Students from different middle schools gathering together in the afternoon to participate in a designing competition, they are tasked to make a 3D desk organizer with the winner receiving their own filament to use for printing.

Throughout the year, many seniors progressively suffer from a disease known as senioritis. The symptoms of such an affliction may include a lack of motivation to do work, turning in late assignments and general burnout after completing three years of high school already. With just one last year to complete before starting adult life, they try to skate by on the bare minimum to enjoy one final year of being a teenager before being thrown into society as an adult. Whether they will be joining the workforce, going to college, taking a gap year or doing something else, senioritis is one final thing that plenty of seniors suffer through.

On the sunny afternoon of Sept. 29, 2024, the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation (SCVWF) hosted its second annual “Harvest and Health” pumpkin festival with the goal to raise money for the foundation’s variety of scholarships and internships given out to students interested in the medical field. Read more to learn about the birth of the festival, how the SCVWF got started and what the festival entailed.

The Festival had a packed schedule keeping attendees busy with two guest speakers, arts and crafts, a variety of vendors and even a traditional Mariachi band who later performed a traditional Mexican Folklórico dance. The guest speakers were centered on the Foundation’s main focus: education regarding healthcare in the Santa Clara Valley.

Among the variety of fall themed activities the festival featured was decorating pumpkins with various paints and succulents the foundation provided. Festival-goers were welcome to purchase a home-grown pumpkin inside the museum for a small sum, and take them out to the garden to decorate and take a break from the hustle and bustle.

The Idea Center is a community center that is free for all Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) students. It offers a variety of resources ranging from 3D printing, computers and internet. Students can choose to work on different projects with the help of the staff as well as getting some school work done.

Through the impressive exterior, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) provides students with a supportive community where students can grow socially and academically. Established in 2000 Foothill has encouraged and engaged the youth of Ventura. The modern look of Foothill Tech is a striking feature of the school which is a prevalent theme throughout the campus.

The outside of the trailer was lit up charmingly, adding to the shop’s warm aesthetic and staying true to its name. A station positioned just outside of the shop’s window was stocked with additions such as sugars and creamer, easy to add to your morning coffee on the go.

Tables were situated on the left of the van, making it the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or matcha. Pictured from left to right: iced matcha, hot mazapan latte, and pumpkin spice horchata latte.

Stay Golden Coffee Co. is located just outside the doors of the local Lowe’s, making it accessible and convenient for people just stopping by. Its bright exterior makes it stand out, warm and inviting to customers passing by.

At Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) there are constant problems with traffic when it comes to pick up and drop off. Though there are many routes for drivers to take, on school days it’s routine for the streets to be built up with cars. Street signs and construction are meant to protect drivers and prevent hazards, though done at the wrong time, can equally harm drivers as help them.

Jacob Hatler ’27 throws a lasso, roping the bulls horns in honor of the vaquero: the original cowboys in America. As he’s roping, he sports a vaquero hat, appreciating Hispanic culture.

Sydney Schlegel ’25 wears her vaquero boots in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. As a member of ASB, Schlegel helped students with roping the make-shift bull to honor the vaquero culture.

Barbara Martinez ’26 wears her cultural attire in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. With intricate, floral details and her Vaquero boots, she honors the Hispanic community.

After an intense campaign period, the nine different presidential candidates in all three of Richard Geib’s Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics (AP Gov) classes, were slowly wittled down to the winners in each period. In period one, Maxwell Fielder ’25 won as the new Republican President. Huzaifah Rangwala ’25 and the green party emerged victorious in period four. Finally, in period five, Democratic candidate, Lila Rosenthal ’25 secured the majority vote.

After an intense campaign period, the nine different presidential candidates in all three of Richard Geib’s dvanced Placement United States Government and Politics (AP Gov) classes, were slowly wittled down to the winners in each period. In period one, Maxwell Fielder ’25 won as the new Republican President. Huzaifah Rangwala ’25 and the green party emerged victorious in period four. Finally, in period five, Democratic candidate, Lila Rosenthal ’25 secured the majority vote.

During the fall season, many stores choose to sell specialty items themed after the season, and Trader Joe’s is no exception. With a variety of new selections from salted maple ice cream to pumpkin spice flavored cookies, they have a large amount of new options for fans of fall to enjoy. Join writer, Lyla Huff as she discusses some of the favorite fall options purchased at Trader Joe’s.

Henry Fulk ’25 focuses on his computer in the Media Center during nutrition completing work for his classes. Some students at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) prefer to complete their work on paper and other prefer to complete it on the computer.