FoodEEs Ep. 14: NaiSnow
The Chinese teahouse chain brings health-forward drinks and inventive East Asian baked goods to the Bay Area
Yixuan (Joyce) Li, News Editor
MVHS seniors map out their last summer before college
As college move-in approaches, students balance summer plans with their ambivalence about the transition ahead
Zara Larsson’s “Midnight Sun: Girls Trip” is equal parts Midnight and Sun
While the album shines in its collaborations and intersectionality, its inconsistent production and disjointed lyricism obstructs the vision
‘Children of the Sun’ loses itself in the light
Jay Chou's album reaches for ambitious reinvention but falters under its own uneven production
AI Detectors Ep. 3
MVHS photographers attempt to detect AI-generated photography
Student artists take center stage at ArtNow 2026 Exhibition
Selected from over 600 submissions, MVHS students are among 97 artists featured in NUMU’s largest ArtNow exhibition yet
Varsity Swim triumphs over Cupertino High School 205-132
Despite hot temperatures, the Matadors win the second meet of the season
Ty Dolla $ign’s ‘girl music vol. 1’ plays it smooth — and safe
Despite strong production and standout features, the EP lacks direction, depth and artistic progression
BLACKPINK’s ‘DEADLINE’ has stadium-ready energy but repetitive songwriting
The five-track comeback leans on booming production and concert-ready hooks but disappoints with its repetitive songwriting and little musical evolution
In Review: Volume 5, 2026
El Estoque’s staff review recently released media, from Harry Style's first single in two years “Aperture” to the album that was originally set to be released in Sept. 2025 "Icon" by Brent Faiyaz
Petitioning Prop 55
California districts and educators aim to extend Prop 55 past its 2030 expiration in the upcoming November 2026 ballot to sustain school funding
Adulting 101
Preparing students for adulthood should mean going beyond academics to include real-world literacy curricula
Survey data shows improvements in MVHS student mental health and a shift in wellness culture
Staff and administrators explore the causes behind the improvements and discuss next steps in implementation of wellness initiatives and programs
A complex relationship
The college application process, despite its pressures, encourages deeper introspection on goals and identity
MV Drama opens the season with adaptation of ‘Antigone’
The fall production blends modern aesthetics with Sophocles’ Greek tragedy in student-led design and performance
California AB 715 expands state oversight of antisemitism in schools
The new bill establishes a statewide Office of Civil Rights and strengthens reporting systems while FUHSD prepares for limited district changes
In Review: Volume 3, 2025
El Estoque’s staff review recently released media, from enticing musicals like "Wicked: For Good" to mellow indie tunes like The Neighborhood's "(((((ultraSOUND)))))"
AI voices are changing reality – so who said that?
AI voices are impacting how we sound, connect and trust in the digital age
The Trump administration introduces $100,000 fee to new H-1B visas
A new policy is expected to affect the landscape for skilled worker immigration and could have lasting effects on the U.S. tech sector
MVHS ranks #129 nationally in U.S. News high school report
Looking ahead, MVHS’ focus remains on growth and connection
Thinking outside the box
FUHSD centers Professional Development on critical thinking, inductive reasoning and question formulation technique
MVHS students and staff discuss the impacts of college funding cuts on their future plans
Various colleges and universities face the risk of losing research and student opportunities due to the latest funding cuts
AI Detectors Ep. 2
MVHS artists attempt to detect AI-generated art
Testing theft
Students photograph and take copies of science tests at Model U.N. conference
The annual freshman pig dissection brings up strong emotions about its ethicality
MVHS students and staff reflect on their perspective of science curriculum dissections
In Review: Volume 6, 2025
El Estoque's staff review recently released media, ranging from Netflix's newest romcom to Lil Tecca's latest single
Elitism manipulates journalism and distorts coverage
Student and local coverage offsets the corporate and elite influence shaping media coverage and accessibility
“Hashtag activism” is not enough
Selective and surface-level activism leaves real issues unresolved
Breaking down the breaks
MVHS students and staff discuss how the school calendar could be structured to accommodate a diverse set of holidays
MVDT takes the stage with Forte wins
The dance team claims top-three finishes in three divisions
Bridging the gap in the understanding of AVID
The AVID program is consistently underrepresented and misunderstood at MVHS
Behind the punchline
Jokes about sexual harassment trivialize the issue
Pride or pretense?
The MVHS community shares perspectives on the pinkwashing marketing tactic
MVHS hosts Back to School Night
Parents attend their child’s classes to get to know the staff and curriculum
Girls Volleyball defeats Piedmont Hills High School 3-0
MVHS sweeps all three sets in the first game of the season
Chartreuse is the new red, white and blue
Voters discuss the recent rise of meme culture and social media in election campaigns
Weaving bonds
MVHS’s opinions on the multifaceted web of relationships
Bridging skies
How learning to cook offset my dwindling Chinese skills
Time Out! Ep. 20: Melissa Gonchar
Melissa Gonchar discusses her volleyball journey
Duke Shifts Scoring of College Essays
AI usage on college essays
Time Out! Ep. 18: Krishna Nathan
Krishna Nathan discusses his chess journey
Fashion finds its second act
Drama department hosts its first “New Year, New Me” thrift store fundraiser
Decorate our lives
Students and staff share different ways they decorate daily life
Behind MV Bhangra
Video story exploring the behind the scenes of the MV Bhangra club
Immersed in India
Recognizing different forms of Indian-influenced entertainment in our community
Hopeful Tendencies
Examining the role that hope plays in the MVHS community
MV Drama’s “Neo-Futurists” play takes center stage
The drama department kicks off the year with an interactive fall production
The new faces of MVHS
Discovering the new staff on campus this year
Growing Forward
Examining opinions around self-improvement in the MVHS community
Climbing the mountain to self-growth
Debunking the idea of linear growth in self-improvement
Girls Volleyball secures a 3-1 win over Gunn High School
The Matadors maintained the upper hand for most of the match
Taylor Swift’s ‘Enchanted’ effects on Santa Clara
Exploring the social and economic impact of Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’