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
Luigirey Guce

Luigirey Guce, Photographer

I’m a senior photographer who enjoys playing basketball and listening to Drake. :)

All content by Luigirey Guce
Throughout the 2024 to 2025 school year, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls' water polo team performed well, earning 2nd place in the Tri-Valley league with a record of 4-1. Their overall standings were 5-6, placing them at 228 in Calif. overall, highlighting the Dragons' teamwork and commitment throughout the school year. In addition to their Calif. ranking, the girls' water polo team made it to the California Scholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Champions for Division 5, however, they were unfortunately beaten by Hemet High School (Hemet) 9-5, putting an end to the Dragons season.

[Photo] Girls water polo

Ian Toreja, Reporter
June 6, 2025
Right to left are seniors Liam Macario, Christophe Issa, Alexander Lawson and Joaquin Windsor, who have been friends since freshman year and pose together for a final photo on the Foothill Tech campus. From after school activities to different academic tracks, these friends still remain close after all these years.

[Photo] Advice from the Class of ’25

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
June 4, 2025
Abbi Fleagane '25, a senior at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) has been a part of the Bioscience Academy, a medical academic elective at Foothill Tech for the past three years. Fleagane has the opportunity to serve as the laboratory manager for her class, while also being an active member in the Red Cross Club. Fleagane is going to be applying the information she learned in these two programs during the next four years, where she will be a student at University of California San Diego (UCSD).

[Photo] Humans of Foothill: Abbi Fleagane

Camilla Lewis, Writer
June 2, 2025
Ben Markov ’27 receives Athlete of the Week for his ongoing remarkable boys golf season, where he has displayed exceptional leadership and skills as one of the top performing players on the team. The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all his hard work in representing the school.

[Photo] Athlete of the Week: Ben Markov

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
May 10, 2025
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.

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

Ella Asher, Reporter
March 20, 2025
On the sunny afternoon of March 7, 2025, students took turns competing to see who could sink the first basket on the inflatable basketball court during Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) final Renaissance Rally. With a Spirit Week helping students get in-theme for the Rally, the events and festivities are designed to reward students with their academic achievement so far in the school year. This energetic match up drew a crowd of people cheering for both individuals and became a standout moment for Foothill Tech's organized event.

[Photo] Dragons celebrate academic success with a Beatles inspired Spirit Week and Ren Rally

Viggo Bortolin, Reporter
March 9, 2025
On Jan. 23, 2025 Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) faced off against a league opponent Cate School (Cate) at the Ventura Aquatic Center. Lauren Happel '26 (number 12) scans the pool for an open teammate to give her team an advantage. Happel grips the ball tightly as her defender closes in and delivers a swift pass which later results in a score for Foothill Tech.

[Photo] Girls water polo defeats Cate, 7-5 on Senior Night

Ian Toreja, Reporter
February 3, 2025
In recent years, it has become noticeable that students at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) have had a decline in participating in clubs and extracurricular activities. Busy schedules including working part time jobs and the growing influence of social media have significantly lowered the interest of students.

[Photo] The death of clubs at Foothill Tech

Maggie Lay, Beatrice Barnes, and Peyton Fox
February 1, 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.

[Photo] Foothill Tech students explore elective options at annual Program Faire

Ella Asher, Reporter
January 12, 2025
Target is rolling out its annual Christmas holiday decorations with posters sitting on top of every aisle. Shoppers are surrounded by trees and snowman cutouts as well as a Christmas stripes hanging from the ceiling giving a cheerful shopping atmosphere.

[Photo] Opinion: Over-commercialization has taken over the ho-ho-holiday season

Audrey Szijj and Fiona Aulenta
December 25, 2024
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.

[Photo] Foothill Tech gets in the holiday spirit with Winter Week

Ella Asher, Reporter
December 16, 2024
On the sunny afternoon of Oct. 25, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) participated in the annual Trunk or Treat event hosted by students in the parking lot. In the picture above, Jaden Abara ‘25 hands out candy to roaming students and shows off her costume for Halloween.

[Photo] Trunk or Treat: A festive celebration of the incoming Halloween

Bailey Basurto and Shea Stevenson
October 27, 2024
On the bright morning of Oct. 23, 2024, Vitalant did its semi-annual blood donation event at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech). Students who signed up were called in at different times to generously give blood to those in need. Arrows were placed surrounding different trailers, helping guide students.

[Photo] Dragons help save up to 117 lives at the biannual Vitalant Blood Drive

Viggo Bortolin, Reporter
October 24, 2024
The advancement of technology has been getting more and more complex as well as more users getting involved. Schools have both digital and paper options for students but only if used in a correct manner. Using digital technology can help students with researching facts and databases making them more successful. However, teachers manage to balance by using paper as it prevents distraction and plagiarism from Artificial Intelligence (AI). By using paper, it is proven that students hang onto information better when it is physically in front of them and have the ability to express their understanding by writing their knowledge.

[Photo] Paper vs. digital in schools: Which has the best results?

Audrey Szijj, Staff Writer
October 19, 2024
The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) media center offers lots of options for students to use as a study hall or joint study time with other students during breaks. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Sebastian Houvinen '27 reads his favorite book in the media center while surrounded with resources like Cesar Chavez's autobiography and many more.

[Photo] A deeper dive into the Media Center: A hub of resources for all

Morgan Houston, Writer
September 29, 2024
As Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) starts a new school year, new rules have been implemented, including mandatory free menstrual products in all California school bathrooms. This applies to all gender restrooms, women's restrooms, as well as at least one men's restroom on campus. This law includes students that are in the vicinity of grades 3-12. In addition, Foothill Tech's cellphone usage during class has become a growing concern over the last couple of years. The school aims to improve this issue during the 2024-2025 school year.

[Photo] Behind the new and updated campus policies implemented in the 2024-2025 school year

Morgan Houston, Writer
September 5, 2024
With the dawn of a new school year comes new faces among the staff at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech). Joining staff, Edward Gillet is a new English teacher at Foothill Tech. He attended the University of Florida and then later transferred to University of California, San Diego.(UCSD). There Gillet studied philosophy and taught at East Lake High School in San Diego.

[Photo] Five of Foothill Tech’s newest teachers

Layla Solomon and Lyla Huff
September 4, 2024
On the morning of June 11, 2024 Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) associated student body (ASB) won the 2024 Platinum Tier School of Distinction Award. Only 59 high schools in the nation have been awarded this award, which required the high schools to have a positive environment and culture on campus.

[Photo] Foothill Tech ASB honored with 2024 Platinum Tier School of Distinction award

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
June 14, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys water polo placed third in league with a record of 4-4 and an overall record of 5-15. They made it to the first round of California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division Three Southern Section playoffs, making a good run to end their season strong.

[Photo] Boys waterpolo

Nisha Reddy, Assignment Editor
June 11, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys golf team sent two players, Reagan Wolfe ‘26 and Ben Markov ‘26, to League Finals in hopes of qualifying for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

[Photo] Boys golf

Chance Leandro, Reporter
June 11, 2024
Friends and families gathered at Buena High School's (Buena) gymnasium in the evening of May 29, 2024 to celebrate the graduating class. The gym was full of decorations, giving seniors a warm and memorable award ceremony with graduation around the corner. Students were acknowledged with ropes and medals, wishing them the best for the future.

[Photo] An evening of recognition: Senior Awards Night 2024

Maggie Lay, Reporter
May 31, 2024
With the season at stake for Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), Aidan Gomez '25 puts pressure on his opponent leading up to the final innings of the game. Resulting in multiple stolen bases and home for Gomez, he helped his team and kept the dragons in the game.

[Photo] Baseball falls in first round of CIF to Mary Star of the Sea

Ian Toreja, Reporter
May 6, 2024
On the sunny afternoon of May 3, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys' Golf competed in another round of golf. A Foothill Tech golfer takes a practice swing, visualizing where the ball should be on the green.

[Photo] Boys golf performs (par)fectly at League Finals

Nisha Reddy, Reporter
May 3, 2024
Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) success is powered by multiple teachers and staff. Jean Barrett is in her second school year at Foothill Tech as the school support secretary. She ensures that each student has their paperwork finalized. Behind the scenes on campus, Barrett assists the assistant principal with tracking students behavior and validates students absences and tardiness. Each year, Barrett helps out with the annual state testing making sure everything is run smoothly. On the Foothill Tech website all recent updates and news are published by this hidden hero.

[Photo] Hidden Heroes: Highlighting the indispensable role of Jean Barrett

Jane Kim and Kalea Eggertsen
May 7, 2024
James Sokoloski ’24 receives Athlete of the Week for his remarkable boys’ volleyball season, where he has displayed exceptional leadership skills as one of the captains of the volleyball team. The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all his hard work in representing the school.

[Photo] Athlete of the Week: James Sokoloski

Nisha Reddy and Dane Dodos
March 28, 2024
The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) Associated Student Body (ASB) assembled a "Teen Beach Movie" Spirit Week, reminding students to finish the quarter strong as they head into spring break. From spirit days such as Pajama Day and Summer Coolin' to the Renaissance Rally at the end of the week, ASB planned events to bolster connections around the school creating a fun environment.

[Photo] Dragons bask in the sun with a “Teen Beach Movie” themed Renaissance Rally and Spirit Week

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
March 24, 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.

[Photo] From smoothies to sound baths: Wellness Week at Foothill Tech

Ella Asher, Reporter
March 11, 2024
In a week full of kindness, Ian Clayton '25 and Spencer Jones '25 locate their names among those of their classmates posted outside of Foothill Tech’s black box. Throughout the week, ASB set up events such as writing positive statements on clips and encouraging students to clip them onto someone random to share kindness. Foothill Tech's ASB also cut out paper hearts, wrote every student's name and taped it around campus grouped by grade level.

[Photo] Kindness Week brings Dragons together to share their spirit for the community

Aubrey Alderman, Reporter
February 18, 2024
Inside the Foothill Tech cafeteria, Lori Walker and her team take a moment to pause and smile as they get ready for a nutrition break. The cafeteria serves a variety of food for breakfast such as cereals, pizza sticks and bagels. These hidden heroes of Foothill Tech recommend that you grab a fruit with it as well. Lori Walker has an incredible impact on student nutrition and plays a vital role in keeping Foothill Tech's cafeteria functioning.

[Photo] Hidden Heroes: Illuminating Lori Walker

Jane Kim and Kalea Eggertsen
February 16, 2024

[Video] Benchwarmers: Episode 3 (featuring boys’ basketball)

Lauren Kaller and Claire Hadley
February 1, 2024
In the closing of the streets of Downtown Ventura, many restaurants put a seating area outside their physical building for more capacity, a majority of these restaurants have benefited from the idea. The outdoor seating areas add to the already warm and welcoming feeling of Downtown Ventura.

[Photo] Revitalizing downtown Ventura: The impact of the Main Street closure

Ella Asher, Reporter
December 31, 2023
On the chilly night of Dec. 14, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) hosted its Christmas holiday performance. The Foothill Tech Drama club acted "Elf The Musical" and emotions sparked as the character, Walter Hobbs, played by Eliel (Leo) Suarez '24, first meets his eldest son, Buddy the Elf, played by Scarlett Palmieri '27.

[Photo] Drama students bring Christmas to Foothill Tech with “Elf The Musical”

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
December 18, 2023
On the second installment of "Benchwarmers", Luigirey Guce '25 and Aiden Gomez '25 take on tennis so you don't have to. Watch this video to see the challenges and excitement that come with this sport.

[Video] Benchwarmers: Episode 2 (featuring girls’ tennis)

Lauren Kaller and Claire Hadley
December 5, 2023
On Nov. 9, 2023, the class of 2027 spends their time in their designated F.I.R.E. class talking among their classmates. Students are expected to use 30 minutes of their time before lunch to finish assignments or travel to other classrooms to reach out for help from their teachers.

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

Ella Asher, Reporter
November 16, 2023
On the first episode of "Benchwarmers," Luigirey Guce '25 and Aidan Gomez '25 take on golf so you don't have to. Watch the video to see the challenges and thrills that go along with the sport.

[Video] Benchwarmers: Episode 1 (featuring girls’ golf)

Lauren Kaller and Claire Hadley
October 21, 2023
Celebrating Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) first spirit week of the 2023-24 school year, Eva Goncalves '25 and Miranda Aguilar '25 wore Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears because the theme was dynamic duos.

[Photo] Dragons participate in a costume filled spirit week for the Halloween season

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
October 15, 2023
On Oct. 5, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) hosted La Reina High School (La Reina) in the Tri-Valley league match. Before the start of every game, the girls' volleyball team runs through a tunnel built by students of Foothill Tech. The team was led by Kaili Garrett '24 and was acknowledged with high-fives from students.

[Photo] Girls’ volleyball bested by La Reina on Senior Night

Dane Dodos, Reporter
October 8, 2023
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.

[Photo] Recap: Boys’ water polo bested by Malibu

Ian Toreja and Dane Dodos
September 23, 2023
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.

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

Maggie Lay and Ella Asher
September 23, 2023
With school starting in less than two hours on the morning of Aug. 31, 2023, this group of seniors gathered as they enjoyed their limited time in high school before making plans for the future. They embrace one another after spending their unforgettable years in high school and heading into their first and last senior sunrise.

[Photo] The dawning of a new school year: the Class of 2024 celebrates at Senior Sunrise

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
September 4, 2023
With an incredible four years at Foothill Technology High (Foothill Tech) Matt Vega '23 opens the game with the first pitch.

[Photo] Baseball

Jonah Billings, Reporter
June 17, 2023
Kurt Miller stands and embraces one of his favorite artists Harry Styles in front of his class group project. This ‘23 school year will be Miller’s last year of teaching at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech). Miller teaches ninth grade health, tenth grade world history, and the advisor for DTech. He is well known around Foothill Tech having the nickname “Dictator Miller” and still lives up to its name today. He will continue his teaching journey at Carpinteria High School (Carpinteria) after teaching 11 years at Foothill Tech.

[Photo] Kurt Miller and his legacy at Foothill Tech

Caroline Hubner, Writer
June 6, 2023
Inspired by the Humans of New York project, the Foothill Dragon Press aspires to highlight students pursing their passions and interests.

Humans of Foothill: Lily Shadden

Luigirey Guce, Photographer
June 5, 2023
During after school hours, DTech dynasty five gathered up at Spirito Hall located in Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech). A company named “Rubik’s Rincon” made a product replicating a Rubik's Cube with built in speakers. They have provided a rough draft of the cube using a three-dimensional version and finalizing it with quality material. Rubik's Rincon also prepared a booklet showing the process and how it was made step by step.

[Photo] DTech seniors show off final project in Trade Show format

Emilie Huovinen, Reporter
May 23, 2023
Bronson Taylor '24 aims at first base to hopefully get the runner before he touches the plate.

[Photo] Baseball Senior Night

Theo Kayser, Reporter
May 16, 2023
Moments after the whistle was blown, Mikaela Clabaugh '25 dives into an amazing start. Clabaugh, going up against other schools from Ventura County, attempts to have the fastest time out of all.

[Photo] Foothill Tech impresses at Ventura County Swim Championships

Chance Leandro, Reporter
March 26, 2023
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Luigirey Guce