Eighth-graders and their parents packed into Spirito Hall on Thursday for Foothill’s annual Information Night. The event is designed to answer questions and give a campus tour to students from all over the district who are interested in attending Foothill.

After visiting the refreshment table and finding their seats, guests listened as Associated Student Body (ASB) President Riki Schmitt opened with a greeting, expressing her gratitude to everyone who was able to attend.

“I think it’s a hard decision to choose between Buena, Ventura, and Foothill,” Schmitt said. She explained that this event helps people to “get a general feel of what our campus is like.”

The microphone was handed over to Principal Joe Bova, who introduced the staff members that were present. He shared general information about Foothill and explained the application process, which students will have to complete by January 27.

“It’s important to know which [school] will help you the most to get you to college,” Balboa student Marissa Mann said.

Foothill’s Technology Specialist Katie Tedford also shared various opportunities the school has to offer. She discussed the BioScience Academy, the FIRE program, and several of the clubs on campus.

The audience was then given a chance to ask teachers, faculty members, and ASB students questions about Foothill. Parents and students asked about topics such as sports, class sizes, AP courses, and the notorious Foothill homework load.

“Our students do work very hard,” World History and AP Government teacher Cherie Eulau said. “But it’s effective work, and it pays off in the long run.”

Members of Foothill ASB led tours of the campus, each with a small group of visitors.

As they walked around, current Anacapa student Alex Beamer mentioned that he would enjoy Foothill’s smaller size “because you get a better relationship with your teachers.”

Tour groups stopped in several classrooms to look around as their ASB guide spoke more about each room they went in.

“Teachers here want you to get a good grade, and they want you to understand the material,” junior and ASB member Raurie Lindemann told her group.

The eighth grade students and their parents walked through the Black Box and the Media Center, and had the chance to see one of the science labs and the Student Store.

“It’s important to find where they feel comfortable and they can grow,” Wendy Armstrong, a parent of an open classroom student, said.

Credit: Bethany Fankhauser/The Foothill Dragon Press