On May 8, 2025, Spirito Hall at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) was transformed into a trade show starring DTech Academy Capstone (DTech) seniors’ final project and the presentation of their creation. The trade show hosted 15 brand themed and unique prototypes of the same product; a lamp, and the accompanying models, market research, pitches and process books that were created by the Dragons over the course of the semester and presented the day of the show.
From 4:30 to 6 p.m., the seniors gave their prepared “elevator pitch” on their product and answered questions to a crowd of parents, students and Foothill Tech Staff. Throughout the show these guests had the opportunity to see a wide range of takes on a simple product through the lens of a multitude of brands including references to pop culture like Minecraft, Star Wars and Xbox to brands such as Coca-Cola and a series of car makes. As co-designer of “Jackson Guitars,” a lamp featuring an electric guitar’s amp feature, Jack Marshall ‘25 stated, “That’s the whole idea behind the entrepreneurship in DTech. You find something you want and if you can create it then you can be sure there’s someone else out there who wants it to.”
Generally, attendees’ reactions to the products and pitches were very positive and reflected well on the efforts of Dynasty seven. As Theresa Macias stated, “It’s amazing, every single student that has worked on these projects. It really amazes me how much effort, time and patience has gone into each of them. I really was not expecting what we’re seeing.” Similarly, Career Technical Education (CTE) support specialist, Karrie Carey, said “I am so impressed by the students, the ideas they come up with, every year. I always love to ask them what the challenges are, what they learn from it, and I just see the real command of knowledge they have. It’s just exciting every year.”
Beyond what they directly presented, Dynasty seven was also required to create custom stickers and shirts to further sell their brand. This, as DTech advisor Brooke Johnson said, was because “having the scope [of the requirements] be broad … and all encompassing [created] more opportunity … for everyone, regardless of what major they’re going into.”
Similarly, Co-founder of DTech, Kurt Miller, would later state, “An important part of the philosophy, a conscious part … of the creation of DTech, was allowing students their own choice and agency.” Between this idea, and the diversification of specialization Johnson mentions, many in Dynasty seven felt this final project allowed them to realize these ideals and create a product they truly wanted to make.
Kiana Felix ‘25, who decided to redesign her entire Minecraft themed project two weeks prior to the trade show, said, “[You] learn a little bit of everything, get to know a bit everything … I think DTech offers that through and through. It’s truly a place where you can go to any machine and you’ll find someone who’s willing to help you.” She went on to add, “I think Minecraft is one of the greatest resemblances of DTech. One of DTech’s goals is to manufacture your reality and it’s really like you can make whatever you want … It’s really what you put your mind to.”
The trade show thus gave these seniors the opportunity to make one final use of the opportunities afforded by DTech with a product unique to them and with a chance to practice real world skills. With their final project done, these seniors now look forward to the DTech banquet on May 16 where they will celebrate their successes, growth and the future beyond DTech and high school.
