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The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

Giljoon Lee and Kate Yang discuss the negative impact of AI on this year's Spotify Wrapped. Graphic | Kate Yang

Wrapping music with AI

Reliance on AI has sucked the soul out of “niche” remnants of the long-awaited Spotify Wrapped
Giljoon Lee and Kate Yang
December 22, 2024
“rosie” is a good showcase of Rosé’s vocal skill but little else, falling short of making an impact in the wake of the positive reception to her pre-release “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars. Photo courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corporation | Used with permission

‘rosie’ by Rosé is a dime a dozen

Rosé’s debut album is a nostalgic but lukewarm attempt at reflection on a past relationship
Ellie Wang and Asha Wojciechowski
December 18, 2024
Moana prepares herself to fight off the Kakamora tribe and the monster clam. Photo courtesy of Disney Movies | Used with permission

‘Moana 2’ is wholesome but afraid to rock the boat

The creation of the sequel lacks attentiveness, producing a predictable and disappointing storyline
Isabelle Kok and Ananda Singh
December 17, 2024
“Small Changes” is Michael Kiwanuka’s return to the grounded warmth of childhood memories. Polydor Records | Used with permission

‘Small Changes’ unravels the depth in the details

Michael Kiwanuka’s fourth album is a quiet memoir of dedication and mellow maturity
Isabelle Kok
December 12, 2024
Outside exterior of Saratoga Bagels. Photo by Trisha Sannappanavar

Inside Saratoga Bagels

Exploring Mei Huang’s journey opening and running Saratoga Bagels
Trisha Sannappanavar
December 9, 2024
Which holiday drink are you?

Which holiday drink are you?

Take our 2024 seasonal drink quiz
Ananya Chaudhary and Zaid Naqvi
December 8, 2024
Wicked tells the story of the rise (and fall) of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures | Used with permission

‘Wicked’ shines in all of its technicolor glory

The visually stunning and emotional story makes for an exceptional adaptation, despite its lengthy run
Corinna Kuo
December 7, 2024
In today's society, many teenagers prefer to spend their free time on screens, rather than reading books.
Graphic | Amberly Sun

The reading recession

Discussing the decline of teenagers reading
Corinna Kuo and Amberly Sun
December 6, 2024
“The Party Never Ends” is far from a bad album, but is ultimately underwhelming given its importance to Juice WRLD’s legacy and fans. Graphic by Grade A Productions | Used with permission

‘The Party Never Ends’ is a forgettable farewell

Juice WRLD’s final album is a sad reminder that all parties come to an end
Benjamin Zhang, Arts & Entertainment Editor
December 6, 2024
El Estoque reviews most viral(and significant!) moments in 2024 pop culture | Graphic by Owen Liu

2024 Year in Review

El Estoque’s Arts & Entertainment section revisits significant pop culture media from 2024
Owen Liu
December 5, 2024
Mayhew’s capstone project with San Jose State University, the short film “My Turn,” depicts sisterhood in a slapstick cartoon style. Photo courtesy of Morgan Mayhew | Used with permission

Morgan Mayhew’s journey to becoming an animation producer

MVHS alum Morgan Mayhew ‘19 breaks down her favorite animated films, what it’s like to be an animation student and more
Alyssa Yang and Benjamin Zhang
December 5, 2024
Students in HAmLit watch "Us" to develop a deeper understanding of the social critiques within "The Great Gatsby".

MVHS students and staff review the use of film in class

Literature classes utilize film and media as supplementary learning resources for essential topics
Sania Nadkarni and Sagnik Nag Chowdhury
December 2, 2024
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