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
Natalie St. Pierre

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter

Class of ‘27 | Jesus loves you!

All content by Natalie St. Pierre
On the afternoon of Oct. 21, 2025, students of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) gathered in the parking lot for the annual Trunk or Treat event. Students with a parking spot were encouraged to decorate their cars and pass out candy to underclassmen. Dragons were invited to dress up in costumes and spend their lunch visiting the decorated cars. Every year, Trunk or Treat brings smiles and joy to eager students, ready to celebrate the upcoming Halloween season.

News Brief: Dragons kick off Halloween with Foothill Tech’s annual Trunk-or-Treat

Natalie St. Pierre and Emmanuel Takaya
October 23, 2025
On the afternoon of Oct. 17, 2025, the students of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) participated in the long-anticipated first Renaissance Rally (Ren Rally) of the school year. During fourth period, students were handed a card as a reward for their academic success, which could get them anything from free snacks to a do-over on a homework assignment. The Twilight themed Ren Rally, with decorations set up by Foothill Tech’s Associated Student Body (ASB), set the stage and brought excitement for the Halloween dance, also Twilight themed, happening in the evening.

Foothill Tech celebrates quarterly achievements with a “Twilight” themed Ren Rally

Evelyn Whatley and Natalie St. Pierre
October 19, 2025
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) celebrated Spirit Week from Sept. 2 2025, to Sept. 5, 2025. Though this was a short week, Foothill Tech's Associated Student Body (ASB) went above and beyond with decorations and activities to welcome students into the school year. Seen above painting faces is Sofia Isabel Garcia ‘28, who is a part of the Associated Student Body (ASB) at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech). She was in charge of a raffle event held during Foothill Tech’s spirit week, where Dragons had the opportunity to spin a wheel and potentially win prizes. Sidney Friedl ‘28 (right) receives glittery face paint as a prize.

Chasing the Stars: Foothill Tech soars into the first spirit week of the year

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter
September 9, 2025
As the 2025-2026 school year begins, a new student portal, Aeries, has created challenges among faculty and students, but the site also brings forth benefits. Teachers described transferring student information from previous years website, Q-Connect, to be difficult, as well as forming seating charts and taking attendance due to the learning curve of the new system. Beside its difficulties, both students and teachers have expressed that the site's new updated look and accessibility options is an improvement from past years.

New student portal Aeries launches off the 2025-2026 school year

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter
September 3, 2025
Aug. 13, 2025 marked the official beginning of the 2025-2026 school year for Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) as well as the rest of the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD). Around campus, numerous staff members could be seen showing off their school spirit, wearing astronaut attire to acknowledge the school’s theme of the year, “Chasing the Stars.” Foothill Tech's Associated Student Body (ASB) went above and beyond with decorations, covering the halls with balloons, streamers and stars with every student's name written on them, highlighting ASB’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment for new and returning students.

Dragons begin “Chasing the Stars” as the 2025-2026 school year starts at Foothill Tech

Bailey Basurto, Angela Hua, Rebeca Hu, Evelyn Whatley, Viggo Bortolin, and Natalie St. Pierre
August 15, 2025
Students engaged in the viral challenge created by the University of South Carolina's Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) Club. The Speak Your MIND Ice Bucket Challenge aims to raise awareness and funds for the mental health non-profit Active Minds. Through a simple video, Active Minds has raised more than $370,000 to help youth and young adults struggling with mental health. The trend serves as a commitment to further advocate for mental health through public participation.

The USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge raises over $370,000 for mental health awareness

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter
May 3, 2025
Emily Turner ‘26 was casted as the main character “Regina George” in Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) spin off play, based on the popular 2004 drama hit “Mean Girls.” With this role she obtained many singing scenes where she captivated the audience with her voice and her ability to present her character. Throughout the play she embraced the original character of “Regina George,” with outfit changes, attitude remarks, and references from the original movie.

Foothill Tech´s Drama Club takes the stage with “Mean Girls The Musical”

Natalie St. Pierre and Aubrey Alderman
April 30, 2025
Chick'n Dipp'n sauce, often seen on students lunch trays at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), plays the role of adding rich flavors and savory textures to the meal. The sauce is usually accompanied by chicken sandwiches, burgers or wraps, but can also be as a unusual addition to a side dish, elevating the taste of the school meal.

Satire: Chick’n-Dippin’ takeover

Oliver Kelley and Natalie St. Pierre
April 20, 2025
On the warm sunny day of April 9, 2025 Foothill Technology high school's (Foothill Tech) Associated Student Body (ASB) hosted their annual Seniors Only Academic Rally (SOAR). Pictured here is ASB seniors Lauren Fossati '25, Rhea Gill '25, Jack Merritt '25, Jaden Abara '25 and Hailey Hall '25 dressed as characters from Nickelodeons Teenage mutant ninja turtles to fit the theme of Nickelodeon's Kids choice awards. These ASB members were hosting this rally and being honored for all their hard work by receiving their chords for graduation.

Seniors step into the spotlight at the annual senior “SOAR” rally

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter
April 14, 2025
The sign outside Olive Ventura welcomes customers to the boutique olive oil store, which offers a variety of locally sourced oils. Located in the heart of Ventura, the shop aims to bring fresh, high-quality olive oils to the community.

Small businesses of Ventura: Olive Ventura

Julia Brossia, Ella Asher, and Natalie St. Pierre
March 29, 2025
Ensuring that every student has a safe environment to learn in is one of the greatest responsibilities of school faculty and staff, and unfortunately, there’s a reason for that. Even in the most sheltered of communities, school violence persists to rear its ugly head. On campus bullying, sexual violence, gang violence, physical fights and use of weapons or illegal drugs all fall under the mantle of school violence. According to a survey released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in 2024, 67% of public schools reported at least one violent incident occurring throughout 2021 and 2022, amounting to about 857,500 violent incidents. Despite this, various sources all confirm that more and more preventative measures are being taken to minimize school violence, and violence across the nation is declining as a result.

Protecting students: The devastating reality of school violence

Natalie St. Pierre, Writer
March 28, 2025
Campus supervisor, Michael "Mike" Bowen, has impacted students across the district. His empathy and support has allowed students to feel comfortable throughout their day. Bowen’s strong work ethic to make Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) a safer and more supportive environment truly makes him a hero.

[Photo] Hidden Heroes: Acknowledging the valuable role of Michael Bowen

Emmanuel Takaya, Writer
March 26, 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.

[Video] 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
Ventura High School (VHS) students, as well as many others across Ventura County, walked out on Jan. 31, 2025 in protest of the new executive orders from President Trump. The mural of Dolores Huerta on the side of the Main St. Gym at VHS is a symbol of Latinx pride and advocacy. By standing up for their rights, many VHS students honor Huerta's name.

Students walkout in protest of Trump’s immigration crackdown

Oliver Kelley and Natalie St. Pierre
February 8, 2025
The San Buenaventura Mission, a staple of the Ventura community, serves as the stage for music performances and pictures. As crowds gather, the countdown starts. The tall Norfolk Christmas trees lit up the sky as the streets of downtown Ventura filled with holiday cheer on the night of Friday, Dec. 6. Guests enjoyed warm food and drinks on this eventful evening.

Celebrate the season: Ventura’s annual Christmas tree lighting

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter
December 13, 2024
The night on Friday the 29th at the Target on Main St. where exclusive items were still fully stocked, aisles empty and sales extending throughout the weekend. The end of Black Friday Frenzy marks a dramatic shift in holiday shopping, deals and savings.

The death of Black Friday: The end of retail’s biggest shopping day and the rise of Cyber-Monday

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter
December 3, 2024
The Mountain Fire ignited in the Somis area on Nov. 6, 2024. First responders rush to the scene as the fire blazes across Santa Paula causing mandatory evacuation orders. Just hours later, the fire was headed towards the Santa Clara River and over the South Mountains outside of Somis. This unexpected tragic event has left Ventura County in shock and rushing to support those who were affected by The Mountain Fire. The photo above was taken by Jancilyn Pettit from the top of Ridgecrest Dr. in west Santa Paula.

Ventura County “The Mountain Fire” burns over 14,000 acres

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter
November 7, 2024
Through the impressive exterior, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) provides students with a supportive community where students can grow socially and academically. Established in 2000 Foothill has encouraged and engaged the youth of Ventura. The modern look of Foothill Tech is a striking feature of the school which is a prevalent theme throughout the campus.

Foothill Technology High School: A high school that goes beyond the standards

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter
November 2, 2024
The Ventura community enjoys a delightful dining experience at Two Trees. Customers enjoy a nice meal and engage in lively conversation creating memories together. The restaurant's commitment to Ventura and their customers is evident throughout their service.

Two Trees Restaurant and Tap: A Ventura favorite local eatery is open for business again

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter
September 14, 2024
During lunch on Aug. 29, 2024, Assistant Principal, Frank Davis, read a bedtime story to a group of students. This went along with that day's theme, which was "Lofi-Chill". Blankets were set up so students could relax while listening to the story.

Students at Foothill Tech celebrate a “Year for the Records” with the first connection week of the 2024-2025 school year

Natalie St. Pierre, Reporter
August 31, 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
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Natalie St. Pierre