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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

Illustration | Isabelle Kok

Creative currency

How capitalism shapes our art and media
As consumers gravitate towards companies whose beliefs align with theirs, marketing has begun to incorporate inclusivity as a strategy, to mixed effect. Graphic | Isabelle Kok

Badvertising: how brands buy your allyship

Modern advertising capitalizes on the illusion of inclusivity
Jillian Ju and Varun Singh
February 2, 2025
Graphic | Benjamin Zhang

In Review: Volume 4, 2025

El Estoque's staff review recently released media, ranging from LiAngelo Ball's first shot at music to Tate McRae's new pop experiment
Although affectionate gestures are often seen as romantic, the distinction between romantic and platonic relationships varies wildly from person to person. Illustration | Jillian Ju

So, does this mean we’re in love?

Learning to love the gray area between platonic and romantic
Jillian Ju
January 29, 2025
In the winter, we get less than 12 hours of sunlight, which can have subtle effects on our mood. Graphic | Jillian Ju

That’s so phasic

Shifting the way we address seasonal depression
Jillian Ju
December 3, 2024
Senior Sudisha Kumar poses with family members for a photo after the awards ceremony. Photo | Jillian Ju

MVHS senior Sudisha Kumar wins community service award from the City of Cupertino

The CREST Rising Star award recognizes an individual who has volunteered for three years or fewer
Jillian Ju and Alan Tai
November 19, 2024
Sally Beaupre is a retired high school teacher and volunteer at the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum. As a docent, she gives tours to museum guests and answers questions about the Bay Area’s rich history. Photo | Isabelle Kok

The hidden history of Santa Clara

Sally Beaupre illustrates her experiences volunteering at the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum
Jillian Ju and Isabelle Kok
November 3, 2024
Created by visual artist collective Sports Banger, the album cover of “Godspeed” depicts a laying-of-hands ceremony, adding to the album’s religious themes. Warner Records | Used with permission

‘Godspeed’ blesses listeners with its revelry

The Blessed Madonna’s first album overflows with life
Jillian Ju
October 26, 2024
Even if they don't reflect an individual's gender identity, appearance and behavior play a large part in determining if someone "passes" for a particular gender. Illustration by Jillian Ju

At a passing glance

Rejecting the idea of passing can help us embrace our identities
Jillian Ju
October 23, 2024
Following 2021’s “Optimist” and a series of scattered singles, “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” is FINNEAS’ second album. The music video for the title track shows FINNEAS falling down an elevator shaft and getting hit by a car, representing his emotions in a frustrating relationship. Interscope Records | Used with permission

‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’ is a far cry from fulfilling

FINNEAS’ second album is a vulnerable shot in the dark
Jillian Ju
October 16, 2024
“Joker: Folie à Deux,” despite its $200 million budget, turned out to be the worst possible fate for its already tortured characters. Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures | Used with permission

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is a double dose of pure delusion

The ‘Joker’ sequel is a pathetic shadow of its former self
Jillian Ju and Benjamin Zhang
October 8, 2024
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