“‘PUREFLOW’, pt. 1” is a jumbled heap of questionable lyricism and production choices
Even with the group’s past successes, “‘PUREFLOW’, pt. 1” fails to display artistic development
Kate Yang, Arts & Entertainment Editor
‘Soul Mate’ is a poignant show that struggles with the magnitude of its own narrative
The show’s confusing pacing, awkward chemistry and plot points are too much to handle, detracting from its visuals and actors
In Review: Volume 7, 2026
El Estoque’s staff review recently released media, from rising sing-songwriter SIENNA SPIRO’s tender single “The Visitor” to the Oscar-nominated RAYE’s recent album “THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.”
Senior Chloe Chen commits to Carnegie Mellon University for D3 volleyball
Chloe dives deeper into her volleyball journey leading up to her commitment
Zara Larsson’s “Midnight Sun: Girls Trip” is equal parts Midnight and Sun
While the album shines in its collaborations and intersectionality, its inconsistent production and disjointed lyricism obstructs the vision
“Michael” is all bark and no bite
The latest biopic about the King of Pop puts on a show at the cost of authenticity
‘The Drama’ brings the heat in a stunning depiction of the struggle between past and present
Kristoffer Borgli’s latest has it all, from unconventional plot to visual satisfaction
‘Children of the Sun’ loses itself in the light
Jay Chou's album reaches for ambitious reinvention but falters under its own uneven production
Keeping it classical
MV musicians reflect on the current standing of classical music
AI Detectors Ep. 3
MVHS photographers attempt to detect AI-generated photography
Ty Dolla $ign’s ‘girl music vol. 1’ plays it smooth — and safe
Despite strong production and standout features, the EP lacks direction, depth and artistic progression
Artist protest sparks divides on the role of celebrities in activism
The MVHS community discusses the effectiveness of artists using public events to publicize their opinions on political issues
ASB hosts a smash-hit rendition of MV’s Got Talent
The event featured a wide variety of skits, including musical performances, cultural dances, slam poetry and more
“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
Part 1 of ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 fails to stun with egregious visuals and lackluster plot
Despite a strong cast, the show struggles to be cohesive
EXO struggles with the musical magnitude of ‘REVERXE’
Although well produced, the album fails to highlight EXO’s artistic strengths
The Trump Administration’s social media posts have incited mixed reactions in the MVHS community
The 47th President's White House's social media posts have caused divisions over professionalism and politics
A complex relationship
The college application process, despite its pressures, encourages deeper introspection on goals and identity
MVHS alum ‘07 Leah Thomas’s journey around the world
Thomas reflects on her time as a professional cyclist
A unique Christmas
How the MVHS community celebrates the jolliest day of the year
‘One Battle After Another’ is Paul Thomas Anderson’s magnum opus
Anderson stuns with impeccable world building and an action-packed plot
City of Cupertino hosts annual spooktacular Monster Mash
Families gather for a festive night of games, trick-or-treating and costumes at Cupertino’s annual Halloween event
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"
Homecoming 2025
El Estoque's Arts & Entertainment section documents Homecoming 2025
Scandals in sandals
El Estoque's Arts & Entertainment section explores 2025's problematic summer
Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Man’s Best Friend’ is a combination of upbeat tunes and shaky production
Carpenter’s latest album fails to showcase the entirety of her musical genius
What is love?
How popular shows like ‘Love Island’ and ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ fuel parasocial relationships
FUHSD instates new “off and away” policy
The policy is built to encourage student focus and learning
‘Superman’ impresses the audience with its humor and relatability
James Gunn’s adaptation of the classic icon entertains and connects the audience to Superman’s world
A cultural affair
How AAPI artists express their culture through animation
In Review: Volume 7, 2025
El Estoque’s staff review recently released media, ranging from Ken Carson's surprise release to Maroon 5’s latest single
PinkPantheress shatters all expectations with “Fancy That”
The mixtape stuns with its lyricism, sampling and creativity
Behind the desk
MVHS teachers discuss their approaches to teaching and how their life experiences have impacted their teaching
MVHS department leads shine in their work
Department leads reflect upon their leadership duties and activities
Cupertino’s Earth Day and Arbor Festival sets a spotlight on environmental issues
The City of Cupertino hosted the interactive event to educate people and spread awareness on the environment
‘Equus Asinus’ leaves fans searching for more
Canadian band Men I Trust barely nail the plot in their latest release
Tiny Love Stories
What love means to the MVHS community
Tiny Love Stories, pt. 1
What love means to the MVHS community
Creative currency
How capitalism shapes our art and media
‘Balloonerism’ pops Mac Miller’s musicality balloon
Miller’s emotion falls short with its repetitive nature
Take our January News Quiz
Test your knowledge of key events last month
Cupertino’s Join-A-Ranger: Night Hike and Flashlight Tour offers attendees a glimpse into nature
Park Rangers educate attendees about the ecosystems, wildlife of McClellan Ranch
Sonny ‘angels’
Blind box companies keep teenage consumers hooked with monetization and marketing tactics
A musical connection
How listening to and enjoying international music has impacted students and their connection with their culture
The Cupertino Veterans Memorial honors veterans for their service
Veterans, active duty military and first responders honored with speakers and a musical performance at Cupertino Memorial Park
Poll workers at the Cupertino Vote Center work to ensure an efficient voting process
Leads, Aides and Volunteers serve their community at the Cupertino Library 11-Day Vote Center, by assisting voters through the voting process, leading up to the election
Election 2024
Examining the impact of local, statewide and national elections on the MVHS community
The Cupertino Youth Activity Board hosts Pizza and Politics
The event featured teens and adults involved in local politics
Students on 2024 election policies
Four students share their viewpoints on immigration, affordable housing, gun control and abortion
New teachers share their backgrounds and goals for the new school year
MVHS staff joining in the 2024-2025 school year introduce themselves to the school
FUHSD holds first trustee area election
Four candidates are running for Trustee Areas 2 and 5 in this November’s election
Mandatory implementation of Ethnic Studies delayed until 2025-2026
As Ethnic Studies enters its second year of pilot, MVHS community members reflect on its impact