County Prep's FCCLA Delegation Earns Multiple Awards and Recognition

County Prep’s FCCLA delegation attended the NJ Fall Leadership Conference in Edison NJ

on November 20, 2017. The conference was attended by 600 students from all across New Jersey.

Our students were awarded several 1st place gold medals in the Fashion, Culinary, and Video competitions. Alexa Acuna achieved 1st Place Gold and perfect score in “Passion for Fashion Design Challenge.” Adam Concepcion received a 1st gold medal in the Apple Bake off event and was awarded a $2000 scholarship to CIA

Additional Awards:

Apple Bake Off - Anjelica Vides – 2nd Place Silver Medal

Cup Cake Challenge

Jake Trebour, Giovanna Mezzasalma, Pamela Hernandez – 3rd Place Gold Medal

Zinah Ennasri and Valeria Rosado – 1st Place Gold Medal

Passion for Fashion - Esmeralda Garcia –Gold Medal

Tune into FCCLA Promotional Video – Qu’Raun Scott-McKoy, Shayna Martins-Krasner, and Savannah Sterling – 1st Place Gold Medal

Mrs. Patten was honored by the organized for 10 years of dedicated service as a chapter adviser.

Ms. Mendolla, Mrs. Patten, Mrs. Martinez, Chef Palsi, and Chef Delesky congratulate the students on a job well done!

NJCU Jazz Musicians Perform for High Tech Performing Arts Students

(North Bergen, NJ—November 21, 2017) High Tech High School’s Performing Arts students received a rare treat when student musicians from the New Jersey City University (NJCU) Jazz Department performed at High Tech, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech. 

Lead by Professor Nathan Ekland on trumpet, the NJCU combo played selections from the music of famed jazz improviser, composer, and pianist Thelonius Monk, whose records “Round Midnight,” “Blue Monk,” and the ever popular “Straight, No Chaser” have graced cognoscenti’s turntables for decades.  Monk died of a stroke on February 17, 1982.

“This event is part of an ongoing effort to bring practical arts experiences to our students,” says Rod Shepard, veteran performing arts and audio tech instructor at High Tech.

The NJCU Jazz Department currently has been assaying Monk’s oeuvre. 

High Tech Audio/Visual Production Department Yet Again Represented at Ramapo College Film Festival

(Ramapo, NJ--November 20, 2017)The Ramapo College Film Festival has selected five films written, directed, and produced by High Tech’s Audio/Visual Production majors, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Dream On by David Mansour of Bayonne, Solitaire by Hoboken resident Colmcille Donston, Give Love by Carlos Hernandez of Jersey City and North Bergen resident Sophia Abraham, Black and White by Ivanna Guerrero of West New York and Jersey City resident Amirah Johnson, and First Day by Alana Aninipot, a Secaucus resident, with assistance from cinematographer Makayla Blount, a former Explore 2000 student, as well as Liba Khan and Jabari Iman, all residents of Jersey City.

“The amount of work that the students have put in is incredible," says Gregg Ascolese, TV Production instructor for High Tech. "The students are definitely progressing with all of their individual sets of skills.”

Two films this year have been nominated for awards of Best Cinematography and Best Fiction Film. High Tech alone has secured five films in the festival out of a total of 20 selected by the festival committee.

“The jury was very impressed yet again with this year’s films,” says Neel Scott, the Associate Professor of Digital Film at Ramapo College. “We’re very excited to see the filmmakers and watch their films at the festival.”

Ramapo College Film Festival takes place on Saturday, December 2nd, at the School of Contemporary Arts on the college campus. The festival welcomes everyone from all walks of life to attend the screenings.

High Tech's Alison Fung and Her Girl Scout Team Receive Silver Award for Their Take Action Project

(Hoboken, NJ—November 17, 2017) Alison Fung, a High Tech freshman and Hoboken resident in the school’s D|Fab academy, and her Girl Scout team received the Scouts’ Silver Award for their Take Action Project, “Girls Changing the Community,” announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School. 

Girl Scouts earn the Silver Award by focusing on an issue they care about, as well as building a team, exploring their community, picking, planning, and putting their Take Action project into action.  Take Action Projects improve Girl Scouts’ neighborhoods or communities.  Also, they must demonstrate an understanding of sustainability in the wider world and share what they have learned with others. 

Fung’s team created the framework for a walking tour app to create five separate “Discover Hoboken” walks: Places of Interest, Landmarks and Monuments, Houses of Worship, Hoboken Parks, and Hoboken Eats.

High Tech's Tige Anderson Named Jersey Cares’ Volunteer of the Month

(Livingston, NJ—November 27, 2017) Jersey Cares, a nonprofit that recruits and engages volunteers in rewarding efforts that address community needs, has selected Hoboken resident Tige Anderson, a High Tech senior and Jersey Cares Project Coordinator, as Volunteer of the Month, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech. 

Anderson has volunteered more than 200 hours of his time at the Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery, founded in 1829.  He began volunteering to satisfy High Tech’s 25-hour volunteer requirement, but he enjoyed the experience so much that he continued to serve well past those hours. 

"My advice to first-time volunteers is to stick with it even if the task is tedious," says Anderson, who plans to major in Forensic Psychology in college.  "Recognize that your efforts are making a difference."

Founded in 1993, Jersey Cares partners with local nonprofits to identify needs and implement volunteer projects to meet those needs.  The group provides individuals, families, corporate employees, and community groups with a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that range from tutoring children to painting new murals in schools.  An affiliate of the Hands on Network, Jersey Cares offers hundreds of opportunities.

Since 2014, Jersey Cares has identified initiatives that use community engagement and volunteer service to help under-served young adults develop the skills they need to prepare for college and careers as well.

Managing Director of Rising Tide Capital Visits County Prep

County Prep’s Business & Technology Club recently invited Jay Savulich, Managing Director of Programs at Rising Tide Capital of Jersey City, to share his expertise in the business world with business majors, announced Ms. Barbara Mendolla, Principal at County Prep High School.

     Savulich’s presentation covered a variety of topics, primarily focusing on the increasing demand for technical education for business majors to succeed in today’s competitive business workplace.  He encouraged students to take full advantage of internships available in the business industry to develop into successful entrepreneurs.  He graciously offered the County Prep business students internships at Rising Tide Capital, as well. 

     “We are very glad to have hosted Mr. Savulich,” said Dr. Syed Abbasi, the moderator for the County Prep Business & Technology Club.  “His presentation was highly insightful and I thank him for extending internship offers to the students.”

High Tech Alum Idaliz Cristian Performs with Demi Lovato at the American Music Awards

(Los Angeles—November 19, 2017) High Tech Dance alumnus Idaliz Cristian, 18, of North Bergen, danced during Demi Lovato's performance of "Sorry Not Sorry" at the American Music Awards (AMAs), announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School. 

Chosen to perform by former Fairview resident JoJo Gomez, professional dancer and choreographer, Cristian moved to Los Angeles this past summer to pursue her career in dance.  Cristian danced with Gomez on Jennifer Lopez’s “World of Dance,” broadcasted on NBC, this past spring.  As part of team Rouge, a group of nine empowered girls selected from the world-renowned Millennium Dance Complex in L.A., Gomez has toured with Lovato and invited Cristian to perform at the AMAs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFaMZUarksA.

"Idaliz possesses an amazing stage presence no matter what genre she performs,” says Trista DeFilippis, Head of High Tech Dance and the school’s Performing Arts Liaison.  “We are incredibly proud of her and wish her continued success out in L.A.”

Since Cristian’s graduation in June, she has also been on Total Request Live (TRL) on MTV and the Late Late Show, dancing for with Liam Payne (formerly of One Direction).

“Dance is really an outlet,” says Cristian. “I’m able to pour all of my emotions into my movement. It’s my passion, my therapy, and my career.  I feel so lucky.”

High Tech Musical Theatre Stages INTO THE WOODS

(November 15, 2017--North Bergen, NJ)  For three nights, November 15th-17th, High Tech Musical Theatre students performed the classic Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical Into the Woods in the black box theater at the North Hudson Center, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

The musical's narrator details a story that intertwines the plots and characters of several Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales, and the narrative involves a childless baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family.  They interact with other storybook characters during their journey, as well as a witch, who has placed a curse on them. 

More than 30 performing arts students brought the production to life, either on stage or behind the scenes.  Directed by High Tech’s Musical Theatre instructor John Zisa and Sean Cameron, Into the Woods employs minimal sets, costumes, and props to bring the narrator’s story to life.  The company of the show remains on stage throughout the entire production, even when not performing in a scene, and follows along from scripts on music stands, as a metatextual reminder to the audience that they all participate in the story. 

Next up for High Tech Musical Theater, a production of the Elton John/Tim Rice Disney musical, Aida, which debuts March 22nd.  Tickets for Aida go on sale in early February at www.hthspa.booktix.com.

High Tech’s D|FAB Academy Hosts Its 2nd Annual Applebee’s Breakfast Fundraiser

(North Bergen—November 22, 2017’) The D|FAB Academy at High Tech High School raised $600 at the 2nd annual DFAB Applebee’s breakfast fundraiser, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

These funds help D|FAB Academy pay for a variety of educational and team-building activities that make up its unique learning community.  For many educators, community involvement proves a common obstacle.

“We are so thankful not to have that problem,” says Jamie Velazquez, History instructor at D|FAB Academy.  “D|FAB Academy would like to thank the High Tech staff and students for their support, and we hope to continue to work together in the future.”

County Prep's Accounting Class Attends Junior Achievement Event at Roxiticus Golf Club

Students from Ms. Campanioni's accounting class participated in a Structured Learning Experience at Roxiticus Golf Club in Mendham, NJ.  Junior Achievement hosted the event and selected County Prep students to be ambassadors for the day.  The students participated in Team Building, Networking, and Sales workshops with practicing professionals from Accenture and Ernst & Young.  They interacted with JA Board members and high level executives during a complimentary luncheon.  The final activity included a golf lesson taught by professional golfers.

County Prep Seniors in Cosmetology Participate in Training

NJ Safe Schools offered a  Cosmetology Safety and Health Workshop to County Prep senior cosmetology students on Monday, October 23, 2017.  The training is based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Youth @ Work Curriculum.  The workshop covered topics such as common work injuries, hazard identification and control, emergency responses, job rights, infection control, chemical safety, and ergonomics.  This training helps prepare young workers entering the field of cosmetology.  

County Prep Students Participate in Apprenticeship Program in Nursing and Physical Therapy

Representatives from the Youth Transitions to Work (YTTW) - Certified Nursing Assistant and Physical Therapy Aide Apprenticeship Program presented to over 70 students at County Prep High School on Wednesday, October 25, 2017.  The scholarship program provides outreach, training, and placements for students interested in becoming Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) or Physical Therapy Aides (PTA).  Students learned about potential career pathways that can be launched as part of this “Earn While You Learn” initiative.

County Prep High School Participates in Stage Hand Technician Program

A representative from the Youth Transitions to Work (YTTW) Stage Hand Technician Program presented to over 40 students at County Prep High School on  Friday, October 27, 2017.   This is a "LEARN WHILE YOU EARN" program that provides outreach, training, and placements for students interested in becoming a Stage Hand Technician.  It is an alternative pathway that combines college credits and work experience to obtain an industry valued credential at the conclusion of the program.

County Prep's Student Council Hosts 2nd Annual Game Night

Game Night was held by County Prep’s Student Council on Friday November 17, 2017. Coordinated by a diligent team of juniors, the event bustled with exhilaration as flocks of attendees participated in a selection of engaging and entertaining games including Ninja, Just Dance 2018, and Jenga with Charades. Compelled participants were infused with a healthy dose of fun as they flooded the cafeteria. Sensations of laughter, elation and frustration resonated across the cafeteria as attendees hustled to best their friends and win tickets to participate in raffles for prizes that were distributed at the end of the event. Prizes including a Polaroid Camera bundle, Spotify Premium Gift Cards, and various toys could be won by participants of the raffle, further stimulating the competitive - yet fun - atmosphere at the event.

The event was the second Game Night held by CP's Student Council. Much like the first event, the second variation was equally successful and enthralling. The event provided students an opportunity to hang out with their friends in an arcade-like atmosphere for the bargain of $3 per ticket. It also gave them a chance to win numerous prizes and interact further with their student body. It was a gathering of students across all classes desiring to experience the thrill of competition as well as leisure, and that is certainly what they got. The event buzzed into the evening hours of six-o'clock with no sight of deteriorating engagement. Students raucously flocked to their buses upon conclusion of the event, discussing the games and joy experienced at their hangout during Game Night.

The team of juniors who coordinated the event affirmed, “The people that came enjoyed the event, even the volunteers, who helped to coordinate games held at the event." The event was similar to a casino, where people enjoyed a variety of games.”
The winners of the prizes raffled off at the end of the event were Andrew Kibalo (Grade 9), Ana Ramos (Grade 10), and Nicole Collaguazo (Grade 9). Andrew won a Chilltown State backpack, a stuffed Yoshi and Mario. Nicole won a Chilltown State backpack, a Bulbasaur stuffed animal and a funko pop of Rey from Star Wars. Lastly, Ana Ramos won a blanket and a Bulbasaur stuffed animal. Finally, all Raffle Winners won a $10 Spotify Premium Gift Card.

By Omkar Ghenand

High Tech Ranks 28th in New Jersey, 660th Nationally, in U.S. News & World Report

(Washington, D.C.—November 20, 2017) Once more, U.S. News & World Report has ranked High Tech High School the 28^th best school in New Jersey and 660^th best school in the entire nation, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

At High Tech, students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams, and 62% of High Tech students enroll in AP® classes.

High Tech High School, with a student body 43% male and 57% female, with minority enrollment comprising 70% of the school, also comprises one of four high schools in the Hudson County Schools of Technology family.

High Tech High School’s ranking of 660^th in the National Ratings earns the school a silver medal.  U.S. News & World Report bases its rankings on schools’ performances on state-required tests and how well they prepare students for college.

High Tech Media Arts Inaugurates "The Tenth Period Show Starring David Mansour" with Noted Actress Abigail Hawk

(North Bergen--November 1, 2017) The High Tech Media Arts Department welcomed actress Abigail Hawk of CBS's hit show Blue Bloods to the inaugural installment of The Tenth Period Show Starring David Mansour, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Mansour, a TV Production major at High Tech and a resident of Bayonne, interviewed Hawk at the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City, where she received the Best Lead Actress Award for her role as Ellie in the feature film Almost Paris, and at High Tech's campus as well.

The Tenth Period Show Starring David Mansour, filmed at the Jay Todd Black Box Theater in High Tech, features a live studio audience of Arts students and teachers. The production, which mirrors the formula of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, incorporates a live band--consisting of Jersey City resident Hannah Dunton, Andrew Wholf of Hoboken, and North Bergen residents Sarah DeCaro and Daniela Garcia-Escobar--assisted by light and audio producers Emily Gocon and Christopher Oliver (both from Jersey City), various camera personnel, and, of course, the interviewer (Mansour) and interviewee.

Veteran Audio Technology instructor Rod Shepard assisted with the soundtrack to the show and Fine Arts instructor Eric Van Zanten contributed the painting of Abigail Hawk. Overseen by TV Production instructor Gregg Ascolese and Broadcast instructor Chris DePierro, the first installment of The Tenth Period Show Starring David Mansour went off without incident.

Actress Susan Varon, best known for her work on such hit shows as CBS's Everybody Loves Raymond, HBO's Boardwalk Empire, and the Marvel series Daredevil on Netflix, sat in the show's audience.

"The show was a huge success, both entertaining and educational for our students," says Ascolese. "Abigail and Susan expressed to me that they greatly enjoyed their time with our students and they wish to come back as soon as possible."

The first installment of The Tenth Period Show Starring David Mansour will be available for viewing shortly.

"Stay tuned for further details on the airing of the show," adds Ascolese.

High Tech French Classes Hold Their Annual Petales de Rose French Cafe

(North Bergen--November 3, 2017) High Tech's French II classes held their annual cafe, Petales de Rose ("Rose Petals"), which encapsulated the magnificent experience of the French provinces, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Traditional music set the tone for the cultural scenery and delicacies of Petales de Rose. The students in the French classes commandeered booths, all of which represented the diversity of Paris, Provence, Bretagne, Normandie, Alsace, Lorraine, and Champagne-Ardenne, for instance.  Each booth served as a proprietary establishment that offered traditional food and drink, with a decor that provided visitors insight into the way that citizens in a particular region live. The managers of Petales de Rose, Jennifer Argumedo of North Bergen and West New York resident Helen Torres, oversaw the decorations, themes, music, and other elements associated with the cultural experience.

Students and visitors explored not only the culinary features of the region, but also the historic and cultural sites, which have played integral roles in the cafe itself.  Classes contributed personalized postcards sent from the regions that they explored and represented, which each postcard describing attractions and meals germane to a particular French region. Artistically-designed cards could be found on the tables in the booths for the guests to read and enjoy while they partook of a crepe or even a meal of their choice.

"Every year, this cafe is stunning and wonderful," notes Argumedo, "but this year, we all worked as one, and everyone helped each other out through thick and thin

High Tech senior Alex Miranda of North Bergen described the French cafe as "unique and inviting”, adding, “this year was my favorite because of all the beautiful scenery and decorations that made the cafe seem like a real entrepreneurship.”

An annual event, Petales de Rose acts as the sophomores French II classes' marking period project. It provides students with the opportunity to experience the making, tasting, and culture of each and every French region that they had learned about in French II. 

Later in the school year, the students will visit an authentic French restaurant, made possible through the profits from Petales de Rose.

High Tech’s Elyssa Cueto Appears in Jennifer Lopez Music Video

(North Bergen, NJ—November 13, 2017) High Tech Dance major Elyssa Cueto, a resident of North Bergen, has been featured in Jennifer Lopez's music video, “Amor, Amor, Amor,” announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Cueto worked with choreographer Tricia Miranda in Los Angeles this past August.  Miranda selected Cueto as one of the dancers in Lopez’s music video, filmed on location in New York City.  Cueto has a featured part—she wears a green jacket in the music video—which can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t9u_yPEidY

Cueto’s dancing has been featured in another video as well.  Also this past summer, she danced in Jason Deroulo's music video, “If I'm Lucky,” filmed in Los Angeles.  That music video can be viewed in its entirety as well at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tksqqmQ5_XY

"Elyssa is an incredible dancer and a captivating performer,” says Trista DeFilippis, the Head of the High Tech Dance Department and the school’s Performing Arts Liaison.  “What I love about her is she is so completely humble, so it’s no surprise that people want to work with her.  She deserves all the praise that she’s receiving now, and we’re proud of her."

County Prep Dance and the Your Move Modern Dance Festival

On Sunday, November 19th at 3pm, the Your Move Modern Dance Festival will hold a performance at the historical Loew's Theater in Journal Square, Jersey City.

County Prep Dance instructor Heather Warfel Sandler will perform with Meagan Woods, one of County Prep's longtime Guest Teaching Artists.  The piece also includes alumnus Mia Stephens, who graduated from the County Prep dance program in 2017.  Fellow classmate and 2017 alumnus Tamir Rios will also perform in the show, dancing in a duet with Ross Sandler. Ms. Warfel Sandler and Tamir Rios were  honored to be included in this year's promotional dance photo for the event.  Additionally, current dance program students Delana Ramos and Sonia Singh have been given an internship position as sound technicians for the full duration of the dance festival.

This event will be another wonderful testament to the County Prep Dance Program's collaboration with the professional dance community in Jersey City, and to our continued value of participating in the arts city wide.  

Tickets and information about other Your Move shows available here:  https://yourmove2017.brownpapertickets.com/

County Prep's Contemporary Literature Class Visits The Bridge Art Gallery

(Bayonne, NJ. October 13, 2017) -- 11th & 12th graders from Mrs. Ashe's Contemporary Literature class visited the Bergen Point section of Bayonne for a day of local art and culture. The day began at The Bridge Art Gallery, where owner Cheryl Mack led a short lecture about art in the community and introduced the current exhibit "Diwali." Students learned about the paintings - abstract, landscape, and portraits, which were bright and vibrant. Their assignment was to write ekphrastic poetry, poems inspired by and about art. Afterwards, Ms. Mack gave a guided tour of the recently completed fireboxes and electrical boxes which have been painted by local artists. Each one had a special story behind it and a unique style. One of the artists, Tiffany Patrice, even met the group to discuss her work. The day continued with a visit to the Little BoHo Bookshop where owner Sandra Dear spoke with the students about contemporary authors and the students' interests in current fiction. Ms. Dear donated copies of current fiction coming out in the Spring of 2018 and also raffled off current books such as Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur and Turtles All the Way Down by John Green. The winners were ecstatic to receive new books. The class was joined by chaperones Ms. Ulivella, Ms. Gherardi, and Ms. Scibetta. All ended the trip with a pizza lunch at Mona Lisa's Pizzeria and smoothies at Bake-n-Brew Homestyle Cafe.