The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
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’
Seniors Lacey Thompson and Laila Charles pour smoothies into cups for the “Guess the Smoothie” activity. The activity took place March 20 for the “Wild West vs. West Coast” Spirit Week theme day.
Spirit Week incorporates new, old themes during major assessment week
Freshman Milan Earl and sophomore Lucy Kaplan sit with their grandparents at Archer’s annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day Friday, March 15. The event took place over three 75-minute sessions.  “[I hope my grandparents] gain an understanding about what I do, Kaplan said, because I know they ask a lot of questions and can sort of see what I do in school and what the experience is like to be here.
Archer hosts annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day, students share school culture with loved ones
Kaitlyn Lavichant from Flintridge Preparatory School shares her piece, “Life Through a Digital Camera,” at the annual Literature &... Conference Friday, March 8. The conference took place in the library from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and upper school students were invited to attend during their free periods or English classes throughout the day.
16th annual Literature &… Conference brings community together to recognize importance of literature
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’
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
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
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
Cannon performs a line after getting upset with Alice during the tea party. The Mad Hatter then calmed down and joined the rest of the guests for the remainder of the scene. Stella Leland (‘26) played the knave and reflected on their favorite part of rehearsals. “What stands out a lot is always the first read-through of something. Whenever we do that at any production — some of us might have read this script beforehand — its the first time the show is seen with everyone,” Leland said. “Who they are, their characters and everything, and its the first time youre like, ‘Oh, I can tell whats going to happen now.’ Its just a nice moment.”
A ‘nonsensical’ journey: Upper school presents ‘Le Gallienne and Friebus’ Alice In Wonderland’
Annie Friedman (’24) and Malia Apor (’24) pose for a photo in front of the title wall for their Petals and Paths senior art show. Friedman and Apor are Advanced Study Ceramics students and chose to display pottery with themes of nature and family Wednesday, March 6. “I’m drawn to using one glaze called overglaze to make it more cohesive,” Friedman said. “I know Malia uses something called underglazing sometimes, and it’s cool that there’s multiple different ways.” 
Senior art show opening ‘Petals and Paths’ culminates themes of family, nature through ceramics
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
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
Cannon performs a line after getting upset with Alice during the tea party. The Mad Hatter then calmed down and joined the rest of the guests for the remainder of the scene. Stella Leland (‘26) played the knave and reflected on their favorite part of rehearsals. “What stands out a lot is always the first read-through of something. Whenever we do that at any production — some of us might have read this script beforehand — its the first time the show is seen with everyone,” Leland said. “Who they are, their characters and everything, and its the first time youre like, ‘Oh, I can tell whats going to happen now.’ Its just a nice moment.”
A ‘nonsensical’ journey: Upper school presents ‘Le Gallienne and Friebus’ Alice In Wonderland’
Annie Friedman (’24) and Malia Apor (’24) pose for a photo in front of the title wall for their Petals and Paths senior art show. Friedman and Apor are Advanced Study Ceramics students and chose to display pottery with themes of nature and family Wednesday, March 6. “I’m drawn to using one glaze called overglaze to make it more cohesive,” Friedman said. “I know Malia uses something called underglazing sometimes, and it’s cool that there’s multiple different ways.” 
Senior art show opening ‘Petals and Paths’ culminates themes of family, nature through ceramics
Mia Vosicher (25) walks Hollyn Alpert (28) through the Willy Wonka script. Vosicher originally applied to be a stage manager, but at the last minute, she applied to be assistant director. Encouraging the middle schoolers to take risks and really go outside of the thoughts of their character choices is whats going to make the show strong, Vosicher said.
Q&A with assistant director of middle school musical
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
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
Eighth grader Andrea Fuentes pitches for the Archer middle school softball team at a home game against Brentwood School. Fuentes began playing softball when she was 4 and has pitched for the Archer team for the past three years.
Q&A with eighth grade pitcher of middle school softball team
Players on the varsity softball team gather on a field. Junior Avalon Garland said all of the positions, ranging from the pitcher to basemen, have to work together to create a strong team. Photo by Archer Athletics.
‘We have to rely on each other’: Players on varsity softball depend on each other to succeed
I work on breaststroke technique in preparation for a league swim meet. My favorite aspect of meets is encouraging my teammates in their races. Photo by Wilma Wong.
Commentary: Defining my own success in the world of competitive swimming
Senior Lacey Thompson dives into the pool. The varsity swim team won first place in their first league meet Tuesday, March 5, at Crespi. Photo by Archer Athletics.
Varsity swim coach Wilma Wong reflects on coaching career, Archer swimmers describe her impact 
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
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
I work on breaststroke technique in preparation for a league swim meet. My favorite aspect of meets is encouraging my teammates in their races. Photo by Wilma Wong.
Commentary: Defining my own success in the world of competitive swimming
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
Celebrity names are connected by arrows to 4chan and Telegram logos. These are just some of the public figures who have been explicitly disfigured by AI on social platforms. (Graphic Illustration by Allie Yang)
Column: AI deepfakes denote deep consequences for all
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
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
Sixth grade Dean of Culture, Community and Belonging Natalie Kang ice climbs in Erie, Colorado, where she goes every year with her husband and friends. Its something I always look forward to for winter break. Its kind of a non-traditional Christmas or holiday choice, but its what works for us, Kang said. Photo provided by Natalie Kang.
Ice climbing, homemade wrapping paper, a Swedish Christmas: Teachers share their favorite ways to celebrate the holidays
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
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
S4E9 - The Scoop on Archer’s English curriculum, impact of certain novels
S4E9 – The Scoop on Archer’s English curriculum, impact of certain novels
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
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

By Maya Hernández, Staff Reporter
17 hours ago
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

By Melinda Wang, Senior Reporter
March 12, 2024
Junior Lili Franks completes an ACT online practice math section, provided by Test Innovators. Franks, along with several other juniors, are planning to take the ACT in April.  

Yale reinstates SAT, ACT requirement, juniors discuss standardized testing plans

By Surya Patil, Sports Editor
March 4, 2024
Parents and students listen to college guidance counselors Shalyn Tharayil and Ivan Hauck speak about the importance and challenges of introspective writing in the college process. The audience listened to the college guidance department present statistics, facts, case studies and answer common questions in the dining hall Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 7:30-9 p.m.

Junior class kicks off college process during annual event, prepares for applications, essays

By Oona Seppala, Senior Reporter
January 30, 2024
This slideshow presents information to seniors during College Jumpstart. Due to Hurricane Hilary, the event was moved online Aug. 21, and there was a follow-up session on campus the next day where seniors learned more about the college application process. 

Hurricane Hilary moves College Jumpstart to Zoom, seniors connect virtually 

By Lola Thomas, Senior Reporter
August 28, 2023
As 2-year-old me hugs 4-year-old Sophie, she squeezes my cheeks. Fourteen years later, Sophie is leaving for college in the fall.

Commentary: 6 steps to 6,000 miles

By Francie Wallack, Multimedia Editor
May 24, 2023
Junior Cate Childers poses in a Colgate University soccer jersey to celebrate her commitment to their Division I women’s soccer team. From starting soccer at age 4 to joining the recruiting pool freshman year to committing to Colgate April 29, Childers said she is relieved and excited to see what the future holds. 

Junior Cate Childers verbally commits to play Division I soccer at Colgate University

By Lucy Williams, Voices Editor
May 17, 2023

The Scoop on Academic Peer Pressure in preparation for College

By Lucy Williams, Voices Editor
April 17, 2023
Stephanie Nicolard works with junior Danika Jhawar and her family on Zoom to discuss their college process. Nicolard was chosen to temporarily fill the position of college guidance counselor in December.

Stephanie Nicolard assumes temporary position as college guidance counselor

By Tavi Memoli, Senior Reporter
March 13, 2023
A map of the U.S. has states crossed out in orange or red. States with a red x have banned or heavily limited abortion, and states marked with orange an x have uncertain legal status regarding abortion. States where abortion is legal are left blank. My friends and I have made maps like this after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark case legalizing abortion, on June 24, 2022. At least 13 states have banned abortion as of December 2022.

Commentary: Making college decisions in a post-Roe world

By Nina Sperling, Senior Reporter
January 22, 2023
Piper Rutman leads the Unaccompanied Minors in a rehearsal before the winter concert preview. Rutman is the a cappella group manager and has arranged many songs for the group. I want my music to be spark emotions in a good way and be that sad or happy or whatever, Rutman said.

Pandemic pursuit: how Piper Rutman explored passion for music composition, plans for future

By Oona Seppala, Senior Reporter
January 20, 2023
The illustration shows books and a laptop signifying the research students in the new advanced study curriculum delve into. Seniors who decided to take the advanced class equivalent of either their history or English course completed an individually designed semester-long project.

Seniors develop research skills, explore own interests through humanities advanced study curriculum

By Lizette Gonzalez, Features Editor
January 19, 2023
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