A portrait of pride
Exploring how the Bay Area community celebrates pride
Isabelle Kok, Editor-in-Chief
Highly variable grading policies across MVHS complicate students’ academic trajectories
Students and staff discuss the bounds of academic meritocracy and what constitutes a fair teaching philosophy
The Curve Foundation hosts Ultimate Lesbian Taco Eating Contest in San Francisco’s Rikki’s Women’s Sports Bar
Community members gather in a sequel to last November’s hit lesbian pie-eating contest
‘A Matter of Time: The Final Hour’ carries a timeless charm despite stylistic blunders
Laufey’s fifth album is compositionally gorgeous, if inconsistent
‘HADES’ is hellishly heatless
Melanie Martinez’s fourth studio album skims the depths of modern problems and comes up short
Student athletes suffering from ligament and muscle tears face arduous rehabilitation processes
MVHS athletes discuss their recovery process after ligament injuries
Deranged and derelict, Mitski’s eighth album holds nothing back
‘Nothing’s About to Happen to Me’ delivers a surreal narrative with stunning composition
In Review: Volume 5, 2026
El Estoque’s staff review recently released media, from Harry Style's first single in two years “Aperture” to the album that was originally set to be released in Sept. 2025 "Icon" by Brent Faiyaz
Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics Recap
A closer look at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
For seniors applying to college, early admissions plans carry both benefits and complications
Even amid rampant controversies, early decision plans are becoming increasingly crucial for high schoolers’ college applications
Snack Attack Vol. 3: February Special
Trader Joe’s February sweet treats are whimsical packets of joy
Made to move
The MVHS community reflects on the impact different dances have on the local culture
Local hip hop dancers see the genre as a medium for connection and storytelling
Both competitive and recreational forms of hip hop dance reflect on the significance of hip hop
Following the completion of field renovations, athletes and coaches are working to adjust to new turf
Differences in texture and playability from turf replacements prompt mixed responses from sports teams
San Francisco residents march in annual commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Civil Rights contributions
NorcalMLK concludes a week of celebrations with commemorative events, including speeches by mayor Daniel Lurie and congresswoman Nancy Pelosi
MVHS Season Preview
Varsity Girls Soccer players make predictions about their upcoming season
FoodEEs Ep. 4: Alma Dessert
Sunnyvale’s Alma Dessert offers specialty tiramisu flavors and drinks
Cupertino’s International Kung Fu Day celebrates the culture and community of Chinese martial arts
Performers and families came together for a day of showcases and cultural exchange, featuring live performances, interactive activities and diverse cuisines
Proposition 50 introduces questions about temporary redistricting
The upcoming Statewide Special Election kindles wide deliberation about the ethics of gerrymandering
Whole Foods’ Stevens Creek location reopens after a five-month hiatus due to vermin infestations
Local Whole Foods grocery store goes through thorough facility and fixture renovations in order to reopen to the public
Health and humanities under Trump
El Estoque's News section examines the impacts of federal funding cuts on humanities and healthcare
Trump’s cuts to healthcare programs under the “Big Beautiful Bill” could have irreversible local effects
Santa Clara County’s healthcare systems anticipate significant shifts under Trump’s second-term funding cuts
Santa Clara County LGBTQ+ leaders anticipate the potential overturning of Obergefell v. Hodges
Ten years after the Supreme Court expanded marriage rights to same-sex couples nationwide, the future of marriage equality is once again uncertain
MVHS and Lynbrook High School transition into a shared marching band
Due to dwindling enrollment, the MVHS and LHS Marching Bands have combined for the 2025-2026 season
San Francisco Pride Parade 2025
San Francisco Pride wraps up Pride Month with an annual parade celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community
20,000 people line up from Palo Alto to Sunnyvale in historic “No Kings” protest against the Trump administration
Pro-democracy protest takes place along a seven-mile section of El Camino Real
UC Merced’s recent R1 classification indicates their sharp growth in rankings
How UC Merced has risen in prestige throughout its 20 years in the UC system
Localcations
El Estoque explores attractions in the area
In Review: Volume 6, 2025
El Estoque's staff review recently released media, ranging from Netflix's newest romcom to Lil Tecca's latest single
Exploring San Jose Museum of Art’s cultural canvas
SJMA brings diverse voices to the heart of San Jose
A labor of love
Students’ perception of art as work prevents them from enjoying what they create
Beyond the surface
The influence of Black history and culture on modern arts and entertainment
In Review: Volume 5, 2025
El Estoque's staff review recently released media, varying from JENNIE's love hangover to Kendrick Lamar's controversial Super Bowl Halftime Show
A bite of Black history
Black-owned restaurants explain the influence of their roots in food
Creative currency
How capitalism shapes our art and media
Sealing the deal
How the design of food packaging captures consumer hearts
San Francisco hosts annual Martin Luther King Jr. march
Participants march a mile down Third Street in commemoration of King and the Civil Rights Movement
‘Moana 2’ is wholesome but afraid to rock the boat
The creation of the sequel lacks attentiveness, producing a predictable and disappointing storyline
‘Small Changes’ unravels the depth in the details
Michael Kiwanuka’s fourth album is a quiet memoir of dedication and mellow maturity
The hidden history of Santa Clara
Sally Beaupre illustrates her experiences volunteering at the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum
Commonwealth Club hosts journalism conference
MVHS journalism department staff travel to San Francisco to attend an educational reporting program
Homecoming 2024
Rewinding the 2024 Homecoming week
