Pierce, recipient of the first annual Hudson
County School Boards Association’s Unsung Heroes/Heroines Student Recognition
Award, has been actively involved as Student Council President, both during his
junior and senior years, and has demonstrated excellent leadership skills
throughout his tenure at High Tech.
“[Pierce] is someone that students feel very comfortable
working with and discussing school issues,” states Jamie Velazquez, lead
teacher and history instructor for D|FAB Academy at High Tech. “He is a peer leader, and a part of his
responsibilities includes mentoring freshmen as they become acclimated to the
rigors of High Tech.”
Pierce, a drama major at High Tech as well, and a member of
the Slam Poetry Club, enjoys participating in platforms that involve social
issues. As a member of Generosity for
Generations, he has helped organize activities like the Jersey City Breast
Cancer Awareness Walk and has collected food for the homeless. A very active member of the Greater Emmanuel
Temple Church, Pierce organizes clothing drives, distributes tracts for his
church, participates in holiday events, and teaches summer theatre classes. For several years, he spoke at the Youth
Convention for the Monumental Baptist Church.
“[Pierce] is a student on whom teachers can always count,”
adds Velazquez. “He confides in us. He has an
incredible heart and he will be missed after he graduates.”
Jahvel Pierce continues to support High Tech students
who could really use a helping hand, and he often accompanies struggling
students to administration and guidance offices. Upon
graduation, he plans to study Theatre Education in college.
