Best events
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) has put on many entertaining events this year, leaving students feeling excited and satisfied after each one. From Renaissance Rallies to dances, each event gets students energized, bringing them into school spirit with fun-packed days. Occasions like this are always a highlight for those at Foothill Tech, however this year, there was one event in particular that students were especially pleased with.
The Winter Formal has always been one of Foothill Tech’s featured events, but this year, the Associated Student Body (ASB) went out with amazing decorations, fantastic refreshments and well-liked music. Aadhya Bavkar ‘25 stated that “every year fluctuates [with] the vibe [and] the music, but this year they nailed it.” She concluded by saying “It was one of the best dances that Foothill [Tech] has done in my time.” This dance was definitely one for the books with guests laughing and smiling left and right as they exited, shining some light on the holiday season.
Best cafeteria food
The masses of students that queue up outside Spirito Hall every day typically wait in line for at least a few minutes, but the meals they carry out the other door are a worthy reward. This year, the cafeteria is brimming with the smells of additions to the menu that have quickly become new student favorites.
Notably, soups have made a comeback. Oftentimes present to accompany a burger or tray of pasta is a container of piping hot soup that will warm you up in the colder months of Ventura weather. Found next to the sandwich toppings station in a black cauldron-esque pot, the most common features are the aromatic vegetable soup and savory tortilla soup, which are the perfect addition to any meal and are packed full of nutrition. Finn Alleman ‘26 expressed, “Personally, I love the soups because when it’s a cold day, and all you want is a warm bowl of soup, that’s when the cafeteria clutches up the most.”
Items highlighted on the breakfast and nutrition menus are also popular amongst staff and students alike. Whether you want a quick chocolate chip muffin to just keep you going till lunch or a breakfast burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs and hash browns to energize you for third or fourth period, the cooks and volunteers in the kitchen have something for everyone. Loren Romero ‘25 stated, “My favorite menu item this year was probably the chocolate muffins, I always looked forward to them.” Fan favorites this year include the classic orange chicken, loaded nachos, and Taco Tuesday tradition.
School of Choice Night
On the night of Nov. 21, 2024, Foothill Tech hosted a School of Choice Night for local middle school students and families interested in attending Foothill Tech in the future. The event featured booths from all three major pathway programs, D-Tech, Bioscience and Journalism, as well as other programs offered at the school, such as the Wellness Center. Students manned the booths and conducted guided tours for families to view the campus and facilities. The student volunteer turnout was high, as well as crowds of engaged middle school families, asking questions and amassing pamphlets. During the current crisis of declining enrollment, the level of interest shown at the School of Choice Night was hopeful to see.
Changes of the year
With the year 2024 comes Foothill Tech’s 25th year as a school and 25th graduating class. A lot has changed since the school first opened its doors, but one of the school’s most recent changes has been a shift in leadership: a new principal, Courtney Johnson.
Johnson, who came to Foothill Tech after being a principal at Cabrillo Middle School (Cabrillo) has been settling into the school and its culture, and can often be seen walking the campus during lunch and break times. Eloise Avery ‘25 commented on the changes in policy Johnson has made stating, “I think the changes that she has made to the campus have been necessary, regardless of the discourse surrounding them.”
Avery continued, sharing that despite some negative perceptions of the changes initially, she felt Johnson has made a positive impact on campus. “I respect her work and the visible effort she has put into making the school a better place for both students and teachers, making me … feel quite safe and valued as a student here.”
In addition to new leadership, however, are new teachers across Foothill Tech’s departments: Bridgétte “Jett” Clyne, Edward Gillet, Jackson Hall, Jason McDuffee, Andres Viera Torres and Javier Gonzalez. All six teachers have been settling into teaching at Foothill Tech and getting used to the school’s unique culture, curriculum and students.
While physical changes on Foothill Tech’s campus are a little more obvious, such as changed bathroom policy or cafeteria traditions, the shift in leadership and teachers makes all the difference in students’ lives and has been a positive influence throughout the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year.
