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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

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
Due to the last-minute location change, the DJs set up on the rally court stage, with students dancing and moshing in front.

Photo by Jillian Ju

MVHS holds its annual Homecoming dance in the rally court

Students and staff reflect on the dance and location change
Jillian Ju and Angela Poon
October 7, 2024
Sophomore Eddie Fan throws chalk in the air as the performers reference the “Ooh! It’s cold in here” internet trend. Photo by Jillian Ju

Class of 2027 wows the crowd as ninja stars

Sophomores emerge from the shadows with their spin on “Ninjago”
Jillian Ju and Katrina Lin
October 3, 2024
Illustration by Jillian Ju

Words for things: emodiversity

How descriptive terms can help us break into our feelings
Jillian Ju
September 27, 2024
Thrift stores, which offer secondhand items at lower prices than traditional clothing stores, have become more and more popular over the past few years. Photo illustration by Jillian Ju

The thrift shift

MVHS Community members share their experiences with thrifting
Jillian Ju and Grace Lin
September 19, 2024
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