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
Ella Asher

Ella Asher, Reporter

Why drink water when there’s Dr Pepper?

All content by Ella Asher
On March 18, 2025, students at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) gathers outside a mobile donation trailer, waiting for their turn to donate blood during the annual event. This gives students the opportunity to support their local community by giving blood to those in need.

Up to 171 lives saved through Foothill Tech’s biannual blood drive

Ella Asher, Reporter
March 20, 2025
On Feb. 25, 2025, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) opened the floor to the public at the Board Meeting discussing Resolution #25-03. The resolution debates for reduction of certain certified services at the elementary, middle and high school level to help allocate money for budget cuts. The meeting garnered attendance of students, teachers and families, many of whom came with signs or wearing red to show support for those who were targeted by Resolution #25-03. Though the final decision of the budget cuts was to save elementary and secondary school counselors as well as teacher librarians, the Board and the district still have a long way to go before all the issues become resolved.

The Board of Education passes controversial Resolution #25-03 due to budget cuts, leaving students and faculty in uncertainty

Maggie Lay, Bailey Basurto, Viggo Bortolin, Ella Asher, Shea Stevenson, and Aubrey Alderman
February 27, 2025
During the week of Feb. 11 to Feb. 14, 2025, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) celebrated Kindness Week, organized by the Associated Student Body (ASB). This annual event aimed to promote positivity and strengthen the school community through various activities. Throughout the week, students participated in dress-up days and several events, including making candy grams, creating bracelets and playing a game of musical chairs.

Foothill Tech students fill the campus with love and positivity during Kindness Week

Ella Asher, Reporter
February 18, 2025
As 2025 pushes along its time to remember the New Year resolutions that may have been so soon forgotten. Whether it was learning a new language, or trying a new sport, eating more healthy, maybe spend less? It can't hurt to try it all at once, right? They hit the ground running but eventually always burn out by February. Don't worry though, you always have next year.

Satire: “New Year, New Me”

Ella Asher, Writer
February 5, 2025
On the sunny afternoon of Jan. 10, 2025, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) is hosting an exciting Program Faire in the quad, designed to showcase the elective opportunities available for underclassmen. This event features clubs and programs, inclduing the D-Tech pathway where students are taught to design, master technology as well as learn entrepreneurship. D-Tech's objective is to be able to produce a self-made product and sell it to consumers whether it is in school or around the city. Whether it be for this pathway, or the numerous others that are highlighted through the event, students are encouraged to pick up brochures and chat with the leaders of each to learn more about what is offered.

Foothill Tech students explore elective options at annual Program Faire

Ella Asher, Reporter
January 12, 2025
During Winter Week at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), seniors smile in their coziest sleepwear for Pajama Day. This year Foothill Tech's own Associated Student Body (ASB) organized a spirit week which includes holiday accessories, ugly sweater day, pajama day, and Santa's workshop.

Foothill Tech gets in the holiday spirit with Winter Week

Ella Asher, Reporter
December 16, 2024
This year for the Thriller-themed Rennannace Rally a new system was implemented, where each student was able to enter a raffle that could win them a basket with some special treats inside. During fourth period class right before lunch, a member of ASB handed out cards to each student that achieved Renaissance that quarter. On these cards were three different place holders for stamps, in which you could earn these stamps by visiting each booth and collecting that item or task. In order to fill your card you had to spin the wheel, pictured here, as well as stop by a table and collect a Shirley Temple and a cup of dirt and worms. Once you collect your stamps you could turn your card into an ASB member on the stage for a chance to win the raffle.

Foothill Tech ASB offers a thrilling Ren Rally to cap off spirit week

Ella Asher and Bailey Basurto
October 21, 2024
Jacob Hatler '27 throws a lasso, roping the bulls horns in honor of the vaquero: the original cowboys in America. As he's roping, he sports a vaquero hat, appreciating Hispanic culture.

Foothill Tech celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Ella Asher, Reporter
October 13, 2024
During the evening of Sept. 19, 2024, Norma Garcia joined her fellow teachers for Back to School Night. This Spanish teacher welcomed parents into her classroom and discussed the importance of language learning. She highlighted her expectations for students and shared numerous resources to support their academics. Parents appreciated her insights and the welcoming atmosphere of her classroom.

Parents step into their students shoes at Back to School Night 2024

Maggie Lay and Ella Asher
September 21, 2024
Brandon Chang '26, Donovan Yalinkatian '26 and Gibson MacDougall '26 draw attention to the Chess Club during Club Rush. These students displayed their skills to interested students and attracted a lot of attention to the game of chess.

Foothill Tech students spotlight their interests at Club Rush 2024

Ella Asher, Reporter
September 15, 2024
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers and Dave's Hot Chicken are both fast casual restaurants that specialize in chicken dishes. Raising Cane's was founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by Todd Graves, and specializes in chicken fingers. Dave's Hot Chicken on the other hand, was founded in 2017, in Los Angeles, California by Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganeshyan, Gary Rubenyan and Tommy Rubenyan, specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken. Both have remained popular fried chicken establishments throughout the years with many loyal customers. Join writer Ella Asher as she pits the two joints against each other.

The ultimate chicken fight: Raising Canes’s vs. Dave’s Hot Chicken

Ella Asher, Writer
August 16, 2024
Aug. 14, 2024 marked the first official day back to school for the 2024-2025 school year for all Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students as well as the whole Ventura Unified School District (VUSD). Students flooded the gates a few weeks earlier than anticipated due to the schedule change, which prompted a new school calendar. Nevertheless, students still arrived with all the first day jitters, new school supplies and fresh outfits to show off in this new school year. Along with this excitement, the Associated Student Body (ASB) took extra time out of their summer break to prepare the school and decorate the buildings to match the year's theme of “Year of the Records”. With posters and decorations, as well as staff members dressing up to match said theme, students were inspired for the new year even if they were not totally ready to end their summer break.

Kicking off the first day: Foothill Tech prepares for a record-breaking year

Maggie Lay, Ella Asher, Shea Stevenson, Bailey Basurto, Aubrey Alderman, Viggo Bortolin, and Natalie St. Pierre
August 15, 2024
Seniors gather in the quad for recess on the sunny afternoon of May 16, 2024. The students take a break from their studies to enjoy games, socializing and the warm spring weather. The recess has become a cherished tradition, allowing seniors to unwind and take them back to their childhood days and bond during their final weeks of high school.

From hopscotch to foursquare: Seniors relive childhood memories at Senior Recess

Ella Asher, Reporter
May 19, 2024
A decade-themed spirit week was a thrilling lead up to "Roaring '20s" themed prom that took place on May 4, 2024. Students got the opportunity to show off their poodle skirts, bell bottom jeans, Juicy Couture and leather jackets.

Dragons travel back in time with a decades themed spirit week

Ella Asher, Reporter
May 5, 2024
Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) Interact Club teams up with the wellness center to provide free resources for any student in need. Located in the wellness center, are grey baskets full of supplies. They store markers, pencils, pens, and notebooks for all of student's academic needs. They also have hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and feminine products.

Student needs pantry: Interact Club provides support for students

Ella Asher, Reporter
April 24, 2024
Drug use, particularly vaping or smoking marijuana, is a prevalent issue among high schoolers. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that 23.2 percent of 12th graders had vaped nicotine in the past year, and 29 percent of 12th graders had reported using cannabis in the past year, according to the 2023 NIDA Monitoring the Future annual survey. While drug use among teens is not rising dramatically, the dangers of doing so have. With deadly synthetic drugs like fentanyl contaminating drug supplies, drug use in teens has been more dangerous than ever before.

Investigating student drug use at Foothill Tech

Ella Asher, Reporter
March 29, 2024
In the past few years, rather than opting for more traditional ways to get around town, pre-teens and teenagers around Ventura, Calif. have chosen electronic bikes (e-bikes) as their preferred mode of transportation. The rise of e-bikes in Ventura County has lead to some serious concerns among citizens in regard to how these newly popular motorized bicycles should be treated and which laws should apply to their use.

The rise of e-bikes among middle and high school students in Ventura

Ella Asher, Reporter
March 27, 2024
From March 4-8, 2024, Wellness Week was held at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) to inform students of ways to improve one's mental and physical health. The week focused on many things such as a sound bath, a tabling event, a safeTalk, a blender bike and even therapy dogs.

From smoothies to sound baths: Wellness Week at Foothill Tech

Ella Asher, Reporter
March 11, 2024
On Feb. 9, 2024, the Associated Student Body (ASB) began the voting process of leadership elections for the upcoming school year. Although the actual voting is only one day, candidates spent the past week campaigning and convincing students to vote for them. Hailey Hall '25 and Max Fielder '25 both are running for senior class president.

Foothill Tech students cast their votes at the annual ASB election

Ella Asher, Reporter
February 12, 2024
During the week of Jan. 22 to Jan. 26, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students endured finals week. Sleepless nights, study sessions and caffeine took over the week as students prepared for a culmination of semester-ending assessments.

Foothill Tech students and teachers share their perspectives on finals week as semester one comes to a close

Ella Asher, Reporter
January 27, 2024
The Christmas tree and lights are placed in the center of Main St. in Downtown Ventura. There are signs along this road informing pedestrians where to buy greeting cards and souvenirs to learn more about Ventura, Calif. Downtown Ventura has been bustling with live music, merchant booths and people riding and skating throughout town ever since a section of Main St. was closed to vehicles. Additionally, the city made tables and chairs available for individuals to use outside if needed.

Revitalizing downtown Ventura: The impact of the Main Street closure

Ella Asher, Reporter
December 31, 2023
While students mull around during their hour-long lunch, staff members are reminded of a huge inequity between Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) schedule compared to those of Ventura High School (Ventura) and Buena High School (Buena): the lack of hours to prepare for class due to the significant more time Foothill Tech teachers spend with students. With the School Site Council (SSC) planning to meet on Nov. 30, 2023, to vote on the potential of switching Foothill Tech's schedule to 100-minute class periods, thus shortening the lunch period while also allowing the teacher's more preparation time, Foothill Tech staff waited to hear the results. With the final result of six votes of no and five of yes, the new schedule was not passed and teachers are left with the question of what comes next.

School Site Council votes against bell schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year

Maggie Lay and Ella Asher
December 2, 2023
Due to CIF labor pay disputes, soccer referees of all high school games, including Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), decided to go on strike. Members of Ventura County have stepped up to help the local soccer community, saving their 2023 to 2024 high school season.

CIF soccer referees boycott 2023-2024 season over failed negotiations for higher pay

Ella Asher, Reporter
November 23, 2023
Freshman at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) During their F.I.R.E. class students also have the opportunity to travel to another classroom to work with their fellow classmates on school projects or homework assignments. Before traveling to another class, freshmen are expected to ask permission and sign out from their teacher or their leader.

Wings of success: The Class of 2027’s seamless soar into high school

Ella Asher, Reporter
November 16, 2023
On Oct. 13, 2023, Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) ASB held the annual fall Ren Rally. This year's theme happened to coincide with Friday the 13. ASB offered multiple activities such as an inflatable slide, spike ball and face paintings.

Dragons roar with excitement at “Friday the 13th” themed Renaissance Rally

Ella Asher, Reporter
October 15, 2023

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

Maggie Lay and Ella Asher
September 23, 2023

Ventura Unified launches new cell phone and earbud policy aimed at enhancing classroom focus

Maggie Lay and Ella Asher
September 2, 2023
In honor of the first day of school, going along with the theme of Lights, Camera, Action, Foothill Tech’s Associated Student Body (ASB) decorated the entire campus with various “Back to the Future” decor along with bright, festive streamers and balloons. They had name tags for each student written on gold stars arranged in the number corresponding to the grade of students. It was a fun way to kick off the start of the year and welcome students back to school.

“Lights, Camera, Action!” Dragons strut the red carpet into the 2023-2024 school year

Ella Asher, Maggie Lay, Bailey Basurto, and Aubrey Alderman
August 24, 2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already making drastic changes to the way we operate in our daily lives as well as the way we work. Read about its effect in this article.

AI and its impact on the way we work and learn

Ella Asher, Writer
June 19, 2023
On the eventful afternoon of June 14, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) seniors and their family and friends gathered together at Ventura College to celebrate the class of 2023’s graduation. With joy on their faces, some seniors threw their caps in the air while others embraced each other, excited to move on from high school to the next journey waiting for them, whether that be college, trade school or simply taking a gap year.

Graduation 2023: A heartfelt goodbye to the last four years

Ruby Jenkins and Ella Asher
June 16, 2023
Senior Awards Night celebrates the achievements of the senior class, including scholarships, academic awards and more. The Class of 2023 winners of the Athletics Wall of Fame Award were Ben Wang, Lily Shadden, Sam Noah, Thomas Chadbourne and Jonah Billings.

Celebrating excellence: Senior Awards Night honors outstanding achievements

Ella Asher, Reporter
May 27, 2023
Seniors pile into the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) quad to enjoy their senior recess participating in activities that bring them back to their elementary days.

Senior Recess: A fun-filled event of nostalgia and reminiscence

Ella Asher, Reporter
May 2, 2023
At Pizza Man Dan's in The Annex, one can quickly satisfy their hungry cravings with a mouth-watering slice of pizza. This eatery is an ideal option for individuals who want to indulge in an instant and tasty meal.

[Photo] Pizza Man Dan’s

April 6, 2023
Hawaiian Bowl: This acai bowl combines the best flavors that will transport one into a Hawaiian paradise. The mingling of silky and crunchy consistencies, complemented by notes of sweet and savory, merges seamlessly to create a harmonious bowl.

[Photo] The Blend Superfood Bar

April 6, 2023
The Annex, a food hall found within The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, California, is bustling with activity and energy in the late afternoon. As people enter the building, they are welcomed by an array of restaurants, cafes and more. The food hall offers each customer a unique experience with the variety of dishes, desserts and beverages to choose from, leaving most customers satisfied and full by the end of their visit.

Culinary haven: Discovering delights at The Annex Food Hall

Julia Brossia, Ruby Jenkins, Ella Asher, Camilla Lewis, Maggie Lay, and Amber Duhs
April 6, 2023
On March 17, 2023, Foothill Tech's ASB put together the annual spring Ren Rally; with this year's falling on St. Patrick's Day. One of the many fun attractions, which also seemed to be the most popular at the Ren Rally, was the inflatable obstacle course where students could race each other down slides and through other fun obstacles. Students went all out by sprinting and doing anything possible to stay ahead and beat their friends.

Dragons enjoy an exciting Renaissance Rally and spirit week

Maggie Lay and Ella Asher
March 21, 2023
Foothill Tech's ASB Instagram post sharing the news about the postponement of the "Hearts in Havana" dance.

News Brief: “Hearts in Havana” dance rescheduled

Ella Asher, Reporter
February 25, 2023
Future ASB President Rhea Gill '25 invites students to vote for her at the candidate faire on Feb. 8, 2023 with a sign that reads "Vote Rhea 4 ASB Prez."

Foothill Tech students elect new ASB representatives for 2023-2024 school year

Ella Asher and Maggie Lay
February 18, 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
Harry Styles watches in awe as he listens to his fans sing on night one at the Madison Square Garden.

Harry Styles’ “Love On Tour” takes center stage

Ella Asher, Reporter
December 30, 2022
With excitement roaming around during Freshmen Friday, the Class of 2026 plays against each other in a competitive match of cornhole.

Foothill Tech freshmen bond at “Fresh Snow Social”

Ella Asher, Reporter
December 13, 2022
A Foothill Tech student dances as the mariachi band plays music behind her.

Foothill Tech’s Día de los Muertos celebration brings families together to commemorate past loved ones

Ella Asher, Reporter
November 7, 2022
Students at Foothill Technology High School donate blood through a Vitalant blood drive organized by BioScience students.

Foothill Tech students help save lives at annual blood drive

Ella Asher, Reporter
October 13, 2022
Foothill Tech faculty interact face to face with families of students for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dragon families return: Back to School Night 2022

Maggie Lay and Ella Asher
September 24, 2022
Foothill Tech students as they walk through the quad and inquire about the various clubs.

Foothill Tech students exhibit their interests and talents at Club Rush 2022

Ella Asher, Reporter
September 18, 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
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Ella Asher