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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

Kaia Yuan

Kaia Yuan, Staff Writer

Kaia Yuan is currently a senior and a staff writer for El Estoque. In her free time, she enjoys making music, taking photos of her dog and watching movie trailers.

All content by Kaia Yuan
Interconnected

Interconnected

MVHS community members reflect on their ways of staying connected
For MVHS musicians, holiday music brings cherished memories, festive traditions, and a sense of connection both on and off stage.

Unpacking holiday music traditions

MVHS musicians reflect on the impact of holiday music
Samuel Teo and Kaia Yuan
December 8, 2024
Beyond adding beauty to Christian and Catholic architecture, stained glass windows also serve to depict stories from the Bible. Similarly, Buddhism and Islam also incorporate communal art in their own unique ways, with Buddhists using mandalas and Muslims creating mosaics. Photo | Ellie Wang

Community is at the heart of religion

Gathering at a place of worship provides a sense of connectedness
Ellie Wang and Kaia Yuan
November 26, 2024
Athletic Trainer and Health Clerk Myesha Taylor helps stretch junior Kingston Jourdan during the football game against Lynbrook High School on Oct. 24

Do the risks of football outweigh the rewards?

Varsity Football players reflect on the possible health risks that arise in the sport
Ananda Singh and Kaia Yuan
October 28, 2024
Junior Zoe Laurelle anticipates the incoming serve.

Varsity Girls Tennis falls 4-3 against Los Altos High School

In a close game, the Matadors fall short despite an early lead
Niveda Hari and Kaia Yuan
October 26, 2024
Olympics Takeaways

Olympics Takeaways

67% of MVHS students watched the 2024 Olympics, here's what we can learn from it
In an attempt to keep the Olympics politically neutral, the International Olympic Committee decided to ban Russia and Belarus from participating – forcing athletes from those countries to participate without representing their countries.

MVHS students weigh in on controversies surrounding the 2024 Paris Olympics

MVHS students and staff speak on the separation of athletes from politics at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Raj Thapliyal and Kaia Yuan
September 29, 2024
Junior Monisha Preetham defends against a player, trying to move the ball further down the field.

Field Hockey falls to Fremont High School 5-0

Matadors struggle with making strong passes in their sixth game of the season
Grace Lin and Kaia Yuan
September 27, 2024
The Rise construction site

The rise of Vallco

Local community members discuss the potential impacts of The Rise
Liz Liu, Kaia Yuan, Subin Ko, Raj Thapliyal, and Aletheia Ju
September 3, 2024
Graphic by Leah Desai

Artistic ambitions

From self-expression to building community, MVHS students utilize art for many different purposes
Screenshot 2024-05-25 at 2.52.20 PM

[Photo] Softball

May 25, 2024
The softball team huddles up for a cheer after the game.

Softball falls to Cupertino High School 17-1

Matadors keep their spirits up despite the loss
Corinna Kuo, Amberly Sun, and Kaia Yuan
May 13, 2024
Junior Sravik Sajja prepares to bat.

Varsity Baseball beats Lynbrook High School 9-4

Matadors dominate the game with a superb second-inning
Aletheia Ju and Kaia Yuan
May 9, 2024
Badminton Head Coach Russell Okuno gives advice to sophomore Maxim Gutnik after his first set of Varsity 3 Boys Singles against Lynbrook High School.

Sounds of sports

MV students and coaches share how they involve music, pep-talks and cheering into their sports life
PE Teacher Jeff Thomas works out with earbuds on.

Playing to win

The role music plays in athletics across sports and activities
Ethan Kellogg and Kaia Yuan
April 12, 2024
Senior Henry Hu returns the ball against HHS defenders.

Varsity Boys Volleyball defeats Homestead High School 3-0

Matadors secure another win despite missing key players
Amberly Sun and Kaia Yuan
March 20, 2024
Off-court champs

Off-court champs

MVHS sports depends on overlooked roles such as photographers, the athletic director, and student volunteers.
Athletic Director Nick Bonacorsi’s classroom is decorated with trophies, photos, and jerseys.

Directing with open arms

Bonacorsi plays a large role in many aspects of MVHS athletics
Ethan Kellogg, Kaia Yuan, and Ethan Yang
March 4, 2024
Senior and shooting guard Vivian Ong shoots a free throw.

Varsity Girls Basketball defeats Lynbrook High School 53-45

Matadors secure their eighth win of the league on National Women and Girls in Sports Day
Amberly Sun and Kaia Yuan
February 10, 2024
Sleep

Sleep

From their dreams to their sleep schedules and behaviors, MVHS students have wildly varying experiences with sleep.
With many students not getting the recommended hours of sleep needed, some resort to falling asleep in class to make up for lost sleep.

School daze

Students and teachers discuss the experiences behind students napping during class
Kaia Yuan
January 26, 2024
Law enforcement agents were situated in various spots on campus to ensure the safety of students and staff.

BREAKING: FUHSD receives threatening emails from an anonymous sender

The emails sent on Jan. 23 were later determined to be a “hoax,” though the investigation continues
Taryn Lam, Brandon Wang, and Kaia Yuan
January 24, 2024
A climate protest takes place in New York City, urging action against fossil fuel emissions.

Advocacy in action

Diving into how the MVHS community participates in activism
Senior Niku Sedarat prepares to pass the ball to a teammate.

Girls Soccer defeats Prospect High School 4-3

The Matadors gain momentum in the second half to secure the game
Arjun Dhruv, Sagnik Nag Chowdhury, and Kaia Yuan
December 9, 2023
Graphic by Amberly Sun

Putting Pressure

Exploring why students and staff boycott certain businesses
Amberly Sun and Kaia Yuan
December 8, 2023
School safety

School safety

Exploring approaches to support students' physical and mental well-being
The Say Something Anonymous reporting system protects students' anonymity while letting them speak out about issues.

Call to action

Investigating the structure and goals of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
Lauren Chuu and Kaia Yuan
November 3, 2023
La Pluma: Behind the pages

La Pluma: Behind the pages

Exploring the members behind the La Pluma magazine
Corinna Kuo and Kaia Yuan
October 30, 2023
The Wellness Room contains a variety of activities to help students relax and de-stress.

Making Space

Exploring new student spaces in MVHS
Implemented this year, the Wellness Room is designed to give students the space and time to reset.

Safe Space

MVHS implements the Wellness Room to help students with de-stressing and self-care
Corinna Kuo, Brandon Xu, and Kaia Yuan
September 29, 2023
With a rise in COVID cases across the nation, MVHS students and staff have split responses on whether to mask.

Keeping up with COVID

Exploring MVHS’ responses to COVID-19 amid rising cases and new variants
Corinna Kuo and Kaia Yuan
September 23, 2023
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