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
Kaelyn Savard

Kaelyn Savard, Communications Director

I am a senior and a third-year illustrator for the FDP, as well as the Illustrations Editor and Communications Director. When I am not drawing, you will find me eating tortilla chips (my kryptonite) as I scroll through Pinterest, or hiking around my house. I love to sea-glass hunt and I love being a part of the FDP!

All content by Kaelyn Savard
Read more about the humble upbringings and lasting legacy of country/pop artist Taylor Swift.

[Photo] Taylor Swift: A Timeline

September 22, 2022
While Superintendent Roger Rices long and illustrious career is coming to an end, the impact he has had on every individual who makes up the community of the Ventura Unified School District will never be forgotten.

[Photo] A new chapter: Roger Rice on his career and retirement

June 7, 2022
While many would claim the new release of Elden Ring to be a difficult game, its commercial success showcases the fact that the gaming community craves for more challenging games, and video game companies should aim to satisfy this need.

[Photo] Elden Ring’s impact on difficulty in video games

May 29, 2022
From a gap year to the armed forces to prestigious universities, the Foothill Technology High School senior Class of 2022 shares their geographic location for where they’ll be next year.

[Photo] Class of ’22 Senior Grad Map

May 27, 2022
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness truly was a movie of madness with confusing pacing and an overwhelming load of new material trying to be forced down the throat of the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

[Photo] Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness fails to live up to its hype

May 14, 2022
As the restrictions on abortion become tighter and the resources for women seeking the procedure become more scarce, women across the country, especially minorities, are being drastically affected.

[Photo] OPINION: Abortion affecting minorities within the United States

April 21, 2022
A new wave of downloadable content became available for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe under the title of the Booster Course Pass.

[Photo] Will Nintendo continue to deliver with the Booster Course Pass in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

April 11, 2022
The coming of daylight savings brings a wave of discontent and disgruntled individuals who are robbed of one hour of their day and thrown completely off guard in the days to follow as to how they are to return to their daily routines.

[Photo] Satire: Permanent daylight saving time could cause a dark American future

April 1, 2022
Tipping culture differs in a variety of locations, causing it to decrease in importance, but it is actually what many households rely on for an income due to inhumane paying practices.

[Photo] Living wage: Tipping culture around the world

March 26, 2022
Amidst its label as a positive pastime, shopping can in fact have disastrous effects on young teens, who associate their self-confidence with their clothing size.

[Photo] How clothing sizes affect teens

March 21, 2022
The exclusion of the oxford comma in formal writing has become the center of a long-standing grammatical debate over whether its nonexistence continues to be a golden standard, or has become a literary nuisance.

[Photo] Satire: Glorious grammar and its partnership with the Oxford comma

March 11, 2022
The level of difficulty in video games has long been a source of controversy over the course of the industrys existence. Amidst the different types of challenges offered by games, defeating the difficult ones tend to be the most satisfying to players.

[Photo] The art of a difficult video game

March 8, 2022
Poetry is one particular literary form of self-expression and emotional release that can be extremely impactful on the lives of high school students, allowing them to feel validated in all of the different experiences and feelings that they are having.

[Photo] Poetry: An allegory for the high school youth

March 4, 2022
Euphoria has become a cultural phenomenon, planting itself in television history amongst Generation Z and critics alike, but theres some debate on whether its presentation of controversial topics is beneficial or harmful.

[Photo] Euphoria: Fantastic or Problematic?

March 3, 2022
While there has been the long running misconception that candies and desserts must always be bought for other people on Valentine’s Day, who is to say that you can’t be your own special someone.

Cartoon 102: “Who the candies are really for”

February 13, 2022
The honors of valedictorian and salutatorian will be discontinued following the class of 2023, due to the fact that students who arrive to the school in later years, or who participate in particular programs on campus, face a disadvantage of being unable to meet the necessary criteria for the awards.

[Photo] End of an era: Valedictorian and Salutatorian to be replaced by Hometown Hero award

February 7, 2022
The Beatles, the Backstreet Boys and so many more boy bands have impacted generations of listeners through their music and influence.

[Photo] The boy band phenomenon

February 4, 2022
From WandaVision to Ted Lasso, 2021 offered a new abundance of television shows that made the masses laugh and cry, but all of which brought joy in a time of great hardship.

[Photo] Best of 2021: TV shows

January 14, 2022
2021 brought about a new wave in the community to further their efforts to support and sustain the environment, specifically through the resurgence of multiple eco-friendly clothing brands.

[Photo] Best of 2021: Sustainable clothing

January 14, 2022
2021 initiated multiple changes in the industry with the birth of various television shows and music that better represented marginalized groups.

[Photo] Best of 2021: Representation

January 14, 2022
Marvel titles, and multiple other projects made their debut in 2021, and moved all of their audiences with their cinematic prowess.

[Photo] Best of 2021: Movies

January 14, 2022
The year of 2021, amidst the struggles that it brought, offered a powerful ripple effect of new content to offer the public from media and music to clothing and social trends.

[Photo] Best of 2021

January 14, 2022
With winter break right around the corner, what better way to get into the holiday spirit than to jam out to the best Christmas songs of the season.

[Photo] Christmas songs that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit

December 8, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic popularized performances streamed online, which could be a useful tool for concerts in the future.

[Photo] Online concerts introduce a new perspective to connecting artists and their listeners

November 27, 2021
Taylor Swift continues her mission to reinvigorate her classic songs with new life, while advocating for her individual voice and hard work.

[Photo] Red (Taylor’s Version): Fans are still dancing like they’re 22

November 29, 2021
Take a look at the inside scoop on a beloved history and ethnic studies teacher.

[Photo] On the bench ft. Mrs. Eulau

November 20, 2021
Though Marvels Eternals strays away from the typical superhero format and offers an extensive amount of world-building and incredible cinematography, it still falls short with its underdeveloped and, at times, overwhelming experience.

[Photo] Eternals: World Building at its Finest

November 16, 2021
College application season has a funny way of sneaking up on students, as the deadlines seem to arrive faster than they would have thought.

Cartoon 101: “Time flies when applying to college”

November 9, 2021
Students who desire some escapism need not look any further than these three amazing shows to fill the gaps in their time and to keep them engaged.

[Photo] Television shows that will immerse you into a whole new reality

November 4, 2021
Following the difficulties of trying to volunteer amidst a global pandemic, Foothill Technology High School has made a decision to cut its mandatory community service requirement.

[Photo] Foothill Tech lifts community service requirements

October 23, 2021
Nintendos third direct of the year announced a slew of new games, from Kirby and the Forgotten Land to Splatoon 3 and Bayonetta 3.

[Photo] Nintendo Direct: A good and weird direct

October 22, 2021
The recent spotlight on the crimes of R. Kelly illustrate a dangerous trend of celebrities with power being able to avoid the consequences of their wrongdoings.

[Photo] OPINION: Is status diluting truth?

October 21, 2021
Amidst the fun and excitement that can come along with the Halloween season, people can still take advantage of the holiday and potentially commit blackface and other forms of cultural appropriation by simply saying that its a part of their costume.

[Photo] OPINION: Don’t ruin Halloween with offensive costumes

October 20, 2021
Misrepresentation of teenage girls in media and entertainment cause the young female viewers of that media to generate unachievable standards for themselves in regards to intelligence, beauty and self-confidence.

[Photo] The importance of teenage female empowerment

October 17, 2021
Issues that arise from the current sophomore reading list such as predominantly white male protagonists, and the portrayal of women and people of color in inferior roles calls for a growing need to make changes to the novels put on the list in order to allow for voices from all groups to be represented and heard by students.

[Photo] Books that will rekindle your love for reading

October 24, 2021
As the Halloween season begins, many festive fans kick into high gear with their shopping regime when it comes to buying the necessary decorations to make the holiday as magical as possible.

Cartoon 99: “The early birds of the Halloween season”

October 12, 2021
Sept. 15 marked the beginning of the National Hispanic Heritage Month, a complete 31 days dedicated to celebrating the legacy and influence of the Latinx community.

[Photo] Hispanic Heritage Month: A time to reflect on the Hispanic and Latinx impact in Ventura County

October 11, 2021
While fans thought that Taylor Swift classics like Fearless and Wildest Dreams couldnt get any better, the recent release of multiple re-recorded songs did just that, as they incorporated impactful edits and amazing vocals to truly emphasize the message behind the music.

[Photo] Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version): A stunning remake of the iconic song

October 6, 2021
After being on-air for nearly 20 years, the reality tv show Survivor has evolved exponentially from its first premiere and now has new types of sole survivors with differing attitudes, motives, and approaches to winning compared to the finalists of the past.

[Photo] Survivor: The Evolution of The 20 Year Old Survival Reality TV Show

October 3, 2021
While Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings continues to set the Marvel standard of impressive action sequences and ventures into new territory with its reach, it still follows the MCU formula of massive battles and extensive CGI use.

[Photo] Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: Martial Arts and Marvel

September 30, 2021
Netflixs new shuffle button brings up an interesting point of discussion as to whether viewers should submit to the selection of the streaming service, or choose for themselves what they want to watch.

[Photo] OPINION: The Netflix shuffle button is bad for society

September 28, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccination mandates could potentially be under way for districts surrounding Los Angeles Unified School District.

[Photo] LA Unified public schools mandate COVID-19 vaccine for students

September 23, 2021
While the 2021 adaptation of Cinderella claims to offer a new and fresh take on the tale as old as time, its emotionless dialogue and out-of-place songs leave audiences regretting why they clicked the play button.

[Photo] A cringeworthy Cinderella story

September 22, 2021
Due to the increasing popularity of online shopping, the Walt Disney Co. has made the decision to shut down multiple stores across North America in order to put a more extensive focus on its e-commerce business.

[Photo] The magic ends, Disney stores closing across North America

September 14, 2021
With the school year underway, this marks not only the beginning of classes, but also the start of the registration process for the upcoming PSAT and AP exams for Foothill Technology High School students.

[Photo] Time’s up! Standardized tests are back on the radar for high school students

September 8, 2021
While freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors have recently returned to campus, they have come to realize that amidst their difference in grade level they all possess a shared disorientation to student life due to COVID-19.

Cartoon 96: “A shared sense of cluelessness”

Kaelyn Savard, Multimedia Editor
September 3, 2021
As the temperature rises across the coast and inland, fires become a summer potential like, the Casitas Fire.

[Photo] Casitas Fire burns 188 acres in Ojai Valley near Lake Casitas

June 24, 2021
While there are a few students looking forward to having no homework over summer vacation, some might discover a void left unfilled in their time, leaving them bored and without anything to do.

Cartoon 95: “From busyness to boredom”

Kaelyn Savard, Illustrator
June 10, 2021
Amidst its variety of perspectives, many DC fans believe that Zack Snyders Justice League (Snyder Cut) does the franchise justice for the material that its based on especially in comparison to its 2017 counterpart.

[Photo] Zack Snyder’s Justice League tells the story Justice League (2017) could not

June 6, 2021
There are many misconceptions that people possess about the new COVID-19 vaccines that need to be debunked in order for individuals to truly understand the purpose and safety behind the vaccines.

[Photo] Let’s debunk those common COVID-19 vaccine myths

May 29, 2021
Cartoonist Kaelyn Savard believes that students need to have hope and see the light at the end of the tunnel as they continue pushing on to the end of school and beginning of summer.

Cartoon 93: “Light at the end of the tunnel”

Kaelyn Savard, Illustrator
May 26, 2021
There are unconscious, and inequitable advantages to individuals who meet particular beauty standards, and these advantages will usually give them a head-start on many opportunities in life just for their appearance.

[Photo] OPINION: Let’s talk about pretty privilege

May 27, 2021
Changes made to the California Education Code in regards to the impact of COVID-19 on the 2020-21 school year account for the many academic setbacks that arose due to distant learning, specifically low grades.

[Photo] New California education bill could help ease stress of failing pandemic grades for high school students

May 13, 2021
While Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) has decided to administer CAASPP and CAST tests to juniors and seniors, it was also revealed that parents have the ability to opt their student out of these tests.

[Photo] Foothill Tech juniors and seniors have the option to opt-out of state testing

May 12, 2021
Illustrator Kaelyn Savard expresses the emotion that many students taking AP classes this year are feeling as they come to realize that the exams are only a few weeks away.

Cartoon 91: “It’s that time of the year”

May 6, 2021
With the number of streaming services increasing by the minute, its hard to know which one is the best for your needs, so in order to make the best decision and to get the most out of your monthly spending, here is a complete breakdown of all existing streaming services from Netflix to HBO Max.

[Photo] Netflix is no longer chill: Should you be rethinking your streaming service choices?

May 1, 2021
While the month of April is commonly associated with spring activities and celebrations, it also calls for autism awareness, making it a month dedicated to changing the minds of society not to seek a cure, but to embrace a group that has been excluded for far too long.

[Photo] OPINION: What you should know about Autism “Awareness” Month

April 29, 2021
While COVID-19 may still limit some of the activities that we can do this spring, there are still plenty of recreational ventures that we can partake in to spend some quality time with friends.

[Photo] Enjoy a joyful spring with these lively activities

April 28, 2021
Cancel culture has laid wreckage to many celebrities and ideas in 2020 alone, and has become such a dominating force in the scheme of social media that it has started to bring up the question of whether change can be brought about in a better way.

[Photo] OPINION: Cancel culture: Educate or eradicate?

April 27, 2021
While it was passed in 1972, the importance of Title IX in fighting the good fight against gender discrimination in sports programs from high school to college still reigns true to this day.

[Photo] Title IX: Almost 50 years on the path of equity

April 27, 2021
Many know about greenhouse gases and the negative effect that they are having on the environment, and it is a common belief that the only way to end their effect is by having world leaders deal with it, but there are many things that normal people can do in order to help the Earth.

[Photo] Eight things you can do to help the environment

April 26, 2021
Experiencing stress is a common occurrence in the life of a student, but there are multiple methods of reducing such stress, which can redirect energy that was previously being used to worry into energy to act.

[Photo] Persevering through academic stress

April 25, 2021
While fans may not be able to satisfy their need for in-person sports like they normally could, there are multiple sports films to fill the space in their hearts, and to provide them with the competition and energy that they have been craving.

[Photo] Three sports movies to satisfy your craving for competition

April 25, 2021
The College Board is bringing about a shift in the world of the SAT-takers by eliminating the optional essay in order to decrease the stress of all college-bound students, which is consequently adjusting how certain universities weigh applicants SAT scores in their admissions decision, or whether they are even considered at all.

[Photo] SAT update: Big changes happening to the standardized test

April 22, 2021
From rebellious teen to Billboard 200 chart musician, Mac Millers legacy will always live on through his songs, and the powerful impact he had on his adolescent listeners, who believed that his words expressed exactly how they were feeling during the highs and lows of their teenage years.

[Photo] Mac Miller’s posthumous legacy

April 20, 2021
Illustrator Kaelyn Savard believes that while it will be nice to be back on campus in the final quarter of the school year, many students may feel both nervous and excited to be around other people after a year of quarantine.

Cartoon 89: “Heading back to school”

April 16, 2021
After more than a year of completely online schooling, students must now adjust to the new hybrid format, which will come with a new set of advantages and disadvantages for all students.

[Photo] Turning off Zoom and walking into class

April 13, 2021
A new statement released by the California Department of Education in regards to CAASPP testing states that there is an element of flexibility in the test’s distribution. Schools have the option of customizing the assessment as long as it still meets common core requirements, and produces concrete results.

[Photo] California Board of Education declares testing flexibility for spring 2021

March 22, 2021
While many colleges have decided to become test optional in regards to the SAT or ACT, potential applicants now have to decide whether to take it or not, for now it has become a matter of getting an edge over other applicants rather than meeting a certain threshold score.

Cartoon 87: “To take or not take the SAT”

Kaelyn Savard, Illustrations Editor
March 15, 2021
The people of Ventura County have been blessed with a special gift this holiday season, for on Dec. 21st at around 6-8 PM, they will be able to view the Christmas Star in all of its glory, a sight that hasnt been this observable in 800 years.

[Photo] Science Hub: “The Christmas Star”, Texas deep-freeze

February 23, 2021
Zoom can take a lot out of avid users, so it’s important to take advantage of breaks in between classes to look away from the screen and find something to do that brings you a little joy and normality.

[Photo] Cartoon 85: “Taking advantage of those coveted Zoom-breaks”

March 1, 2021
While spending another holiday at home may leave us feeling a little sour, there are plenty of Valentine’s Day treats to sweeten up our day and our mouths.

[Photo] Valentine’s Day treats that will make you fall in love!

February 13, 2021
While there has been a push in recent years to include more disabled characters on both the big and small screens, their portrayals of stereotypes is calling for change in the film industry for these characters to be played by disabled actors.

[Photo] OPINION: Disabled actors should play disabled characters

February 8, 2021
While the decline of classical musics popularity may be due to its lack of relevance in terms of current trends, it still possesses real benefits, as well as unique features that, if given the time of day, may turn some heads.

[Photo] Are we hitting snooze on classical music?

February 5, 2021
Foothill Tech has made a recent adjustment to the class schedule by decreasing each period by five minutes in order to make a statement about the current course of action in regards to teachers contracts and the number of periods that they are to teach.

[Photo] Zoom schedule altered, class periods changed to 55 minutes

January 31, 2021
The ripple effects of COVID-19 have definitely taken their toll on the school system since the beginning of quarantine, and while many of these challenges were attempted to be solved for when the new school year arrived, they still highlighted the cracks in the school system itself that are the real problem standing in the way for quality education for all.

[Photo] OPINION: COVID-19 has shed light on changes needed within the school system

January 29, 2021
Fundraising is a fundamental part of providing the necessary finances for sports teams to be able to participate in tournaments, and to purchase a variety of gear and equipment imperative for the upcoming season.

[Photo] Sports funding 101

January 28, 2021
Our time in quarantine has definitely tested our relationships with our siblings, and while some relationships may have grown stronger, others not so much.

Cartoon 81: “Sibling feuds”

January 25, 2021
The new alternatives to dairy milk have received a rise not only in popularity, but also in price, as major coffeehouse companies are charging an extra 80 cents to customers who chose the substitutes of almond, cashew, coconut or oat milk in their coffee, which is a cost that can add up quickly.

[Photo] OPINION: Got (alternative) milk?

January 25, 2021
Students and teachers shed light on the use of the Canvas platform for how it holds up as the new virtual classroom.

[Photo] Canvas and the end of a semester at a distance

January 25, 2021
After receiving many grievances from students and parents alike in regards to the virtual experience of 2020s AP testing, the College Board make plans to hold all AP tests in-person in the upcoming spring of 2021.

[Photo] Plans for AP testing during the pandemic

January 19, 2021
With the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and the Biden Harris campaign, many have turned a critical eye to the men and women in uniform, but a Ventura County police officer is able to provide insight on the faults in these accusations and on why the actions of the few broadcasted on the news cannot, and should not be assumed to apply to the many in blue.

[Photo] COLUMN: A Ventura County officer in 2020, a new take on the police system in America

January 18, 2021
The seemingly promising video game release of Fall Guys is out shined by the popularity of its competitor, Among Us.

[Photo] The downfall of Fall Guys

January 9, 2021
While we all are grateful for the closing of 2020, the coronavirus and quarantine didn’t end on January 1st, so while that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be hopeful for the future, we should still continue to follow safety guidelines in order to see the end of COVID-19 on the horizon.

Cartoon 79: “The 2021 Dilemma”

Kaelyn Savard, Illustrations Editor
January 11, 2021
Foothill Technology High School teachers have began to push for a change in their contracts, due to the fact that they were not being compensated appropriately for working more school periods than other teachers in the Ventura Unified School District.

[Photo] A chance for change: Foothill Tech teachers aim to renegotiate contracts

December 17, 2020
While COVID-19 may have taken away families ability to gather together during the holidays, they can still find ways to bring the festive spirit of the season to the safety of their homes by watching these classical Christmas favorites.

[Photo] Christmas movies that will knock your stockings off!

December 15, 2020
While in the beginning of December it can feel like you have the whole month to accomplish all of your gift shopping, the next thing you know, its already December 24th, and the panic begins to sink in.

Cartoon 78: “The holiday vortex”

December 14, 2020
With the evolution of the distance learning from Edgenuity to Canvas, there came a new set of perks and challenges for all grade levels, from teacher responsiveness to Zoom fatigue. Each of these new aspects added on another layer to learning for students to come to terms with, whether they liked it or not.

[Photo] The age of distance learning: The ever debatable Canvas

December 11, 2020
While the existence of drive-in theaters seemed to be on the brink of extinction, the hit of COVID-19 allowed this tradition to make a comeback, providing its viewers with the necessary activity to escape, and enjoy the simple things, even in the amidst of the pandemic.

[Photo] Safely enjoy movies under the stars

December 6, 2020
College application season can take a lot of energy out of students, resulting in a variety of emotions during the process and after.

Cartoon 76: “During college applications vs. after”

November 30, 2020
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