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
Maggie Lay

Maggie Lay, Assignment Editor

Senior news editor who loves animals, roller coasters and the ocean.

All content by Maggie Lay
Tune into a spooky installment of Dragon's Digest for recent news and sports updates. Keep a look out for upcoming features articles on the website soon.

Dragon’s Digest: Season 3, Episode 3

Sofia Patiño, Chance Leandro, Maggie Lay, Saanvi Joshi, Fiona Aulenta, and Maggie Lay
October 25, 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.

[Photo] Foothill Tech celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Ella Asher, Reporter
October 13, 2024
Tune into the most recent episode of Dragon's Digest for upcoming events and a recap of recent sports coverage. Stay tuned for new A&E and Features articles.

Dragon’s Digest: Season 3, Episode 2

Sofia Patiño, Saanvi Joshi, Fiona Aulenta, Maggie Lay, Chance Leandro, and Julia Brossia
October 4, 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 20, 2024
As the 2024-25 school year begins, be sure to tune in to Season 3 of the Dragon’s Digest (formerly FDP-TV) for the latest news and sports coverage. Additionally, keep an eye out for upcoming features and A&E articles.

Dragon’s Digest: Season 3, Episode 1

Sofia Patiño, Saanvi Joshi, Fiona Aulenta, Maggie Lay, Chance Leandro, and Amber Duhs
September 20, 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
Tune into the season finale of FDP-TV for news updates as well as a recap on the completion of the spring sports season. Additionally, stay tuned for new A&E and Opinion articles on the website.

FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 15

Sofia Patiño, Chance Leandro, Julia Brossia, Maggie Lay, and Dane Dodos
June 9, 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.

An evening of recognition: Senior Awards Night 2024

Maggie Lay, Reporter
May 31, 2024
Tune into this episode of the FDP-TV for upcoming events around Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) as well as spring sports updates. Stayed tuned for new features and A&E articles on the website.

FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 14

Sofia Patiño, Maggie Lay, Chance Leandro, Dane Dodos, and Ruby Jenkins
May 13, 2024
Tune in to this episode of the FDP-TV for upcoming news coverage and updates on the spring sports season. Additionally, stay tuned for new A&E and features articles on the site.

FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 13

Sofia Patiño, Amber Duhs, Julia Brossia, Chance Leandro, Dane Dodos, and Maggie Lay
April 21, 2024
On April 17, 2024, Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) Associated Student Body (ASB) held a Star Wars themed academic rally in honor of the graduating class of 2024. Cups filled with sparkling apple cider were set out on tables on the stage in the quad for seniors to grab and toast, celebrating their milestones and the future ahead of them.

Class of 2024 SOARs into end of the year festivities

Ruby Jenkins and Maggie Lay
April 20, 2024
A sad beige child looks off into nothing as she wears simplistic, neutral clothes. An era of neutrality and modernity prompts the child to uphold a sad, beige closet with no color and no happiness.

Satire: Sad Beige children and their stab at nostalgia

Maggie Lay, Writer
April 12, 2024
On Feb. 28, 2024, the Party for Socialism and Liberation held a vigil for Aaron Bushnell outside the United States Army Recruitment Center in Ventura, Calif. Many gathered to honor Bushnell's death and bring attention to the Israel-Hamas War.

Aaron Bushnell’s protest through self-immolation shines light on the Israel-Hamas War

Julia Brossia and Maggie Lay
March 10, 2024
Entree to Employment is an annual event hosted by the BioScience Academy. This event is a formal dinner which allows the upperclassmen of the academy to meet professionals in the field of medicine, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The dinner is run by Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) leaders and staffed by the sophomores who set up, served meals and cleaned up.

BioScience students enjoy a night of opportunities at annual Entrée to Employment

Aubrey Alderman and Maggie Lay
February 24, 2024
On a small 0.48 acre lot, a notice of apublic hearing sign is placed. The city proposed to build a 30-unit apartment complex on Day Road in Ventura, Calif. down the street from Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech).

Potential housing on Day Road: Parking and residential concerns raised

Maggie Lay, Reporter
February 14, 2024
The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) Wellness Center hosted a wonderful petting zoo for the entire school to enjoy. Students were able to de-stress in the company of chickens, goats, ducks, guinea pigs, a potbelly pig and a turtle.

Petting zoos, worry stones and more: The Wellness Center holds a Health and Wellness Week preceding finals

Maggie Lay, Reporter
January 21, 2024
Throughout the month of December, Bioscience Academy (Bioscience) held their annual Be the Match fundraiser to help save the lives of those with cancer. Colorful posters along with donation jars were located in each of the science teachers’ classrooms. For $1, students could buy a candy cane to enjoy during class and support a life saving cause.

BioScience raises festive funds during their annual Be The Match fundraiser

Maggie Lay, Reporter
December 26, 2023
Fashion is one of the many ways students at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) express themselves on campus. Whether students pull inspiration from social media, friends or even horror films, the items in their wardrobe are an integral aspect of their individual identity.

Highlighting Foothill Tech’s best dressed students

Beatrice Barnes and Maggie Lay
December 23, 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
Rhea Gill '25 and Joshua Gelman '26 sit down and talk about Foothill Tech's Associated Student Body (ASB) program and many future school events that will be happening in the 2023-2024 school year.

ASB President Rhea Gill and Vice President Joshua Gelman speak on their values as presidents, and what the future holds for the school year

Maggie Lay, Reporter
November 22, 2023
Students and families of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) gathered together to celebrate Día de los Muertos on Nov. 2, 2023. With various types of traditional food, along with folklórico dancing and games, the night was a memorable and honorable tribute to those who have passed on.

Foothill Tech families celebrate Día de los Muertos: A commemoration of the deceased

Maggie Lay, Reporter
November 5, 2023
Ventura Unified School District (Ventura Unified) launched a cell phone policy at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year in hopes of enhancing student engagement and respect. Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students and staff offer their various perspectives on its progression and whether or not they deem the policy successful in fulfilling its goals.

Cell phone policy update: Foothill Tech shares perspective on the policies progression

Maggie Lay, Reporter
October 23, 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
Foothill Technology High School has an annual tradition of end-of-year presentations called “Dragon Talks”. These presentations are roughly 10 minutes and are given by graduating seniors detailing information about a school-approved topic of their choice. Check out what the seniors covered in their talks this year in the article below!

Class of 2023 Dragon Talks change

Maggie Lay
June 13, 2023
Once a year, students, administration and parents alike are encouraged to share the love they have for the teachers in the Ventura Unified School District.

Dragons express their gratitude during Teacher Appreciation Week

Maggie Lay, Reporter
May 16, 2023
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students gather to celebrate the last school dance of the year on April 29, 2023 at The Majestic Ventura Theater.

Dragons sway under the lanterns: Prom 2023

Maggie Lay, Reporter
May 1, 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
Following the postponement of the "Hearts in Havana" dance originally scheduled for Feb. 21, 2023, Foothill Tech students jump energetically at the "Secret Garden" dance on March 24, 2023.

Dragons get energetic at the “Secret Garden” dance

Maggie Lay, Reporter
March 27, 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
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
Students participate in a scavenger hunt to find items that represent the organelles in a cell. Items were hidden around the school and students were given clues to help them determine their location. The juniors finished first while the seniors came in second, followed by the sophomores in third.

Traditions prevail as Cohort 17 takes home the Golden Crutch at the annual BioScience Olympics

Linda Manzo and Maggie Lay
January 8, 2023
Melanie "Captain" Lindsey, dressed up as Santa's helper, is seated in a golf cart as she waits for Santa to finish his story.

Dragons show off their holiday spirit during Winter Week

Maggie Lay, Reporter
December 27, 2022
Small planes provide engaging decorations for the students lining up to get photos from the light up booth. Video games and foosball are also stationed away from the dance floor to allow friends to mingle in an open space.

Dragons take “A Journey to the Northern Lights” at Winter Formal 2022

Maggie Lay, Reporter
December 4, 2022
On Nov. 17, 2022, in honor of the "SpongeBob" vs. "Mickey Mouse Club House" spirit day, Loral Karian '25 and Quan Nguyen '25 poke fun at each other arguing over which show is better. Karian sports her Disney clothes and Mickey Mouse hair pieces, while Nguyen holds a custom made SpongeBob.

“F.R.I.E.N.D.S” vs. “The Office”: Dragons participate in a competitive spirit week

Maggie Lay, Reporter
November 21, 2022
On Oct. 31, 2022, both Foothill Tech students and staff dressed up in fun costumes to celebrate Halloween. They paraded these costumes around the school, their looks ranging from from the classic witch to a giant traffic cone. Pictured above, Principal Russell Gibbs, Assistant Principal Frank Davis and Assistant Principal Katie Tedford are all dressed as inflatable dragons to show their school spirit. They pose with math teacher Rick Villano and a few students also displaying their costumes.

Trunk or Treat: A Halloween favorite hosted by Foothill Tech seniors

Julia Brossia and Maggie Lay
November 2, 2022
Students jump up and down as the beat drops and the sparklers go off.

Foothill Tech gets festive at the “All Hallows Eve” dance

Maggie Lay, Reporter
October 16, 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
Seniors celebrate a great start to their final year at Foothill Tech with good food and friends.

Class of ‘23 enjoys a relaxing day in the sun during annual senior picnic

Maggie Lay, Reporter
September 16, 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 26, 2022
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The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School
Maggie Lay