The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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Panelist Stephanie Hobbs, a design principal at Marmol Radziner, speaks about her career in architecture to the Classes of 2024 and 2025. Hobbs was joined by four other speakers who also work at Marmol Radziner: Lia Gardley, Amy Smith and Ashley Nath, who discussed their careers in Archers library during third period Monday, April 29.
Constructing a career: Archer hosts architecture and design panel, speakers share advice, experiences
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
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’
Senior Gemma Larbalestier shows world language teacher Juan Carlos Moraga Vidal her artwork, which combines the human experience with music. Larbalestier and Olivia Miro’s senior show, “Genesis,” took place May 1 in the Eastern Star Gallery.
‘Genesis’ senior show connects music, nature to the human experience
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’
Senior Gemma Larbalestier shows world language teacher Juan Carlos Moraga Vidal her artwork, which combines the human experience with music. Larbalestier and Olivia Miro’s senior show, “Genesis,” took place May 1 in the Eastern Star Gallery.
‘Genesis’ senior show connects music, nature to the human experience
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
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
The middle school purple tennis team gather in a circle to prepare before their match against Windward, March 7, at Mar Vista Park. The team lost in the second round of CIF playoffs May 1. “We lost, but we’ve put up a fight,” Maggie Collins (’28) said. “I think that’s what really matters.” Photo courtesy of Archer Athletics.
‘We always have that pressure to beat them’: Middle school tennis team shares experiences with unsportsmanlike behavior in coed league
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
A silhouette of a woman stands with a thought bubble about the ban of TikTok. As legislation proposing changes to the owners and future of TikTok in the United States passes through the House, we are facing the possibility of a TikTok-less life, but it may be different than you think. (Graphic Illustration by Oona Seppala) 
Commentary: The 5 biggest effects deleting TikTok had on my life
Three tumblers showcase the look of the Stanley cup, which has been a symbol for new-age internet consumerism. What makes the branding of Stanley successful is its ability to not feed into traditional tropes of influencer fatigue on social media.
Column: The tired path of consumerism, as captured by social media
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
Three tumblers showcase the look of the Stanley cup, which has been a symbol for new-age internet consumerism. What makes the branding of Stanley successful is its ability to not feed into traditional tropes of influencer fatigue on social media.
Column: The tired path of consumerism, as captured by social media
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
A silhouette of a woman stands with a thought bubble about the ban of TikTok. As legislation proposing changes to the owners and future of TikTok in the United States passes through the House, we are facing the possibility of a TikTok-less life, but it may be different than you think. (Graphic Illustration by Oona Seppala) 
Commentary: The 5 biggest effects deleting TikTok had on my life
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
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
Self Love Isnt Selfish S1E4 - How the male gaze hides in cinema
Self Love Isn’t Selfish S1E4 – How the ‘male gaze’ hides in cinema
Sexplained S1E4- All about Human Papillomavirus with Dr. Lauran Evans
Sexplained S1E4- All about Human Papillomavirus with Dr. Lauran Evans
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’
Self Love Isnt Selfish S1E4 - How the male gaze hides in cinema
Self Love Isn’t Selfish S1E4 – How the ‘male gaze’ hides in cinema
Sexplained S1E4- All about Human Papillomavirus with Dr. Lauran Evans
Sexplained S1E4- All about Human Papillomavirus with Dr. Lauran Evans
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
The Latest
  • May 5Festival of Dance will take place Thursday, May 9, during lunch.
  • May 5Seniors Sophia Bratman and Elle Moccio will open their senior show in the Eastern Star Gallery Wednesday, May 8.
  • May 5World Language Advanced Study Symposium will take place during periods one and two in the Library Monday, May 6.
The student news site of The Archer School for Girls

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

The Oracle
Ella Gray (24) smiles her largest for the camera. Today, many women (myself included) experience societal pressure to smile more, to be pleasant and to be a typical good girl.

Op-Ed: Smile more

By Siena Ferraro, News Editor
May 8, 2023
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