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The Oracle
Seniors Genevieve Sive, Sienna Ozar, Kennedy Schultz and Audrey DeUgarte study for final exams in Clark Street Bakery across the street from Archer. Many teachers made lengthy study guides for upper schoolers to practice material since many exams covered class material taught back in September.
New year, new finals: Students respond to finals week after winter break
Shirin Pakfar answers panel questions posed by Olivia Miro (’24). The conversation took place during lunch, Jan. 5., in history teacher Beth Gold’s classroom.
Refugees and activism: united nations member Shirin Pakfar presents to students
Chair of Honor Education Council Rachel Heyman (23) discusses her perspective a scenario during the HEC general session Friday, Jan. 13. At the biweekly general sessions, upper school students have been joining HEC members to discuss real-world ethical dilemmas, learn about the honor code and get advice on moral situations of their own.
HEC hosts upper school general sessions, discusses ethical decision-making before finals week
Junior Maia Alvarez recites her selected poem for upper school students and judges. Archer’s upper school students gathered in the dining hall for Poetry Out Loud presentations Monday, Jan. 9.
Asomugha wins schoolwide Poetry Out Loud competition, advances to regionals
Micaela Boxer Wachler (’24) presents a slideshow on the importance of sun protection for the homeless community to an audience of middle school students. She urged students to donate sunglasses, hats and other means of sun protection to her drive, which will take place from Jan. 23-27.
Micaela Boxer Wachler presents on sun protection for homeless population, urges students to get involved
Laura Borstien (26), Eman Said, Sophia Shin (25) and Francie Wallack (25) pose together in the amphitheater. Said says the best part about coming to work is seeing the students because they are so friendly.
Eman Said is a servery employee by day, accountant by night
Sasha Capatori-Poole (26) poses in front of the Eastern Star Gallery. She is a leader of the animal rights club and is passionate about spreading awareness on the topic.
Club leader, activist Sasha Capatori-Poole strives to spread awareness for animal rights
Junior Alejandra Cortes holds the InvenTeam’s device, Hydra, which she has been working on for three years. Alejandra is currently working on motion programming for Hydra. Cortes has been on the InvenTeam leadership team for two years.
From ALT to InventTeam, Alejandra Cortes is taking the world by storm sySTEMatically
Boy Scout Belén Haro (26) works on her mural of the six women who are or have been on the Supreme Court. She is creating this mural for her Eagle Project, which aims to influence her Boy Scout and school community. 
Painting our future: Belén Haro designs mural to impact greater community
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
Marcel, the one-inch-tall, one eyed shell stands with his pink shoes on. The curious, resourceful and heartwarming shell has been entertaining viewers in short films for almost 13 years, but he finally made his big screen debut in 2022.
Review: ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’ takes viewers on heartwarming, emotional journey
People converse and view They Come to Pay Respect: Boreal Forest As Tar Sands at the opening exhibition of Cornucopia. The piece is a 12-foot by 3.5-foot monotype made by Paper Buck, which uses used oil pastel, India ink and tusche.
Eastern Star Gallery’s second show, “Cornucopia,” inspires deep thought with anti-colonialist, environmentalist art
The Mardini sisters, two gifted swimmers, play in the ocean during sunset. Netflix released the film Nov. 23. The film highlights the Syrian refugee crisis through the Mardini sisters story.
Review: ‘The Swimmers’ exposes inhumane obstacles Syrian refugees overcome
Boy Scout Belén Haro (26) works on her mural of the six women who are or have been on the Supreme Court. She is creating this mural for her Eagle Project, which aims to influence her Boy Scout and school community. 
Painting our future: Belén Haro designs mural to impact greater community
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
Marcel, the one-inch-tall, one eyed shell stands with his pink shoes on. The curious, resourceful and heartwarming shell has been entertaining viewers in short films for almost 13 years, but he finally made his big screen debut in 2022.
Review: ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’ takes viewers on heartwarming, emotional journey
People converse and view They Come to Pay Respect: Boreal Forest As Tar Sands at the opening exhibition of Cornucopia. The piece is a 12-foot by 3.5-foot monotype made by Paper Buck, which uses used oil pastel, India ink and tusche.
Eastern Star Gallery’s second show, “Cornucopia,” inspires deep thought with anti-colonialist, environmentalist art
The Mardini sisters, two gifted swimmers, play in the ocean during sunset. Netflix released the film Nov. 23. The film highlights the Syrian refugee crisis through the Mardini sisters story.
Review: ‘The Swimmers’ exposes inhumane obstacles Syrian refugees overcome
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
Senior Georgia Ehrlich poses for a photoshoot in Israel during her summer program where she explored new dance styles. Ehrlich spent this past summer choreographing, dancing and learning from experts around the world.
Q & A with YoungArts award recipient Georgia Ehrlich
This year, we cooked up and untraditional Thanksgiving table at my grandmothers house consisting of Oysters Rockefeller, lobster bisque and debuting sweet potato Christmas trees. Experiment with new holiday dishes this winter to spice up your seasonal routine and impress friends and family.
A cozy, untraditional winter food adventure
The falafel pita, served with perfectly fried falafel, red cabbage, tomatoes, pickles, cucumbers, tahini, and hummus. A deliciously classic falafel pita.
Column: A Meating Point and an ending point
11 Madison Parks summer salad highlights all different types, colors and shapes of tomatoes. This was one of my favorite dishes at 11 Madison Park because of how fresh each ingredient included is.
Review: 11 Madison Park’s new plant-based menu has transformed fine dining
The pork (left), chicken (middle) and brisket (right) tacos in all of their glory. They are served with a charred green pepper that gives each taco a nice kick of spice.
Column: Gochu Gang: A Korean-Mexican fusion dream
The Surf and Turf burger is topped with a whole fried lobster tail, crispy onions, lettuce and a perfectly toasted bun. This was definitely the star of the menu and worth every penny.
Column: Surf and turf, burger style
Sixth grader Haley Lazarus dribbles down the field at a home game against Brentwood. Archer won 2-1 against Brentwood, continuing their undefeated season.
Through the storm: Middle School soccer adapts to rain, remains undefeated
Two players on the middle school basketball green team high-five during a game. I like the team very much and Im glad to be on the team with such great people. Alice Rifenbark said
The middle school green basketball team’s formula for success: optimism
Sophomore Carrie Xue tosses a tennis ball while she holds a tennis racket. 2022 was Xue’s first year at Archer and she joined Archer’s tennis team. “something very fun to be a part of.”
Weil tennis player Carrie Xue aces through first semester
The varsity basketball team poses together after winning a game against Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles. The game took place on Dec. 14, and the score was 35-31.
Varsity basketball team begins season with change in leadership, overcomes previous obstacles
Junior Malia Apor holds up her softball bat on Archers softball field. Apor said she developed a love for the game when she first started playing more than 10 years ago. “[Softball] is a rock for me,” Apor said. “Its something I really enjoy, and it brings me a lot of happiness.”
From All-Star softball to Archer’s varsity team, Malia Apor leaves a mark
Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls
Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls
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
A fallen Christmas tree perfectly represents our departure from the true meaning of the holidays, and instead the overconsumption of material goods society has undertaken. This holiday season I hope you reflect on your own consumption and reduce waste where you can. 
Column: Consumerism isn’t just ruining the holidays, it’s ruining the planet
A girl sits in front of her laptop and does work for her Latine Studies course. This year, I enrolled in my first ever ethnic studies course, and it has erupted a passion in me in this field. It has also helped me feel represented in history curriculums.
Op-Ed: My Latine studies class changed my life
A reporters notebook and recording device is a must for each individual on The Oracle. As a editorial board however, we hold the responsibility of not only editing each piece on The Oracle, but also deciding what we wish to cover.
Editorial: An editorial board’s purpose
A fallen Christmas tree perfectly represents our departure from the true meaning of the holidays, and instead the overconsumption of material goods society has undertaken. This holiday season I hope you reflect on your own consumption and reduce waste where you can. 
Column: Consumerism isn’t just ruining the holidays, it’s ruining the planet
The American flag flies above the US capitol on a windy afternoon. The United States congress has been sworn in and will begin governance in January.
Column: Political violence and de threats to democracy
This image depicts a tiger crawling out from the pages of a book. Storytelling is an integral part of ones life, whether it be the fables you hear as a child, your favorite movie or a book youve read for an English class. Storytellers have the power to bring people together and combat the hate we so commonly see in society today.
Column: Paper Tigers and Star Wars figurines
Society has taught girls to keep their voices and desires to themselves. This holiday season and every day, its essential that women speak up and communicate their needs.
Column: A gift for a girl
Displayed is Stanleys computer that he uses during his office job at the beginning of The Stanley Parable. The story game follows Stanley on one peculiar day at work when all of a sudden his coworkers disappear. 
Column: The end is never
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
A girl sits in front of her laptop and does work for her Latine Studies course. This year, I enrolled in my first ever ethnic studies course, and it has erupted a passion in me in this field. It has also helped me feel represented in history curriculums.
Op-Ed: My Latine studies class changed my life
A reporters notebook and recording device is a must for each individual on The Oracle. As a editorial board however, we hold the responsibility of not only editing each piece on The Oracle, but also deciding what we wish to cover.
Editorial: An editorial board’s purpose
In response to the rise in antisemitic incidents in Los Angeles, we can stand up to antisemitism by staying informed, supporting the Jewish members of our communities and speaking out against antisemitic actions. Yes antisemitic tweets Oct. 8 sparked public demonstrations in Los Angeles.
Editorial: How we can stand up to antisemitism
This collage features promotional images from various Netflix true crime documentaries. With the recent release of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Ive thought a lot about our societys consumption of true crime television, podcasts and videos.
Op-Ed: Consumers’ obsession with true crime is problematic, insensitive
Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls
Gift Guide: Last-minute, winter-themed, for the girls
Flour Shops location in Beverly Hills, CA, displays their colorful merch wall, including clothes and baking supplies. The store originated in New York and expanded to Los Angeles in 2020.
My 5 favorite bakeries in Los Angeles
This graphic depicts posters for several documentaries and films that I chose, exploring various topics highlighting influential women. I hope you find inspiration from this selection of films and engaging content. Graphic illustration curated with promotional film, tv show and documentary images.
Spirited six: Feminist films to empower, inspire over summer
I frequently find myself searching for summer playlists but none are ever perfect. I have attempted to curate the ultimate summer playlist full of joyful music.
Magnetic music: Dance-worthy playlist perfect for summer
After a busier shift than normal, my apron would be covered with splatters of various creams, caramels and syrups. Throughout my time working at Starbucks, I have experimented with numerous ingredients and have discovered some of the best matcha-incorporated beverages.
Best matcha drinks, flavor combinations from a Starbucks barista
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
Letter to Editor: Mental Health Club: 8 Ways to stay occupied & healthy during social distancing
Letter to Editor: Mental Health Club: 8 Ways to stay occupied & healthy during social distancing
Letter to the Editor: Inspirational advocates have advice for you
Letter to the Editor: Inspirational advocates have advice for you
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep1 –The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Sydney Curry
The Scoop S3 Ep1 –The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Sydney Curry
Live on the fright side: Halloween celebration encourages joy on campus
Live on the fright side: Halloween celebration encourages joy on campus
Caption: The graphic showcases the bakeries and shops students can visit when traveling to the Brentwood village. Starting Oct.3, seniors, juniors and sophomores could travel off-campus to the Brentwood Village to purchase anything from the stores available including coffee, tea, pastries and lunch during the school day.
Off-campus privileges resume for sophomores, juniors, seniors
In this broadcast, students from within and outside Archer share their opinions on the hardening versus softening of schools in response to gun violence. These disparate approaches to school safety are of great discussion around the country following multiple school shootings in 2022.
Hardening versus softening: Student opinions on school gun safety precautions
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep2 – The Scoop on Antisemitism in Los Angeles
The Scoop S3 Ep1 –The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Sydney Curry
The Scoop S3 Ep1 –The Scoop on Growing Up Archer: Sydney Curry
The Scoop S2 Ep3 - The Scoop on Hestias Flame, Archers Yearbook
The Scoop S2 Ep3 – The Scoop on Hestia’s Flame, Archer’s Yearbook
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 - The Scoop on Division Disconnection
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 – The Scoop on Division Disconnection
The Scoop S2 Ep 1: Inside the Walls of Archer with Samantha Hazell-OBrien
The Scoop S2 Ep 1: Inside the Walls of Archer with Samantha Hazell-O’Brien
The Latest
  • January 23A Lunar New Year celebration will take place during lunch Friday, Jan. 27, in the courtyard.
  • January 23All students will participate in the International Holocaust Remembrance Day assembly Friday, Jan. 27, at 10:30 a.m.
  • December 4Subscribe to our weekly newsletter by clicking here.
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
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, Staff 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
A laptop displays a PSAT score report while surrounded by a book of practice tests, graphing calculator and pencils. Lacey Thompson (24) took the PSAT on Oct. 12 and said standardized tests for college admissions did not demonstrate her strength as a student.

Students share flaws of standardized testing, strengths of grades in college admissions process

By Allie Yang, Senior Reporter
January 19, 2023
Members of Hermanas Unidas and faculty present to Spanish-speaking families. Families gathered in Archer’s library Nov. 29 where they learned more about daily life at Archer and bonded over their common language and culture.

Familias Unidas: Community bonds over shared culture at Spanish-Speaking Family Night

By Surya Patil, Sports Editor
December 6, 2022
On Friday, April 30, seniors gathered on the stairs of the veranda to celebrate their accomplishments and acceptances to college. This day, for me, was filled with so much joy and excitement for each one of my classmates because it really showed off all the hard work that we put into our years at Archer.

Op-Ed: A letter to juniors

By Nyah Fernandez, Multimedia Editor
May 20, 2022
Graduating seniors from the Oracle Staff, Sports Editor Gracie Doyle, Editor-in-Chief Vaughan Anoai and Features Editor Thea Leimone, show off their college spirit together. I think from here on, its only exciting things, Doyle said. We have a really, really fun end of the year. We get to participate in all these traditions. Then we have summer, which is always fun, and then freshman year [of college], which is so exciting and new. But Im really ready for the next chapter.

Pennants, pizza, photos: Seniors celebrate National College Decision Day

By Nina Sperling, Senior Reporter
May 19, 2022
Seniors Faith Soriano and Isabella Specchierla smile as they sign their National Letters of Intent and Commitment in the amphitheater. After 12 years of training in their sports, Soriano committed to play softball at California State University Monterey Bay, and Specchierla committed to play soccer at Swarthmore University.

‘Know your potential’: Archer’s senior athletes sign college letters of intent

By Lucy Williams, Senior Reporter
May 12, 2022
Stickers line the outside of my kitchen window promoting pride and transgender visibility. There are many ways to uplift transgender show your support for the transgender community following March 31.

Column: Transgender visibility: A continual effort

By Charlotte Tragos, Columnist
May 2, 2022
I shuffle laterally across the net as I prepare to jump in the air and block the opposing teams offensive attack. On a day-to-day basis, I also feel as though I have to block or combat the ignorant assumptions and comments that people will make when discussing my college journey.

Op-Ed: Take a walk or run in my shoes

By Vaughan Anoa'i, Editor in Chief
March 29, 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
I sit under the various alumni pennants that are hanging in the business hallway. When I sat below the pennants, I felt nothing but admiration for the previous alumnis accomplishments. I hope I can be like them in my own way.

Op-Ed: The pressure of what comes next

By Jullie Cach, Staff Reporter
March 21, 2022
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