The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

The Oracle
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
A sign posted in front of the Tia Palermo library informs students of Advanced Placement Exams taking place inside. Junior and senior students began taking the AP Exams May 2, a set of annual assessments administered by The College Board. These will be the last set of exams enforced by Archer as the school plans to phase out Advanced Placement courses and assessments next school year.
Students prepare for annual Advanced Placement Exams, reflect on last time testing
Actor Keith David speaks to upper school students about his career and what inspired him to become an actor. The panel was moderated by English teacher Jennifer Dohr. My dance teacher said, Any fool can be happy all the time. Happiness is the result of your hard work, David said. When you work hard, and you have earned where you are, theres cause to be happy, and no one can shake that.
Actor Keith David visits Archer for ‘inspiring’ panel about career, Shakespeare
Students from the senior class pose in the sand at prom. The event was held Saturday, April 23, at the Jonathan Beach Club. “Everyone looked so beautiful. I’m going to miss everyone, so I’m glad that we got to spend time together,” senior Layla Huber-Verjan said.
Post-prom: Students reflect on celebration with peers
Executive Board Candidates 2022
Executive Board Candidates 2022
Next Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is sworn in prior to testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee April 28. On April 7, the Senate voted in favor of her confirmation.
Archer students reflect on Next Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s ‘impactful’ confirmation
Students like Gendy and Lassman feel silenced when society assumes they are white due to their light skin or straight hair. Lassman said that if people take the time to educate and spread information, they show they care about students from other backgrounds.
‘A part of me that was overlooked’: the microaggressions on white-passing Multiracial identities
Seniors Andrea Ramirez, Destiny Morado and other students participate in a baile folkorico lesson led by senior Anny Rodriguez during an Hermanas Unidas meeting. This meeting was open to all of the Archer community and featured the history of this traditional Mexican dance. Affinity club leaders said they hope to see more student allies attending their open club meetings to support and learn.
Student leaders celebrate affinity spaces, call for more allyship
History teacher Beth Gold teaches her ninth grade students about Ibram X Kendis childrens book, Antiracist Baby. The class dives into a multitude of difficult topics throughout the year through units on race, religion, gender, government and gender and sexuality. Difficult knowledge often comes up in these units, and the curriculum has changed over the years due to new research or social movements.
‘There’s always going to be something missing’: Archer’s community practice unpacks difficult knowledge
Fourth grader Daniel Cortez, who has down syndrome learning about a sunflower from his mother, Marisol Cortez at Avila Farm during quarantine. Dr. Douglas said through exposure and intentional education, different kinds of diversity can be explored. Neurodiversity is just one of the dimensions of diversity, that we can experience, Vanderbilt said. Its another diversity element that people should be thinking about and how do we learn more about that in addition to ethnicity and culture and gender and sexual orientation.
‘Another dimension of diversity’: Special-Education students engage in school communities
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
Lily Miro (22) shows observers her ceramic cups, bowls and sculptures that depict peoples mouths. The Eastern Star Gallery is filled with different forms of self expression and artwork from Miro, Ben-Meir and Soriano, that all come together to make énouement.
Paintings, pots and film: Naya Ben-Meir, Lily Miro and Faith Soriano open senior art show
The Midnight Gospel series consists of eight episodes and delves into important topics connected to spirituality. Clancy, the main character, is seen sitting with his pet, Charlotte. When we set an intention, somehow the world seems to magically come to meet us,” Trudy the Love Barbarian said.
Review: Animated series ‘The Midnight Gospel’ teleports you to another dimension
Belwood Bakery, located in the Brentwood village, attracts many Archer students. Soon to be graduated seniors reflect on their love for the bakery. “I would warn people about the price because I feel like it’s very expensive,” senior Leah Abazari said. “But it’s worth it.”
Local small business: Seniors share their love for Belwood Bakery
This graphic illustrates Karol G, Grupo Firme and Anitta who all attended this years Coachella Music and Arts Festival. The annual music festival hosted 20 Latin American artists in their lineup, which has been the most in Coachellas history. Watching every performance made me feel represented as I saw songs being sang in Spanish in one of the biggest musical stages.
Commentary: Viva la musica latina
Lily Miro (22) shows observers her ceramic cups, bowls and sculptures that depict peoples mouths. The Eastern Star Gallery is filled with different forms of self expression and artwork from Miro, Ben-Meir and Soriano, that all come together to make énouement.
Paintings, pots and film: Naya Ben-Meir, Lily Miro and Faith Soriano open senior art show
The Midnight Gospel series consists of eight episodes and delves into important topics connected to spirituality. Clancy, the main character, is seen sitting with his pet, Charlotte. When we set an intention, somehow the world seems to magically come to meet us,” Trudy the Love Barbarian said.
Review: Animated series ‘The Midnight Gospel’ teleports you to another dimension
Belwood Bakery, located in the Brentwood village, attracts many Archer students. Soon to be graduated seniors reflect on their love for the bakery. “I would warn people about the price because I feel like it’s very expensive,” senior Leah Abazari said. “But it’s worth it.”
Local small business: Seniors share their love for Belwood Bakery
This graphic illustrates Karol G, Grupo Firme and Anitta who all attended this years Coachella Music and Arts Festival. The annual music festival hosted 20 Latin American artists in their lineup, which has been the most in Coachellas history. Watching every performance made me feel represented as I saw songs being sang in Spanish in one of the biggest musical stages.
Commentary: Viva la musica latina
The Middle Cs finish singing for the Brentwood Earth Day celebration. Both the middle and upper school a cappella groups preformed a song during the event.
Archer’s a cappella groups perform on International Earth Day
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
Claire Leimone poses will a Trader Joes reusable bag filled with grocery items. On top of their fantastic food and welcoming stores, Trader Joes provides recyclable and reusable bags.
An ode to Trader Joe’s
The delicious Nutella crepe topped with blueberries, bananas and powdered sugar. This crepe was definitely my favorite and a must try if you venture to Black Flour Crepes.
Column: Cut the crepe: An honest review of Black Flour Crepes
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
The middle school softball team poses for a photo with assistant coach Dani LeNoir (left) and head coach Natalie Chambers (right). The team is comprised of sixth and seventh graders. At some point, the middle school team diminished because the interest wasnt there, Chambers said. It has been a while, so the fact that we had a lot of girls sign up and really want to commit themselves — I couldnt ask for anything more.
‘They push me to do better’: Q&A with middle school softball coach, Natalie Chambers
The varsity softball team poses for a team photo after their game against Marymount. The team won with a score of 16-6. I love our team because of how supportive everyone is of each other, Apor said. We always pick each other up after a loss because softball is a big game of mistakes, and it’s the only way we will get better.
Varsity softball ends season with ‘sense of togetherness’
Thiagarjan poses with his Division 7 CIF championship plaque. I do not get as much sleep as I should so I am usually very, very tired during school. Thiagarajan said. As an athlete, I have to have very good grades to play and when I do play [especially as goalie], my games have to be perfect.
‘It does have its toxic side’: A ‘desperate’ need for sports psychiatry in athletes’ lives
Faith Soriano prepares to throw the ball to a teammate. Softball has been my rock, Soriano said.
Seven softball seniors: Their final swings, sentiments, stories
Graduating Editor-in-Chief Vaughan Anoai poses for her kindergarten graduation photos (top left) and smiles in her Archer polo during her first day of senior year. After seven years at Archer, Anoai reflected on her journey through middle and high school, more specifically what her role as Editor-in-Chief meant to her.
Letter from the Editor: And that’s all she wrote
A handful of trophies, medals and certificates that I have won in various activities lie on the floor. These examples of physical achievements represent the visible wins, but fail to reflect all of the hard work and challenges I faced throughout the process.
Commentary: There is bravery in letting go
There are quite literally two Oscar awards for the same achievements, one for a man and the other for a woman. In a world of progress, change and steps towards gender equality, the annual Oscars event feels stuck in time. When men and women are handed different awards for the same job, it’s sending the message that their work is somehow unequal. The separation of men and women needs to be shifted to the separation of genres, so everyone is given a chance in the spotlight.
Column: It’s genre, not gender
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
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?
There are quite literally two Oscar awards for the same achievements, one for a man and the other for a woman. In a world of progress, change and steps towards gender equality, the annual Oscars event feels stuck in time. When men and women are handed different awards for the same job, it’s sending the message that their work is somehow unequal. The separation of men and women needs to be shifted to the separation of genres, so everyone is given a chance in the spotlight.
Column: It’s genre, not gender
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
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?
Pictured is me watching a CNN news broadcast in regards to the recent COVID-19 outbreaks in Shanghai, China. It is troubling to watch the pandemic continue its rampage throughout the world, and makes me wonder when life will go back to normal.
Column: Is this the new normal?
Various makeup products like eyeliner and eyeshadow, lie on a white sheet; products people use to participate in the popular “fox-eye” trend. The trend has taken the internet by storm—and not in a good way. People continue to romanticize having slanted eyes, although this only seems to apply to non-Asians.
Column: A TikTok trend or blatant racism?
Graduating Editor-in-Chief Vaughan Anoai poses for her kindergarten graduation photos (top left) and smiles in her Archer polo during her first day of senior year. After seven years at Archer, Anoai reflected on her journey through middle and high school, more specifically what her role as Editor-in-Chief meant to her.
Letter from the Editor: And that’s all she wrote
A handful of trophies, medals and certificates that I have won in various activities lie on the floor. These examples of physical achievements represent the visible wins, but fail to reflect all of the hard work and challenges I faced throughout the process.
Commentary: There is bravery in letting go
Juniors Dani Fenster and Uma Bajaj hold up a sign while marching at the Youth Climate Strike Los Angeles. The strike took place March 25 in Downtown Los Angeles, and Archer students were granted excused absences for attending.
Editorial: The immeasurable value of administrative support for climate activism
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
The language hallways walls are filled with the work of students in Archers Spanish, Chinese and French classes. For me, its extra special to see the work in Spanish and to walk by classrooms speaking my native language. Like in many places, the Spanish language is what brings a sense of home and security for me.
Commentary: A love letter to Spanish
Claire Leimone poses will a Trader Joes reusable bag filled with grocery items. On top of their fantastic food and welcoming stores, Trader Joes provides recyclable and reusable bags.
An ode to Trader Joe’s
These are some of my favorite snacks from the servery. There are so many different types of snacks for all tastebuds.
Photo Gallery: My favorite servery snacks
Happy holidays with this gift guide that comes straight from The Oracle editorial board. A curated list of what they are gifting this holiday season and hope to receive.
Gift Guide: The Oracle editors share items from holiday season wish list
Happy holidays with this cheerful gift guide. Celebrate the merry season with a gift for everyone on your list, without breaking the bank. This guide feature 40 gifts all under 50 dollars.
Gift Guide: 40 gifts under $50 for the holidays
Parker Keston lights the menorah as she celebrates Chanukah with her family. Keston shared how lighting the menorah is an important aspect of the holiday.
Photo Gallery: What is your favorite holiday tradition?
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
Letter to the Editor: Grin yourself a good day
Letter to the Editor: Grin yourself a good day
Letter to the Editor: Elementary, My Dear
Letter to the Editor: Elementary, My Dear
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
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 - The Scoop on Division Disconnection
The Scoop S2 Ep 2 – The Scoop on Division Disconnection
The senior team performs with their grade mascot, the shark. Many students showed up to support their classmates and watch the dances. “It’s a hard process but the end goal is really good,” senior Naya Ben-Meir said. “I also love how spirited the whole day is.”
Boogie battle: Spirit Week culminates with annual dance competition
Mills brother, Harrison Mills, sits in front of a painting hung in their house. This piece is currently untitled because I still feel like I need to explore the work a little bit more and sit with a piece to have a solid title yet, Mills said. When it comes to my titles, I like to spend a bit of time with them, and I like to make sure that they align with the message that Im trying to explore.
Artist insight: Inside photographer Marley Mills’ process
A group of middle school students participate in the PAW-Some Pup Run Club, working on dog agility and helping Boo go over a hurdle. “[The dogs have] actually improved a lot,” sixth grader Josephine Hatton said. “At the beginning, some of them did not know how to do anything at all, and the students have trained them to be really attentive and do the agility courses.”
PAW-Some Pup Run Club empowers students, inspires ‘joy,’ ‘confidence’
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 Scoop S1 Ep 6 – Colonialism, Capitalism and Carbon Emissions
The Scoop S1 Ep 5 - #COVID19: Archer teen volunteers for adolescent Pfizer trial
The Scoop S1 Ep 5 – #COVID19: Archer teen volunteers for adolescent Pfizer trial
The Scoop S1 Ep 4 – Transition of Power: Conversations about Democracy Part 2
The Scoop S1 Ep 4 – Transition of Power: Conversations about Democracy Part 2
The Latest
  • May 15 As of May 9, the community positivity rate is 2.3%.
  • May 10 This year’s Middle School musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will take place Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21, at Archer.
  • May 3 As of May 3, the indoor mask mandate will be reinstated until further notice.
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
Juniors Dani Fenster and Uma Bajaj hold up a sign while marching at the Youth Climate Strike Los Angeles. The strike took place March 25 in Downtown Los Angeles, and Archer students were granted excused absences for attending.

Editorial: The immeasurable value of administrative support for climate activism

By 21-22 Oracle Editorial Board
April 24, 2022
Senior Bess Frierson, founder and leader of the garden committee, gets to work inspecting the vegetation in Archers garden. She hopes that time spent in the garden will (quote)

‘It’s a unifying place’: Students ‘get their hands dirty’ with Archer’s garden committee

By Lucy Williams, Staff Reporter
December 14, 2021
The Lorax is an activist-invoking tale ahead of its time. The Lorax is a film that has inspired audiences of all ages to take a stand against people and companies harming the environment.

Review: Environmental messages in ‘The Lorax’ inspire for the future

By Liora Ginzburg, Staff Reporter
April 12, 2021
Oil drilling can be deadly for the earth and people. Although there has been legislation introduced to Congress to create a buffer zone in communities, no laws have been passed.

Column: It’s time to end fracking

By Norah Adler, Columnist
March 21, 2021
Podcasts like How To Save A Planet and The Daily are perfect for long walks or drives! A great way to change up your daily routine and become more informed about our world is through educational and impactful podcasts. Start with these two!

Column: Norah’s ultimate environmental podcast playlist

By Norah Adler, Columnist
February 28, 2021
Sophomore Eliza Tiles and seniors Norah Adler and Sophia Stevens socially distance backpack in the John Muir Wilderness in California. Tiles says backpacking is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, but she urges hikers to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Column: I’m not that sustainable

By Norah Adler, Columnist
August 24, 2020
From Temescal Canyon hiking trail in the Pacific Palisades, a layer of smog and air pollution can be seen looming over Los Angeles’ coastal cities.

Column: Dear Brother

By Abigale Lischak, Columnist
March 3, 2020
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind is a non-fiction book that details the human existence in an easily digestible way. While its not a book about environmental activism, learning about the history of the Homo Sapien species is an eye-opening experience, and one I believe should be a fundamental aspect of education.

Column: Extinction Past, Present and Future

By Abigale Lischak, Columnist
February 2, 2020
Destiny Morado 22 cheers at the Los Angeles Global Climate Strike. She said she was grateful to attend the event with Archer. It felt so empowering, she said. We had all our sisters together. It showed the world that young people matter.

‘Our future matters’: Global Climate Strike calls for governmental action, ’empowers’ youth

By Anna Brodsky, Editor-in-Chief
September 21, 2019
A beaver gnaws on a plant in Lily Lake, located in Rocky Mountain National Park. Beavers live in lakes and rivers; they create their homes and dams using nearby trees.

Column: Learn from rodents — leave tree chopping to beavers

By Zoe Bush, Columnist
November 19, 2018
Vehicles drive on a freeway. Greenhouse gas emissions from cars contribute to air pollution and detrimental health. Photo courtesy of California Air Resources Board.

Op-Ed: Reducing carbon emissions one footprint at a time

By Marley Chaney, Archer Student
June 1, 2018
Letter to the Editor: Plastic Waste

Letter to the Editor: Plastic Waste

By Ruby Colby, Archer Student
June 1, 2018
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