition and shared their insights on the new courses. (Graphic Illustration by Oona Seppala and Francie Wallack) 
Editorial: Advanced study courses benefit student engagement, growth
A person sits at their desk feeling very bored, unaware that they are about to come up with a great invention and realization. This image represents the power of boredom to enhance our creativity and mental health, especially as society vies for our time and attention with endless distractions and entertainment. (Graphic Illustration by Lila Paschall)
Column: Beautiful boredom
This collage features a book that showcases many of the Dior collections from 1947-2017. I hand selected a couple looks from collections dating back to the 80s all the way to 2015 that incorporate the trends I discuss in this column.
Column: 2024 in fashion: What to look forward to in this year’s style
These quotes give you a peek into Dolly Aldertons chaotic world and brilliant mind through her memoir, Everything I Know About Parties, Dates, Friends, Jobs, Life, Love. As my first memoir, I enjoyed witnessing the highs and lows of her lifetime, which lead to my subsequent existential crisis.
Column: Everything I didn’t know about memoirs
The candy aisle of a Target store represents the abundance of choices people have in our society on a day-to-day level, which can ultimately lead to decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is when you make poorer decisions due the exhaustion that comes from making a lot of previous decisions; I suggest combating it by decreasing the number of decisions you make per day, which leaves more mental energy for important choices.
Column: This or that? The problem of decision fatigue.
This image features a video of Andrew Tate’s entitled, “Outwork Everyone Else.” This photo represents how one might be sucked into his content, believing it to be empowering and motivational rather than the hateful rhetoric it truly is. It also illustrates how Tate markets his videos in an unassuming manner to draw in and indoctrinate new viewers.
Column: ‘Alpha Male Podcast Bros’ and the epidemic of misogyny
Ten-year-old me holds a beet in one hand in the middle of a farm. Ive been vegetarian since I was 5 — a decision I promised myself Id stay true to. Photo by Jacoba Smulders.
Op-Ed: More people should consider a vegetarian diet
The words Advanced Placement and Advanced Study rest on opposite sides of a scale. In the 2022-2023 school year, Archer removed Advanced Placement courses, replacing them with advanced study. The editorial board reflected on this transition and shared their insights on the new courses. (Graphic Illustration by Oona Seppala and Francie Wallack) 
Editorial: Advanced study courses benefit student engagement, growth
The graphic illustration portrays a hand holding a heart, symbolizing a charitable nonprofit, next to a question mark. I have noticed a recent increase in youth-led nonprofit organizations, and I feel it is now more important than ever to consider the intentions behind their founding, which can affect the sustainability of such organizations in the long run. (Graphic Illustration by Melinda Wang)
Op-Ed: Passion should be the real foundation for student-led nonprofits
Freshmen Phoebe Gustafson and Lena Sakhnini look at their phones during lunch. Teens often find it hard to live without their phones on a daily basis. According to a Pew Research study, About three-quarters of teens (77%) say they use YouTube daily, while a smaller majority of teens (58%) say the same about TikTok.
Op-Ed: Charging your own battery
This photo was taken when my mom Tracy legally adopted me. We were surrounded by family and friends. Photo by Angelica Hernández.
Commentary: Growing up with an anonymous father
These are promotional posters of films I want to rewatch before graduation. The films range from introspective, yet humorous, to nostalgic and lighthearted. Photo credits: Lady Bird poster courtesy of A24. Booksmart poster courtesy of Annapurna Pictures. 10 Things I Hate About You poster courtesy of
Witty, whimsical, wise: 6 films to watch before graduating
My sister and I went to the Aquarium of the Pacific when we were younger. Entering an aquarium can feel like entering a new world. With the wondrous sea creatures and the unique habitats, there’s always more to explore. Photo by Lara Burnap.
Fun and fulfilling: 4 places to release your inner child
This image features four album covers from the highlighted, lesser-known artists I absolutely love. Covers include “Revealer” by Madison Cunningham and “Going Through It” by Eliza McLamb. Photo credits: “Revealer” album cover courtesy of Verve Label Group. “Going Through It” album cover courtesy of Royal Mountain Records. “Vienna (In Memoriam)” album cover courtesy of New Gold Medal. “Drunk on a Flight” album cover courtesy of AWAL Recordings.
4 favorites: Smaller, alternative musicians I can’t stop listening to
A collection of cut avocados rest on a cutting board. Using these avocados, I made a giant batch of guacamole for the Super Bowl Feb. 11.
The 4 best ways to eat an avocado (besides your basic avocado toast)
TV Throwbacks: My 10 favorite 2000s shows
TV Throwbacks: My 10 favorite 2000s shows
Letter to the Editor: Archers insufficient communication about Israel
Letter to the Editor: Archer’s insufficient communication about Israel
Letter to the Editor: See the whole person
Letter to the Editor: See the whole person
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
Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Broadcast: Annual Spirit Week brings excitement, creativity before spring break
Lets Go to the Movies S1E3 - Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
Let’s Go to the Movies S1E3 – Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Womens Day event, honors theme of Inspiring Inclusion
Broadcast: GEG hosts International Women’s Day event, honors theme of ‘Inspiring Inclusion’
The BLACKCAST S1E4 - And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
The BLACKCAST S1E4 – And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
Broadcast: Senior dance captain celebrates annual Night of Dance, reflects on Archer dance community
Broadcast: Senior dance captain celebrates annual Night of Dance, reflects on Archer dance community
Lets Go to the Movies S1E3 - Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
Let’s Go to the Movies S1E3 – Cheating on the Oscars: What is category fraud and how is it changing?
The BLACKCAST S1E4 - And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
The BLACKCAST S1E4 – And the award goes to: Black creatives and award shows
S4E9 - The Scoop on Archer’s English curriculum, impact of certain novels
S4E9 – The Scoop on Archer’s English curriculum, impact of certain novels
S4E8 - The Scoop on student journalist Lisa, her perspective on student censorship
S4E8 – The Scoop on student journalist Lisa, her perspective on student censorship
S4E7 - The Scoop on students’ passion-led service projects
S4E7 – The Scoop on students’ passion-led service projects
The Latest
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
Isabelle Kantz

Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor

Isabelle Kantz graduated in 2016. She joined the Oracle Staff during the 2014-2015 school year and took over the position of Lifestyle Editor for the final quarter of the year; she continued to serve as Lifestyle & Culture editor in 2015-2016. Her passion for lifestyle and entertainment writing stemmed from her interest in films and movies. Over the summer of 2014, Isabelle attended the National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. where she took classes in Communication Studies and Entertainment Management. Isabelle was also an intern for film and lifestyle journalist Elaine Lipworth.

All content by Isabelle Kantz
Gonzalezs portraits from left to right of Reanna Wauer 16, Carina Oriel 16 and Kimia Khatibi 16 . Gonzalez started the project in January.

Senior Kayry Gonzalez honors Class of 2016 with photography

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
May 26, 2016
Haley Jamiesons 16 friend Molly Egger is shown next to an image of a tree, each of the images mimicking the emotions of the other. This piece of photography was one of the original three pieces that Jamieson created, which inspired the rest of her photography project.

Haley Jamieson ’16 compares human emotion, nature in senior photography exhibition

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
May 21, 2016
One of senior Cairo Dweks pieces in her show. Her artwork is inspired by personal experiences.

[Photo] Cairo Dwek presents artwork to Archer community

By Sydney Stone, Editor-in-Chief
May 15, 2016
The Maypole sways in the breeze on Archers front lawn, as it has done for the past 35 years. It is a school tradition for the senior class and their parents to set up the Maypole together in the beginning of May.

[Photo] May Playlist: It’s Gonna Be ‘May’

By Logan Connors, Staff Writer
May 3, 2016
Diversity Club discusses Black Lives Matter Movement with community

Diversity Club discusses ‘Black Lives Matter’ Movement with community

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
March 18, 2016

Middle school receives ‘XPRIZE’ surprise

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
March 11, 2016
Dr. Monica Applewhite holds the microphone to Ava Rothenberg 22. After listening to Applewhites presentation, the sixth grade made presentations of their own to summarize what they had learned. Photo by Isabelle Kantz 16

Social work expert Dr. Monica Applewhite pays visit to Archer

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
March 9, 2016

Op-Ed: No more Statute of Limitations for sexual assault crimes

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
February 4, 2016
Created by Isabelle Kantz 16 with Piktochart.

December Playlist: Make your finals epic

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
December 15, 2015
Op-Ed: Bieber Fever is back and better than ever

Op-Ed: Bieber Fever is back and better than ever

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
December 3, 2015
During one of the presentations of the day, the Class of 2019 learned about the organization Free the Children. Founded by Craig and Marc Kielburger, Free the Children is an international charity that advocates for human and youth rights. Photo by Ella Tollman 19

Ninth grade participates in community service day

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
November 17, 2015
Cookies from Belwood are stacked up and ready for Archer girls to buy. Their cookies are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. And thats why I like them, Gaby Sumpter 16 said.

Secret treats from across the street

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
November 6, 2015
The Varsity Cross Country team poses with their coaches at Paramount Ranch after one of their meets. Leyla Namazie 17 won third place at this race. Photo courtesy of Alison Kiley 16.

Q&A with 2015-2016 Varsity Cross Country Seniors: Reanna Wauer, Marcela Riddick

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
November 2, 2015
English teacher Wendy Deming shares what she loves about being a girl. Students and Faculty were asked to write about sugar and spice, the good and bad parts about being girls. Photo by Isabelle Kantz 16

Archer Community celebrates International Day of the Girl

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
October 22, 2015
Senior Gabrielle Sumpter has eye-opening experience in Spain

Senior Gabrielle Sumpter has eye-opening experience in Spain

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
October 7, 2015
Talia Natoli 17 serves a ball at a Varsity Tennis practice. Boehm and Sumpter have played on the same team as Natoli for the past three years. Photo by Madina Mohammed 17.

Q&A with 2015-2016 Varsity Tennis Captains: Gabrielle Sumpter, Sarah Boehm

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
October 7, 2015
Students share about their disabilities in diversity panel

Students share about their ‘disabilities’ in diversity panel

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
June 5, 2015
The Thien Hau Temple is a well-known Buddhist temple in Los Angeles Chinatown. The temple is dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the sea. Photographer: Haley Kerner 16

Chinese language classes experience Chinese culture through field trip

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
May 22, 2015
Jacquelyn Klein 15 captures her fascination with Greek and Roman mythology in one of her self-portraits in her art gallery. Connections between Greek and Roman mythology, fairytales and real life are common themes in Kleins work.

Jacquelyn Klein featured in solo art gallery

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
May 18, 2015
Camila Gazcon 15 packages food for underprivileged communities at the Los Angeles Food Bank. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank distributes free food to 825 children per week at seven schools in L.A. Unified and Compton Unified School Districts, according to its website.

5 community service ideas for the end of the year

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
May 8, 2015
Diversity Club discusses diversity gap in politics

Diversity Club discusses diversity gap in politics

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
May 7, 2015
Modern high school stress: a balancing act

Modern high school stress: a balancing act

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
April 28, 2015
10 tips to make the most out of your summer

10 tips to make the most out of your summer

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
April 19, 2015
Promotional poster for Kingsman: The Secret Service 20th Century Fox

‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ puts new twist on ‘James Bond’-style movies

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
February 26, 2015
Sonia Miklaucics 16 process of creating the Phantom Spooge shoes. Used with permission by Miklaucic and Sara Seaman 16.

Archer juniors create online shoe store

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
February 18, 2015
Taylor Swift fans can dance to Shake It Off on a color-changing dance floor when they first enter the exhibit. Photographer: Isabelle Kantz 16

People of Los Angeles can now have the ‘Taylor Swift Experience’

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
January 30, 2015
Kim Phuc, center left, running down a road near Trang Bang after the South Vietnamese Air Force released a napalm attack. Used with permission by photographer Nick Ut, Associated Press

‘Napalm Girl’ Brings Her Story To Archer

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
December 15, 2014
Doing what they do best, Archer girls snack on holiday goodies to relieve stress.

8 Ways to Relieve Stress

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
December 15, 2014
Promotional poster for film The Theory of Everything created by Focus Features.

‘The Theory of Everything’ Creates Oscar Buzz

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
November 17, 2014
Promotional poster for the exhibit created by Hollywood Costume, which features Jamie Foxx as Django from Django Unchained. Source: Oscars

Hollywood Costume Exhibition Arrives in Los Angeles

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
November 10, 2014
Annabelle GustatKarzen 17 and April Tate 17 create papel picados, a tradition Mexican folk craft made out of tissue paper cut into elaborate designs. Archer students worked on many different art pieces during the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in the courtyard on Oct. 10.

Archer Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor
October 30, 2014
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