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

Alex Zhang

Alex Zhang, Staff Writer

Alex is currently a senior and a second-year staff writer. In addition to journalism, he is involved with the Monta Vista Varsity Badminton team, Junior State of America, and the Monta Vista Microfinance club.

All content by Alex Zhang
The seniors and freshmen splash each other in the hopes of sinking the others boat.

Classes compete in annual Boat Battle

Representatives from each grade attempt to sink other teams’ duct tape and cardboard boats while keeping their own afloat
Sonia Verma and Alex Zhang
May 27, 2023
Graphic by Michelle Zheng

The final run ep 3: Girls Basketball

Exploring the CCS journey of seniors in the MV girls basketball team
Minjae Kang and Alex Zhang
May 15, 2023
Photo by Petr Sidorov | Used with permission (Unsplash)

Portal Astrology

Unwrapping my personal experience with admissions speculation
Alex Zhang, Staff Writer
April 14, 2023
2023 CIF Central Coast Section Championships

2023 CIF Central Coast Section Championships

Learn more about the CCS Tournament for the Varsity Girls Basketball, Varsity Boys Basketball and Wrestling
The Economy in Cupertino

The Economy in Cupertino

Exploring changes in the Cupertino economy
The majority of Cupertino is zoned for low to medium density housing, pictured in yellow on Cupertinos interactive zoning map.

New laws and housing element impact housing in Cupertino

Community members share their opinions on the housing crisis
Lillian Wang and Alex Zhang
February 15, 2023
Photo by Kenny Eliason | Used with permission (Unsplash)

Paying for College

Exploring strategies to pay for college tuition
Alex Zhang
February 15, 2023
Under the influence

Under the influence

Exploring the effects of substance usage in the MVHS community
A person holds up a lit cigarette that has been partially smoked.

Clarifying the cannabis conundrum

Analyzing the MVHS perspective on the legalization of cannabis and its impact locally
Lauren Chuu and Alex Zhang
December 20, 2022
Photo by Jen Theodore | Used with permission (Unsplash)

Senioritis: resisting the urge to do nothing

Exploring my lack of motivation due to burnout and college apps
Alex Zhang, Staff Writer
December 10, 2022
Bandaids for bullet wounds

Bandaids for bullet wounds

Examining how bandaid solutions fail to address the root cause of various issues
Graphic by Sonia Verma

Staying awake

Exploring the adverse effects of energy drinks on the MVHS community
Alex Zhang, Staff Writer
November 12, 2022
Photo by Ekrulila | Used with permission (Pexels)

Applying to college for myself

Learning to chase what I’m passionate about
Alex Zhang, Staff Writer
November 5, 2022
Andrew Tate discusses his views on his podcast

Sigma supremacy sweeps MVHS

Examining the negative impact of sigma male culture on the MVHS community
Yash Thapliyal and Alex Zhang
October 12, 2022
Idolization

Idolization

Exploring how the idolization of various people, lifestyles and features pervades our lives.
Inflation rates have gone up in the U.S. due to the pandemic and Russia’s war on Ukraine | Graphic by April Wang

Inflation impacts students and staff

Looking into how rising prices challenge the FUHSD community
Photo used with permission from Krish Dev

The Arts Get A Makeover

Exploring the impact of F building construction.
Alex Zhang, Staff Writer
May 25, 2022
Calling to communicate

Calling to communicate

Exploring how the MVHS community stays connected through voice
Picture used with permission from Blumhouse Productions

‘Firestarter’ fails to make sparks

Keith Thomas’s latest attempt at horror falls into a noticeable creative rut
Alex Zhang, Staff Writer
May 17, 2022
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney Company

‘Polar Bear’ is a compelling documentary calling out climate change

Stunning visuals are coupled with a deeper call to action
Alex Zhang, Staff Writer
April 27, 2022
Photo used with permission by Krish Dev

Unlearning Bad Habits

Analyzing student experiences with unlearning bad habits
Alex Zhang, Staff Writer
April 14, 2022
Ryan Reynolds and Walker Scobell gaze up at the sky | Sky Dance Media

‘The Adam Project’ is another overdone Sci-fi cliche

Shawn Levy presents a tired action movie that lacks real depth despite its all-star cast.
Alex Zhang, Staff Writer
March 19, 2022
Critical Race Theory

Critical Race Theory

Analyzing Critical Race Theory's impact on the MVHS community and beyond
Graphic | Sophia Ma

Analyzing the impact of CRT on curriculum

Exploring feedback and reception from the MVHS community on the integration of CRT in Honors American Literature curriculum
Alex Zhang
February 15, 2022
The bathroom breakdown

The bathroom breakdown

Reviewing popular bathrooms at MVHS to find the best one
Understanding Grief

Understanding Grief

Exploring how grief has affected community members' lives
Graphic | Mikaylah Du

Coping with grief

Community members describe their experiences and strategies managing their grief
Mira Wagner and Alex Zhang
December 10, 2021
To ensure safety for students and staff during  gun violence incidents, run, hide, and defend procedures should be implemented. Graphic by Angela Zhang

The rise in high school gun violence

Examining the recent rise in gun violence and its impact on MV students, staff and parents
Jisha Rajala and Alex Zhang
October 30, 2021
Michael Myers (James Jude Courtney) stands in front of a burning house in the film’s opening scene. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

‘Halloween Kills’ represents the death of America’s most beloved ‘Halloween’ franchise

The latest installment of the “Halloween” franchise fails to live up to its predecessor
Alex Zhang, Staff Writer
October 26, 2021
A bouquet of roses were placed in the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters to commemorate the lives lost during 9/11. Photo by Patrick Kelley

Remembering 9/11

Adults recount the tragedy and its impact on the 20th anniversary
Gauri Manoj and Alex Zhang
September 11, 2021
Club leaders share their objectives for the 2021-2022 school year

Club leaders share their objectives for the 2021-2022 school year

Exploring what’s in store for clubs as MVHS returns to in-person learning
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