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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

Aashna Patel

Aashna Patel, Features Editor

Aashna is a senior and a features editor for El Estoque. She plays field hockey at MVHS and in her free time, she enjoys reading, drinking boba and spending time with her friends.

All content by Aashna Patel
tudents share their opinions on the cultural inclusivity of prom outfits

Prom embraces cultural threads

Students share their opinions on the cultural inclusivity of prom outfits
Kripa Mayureshwar and Aashna Patel
June 2, 2023

Prom-piniated

Exploring opinions surrounding different aspects of prom.
Senior Dillon Huang performs on Friday, May 26 during MV Drama's spring showcase.

Students for change: 5TRINGS

Highlighting 5TRINGS, the organization that brings music to senior centers
Taryn Lam and Aashna Patel
May 19, 2023
Exploring the aspirations and passions of six inspiring women and girls from MVHS

Women shaping the future

Exploring the aspirations and passions of six inspiring women and girls from MVHS
Avni Gandhi, Aashna Patel, and Jiya Singh
April 20, 2023
Graphic | Sonia Verma

One nation, under guns

Examining the different perspectives on gun policies and ownership in relation to gun violence in America
Senior Mira Bhardwaj reflects on her journey within arts and design

Woman in art and design: Mira Bhardwaj

Senior Mira Bhardwaj reflects on her journey within arts and design
Aashna Patel
April 15, 2023
MVHS Alum ‘22 Sophia Bokovikova shares how she pursues her passion in health sciences both inside and outside the classroom

Woman in health sciences: Sophia Bokovikova

MVHS Alum ‘22 Sophia Bokovikova shares how she pursues her passion in health sciences both inside and outside the classroom
Aashna Patel
April 15, 2023
Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers protest for stronger gun control amidst rising levels of gun violence

Students for change: Students Demand Action

Exploring the student run club that protests against gun violence
Taryn Lam, Aashna Patel, and Yash Thapliyal
April 8, 2023
Sophomore Erin Handelsman is sworn in during her Court of Honor ceremony on Feb. 5.

Students for change: Erin Handelsman

Sophomore Erin Handelsman leads a hygiene kit making service project after earning the rank of Eagle Scout
Taryn Lam and Aashna Patel
February 11, 2023
14 days of love: Lindsey and Yujia

14 days of love: Lindsey and Yujia

In the tenth installment of the 14 days of love series, El Estoque explores the friendship between Freshmen Lindsey Niu and Yujia Zhou
Aashna Patel
February 10, 2023
14 days of love: Kimika & Shozo

14 days of love: Kimika & Shozo

In the seventh installment of the 14 days of love series, El Estoque explores the familial relationship between English teacher Shozo Shimazaki and his daughter sophomore Kimika Shimazaki
Aashna Patel
February 7, 2023
Graphic | Sonia Verma

Distance

Exploring instances of distance within a family 
In 2021, the Gaspar family camps at the Catillion campsite. Gaspar’s immediate family goes camping every year, around labor day, to cook, eat, dance and hike together.

Photo courtesy of Paula Gaspar | Used with permission

Large Extended Families

Examining the dynamics within a large extended family
Sameer Maheshwari and Aashna Patel
December 16, 2022
From farm to table

From farm to table

Exploring the processes and people behind the food we eat at MVHS
On a Monday morning, MVHS Chef Margie Sanborn prepares scones for brunch.

From the kitchen

How the nutrition services team develops and prepares the cafeteria food
Aashna Patel
November 16, 2022
Anjali Jariwala wrote "Why We Eat With Our Hands" as a gift to her daughter, Nyla.

“Why We Eat with Our Hands” by Anjali Jariwala is a necessary addition to all childrens’ bookshelves

Exploring the message behind Monica Jariwala’s sister’s new book
Abha Dash, Taryn Lam, and Aashna Patel
November 5, 2022
New counselor Ashley Voigt checks emails in her office. Photo by Avni Gandhi

MVHS welcomes Counselor Ashley Voigt

Ashley Voigt joins the guidance team at MVHS
Avni Gandhi and Aashna Patel
September 14, 2022
CHS senior Rohan Tirumala went to UC Davis Young Scholars Program to learn more about medicine. Photo courtesy of Rohan Tirumala.

“The grind never stops”

FUHSD students continue their learning at summer programs
It’s not really reality, but that’s OK

It’s not really reality, but that’s OK

Why reality TV Shows don’t deserve the hate they receive
Aashna Patel and Jiya Singh
June 6, 2022
Facing phobias

Facing phobias

Exploring irrational fears that students have
The class of 2022

The class of 2022

Seniors reflect on their experiences and memories at MVHS by answering various questions
Sophomore Yotaro Sato pitches the ball during the second inning of the game against Saratoga High School on March 24, which they lost 13-1.

Spring season sports recap

Showcasing games and practices from MVHS’s spring season sports teams
Released on the first day of spring, Red Velvet’s newest EP offers the perfect bright songs to start off the spring season.

“Feel My Rhythm” is a spring gem

Red Velvet’s new mini album combines sugary bops with dreamy vocals
Aashna Patel and Angela Zhang
March 24, 2022
Teachers share first job experiences

Teachers share first job experiences

Looking back on staff members’ formative years
Aashna Patel
March 18, 2022
Student football players often feel pressured as they compare their bodies to those in the NFL

Male athletes experience muscle envy

Examining the body insecurities male athletes face
Tvisha Gupta and Aashna Patel
March 16, 2022
Critical Race Theory

Critical Race Theory

Analyzing Critical Race Theory's impact on the MVHS community and beyond
The bathroom breakdown

The bathroom breakdown

Reviewing popular bathrooms at MVHS to find the best one
Examining the histories of anti-racism efforts at the Nevada Joint Union High School District

CRT sparks controversy at NJUHSD

Examining the histories of anti-racism efforts at the Nevada Joint Union High School District
Aashna Patel and Jannah Sheriff
February 12, 2022
Senior Edin Kraja switches the field and shields the ball from an opposing team player.

Boys Soccer falls to Saratoga High School 5-2

MVHS falls to Saratoga High School in their fourth league game of the season
Understanding Grief

Understanding Grief

Exploring how grief has affected community members' lives
The total number of international COVID-19 deaths according to Worldmeter.

MVHS students face loss during the COVID-19 pandemic

Reflecting on the hardship of losing loved ones to COVID-19
Jayanti Jha and Aashna Patel
December 10, 2021
A look into the future

A look into the future

Students examine what lies ahead
My type of person

My type of person

Looking at how accurately the MBTI types represent individuals
Aashna Patel
November 12, 2021
The tricks and treats of Halloween

The tricks and treats of Halloween

Featuring the various aspects of celebrating Halloween
The main tent was decorated with real and inflatable pumpkins where visitors could take pictures. Souvenir tables were set up in the main tent as well, where visitors could buy pumpkin carving kits and jelly rings, along with other Halloween-themed trinkets.

Six spooky Bay Area destinations to visit this fall

Reviewing various autumn-themed locations to get into the Halloween spirit
Aashna Patel, Tvisha Gupta, and Taryn Lam
October 23, 2021
Performers hold up the sophomore banner after finishing their skit.

Class of 2024’s Homecoming Performance

Sophomores win 3rd place for their performance during Homecoming week
The Class of 2022 poses for a group photo following their performance.

Class of 2022’s Homecoming performance

Seniors win the top prize for their homecoming performance
Aditya Shukla, Lance Tong, and Aashna Patel
October 8, 2021
Photo courtesy of 
Olga Tutunaru

#BookTok: The rising literary community for teens

Readers utilize the audio visual content on TikTok to spread their love for reading
Aashna Patel, staff writer
September 18, 2021
FUHSD athletes found ways to resonate with Lydia Jacoby, Suni Lee and Simone Biles. Graphic by Jayanti Jha, Aashna Patel and Kalyani Puthenpurayil

Twisting the game

Three Olympic winners resonate with local athletes
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