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
On June 5, 2025, the senior class of 2025 will experience their long awaited graduation. Held at the local Ventura Community College, the graduation ceremony is the last of many stepping stone of their high school journeys, signifying not only the end of a chapter but the beginning of a new, exciting future. For some, a new chapter represents attending a four-year university, while for others it means starting in their desired profession quite early. Despite the variance is where the class of 2025 is starting this new chapter of their lives, many have similar views and advice they can impart on the incoming seniors and students of Foothill Technology (Foothill Tech). Pictured above is Rhea Gill '25, Aadhya Bavkar '25, Julia Geib '25, Vivian Ryan '25, Stella Jennings '25, and Aditi Shanbhag '25, a tightly knit group of friends that have experienced all the highs and lows of high school together, giving them a variety of helpful advice that they can share.

Advice from the Class of ’25

Beatrice Barnes, Writer • June 4, 2025

Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) Class of ‘25 is set to graduate on June. 4, 2025 — but not without some parting words of advice. From Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways to...

Inspired by the Humans of New York project, the Foothill Dragon Press staff aspires to highlight students around campus pursing their passions and interests.

Humans of Foothill: Abbi Fleagane

Camilla Lewis, Writer • June 2, 2025

Abbi Fleagane ‘25, a senior at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), loves exploring new coffee shops and enjoying the beach; however, her main interest lies in studying medicine.  “Addiction...

What better way to bring a community together than fun colors, painted patterns, and books? Ever since their creation in 2009, “Little Free Libraries,” more commonly known as “Book Boxes” have brightened neighborhoods from coast to coast. Located outside of the Ventura Salvation Army sits three book boxes, overflowing with a wide variety of novels, children's books, and even comics; something for every type of reader. Recently, there were signs attached to each box with the words "We need more books!" and within days, these boxes were once again filled to the brim with community donated literature.

The Little Free Library: Connecting communities with literature

Amber Duhs, Writer • June 1, 2025

A walk in the park; an evening stroll; a morning jog; regardless of what your choice of outdoor activity is, you’ve likely noticed the miniature houses of books staked into the ground. A liaison between...

Are you smarter than a fifth grader?

Kathleen Cheng, Videographer • May 27, 2025

The end of the year is approaching and students of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) are now filled to the brim with the knowledge they have soaked up through this year ... or are they? In...

Every piece of local art comes with a fragment of the community’s story. Unlike mass-produced items, local art is unique, crafted by hands that pour creativity into every detail. Each work features facets of the local culture, such as Ventura, Calif.’s beachy landscapes. Buying from local shops not only supports artists and their craft but also helps sustain small businesses that may struggle to compete against larger corporations. Though it may cost more, the value ultimately lies in the quality materials, time and personal touch behind each piece – a connection that big chain stores simply cannot offer.

Opinion: Ventura’s art scene deserves better recognition

Audrey Szijj, Writer • May 23, 2025

As technology has advanced in recent years, many goods have become easily accessible through online shopping and large retail stores. However, while these services are convenient, they fail to honor the...

On May 8, 2025, Robert Prevost, a cardinal of the catholic church, was appointed as Pope Leo XIV. The new pontiff follows in Pope Francis' footsteps after the latter's death on April 21, 2025. The first ever U.S. born pope, Pope Leo has shocked the Catholic world with a break in the pattern of European pontiffs. Pope Leo has also spent many years in Peru working in the city of Chiclayo as the head of an Augustinian seminary. He has gained his Peruvian citizenship and is beloved by many of the residents of not just Chiclayo, but Peru as a whole.

What does the new Pope stand for?

Oliver Kelley, Writer • May 21, 2025

May 8, 2025 saw the election of Pope Leo XIV (Pope Leo). Pope Leo replaced the previous Pope Francis when the latter’s 12 years of service to the Vatican came to a close on April 21, 2025 due to health...

At Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura sit nine beach volleyball courts, which are used by schools and clubs across the county, as well as recreationally by the public. However, as of recently, the courts may face possible removal or relocation. The California Coastal Commission stated that the courts are unpermitted and established on land that should be restored to dunes.

Dune restoration in the Ventura Harbor threatens the removal of local volleyball courts

Morgan Houston, Writer • May 14, 2025

At Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura Calif. lie several volleyball courts, which have been established and used by the community for around 10 years. These courts, however, are unpermitted and sit on dune land,...

Mental health is the thread that weaves through every facet of daily life, often overlooked – until it frays, that is. A weight that shifts with the seasons of our lives, sometimes light, other times unbearably heavy. Invisible, and yet it colors the way we see the world and the way we perceive ourselves. It is the foundation of our thoughts, emotions and behavior, influencing everything from how we cope with stress to how we celebrate joy. This May, help create an environment where mental health is valued and addressed with the same urgency as physical health by embracing self-care and seeking support.

The green of spring makes way for Mental Health Awareness Month

Jane Kim, Writer • May 7, 2025

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) shared that in the United States, an astounding one in five adults live with a mental health condition, a number that has grown significantly in recent years....

All across the coast of California, large masses of blue creatures resembling jellyfish are washing up onshore. These are not in fact jellyfish but Velella velella, or commonly referred to as "by-the-wind sailors." With the arrival of spring and the changing of wind patterns and currents, velella wash up on shore all over our local beaches.

Thousands of mysterious blue creatures wash up along the California coast

Morgan Houston, Writer • May 6, 2025

If you’ve been to the beach recently, you’ve probably noticed abnormally large amounts of odd, blue creatures resembling jellyfish washed up on shore. These mysterious creatures are Velella velella...

Where do monsters come from? Where did these urban legends originate, and how have they changed? Whether they reside in the shadows in your closet or under the bed, monsters were made for a reason. They were made to teach lessons and cope with things that were hard to understand at the time. Parents would tell stories of their untrue nature to protect their kids from real world threats. Even in the modern day when some of these previous questions have been answered, people still find comfort in horror movies and games.

What do the monsters we make tell us about ourselves?

Kellen Spears, writer • May 5, 2025

Superstition: “excessively credulous belief in and reverence for supernatural beings.” From the Jersey Devil in the early 1700s to the maze bound minotaur wreaking havoc in Ancient Greece, there...

Students engaged in the viral challenge created by the University of South Carolina's Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) Club. The Speak Your MIND Ice Bucket Challenge aims to raise awareness and funds for the mental health non-profit Active Minds. Through a simple video, Active Minds has raised more than $370,000 to help youth and young adults struggling with mental health. The trend serves as a commitment to further advocate for mental health through public participation.

The USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge raises over $370,000 for mental health awareness

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter • May 3, 2025

The ¨USC Speak Your Mind Challenge,¨ also known as the #SpeakYourMINDChallenge, is a viral ice bucket social media trend that aims to spread awareness for mental health. Much like the Amyotrophic lateral...

The automobile industry has been a prevalent factor in American culture for a long time, resulting in the sprawling expanse of roads covering the country. With cities planned in the image of cars, pedestrians face significant dangers traveling without one in various places all across the country. The busy metropolis was the model from years ago, one that has since become outdated and requires a replacement. With future adaptation towards more urban settings, the importance of cars is downsized. These urban settings will put the pedestrian first, aimed at providing safer human interactions without the threat of an accident lurking at every corner.

The state of urban planning

Jane Kim, Writer • May 1, 2025

Cars have always been an integral part of American culture. Or have they? Although it’s hard to imagine the United States (U.S.) without the prevalence of the automobile industry, there was a time...

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