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
Lauren Kaller

Lauren Kaller, Multimedia Editor

6’4″ baller. 

All content by Lauren Kaller
On the chilly night of Dec. 6, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) faces Ventura High School (Ventura) in a non-league match, testing their skills and teamwork. Although ending in a 0-2 loss, the Dragons persevered throughout the night, putting pressure on Ventura with strong defense. Pictured above is Mikayla Pecchi '25 (number 8), who carefully navigates Ventura's defense, aiming to get the upper hand for her team. Although coming back from an injury, she remains a strong and essential player for the Dragons, both on defense and offense.

[Photo] Girls soccer fights hard against Ventura in non-league match

Peyton Fox, Reporter
December 8, 2024
Bella Efner ’25 receives Athlete of the Week for her ongoing remarkable girls cross country season, where she has displayed exceptional leadership and skill as one of the senior runners on the team. The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all her hard work in representing the school.

[Photo] Athlete of the Week: Isabella Efner

Kyra Bouchard, Reporter
November 19, 2024
Ryan Alderman '25 poses with her parents on her senior night. Her family celebrates with her, giving her flowers and praise for her senior season and her overall high school tennis career. As a senior, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community is honored to have her represent their program.

[Photo] The 2024 Democratic candidate and running mate

Jane Kim, Writer
October 14, 2024
The Dragons celebrate with each other after a well earned point and a long rally. Foothill Tech kept up their positive energy, even in the face of challenging sets and plays from Bonnie.

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

Audrey Szijj, Writer
October 3, 2024
Jaden Prillhart ’26 receives Athlete of the Week for his ongoing, remarkable cross country season, where he has displayed exceptional skill during the annual Gaucho Invitational at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all his hard work in representing the school and the sport itself.

[Photo] Athlete of the Week: Jaden Prillhart

Dane Dodos, Reporter
September 16, 2024
Matna 1631 is Ventura’s newest Korean restaurant. This place was opened by the owner of Sura, which serves Korean hot tofu soup, located in Oxnard, Calif. With Matna 1631’s grand opening on Jan. 30, 2024, the restaurant has been serving some of Korea’s favorite street food. From chicken wings and ramen to kimbap and bingsoo, this place will truly satisfy your cravings.

Matna 1631 stuns with a contemporary take on Korean cuisine

Lauren Kaller, Writer
August 21, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys basketball had an exceptionally good season, going deep into the playoffs. They placed first in the Frontier league with a record of 6-2 and an overall record of 16-14. Team captains, John Cassidy ‘24 and Daniel Ferrer ‘24 led the team to the California Scholastic Federation (CIF) quarter finals in Big Bear, where they finished off their season strong.

[Photo] Boys basketball

Nisha Reddy, Assignment Editor
June 11, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls’ volleyball team had a record of 2-8 in the Tri-Valley league and an overall record of 10-14. Team captains, Ashlyn Mullin ‘24 and Kaili Garrett ‘24, led the team to California Scholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs where they finished the season strong in the first round.

[Photo] Girls volleyball

Dane Dodos, Reporter
June 11, 2024
Bennett Rodman '26 receives Athlete of the Week for her remarkable track and field season, where she has displayed exceptional skills in multiple events, including hurdles, pole vault and high jump. She was the only female athlete to represent the school at the 2024 California Scholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Finals, where she placed second in high jump with a height of 5' 2". The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community appreciates all her hard work in representing the school.

[Photo] Athlete of the week: Bennett Rodman

Nisha Reddy, Reporter
May 24, 2024
As advance placement (AP) exams come to a close after two weeks, students begin to feel a sense of relief and can now relax as all of their hard work has paid off. For Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) all AP testing occurred at Ventura College's Wright Event Center and many students had to get there at an early time to take their exam, filling the sides of the streets with cars.

[Photo] The experiences of students through AP tests

Aubrey Alderman, Reporter
May 22, 2024
On the warm day of May 11, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) competes in a long day of running and field events at California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Finals. Foothill Tech boys make history, achieving the first CIF Finalist title with a combined point total of 33. Each of the seven boys that made it to CIF Finals earned points for the team and were able to place as one of the top six athletes on division four.

[Photo] Track and field makes program history at CIF finals

Julia Geib, Reporter
May 13, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) has been recently active in sports, such as baseball, swim and boys tennis. As spring athletics wind down, various athletes move on to California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), where they compete with the best in their divisions.

[Photo] Boys’ tennis defeats Downey to move on to round three of CIF

Conor White, Reporter
May 6, 2024
Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) Interact Club teams up with the wellness center to provide free resources for any student in need. Located in the wellness center, are grey baskets full of supplies. They store markers, pencils, pens, and notebooks for all of student's academic needs. They also have hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and feminine products.

[Photo] Student needs pantry: Interact Club provides support for students

Ella Asher, Reporter
April 24, 2024
On Feb. 29, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) baseball team, boys' volleyball team and girls' beach volleyball team faced opponents from St. Bonaventure, Oak Park and Fillmore. Beach volleyball and boys' indoor volleyball secured a win, while boys' baseball was forced to end in a tie.

[Photo] Foothill Tech athletes “leap” into competition

Chance Leandro, Conor White, Nisha Reddy, and Julia Geib
March 2, 2024
Cooper Casey '27 (number 5) sprints to catch a ball from St. Bonaventure's (St. Bonnie) batter, pushing to get the ball to second base for another out. Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) did particularly well in the outfield, catching many of St. Bonnie's hits.

[Photo] Boys’ baseball game goes lights out

Conor White, Reporter
March 2, 2024
Pedro Medrano '24 (number 14) kicks the ball up the field, after a great defensive stop. He looks for his open teammates, who aim to push the ball offensively and score another goal. The Panther’s were shut down by Dragon defenders, as they had little attempts at the goal.

[Photo] Boys’ soccer bests Polytechnic 2-1 to advance to the CIF semi finals

Chance Leandro, Reporter
February 19, 2024
Nathan Leedy ‘24 (number 12) dribbles after a defensive stop, looking for an open teammate on the other side of the field. Leedy had an strong defensive game for the Dragons breaking the rhythm of the Panther’s offensive on various occasions.

[Photo] Boys’ soccer season comes to a close after impress run to CIF semifinals

Chance Leandro and Conor White
February 19, 2024
Matheus Gamble '24 (number 10) pushed the ball down the field offensively, where the Dragons can look to score or pass to an open teammate. Although Laguna Beach High School (Laguna Beach),had strong defense throughout the game, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) persisted, getting multiple attempts to score.

[Photo] Boys’ soccer bests Laguna Beach 3-1 in second round of CIF

Chance Leandro, Reporter
February 12, 2024
On Feb. 9, 2024, the Associated Student Body (ASB) began the voting process of leadership elections for the upcoming school year. Although the actual voting is only one day, candidates spent the past week campaigning and convincing students to vote for them. Hailey Hall '25 and Max Fielder '25 both are running for senior class president.

[Photo] Foothill Tech students cast their votes at the annual ASB election

Ella Asher, Reporter
February 12, 2024
On Feb. 2, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) faced Grace Brethren High School (Grace Brethren) in a highly anticipated game celebrating the nine seniors on the team. Winning with a forfeit in the last 15 minutes from Grace Brethren, the Dragons scored 11 goals. Matheus Gamble '24 (number 10), the leading scorer of the game, had four goals. Merric Bayless '24 (number 9) scored three goals. Ricky Salinas ‘24 (number 30), Adam Al Warhani '24 (number 1), Nico Flores '24 (number 15) and Amar Atiah '26 (number 20) each scored one goal.

[Photo] Boys’ soccer forces Grace Brethren into forfeit on Senior Night

Chance Leandro, Reporter
February 4, 2024

Benchwarmers: Episode 3 (featuring boys’ basketball)

Lauren Kaller and Claire Hadley
February 1, 2024
On the rainy night of Jan. 17, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys' basketball takes on Grace Brethren High School (Grace Brethren) in a defensive 54-43 win. The top scorers of the game were two sophomores, Nick Drucker '26 (number 5) and Elijah Spencer '26 (number 42). Drucker had 16 points, three of which were 3-pointers. Spencer had 10 points, most of which were scored from the paint. On the defensive side, Luigirey Guce '25 (number 1) had multiple steals, leading to fast breaks that got the Dragons easy lay-ups. Although they scored only 21 points in the first half, Foothill Tech pushed past their slow start, ending the game with 22 points in the fourth quarter. Their next game is on Jan. 19, 2024, against Villanova Preparatory High School (Villanova).

Photo Essay: Boys’ basketball defends their home court against Grace Brethren in a 54-43 win

Lauren Kaller, Photographer
January 18, 2024
On the chilly night of Jan. 10, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys' basketball team started the new year strong, winning their first league game against the Thacher School (Thacher). Foothill Tech huddles up at the end of the first quarter with a quick motivational talk from their head coach Jamaal Brown. They lead the first quarter with a score of 11-10.

[Photo] Boys’ basketball shuts down Thacher in first league game

Conor White, Reporter
January 13, 2024
On the breezy afternoon of Dec. 14, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) varsity boys’ soccer takes on St. Bonaventure High School (St. Bonnie) in a victorious 9-0 win. The Dragons started out strong, taking the upper hand quickly and securing the win early on in the game. Merric Bayless ‘24 and Matheus Gamble ‘24 relentlessly pushed Foothill Tech’s offense, putting a great deal of pressure on St. Bonnie’s defenders and goalkeeper, eventually leading to multiple goals by the duo. Bayless and Gamble each scored three goals. Pedro Medrano ‘24, Diego Flores Orozco ’24 and Nico Flores ‘24 also each scored one goal. Foothill Tech hopes to continue their win streak in their upcoming games against Pacifica High School on Dec. 22, 2023 and Oxnard High School on Dec. 27, 2023.

Photo Essay: Boys’ soccer destroys St. Bonaventure 9-0 shutout

Lauren Kaller, Photographer
December 15, 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.

[Photo] Hidden Heroes: In recognition of Elizabeth “Liz” Prado

Jane Kim and Kalea Eggertsen
December 6, 2023
On the second installment of "Benchwarmers", Luigirey Guce '25 and Aiden Gomez '25 take on tennis so you don't have to. Watch this video to see the challenges and excitement that come with this sport.

Benchwarmers: Episode 2 (featuring girls’ tennis)

Lauren Kaller and Claire Hadley
December 5, 2023
On the chilly night of Nov. 20, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) played Buena High School (Buena) in a preseason game, eventually taking a hard loss of 5-0. Foothill Tech displayed excellent sportsmanship, congratulating their opponents for a good game. Many even exchange hugs and start conversations with their friends on Buena, while others encourage their teammates after a hard fought game.

[Photo] Boys’ soccer stomped on by Buena

Ian Toreja and Dane Dodos
November 25, 2023
On the first episode of "Benchwarmers," Luigirey Guce '25 and Aidan Gomez '25 take on golf so you don't have to. Watch the video to see the challenges and thrills that go along with the sport.

Benchwarmers: Episode 1 (featuring girls’ golf)

Lauren Kaller and Claire Hadley
October 21, 2023
On Oct. 11, 2023, the BioScience Academy’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) hosted a blood drive, teaming up with Vitalant, a non-profit organization serving those in need of blood. Alessia Saliby ‘24 sits with her legs propped up in one of Vitalant’s buses, squeezing a stress ball to help increase the flow of blood and making the withdrawal process quicker. Every single blood donation, like the one from Saliby, can save and improve the lives of up to three patients.

[Photo] Foothill Tech’s biannual blood drive saves up to 122 lives

Aubrey Alderman, Reporter
October 15, 2023
On Sept. 21, 2023, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) Girls Volleyball took a devastating loss of 3-1 in a league game against Bishop Diego High School. Students, Addi Fallon '25, Zac Crist '24 and Petra Falcocchia '24, show their support with colorful face paint. Many students also dressed to the theme of the game, which was cowboys and cowgirls.

[Photo] Girls’ volleyball beat by Bishop Diego 1-3 in hard fought game

Chance Leandro, Reporter
September 27, 2023
On Sept. 22, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) competed in their first Tri-County Athletic (TCAA) league meet. Foothill Tech races with five girls on varsity, including Danika Swanson-Rico '25, Bennett Rodman '26, Kalea Eggertsen '26, Emma Anderson '26 and Isabella Efner '25. They warm-up on the start line, exchanging words of encouragement and waiting for the queue to begin the race.

[Photo] Cross country starts off strong at first league meet of the 2023 season

Amber Duhs and Julia Brossia
September 24, 2023
Advanced Placement (AP) English and Language Composition is a challenging class to take. Teachers Jennifer Kindred and Richard Geib have a unique way of teaching their classes, providing an experience that students will never forget.

[Photo] A guide to Advanced Placement English Language and Composition

Jane Kim, Writer
September 11, 2023
With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, people flock from all over Southern Calif. to experience the unique shops and local cuisine of Linden Avenue. Being one of the main roads to the beach, Linden Avenue is a prime spot for opportunities for both artists and musicians alike. Many of the shops host live bands and the Carpinteria Arts Center helps to showcase the amazing talent of local creators. Discover more about Linden Avenue through this photo essay, which highlights some of the amazing small businesses and breaks down some of the local places of interest.

Exploring the culture of Linden Avenue: A visual guide

Lauren Kaller, Claire Hadley, and Olivia Mowad
September 6, 2023
Cole Dinkler ‘23 effortlessly vaults 14 feet nine inches on his first attempt, ranking him at the top spot in division four and fourth overall. His jump earned him a spot at CIF Masters, where he vaulted a height of 15 feet and placed fourth overall, which yet again allowed him to move on to the next round of CIF.

Humans of Foothill: Cole Dinkler

Lauren Kaller and Aidan Gomez
June 7, 2023
Click here to view a photo essay containing the various performances from Air Guitar 2023 (optimal viewing on desktop or sideways on a phone).

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

Caroline Hubner and Emma Ippolito
May 23, 2023
On May 12, 2023, fourth period AP Government and Economics participates in an outdoor activity to gain a better understanding of the relationships between workers, product and profit. As motivation to win, students race against the clock, hoping to beat the times of their peers in other class periods.

[Photo] A guide to Advanced Placement Government and Politics

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
May 20, 2023
Inspired by their hometown of Puebla, Mexico, Juan Lima and Monica Andrade founded The Taco Shop. As one of two locations, the local shop offers good quality food for on-the-go customers with quick service and welcoming smiles. Although the shop might be small, the menu is vast from tacos to tortas, offering a glimpse into traditional Mexican cuisine.

The Taco Shop: a tacotastic take on Mexican cuisine

Claire Hadley, Lauren Kaller, and Olivia Mowad
May 15, 2023
Inspired by the Humans of New York project, the Foothill Dragon Press aspires to highlight students pursing their unique passions and interests.

Humans of Foothill: Aidan Connelly

Lauren Kaller, Photographer
April 15, 2023
Foothill Technology High School's Drama Club performs "Murderous Crossing" in front of a captivated audience. Jessie Yalinkatian '23, who plays a detective, re-enacts a murder with a school-friendly prop as spectators laugh.

[Photo] “A wedding and a wake”: “Murderous Crossing” play brings a murder mystery to Foothill Tech

Ailanie Martinez, Reporter
April 3, 2023
Moons Thai Cuisine, a local restaurant located off of East Thompson Blvd., offers a wide variety of authentic Thai food. With a multitude of five star reviews, this local hole in the wall restaurant is the perfect place to dine with family and friends.

[Photo] Hidden Gems: Moons Thai Cuisine

Beatrice Barnes and Ruby Jenkins
March 17, 2023
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Lauren Kaller