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

Michelle Chen

Michelle Chen, Co-editor-in-chief

Michelle is currently a senior and co-editor-in-chief for El Estoque. Outside of journalism, her interests include percussion and volleyball. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks with her family and their two dogs.

All content by Michelle Chen
Photo by Kayla Henderson-Wood | Used with permission

Questioning Authority

Examining changes in authority through strikes and leadership transitions
Photo by Kayla Henderson-Wood | Used with permission

Oakland teachers strike to protest school closures

Examining the reasons behind the strike and its connection to MVHS
Michelle Chen and Angela Zhang
May 22, 2022
Community members gather to celebrate the naming of the Bettencourt gymnasium at a ceremony on May 7.

Main gym renamed

Honoring Harry Bettencourt’s 32 years of service to FUHSD
Michelle Chen and Devin Gupta
May 22, 2022
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.

The life and legacy of Yang Yang Liu

Friends and family reflect on the impact that the MVHS ‘07 alum had on their lives
Jayanti Jha, Anushka De, and Michelle Chen
April 26, 2022
Athlete of the Month: Cara Constant

Athlete of the Month: Cara Constant

Sophomore Cara Constant discusses her softball journey
Michelle Chen
April 23, 2022
The Apple Watch offers a variety of features that track activity 
Graphic | Irene Tang

Down to the bits: technology in sports

Exploring how MVHS sports uses technology
The Apple Watch offers a variety of features that track activity 
Graphic | Irene Tang

Using smart devices to stay fit

Exploring different forms of technology athletes use to monitor exercise progress
Michelle Chen and Irene Tang
March 24, 2022
History teacher Hilary Barron dances with the Orchesis Dance Company at Cal Poly. Photo courtesy of Hilary Barron | Used with permission

Back in action

MVHS teacher athletes discuss their journeys through sports
Michelle Zheng and Michelle Chen
March 17, 2022
In the face of crime

In the face of crime

Examining the impact of crime and community reactions to it
RoundUp returns to FUHSD campuses

RoundUp returns to FUHSD campuses

Examining the use of the herbicide RoundUp at MVHS
Michelle Chen and Lance Tong
February 12, 2022
@randomstufflol567 (tiktok), Joseph Prezioso/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images, @lil kizzy (tiktok)

TikTok challenges influence crime in school communities

Examining social media’s role in school crimes
Michelle Chen and Angela Zhang
February 11, 2022
Addressing climate change

Addressing climate change

Examining the approach to climate change on four different levels
Students explain their involvement in the Youth Environmental Power Initiative

Local climate change activists examine their impact

Students explain their involvement in the Youth Environmental Power Initiative
Michelle Chen
December 10, 2021
Breaking the bubble

Breaking the bubble

CDC gives complete approval to the COVID-19 vaccine, authorizing its administration for ages 5-11
Tanish Mendki and Michelle Chen
December 10, 2021
Jay Shelton (left) dances with Stacey Cler (right) at colleagues Michelle Balmeo and Andrew Sturgills wedding.

Remembering Stacey Cler

Celebrating the life of English teacher Stacey Cler
Anushka De, Michelle Chen, and Jayanti Jha
December 7, 2021
Perception

Perception

Examing the role of perception in our lives
Graphic by Sonia Verma

Let’s talk food waste

Examining the factors leading to food waste at MVHS
Michelle Chen
November 4, 2021
Photos by Michelle Chen, Diya Bahl, Ishaani Dayal and Jiya Singh

Campus opinions

Exploring the opinions students and staff hold about various topics around campus
The Class of 2022 continues the tradition of senior breakthrough to start the Homecoming rally, led by MVHS Cheer.

Classes compete in the Homecoming rally

The seniors win first, followed by the juniors, sophomores and then freshmen in the rally.
Michelle Chen and Matthew Yoshimoto
October 8, 2021
Seniors Sophia Bokovikova and Cindy Zou celebrate after being crowned as the two members of Homecoming Royalty. Following the announcement, Homecoming court members exit the field and take photos on the side of the bleachers.

Homecoming halftime performances showcase numerous groups

Matadors celebrate Homecoming royalty and enjoy Variations, Cheer, Marching Band, Color Guard and Dance shows during the Homecoming Football game
Michelle Chen and Matthew Yoshimoto
October 7, 2021
Junior Greyson Mobley runs with the ball after senior Prathmesh Modi passes it to him.

Homecoming 2021: Football falls to Los Altos High School 34-6

A close score in the first half ends with the Matadors’ defeat in their Homecoming game
Michelle Chen and Matthew Yoshimoto
October 3, 2021
Reconnection

Reconnection

Delving into the nuances of reconnection

Looking to the past

Students and staff share their thoughts on reconnection
Michelle Chen and Geethikaa Tarra
September 24, 2021
Construction in front of the tennis courts and main gym.

Back on track

Exploring the changes implemented at MVHS in preparation for a new school year

Sexual harassment procedures at FUHSD and Bay Area high schools

Examining rape culture and sexual harassment policies, including Title IX, at FUHSD and Bay Area high schools
Michelle Chen and Oishee Misra
June 3, 2021
Chris Kenney poses for a picture with his colleagues. Photo courtesy of Chris Kenney | Used with permission

Chris Kenney

Facilities manager Chris Kenney retires after 20 years at MVHS
Michelle Chen
May 11, 2021
Losing memories to mindlessness

Losing memories to mindlessness

Considering the importance of the lessons I’ve learned during the pandemic
Michelle Chen
May 4, 2021
Competition Culture

Competition Culture

Exploring the experiences of students in our community who participate in various contests and competitions

Math

Exploring the preparation process for the AMC competitions and the differences between the remote and in-person exams
Michelle Chen
March 21, 2021
Exploring the experiences of three people who moved to the Bay Area during middle and high school and how they adapted to school in a different country

Immigration stories: Moving schools across borders

Exploring the experiences of three people who moved to the Bay Area during middle and high school and how they adapted to school in a different country
Michelle Chen
March 6, 2021
Sexual assault

Sexual assault

Examining sexual assault in Bay Area high schools
50 silver linings of the pandemic

50 silver linings of the pandemic

25 advantages of online school your normal side enjoys compared to 25 advantages your “inner-MVHS student” enjoys
Michelle Chen
January 19, 2021

Quaran-TWINNED

Exploring how remote learning affects twins
Michelle Chen and Mira Wagner
November 30, 2020
The effect of COVID-19 on hobbies

The effect of COVID-19 on hobbies

Exploring the stories of student activities affected by the events of 2020
Tanish Mendki and Michelle Chen
October 29, 2020
Alumni Class of 2020 take on college dorms

Alumni Class of 2020 take on college dorms

Exploring the circumstances of living on college campuses in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
Michelle Chen and Oishee Misra
October 26, 2020
50 fresh faces

50 fresh faces

The class of 2024 shares its initial thoughts about MVHS
Michelle Chen
October 3, 2020
Zoom school replaces in-person learning during pandemic

Zoom school replaces in-person learning during pandemic

Examining various perspectives about instruction through a screen
Choir teacher and Music Department Lead Amy Young at her Graduate Conducting Recital, which she gave in October 2019 as part of her Masters Degree in Choral Conducting from SJSU.

A new voice

New choir teacher Amy Young adjusts to MVHS and online learning
Michelle Chen and Krish Dev
September 11, 2020
Senior Stories

Senior Stories

A look into the high school experiences of members of the class of 2020
COVID-19 news coverage

COVID-19 news coverage

In-depth coverage of COVID-19 at every level
Shelter-in-place notification for Santa Clara County

The importance of the shelter-in-place order

How different members of the MVHS community are following the guidelines
Zara Iqbal and Michelle Chen
April 10, 2020
Every Voice Matters

Every Voice Matters

Communication and public speaking are important skills to learn and practice in the classroom
Michelle Chen
March 11, 2020
Reputations: Food Preferences

Reputations: Food Preferences

Looking at MVHS students' dietary habits
Michelle Chen
February 7, 2020
My sister and I, age 2, sit in a double stroller. We were often dressed in similar clothing when younger.

Double Trouble

How being a twin has shaped my character
Michelle Chen
January 18, 2020
Illustration | Claire Yang

#NoMoreLikes

Taking away likes on Instagram is beneficial to our mental health
Michelle Chen and Zara Iqbal
December 20, 2019
On Nov. 19, students and parents gathered in the auditorium to watch the movie Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience. Photo by Michelle Chen

PTSA: Adult outlooks on teenage mental health

Comprehending parent and expert strategies for and opinions on the topic of teenage stress
Michelle Chen
December 3, 2019
Not the right fit

Not the right fit

Former MVHS students explain their decision to change schools
Michelle Chen and Hannah Lee
November 23, 2019
Industrial technology teacher Ted Shinta opened the woodshop for staff members to make pens.

Staff Wellness Day: A relaxing collaboration period

MVHS staff participate in various activities to destress and bond during free time
Michelle Chen and Ishaani Dayal
November 9, 2019
The Damage Done

The Damage Done

Students and staff share their personal experiences being disciplined as a child
Michelle Chen and Jacqueleine Liu
October 25, 2019
Marriage before love

Marriage before love

The MVHS community discusses arranged marriages and dating culture
Brian Xu and Michelle Chen
September 27, 2019
Model United Nations: GMUNC preparation

Model United Nations: GMUNC preparation

How the aspirations for 2019-20’s Model United Nations have played a part in planning the first conference of the year
Michelle Chen
September 26, 2019
Practical jokers

Practical jokers

Teachers explain the process of pranking colleagues or students
Michelle Chen and Ishaani Dayal
September 25, 2019
Recalling major news events from Summer 2019

Recalling major news events from Summer 2019

Exploring students’ reactions to summer news events
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