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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

Melody Cui

Melody Cui, Managing and Business Editor

Melody Cui is currently a senior at MVHS and a managing and business editor for El Estoque. She enjoys watching YouTube videos and Twitch in her free time.

 

All content by Melody Cui
Image courtesy of Universal Pictures

Watch out for…

Entertainment to look out for this summer
Melody Cui and Darpan Singh
May 25, 2023
Examining how different types of accents affect people’s perceptions of others and themselves.

Accented

Examining how accents affect people’s perceptions of others
Melody Cui and Angela Zhang
April 14, 2023
Examining initiatives in place at MVHS to help English Language learners

A new language, a new world

Examining initiatives in place at MVHS to help English Language Learners
Melody Cui and Angela Zhang
April 14, 2023
MVHS students voice their opinions on different aspects of therapy.

Should I get help?

Examining different opinions on the stigma surrounding therapy
Melody Cui and Sarah Liu
February 16, 2023
Deck of hearts

Deck of hearts

MVHS students and alumni play the love game
14 days of love

14 days of love

Follow the daily videos as we explore the various relationships of MVHS pairs and find out who knows the other person better
14 days of love: Priscilla & Erica

14 days of love: Priscilla & Erica

In the 12th installment of the 14 days of love series, El Estoque explores the friendship between Seniors Priscilla Cho and Erica Liu
Melody Cui
February 12, 2023

ChatGPT Responds to El Estoque Article

What ChatGPT has to say about an article published on El Estoque
Melody Cui
February 7, 2023
14 days of love: Ryan & Renee

14 days of love: Ryan & Renee

In the sixth of the 14 days of love series, El Estoque explores the twinship between Seniors Ryan Hau and Renee Hau
Melody Cui
February 6, 2023
Graphic | Sonia Verma

Distance

Exploring instances of distance within a family 
How family member philosophies define their interfamilial relationships and other interactions.

Ideological distance

How family member philosophies define their interfamilial relationships
Melody Cui and Aditya Shukla
December 20, 2022
Senior Iona Xia performs the Ruan at a senior center. Photo courtesy of Iona Xia | Used with permission

For the community

MVHS students share about the community service that they do outside of school
Melody Cui and Vincent Zhao
December 16, 2022
Bandaids for bullet wounds

Bandaids for bullet wounds

Examining how bandaid solutions fail to address the root cause of various issues
When I grow up

When I grow up

Exploring how young children explore their interests
Melody Cui and Darpan Singh
November 16, 2022
Women who play video games become a target for verbal attacks.

The Virtual Glass Ceiling

Examining the repercussions of women playing video games
Melody Cui and Kathryn Foo
November 16, 2022
What can we do?

What can we do?

Coming to terms with the individual impact we have on combating climate change
Melody Cui and Anna Jerolimov
October 14, 2022
Idolization

Idolization

Exploring how the idolization of various people, lifestyles and features pervades our lives.
FUHSD implements free menstrual products due to new California law

Packaging the period plan

FUHSD implements free menstrual products thanks to California law
XLB Kitchen serves Shanghai and SiChuan Dishes, specializing in "小笼包" — Xiao Long Bao, a popular dim sum dish.

[Photo] XLB Kitchen

June 24, 2022
Made from scratch

Made from scratch

Tracing the stories of home owned Chinese businesses
Melody Cui and Sophia Ma
June 19, 2022
Drawings by Hongyun Art students are propped up un the studio,

[Photo] Hongyun Art

June 11, 2022
The word "COLORS" is written in an explosive, rainbow font, depicting a theme similar to graffiti.

Colors

Delving into the colors of the rainbow
Student self-expression through color

Student self-expression through color

Students applying color to different mediums
Jefferson Le and Melody Cui
May 27, 2022
Trashing Our School

Trashing Our School

Exploring the different ways trash affects the MVHS community
Following the experience of those who moved states in an increasingly partisan country

From state to state: A political and cultural shift

Following the experience of those who moved states in an increasingly partisan country
Melody Cui and Jefferson Le
May 17, 2022
"We're here, we're queer, get used to it," was a common slogan used in the 90s during pride rallies.

One step forward, two steps back

Analyzing the impetus, implications and impacts of the recent uptick in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the U.S.
Melody Cui and Mikaylah Du
May 9, 2022
Leftover lunch is scattered in front of the Library. Littering has consequences on the MVHS community

Not throwing away our trash

Explaining the consequences of littering at MVHS
Melody Cui
April 27, 2022
Dissecting the underlying notions that were used against the first Black Woman nominated to serve on the Supreme Court

The Senators’ Agenda: How race, gender and politics defined Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination hearing

Dissecting the underlying notions that were used against the first Black Woman nominated to serve on the Supreme Court
Melody Cui and Kripa Mayureshwar
April 12, 2022
The price of living in Cupertino

The price of living in Cupertino

Examining how residents interact with the different aspects of housing in Cupertino
Examining how the district accommodates for students in special education

Closing the Gap: How FUHSD addresses disparities in special education

Examining how the district accommodates for students in special education
Melody Cui
March 30, 2022
Emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between different forms of satire

Where does @SenatorBigBird lie in the satirical dilemma?

Emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between different forms of satire
Melody Cui
March 29, 2022
The Westport Cupertino construction site shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony.

Implementing affordable housing in Cupertino

Exploring Westport Cupertino and the changes it brings
Exploring what organizations are doing to alleviate the homelessness crisis in Cupertino

Cupertino addresses homelessness through a city plan and partner programs

Exploring what organizations are doing to alleviate the homelessness crisis
Melody Cui
March 23, 2022
On March 17, FHS students evacuated classrooms and gathered on the football field due to a bomb threat.

BREAKING: Fremont High School bomb threat causes students to evacuate

Law enforcement continue to assess the situation at FHS
Melody Cui and Krish Dev
March 17, 2022
Crossword Craze: Staff Edition

Crossword Craze: Staff Edition

Play this crossword to learn fun facts about MVHS staff members
Melody Cui, Gavin Hung, and Gauri Manoj
March 12, 2022

Crossword Craze: Staff Edition Word Bank

Word bank for print magazine crossword
Melody Cui and Gauri Manoj
March 10, 2022
Two students who don’t know each other ask each other a set of personal questions

The 36 questions that lead to love podcast: Part 1

Two students who don’t know each other ask each other a set of personal questions
Melody Cui and Kripa Mayureshwar
March 6, 2022
Examining the significance of the social construct in modern society | Illustration by Lillian Wang

Race: An indispensable myth

Examining the significance of the social construct in modern society
Melody Cui and Lillian Wang
February 24, 2022
Sophomore Abha Dash plays the flute during Symphonic Band’s performance. Symphonic Band played two pieces titled “West Highland Sojourn” and “Waltz No. 2” before intermission.

The instrumental music department hosts its annual Festival Concert

Band and orchestra perform “From Britain with Love” with a feature from the Brass Ensemble
Melody Cui and Gauri Manoj
February 19, 2022
In the face of crime

In the face of crime

Examining the impact of crime and community reactions to it
Examining the community reaction to different levels of theft in the state

Increasing theft in California prompts safety concerns and legal backlash

Examining the community reaction to different levels of theft in the state
Melody Cui
February 12, 2022
Examining and honoring the life and works of the posthumous poet

Honoring the legacy of Sylvia Plath

Examining the life and works of the posthumous poet
Melody Cui
February 11, 2022
MVHS welcomes new College and Career Advisor

MVHS welcomes new College and Career Advisor

Rogelio Calderon fills in last guidance spot at MVHS
Melody Cui
February 10, 2022
Athletic trainer Javier Margarito and his daughter pour a cup of water on Cler’s tree before  in the nearby Olive Court to enjoy some of Cler’s favorite foods. Photo by Gauri Manoj

MVHS hosts tree dedication to honor former English teacher Stacey Cler

Staff and students come together to commemorate Cler’s lasting impacts
Melody Cui and Gauri Manoj
February 1, 2022
California laws go into effect in 2022

California laws go into effect in 2022

Examining statewide measures passed for this year
Melody Cui
January 19, 2022
Addressing climate change

Addressing climate change

Examining the approach to climate change on four different levels
Seniors Shivani Verma and Esha Ramchurn stand in the front as MV Dance Team performs an in-sync whole team routine. Photo by Krish Dev

The MV Dance team hosts “A December to Remember”

Students perform in their first showcase since quarantine
Melody Cui, Krish Dev, and Gauri Manoj
December 25, 2021
Marvel’s latest film smoothly interweaves the past and the present together. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ is a feat of nostalgia

Marvel’s latest film smoothly interweaves the past and the present together
Melody Cui and Sophia Ma
December 22, 2021
Examining how the government is handling the climate crisis through a set of bills and rulings

Federal regulations advance the national approach to climate change

Examining how the government is handling the climate crisis through a set of bills and rulings
Melody Cui
December 10, 2021
Examining the impact of social media platforms in light of new accusatory claims

Profits over People: How Facebook’s internal designs and systems harm its users

Examining the impact of social media platforms in light of new accusatory claims
Melody Cui
December 5, 2021
The main parking lot and outside of Monta Vista High School.

Grade distribution analysis from the first progress report

Staff reflect on grade centric goals and milestones after the the first month of school
Melody Cui and Krish Dev
November 14, 2021
Crossword Craze: MVHS edition

Crossword Craze: MVHS edition

Play this crossword to test your MVHS knowledge
Melody Cui, Gavin Hung, and Gauri Manoj
November 3, 2021
MV Robotics Club competes in Cal Games

MV Robotics Club competes in Cal Games

MVRT competes in its first competition since COVID-19
Melody Cui and Krish Dev
October 31, 2021
Competition season is back

Competition season is back

Showcasing MVHS organizations in action
Via-Cupertino has a total of nine vans; most of them have bike racks and two are wheelchair accessible. Vans can be identified by their Via logo and City of Cupertino graphic.

Via-Cupertino rideshare returns as pandemic restrictions loosen

The community shuttle resumes its services as COVID-19 cases drop
Melody Cui
October 27, 2021
Cyclists use the separated bike lane on McClellan Road to avoid possible car accidents. Photo courtesy of the City of Cupertino

Bike lane separation on McClellan Road named “project of the year”

Silicon Valley Chapter of the American Public Works Society calls the construction “a key step in combating climate change”
Tanish Mendki and Melody Cui
October 24, 2021
In the 18th installment of the recurring series, El Estoque asks Jim Birdsong 50 questions

50 Questions with Jim Birdsong

In the 18th installment of the recurring series, El Estoque asks Jim Birdsong 50 questions
Melody Cui
October 13, 2021
Community members share their opinions on the US leaving Afghanistan

A forever war ends: The comic version

Community members share their opinions on the US leaving Afghanistan
Melody Cui, Sophia Ma, and Minjae Kang
October 12, 2021
Community members share their opinions on the US leaving Afghanistan

The controversy behind Afghanistan

Community members share their opinions on the US leaving Afghanistan
Melody Cui and Minjae Kang
September 22, 2021
Community members share their opinions on the US leaving Afghanistan

A Forever War Ends

Examining the Afghanistan War and its end
Melody Cui, Minjae Kang, and Anika Sharma
September 22, 2021
Elizabeth Holmes (left) talks with an interviewer about her company

Following the checkered-past of Elizabeth Holmes

Examining the timeline of Theranos, a multi-million dollar biotech company, from its conception to it’s eventual fall
Tanish Mendki and Melody Cui
September 20, 2021
Capitan and senior Ryan Hong prepares to block a goal from CHS. Photo by Melody Cui

Boys Water Polo defeats Cupertino High School 15-6

MVHS maintains a lead throughout its first win of the season
Melody Cui and Gauri Manoj
September 16, 2021
With two blockers in front of her, senior Marissa Jensen prepares to spike the ball across the court. Photo by Irene Tang

Girls Volleyball wins 3-2 in a thrilling comeback against Notre Dame

Lady Mats continue their undefeated streak after winning their fifth game of the season
Irene Tang and Melody Cui
September 4, 2021
Denouncing the political hegemony that currently dominates America | Graphic by Sophia Ma

Stop politicizing apolitical issues

Denouncing the political hegemony that currently dominates America
Melody Cui
August 27, 2021
With multiple staff openings, MVHS deals with starting the year with fewer councilors.

Counseling department starts the year with two vacancies

Students’ and administration’s reactions to staffing changes
An illustration of the COVID-19 vaccine Graphic by Sophia Ma

Behind both doses

Examining the experiences of getting the COVID-19 vaccine
Anika Sharma and Melody Cui
May 21, 2021
Exploring philosophies students and teachers began following due to the pandemic

Quarantine mottos to live by

Exploring philosophies students and teachers began following due to the pandemic
Melody Cui and Sophia Ma
May 9, 2021
Examining the environmental harms of poorly constructed clothing. Illustration | Sophia Ma

Let’s stop supporting fast fashion

Examining the environmental harms of poorly constructed clothing
Melody Cui
April 3, 2021
Illustration of a girl crying  while on the phone | By Sophia Ma

Let’s stop normalizing and minimizing the impact of eating disorders

Examining social media’s detrimental portrayal of eating disorders
Melody Cui
March 5, 2021
Senior Skylar Ploshay dribbles the ball across the field.

Man on the street: Captains on their most important leadership trait

Captains of MVHS sports teams share the reasoning behind their preferred leadership traits
Melody Cui and Riya Ravuri
February 9, 2021
MVHS alumnae '18 Mikaela Lee competes at a kung fu tournament

Martial Arts

MVHS students participate in judo, karate, kung fu and taekwondo
UCSD coach, Juan Ignacio Calderon, practicing while masked. Photos from @ucsdfencing

Fencing during Covid-19

Fencers react to the new regulations for fencing practices and tournaments
Melody Cui
December 5, 2020
Junior Tyra Lin’s corgi Mina sits for a photo at Yosemite National Park in January of 2019.

Pet Instas

Students share about the Instagram accounts they created for their pets
Claire Wen and Melody Cui
November 7, 2020
Movie poster of A Quiet Place. | Paramount Pictures

Halloween movie recommendations

A mix of spooky classics and thriller movies to watch at home this Halloween
Melody Cui and Gauri Manoj
October 14, 2020
Posters of the video games Battlegrounds, Among Us, and Fall Guys. | Photos from Pc Gamer, Game Breaves,  DevolverDigital

Video games that peaked over summer

A review of Battlegrounds, Fall Guys and Among Us
Melody Cui
September 16, 2020
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