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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

Mark Kerr (Dwayne Johnson) and his girlfriend (Dawn Staples) walk together in Japan. Photo Courtesy of A24

‘The Smashing Machine’ is definitely a pass

The film smashes expectations, but drags in its overall storytelling
Juju Ling and Elizabeth Yang
November 3, 2025
The reprioritization of civil discourse holds promise to heal political polarization. Illustration | Grace Lin

America needs to relearn the value of civil discourse

Growing political polarization has renewed the importance of respectful discussion
Jonah Chang and Elizabeth Yang
November 2, 2025
Photos by Apru Rupanagunta, Jillian Ju and Sophia D'Sa

Ungraded, overlooked

Exploring the underappreciated opportunities and resources available at MVHS
Students must reengage with the enlightenment and genuine curiosity that accompanies learning rather than solely seeking good grades. Photo | Apru Rupanagunta

MVHS students prioritize grades rather than learning

MVHS students need to relearn the value of learning

Varsity Boys Volleyball triumphs against Redwood High School 3-2

The Matador’s hard-earned victory advances them to the regional semifinals of the CIF State Boys Volleyball Championship
Owen Liu and Elizabeth Yang
May 25, 2025
Many students have already decided where they are going to college. However, not all have decided whether or not to share their decision. Photo | Elizabeth Yang

Admit it.

MVHS students and staff discuss the choices of sharing college acceptances and decisions
The protagonist Hatsune Miku appears on an electronic device among various citizens. Photo courtesy of P.A. Works

‘Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing’ misses the beat

Despite impactful animations, the film struggles to provide adequate context for viewers
Elizabeth Yang and Owen Liu
April 30, 2025
Junior Maxim Gutnik jumps into the air, ready to hit the birdie. Photo | Elizabeth Yang

Varsity Badminton falls to Cupertino High 19-16

The Matadors’s efforts are ultimately overcome by the Pioneers despite strong games
Owen Liu and Elizabeth Yang
April 1, 2025
Ne Zha devilishly grins among many sea monsters. Photo courtesy of Chengdu Coco Cartoon | Used with permission

‘Ne Zha 2’ astonishes audiences with its story and animation

The film explodes in popularity and claims its spot as one of the highest-quality animated films
Owen Liu and Elizabeth Yang
March 10, 2025
The consequences of this phenomenon weigh heaviest on marginalized communities, who are repeatedly sidelined in mainstream discourse. Photo Illustration | Yixuan (Joyce) Li and Elizabeth Yang

“Hashtag activism” is not enough

Selective and surface-level activism leaves real issues unresolved
Yixuan (Joyce) Li and Elizabeth Yang
March 6, 2025
An adult helps up a fallen ice skater at Cupertino Ice Center. Photo | Alan Tai

Gliding on ice

MVHS students discuss their experiences with recreational ice skating
Alan Tai and Elizabeth Yang
February 1, 2025
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