On the overcast afternoon of June 4, Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) senior Class of 2026 gathered in Ventura College’s gym, taking photos with each other as the room buzzed with anticipation and excitement. Soon, these students would no longer be Foothill Tech Dragons, but adults ready to step into the next chapter of their lives.
“This has always been something they have in movies where people dress up, and as soon as I got into [my cap and gown], I was like, oh, I feel like I’m in a movie,” Emilia Linder ‘26 said.
The joy could be felt in the air as the digital cameras clicked and staff organized anxious students into lines. Dragons made the finishing touches to their hair and fixed their gowns, breathing in the moment before their last walk as high school students.
“I like this right here…this is really the last time everyone’s all together, you know? …when I think of a graduation, I don’t think of going out there. I think of this part,” Justin Frazier, an art teacher at Foothill Tech, said.
As the ceremony began in the grassy field of VC’s Stadium, the graduating class of 2026 proudly walked up to their seats, waving at their family and friends in the stands above.
Once settled, Foothill Tech’s principal, Courtney Johnson, delivered a welcome speech and introduced the “League of Inspirational Heroes,” who filled their seats, followed by the student Honor Court.
Senior Class President, Naomi Schwartz, took the stage and delivered her introduction speech, followed by the traditional Pledge of Allegiance, spoken by Senior Class Vice President, Siena Meter.
Graduating from high school is a huge accomplishment, and many Dragons went above and beyond. From earning ruby status volunteer recognition of 200+ hours of community service, receiving the California State Seal of Biliteracy or graduating with the summa cum laude GPA recognition, every student at Foothill Tech was recognized at graduation by Johnson for their incredible achievements.
“These achievements matter, not just because of the numbers, but because of the stories behind them,” Johnson, delivering her speech on “Actual Impact,” said. “The moments you choose courage over comfort. The moments you step forward, even when uncertainty, ambiguity and everyone around you tells you to take a step back.”
Johnson finished her speech by announcing the post-high school plans of each student, from college to trade school and even military service, as they stood for recognition.
Alex Ramirez ‘26 delivered his “The Making of a Photo” speech, which emphasized the importance of showing up daily to deliberately create the moments that shape your life.
In true Foothill Tech fashion, Ramirez included the classic morning announcement line into his speech, saying, “For 1379 days, you had to get up and make it a great day or not, that choice ultimately was yours,” Ramirez ‘26 said.
After Ramirez’s speech, the ceremony staff shuffled onto the stage, and the crowd stiffened as the moment they had all been waiting for arrived. Foothill Tech counselor Juana Vega and teacher Mario Rosiles began to call each student’s name as they walked proudly to receive their diplomas. Cheers echoed throughout the crowd as each student’s hard work was finally recognized.
When the excitement died down, Aranza Narvaez Cruz ‘26 delivered her speech, “El Fin,” in Spanish, and the infamous “turning of the tassel” took place, followed by the announcement that the Class of 2026 had officially graduated. Caps were thrown and applause erupted as students looked up at their symbol of perseverance soaring through the wind.
As success lingered in the air, students began to make their way out of the stadium, laughing with their friends and thanking teachers for their impact.
“My favorite [part] is at the end. When the graduates are leaving, all of their teachers who love and care about them get to celebrate them and say goodbye. It’s also the saddest, but it’s my favorite,” Assistant Principal Katie Tedford said.
After returning their cap and gowns, graduated Dragons made their way to their families and friends, who gave congratulations and warm embraces.
“As a parent, everyone prepares you for being a mom, but they don’t prepare you for letting your child go,” Jackie Worley, mother of graduate Tony Worley, said.
With diplomas in one hand and flowers in the other, many graduates ended the occasion by taking countless photos with their friends and family that would forever capture the memory of the day Foothill Tech’s senior class of 2026 graduated from high school.
