![Taryn Lam](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_1283-1200x800.jpg)
Taryn Lam, Co-Editor-in-Chief
![MV's Family History](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/toptop-1200x544.png)
MV’s Family History
MVHS students delve into their family history
![To the next four years](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_6464_2_1-1200x900.jpg)
To the next four years
Friends attending the same college discuss their plans
![A parents’ guide for academic survival](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-26-at-9.59.00-AM-1200x694.png)
A parents’ guide for academic survival
How parents help navigate their children through Monta Vista’s academic culture
![Photo illustration by Amberly Sun](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fixing-our-flaws-1200x675.png)
Toxic Vista: Fixing our flaws
El Estoque's Opinion Section examines the factors and effects of a "toxic" school environment
![Two pucks in a pod](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/D174B419-7B69-4FE1-BD42-59874284F69B-1200x800.jpg)
Two pucks in a pod
Sisters Alice and Gillie Ross share their experience playing ice hockey
![Illustration | Amberly Sun](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/gun.webp)
Save your prayers
School shootings can be minimized with the implementation of gun prevention policies
![Graphics by Amberly Sun](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/export-3-1200x960.png)
Fearing the inevitable
El Estoque's opinion section unpacks long-term fears in the lives of the Monta Vista community
![Adding fuel to F1](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-09-at-11.10.44-AM-1-1200x781.png)
Adding fuel to F1
Fans of Formula One share their love for the sport
![Education legislation](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mental-Health-Law-1-1200x821.png)
Education legislation
California passes new laws to improve education
![The MVHS Library has historically provided a variety of inclusive texts.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/book-1200x817.jpg)
Bans on bans
New California law adds protection to maintaining inclusive texts
![Law enforcement agents were situated in various spots on campus to ensure the safety of students and staff.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3207-1200x900.jpg)
BREAKING: FUHSD receives threatening emails from an anonymous sender
The emails sent on Jan. 23 were later determined to be a “hoax,” though the investigation continues
![Protestors gather at Harry Bridges Plaza, San Francisco in a demonstration against the APEC convention.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_0077-1-1200x800.jpg)
On the streets of SF
San Francisco reflects on the 2023 APEC summit’s impacts on community issues
![Maria Rodriguez and her two children attend the protest to advocate for workers rights.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/a-15-1200x800.jpg)
APEC: AAPI pioneers
Uncovering the impact of the APEC conference on local AAPI leaders and communities
![The California Reparations Task Force hold a public hearing on Jan. 28, 2023, at San Diego State University. Photo by Ariana Drehsler, CalMatters | Used with permission](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/reparations_meeting-1200x800.webp)
Road to reform
Examining current approaches that foster change within the community
![The bike racks are often full, with bikes, electric bikes and electric scooters.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/image_from_ios-1200x900.jpg)
Hitting the road
Exploring MVHS’s bike culture and various elements of bike safety
![Elders of Cupertino](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/elders-in-2-1200x675.png)
Elders of Cupertino
Exploring the impact of local elders on the community
![Senior Cara Constant winds up to throw the ball to a team member. Photo | Brandon Wang](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_0024-1200x829.jpeg)
Changing the game
Exploring the historical and current state of Reverse
![Elders in volunteering](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screen-Shot-2023-11-28-at-6.18.13-PM-1200x673.png)
Elders in volunteering
Examining how elders in Cupertino give back to the community through volunteering
![Senior Brianna Young poses against a stark black background.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HI-860x1200.jpg)
Reshaping her journey
Exploring Brianna Young’s journey with scoliosis
![Select your passion](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Add-a-headng-1200x1007.png)
Select your passion
Exploring the niche passions of MVHS
![50 Fresh Faces](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screen-Shot-2023-09-29-at-6.48.07-PM.png)
50 Fresh Faces
The Class of 2027 shares its impressions of MVHS
![Analyzing the variety of definitions associated with the word](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Untitled_Artwork-2-1200x800.png)
FEMINIST
Examining the community’s stance on the evolution of the word “Feminist”
![Ani Kumar observes planes on June 28, 2009 at Palo Alto Airport. Photo courtesy of Anu Murthy](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3742123896_32cc89f18b_k-1-1200x804.jpg)
Head in the clouds
Exploring junior Ani Kumar’s passion for aviation photography
![Donning a custom, lavender layered gown Swift performs the song “Long Live” from her third album “Speak Now.” The singer played from a blue guitar decorated with koi fish, a tribute to the same guitar she used during her “Speak Now” tour. Photo courtesy of Kiana Mark](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_0273-1-675x1200.jpg)
Taylor Swift’s ‘Enchanted’ effects on Santa Clara
Exploring the social and economic impact of Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’
![A speaker presents at SVYCA's 2022 Youth Climate Leadership Summit.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SVYCA-1-e1685549492632.jpg)
Students for change: Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action
Examining an organization that aims to combat climate change
![Senior Dillon Huang performs on Friday, May 26 during MV Drama's spring showcase.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/dillon-900x603.jpg)
Students for change: 5TRINGS
Highlighting 5TRINGS, the organization that brings music to senior centers
![Graphic | Sonia Verma](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled_Artwork-4-900x675.jpg)
One nation, under guns
Examining the different perspectives on gun policies and ownership in relation to gun violence in America
![Graphic | Sonia Verma](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled-Artwork-900x675.png)
Arms across oceans
Exploring international insights on American gun culture and policy
![Buscher and her friends pose for a photo during their choir trip to Los Angeles](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/05.jpg)
Staff stories: Blossoming into your own
AP Secretary Joelle Buscher shares two of her memorable childhood hobbies and her thought process behind discovering her passion
![Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers protest for stronger gun control amidst rising levels of gun violence](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled_Artwork-1-1-900x675.jpg)
Students for change: Students Demand Action
Exploring the student run club that protests against gun violence
![14 days of love](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Untitled-design-5.png)
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
![Sophomore Erin Handelsman is sworn in during her Court of Honor ceremony on Feb. 5.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/20230205_141121-2-900x675.jpg)
Students for change: Erin Handelsman
Sophomore Erin Handelsman leads a hygiene kit making service project after earning the rank of Eagle Scout
![14 days of love: Geethikaa and Sonia](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GEETHI-11.png)
14 days of love: Geethikaa and Sonia
In the second installment of the 14 days of love series, El Estoque explores the friendship between Juniors Geethikaa Tarra and Sonia Swamy
![14 days of love: Shrutik & Samvi](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GEETHI-10.png)
14 days of love: Shrutik & Samvi
In the first installment of the 14 days of love series, El Estoque explores the friendship between Juniors Shrutik Kanukuntla and Samvi Ranka
![Graphic | Sonia Verma](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-Artwork-900x675.png)
Distance
Exploring instances of distance within a family
![Barbara Frei (right) and her grandmother Marie Jager in the 70's. Photo courtesy of Barbara Frei | Used with permission](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/image001-1-e1670983310464-900x900.jpg)
Staff Stories: Growing up and moving out
Study buddy coordinator Barbara Frei shares tales of her childhood in Switzerland
![Kavita Gupta and her mother video call, despite the physical barriers they face](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Untitled_Artwork-1-900x675.jpg)
Physical distance
Exploring the relationships between family members located in different countries
![“The Family” ends with a bang while simultaneously standing as an ode to the past.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/brock-b-900x900.jpg)
Hip hop collective BROCKHAMPTON started as strangers and left as a family
Lead singer Kevin Abstract paints a lopsided family portrait on ‘The Family’
![From farm to table](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-23-at-9.31.28-AM-900x900.png)
From farm to table
Exploring the processes and people behind the food we eat at MVHS
![One of the farms managed by the Church Brothers Farms company - a company that harvests and sources produce to venues and corporations.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/churchbross-900x477.jpg)
From the farm
Exploring the people who harvest and deliver ingredients used to cook MVHS’s meals
![Man on the street: What’s your favorite book?](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Maroon-Colorful-Vintage-Aesthetic-Minimalist-Animated-Illustration-Book-Club-Never-Have-I-Ever-Game-Presentation-900x506.jpg)
Man on the street: What’s your favorite book?
MVHS students share their favorite book recommendations
![Anjali Jariwala wrote "Why We Eat With Our Hands" as a gift to her daughter, Nyla.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/WWEWOH-Nyla-103-900x600.jpg)
“Why We Eat with Our Hands” by Anjali Jariwala is a necessary addition to all childrens’ bookshelves
Exploring the message behind Monica Jariwala’s sister’s new book
![50 fresh faces](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/50-Fresh-Faces-1-900x720.png)
50 fresh faces
The Class of 2026 shares its initial thoughts about MVHS
![Third grader Mark Carpenter dresses up as a pirate for Halloween, and explains that they will always be a pirate at heart](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mark-3.jpeg)
Staff stories: Always a pirate at heart
Mark Carpenter shares life-defining tales of ignorance, curiosity and gratitude
![FUHSD implements free menstrual products due to new California law](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Video.gif)
Packaging the period plan
FUHSD implements free menstrual products thanks to California law
![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
Celebrating Ramadan
Highlighting the experiences of Muslim students at MVHS
![Sonya Povalchuk and Pavel Demchenko share how they evacuated Ukraine.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Untitled-66-900x670.png)
Displaced by war
Ukrainian students share about their evacuation experiences
![Senior Geeta Karlcut waves the pride flag on Nov. 11, National Coming Out Day.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/feature-image-900x600.jpg)
LGBTQ rights
Students share their thoughts about relevant LGBTQ issues
![Freshmen Anuvaa Joshi and Jooha Kim pose for a photo.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0708-900x675.jpeg)
What friends are for
Best friends explore the growth of their friendship
![Out of touch](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/c5-features-oot-900x253.png)
Out of touch
Students share their experiences with straying away from their native language
![Rex Orange County's fourth studio album is an unremarkable addition to his list of achievements.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/who-cares.jpg)
‘WHO CARES?’ is a diaristic jumble of pent-up thoughts
Rex Orange County takes a step back from his usual bright, pop-infused music and instead attempts calming beats and relaxed lyrics
![Man on the street: What’s the last lie you told?](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/man-on-the-street-900x506.jpg)
Man on the street: What’s the last lie you told?
MVHS students explain the reasoning behind their dishonesty
![Junior Arya Srivastava thrusts her sword during a match (Photo courtesy of Arya Srivastava | Used with permission)](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IMG-7257.jpg)
En garde
Examining two different fencers’ experience with the sport
![Junior Mulyn Kim holds up her six-word memoir.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/DSC_6774-900x505.jpg)
Six-word memoirs: hopes and reflections
Students write six-word memoirs that discuss their reflections on the past year and explain their hopes for the upcoming year
![The Weeknd's nostalgic album displays his creative evolution through a well-thought out track list and flowing lyrics.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/the-weeknd-old-900x900.jpg)
‘Dawn FM’ flawlessly captures a new era of redemption and realization
The Weeknd pushes the boundaries by releasing one of the most well-polished albums of 2022
![Junior Phillip Chiu jumps up to shoot a basket with less than a minute of the third quarter remaining. Photo by Michelle Zheng](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DSC01872-900x600.jpg)
Boys Basketball loses to Lynbrook High School 53-41
Matadors trail a few points behind Lynbrook for the entirety of the game
![Sophomore Ekom Mann lunges at junior Hayden Ancheta after coach Andrew Pappas signals the wrestlers to “go live” — beginning a practice match that lasts a few minutes.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/DSC00785-e1641442507534-900x543.jpeg)
Introducing the winter season sports
Showcasing games and practices from MVHS's basketball, soccer and wrestling teams
![Sophomore Matt Lau reaches for the rebound after Silver Creek misses their shot.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Basketball-13-1-900x651.jpg)
Boys Basketball scrimmages against Silver Creek High School
Seeking to improve their team dynamic, the Matadors start off their preseason games
![A look into the future](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/entcover2-copy-696x900.png)
A look into the future
Students examine what lies ahead
![Culture and the future](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Image-from-iOS-2-1-900x540.jpg)
Culture and the future
How MVHS student and staff expectations of the future are affected by cultural and religious factors
![The tricks and treats of Halloween](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Halloween-2021-2-pdf.jpg)
The tricks and treats of Halloween
Featuring the various aspects of celebrating Halloween
![The main tent was decorated with real and inflatable pumpkins where visitors could take pictures. Souvenir tables were set up in the main tent as well, where visitors could buy pumpkin carving kits and jelly rings, along with other Halloween-themed trinkets.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DSC_5501-900x600.jpg)
Six spooky Bay Area destinations to visit this fall
Reviewing various autumn-themed locations to get into the Halloween spirit
![A heart formation signals the end of the girls' dance performance. The freshmen skit represents a gameshow adaptation of the "Game of Life" board game, following four characters through different stages of their adventure. The dance ushers in the next advancement of the game — shopping for homes.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/A-900x618.jpg)
Class of 2025’s Homecoming performance
Freshmen win 4th place 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
![Freshman Ishi Chopra holds a Tiger's Eye crystal which represents courage. Photo by Taryn Lam | El Estoque](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ishi.jpg)
A guide to crystals
How MVHS students use crystals in their daily lives
![FUHSD athletes found ways to resonate with Lydia Jacoby, Suni Lee and Simone Biles. Graphic by Jayanti Jha, Aashna Patel and Kalyani Puthenpurayil](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Screen-Shot-2021-08-18-at-9.30.44-AM.png)
Twisting the game
Three Olympic winners resonate with local athletes