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
Kalea Eggertsen

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer

im not like other girls

All content by Kalea Eggertsen
Who doesn’t love curling up with a good book? 2024 has gifted us with a plethora of new literary options for us to get our hands on, from bestselling authors like Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Lauren Roberts, Holly Black and Han Kang. Tag along with writers Kalea Eggertsen and Jane Kim as they discuss the best of these newly published works, including “Games Untold”, “Reckless”, “The Prisoner’s Throne” and "Human Acts".

Best of 2024: Books

Kalea Eggertsen and Jane Kim
January 9, 2025
2025 has begun! And with that, it's now time for us to look back on 2024 and remember all that has come to pass. Join the Foothill Dragon Press's writing section as we review a variety of popular topics from the year, ranging from albums and movies to fashion trends and books. It's sure to bring back memories from the past year and let us appreciate all the change and excitement we've experienced.

Best of 2024: A year in review

Emmanuel Takaya, Lyla Huff, Audrey Szijj, Morgan Houston, Jane Kim, Amber Duhs, Layla Solomon, Julia Brossia, Oliver Kelley, Ruby Jenkins, Kalea Eggertsen, and Kellen Spears
January 9, 2025
Is religion an outlet through which one may express their faith in something holy, or is it merely a social construct fabricated by humans to establish some meager semblance of control in an otherwise turbulent world? This is the question at the heart of Scott Beck’s and Bryan Wood’s thought-provoking thriller film, “Heretic”, released in theaters on Nov. 8, 2024. Starring Hugh Grant as the movie’s sinister antagonist, the film follows the story of two young missionaries who are trapped in a series of terrifying trials designed to test their faith.

The haunting arrival of A24’s “Heretic” introduces audiences to a new level of existential dread

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
December 20, 2024
Head custodian, Todd Walker, a Hidden Hero at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), goes above and beyond to keep our campus clean and safe for students and his staff. His dedication and hard work is often taken for granted, but is deeply appreciated by all.

Hidden Heroes Season 2: In appreciation of Todd Walker

Jane Kim and Kalea Eggertsen
December 16, 2024
"Wicked" first went on Broadway on October 3, 2008. It was a smash hit and went on to continue to perform for the next 20 years with no end in sight. It was clear people loved it so when it was a live action adaption was announced and no one was surprised. "Wicked" the movie released in theaters November 22, 2024, and was, again, another huge hit. It made $366 million on a $150 million budget. With a 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it is certified fresh. And with Wicked Part 2 coming in 2025, this is a must watch movie.

Behind the scenes of “Wicked”: 2024’s long-awaited musical shatters box office records

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
December 15, 2024
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.

What’s going on with Stranger Things Season 5?

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
October 28, 2024
Since sports have been around (forever) there has been misogyny, no matter how small or how blatant. It has been proven that, yes, male athletes have a physical advantage. They out perform female athletes, in a similar training states, by about 10-30%. Female athletes also claim that their period can effect how they perform. It has been disproved that a woman´s menstrual cycle negatively effects their performance physically, but it can also effect their emotional well being. It can be harder for female athletes to keep a good attitude and stay positive when on their periods.

Through a rocky past: The dilemma of the female athlete

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
October 15, 2024
Since the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, students in Richard Geib's Advanced Placement Government and Politics (AP Gov) class have been preparing for the annual mock elections. Simulating the real election process, three candidates from each period run for the Republican, Democratic and Green Party respectively, vying to see who will be victorious and win the vote of the people.

Civil participation: Class of 2025 holds annual mock election

Emmanuel Takaya and Kalea Eggertsen
October 8, 2024
Written by bestselling author Colleen Hoover, "It Ends With Us" is a popular novel in the romance genre that explores topics of domestic violence and abuse. Despite Hoover’s portrayal of such subjects being the center of much controversy on BookTok, TikTok and YouTube, the book has sold more than 8 million digital and print copies since its publishing in 2016. In 2024, "It Ends With Us" was adapted into a major motion picture directed by Justin Baldoni, starring award-winning actress Blake Lively in the leading role as the novel’s conflicted protagonist, Lily Bloom. The film was released in theaters on Aug. 9, 2024, heralding a new wave of backlash from Hoover’s critics as well as praise from the book’s die-hard fans.

It Ends With Us: Accurate or glamorized portrayal of domestic violence?

Kalea Eggertsen and Julia Geib
September 27, 2024
With the first part released on July 18, 2024, season six of the show "Cobra Kai" is set to be released in three parts on Netflix. Each part contains one set of five episodes, making a total of 15 episodes within the season with the third part releasing in 2025. The show is primarily focused on martial arts, along with being a sequel to the original "The Karate Kid" films created by Robert Mark Kamen that were released from 1984 to 1994.

Part one of “Cobra Kai” season 6 kicks its way into Netflix

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
September 13, 2024
The top ten most banned books of 2024 all follow similar trends of either containing LGBTQIA+ content, being sexually explicit or accommodating themes of drugs or violence.

Into the pages: Investigating the rising cases of book bans

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
August 20, 2024
As the influence of the digital age continues to be a well discussed topic, the newest generation, generation Alpha, has been raised in this era of technology and connectivity. Born between the years of 2010 to 2024, children born in this era often have access to screens very early, raising some questions about their behaviors as they continue to age.

Satire: The impending horrors of Generation Alpha

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
May 10, 2024
Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) success is powered by multiple teachers and staff. Jean Barrett is in her second school year at Foothill Tech as the school support secretary. She ensures that each student has their paperwork finalized. Behind the scenes on campus, Barrett assists the assistant principal with tracking students behavior and validates students absences and tardiness. Each year, Barrett helps out with the annual state testing making sure everything is run smoothly. On the Foothill Tech website all recent updates and news are published by this hidden hero.

Hidden Heroes: Highlighting the indispensable role of Jean Barrett

Jane Kim and Kalea Eggertsen
May 7, 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.

Navigating IVF: Challenges in Alabama’s reproductive landscape

Kalea Eggertsen, Bailey Basurto, and Audrey Szijj
April 13, 2024
The arrival of the Promethean boards has affected staff and students of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) in many different ways, whether that be positively, negatively or a little bit of both. Essentially bulky TV screens on wheels with many features allowing users to draw, annotate and share their screens, these boards have often been seen as a replacement for projectors as well as whiteboards. Is this a good or bad thing? How will it influence the learning experience of students? Stay tuned to learn more about how this new technological upgrade will forever alter the future of education.

The Promethean board: Teacher’s perspectives on Foothill Tech’s latest technological upgrade

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
April 1, 2024
“Caraval”, author Stephanie Garber’s debut novel, sparks all kinds of different feelings from reviewers. With conflicting themes of love, sacrifice and the blurred lines of reality, the book is still up for debate nine years after its original publishing date.

“Caraval”: This generation’s whirlwind of conflicting themes

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
March 9, 2024
The evolution of stories has taken place over thousands of years — from the earliest tale passed orally from generation to generation, to the modern movies, TV shows and books we cannot seem to live without. How have these things adapted, and what are we reading now? You may be surprised that all stories share one thing in common — stick around to find out just what makes our world as magical as it is today.

Into the pages: A brief lesson on stories and why we read them

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
February 21, 2024
Lori Walker, the head lunch lady of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), is a vital part of the community, helping run the school cafeteria from her small yet influential office located at the heart of Foothill Tech’s Spirito Hall. She welcomes everyone with a kind smile and charming personality, always willing to help anyone in need. She is such a vital part of the Foothill Tech community and can be easily considered one of Foothill Tech’s Hidden Heroes.

Hidden Heroes: Illuminating Lori Walker

Jane Kim and Kalea Eggertsen
February 16, 2024
According to Wordstrated, 76% of authors are white, reserving the last fourth for authors of a differing ethnic background despite the supposed "bias" toward diversity. However, the remaining 24% continues to grow by the decade.

The dilemma of the modern publishing industry

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
February 2, 2024
2023 was a year to remember! Join the Foothill Dragon Press's writing section as they discuss popular topics such as movies, concerts, video games, books and fashion, along with year-shaping events at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech). The Best of 2023 series has everything from old favorites to newcomers.

Best of 2023: A year in review

Ruby Jenkins, Camilla Lewis, Isheeta Pal, Beatrice Barnes, Julia Brossia, Amber Duhs, Paula Gonzalez, Emilie Huovinen, Kelly Quinn, Layla Solomon, Audrey Szijj, Kalea Eggertsen, and Jane Kim
January 1, 2024
Literature is a consistent influence in the lives of many people. It comes in many forms, including books loved by people all across the world. Looking at the year of 2023, writers Kalea Eggertson and Jane Kim reflect on books from throughout the previous year.

Best of 2023: Books

Jane Kim and Kalea Eggertsen
December 31, 2023
Elizabeth "Liz" Prado, the office manager of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), is a vital part of the community, helping run the school from her small yet influential office located at the heart of Foothill Tech's administration building. She welcomes everyone with a kind smile and charming personality, always willing to help everyone in need. She is such a vital part of our community and can be easily considered as one of Foothill Tech's hidden heroes.

Hidden Heroes: In recognition of Elizabeth “Liz” Prado

Jane Kim and Kalea Eggertsen
December 6, 2023
'Tis the season to enjoy the wonders of the holidays, and what a better way to start it off than digging into some great books? From romance to mystery, writer Kalea Eggertsen has some wonderful book recommendations to start off your holiday with a blast.

Five magical books to add to your reading list for the holidays

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
December 1, 2023
The American taboo of horse meat has already been addressed on the Foothill Dragon Press in the form of an opinion article written by Dane Dodos. However, that's only one side of the argument that could be made on if horse meat should be introduced into the American diet. Unite with writer Kalea Eggertsen against Dane Dodos as she saddles up to provide a more stable suggestion to the dispute.

Opinion: Quit “horsin’ around” and saddle for a more stable idea

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
November 28, 2023
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students hold up their hands during the song "Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus at the A Nightmare on Day Road dance. The evening of Nov. 3, 2023 was filled with fun and excitement for every student in attendance.

A Nightmare on Day Road creeps in to conclude Foothill Tech’s spooky season

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
November 6, 2023
A brief look at how much sleep you should be getting by age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Act now: The dangers of cognitive decline and five simple things you can do to prevent it

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
October 28, 2023

Hidden Heroes: The story of Johnny Garcia

Kalea Eggertsen and Jane Kim
October 6, 2023
The three cakes that were reviewed were Lemon, Pumpkin Spice and Red Velvet all topped with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting.

A dive into Nothing Bundt Cakes: America’s largest specialty cake company

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
September 20, 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.

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

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
September 2, 2023
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Kalea Eggertsen