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
Mi Nguyen

Mi Nguyen, Multimedia Editor

Class of ‘26 | Senior illustrator at the FDP. An artist’s greatest motto is fake it till you make it, as they say. 

All content by Mi Nguyen
"100 men vs. One gorilla" was a viral debate in online internet spaces about whether or not 100 men could best a gorilla in a fight. The question first emerged in 2020 on Reddit page r/whowouldwin, and recently saw a resurgence in popular media after popular influencer Mr. Beast made a post about it on X, formerly known as Twitter.

[Photo] Answering the age-old question: 100 men, or one gorilla?

Kellen Spears and Layla Solomon
May 30, 2025
Inspired by the game show "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students around campus were quizzed about some of the show's most popular questions. With the end of the school year approaching, how much have students truly learned and remembered?

[Photo] Are you smarter than a fifth grader?

Kathleen Cheng, Videographer
May 27, 2025
Starting in 2020 as an Apple TV+ exclusive, "Severance" is an ongoing thriller show following a Mark Scout and his team after undergoing a procedure that separates their memories between their work at the Lumon Industries and their personal lives outside of it. As each episode goes on, the deep conspiracy hidden beneath the company slowly unravels as the main cast must struggle to find the truth. Currently, the show has two seasons, with a third one confirmed shortly after the season two finale.

[Photo] Review: “Severance” is back for season two

Morgan Houston, Writer
May 2, 2025
Palm and Boy is a coffee shop established in 2017 that specializes in coffee and acai bowls. Customers have the choice to choose from a variety of preset acai bowls or to make their own, with a wide range of toppings to pick from. Along with that, you don't just have to limit yourself to acai and coffee, as their menu havs a diverse range of other drinks and options that will be sure to fulfill your every craving. Whether it be hearty avocado toast or a refreshing Chai Latte, there is something for everyone at Palm and Boy.

[Photo] Exploring downtown Ventura’s coastal cuisines at Palm and Boy

Kyra Bouchard, Kalea Eggertsen, and Lyla Huff
February 2, 2025
With the release of titles like “Metaphor: Refantazio” by ATLUS and Studio Zero, “Black Myth: Wukong”, developed by Game Science, 2024 proved to be a very successful year for many game developers. At the 2024 Game Awards, there was fierce competition among the six nominations to be recognized as the "Game of the Year", with “Astrobot”, developed by Team ASOBI taking home the title.

[Photo] Best of 2024: Video Games

Kellen Spears, Writer
January 9, 2025
As another year comes to pass, it's time to look back on 2024 at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) and see what's come to pass. From the arrival of a new principal to the 25th anniversary of our school, join our writers as we review the last year.

[Photo] Best of 2024: Foothill Tech

Emmanuel Takaya, Jane Kim, Layla Solomon, and Amber Duhs
January 9, 2025
Fashion trends come and go, developing and evolving quickly, and for 2024, it was no exception. From ballet flats to barn jackets, a variety of different fashion trends have risen over the past year. Join our writers as they look back on some of the styles that rose to popularity.

[Photo] Best of 2024: Fashion Trends

Emmanuel Takaya, Morgan Houston, Lyla Huff, and Audrey Szijj
January 9, 2025
A popular TV show, "Stranger Things" is a science fiction and horror series featuring a group of teens finding themselves plagued by a mysterious alternate universe and its various monsters and mysteries. It found high popularity and praise amongst audiences, with many anticipating its fifth season, expected to release around early 2025.

[Photo] What’s going on with Stranger Things Season 5?

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
October 28, 2024
Join journalists, Sofia Patiño '25 and Fiona Aulenta '26 in the newest season of the podcast "The Talk of the Lair." In this episode, starring the sports section editor, Chance Leandro '25 and one of his staffers, Conor White '25, they'll do a deep dive into the process of covering sports in journalism.

[Photo] The Talk of the Lair: Meet the writing section

Fiona Aulenta, Sofia Patiño, Amber Duhs, Ruby Jenkins, and Julia Brossia
October 26, 2024
During the fall season, many stores choose to sell specialty items themed after the season, and Trader Joe's is no exception. With a variety of new selections from salted maple ice cream to pumpkin spice flavored cookies, they have a large amount of new options for fans of fall to enjoy. Join writer, Lyla Huff as she discusses some of the favorite fall options purchased at Trader Joe's.

[Photo] Trader Joe’s fall favorites

Lyla Huff, writer
October 17, 2024
Sung by music artist Beabadoobee, the "This is How Tomorrow Moves Tour" takes place around various cities throughout North America. Starting in Philadelphia Pa. on Sept. 8, 2024, and ending in Los Angeles Calif. on Sept. 28, 2024 at the Greek Theater, the show follows a tracklist of 14 songs from the artist.

[Photo] Beabadoobee delivers an unforgettable performance at the Greek Theatre

Audrey Szijj, Writer
October 3, 2024
In 2020, the Waymo company began offering self-driving car taxi services, allowing people to book rides around cities. Operating 24/7, rides can be requested through their specialized app, Waymo. Though they plan on expanding their services, as of 2024, they currently operate in parts of Phoenix, Ariz., San Francisco, Calif. and Los Angeles, Calif.

[Photo] Waymo: The first self-driving taxi service

Oliver Kelley, Writer
September 24, 2024
A sequel to the first "Inside Out" movie, "Inside Out 2" seeks to now focus on the emotional struggles of a teenage Riley as she navigates new social situations. Released on June 14, 2024, "Inside Out 2" introduces the new emotions Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment, who put a new wrench into the old emotion's ways of thinking. The movie is bound to entertain new and old viewers alike, with its colorful cast and engaging plot.

[Photo] “Inside Out 2” took us all on an emotional roller coaster

Emmanuel Takaya, Writer
August 30, 2024
The release of Doja Cat’s albums have spanned from her first songs on Sound Cloud encased in the album “Purr!”, on Aug. 5, 2014 to the most recent studio album “Scarlet”, on Sept. 22, 2023. In all five albums Doja Cat explores pop, hip hop and R&B with a recent focus on the latter two genres in the most recently released album “Scarlet.” Join writer Emilie Huovinen as she reviews the five different albums included in her discography.

[Photo] The discography of Doja Cat

Emilie Huovinen, Writer
June 12, 2024
The movie "Dune: Part Two" was released on March 1, 2024 as a sequel to "Dune: Part One". This movie is a finisher to the adaptation of the first Dune book, continuing protagonist Paul Atreides' story. The movie released to critical acclaim from both critics and the general public alike, and with the development of a third addition to the series, confirmed by Legendary Pictures, there is excitement by fans for the continuation of the series.

[Photo] “Dune: Part Two” is an epic spectacle for a sequel

Ian Toreja, Reporter
May 5, 2024
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a popular method for many couples dealing with infertility to have children of their own. It is a process that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body, and then placing the egg inside a uterus, allowing it to grow and develop into a baby. However, there have been debates about the legal status of embryonic children, such as the law passed in Alabama on Feb. 16. Join our writers as they discuss the situation around IVF in Alabama.

[Photo] Navigating IVF: Challenges in Alabama’s reproductive landscape

Kalea Eggertsen, Bailey Basurto, and Audrey Szijj
April 13, 2024
Every year, millions of students start to begin the next phase of their life, applying to colleges in the hopes of being accepted. However, college admission rates have been slowly plummeting, making it harder for each generation of students to get accepted into their college of choice. These low rates force students to dedicate more of their time towards studying, ridding their chances of experiencing and enjoying their high school life. Join writer Amber Duhs as she discusses the effect of college admissions on the high school experience.

[Photo] Opinion: Competitive college admissions are ruining the High School experience

Amber Duhs, Writer
March 31, 2024
"Lisa Frankenstein" adds a new twist onto the classic tale "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, bringing a modernized take on the story for teens. It's a fun horror, comedy and romance mash-up, reminiscent of old '80s and '90s movies as it follows a young goth girl Lisa and her developing relationship with a reanimated Victorian corpse. Follow writer Layla Solomon as she reviews the film.

[Photo] “Lisa Frankenstein”: Eclectic, striking and camp

Layla Solomon, Writer
March 6, 2024
As we grow up in an age where social media often dominates our source of entertainment and news, it places many people in a limbo state between the new reign of social media and the ways of the old, which creates a sharp divide between generations. Join writer Jane Kim as she discusses the impact of social media in our modern lives.

[Photo] Opinion: Our lost generation and the reign of social media

Jane Kim, Writer
February 27, 2024
As streaming services continue to dominate our screens and dictate what media we are exposed to in our daily lives, it's no wonder that their prices are steadily increasing. From Prime Video to Disney+ and Max, many consumers may find themselves alarmed as their favorite streaming service continues to slowly bring up their prices. Join writer Emilie Huovinen as she discusses the surge in costs.

[Photo] Opinion: Streaming services are out of control

Emilie Huovinen, Writer
February 17, 2024
After a well needed break, students may struggle to get back into the flow of school. In this opinion piece, join writer Audrey Szijj as she talks about the strain on students that comes after winter break.

[Photo] Opinion: The academic strain on students after break

Audrey Szijj, Writer
January 25, 2024
Another year has flown by quickly, and with the coming year comes new resolutions to attempt to fulfill. Let's see what the dragons of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) have in mind as we join reporter Bailey Basurto and see the students' 2024 resolutions.

[Photo] Dragons embrace the new year with New Year’s resolutions and high hopes for 2024

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
January 3, 2024
Concerts have always been extremely popular, as they are able to bring together large groups of people together in solidarity to support their favorite artist, and this year was no different. Join our writers as they delve into some of the best concerts of 2023, featuring artists such as Taylor Swift and Harry Styles.

[Photo] Best of 2023: Concerts

Ruby Jenkins, Beatrice Barnes, Isheeta Pal, Lily Toreja, and Amber Duhs
December 31, 2023
2023 has been a host to many great games and sequels, all of which had been gleefully anticipated by fans. Join writer Kelly Quinn as he talks about some of the best games of 2023, ranging from open-world games such as "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" to retro RPG "Sea of Stars."

[Photo] Best of 2023: Video games

Kelly Quinn, Writer
December 31, 2023
Making their residences in towns and cities across North America, Brewer’s Blackbirds can be commonly seen foraging along sidewalks or perching on utility lines, chuckling in flocks. Male blackbirds have a mesmerizing blend of black, blue, and deep green, while females sport a plainer brown color.

[Photo] Why we may be living in a mass extinction and a casual guide to birds of Ventura

Jane Kim and Layla Solomon
November 13, 2023
Now that the season for Halloween is over, it’s time to decorate for… Christmas? There is no doubt that Christmas is one of the most popular holidays of the year, with millions of people choosing to celebrate the holiday, and it’s easy to see why. Along with its religious context as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas has also become a holiday where you can come together and gift presents to the ones you love. With the increasing excitement each year towards preparing and decorating for the oncoming Christmas season, companies and businesses aren’t afraid to jump in on the wagon. You might have seen Christmas decorations being sold as early as October, and maybe even the rare house or two decked out with icicles and Christmas lights way before Halloween even started. And of course, who could forget about poor Thanksgiving? Sandwiched between two very heavily decor emphasizing events, it’s easy to forget about decorating for Thanksgiving, as it’s decorations lean more on simple fall decor and color palettes than anything extreme, but Thanksgiving still remains a very big event, even if it may be a bit off putting to see a Christmas snowman on the counter top. In all, it seems that the Christmas spirit is arriving earlier and earlier each year. With Christmas cementing its place as one of the most popular holidays in the world, this trend doesn’t seem like it will stop anytime soon.

Cartoon 112: It’s time to decorate for… Christmas?

Mi Nguyen, Illustrator
November 7, 2023
Kelvin Kiptum, a Kenyan long-distance runner, is the first person in history to run a record-eligible race in under two hours and one minute. During the October 2023 Chicago Marathon, he broke the world record by 34 seconds with his time of 2:00:35. Prior to this race, he had run an impressive debut marathon of 2:01:53 at the Valencia Marathon in 2022, making him the third fastest man to run the race. More recently during 2023, he ran the second fastest time in the London Marathon, placing a course record of 2:01:25.

[Photo] Unraveling the history of the modern marathon

Dane Dodos, Reporter
October 20, 2023
In Laufey’s latest album “Bewitched,” released on Sept. 8, 2023, she brings a jazzy and soothing take on the journey of love. Following the success of her previous album, “Everything I Know About Love,” her sophomore album comprises 14 songs, each bringing their own unique spin that is sure to bewitch the listener. Join writer Lily Toreja as she reviews each song and delves into their individual meanings.

[Photo] Album Anatomy: “Bewitched” by Laufey

Lily Toreja, Writer
September 18, 2023
The latest summer blockbuster film "Barbie" was released on July 21, 2023. It features the classic dolls Barbie and Ken on a thrilling journey from plastic to real life.

[Photo] Toxic feminism vs. body positivity: Reviewing Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie”

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
September 2, 2023
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Mi Nguyen