The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press
The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press
The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press
Categories:

Best of 2025: A year in review

Kellen Spears, Allison Fossati, Bari Davis, Katelyn Newman, Audrey Szijj, Elizabeth Geib, Emmanuel Takaya, Oliver Kelley, Trudy Ragsdale, Layla Solomon, and Kalea Eggertsen • December 31, 2025 • 217 Views
Emma Anderson
2025 has come to a close, marking another year of creativity, shared experience and inevitable change. The Foothill Dragon Press’s Best of 2025 compilation looks back on the moments that defined the year across books, albums, movies, fashion trends, video games and life at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech). From breakout hits to lasting influences, join us as we reflect on what captured our attention in 2025 and what made these stories, sounds and trends matter so much.

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s hard not to look back on a year filled with constant change. Dozens of trends emerged overnight and disappeared just as fast, while music, social media and defining moments shaped how people experienced the year, both online and off. From chart-topping albums like DON’T TAP THE GLASS by Tyler, The Creator, to Hollister’s vintage comeback and even the best cafeteria food at Foothill Technology High School, 2025 was full of surprises. Follow along for a year in review through the articles below.

What do you think?
Tags:
More to Discover
More in A&E
Starbucks' summer lineup introduces several new tropical products alongside returning fan favorites with unique twists. The collection focuses on bright summery colors and flavors, sticking to the depicted theme of easygoing tropics and beachy ambiances.
A comprehensive review of Starbucks’ 2026 summer menu
Every summer, residents of Ventura, Calif., always have one event to look forward to: the Ventura County Fair. Drawing thousands of visitors each year, the annual event serves as a place to have fun as a community. From its classic fried foods and sweet treats to live entertainment and thrilling carnival rides, the fair offers attractions for guests of all ages. Returning in summer 2026, the Ventura County Fair will feature new policies, updated attractions and expanded events while continuing to showcase the familiar favorites that have made it a longstanding local tradition for decades.
Ferris wheels, food and fun: What’s in store for the Ventura County Fair 2026 
Nearly a decade after the original release of Subnautica on PC in December 2014, Subnautica 2 was announced on Oct. 17, 2024. The game’s sequel featured a long-awaited four-player online co-op mode, in addition to a new planet to explore, a new engine that allows for more dynamic lighting and environment building, a new base-building system and new unique character enhancements. Subnautica 2 was released for early access May 14, 2026, on PC and the Xbox Series X|S and will continue to remain in development until an official 1.0 release is announced.
Subnautica 2 has no right to be this scary
The red panda, also known as the lesser panda, is a charming small mammal found in the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. Their distinctive markings, colors and funny behaviors truly make them stand out. However, their adorable personalities don’t protect them from the harsh realities they face, including population declines and the loss of their habitats.
Red pandas: A brief insight
On May 7, the graduating DTech seniors of Dynasty Eight met in Spirito Hall to present their final projects to fellow students, parents and staff. This project, creating a fully finished speaker product based on the design language of a name brand, pushed these students and tested all of the skills they had acquired with DTech.
DTech seniors reveal their final project at the 2026 Prototype Senior Exhibit
On Feb. 20, 2026, HYBE and Geffen Records, the companies behind Katseye, announced that Manon Bannerman would take a hiatus to focus on her mental health and well-being. Fans expressed concern, and speculation grew after Bannerman later stated that she was healthy and doing well, leading some to question whether her hiatus was her decision.
KATSEYE performer Manon Bannerman’s prolonged hiatus worries fans
More in Best Of
As the new year comes to pass, it is time to look back on the events of 2025. This year saw significant success for the video game industry, with long-awaited titles earning critical acclaim and fresh new releases shaking the core of the industry itself. From turn-based RPGs like “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” to action roguelikes such as “Hades II,” this year also saw fierce competition between contenders for the title of Game of the Year.
Best of 2025: Video games
Each school year brings new memories and unexpected moments, especially during the short time students spend in high school. In 2025, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students saw new additions to the cafeteria menu, an unexpected guest performance at winter formal and a first-of-its-kind athletics rally organized by the school’s new ASB adviser and athletics director. As the school transitions into 2026, these moments stand out as the highlights of 2025 at Foothill Tech.
Best of 2025: Foothill Tech
As the new year approaches, trends have faded, cycled back or found new life. From baby doll tops and miniskirts to the continued rise of vintage fashion, 2025 has been a year to remember. Now more than ever, people are finding comfort and authenticity in expressing themselves through fashion, which also brings people together through shared looks and interests. The question remains: Will these trends continue into 2026?
Best of 2025: Fashion trends
From gripping suspense to thoughtful introspection, 2025’s standout books invited readers to engage with new ideas and moral complexity. “Not Quite Dead Yet” by Holly Jackson kept readers on edge with its sharp twists, while “The Happy Writer” by Marissa Meyer offered a candid exploration of burnout and the emotional costs of creation in an increasingly demanding literary landscape. “Thief of Night” by Holly Black closed the year with a compelling narrative that reinforced the power of fiction and dark fantasy to both entertain and provide meaningful discourse. Together, these works reflect a year in literature characterized by emotional depth, risk-taking voices and stories that are sure to stay with readers long after they’ve closed their books.
Best of 2025: Books
Each year comes with its own unique soundtrack, and 2025 is no exception. Every year, talented creators release albums of all varieties, catering to the musical tastes of their followers. This year featured albums such as “Don’t Tap the Glass” by Tyler, the Creator, which landed at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and sold 197,000 album-equivalent units within the first week of its release. Other widely popular albums from 2025 include “Addison” by Addison Rae and “Bite Me” by Renee Rapp. With the year drawing to a close, it's time to reflect on the playlist of 2025 and look ahead to what the new year will bring.
Best of 2025: Albums
The year 2025 delivered standout films for audiences, ranging from bold, original standalone projects to long-awaited sequels. Movies such as “Sinners” and “Begonia” captivated viewers with fresh, memorable storytelling, while “K-Pop Demon Hunters” set new benchmarks for animated films, drawing audiences in with its hit original soundtrack. After months of anticipation, fans of “Wicked” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s” were rewarded with long-awaited sequels.
Best of 2025: Movies
More in Latest
On the afternoon of June 4, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) celebrated the Class of 2026. Out of the seniors in the Class of 2026, three students plan on serving our country in the near future. Pictured above are seniors Phoebe Hopps and Mia Ippolito. Both Hopps and Ippolito plan on going to Loyola Marymount University in the fall. After their impressive high school careers, the graduates are fully equipped to take on the next chapter in their lives.
The Senior Class of 2026 celebrate their accomplishments and say goodbye at graduation
The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) 2025-26 seasons come to an end with fantastic performances across the board. Statistics, highlights, and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) matches reflect the fall, winter and spring sports and celebrate both players and coaches.
Sports retrospective: a Foothill Tech 2025-26 athletics in review
Artificial Intelligence has become increasingly common in classrooms, sparking a complex argument over the usage of AI. Some teachers oppose AI entirely, arguing that it encourages academic dishonesty; but others believe AI has benefits, such as using the software to grade students' work. However, the growing debate about whether AI is helpful or hurtful ultimately depends on the intention and choices of the people using it.
A Student at FTHS Gives a Personal Account of Their AI Usage
The switch from middle school to high school can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to expect. From keeping up with schoolwork to getting enough sleep, guidance from someone who’s already been through it can be reassuring. Seniors know the challenges that come with adjusting to high school, and their advice can help freshmen avoid common mistakes and feel more confident as they settle into a new environment. Their insight helps to build a strong community where students support one another.
Top ranked members of the class of 2026's words of advice
The reconstruction of solar panels is taking place in Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) back parking lot. This construction is due to residential complaints that the solar panels line the back of the school, blocking their view. The construction has caused many complications for students, including, struggling to get to class on time and insufficient parking availability. The construction is set to take about six weeks to complete.
News Brief: The reconstruction of Foothill Tech’s parking lot solar panels
On the evening of May 26, Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) Class of 2026 gathered at the A.W. McConnell Auditorium of Buena High School for Senior Awards Night. The senior class was presented with a plethora of scholarships and honors, ranging from academic to athletic. Recipients walked the stage to be recognized for their achievements, with a backdrop set up for photos. As names were called one by one, applause filled the auditorium, celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
Senior Awards Night showcases the achievements of the Class of 2026
About the Contributors
Kellen Spears
Kellen Spears, Writer
Class of ‘27 | I’m a second-year writer, and spellcheck is my co-author.
Allison Fossati
Allison Fossati, Writer
Class of ‘28 | Hey, I’m Allison! I’m a first-year writer who you can ALWAYS find at a concert.
Bari Davis
Bari Davis, Writer
Class of ‘28 | Christian first-year journalist with a love for family, rainy days, caramel and coffee.
Katelyn Newman
Katelyn Newman, Writer
Class of ‘27 | I may forget a comma, but I’ll never forget a Taylor Swift lyric.
Audrey Szijj
Audrey Szijj, Writing Editor
Class of ‘26 | Third-year journalist and Ventura’s top thrifter.
Elizabeth Geib
Elizabeth Geib, Writer
Class of ‘28 | First year journalist who loves cinnamon rolls, cats and rainy days.
Emmanuel Takaya
Emmanuel Takaya, Writing Editor
Class of ‘27 | Ephesians 4:2 :)
Oliver Kelley
Oliver Kelley, Writer
Class of ‘27 | Second-year writer who starts every article with “Once Upon a Time…”
Trudy Ragsdale
Trudy Ragsdale, Writer
Class of ‘28 | First year writer and iced chai lover
Layla Solomon
Layla Solomon, Writer
Class of ‘26 | Women love me, fish fear me.
Kalea Eggertsen
Kalea Eggertsen, Writing Editor
Class of ‘26 | Lifelong writer and third-year journalist who can’t eat food without getting it everywhere.
Emma Anderson
Emma Anderson, Illustrations Editor
Class of ‘26 | I am a second year illustrations editor who may need three to five business days to respond to text messages.