Tuesday, June 26, 2018

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Alex Bermudez for his acceptance into the Youth Transitions to Work (YTTW) Automotive Technician Program.

Congratulations to Giovanny Vazquez for his acceptance into the Youth Transitions to Work (YTTW) Stage Hand Technician Program.

These programs provide outreach, training, and placements for students interested in becoming an apprentice.  The programs are considered a “training to work” initiative to help launch careers in automotive/diesel technology and the entertainment industry.  

We wish Alex and Giovanny the best of luck!!!

County Prep Alumna Maria Stefania Lorefice Speaks to Cosmetology Students

A special thank you is extended to Maria Stefania Lorefice for speaking to our freshmen and sophomore classes on careers in Cosmetology and Entrepreneurism on June 7th.  Maria completed County Prep's Cosmetology program in 2010 and attributes much of her success to Ms. Donofrio's guidance throughout her four years of high school.   While networking over the past couple of years, she decided to create not one, but two fashion show projects in addition to her very first fashion show project during junior year in high school. 

In her own words, "As a color artist educator, the opportunity to express entrepreneurship to fellow students at County Prep High School was a priceless experience.  The passion, the love and the creativity these young adults have, I was able to relate and envision along side with them.  Being in front of the class, made me feel so courageous to express how success is defined in the eye of the beholder.  I hope I can re-live this experience for it was not only touching for the students, but a great accomplishment for myself.  Thank you County Prep students and staff for my attendance. This is a memory that will forever stay with me.



County Prep Cosmetology Seniors Pass NJ State Board of Cosmetology Exam

Congratulations to Ms. Sylvia Donofrio’s Cosmetology seniors for passing the rigorous New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology exam on June 12, 2018.  These students completed 1,000 clock hours of instruction as part of their program at County Prep High School which made them eligible for their New Jersey Cosmetology/Hairstyling license.  Good luck to our graduating seniors as they launch their chosen career in Cosmetology.


Summer in the City


Early Childhood Education Students at County Prep Thank Joanne Johnson

A special thank you is extended to Joanne Johnson for speaking to our freshmen and sophomore classes on careers in Early Childhood Education this past May.
Joanne Johnson leads the Kiddie Academy of Hamilton Park team bringing with her over 18 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in English Language & Literature from Rutgers University, New Brunswick and is currently completing of her MS in Organizational Leadership from Manhattan College. Joanne began her journey in the field as a classroom teacher and has taught every age group the center serves. As she advanced in the field, she attained roles as a Program Director, Assistant Director, Management Mentor and Early Childhood Trainer before moving into the role of Center Director.


High Tech’s Alana Aninipot Recipient of Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship

(May 15, 2018--North Bergen, NJ) The Taco Bell Foundation has awarded High Tech Television Production Major Alana Aninipot of Secaucus a Taco Bell Live Más scholarship, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

Aninipot entered her video into the scholarship competition’s Linguistic Category. In her video, she explains her passion for American Sign Language and Television Production. As a result, she received a $5,000.00 scholarship toward her education.

Along with this scholarship, Aninipot has earned scholarships from ToyotaDrive365, New Jersey Police Benevolent Association, and the Bergen County Retired Teachers Association.

This video becomes Aninipot’s sixth award-winning film in the last two years. After graduation, she plans to study Media Studies and Production at Temple University.

The Live Más Scholarship acknowledges the next generation of innovators, creators, and dreamers. In 2018, the Taco Bell Foundation awarded $3 million in Live Más Scholarships, $1 million of which awarded through Taco Bell’s new applicant program, $1.5 through its renewal program for previous recipients, and $500,000 through Taco Bell’s program for restaurant employees.

Aninipot’s video for her Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship can be seen at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LVnAnHGOKI&authuser=0

Her other videos may be found by clicking on the following links:


Monday, June 25, 2018

High Tech Students Acquire Siemens Certified Mechatronic Systems Assistant Credentials

(June 22 2018--North Bergen, NJ) Five High Tech seniors from D|Fab Engineering Design, under the tutelage of instructor Harry Peles, acquired Siemens Certified Mechatronic Systems Assistant Credentials by passing the Level 1 Certification Exam, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Jersey City residents Brian Arcalas, Memphis Chen, Russell Soto, Sara Yacoub, and Christopher Rivas of North Bergen, took part in the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program (SMSCP), which focuses on four particular areas, namely, electrical components, mechanical components and electrical drives, (electro) pneumatic and hydraulic control circuits, and digital fundamentals and PLCs. All students experience these areas by utilizing mechatronics training system by Festo Didactic

Arcalas, Chen, Soto, Yacoub, and Rivas will be attending prestigious universities in the fall and will concentrate on mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

In 2016, Peles received his certification through the SMSCP Instructor Certification Course at Motlow State Community College in LaVergne, Tennessee. That same year, High Tech became a partner school for SMSCP, and these five students represent the first contingent of students tested for certification.

The Level 1 Certification Exam Certification for Siemens Certified Mechatronic Systems Assistant emphasizes the efficient operation of complex mechatronic systems, troubleshooting, and the ability to foresee problems

SMSCP, a comprehensive industry skills certification in mechatronic systems, offered in tandem with partner schools worldwide, integrates into existing programs of study. Divided into three exam- based levels, SMSCP directly ties to job profiles that clearly define the on-the-job competencies of certified personnel.

County Prep Sophomore, Rozana Deryas, To Compete in the 2018 Special Olympics


County Prep sophomore, Rozana Deryas, will be competing this summer at the 2018 Special Olympics in Seattle, Washington. Rozana will be part of TEAM NEW JERSEY and will represent the state in three swimming events: 25 meter freestyle, 25 meter backstroke, and the 4X200 freestyle relay. “It is an honor to represent New Jersey. I can’t wait,” declared Rozana.  The student’s family will be accompanying her to cheer Rozana on. “Going to Nationals and winning is Rozana’s main dream, and to get this recognition is extremely rewarding,” added Rania Deryas, Rozana’s mother. Rozana’s selection to the Special Olympics is the culmination of a lot of hard work, with daily practices and sacrificing free time. Rozana is also a hard worker in the classroom, with a high GPA, and enrolled in the medical science vocation. “We are so pleased by Rozana’s accomplishment. We are honored that Rozana will not only represent the state but also her County Prep family and we will be there in spirit to root for her success,” added Barbara Mendolla, principal. Rozana also competed this past year on the swimming team for her home high school, Dickinson.
                       

County Prep Students Attend Various Student Learning Experiences

On Wednesday, February 28th, Ms. Bello's Early Childhood Education classes visited Barnes and Nobles in Clifton, NJ.  Students explored possible post-secondary career pathways within Barnes and Noble including HR, Publishing, Marketing, Management, and IT.   In addition, the students selected a "favorite" children's author for a classroom project which then inspired them to "create" their own children's book.  All  the students hand delivered their "Favorite Teacher Contest" submissions directly to the store manager. These essays focused on how a teacher inspired them and, as aspiring young teachers, they realized the importance of positive learning experiences.

On Tuesday, May 1st, County Prep students visited Hudson Community Enterprises in Jersey City to explore post-secondary options in Digital Design and Printing Services as well as a Document Management/Scanning track.  It's mission is to create employment opportunities while  providing valuable services to the business community. The company offers a 12 week training program that includes a partially paid internship assignment.  

County Prep students participated in Junior Achievement of New Jersey's Annual Women's Future Leadership Forum on Friday, May 18, 2018.  The event was held at Goldman Sachs in Jersey City, NJ.  The students enjoyed a working breakfast and luncheon where they were able to network with inspirational female role models from top companies in New Jersey. Each student was paired with a mentor for the day to learn about that person's job and personal narrative.   It was an invaluable opportunity for students to interact with such accomplished leaders, develop work readiness skills through interactive activities throughout the day, and listen to the trials and tribulations these leaders faced in an effort to achieve their goals.  Students also created their own "elevator pitches" and biographies. 

Friday, June 22, 2018

High Tech’s French Honor Society and French Club Hold Annual Goodbye Celebration

by Sarah Bacha, Vice-president of FHS

(June 18 2018--North Bergen, NJ) The French Honor Society (FHS) and French Club of High Tech, mentored by Dr. Laje Gashi, held its annual goodbye celebration, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

The celebration commemorated events and achievements of French Club and the FHS throughout the year, such as the successful crepe sales, the exciting field trip to Phantom of the Opera, and the visit to Grounds for Sculpture. Medal winners of the National French Exam Competition Le Grand Concours also received their awards.

Diana Concepcion of North Bergen earned Médaille d’or (Gold Medal). Mously Lo of Jersey City and North Bergen resident Erica De Lacerda earned Médaille d’argent (Silver Medal), and Laiba Khan of Jersey City and Kearny resident Andrew Tran earned Médaille de bronze (Bronze Medal).

Also, the goodbye celebration served as an induction for new FHS members and a farewell to High Tech seniors who received their French Honor Society Chords. The graduating seniors included French Honor Society president Bar Yifrahk, French
Club President Mously Lo, French Club Vice President Erica DeLacerda, Isha Mahat, Ivanna Guerrero, Karen Guaman, and Laiba Khan.

Félicitations to the newest members and Bonne Chance to the graduating French Honor Society members.

(from left to right: Andrew Tran, Dr. Laje Gashi, Mously Lo, Erica De Lacerda, Laiba Khan, and James Espinosa)
(from left to right: Laiba Khan, Mously Lo, Erica De Lacerda,  Dr. Laje Gashi, Andrew Tran, Bar Yifrahk, Karen Guaman, and Ivanna Guerrero)
(from left to right: Dr. Laje Gashi and newest members Jessica Gonzalez, Julissa
Laignelet, and James Espinosa)

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

High Tech High School Students Attend Performance of Blue Man Group

(New York, NY--June 13, 2018) High Tech students from Language Arts instructor Robert Dillon’s’ class Rock and Roll: Ethnomusicology embarked on a field trip to catch a performance of the Blue Man Group, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Blue Man Group, a lively performance art company, combines rock music, visual electronics, choreographed stage elements, comedy, and fashion, combined with audience participation, to express a crucible of entertainment.

“The show is designed to stimulate your eyes as well as your ears,” says Dillon. “Music is not only an audio experience, but a visual one. This show is an excellent way to learn that connection while having fun.”

Blue Man Group leaves your expectations at the door and lets three bald and blue men take you on a spectacular journey bursting with music, laughter, and surprises.

“I was amazed how this one show incorporated so many of the things we learned in class,” said Nick Rosado. “The combination of drums, lights, choreography and most importantly, how Blue Man Group involved the audience.”

Thirty-five million people of all ages, languages, and cultures know what Blue Man Group is really about. Now it’s your turn.





High Tech’s Erica De Lacerda and Laiba Khan Receive 2018 AATF Outstanding Senior in French Awards

(Marion, IL--June 14, 2018) The American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) have selected North Bergen resident Erica De Lacerda and Laiba Khan of Jersey City, both seniors at High Tech, as recipients of the Outstanding Senior in French Awards, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

“French culture has truly impacted me,” says De Lacerda, who will attend Princeton after graduation. “I’d like to thank Dr. Gashi and Mrs. Kawtari for helping me earn this honor.”

Teachers of French from across the United States nominate a student on the basis of his or her academic excellence and an exceptional commitment to the study of French. Such commitment may take the form of participation in French Club, Delta Phi, or other academic or service activities. Recipients must have completed at least three years of French study at the time of graduation and be non-native speakers of French.

“It’s so cool to be recognized,” adds Khan, who will attend Rutgers. “I, too, wish to thank Dr. Gashi and Mrs. Kawtari for their dedication and support.”

Dr. Laje Gashi, veteran French instructor at High Tech High School, personally nominated De Lacerda and Khan for these Outstanding Senior in French Awards.

“With this award, [AATF] hope[s] to encourage worthy students to pursue a career in teaching French or with French as a complement to another profession,” says Dr. Jayne Abrate, Executive Director of AATF.

Founded in 1927, AATF has the distinction of being the largest national professional association of French teachers in the world, with nearly 10,000 members. it has as its mission the promotion of the study of French language and French-speaking literature and cultures at all levels. AATF proudly recognizes the achievements of outstanding students and their teachers.

(from left to right: Erica De Lacerda and Laiba Khan)

Friday, June 15, 2018

High Tech Visual Arts and D|FAB Majors Receive Presentation by Representatives from Oritani Bank

(North Bergen, NJ- June 7, 2018) Representatives from Oritani Bank gave a presentation to the Tech/Visual Arts and D|FAB majors, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Jack Anastasi, Vice-President of Business Development, spoke on the importance of personal finances, including credit reports, and how to succeed with a financial budget.

“This presentation gave students a connection to the Business Community,” says Mark V. Schroback, Business Education SLE Teacher. “They gained invaluable lessons, as Mister Anastasi provided them with the opportunities to develop personal, academic, and career goals.”



High Tech Well Represented at SNY Future Filmmakers' Festival

(New York, NY- June 6, 2018) High Tech's Television Production major, represented by David Mansour of Bayonne, Secaucus resident Alana Aninipot, and Noelle White of Weehawken, has been recognized at SNY Future Filmmakers Festival, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Attending her first film festival, White won Best Editor Category for her project The Finish Line, which earned her $750 and two tickets to a Mets home game.

Aninipot’s film The Guard and David Mansour’s The Bold had been selected as finalists. Each of them will also receive two tickets to a future Met home game this season.

The SNY Future Filmmakers Festival invites students ages 14 to 19 from New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut to submit a New York sports-themed short film. For the festival, students had to write, film, and edit a sports story.

Noelle White of Weehawken




High Tech's Alyssa Mojica and Mikayla Reilly Pass Level 1 Exam for CrossFit

(North Bergen,NJ--June 15, 2018) This year, High Tech seniors Alyssa Mojica of North Bergen and Jersey City resident Mikayla Reilly embarked on a 14-hour CrossFit Level 1 Training Course over two days, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

CrossFit utilizes constantly varied, functional movements executed at high intensity. Mojica and Reilly have been participants in the after-school HCST CrossFit program since its founding in 2015 by Samantha Doria, Environmental Science instructor at High Tech.

HCST CrossFit also offers coaches a development program, funded by the HCST Foundation. The CrossFit Level 1 course includes lectures about fundamental movements and workouts with a group. Mojica and Reilly have passed the exam for Level 1, which qualifies them to coach this complex sport.

Mojica and Reilly will assist Doria and Akiko Stojek one of High Tech's guidance secretaries, both of whom serve as head coaches for HCST CrossFit and coach students and teachers after school everyday.

Mojica will attend the University of Delaware, where she will be a student coach at UD CrossFit under head coach Jesse Judy.

Any students interested in joining CrossFit or learning more about the development program should speak with Ms. Doria or Ms. Stojek.


(from left to right: Mikayla Reilly and Alyssa Mojica)

(from left to right: Samantha Doria, Alyssa Mojica, Mikayla Reilly, and Akiko Stojek)

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

County Prep Theatre Arts performs García Lorca’s Bodas de Sangre

In just its sixth year, County Prep Theatre Arts class has brought a new performance opportunity to County Prep students, who are learning both performance and rehearsal practices, and are encountering first hand all of the aspects of professional theatre. The show was designed by our professional lighting designer, Mr. Lance Michel, and was directed by Mrs. Raluca Shields.
            Bodas de Sangre is written by one of the greatest Spanish poets and playwrights, Federico García Lorca, who was well known for his leftist politics and religious iconoclasm, and who since his assassination in 1936 has become a symbol of the crimes of the Spanish Civil War.
            This very poetic play, written by one of the finest poets and playwrights of the Spanish language, is filled with metaphors, symbolism, passion and music. Central to the lorquian style is the theme of “el duende”, the bad fate that is waiting around the corner. Therefore the theme of “foreshadowing” was very much present in the play. The question is why did the characters succumb to their fate, what was their tragic fault? By not following their heart, by allowing the rules of society lead their life, the two lovers disturbed their very intricate interwoven destinies. This, in and of itself is tragic, because society then did not allow for them to have a future together. Other themes in the play were the devastation created by guns and knives, and the fragility of human life, as well as the theme of the horse as the man’s unleashed passion.
            The cast included Seniors Kyle Velazquez, Matthew Riccardi, Julio Velazquez, Terrell Wehner, Katherine Castro, Solimar Colombani, and Gabby Bacani, Juniors Sirena Morales, Ivory Love Torres, Faith Riscoe, Brianna Bush, Bertha Solis, Shana-Mae Gonzalez, Habiba Atta, Robert Del Campo, Sophomores Tyla Gibson, Janell Garcia, Dynajah Smith and Yvelisse Varga and Freshmen Kayla Velazquez, Jennine Sarker and Kim Caputo. Our crew included stage manager, lighting technician, and choreographer Senior Delana Ramos, sound technician Senior Cindy Ramos, fight choreographer Senior Matthew Riccardi, Make-up Designer Senior Karissa Cruz, and Stage Hands Freshmen Kaine Malachi and Rajiv Rampaul. 
            This production was well loved by the audience. Several of our parents said “it was my favorite play!” Some found it touching, some found it exciting, some complimented the “real acting” and the professionalism of the entire production. Some left the theatre singing along to “Despierte la novia!”, or “La Tarara”, some of the songs featured in the play.
            Ms. Shields is very proud of all of the cast and crew whose work has developed through our rendition of this classic play. 


County Prep Students Gain Teaching Experience at Explore 2000

County Prep students enrolled in Ms. Torres's Education Workplace Experience course  and Ms. Bello's Early Childhood Education program visited Explore 2000 on Tuesday, May 8th to shadow teachers throughout the day.  County Prep students received a warm welcome from the staff and students.  The day was filled with student engagement activities and numerous opportunities for  students to "test drive" a career in education.  A special thank-you is extended to Ms. Alison Krone and Ms. Vincenza Tripodi for coordinating the event, and all the staff members at Explore 2000.

County Prep Students Visit Paper Mill Playhouse

County Prep students visited the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ on Tuesday, May 14 as part of the Youth Transitions to Work (YTTW) Stage Hand Technician Program. This scholarship program provides outreach, training, and placements for students interested in becoming a Stage Hand Technician.  The program is a “training to work” initiative to help launch careers in the entertainment industry.  Students explored placement venues in the industry including the Paper Mill Playhouse. 

County Prep Business Students Visit UBS


On Friday, June 1, County Prep business students participated in a Job Shadowing event at UBS located in Weehawken, New Jersey.  This all became possible through our partnership with Junior Achievement.   Upon arrival, the students attended a presentation on the history of UBS delineating the various products and services offered to their clients and the numerous career opportunities available within the organization.  The UBS employees shared their personal experiences as to their expected and yet unexpected career trajectories.   Students interacted with UBS professionals in a Q&A session designed as an open forum for our students to seek out advice and guidance in preparation for their  post-secondary aspirations.  The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and now have an increased awareness of potential career pathways within UBS.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

High Tech’s French Honor Society Holds Annual French Showcase

(June 1, 2018—North Bergen, NJ) The High Tech French Honor Society (FHS) held its annual showcase on French culture, the French Showcase, marking an exciting end to the school year, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

Students exhibited their projects in the North Hudson Resource Center for the perusal of staff and students at High Tech. Students showcased their talents and abilities through projects such as tri-fold displays, models of landmarks, videos, paintings, and graphic illustrations, all of which stimulated interest and offered a creative education on Francophonic history, art, music, and overall culture.

Some projects memorialized moments from FHS’s recent Europe trip with EF Tours.












County Prep Students Take Top Honor and Judges Awards at Visual Teen Arts

Announcing the Visual Teen Arts Winners

Top Honor
Adrianna Caballero

Judges Awards
Keval Dalal
Emily Adams
Hazma Elgindy
Aycza Imtiaz
Alyssa Hong
Arieliz Ramos
Miriam Martinez
Gillianna Seecharan
Cassidy Collazo
Gianna Quijada

Monday, June 11, 2018

Hip Hop Hall of Fame Photographer Visits KAS Prep

(June 6, 2018—North Bergen, NJ) World famous Hip Hop hall of fame photographer Ernie Paniccioli visited KAS Prep at the North Hudson Campus of HCST and lectured students on his three decades as a professional photographer, announced Gerald Maurice Lyons, M.Ed., Principal of KAS Prep High School.

"KAS Prep was very excited to have Mr. Paniccoli speak to our students and staff,” Principal Lyons says. “He let them know that anyone can succeed, regardless of how humble of a beginning, and I am hopeful that our students will remember his message as they prepare either to graduate or enter their final year of high school.”

Paniccioli, a photographer to some of the most famous and instrumental Hip Hop and Rap artist of our time, resides in Jersey City. A self-taught photographer, Paniccioli began his career photographing graffiti art in Brooklyn, New York, in the early 1970’s. He witnessed, as well as documented, the evolution of the Hip Hop.

“I was there at the beginning, when Hip Hop was just starting to develop in Brooklyn,” says Paniccioli. “I knew I was witness to something big.”

Paniccioli’s clients included Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Lil Kim, Biggie Smalls, Public Enemy, and many others. He has published ten books and his work has been featured in magazines like Word Up and Rap Masters.

“Photograph what you know and be honest about it,” Paniccioli declares. “When you’re honest with yourself, the work will always be great.”