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Lilly Swigert (30) browses through secondhand clothing items at the clothing swap, which allowed students to trade pieces with one another to promote sustainable consumer habits. The Archer Council for Sustainability organized the Earth Day celebration Monday, April 22, in partnership with the Artemis Center.
‘Sustainability is for everyone’: Community participates in sustainable activities during Earth Day celebration
Ninth grade students Ashley Chan and Catalina López-Sánchez join the second ArtemisEngage discussion Friday, April 19. The discussion focused on Floridas new social media bill creating restrictions on minors under 15s accounts.
Media for minors: Upper school students ‘fly’ to Florida in ArtemisEngage’s second discussion
Holocaust survivor Eva Brettler receives flowers and gifts as a form of gratitude from the Jewish Student Union. Brettler came to Archer Monday, April 15, and spoke to the community about her experience during the Holocaust.
Holocaust survivor Eva Brettler tells her story, emphasizes value of compassion
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
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’
People line up to order from the unique menu at McConnells Ice Cream in Studio City. McConnells was founded in 1949 by Gordon “Mac” and Ernesteen McConnell in Santa Barbara, California.
Review: McConnell’s Ice Cream is a California treasure that never gets old
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
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
People line up to order from the unique menu at McConnells Ice Cream in Studio City. McConnells was founded in 1949 by Gordon “Mac” and Ernesteen McConnell in Santa Barbara, California.
Review: McConnell’s Ice Cream is a California treasure that never gets old
The fruit cart at Temescal Beach serves fresh, juicy fruit, including mango, watermelon and pineapple, all year long. From genuine encounters with the mainly-immigrant owners of these small businesses, Ive made friends and been introduced to different cultures.
Commentary: An ode to rainbow umbrellas and ice-cold fruit
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
Seniors Eleanor Madley, Izzy Jeffery, Chloe Hayden and Malia Apor embrace before signing their National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers in college. The community celebrated their signings April 17, and the Class of 2024 has the most college athletic commitments in Archer history.
Senior athletes sign letters of intent for college sports, Class of 2024 sets record
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
Voices Editor Lucy Williams (25) edits one of staff reporter Uma Nambiars (25) articles. Students work together to refine each article during our collaborative editing process, which we believe builds community among staff members.
Editorial: How to combat unhealthy competition in schools, foster positive learning environment
My twin sister Miya and I, as babies, lie on a blanket. Im so grateful that she and I had each others backs no matter what. Photo by Sanjay Nambiar.
Commentary: My identical twin sister will always be my built-in best friend
My friends enjoy the almost summer weather accompanied by their good reads. There is nothing like a summer romance or sunny mystery book, which has always satisfied my summer anticipation.
Column: Beach reads to lift ‘almost summer’ spirits
The fruit cart at Temescal Beach serves fresh, juicy fruit, including mango, watermelon and pineapple, all year long. From genuine encounters with the mainly-immigrant owners of these small businesses, Ive made friends and been introduced to different cultures.
Commentary: An ode to rainbow umbrellas and ice-cold fruit
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
My friends enjoy the almost summer weather accompanied by their good reads. There is nothing like a summer romance or sunny mystery book, which has always satisfied my summer anticipation.
Column: Beach reads to lift ‘almost summer’ spirits
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.
Voices Editor Lucy Williams (25) edits one of staff reporter Uma Nambiars (25) articles. Students work together to refine each article during our collaborative editing process, which we believe builds community among staff members.
Editorial: How to combat unhealthy competition in schools, foster positive learning environment
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
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
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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
Marissa Gendy

Marissa Gendy, Columnist

Marissa Gendy became an Oracle columnist in 2020. Her column was about navigating personal and professional identity in the real world. She wrote about code-switching and authenticity and occasionally examined identity in relation to the media. She graduated in 2022.

All content by Marissa Gendy
The class of 2022 stands in front of their grade door during Color Wars. The hardest goodbye I will ever have to say is to those I call my family. The past four years have been nothing short of a roller coaster, and I could not imagine my life without each and every person in my grade.

Column: My final farewell

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
May 28, 2022
There is not one look for a family. They come in different sizes and shapes. This is my family. They dont all look the same, talk the same or even act the same. We have different struggles and different places of happiness, but, at the end of the day, they are the family I have searched for and have found.

Column: What is family?

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
May 1, 2022
A photograph depicting the Archer Class of 2022 during their Senior Recognition Ceremony. This is a memory I will hold onto forever, making leaving extra hard.

Column: Scared to leave my home

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
March 28, 2022
This image showcases the individuality that makes up each person. Our difference are what make us who we are and it is powerful when we accept ourselves, just as we are.

Column: Comparison is our weakness

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
February 1, 2022
This image, photographed by Marley Mills, showcases the performance we put as to mask our true emotions. It is within our human nature to create walls that hide us when we are at our most vulnerable.

Column: Pain doesn’t have the power to silence me

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
January 17, 2022
This graphic illustrates a conversation between two people, and how the verbal affirmation of a thank you or gratitude, in general, can transcend relationships and impact the lives of others. By saying thank you and actively demonstrating kindness, we are able to show those around us that we acknowledge their efforts and care for them deeply.

Column: The power of a thank you

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
November 14, 2021
This photograph was taken on my bus ride home, one late afternoon. Throughout the day, the sky was dark and the sun barely shined. This photograph depicts this. A day where everything felt dark, sun barely shining. This symbolizes the days where nothing feels to be in our favor with the sun barely peering through as the love we have for ourselves even in the dark.

Column: I can love you in the dark

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
October 17, 2021
This is an art piece created by senior Gabby Wolf, which exemplifies the consequence of failure, an eternal moment of beauty. This piece depicts Maya Angelou, writer and activist, and reads, Nothing will work unless you do.

Column: The mindfulness of failure

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
September 25, 2021
I took this photo while walking on one of the many bridges in Zurich, Switzerland at the beginning of August. I feel that this photo represents the state of peace we feel when embracing the process of reflection.

Column: A summer of thinking

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
September 20, 2021
Chloe Fidler

[Photo] Chloe Fidler

September 2, 2019
I took this picture in the summer of 2020. Protests all over the nations ensued in response to the police brutality experienced by the Black community. This picture symbolizes the desire to belong in a society that continuously rejects you for your skin color, yet people have found support in others that feel, experience and fight for what they believe in.

Column: We fight for a space where we are accepted

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
May 26, 2021
This is an action shot of me at a softball game up to bat against Marymount’s softball team. A picture that represents me in a state of confidence and appreciation for the sport I play. Photo used with photographers permission.

Column: I am enough and that is enough

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
May 17, 2021
A marble alter sits at the front of a Coptic Orthodox church which is used in the Coptic faith. Every week, communion and the oil is prepared for the congregation and liturgies are performed within this room. This is considered one of the most sacred places in the entire church and has many restrictions upon entering.

Column: The process of reshaping views on religion

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
April 25, 2021
Women should be allowed to express their femininity without the boundaries and limitations of society. Femininity isn’t limited to a specific gender and once this is realized, the expectations that cripple our society will begin to crumble.

Column: The power of my femininity

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
February 21, 2021
The words not enough are a symbolic message embedded in every womans mind as a constant reminder that their body is not beautiful. Women, especially teens, struggle with the idea of not being good enough for others, yet the person we should strive to be good enough for is ourselves.

Column: Through my own reflection

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
January 23, 2021
In our society, gender roles still largely have stereotypes attached to them. Some of these gender norms can have harmful effects on young children who do not fit in to societys stereotypical categories.

Column: I am still a girl

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
October 28, 2020
This image is of a divided mind. The left half is grey and filled with equations and numbers whereas the right half is covered in vivid splashes of colors representing the division between a mixed person’s identity.

Column: On multiracial students and belonging in affinity spaces

By Marissa Gendy, Columnist
September 20, 2020
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