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  • An enormous, eye-catching paper mache octopus is situated at the start of the ArtWalk exhibition on Main St., Ventura, greeting attendees as they enter the event. Inspired by Ventura’s natural environment, this work of art highlights the abundance of sea creatures that call our oceans home.

    Features

    ArtWalk: Showcasing Ventura’s creative crowd

  • As students start to settle into the new school year, exciting activities planned in the quad help keep the morale high. Foothill Techs sports teams have started to pick up speed and students are now settling into their classes.

    FDP-TV

    FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 3

  • A scenario thats unfortunately all too common in modern gaming is a videogame having a less than stellar launch. However, there are times when the developer has the luxury to go back and turn the game into a respectable piece of media, such as No Mans Sky.

    A&E

    When a videogame redeems itself

  • Also referred to as a red tide or an algae bloom, the brilliant blue waves are caused by phytoplankton that emit blue light when disturbed. In previous years the event has been rare to find, occurring sparsely. Recently, primarily during the summer of 2023, bioluminescent waves could be seen splashing the shores of Ventura County.

    Features

    Bioluminescence: Wonders of the bright blue ocean

  • On Sept. 21, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) Girls Volleyball took a devastating loss of 3-1 in a league game against Bishop Diego High School. Students, Addi Fallon 25, Zac Crist 24 and Petra Falcocchia 24, show their support with colorful face paint. Many students also dressed to the theme of the game, which was cowboys and cowgirls.

    Girls' Volleyball

    Girls’ volleyball beat by Bishop Diego 1-3 in hard fought game

  • Throughout the city of Ventura, pollution is washed down to the beaches through rivers and gutters, depositing cups, bags and other various trash onto our beaches and into the oceans.

    Features

    Just how deadly is stormwater runoff?

  • The charming exterior of Butter and Fold attracts many customers at all hours of business. From the elegant teal and gold color scheme to the waft of freshly baked breads, it’s impossible to simply pass by without taking a peek inside.

    A&E

    Butter and Fold: The perfect place to satisfy your pastry cravings this fall

  • At the Olivas Links Golf Course, on Sept. 21, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls golf team faced off in a league match against Bishop Diego. The Dragons played well and won the match with an overall score of 249-303. Pictured above, Maddie Wicks 26 concentrates as she putts her ball toward the pin, finishing hole five with three over par.

    Girls' Golf

    Recap: Girls’ golf takes Bishop Diego 249-303

  • On Sept. 22, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) competed in their first Tri-County Athletic (TCAA) league meet. Foothill Tech races with five girls on varsity, including Danika Swanson-Rico 25, Bennett Rodman 26, Kalea Eggertsen 26, Emma Anderson 26 and Isabella Efner 25. They warm-up on the start line, exchanging words of encouragement and waiting for the queue to begin the race.

    Cross Country

    Cross country starts off strong at first league meet of the 2023 season

  • With beloved melodies and nostalgic anthems dating back over a decade, fans and general audience members alike enjoy singing along to her award-winning album, Fearless, from 2008.

    A&E

    The Eras Tour: an adventure spanning 17 years of music 

  • On Sept. 21, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys water polo hosted a home game against their opponent Malibu High School (Malibu). With lots of splashing, Ethan Ortiz 24 attempts to find an open teammate to give Foothill Tech an advantage to win their league match.

    Boys' Water Polo

    Recap: Boys’ water polo bested by Malibu

  • Students of Foothill Tech try to make button pins of their own design at Back to School Night. This college and career class provides an opportunity to learn life skills and creativity.

    Latest

    Foothill Tech welcomes parents and guardians at Back to School Night 2023

  • In the teen show “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” an adaption of the popular Young Adult novel, protagonist Belly Conklin navigates her love life in a triangle between brothers Jeremiah and Conrad Fisher.

    A&E

    “The Summer I Turned Pretty”: In Defense of the Fisher Boys

  • During F.I.R.E and lunch, members of the Associated Student Body worked hard to prepare an assembly line of delicious In-N-Out for the Class of 2024.

    Latest

    Class of 2024 connects through In-N-Out Burger and festivities

  • On the sunny afternoon of Sept. 19, 2023 girls tennis played against the Villanova Preparatory (Villanova) School Wildcats. The tennis team huddles together and chants in a pregame ritual before beginning their matches.

    Girls' Tennis

    Girls’ tennis triumphs over Villanova in first league match

  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the much anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed and beloved video game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Announced in 2019 by Nintendo at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, Tears of the Kingdom was released on May 12, 2023 after nearly four years of waiting. Since its release, the game has been met with widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. The game directly follows the events of its predecessor, building upon them and expanding an already immense world. Writer Kelly Quinn shares his thoughts.

    A&E

    “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” is victory for gaming

  • The three cakes that were reviewed were Lemon, Pumpkin Spice and Red Velvet all topped with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting.

    A&E

    A dive into Nothing Bundt Cakes: America’s largest specialty cake company

  • Comprising of 12 songs, Olivia Rodrigos new album GUTS is her second studio album and was released on Sept. 8, 2023. Rodrigos first studio album, SOUR, released in 2021, was critically acclaimed and beloved by fans, making her second album long anticipated. Writer Isheeta Pal takes on the task of listening to GUTS and reviewing it, delving into its key themes and messaging.

    A&E

    Album Anatomy: “GUTS”

  • A sign displayed in the store highlights the unique vendors in the store as well as promoting shopping from local artists.

    A&E

    Hey! Friends shows Ventura why shopping locally matters

  • Christopher Nolan hits it out of the park once again with his brilliantly done biopic about the man who invented the atom bomb, Oppenheimer.

    A&E

    “Oppenheimer” is a mind-blowingly impactful film

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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
Ailanie Martinez

Ailanie Martinez, Assignment Editor

I may be short but everyone looks up to me.

All content by Ailanie Martinez

FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 3

Jenna Ostrom, Nisha Reddy, Ailanie Martinez, Julia Geib, and Isheeta Pal
September 28, 2023

FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 2

Jenna Ostrom, Ailanie Martinez, Nisha Reddy, Julia Geib, and Ruby Jenkins
September 15, 2023

FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 1

Jenna Ostrom, Ailanie Martinez, Nisha Reddy, Camilla Lewis, and Julia Geib
September 1, 2023
The excitement of summer is inching closer as the last day of the 2023 school year becomes more prominent. Students are counting down the hours as they return textbooks and complete their remaining assignments for the school year.

[Video] FDP-TV: Episode 17

Jenna Ostrom, Videographer
June 9, 2023
FDP-TV is rounding out the year with its second to last episode highlighting important events to look out for including senior rallies and junior parking spot forms.

[Video] FDP-TV: Episode 16

Kimberly Fickerson, Videographer
May 25, 2023
With the doors for the AP tests coming to a close, the students of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) find themselves at ease as the weight of the tests are lifted off their shoulders. Students are encouraged to take a break and enjoy some fresh air as a superbloom washes over Ventura, Calif.

[Video] FDP-TV: Episode 15

Jenna Ostrom, Videographer
May 12, 2023
With AP tests approaching, students can take a much needed breather as they dance the night away at prom and relax while reading articles ranging from bananas being shipped to the Navy base to the evolution of video game adaptations.

[Video] FDP-TV: Episode 14

Jenna Ostrom, Videographer
April 28, 2023
On April 21, 2023, Foothill Tech students united to show their support for anti-racism and inclusivity. Led through the Girl Up Club, students were encouraged to wear black on Friday, April 21 in order to stand up against incidents on campus involving hateful language. The idea behind wearing a unified color was to show students who may feel bullied or ostracized that Foothill is a school for everyone and everyone should feel like they belong on campus. From wearing all black to choosing black accessories, the majority of Foothill showed their support creating a positive impact against racism and exclusivity.

Foothill Tech supports anti-racism amidst spreading stereotype

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
April 25, 2023
Foothill Technology High Schools Drama Club performs Murderous Crossing in front of a captivated audience. Jessie Yalinkatian 23, who plays a detective, re-enacts a murder with a school-friendly prop as spectators laugh.

“A wedding and a wake”: “Murderous Crossing” play brings a murder mystery to Foothill Tech

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
April 3, 2023
On March 21, 2023, Foothill Tech hosted a blood drive and gave students the opportunity to donate blood to those in need. Hayden MacDougall 24 sits in a Vitalant trailer and compresses a ball in order for a vein to appear. MacDougalls arm was also binded with a strap to put pressure, which makes it easier to insert the needle.

“Help save lives”: Donors save the day at BioScience Academy and Vitalant blood drive

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
March 23, 2023
Hand crafted wood signs and names of DTech houses grace the walls of the labs and commemorate the past students. Unlike these past generations of students, sophomores will now have to wait another year before they can apply for DTech.

“This is the year to make changes:” Scheduling changes continue as DTech becomes two-year program

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
March 11, 2023
On Friday Feb. 17, students were called up to the stage during their lunch break, and handed a bright flower as well as a certificate thanking them for their kindness.

Spreading the love: Foothill Tech celebrates Kindness Week and Kindness Court

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
February 20, 2023
CAP, an athletic program designed to keep Foothill Tech athletes in top condition during their offseason, is currently undergoing drastic changes. These adjustments have garnered mixed reactions from both staff and students.

Core Athletics Program sections reduced in schedule overhaul

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
February 10, 2023
A BioScience student demonstrates how to perform CPR on a mannequin to underclassman interested in health sciences.

Potential new beginnings explored at 2023 Program Faire

Ailanie Martinez and Ella Asher
January 16, 2023
On the week of Dec. 5, 2022, the Bioscience Academy showcases their Be The Match fundraiser to help save the lives of those with cancer. Donation jars, wrapped in colorful designs, overflow with dollar bills as students buy candy cane after candy cane.

BioScience Academy contributes to the season of giving with the Be The Match fundraiser

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
December 20, 2022
As intermission ends, Foothill Tech Drama students talk amongst themselves and perform a very organized skit.

Foothill Tech’s Drama Club embraces outcasts with original play “The Guide To Becoming A Theatre Kid”

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
December 20, 2022
Wearing colorful witches hats, members of ASB pour out a spooky yet delicious concoction called Witches Brew.

A spooky feel drifts into Foothill Tech during Halloween-themed Renaissance Rally

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
October 18, 2022
Ventura High School instructor Linda Bergfeld draws a pie chart of the VUSD budget.

Educators advocate for higher wages at Ventura Unified School District Board meeting

September 30, 2022
During the Freshman Friday festivities, Nick Drucker 26 prepares to send the spikeball into the net in hopes of scoring a point.

Fun, festivities and friendships found at Freshman Friday

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
September 11, 2022
Dragons come together to celebrate the first day of school.

Ready to take flight: Foothill Tech students soar onto campus for the first day of school

Emma Ippolito, Ailanie Martinez, Ella Asher, and Maggie Lay
August 27, 2022
After receiving their diplomas, the graduating class move their tassels and throw their caps into the air to celebrate the end of their high school careers.

Time to say goodbye: The Class of 2022 ends the year with heartfelt graduation

Melanie Hernandez and Ailanie Martinez
June 19, 2022
Aiden Hagerty 22 displays arm wrestling techniques against math teacher Wayne Powers.

Words of wisdom: the annual Senior Dragon Talks impress all

Emma Ippolito, Ailanie Martinez, and Melanie Hernandez
June 10, 2022
The annual teacher act blows the house down with a dance act to Billie Jean.

Air Guitar: the return of a Foothill Tech tradition

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
May 24, 2022
Playing with bubbles was a popular pastime for many of the attendees, it allowed for many students to reminisce about earlier school years.

Blast from the past: Seniors take a trip down memory lane at Senior Recess

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
April 23, 2022
During a slow dance, the chaos relaxes and the booming music turns into a slow, swaying melody. Couples and friends dance and talk. Groups of friends sing together and savor the moments they have shared.

Students dance the night away at Masquerade Prom

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
April 17, 2022
Assistant principal Frank Davis dressed as an Alice in Wonderland character, sits under a water balloon laughing with students trying to hit the target.

Renaissance Week celebrates academics at Foothill Technology High School

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
March 28, 2022
BioScience and DTech students compete in a battle of the grades. Although the sophomores and juniors put up a tough fight, the seniors took home the win and the trophy.

Fight for Foothill Tech: BioScience and DTech bond and compete for victory

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
March 18, 2022
With a new sports facility, Foothill Tech sports teams like water polo can have their own place to practice, play and represent their school.

Petition for new athletic facility opens up possibilities for the next generation of Dragons

Caroline Hubner, Emma Ippolito, Melanie Hernandez, and Ailanie Martinez
March 2, 2022
The COVID-19 variant Omicron infects at higher rates than any other strain of the virus. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Omicron: Infectious COVID-19 variant sweeps U.S.

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
February 25, 2022
Gun show laws are a heated topic among counties in California. Photo credit: Matt Hoffman/KPBS

Gun safety controversy reaches gun shows in Ventura County

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
December 29, 2021
Be The Match donation jars are lively and colorful, with the teachers name written on it, and ribbon to wrap it all up.

Ho Ho Ho! BioScience supports Be The Match with a winter coin drive

December 20, 2021
Bridgers performs alongside Matt Healy for the closing of the opening act on Oct. 22.

Strangers in the Greek: Phoebe Bridgers gives emotive hometown performance

November 15, 2021
Students across Ventura Unified School District come together to dress up in costume and celebrate at the Happy Haunts Dance.

Dragons celebrate at Happy Haunts

Melanie Hernandez and Ailanie Martinez
October 19, 2021
Mitsuki Laycock (Mitski) poses in blue in for her new songs promotional photoshoot.

“Working for the Knife”: Mitski returns to the music scene with knife-changing new song

Ailanie Martinez, Writer
October 13, 2021
The three representatives for Environmental Club show their passion for the Earth with a poster and plants.

Foothill Tech’s community is showcased at Club Rush 2021

Caroline Hubner and Ailanie Martinez
October 4, 2021
Frances English ‘24 cowers in the intimidatingly delicious presence of the Mr. BBQ sandwich.

Vegan restaurant review: Vegan vs. non-vegan

September 30, 2021
Students make their way to class on their first day of school.

The Happiest School on Earth: Dragons return to campus for the 2021-2022 school year

Caroline Hubner, Emma Ippolito, Melanie Hernandez, and Ailanie Martinez
August 28, 2021
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