Jon Rua, Broadway Star of "Hamilton," Visits High Tech

(Secaucus, NJ--January 24, 2019) To coincide with the Musical Theatre fundraiser “Hamiltunes,” Broadway actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer Jon Rua paid a visit to the High Tech Performing Arts Department, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

The Main Stage Theater at the Frank J. Gargiulo Campus served as the backdrop for an Inside the Actors Studio-style conversation. John Zisa, High Tech's Director of Musical Theater, sat with Rua to discuss such topics as Rua’s upbringing, introduction to the arts, and his career path that led him to the eponymous role in the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton. High Tech Performing Arts students also had the rare opportunity to put questions to Rua. 

At the end of the conversation, High Tech Musical Theatre and High Tech Dance majors performed a piece from Hamilton, even receiving feedback directly from Rua.

Not surprisingly, Rua’s biography and expertise proved inspirational to the students and staff in the Performing Arts Department. His resilience, persistence, and dedication to his craft always radiated during his visit, and his messages of self-empowerment and staying true to oneself resonated deeply with everyone in attendance.

In addition to originating the role of Charles Lee, before essaying the doomed Founding Father in Hamilton, Rua has three other Broadway credits under his belt. He originated the role of Patchy the Pirate in the 12-time Tony-nominated Spongebob Squarepants. Additional Broadway credits include Hands on a Hardbody and In the Heights. Rua also has choreographed and danced backup for Mariah Carey and the rock band Phish.

“Hamiltunes” Brings Hamilton to High Tech

(Secaucus, NJ--January 25, 2019) Over 200 Hamilton fans gathered in the Main Stage Theater for the High Tech Performing Arts Department’s first “Hamiltunes: An American Sing-along,” announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

An officially-licensed, karaoke-style sing-along, “Hamiltunes” raised funds for the High Tech Musical Theatre Department. The successful show, inspired by Lin Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning megahit, featured Musical Theatre majors onstage, and throughout the theater, singing the Hamilton score, while encouraging Hamilton fans in the audience to sing along with them as well.

The sing-along attracted Hamilton fans as young as six years-old.  Fans hit the stage to bask in the spotlight, and some diehards even sang in costume, a welcomed and celebrated event in itself.

The three-hour sing-along included every official song and backing track from the original soundtrack to Hamilton, with lyrics projected on the screen onstage for the singing audience to follow along.

John Zisa, High Tech Director of Musical Theater, Produces Show in Homage to American Singer-Songwriter Kenny Rankin

(New York City--January 12, 2019) High Tech's Director of Musical Theater, John Zisa, produced a show that pays homage to American singer-songwriter Kenny Rankin, a popular figure of the 60's and 70's, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Zisa, along with his band members, one of whom happens to be new High Tech faculty member and professional fiddle player Jacob Lawson, played an evening of Rankin's songs at the Triad Theater.

Rankin, whose song "Peaceful" happened to be a hit for Helen Reddy, died at the age of 69 on June 7, 2009.

In addition, Zisa invited High Tech alumnus Camila Paquet (Class of 2017), currently a sophomore at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, one of the most prestigious schools for musical theater in the country, to sing back up with him.

High Tech's Sean Fuehrer One of Six from Jersey City Troop to Achieve Eagle Scout

By Corey W. McDonald (cmcdonald@jjournal.com)
The Jersey Journal

(Jersey City, NJ--January 20, 2019) High Tech junior Sean Fuehrer, one of six Jersey City teenagers, achieved an accomplishment that very few attain: the title of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the scouting system.

In addition to Sean Fuehrer, scouts Oliver Flores, John Libitz Jr., Christian Murgas, Benicio Ortiz, and Cody Ross have 237 merit badges among them in varying disciplines, such as wilderness survival, kayaking, astronomy, leather work, and much more.

All from Jersey City, they've been with the local troop since they were Cub Scouts together and represent the 75-year-old troop's largest class of Eagle Scouts since 1976.

"It's rare that so many kids stay in together," said Rich Peters, scoutmaster of Troop 466. Less than 5 percent of kids who join the scouts eventually attain the rank of Eagle Scout.

Greg Fuehrer, a captain with the Jersey City Fire Department, became involved with the local troop when his son, Sean, joined as a Boy Scout.  He got to see Sean attain the highest rank during the ceremony that was held at St. Peter's Prep.

Boy Scout Troop 466 presented the Eagle Scout Court of Honor (from left to right: John Libitz Jr., SEAN FUEHRER, Oliver Flores, Cody Ross, Christian Murgas, and Benicio Ortiz at Saint Peter's Prep on Sunday, January 20, 2019). Photo by Michael Dempsey, The Jersey Journal

CPHS' Student Council Presents Volleyball Tournament

County Prep's Student Council presents their annual Volleyball Tournament on February 5, 7, 11, and 12. 

Tickets will be sold during lunch periods starting Monday, January 28, 2019. 

Please come and cheer on your fellow classmates! 
Good luck to all teams participating!

County Prep High School Junior Chosen for National Recognition by Citizen University's Youth Collaboratory

Youssef Gendy, a junior at County Prep High School who serves as SkillsUSA Co-President, has been selected to be one of 24 students in the nation to attend Citizen University's prestigious Youth Collaboratory. The Youth Collaboratory is one component of Citizen University’s Youth Power Project, a multi-year effort supported by a grant from the Ford Foundation to empower and connect a rising generation of civic leaders and doers. He will spend his year sharpening his literacy in civic power as he travels to cities across America and encounters other national civic innovators. Youssef will travel, expenses paid, to Malibu, Chicago, and Washington DC in 2019. He will work with his peers and adult mentors to complete leadership and civic projects here in New Jersey. Through this opportunity, he will be connected to a network of world-renowned leaders to obtain the skills and connections for a lifetime of civic empowerment.

Three High Tech Students Recognized at the North New Jersey Affiliate of the Scholastic Art Awards

(Montclair, NJ--January 18, 2019) The North New Jersey affiliate of the Scholastic Art Awards has declared three High Tech students the recipients of Gold and Silver Key awards, as well as Honorable Mentions, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Graphic Arts major Carlos Hernandez, a senior and resident of Jersey City, has earned many Gold Key awards for his photographs, the most important of which he received for his Showcase Portfolio featuring “Sensitivity.”

Fine Arts major and Hoboken resident Charlotte Hysen, a junior, also earned a Gold Key award for “House By A Mountain On A Lake.”

Another junior, Graphic Arts major Brianna Morales of North Bergen, received a Silver Key award for “Namdi.”

Also, both juniors received Honorable Mentions for their photographs.

Gold Key winners represent the very best works submitted to local programs and considered eligible for national–level recognition. Winners have their work displayed from February 17th-March 17th at the Montclair Art Museum.

Silver Key winners comprise stand-out works submitted to local programs. These works demonstrate exceptional ability.

Honorable Mention recipients denote accomplished works submitted to local programs showing great skill and potential.

An award ceremony to recognize these and other winners will be held at the museum on February 28th from 6pm-9pm.

"Namdi" by Brianna Morales

“House By A Mountain On A Lake" by Charlotte Hysen

“Sensitivity” by Carlos Hernandez

UBS Job Shadowing for Students from County Prep High School and High Tech High School

On Monday, December 10, County Prep and High Tech students participated in a Job Shadowing event at UBS located in Weehawken, New Jersey. Upon arrival, the students attended a presentation on the history of UBS and the financial industry, participated in a panel discussion with high-level practicing professionals within the firm, competed in a Robotics activity, and toured the state-of-the-art facility including the Trading Floor. The UBS employees shared their personal experiences as to their planned and yet unplanned 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.

Hudson County Community College Hosts County Prep Culinary Arts Students

County Prep culinary arts students visited Hudson County Community College multiple times from September through December 2018 to participate in the “Extended Culinary Student for the Day” program. The students reported to HCCC at 7:30 am to cycle through the various culinary labs to gain exposure to the post-secondary culinary arts program and to feel what it is like to be a college student. They also had the opportunity to interact with the professors and to partake in hands-on activities in the various kitchens. At the conclusion of each visit, the students attended a luncheon in the dining hall that was served and prepared by the culinary college students.  Overall, it was an invaluable structured learning experience that defined a potential career option for our students.   

High Tech Dance Department Welcomes Back Alumni

(Secaucus, NJ--January 4, 2019) Veteran High Tech dance director Trista DeFilippis hosted an alumni dance day at the Frank J. Gargiulo Campus, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

DeFilippis reached out to former dance majors who graduated from High Tech as far back as four years ago. All of the alumni have been enjoying their college break and have found time to tour the amazing new dance studio at the Frank J. Gargiulo Campus.

For old times’ sake, thirty dance alumni took a class with DeFilippis and reconnected with former classmates. The High Tech Culinary Department also hosted a reception for the alumni following the class. Afterward, the former dance majors undertook a tour of the new campus.

“There was such an overwhelming response from the alumni,” says DeFilippis. “We spent the day laughing about old times and just enjoyed dancing together once again. My heart is full."

High Tech Hiking Club Traverses Buttermilk Falls for Its Third Hike

(Walpack Township--January 12 2019) The High Tech Hiking Club, led by veteran History instructor Ronald Kliesh, went on its third hiking expedition, exploring Buttermilk Falls and its wooden stairway, interpretive displays, and bird-watching trail, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

The hike, also led by Dr. Shelly Witham, took the club to the falls, despite the torrential storms from last year that nearly affected sightseeing. However, some roads still proved impassable, in need of a great deal of repair.

“The goal [of the High Tech Hiking Club] for this year is an overnight trip with camping and hiking,” says Kliesh.

High Tech Music/Audio Tech Majors Perform at Iconic Bitter End

(New York, NY--December 29, 2018) Four High Tech Music/Audio Tech Majors performed at one of Manhattan’s most iconic music venues, the Bitter End, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

Sisters Daniela (senior, vocalist) and Juliana García-Escobar (sophomore, drummer) of North Bergen, Hoboken resident Andrew Wholf (junior, guitarist), and Martin Baker (sophomore, bassist) of Union City rounded out the High Tech quartet who had the honor of performing onstage at the Bitter End.

The Bitter End, one of the last original music venues that cater to rock, holds an indelible place in folk and rock history. Legendary performers, such as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, and punk pioneers The Ramones, played here, as well as anyone and everyone who scraped out a name for himself or herself in the cataclysmic 1960's and 70's.

This particular gig, one of several in New York City and the Garden State, serves as a prologue to the band’s new cooperative project, Granton Ave. A Granton Ave EP will be forthcoming as well, to be recorded in the studios at Hudson County Schools of Technology in Secaucus. The EP will also be mastered and mixed by veteran Audio Tech instructor and virtuoso Rod Shepard, along with the assistance of High Tech alumni from Audio Tech.

High Tech’s Academy of Environmental Science and Sustainability Inaugurates FFA Chapter in Hudson County

(Secaucus, NJ—November 19, 2018) Students and teachers alike from the Academy of Environmental Science and Sustainability participated in the historic inauguration of the first FFA (formerly, the Future Farmers of America) chapter in Hudson County, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

State-level officers Josh Loew, Brittany Smith, Susan Schmidt, Jamie Specca, Jacob Newkirk, Kaitlyn Tallamy and Christine Albrecht, as well as other FFA state-level representatives joined the Academy of Environmental Science and Sustainability in signing the charter officiating the chapter. The event began with a symbolic ceremony, led by the state-level officers, which highlighted what defines the FFA as part of the national community. After which, the state-level officers received a tour of HCST’s Secaucus facility by academy Green Leaders.

A student-run agricultural education initiative, the National FFA Organization emphasizes leadership, personal growth, and career success. FFA offers conventions, competitions, scholarships, and other valuable resources and opportunities to establish connections with other chapters in New Jersey. By creating the High Tech FFA Chapter, the Academy of Environmental Science and Sustainability has cemented its position as a member of the national agricultural education community.

The High Tech FFA Chapter Officers and their advisor includes Jersey City residents Ivonne Ovalles (President), Elena Gurczesk (Vice President), and Aubrey Beam (Secretary); Kearny resident Al Sessa (Treasurer); Rachel Stern of Guttenberg (Reporter); Jersey City resident Sean Fuehrer (Sentinel); Sylvia Goldfond of Kearny (Historian); and Advisor and veteran Environmental Science instructor Cathy Yuhas.

County Prep Dancers Meets Dance Legend

December 13, 2018, Senior students of the County Prep Dance Program met dance pioneer Steve Paxton, a founding member of the legendary Judson Dance Theater and creator of the dance technique Contact Improvisation. Paxton was featured in the exhibit Judson Dance Theater: The Work Is Never Done at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan.

The learning experience for students included seeing and discussing MoMA's art collection, as well as spending time in the Judson Dance exhibit, finding correlations between this historic postmodern dance movement and the work done in class at County Prep. In addition, students watched a performance by the Stephen Petronio Company who performed variations of Steve Paxton's choreography. One of Petronio's dancers, Bria Bacon, was part of the Fall CHIRP residency at County Prep. It was exciting for the students to connect with Bria there, and see a dancer from their community performing in such a prestigious venue. The day culminated with a discussion with Paxton himself, who generously took time to meet and talk with our students.

CPHS Theatre Arts Presents "Brooklyn, the Musical" on January 24-25!

County Prep High School Theatre Arts proudly presents Brooklyn, the Musical, with music, lyrics and book by Mark Schoenfeld and Barri McPherson. Using a play within a play concept, this musical focuses on a group of musicians known as the City Weeds who periodically transforms a street corner under the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge into a stage, where they present their play about Parisian singer Brooklyn, named after her estranged father's home. This is a tale about finding a father and discovering the truth, but above all, it is a story about becoming a strong, successful young woman, despite all hardships along the way. The show will be performed on 1/24 and 1/25 at 7pm, at County Prep HS, in the 407 Theatre.

Anthology Film Archives to Screen TV Pilot 'Radio Gods,' Written by High Tech Instructor Vincent Nardiello, Jr.

(New York, NY--January 7, 2019) Radio Gods, a pilot written and co-created by High Tech High School instructor Vincent Nardiello, Jr., will be screening this month at the Anthology Film Archives as part of its NewFilmmakers Series.

The 30-minute TV production depicts two aging “shock jocks,” the titular characters, as they launch their comeback in the new media world of podcasts. The pilot stars Paul Provenza (director of The Aristocrats and The Green Room), Rick Overton (Veep, I’m Dying Up Here), Tony V. (Mayhem and Monsters), and Kara Jackson (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel).

The first pilot created by Nardiello, Radio Gods joins an oeuvre that includes an off-Broadway play, The Boom, and writing credits on Paulie, starring Paul Sorvino.  Nardiello’s material has also been featured on SNL’s Weekend Update, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Nardiello currently teaches Writing for the Media, Journalism, and Stand-Up Comedy at High Tech.

The screening for Radio Gods will be held on Wednesday, January 16th, at 8:15 p.m.  For additional information on The Anthology Film Archives, located at 32 Second Avenue (at 2nd Street) in Manhattan, and for tickets for Radio Gods, please visit www.newfilmmakers.com.

Vincent Nardiello, Jr.

County Prep Dance Program Featured in Hudson Reporter Article

The Dance Program at County Prep High School has been featured in the Hudson Reporter this week. Please click the link below for full article.

https://hudsonreporter.com/2019/01/03/lets-dance/

County Prep Creative Art Students Design Cups for Starbucks Holiday Competition

This year County Prep’s Creative Art students participated in their second annual Starbucks Holiday Cup design competition. Each student created a holiday or winter themed design which was submitted and displayed in our hallway this past December. Drawing on top of the actual cups prove to be a tricky task, but our students met this challenge with great success! The display showed a variety of creative, well thought out designs that each student added their own personal touch to.

With the help of our teachers, the votes were collected and awards were given! Our first place winner, Saray Gayed designed a cup based off the classic Christmas movie 'Elf', with 'Buddy the Elf' front and center and distinct scenes from the film along the sides. Our second place winner Giovanni Ortiz designed a cup filled with Mickey Mouse characters all dressed up for the holidays. Finally, we had a tie for third place, between Ryan Cabanlit's detailed Santa drawing cup and Nicole Almenana's whimsical night sky.

The final prizes were awarded to those as follows:

First Place:  Saray Gayed

Second Place: Giovanni Ortiz

Third Place: Ryan Cabanlit & Nicole Almenana

Honorable Mention: Desiree Rivera & Stefania Greczylo

First Place:  Saray Gayed

Second Place: Giovanni Ortiz

Third Place: Nicole Almenana

Third Place: Ryan Cabanlit