Community service is a simple act that contributes to the bigger picture. Not only does community service look good on college applications and job resumes, but it also strengthens bonds within communities and brings individuals together around a common goal. Many non-profit organizations in Ventura offer Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students a variety of opportunities to get involved in projects that may unlock new passions and career pathways.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood featured a haunted house maze themed around the three-movie Terrifier franchise, one of the most popular horror movie series in the past 10 years. Art the Clown, the black-and-white slasher of the films, has exploded in popularity, too. At the event, the Terrifier maze was full of Art the Clown scare actors interacting with brutal scenes from the movies as well as original creations. The walkthrough was immersive, with scented rooms and water effects to mimic blood squirting. Although the Terrifier house is one of the busiest throughout the night, there are seven other mazes, rides, scare zones and lots of fun to be had at Halloween Horror Nights.

Scattered throughout the Universal Studios park are four scare zones: areas where guests can walk by scare actors and small set pieces or props. Located near the front of the park is the Carnival of Carnage scare zone, themed around clowns and the carnival. Actors were dressed in clown outfits with chainsaws, giant hammers and creepy makeup as they jumped out at guests.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a nationally recognized global movement to raise awareness for breast cancer and encourage early detection through screening. Lasting annually through the duration of October, it dates back to 1985, when the first organized attempt to put the subject in national light within the United States was made through a deal between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries. This deal entailed establishing a week-long awareness week that eventually turned into a whole month of promoting early detection, routine screening, research and supporting breast cancer survivors. Since then, the campaigns have multiplied greatly, and the pink ribbon has become a powerful symbol of support for those who have fought breast cancer. On Oct. 15, 2025, HOSA members within the Bioscience Academy at Foothill Tech organized and held trivia games and other activities to help spread awareness and support.

On October 31, people set out bowls of candy and await the sound of the doorbell. Halloween, a holiday celebrated by many, has roots in ancient Celtic traditions, while modern traditions can be tied to media like television and films. Many movies depict Halloween as occurring on a night with a full moon; however, according to NASA, Halloween typically falls on a full moon only about once every 19 years. Halloween has turned into a consumer-based holiday, rather than a festival for the harvest. According to the National Research Federation, the average spending on candy could reach $13.1 billion in 2025.

How are the Dragons of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) celebrating Halloween? This holiday is rich with different cultures coming together and creating something new. Everyone celebrates in their own way, but classic Dragon favorites are watching scary movies, trick-or-treating and hanging out with friends.

Saanvi Joshi ‘26 takes a shot from the service line with intent in her step. After four years of playing for the Dragons, Joshi has risen to the top of the roster as the line one singles player. Her consistent shots and powerful serves earned her 6-0 in her first two matches and a 6-1 in her third match on senior night.

Bari Davis ’28 prepares to drive a backhand into the opposing court. In her second year on the girls varsity tennis team, Davis has advanced from playing doubles to the third seat position among the singles players.

Aarna Khanavkar ‘26 and Violet Polley ‘26 tap rackets together after a victorious point in their second doubles match. Both Khanavkar and Polley have competed for three years of their high school careers.

With the sun at her back, Lilian Gonzalez ’28 dashes up the doubles alley to a tennis ball fast approaching. This is her second season playing doubles on Foothill Tech’s girls varsity tennis team, and she looks forward to the possibility of two more rewarding years.

Before the matches begin, girls tennis coach Jason Dinkler gives a brief address of appreciation to each of the senior players. As the interim coach for the season, Dinkler has helped manage the team’s practices and games, providing a steady backbone for the players.

The sun was beaming and the winds were soaring on Thursday, Oct. 9, when Foothill Tech’s girls varsity tennis team took to Ventura College’s courts with two goals: to slam down their opponents from St. Bonaventure High School and to celebrate their senior players. Team captain Saanvi Joshi ‘26, Violet Polley ‘26, Aarna Khanavkar ‘26 and Diana Hixon ‘26 were honored through creative posters handmade by fellow teammates, while friends and family gathered to witness one of the last matches of their high school tennis careers. Joshi, pictured above, drives home a winning point.

Senior Samantha Jacobson ‘26 poses with her mom and Foothill Tech’s mascot, Fuego the Dragon. The crowd applauded her hard work and dedication she had shown throughout her years playing in girls’ volleyball.

Emily Turner ‘26 (number 4) and Avril Acosta Garcia ‘27 (number 2) make the quick decision to jump and block the ball played by Santa Clara’s team. As the night went on, Turner and Garcia both proved to be very valuable to the team offensively and defensively, making great saves and kills.

The Foothill Tech girls Junior Varsity (JV) girls volleyball team cheers on Rylie Hannah ‘26 as she runs through the tunnel. This pregame cheer is a way to get the crowd and players excited for the game.

Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) celebrates its five seniors on senior night, an event highlighting the team’s last home game of the season. The seniors pictured above are Samantha Jacobson ‘26 (number 1), Rylie Hannah ‘26 (number 3), Emily Turner ‘26 (number 4), Lilac Reyes ‘26 (number 6), and Fiona Aulenta ‘26 (number 13). The game started on the night of Oct. 7, 2025, with Foothill Tech playing Santa Clara High School (Santa Clara) and winning 3-0. The team’s next match is on Oct. 9, 2025, against Thatcher High School (Thatcher).

Fiona Aulenta ‘26 proudly stands by her family as she soaks in the last moments of her season. Her enthusiasm and leadership are what influence her teammates and the crowd.

Lilac Reyes ‘26 beams, standing next to her family and Foothill Tech’s mascot, as her teammates and friends cheer her on for the time and effort she put into volleyball. Her dedication and kindness have inspired students on and off the court.

Posing with her family, Emily Turner ‘26 (number 4) smiles proudly as the audience cheers for her. As a setter and an opposite hitter, she made crucial plays offensively and defensively during Foothill Tech’s game on Oct. 6, 2025.

Audience members of Senior Night for girls volleyball on Oct. 7, 2025, celebrate senior Rylie Hannah ‘26 as she is surrounded by her family. As a libero, she has made many great defensive plays and dives throughout her four years on the team.