![Anushka De](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ad5-900x600.jpeg)
Anushka De, Co-Editor-in-Chief
![Exploring the effects my mother has had on me](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Senior-Column-Anushka1-1-900x720.png)
All I am
Tracing the story of my mom and me
![Seniors reflect on what they've learned in high school](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/note-thanun-CYlPykF-qAM-unsplash-900x806.jpg)
“If I could know one thing…”
Four seniors reflect on one piece of advice they would give their freshman selves
![Seniors in three S's](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/senior_stats-3-900x900.png)
Seniors in three S’s
An overview of the Class of 2022 based on a sample of 175 seniors
![The class of 2022](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Image-from-iOS-2-600x900.jpg)
The class of 2022
Seniors reflect on their experiences and memories at MVHS by answering various questions
![University prestige is a crucial selling point for many parents. Why is that the case?](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/md-duran-1VqHRwxcCCw-unsplash-900x600.jpg)
Much ado about prestige
Understanding why parents place weight on the name brand of a university
![Yang Yang Liu, MVHS alum '07, passed away in a fatal car accident on November 25th. She was a wonderful friend and vibrant member of her community.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Photo-208-900x600.jpg)
The life and legacy of Yang Yang Liu
Friends and family reflect on the impact that the MVHS ‘07 alum had on their lives
![Charitha Chandran and Simone Ashley star as two of the leading characters on the second season of Birdgerton](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-03-at-7.30.34-AM-900x407.png)
“Bridgerton” is another disappointment in Indian representation
Cultural inaccuracies make for a paltry attempt at diversity
![The state of Critical Race Theory legislature varies across the country](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-16-at-11.52.08-AM-900x552.png)
Let’s Talk CRT
Opposition to Critical Race Theory prevents racial equality
![Tiny Love Stories](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Untitled_Artwork-15-900x625.png)
Tiny Love Stories
Our third installment of the quest to find pockets of love within our community
![The symphonic band rehearses a piece of music a couple days after receiving it](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-10.42.59-AM-900x438.png)
From the music stand
Listening in on how the symphonic band and Variations learn new pieces
![Graphic by Justin Kim](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Untitled-design-2-copy-2-2-900x900.png)
‘Tis the season for…’
Delving deeper into this year's winter highlights and memories
![There are both benefits and detriments to the practice of gift exchange.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Untitled-design-1-900x506.png)
Gifting during the holiday season
Discussing the positives and negatives of traditional gift giving
![Journalist Jeff Chang coined the name "Golden Era" for the period of rap music produced from 1986 to the late 1990s](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Untitled-design-900x506.jpg)
The Golden Era and modern rap
How 90s hip-hop artists have shaped the current rap scene
![An accompanist plays chords on an electric piano while his partner sings “Blackbird” by the Beatles outside of the Le Boulanger Bakery on Main Street in Los Altos](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/RAW_8067-900x601.jpg)
Holiday-themed events invoke community and festive cheer
Reviewing different winter events in the Bay Area
![Jay Shelton (left) dances with Stacey Cler (right) at colleagues Michelle Balmeo and Andrew Sturgill's wedding.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Shelton-and-Cler-900x675.jpeg)
Remembering Stacey Cler
Celebrating the life of English teacher Stacey Cler
![As a child, I grew enamored with an executive career, but as I got older, my dreams for the future expanded far beyond a skyscraper.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Untitled_Artwork-8-e1636505484723-900x670.png)
Opportunity cost: The detriments of astronomical college tuition
It's difficult to take advantage of educational opportunities and manage the burden of higher education tuition
![Sophomore Ace Chow wearing his football gear | Photo Courtesy of Ace Chow](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/244559416_222675483110235_2142731288404653959_n.jpeg)
Preparing for the big game
MV athletes share different ways that help them get ready before their game
![Senior Seo Eun Kim and Sophomore Mihret Tesfaye explain that teammates are essential to staying motivated during football games](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cheer-featured-900x600.png)
Cheering from the sidelines
Exploring how the team stays motivated even during a loss
![Performers hold up the sophomore banner after finishing their skit.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DSC0188-900x598.jpg)
Class of 2024’s Homecoming Performance
Sophomores win 3rd place for their performance during Homecoming week
![The Class of 2022 cheers in a huddle following the end of their homecoming skit performance for the finale time. Following months of preparation making costumes, props, skit decs and learning choreography, they got the chance to finally show their spirit in front of a crowd of MVHS students and faculty. Photo by Aditya Shukla](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DSC_0763.NEF_-900x598.jpg)
Homecoming 2021: A Recap
Showcasing the highlights of the past week's performances
![Team Dasari](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Screen-Shot-2021-09-24-at-9.28.35-AM-900x881.png)
Team Dasari
Examining the impact that volleyball has had on the Dasari family
![Teammates by Chance](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Untitled-design-pdf-900x506.jpg)
Teammates by Chance
Exploring the impacts of playing the same sport as a family member
![The Varsity Football Team lost its season opener against Westmont High School 42-0.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/good1-900x600.jpeg)
Football falls 42-0 to Westmont in first game of the season
The Matadors attribute the loss to inexperienced players and tentative playing
![California wildfires threaten safe air quality levels](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/wildfires-900x599.jpeg)
Live coverage of California wildfire responses and protocols
Updates on air quality and wildfire safety policies
![The MVHS and FUHSD communities continue to adapt to a changing landscape of COVID-19 protocols and precautions](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/fusion-medical-animation-rnr8D3FNUNY-unsplash-900x506.jpg)
Live coverage of COVID-19 responses and protocols
Updates on cases and policies regarding COVID-19 and safety
![Sophomore Ryan Tang jumps to catch the ball](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/anushka-900x650.jpeg)
Boys Water Polo loses to Milpitas HS 13-16
Team loses despite nearly tied scores throughout the first three quarters
![Change.org is a platform that allows users to create online petitions and request leaders to make change](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screen-Shot-2021-04-29-at-12.56.06-PM-900x500.png)
Social change.org
Online petitions, albeit performative, should not be classified as purely apathetic
![Victorine poses with his family on Halloween](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_0841-900x600.jpg)
A fraction of time
MVHS community members in different age groups reflect on the pandemic year in the context of their lives
![Students use Instagram to spread awareness about their own experiences with the threat of sexual harassment and assault, and how to remedy those issues](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/THE-EXPERIENCE-900x506.png)
“The experience of too many women”
Young women take to Instagram to share their experiences as women and facing the threat of sexual harassment and assault
![Investigating the interactions between teachers, unions, districts and communities that shaped the reopening of schools](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/covid1-900x600.png)
“Parent bullies” and “teachers who cried wolf”
How disadvantaged students and financial incentives led to schools resuming in-person instruction
![A group of investors on Reddit tried to best large Wall Street hedge funds by driving up the price of Gamestop stock](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/clay-banks-3IFYE6UHFBo-unsplash-720x900.jpg)
Off the market: How Robinhood’s mission to democratize trading highlights a bigger problem of financial illiteracy
Exploring how a lack of financial education affects individuals’ accessibility to financial markets
![In a spinoff from the New York Times' Tiny Love Stories series, these stories are pockets of love within our community](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-design-900x643.png)
Tiny Love Stories
Finding pockets of love within our community
![ReTales: Respect](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/respectCOVER-e1613174251102-900x880.png)
ReTales: Respect
Viewing people with humanity instead of as employees
![Exploring the stories of Cupertino residents, students and teachers](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/amycover2-600x900.jpg)
Humans of Cupertino
Discovering the stories that populate Cupertino
A day in quarantine
Following three students’ daily routines 10 months into the pandemic
![Junior Ronit Avalani poses while making promotional content for the MV Official Instagram account](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ronu-675x900.jpeg)
School spirit online
Leadership uses novel approaches to engage students during distance learning
![ReTales: Not so small talk](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/3.finalPic1-900x675.png)
ReTales: Not so small talk
Finding meaning in five minutes conversations as a cashier
![Examining how sex education curriculum neglects to discuss female masturbation](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/va-mine-a-e1608168266557-900x618.png)
Va-MINE-a
Examining how sex education curriculum neglects to discuss female masturbation
![Yes, she can.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/yesshecan-701x900.jpeg)
Yes, she can.
Exploring different facets of feminism and how they impact students, staff and alumni
![Spotify's 2020 wrapped allows students and staff to reflect on their past year in music](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/spotify-feature-900x571.jpg)
All wrapped up
Discovering the stories behind the songs and artists students and teachers listened to most in 2020
![Permanent Resident: Immigration at MVHS](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/map1-900x675.png)
Permanent Resident: Immigration at MVHS
Following the immigration journeys of MVHS students and parents
![ReTales: Independence](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMAGE3-890x900.png)
ReTales: Independence
The lady who needed an alarm clock
![Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B.'s hit single WAP is a boundary breaking anthem of women's sexual liberation](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wap-900x506.jpg)
“Respect” to “WAP”: Examining the progress of women’s empowerment
Exploring the dichotomy of women’s sexual liberation presented by songs throughout history
![Activism](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/CLAUDIA2-900x601.jpeg)
Activism
Exploring the journeys of student, teacher and alumni activists.
![The impacts of anti-racism education on both students and staff](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cover-900x506.png)
FUHSD Institutes Anti-Racism education
Students and staff discuss the motivations behind and impacts of new anti-racism curriculum
![Senior Stories](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/photo-1527891751199-7225231a68dd.jpeg)
Senior Stories
A look into the high school experiences of members of the class of 2020
![What they would've worn](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/elliebig-675x900.jpg)
What they would’ve worn
Seniors dress up in their prom looks despite Senior Ball cancellation
Senior Memories
A compilation of senior’s best memories from the 2019-2020 school year
![Challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone and take risks](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/columnBrave-1-900x752.png)
For the first time
Step one in my journey to becoming a braver person
![Searching for my lost passion for soccer](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Screen-Shot-2019-11-24-at-8.30.06-PM.png)
Soccer: a long lost love
Facing the reality of my relationship with soccer
![Auditioning for the MV Bhangra team to face my fear of humiliation](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/columnBhangra-523x900.png)
I don’t dance
Facing my fear of humiliating myself through Bhangra
![Forgiving myself when I am unable to meet my own expectations](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/toxicOne-808x900.png)
Being kinder
My journey to being kinder to myself when I am unable to meet my goals
![The Class of 2021 promoted the Zoom Prom on Instagram, and the link to the meeting was put in the 2021 Instagram bio which meant anybody could have access to the meeting](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/zoomProm4-900x642.png)
Class of 2021 hosts ‘A Zoom to Remember’
Leadership students handle inappropriate comments made at their online prom
![COVID-19 news coverage](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/evgeni-tcherkasski-0pPyrly3H2U-unsplash-900x589.jpg)
COVID-19 news coverage
In-depth coverage of COVID-19 at every level
![My tendency to overthink has led me to develop a fear of never belonging amongst my friends](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/overthinkingMe-528x900.png)
Overthinking
Facing my fear of not belonging
![MVRT dances the Macarena.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DSC01370-900x600.jpg)
School events cancelled because of COVID-19
Members of clubs and teams who qualified for international level competitions are unable to attend
![My best friend, Nika Zamani, who inspires me to be courageous everyday](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/nikaDraw-2.png)
Courage of the Stars
The story of the bravest person I’ve ever met
![100 things to do when you’re bored while social distancing](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/corona1-641x900.png)
100 things to do when you’re bored while social distancing
50 activities to appeal to your normal side and 50 activities for your inner MVHS student
![Nowruz, or Iranian New Year is one Persian custom that Zamani taught Persian Club members about](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/persiannowruz-900x718.jpg)
Persian Club increases the presence of Iranian Culture in the MVHS community
Students bond with each other through games involving Persian traditions and culture
![Dream Day: An exploration of fleeting nighttime adventures](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/dreamcatcher-813x900.png)
Dream Day: An exploration of fleeting nighttime adventures
Three MVHS students recount their most vivid dreams
![Tiny Love Stories](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screen-Shot-2020-03-04-at-10.07.45-AM.png)
Tiny Love Stories
Five MVHS students and staff share small moments where they felt a lot of love
![An in-depth guide to every course available at MVHS.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screen-Shot-2020-02-19-at-4.24.32-PM-900x535.png)
MVHS Course Selection Guide
Exploring student perspectives on every course offered at MVHS
![Design It: How graphic design and traditional art mediums help with stress relief](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/art1-808x900.jpg)
Design It: How graphic design and traditional art mediums help with stress relief
Design It officers use various mediums of art to express themselves
![Being Brave: This monthly column explores bravery and this month's topic is facing my fear of contradicting others and speaking with authority.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/rosie-900x735.png)
Taking inspiration from the saying ‘Well behaved women rarely make history’
My journey to finding the courage to stand by my values and lift my voice
![The rumors of an impending World War III: A breakdown of the situation behind recent US-Iranian Conflicts](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/iran2-900x506.jpg)
The rumors of an impending World War III: A breakdown of the situation behind recent US-Iranian Conflicts
MVHS students and teachers’ respond to the threats of a supposed “WWIII”
![Senior Nate Reyes lies on his seat as he prepares for the procedure while holding on to senior Allison Wu, who smiles at him.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/blood1.jpg)
Students participate in annual Stanford Blood Drive
Stanford Blood Center addresses the low number of donors in the past few years
![Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) visits schools to determine the level of education being provided to students](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wasc.jpg)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
A timeline of events regarding WASC
![Demolition begins at Vallco Mall called Demolition Day || From Mercury News](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SJM-L-VALLCODEMO-1012-3.jpg)
Opposition to the Vallco Plan
Sand Hill Property reinitiates construction in Vallco Shopping Mall after passing of State Bill 35
![Urbanization of Cupertino](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/carles-rabada-NXP7wGyUDeY-unsplash-900x506.jpg)
Urbanization of Cupertino
In a constant state of change, Cupertino has experienced drastic changes in terms of infrastructure and business from the influx of both workers and residents. Vallco construction has recently been reinitiated after the passage of State Bill 35. The proliferation of chain businesses act as a double edged sword to local businesses. Median house values climb and realtors work to satisfy buyers who prioritize commute times. Read more about each story.
![A young Stiver poses for a school picture](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/stiver2-675x900.jpg)
Journeys: three roads that crossed at counseling
MVHS’s four counselors share the paths they’ve taken that brought them to the counseling profession
![Design It combats struggling with retaining membership and club engagement](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Screen-Shot-2019-11-25-at-2.34.43-PM-900x600.png)
Design It combats struggling with retaining membership and club engagement
DesignIt officers find new ways to promote their club to face the problems posed by low member turnout
[Video] Women’s Suffrage and the Voter’s Choice Act
The passage of the Voter’s Choice Act makes it easier for Californian voters to cast their ballot
![Graphic by Sarah Young](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/RIGHTS-900x600.png)
Fighting for Rights
Exploring community members' struggles to assert their rights
![Active shooter false alarm at Great America Theme Park](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ga6-900x600.jpeg)
Active shooter false alarm at Great America Theme Park
Mugging incident at Great America leads to rumors of shooter and causes mass hysteria
![Dangers of the Web](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/tianyi-ma-WiONHd_zYI4-unsplash-900x595.jpg)
Dangers of the Web
Exploring the different facets of cybersecurity
Secondary School Reports: Tips from the Counselors
Counselors share their most valuable advice on how to handle the stress of the SSR process
![The skin we live in](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Screen-Shot-2019-09-27-at-10.56.40-PM.png)
The skin we live in
Students deal with the struggles presented by their skin
![The F-Word: Failure](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/image-900x600.jpg)
The F-Word: Failure
Examining the influence of failure in the MVHS community