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
After the recent rains, the hills of Ventura Calif. have exploded with vibrant flowers just in time for Earth Day. The bright, beautiful blooms have left their colorful marks on the hills adding to the already unique Ventura landscapes.

[Photo] Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
April 23, 2024
In the past few years, rather than opting for more traditional ways to get around town, pre-teens and teenagers around Ventura, Calif. have chosen electronic bikes (e-bikes) as their preferred mode of transportation. The rise of e-bikes in Ventura County has lead to some serious concerns among citizens in regard to how these newly popular motorized bicycles should be treated and which laws should apply to their use.

[Photo] The rise of e-bikes among middle and high school students in Ventura

Ella Asher, Reporter
March 27, 2024
March 8, 2024, marked the return of the well-known and highly-anticipated event: Night to Remember. Held at Ventura County Fairgrounds, Night to Remember served as a way for people to connect with those around them, while honoring those with disabilities. In this photo, one of the many guests walks down the red carpet waving at those around him, while his host enthusiastically helps him toward San Miguel Hall.

A Night to Remember returns to the Ventura Fairgrounds

Rihanna Samples, Writer
March 21, 2024
To keep up with the growing population of Ventura, Calif., the Ventura City Council voted in favor of expanding paid parking in the downtown area. As of May 1, 2024, many of the currently free parking places, including the parking structure on Santa Clara St., will cost $1.25 an hour.

[Photo] The changes in parking coming to Downtown Ventura

Aubrey Alderman, Reporter
March 20, 2024
Starting May 1, 2024, many of the free public parking around the busy downtown area in Ventura Calif. will start charging $1.25 per hour. The switch from free to paid parking has many Ventura residents concerned about how it will impact the shops and the overall atmosphere of downtown.

[Photo] Opinion: The increase of paid parking will be detrimental to downtown Ventura

Julia Brossia, Writer
March 23, 2024
On March 8 and March 9, 2024 the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) track and field team participated in the Ventura Distance Carnival and Spartan Relays. From distance races to 100 meter dashes to hurdles, the Dragon competitors gave it their all as they completed against teams from all over the county.

[Photo] Track and field dominates at Ventura Distance Carnival and Spartan Relays

Julia Geib, Assignment Editor
March 12, 2024
Emily Vasquez ’24 receives Athlete of the Week for her remarkable girls water polo season, where she has displayed exceptional skills as one of the two seniors on the water polo team. The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all her hard work in representing the school.

[Photo] Athlete of the Week: Emily Vasquez

Emilie Huovinen, Writer
March 12, 2024
In the aftermath of COVID-19 and the lockdowns that followed, schools struggled to get into the swing of things and return to a new sense of normalcy. This was seen directly with the graduation rates across the nation, and more closely across the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD). Of the class of 2023 in VUSD, 87.1% of students graduated, and here at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), 94.5%, which was lower than the graduation rates previous to the shutdown. That being said, the graduation rates are continuing to grow, leaving hope for the future.

[Photo] Graduation rates: How do VUSD schools compare?

Paula Gonzalez, Writer
March 4, 2024
With an emphasis on connection, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) had its annual Kindness Week spanning from Feb. 12 to Feb. 15. The Associated Student Body (ASB) had daily activities for students including decorating the halls with hundreds of color-coordinated hearts with students’ names for Valentine’s Day.

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

Aubrey Alderman, Reporter
February 18, 2024
On their way to the locker room, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys’ basketball team jumped into the air with excitement written on their faces. After a fast-paced game, where Foothill Tech remained in the lead throughout, the boys celebrated their win. With this victory, they secured their spot in the next round of California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

[Photo] Boys’ basketball demolishes Serrano in second round of CIF

Dane Dodos, Reporter
February 13, 2024
The Foothill Dragon Press videographers Sofia Patino 25 and Fiona Aulenta 26 return in the fifth edition of “The Talk of the Lair”. New editors-in-chief Rihanna Samples 25 and Julia Geib 25 join the duo in discussing plans for the future of the Foothill Dragon Press.

The Talk of the Lair: Upcoming editors-in-chief

Sofia Patiño, Fiona Aulenta, Julia Geib, and Rihanna Samples
February 13, 2024
With anticipation, thousands of Americans gather around their televisions to watch the San Fransisco 49ers match up against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.

[Photo] Super Bowl LVIII: Who are the Dragons supporting?

Chance Leandro, Reporter
February 11, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls waterpolo matched up against Villanova Preparatory School (Villanova) in a highly anticipated match to honor their seniors. Foothill Tech started off strong by winning the initial sprint to the ball, followed by immediate goals from Lauren Happle ‘26 and Alice Costa-Schmidt ‘25. That intensity was continued throughout the whole game as Foothill Tech finished with a winning score of 21-7.

[Photo] Girls’ water polo dominates Villanova on Senior Night 21-7

Ian Toreja, Reporter
February 4, 2024
As all five winter sports seasons slowly wind down, each team planned a game to honor and commemorate their senior athletes for their hard work and dedication to the program. Each Senior Night was unique but shared the common thread of celebration. Follow along for some comprehensive coverage of the conclusion of the boys’ and girls’ soccer and basketball seasons, along with girls water polo.

[Photo] Winter sports Senior Night retrospective

Chance Leandro, Conor White, Dane Dodos, and Ian Toreja
February 5, 2024
FDP-TV is back with the highly anticipated eighth installment of season two. Tune in for coverage on the Wellness Centers way of helping students cope with finals, soccer and basketball recaps, as well as other upcoming articles to keep an eye out for.

FDP-TV: Season 2, Episode 8

Jenna Ostrom, Nisha Reddy, Julia Geib, Isheeta Pal, and Rihanna Samples
January 19, 2024
Continuing their annual tradition, Food Share of Ventura County organized their holiday can-tree drive to support the struggling members of the community. Joining together to make a difference, members of the Ventura community gather in front of the Ventura Mission downtown to build can trees out of hundreds of donated cans. With free creative liberty, organizations from all over the city decorated their trees with different fun themes. All of the cans used for the trees were then donated to Food Share and distributed to over 267,000 Ventura County residents who are in need of extra food during the holiday season.

Fighting food scarcity one can at a time: Food Share’s annual can tree drive

Rihanna Samples, Writer
December 14, 2023
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

Ella Asher, Reporter
November 16, 2023

[Video] Cross Country League Finals: Photo Essay

Rihanna Samples, Photographer
November 6, 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.

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

Maggie Lay, Reporter
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”

Rihanna Samples, Writer
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

Ian Toreja, Reporter
October 19, 2023
In the morning of Sept. 23, 2023, members of the Ventura County Community gathered together at the Collection in Oxnard, Calif. to celebrate and support those with Alzheimers and other dementia. Hosted by the Alzheimers Association, the Walk to End Alzheimers event was a huge success raising over $107,000 towards ending Alzheimers, along with connecting the community.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Photo Essay

Rihanna Samples, Photographer
September 30, 2023
At the Olivas Links Golf Course, on Sept. 21, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls golf team faced off in a league match against Bishop Diego. The Dragons played well and won the match with an overall score of 249-303. Pictured above, Maddie Wicks 26 concentrates as she putts her ball toward the pin, finishing hole five with three over par.

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

Julia Geib, Sports Editor
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

Camilla Lewis and Rihanna Samples
September 18, 2023
On the afternoon of Sept. 14, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls golf faced off against La Reina at the Olivas Links Golf Course. Maddie Wicks ‘26 tees it up with hopes of sticking it close to pin and hopefully having a birdie opportunity. Wicks finished hole six with a double bogey and finished the entire course with a 56.

[Photo] Foothill Tech defeats La Reina in league match

Dane Dodos and Ian Toreja
September 16, 2023
On the evening of Sept. 6, 2023, Counting Crows performed the 46th show in their Banshee Season Tour at the Youtube Theater. The audience was full of people both young and old — the original fans and newer ones — with the shared love of the iconic 90s band. Voices sang along as the band put together the perfect set list with some of their well-known songs and a few hidden gems, along with mixing in covers of other artists such as Taylor Swift.

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

Rihanna Samples, Writer
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

Ella Asher, Maggie Lay, Bailey Basurto, and Aubrey Alderman
August 24, 2023
Foothill Technology High School’s boys’ varsity waterpolo team fights against the challenging Buena offense. Although they played hard, Buena crushed them with a final score of 20-4.

[Photo] Boys’ water polo

Chance Leandro, Reporter
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

Chance Leandro, Reporter
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

Theo Kayser, Reporter
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

Theo Kayser, Reporter
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

Sam Noah, Reporter
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

Julia Geib, Reporter
June 18, 2023
On the eventful afternoon of June 14, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) seniors and their family and friends gathered together at Ventura College to celebrate the class of 2023’s graduation. With joy on their faces, some seniors threw their caps in the air while others embraced each other, excited to move on from high school to the next journey waiting for them, whether that be college, trade school or simply taking a gap year.

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

Ruby Jenkins and Ella Asher
June 16, 2023
On the cloudy day of May 19, 2023, students waited with anticipation for the annual Air Guitar show. Featuring various creative acts, ranging from singing and playing instruments to complicated dance numbers, it was a fun filled day for everyone. In the image, Dan Baker, dressed in an outfit inspired by Harry Styles and his son Miles Baker 23 showed their love for the artist through their performance of “Adore You” by Harry Styles. Taking the lead, Dan Baker sang and played piano while Miles Baker played bass and sang backup.

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

Caroline Hubner and Emma Ippolito
May 23, 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 wasnt enough to beat the Laguna Blanca Owls. In the photo above, Sean Scampone 23 (number 7) reaches in the air getting ready to tip the ball over the two Laguna Blanca blockers. Behind Scampone, Owen Houston 23 (number 8) is ready to cover in case the Owls send the ball back over.

[Photo] Boys’ volleyball spiked on by Laguna Blanca

Chance Leandro, Reporter
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

Aidan Gomez, Photographer
May 2, 2023
On April 21, 2023, Foothill Tech students united to show their support for anti-racism and inclusivity. Led through the Girl Up Club, students were encouraged to wear black on Friday, April 21 in order to stand up against incidents on campus involving hateful language. The idea behind wearing a unified color was to show students who may feel bullied or ostracized that Foothill is a school for everyone and everyone should feel like they belong on campus. From wearing all black to choosing black accessories, the majority of Foothill showed their support creating a positive impact against racism and exclusivity.

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

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
April 25, 2023
On March 17, 2023, Foothill Techs ASB put together the annual spring Ren Rally; with this years falling on St. Patricks 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.

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

Maggie Lay and Ella Asher
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

Rihanna Samples, Photographer
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

Rihanna Samples, Photographer
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]

Juana Vega sits in her office, smiling at the camera while holding the sign given to her for National School Counseling Week. Many students, and parents as well, came together and filled out nice notes for the counselors that were then printed out and put on a sign for each of the four counselors, showing the school’s appreciation.

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

Amber Duhs and Rihanna Samples
February 24, 2023
On the night of of Feb. 8, 2023, the girls soccer team faced off against Filmore High School for the first round of CIF games. Lily Shadden 23 (number 17) fights to keep the soccer ball in bounds while her defender closes in. After receiving the pass, Shadden dribbles the ball down the field making a crucial offensive play, hoping to score a goal for the Dragons in the first half.

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

Emma Ippolito, Assignment Editor
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

Sam Noah and Chance Leandro
February 8, 2023
On Jan. 31, 2023, the boys basketball team gathered together to celebrate their seniors in a game against Laguna Blanca. In the photo, Owen Houston 23 hugs his parents as they pose for a photo with the dragon mascot during the senior ceremony.

[Photo] Boys’ basketball

Sam Noah and Nisha Reddy
February 8, 2023
On the night of Jan. 31, 2023, girls soccer gathered together to play their cross-town rival, St. Bonaventure High School. In the photo, the Dragons watch anxiously as the ball soars through the air, hoping that it will fly past the goalie and straight into the goal.

[Photo] Girls’ soccer

Sam Noah and Theo Kayser
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
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Rihanna Samples