Growing branches
How my Native American step-grandfather influenced my upbringing and identity
Ellie Wang, Copy Editor
MVHS students and staff share their favorite childhood TV shows
How nostalgic childhood TV shows shaped students’ and teachers’ upbringing
Exploring the LGBTQ+ books in the literature curriculum
MVHS students and staff share their thoughts on LGBTQ+ texts taught in literature classes
Dreaming lucidly
How lucid dreaming helped me come to terms with my passion, future and place in the world
The Academy Awards need to live up to better the story they tell
This year’s nominations highlight a long-standing pattern of the Oscars’ underrepresentation of Asian international films and performances
“Send Help” is a near-masterpiece of psychological horror that struggles with an incomplete plot
Although its actors and musical score were intensifying, plot holes and unexplored characters deteriorated the film
‘Iron Lung’ is a promising descent into the blood ocean of mainstream film
The debut indie horror film from YouTuber Markiplier presents itself more competently than expected
Dream Achievers perform at San Jose Walmart’s Lunar New Year Fest
A band composed of members with autism explores what it means to achieve their musical dreams
Love is a game
El Estoque's opinion section explores the intricacies of high school relationships
Student romance at MVHS through the eyes of teachers
Teachers share their perspective on how MVHS’s culture influences high school dating
Music through the ears of teachers
MVHS teachers weigh in on what music can bring to the classroom environment
It’s time to consider the manosphere more seriously
The manosphere is increasingly encouraging hypermasculine and misogynistic behavior in young men
AI deepfakes pose new concerns for FUHSD
MVHS alum ‘25 Lotus Wu shares her experience confronting deepfakes of her
Bay Area residents rally in Palo Alto for the second nationwide ‘No Kings!’ protests
Protesters march from the intersection of El Camino Real and Embarcadero Street to Rinconada Park to gather for the “No Kings!” Democracy Fair
Tame Impala’s ‘Deadbeat’ is hypnotic but hollow
Contrary to its title, the album has lively beats but dead lyricism
Stevens Creek Boulevard Bike Lane begins Phase 2A
The construction of new bike lanes has been delayed until early 2026
In Review: Volume 1, 2025
El Estoque’s staff review recently released media, ranging from the hit Netflix movie "KPOP Demon Hunters" to Sabrina Carpenter's controversial "Man's Best Friend"
MVHS chemistry department adjusts as teachers go on Willie Brown
How the Willie Brown Act helps veteran teachers gradually reach retirement
‘KPop Demon Hunters’’ crowd-pleasing nature cannot hide its lackluster plot
Netflix’s new hit movie, though entertaining, fails to deliver in its characters and storytelling
The City of Cupertino unveils new all-inclusive playground at Jollyman Park
The park’s new playground caters to children and adults of all physical and cognitive abilities
‘Lilo & Stitch’ is enjoyable, but has a few sloppy stitches
The fun live action adaptation is enjoyable yet unfaithful to the original
The possible impacts of the cuts to the Department of Education
Despite federal DOE cuts, FUHSD plans to preserve programs through state laws and local funding
Varsity Badminton falls to Cupertino High School 18-12
The Matadors are narrowly defeated during Cupertino High School’s senior night
From playbooks to gradebooks
MVHS teachers and staff share their experiences and knowledge in sports
The Wildfire Awareness Initiative brings light to wildfires
MVHS’ youth organization continues to expand its influence in the local community
MVHS staff look back into their sporting past
Teachers dive back into their high school and collegiate sports experiences
Catching up with the sports community
Athletes around Cupertino make an impact off the playing field
Lisa’s ‘Alter Ego’ trips in its own egotism
This global debut album starts off strong before declining to its lower quality alter ego
MVHS sports teams are giving back through volunteering and fundraising
How the cheer, soccer and dance teams interact with their communities
Jisoo’s “AMORTAGE” is a safe but steady start to her global career
Jisoo’s EP is nothing new but surprisingly well-executed as her first solo release under a new label
Then and now
Students reflect on their growth and the resolutions shaping their future as 2024 comes to an end
Students shape their futures through pre-professional and professional pursuits
What FUHSD students are doing to achieve their ambitions
Reflecting on 2024
MVHS students and staff reflect on the past year and their hopes for the future
Interconnected
MVHS community members reflect on their ways of staying connected
The school environment poses challenges for nonbinary individuals
Students and educators share perspectives on gender inclusivity in FUHSD
Community is at the heart of religion
Gathering at a place of worship provides a sense of connectedness
Toxicity on social media
El Estoque's Opinion section delves into the toxic trends on social media
Social media’s toxic algorithm is harming artists
Social media stifles the way we create art
Homecoming 2024
Rewinding the 2024 Homecoming week
MVHS holds its annual Homecoming rally
Students reflect on how Homecoming week increases school spirit
The challenges and rewards of a BIPOC writer
Young writers explore how their culture and creativity shapes their writing
Social media perpetuates racist stereotypes towards Indian culture
Cupertino community reflects on facing discrimination online
Main Street magic
Students and staff share their experiences and opinions on Main St. Cupertino
Breaks, not burdens
Students and administrators share their opinions on the no-homework policy for school breaks
Pitch to publication
El Estoque staff members explain how the magazine is made
Blood on my bed sheets
How I overcame the self-pity that accompanied my eczema
Rooted in tradition
Traditional Chinese medicine in the modern world and how it has helped the community
Minor concerns
Minors debuting in K-pop raise concerns among MVHS community
Time Out! Ep. 11: Hershey Janga
Following Hershey Janga’s hip-hop journey through friends and clubs
The Satanic surge
Delving into the impact of Satanic themes in media on the MVHS community
8 periods
Exploring the pros, cons, and processes of implementing an alternative schedule
Varsity Football defeats Lynbrook High School 44-6
Matadors put pressure on LHS at the Vikings’ Homecoming game
Facing north
Exploring how transitioning to By-Trustee-Area elections will affect FUHSD in North Sunnyvale
Continuous coverage: Health and Ethnic Studies
Examining the current status of the newly implemented course
Hi Barbie!
Exploring social media’s impact on women empowerment themes in the summer hit “Barbie”