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
Rihanna Samples

Rihanna Samples, Multimedia Editor

A junior who is constantly looking at the world through the lens of a camera.

All content by Rihanna Samples
Freshman at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) During their F.I.R.E. class students also have the opportunity to travel to another classroom to work with their fellow classmates on school projects or homework assignments. Before traveling to another class, freshmen are expected to ask permission and sign out from their teacher or their leader.

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

November 16, 2023

[Video] Cross Country League Finals: Photo Essay

Rihanna Samples, Photographer
November 6, 2023
As it is a common tradition of Día de los Muertos, loteria boards were passed out to any participant who wanted to join in and play the game. Illuminated by flashlights to help see the boards better, everyone was able to connect over laughter and shared stories, while they worked to complete their loteria boards.

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

November 5, 2023
Released on Sept. 29, 2023, Autumn Variations is Ed Sheerans newest album that is perfect for the fall season. With a combination of upbeat love songs and slower more serious songs, it provides a refreshing balance of the different emotions one might experience while going through life. Sheeran tackles some of the most difficult aspects of growing up in an album that, while sharing certain similarities to his earlier songs, is very mundane and different than his previous music.

Album Anatomy: “Autumn Variations”

October 29, 2023
Ashlyn Mullin 24 (number 10) spiked the ball over the net, watching as it soared above the head of her opponent. Mullins impressive front row spikes, along with her back row digs and hits, proved that she was an all-around impressive player and a vital member of the girls volleyball team.

[Photo] Athlete of the week: Ashlyn Mullin

October 19, 2023
Click on image above to view an Adobe Spark photo essay. Photographer Rihanna Samples captures the emotions of all supporters enjoying a fun-filled fundraiser.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Photo Essay

September 30, 2023
After a few practice putts, Zoe Bellanca 24 lines herself up to get into the best position to putt her ball toward the pin. Hole seven proved particularly hard to Bellanca as she putted four over the par.

[Photo] Recap: Girls’ golf takes Bishop Diego 249-303

September 24, 2023
Jessica Krivobarski 24 (number 6) and Malia Gray ‘24 (number 9) jump up to the net, trying to block the incoming spike from the opponent, in hopes of slamming the ball back onto Cates court. Charlis Swezy ‘27 waits behind them ready to cover in case the ball comes over their block.

Girls’ volleyball endures a hard loss against Cate

September 18, 2023
Piper Singleton ‘24 putts her ball closer to the hole, making her the first golfer to finish that round. Singleton met par for this hole and finished with a total score of 40 out of the courses par 36.

[Photo] Foothill Tech defeats La Reina in league match

September 16, 2023
The complete set list of the night featured 21 songs, a mixture of original and cover versions. It was the perfect combination of slow songs such as Colorblind and faster, more upbeat songs such as Mr. Jones or Omaha.

Counting Crows proves that they’re still “Hanginaround” with their impressive Banshee Season Tour

September 13, 2023
20 years after the initial film, the 2003 movie, The Haunted Mansion is given a revisit. With its release, movie critic Rihanna Samples gives her thoughts on this spooky delight.

Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” is a frightfully fun movie for all

Rihanna Samples, Multimedia Editor
September 1, 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.

[Photo] “Lights, Camera, Action!” Dragons strut the red carpet into the 2023-2024 school year

August 24, 2023
Ethan Ortiz ’24 was put at a disadvantage when Buena’s offense was able to strategically maneuver around Foothill’s defense and take a shot on goal.

[Photo] Boys’ water polo

June 14, 2023
On the night of April 12, 2023, the Dragons honored their senior players while hosting the Laguna Blanca School. Hoping to secure a win on Senior Night and end their league losing streak, the Dragons played hard, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to beat the Laguna Blanca Owls.

[Photo] Boys’ volleyball

June 14, 2023
Esmi Casarez 23 drives toward the basket, getting in front of her defender, hoping to make a wide-open layup while her teammates watch in anticipation.

[Photo] Girls’ basketball

June 18, 2023
Sam Noah 23 (number 33) shoots a three pointer over Channel Islands relentless defense. Noah played a vital role in the Dragons offense and team spirit.

[Photo] Boys’ basketball

June 18, 2023
Taylor Listen ‘24 and Maddie Wicks ‘26 fight against the defensive player in order to gain control of the ball and make a successful offensive play.

[Photo] Girls’ soccer

June 18, 2023
Morgan Houston 25 (number two) prepares to set Alia Guerrero 23, who approaches eager to spike the ball and score for the Dragons.

[Photo] Girls’ volleyball

June 18, 2023
Ava West ‘23 holds her diploma high in the air showing it off to her family and friends in the crowd. Grinning proudly, she, along with all of her fellow seniors, walk down the row back to their seats, eager to celebrate their new chapter.

[Photo] Graduation 2023: A heartfelt goodbye to the last four years

June 16, 2023
After an exciting day, full of amazing performances, the judges had the tough choice of figuring out the top three winners along with choosing the Fan Favorite. The winners received different types of gift cards along with stuffed dragons to show school spirit.

[Photo] Dragons celebrate Air Guitar 2023 like “diamonds in the sky”

May 23, 2023
After the Dragons received a tough serve and made a successful back-row dig, Tyler Jorden 23 (number 10) gets ready to make the perfect set to Sam Noah 23 (number 13). Noah waits for the opportune moment to start his hitting approach so he can slam the ball, hopefully earning the Dragons another point.

[Photo] Boys’ volleyball spiked on by Laguna Blanca

May 16, 2023
Esmi Casarez ‘23 was the point guard for the Foothill girls basketball team, and through her leadership and skill it is obvious how much she loves and cares about basketball. From the friendships it creates, to just the excitement of being on the court, basketball holds a special place in her heart.

[Photo] Humans of Foothill: Esmi Casarez

May 2, 2023
In the blazing heat during lunch on April 21, 2023, students lined up in the quad for a refreshing water balloon toss that connected students of all grades. It was a friendly competition that brought smiles to everyone participating and really promoted inclusivity on campus. It fit the theme of the day perfectly by providing students with a fun activity that everyone could participate in.

[Photo] Foothill Tech supports anti-racism amidst spreading stereotype

April 25, 2023
On March 14, 2023, Spencer Kellogg, Claire Adams and Jennifer Kindred were the three judges of the Pi Day pie competition. Due to the rain, the competition was held inside, but many students still came to admire the artistically decorated pies and see who would win the competition. In the photo below, the three judges deliberate and compare notes in an attempt to come to the final solution of the top three tastiest pies.

[Photo] Dragons enjoy an exciting Renaissance Rally and spirit week

March 21, 2023
Hailey Hall 25, an avid dancer at the Ballet Academy of Ventura since she was five-years-old, gracefully spreads her arms wide and poses on pointe in a sous-sus in the front courtyard of City Hall.

Humans of Foothill: Hailey Hall

March 17, 2023
After his original mural was painted over, Evan Mendels new mural on the wall of Sivan Windows and Doors is a visual representation of how important murals are to a community. It shows the lengths a community will go to in order to preserve public art and support public artists.

Peeling away the paint: Discovering the importance of murals in the Ventura community

March 14, 2023
Claire Hadley 24 and Natalie Schermer 24 share their unique stories about how theyve struggled with and learned to accept all aspects of their ethnicity. Their personal testimonies reframe the common beliefs about ethnicity and can be relatable for readers who find themselves in a similar situation.

[Photo]

Steve Boyd proudly displays the poster made for him in honor of National School Counseling Week on the wall outside of his office. Compiled on the poster are many different kind words and notes of thankfulness from both students and parents. At the bottom of the poster, a student taped their personalized message to Boyd showing how much they care and appreciate him as a counselor.

Helping students dream big: School counselors and their importance to the Foothill Tech community

February 24, 2023
Tyler Hickerson 26 (number 10) rushes to the ball, beating her defender and getting ready to pass it to a teammate. Throughout the game, Hickerson was a vital offensive player, especially in the second half when she scored the first goal for the Dragons.

[Photo] Girls’ soccer manages to overpower Fillmore in first round of CIF playoffs in a close 2-1 game

February 10, 2023
On the night of Jan. 31, 2023, celebrating the Dragon seniors, the girls basketball faced off against Santa Clara High School. In the photo, Esmi Casarez 23 and Olivia Huynh 23 gather in the middle of the court high-fiving each other to get themselves pumped up before the game.

[Photo] Girls’ basketball

February 8, 2023
During the first half of the game, Sam Noah 23 (number 33) fights through two defenders, trying to get to the basket to make the shot. He was fouled midair and then had to shoot two free throws.

[Photo] Boys’ basketball

February 8, 2023
Halfway through the second half, Lily Shadden 23 (number 17) chases after the ball, racing against a St. Bonaventure player. She hopes to gain control of the ball and pass it to a teammate to get it closer to the goal.

[Photo] Girls’ soccer

February 8, 2023
Students in Claire Adams fourth period Ethnic Studies and Social Justice class look at their computers intently as they learn about counter-hegemony. It is important concepts like this one that the class gets to dissect, allowing them to dive deeper into the struggles that different minorities in the United States have faced in the past.

Exploring Electives: A guide to Ethnic Studies and Social Justice

Rihanna Samples, Writer
February 8, 2023
On the night of Jan. 18, 2023, boys basketball competes in a fierce game against Grace Brethren, winning by a final score of 57-45. Students from the stands cheer him on as Nick Drucker 26 shoots a wide open three-pointer from the corner. His defender screams, hoping to distract his shot.

Boys’ basketball wins second league game against Grace Brethren

Nisha Reddy and Rihanna Samples
January 23, 2023
On Dec. 16, 2022, the Foothill Technology High School boys basketball team faced off against Pacifica High School for an intense basketball game resulting in a loss for the Dragons. Featured above, Aidan Gomez 25 looks for an open teammate to inbound the ball to before his five-second time limit is over.

Boys’ basketball sustains hard-fought loss against Pacifica (photo essay)

January 8, 2023
Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 12.29.52 AM

Girls’ basketball wins nail-biting battle against St. Bonaventure (photo essay)

January 8, 2023
After a long class period, Mr. Fitz, the well-known AP United States History teacher, sits behind his desk and looks intently at his computer to give his student, Jack Pankratz ‘24, a clarification about an assignment.

[Photo] A guide to Advanced Placement United States History

December 4, 2022
Posed in front of a Christmas tree are tamales and a mug full of Abuelita hot chocolate in honor of Aliana Hantgins’ ‘25 Christmas tradition of eating a home-cooked breakfast with her family. Although it isn’t the full meal that Hantgin described, the tamales and hot chocolate were still a tribute to Hantgins’ tradition and upon tasting them, they were an excellent combination of flavors.

Foothill Tech’s favorite winter traditions

December 2, 2022
Owen Houston 23 (number 0) reaches towards the basket and releases the ball for a wide-open layup, hoping to score some much-needed points for the Dragons in the fourth quarter. Fans in the audience cheer loudly as the ball inches toward the basket.

[Photo] Brutal fourth quarter beatdown costs boys’ basketball the win against Channel Islands

November 26, 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.

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

November 21, 2022
While driving down Kimball Road, more colorful signs are spread throughout the grass showcasing some of the many people running for Ventura City Council and other various offices throughout Ventura. Two different candidates who are both running to be the representative of District 5 on Ventura City Council, Bill McReynolds and Marie Lakin, have signs placed close to each other, causing voters to wonder which candidate they should vote for.

[Photo] Student voters: The future of America

November 8, 2022
The boys water polo team fights through exhaustion while treading water for a majority of the game. They are captured here competing with Buena High School, a game in which they played vigorously.

[Photo] Boys’ water polo meets season end in CIF competition against Buena High School

November 7, 2022
In front of their swamp-themed trunk, seniors Linda Manzo ‘23, Madison Thompson ‘23, Jasmine Guzman ‘23 and Kelsy Randall ‘23 show off their Shrek-inspired costumes while handing out waffles and candy to students who are dressed up for Halloween.

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

November 2, 2022
Students at the Fear Factor booth blindly reach into red jello in search of small objects.

[Photo] A spooky feel drifts into Foothill Tech during Halloween-themed Renaissance Rally

October 18, 2022
Adrianna and Isabella Rodriguez 23 pose with their parents, holding gifts honoring them on Senior Night.

[Photo] Girls’ volleyball suffers a loss in thrilling battle against Grace Brethren on Senior Night

October 16, 2022
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