Support CPHS' Class of 2022 Chipotle Fundraiser!

 

Stop by Chipotle in Jersey City on January 9th to support the County Prep High School Class of 2022!

How can you support our fundraiser?

a) verbally tell the cashier about the fundraiser

b) show a physical fundraiser flyer

c) screenshot this flyer and show it to the cashier 

d) use our online ordering code to place an order for pickup through the Chipotle app or website.

CODE : A7M4XJG 

Chipotle 

525 Washington Blvd Ste G

Jersey city, NJ 07310-2607

                                                 

County Prep HS Theatre Arts Program: 2019-2020 A Year in Review

 2019-2020 A Year in Review

The Theatre Arts program at County Prep HS has had an unusual yet rewarding year. The students undergo a rigorous and rewarding program based on the professional model and focus on classics, world theatre, modern plays, musicals, and improvisations. Our productions and classes offer students the opportunity to develop individual interest while gaining invaluable practical experience in acting, musical theatre, and stagecraft. The students start by learning both important aspects of the history of theatre and basic acting skills and are first assigned classical monologues and scenes. They take part in auditions for our mainstage productions; they participate in field trips to Brooklyn Academy of Music, Manhattan Theatre Club, or the Roundabout Theatre and take workshops with various professional directors and theatre artists. They also participate in competitions such as the Teen Arts competition at NJCU, the Papermill Playhouse Musical competition, and the Montclair State Theatre Night Foxy Awards. 

2019-2020 Performances:

• HCST Gala and Fundraiser- the students presented a short selection of scenes, and songs from our musical Chicago, The High School Edition

• The Christmas Show- the students presented a short selection of scenes, and songs from our musical Chicago, The High School Edition as well as a Holiday skit entitled The Office, written and performed by the members of the Improv show 

• Chicago, The High School Edition

• Our Sixth Annual Improv Show and Fundraiser, hosted by Junior Yvelisse Vargas, a hilarious Improv competition and Fundraiser for the Theatre Program

• Now What? EveryActor’s Dilemma during the Great Quarantine, a virtual theatre production 

      Field Trips, Workshops, and Competitions: 

• The Roundabout Theatre on Broadway: The Rose Tattoo by Tennessee Williams

• Sound Painting Workshop with Leese Walker, Artistic, Producing Director and Founder of Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble

• Voice Over Workshop with award-winning voiceover artist Neil Hellegers

• Teen Arts Competition: Kayla Velazquez and Ivellisses Segovia received the Judge’s Award for their scene from the Odd Couple (Female Version) by Neil Simon.

• The Montclair State Foxy Awards Competition, where last year’s play Paradise Hotel’s Robert Delmonte was nominated for a Foxy award, for Outstanding Performance of A Lead Actor in a Comedy 

 

We are very proud to announce that some of our seniors will continue their theatre education after leaving County Prep. Dynajah Smith will attend The New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts, and Yvelisse Vargas will attend the New York Film Academy.

Also, five Chicago performers were awarded $10,000 scholarships to the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts, should they decide to pick this prestigious institution for college: Ariel Rivera, Kayla Velazquez, Arbaz Khan, Matthew Segovia and Khira Fried. Congratulations to all!

County Prep French Classes Celebrate Valentine's Day

On February 14, all students from Mr. Bejerano’s French classes organized and presented a class fashion parade in County Prep ITV-ROOM, "A French defile de mode." Being asked about this unique show, Mr. Bejerano said, “We created a fashion show all in French. Students each took turns being the commentators and the models. In this event students had the chance to describe each other's outfits using demonstrative (ce/cette), clothing vocabulary, clothing color, clothing material, activities they could do in the clothing, and the seasons they could wear the clothing in, all this as a part of a thematic unit, my students are learning at this time.” Also, as a closure of the event, they had a beautiful and excellent performance from students of Audio Technology, conducted by Mr. Figuereo.

Mr. Bejerano wants to thank our Art Teacher Jillian McNamara, our Audio Technology Teacher Wilkis Figuereo and our Technology staff Wise Rodriguez, for their great support and success of this event.

County Prep Fashion Students Visit Parsons School of Design

Ms. Patten's fashion students visited Parsons School of Design on Tuesday, December 17, 2019.  Her aspiring young professionals toured the facilities to get an in-depth view of program offerings.  In addition, the students attended a brief overview of the admissions process and the competitive nature of the respective departments. 

Extended Culinary Student for the Day Program a Success for County Prep Students

County Prep Culinary Arts students visited Hudson County Community College multiple times from September through February 2020 to participate in the “ Extended Culinary Student for the Day” program. The students were afforded the opportunity to work "one-on-one" with a renowned chef to prepare dishes selected by the students. During the last session, County Prep culinary students showcased their talents by preparing scrumptious ribs, spicy buffalo chicken, delightful macaroni and cheese, exotic potatoes, and deep fried grilled cheese sandwiches. The opportunity to partake in “hands-on” activities gave the students a glimpse of culinary arts on a college level. Overall, it was an invaluable structured learning experience that defined a potential career option for our students. A special thank-you is extended to Ms. Nunez and Chef Puc at Hudson County Community for their efforts to bring this SLE to fruition.

College and Career Fair at County Prep High School

County Prep hosted a college and career fair on February 11th, 2020. There were many hands that helped to orchestrate this event from administrators, teachers, counselors, Ms. Galluccio and Ms. DeGise to maintenance and security staff, transportation staff and our Chefs and students in the Culinary Program. Colleges, universities, as well as the military and apprenticeship programs were in attendance. There were 48 organizations representing New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Illinois and Florida including: Rutgers University, NJIT, The New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, Stevens Tech, SUNY, CUNY, Johnson and Wales, University of South Florida, University of Pittsburgh, United States Army National Guard, The Stagehand Apprenticeship Program, and Eastern Millwork. The event allowed about 150 of our juniors who were in attendance to gather information about potential colleges and scholarships, the military and other career options in a “one-stop-shop” situation. We hope to host the fair again next year and thank everyone for their support.

County Prep’s Theatre Arts Students Perform in the Sixth Annual Improv Show and Fundraiser

(February 7th, 2020) Only two weeks after our very successful run of Chicago, the Musical, County Prep Theatre Arts improvisers performed in our Sixth Annual Improv Show, which consisted of one act made of skits created through improvisation by the Improv class and a second act improvised on the spot by all Theatre Arts performers, and created with audience participation. The audience picked places, relationships, gave quotes from movies to be integrated in the games, and gave ideas as to which turn a skit could take.

The show was hosted by Senior Yvelisse Vargas, in the first act, and by Seniors Tyla Gibson and Dynajah Smith in the second act. The members of the Improv after school class Juniors Ivellisses Segovia, Nyellie Muniz, James Quach and Kaine Malachi, Sophomores Fred Veloz, Jaden Misaro, Matthew Segovia, Ethan Barragan, Madison Roman, Michele Oshiro and Freshmen Arianna Czaplicki, Kawtar Laouej, Selsabil Belmokhtar and Elleria Perez were joined by special guests Freshman Alexandria Nunez, Sophomore Reanna Cruz, Juniors Kayla Velazquez, Alyssa Anglade, and Seniors Yvellise Vargas, Tyla Gibson and Dynajah Smith.

The improvisers won the heart of the audience performing games such as Freeze Tag, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Exits and Entrances, Sitting, Standing, Lying, Taxi, What Are you Trying to Say?, Director, Here Comes Jill, and What Happens Next?

Ms. Shields is extremely proud of her extraordinary creative improvisers as well as the technical crew of the evening; student lighting, and sound technicians, Junior Eianna Martinez, and Senior Sheily Mateos, our costume designer Senior Esmeralda Garcia, and and house managers Esther Placide, Alexandria Nunez and Reanna Cruz. Thank you to all performers and crew for such a fun and amazing performance!


 

County Prep Photography Students Win 8 Judges Awards at The Pingry School Exhibition

The Commercial Photography Department is happy to announce that a record 8 County Prep students have won Judges Awards in the annual Pingry School Photography Exhibition. The students represent 9th grade through 12th grade in the program. Their winning photographs are pictured here. Principal Ms. Barbara Mendolla and Mr. Gerard Patten would like to congratulate all the students who participated in this event.

Freshmen

Fady Kelada - Odell Hands

Sariah Olivera - Snow Day

Sophomores

Grace Bertrand - Family

Casey Kelly - Rustic

Juniors

Jaiden Betancourt – Merry Poppins

Aneesa Cortez – Into the Woods

Ashleigh Hernandez – The Upside Down

Senior

Sherwin Dewan - Perspective

Eastern Millwork - Holz Technik Academy Apprenticeship Program Presents to County Prep Students

Structured Learning Experience -  Eastern Millwork - Holz Technik Academy Apprenticeship Program

Peter J. Mielach from Eastern Millwork  presented to students at County Prep High School on Friday, December 6, 2019.  The apprenticeship program is a career opportunity for high school graduates interested in technology and manufacturing.  Easterm Millwork has partnered with Hudson County Community College to create a model whereby students receive on-the-job training and an associate's degree concurrently.  Students learned about potential career pathways that can be launched as part of this “Earn While You Learn” initiative.

 A special thank you is extended to Eastern Millwork for partnering with our district.

Culinary Arts Students from County Prep HS Participate in Culinary Program at HCCC

County Prep Culinary Arts students visited Hudson County Community College multiple times from September through February 2020 to participate in the “ Extended Culinary Student for the Day” program. The students were afforded the opportunity to work "one-on-one" with a renowned chef to prepare dishes selected by the students. During the last session, County Prep culinary students showcased their talents by preparing scrumptious ribs, spicy buffalo chicken, delightful macaroni and cheese, exotic potatoes, and deep fried grilled cheese sandwiches. The opportunity to partake in “hands-on” activities gave the students a glimpse of culinary arts on a college level. Overall, it was an invaluable structured learning experience that defined a potential career option for our students. A special thank-you is extended to Ms. Nunez and Chef Puc at Hudson County Community for their efforts to bring this SLE to fruition.

Ms. Rubio's Graphic Design Students Visit Microsoft for Structured Learning Experience

On Friday, January 17, 2020, County Prep students from Ms. Rubio's graphic design class participated in a Job Shadowing event at Microsoft located in Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey.  Upon arrival, the students attended a presentation on the history of Microsoft and the numerous career opportunities available within the organization.  The students engaged in numerous interactive activities throughout the day utilizing the products in the state-of-the-art facility. The Microsoft coordinator shared her personal experience as to her expected and yet unexpected pathway that led to a career at the company.  The day ended with a complimentary luncheon provided by Junior Achievement.   This Structured Learning Experience (SLE)  complemented classroom instruction and increased students' awareness of the skills needed to excel in this setting.

National Job Shadow Day a Success for County Prep Students

National Job Shadow Day - Monday, February 3, 2020

On Monday, February 3rd, Ms. Rubio's graphic design class and Ms. Pica's audio visual students  participated in a Job Shadowing event at Wiley & Sons located in Hoboken, New Jersey sponsored by Junior Achievement.  Upon arrival, Mr. Jesse Wiley welcomed the students and spoke about the history of Wiley & Sons which is an educational publishing firm that offers an array of educational products. The students participated in a Panel Discussion  which provided an opportunity for a Q&A with practicing professionals representative of different career trajectories within Wiley. The students interacted with employees to seek advice and guidance in preparation for their  post-secondary aspirations.  Wiley & Sons' employees shared their personal experiences as to their expected and yet unexpected career pathways. There was a presentation on Graphic Design and UX  for Digital Education which focused on Digital Management & the Next Generation of WileyPlus.  Before the day concluded, the students participated in "5 Minute Speed Interviews" with employees resulting in being interviewed multiple times by different employees.  The "lightning round" of interviews was designed to give students a flavor for different interviewing styles and questioning techniques.  Overall, County Prep students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and now have an increased awareness of potential career opportunities within Wiley & Sons.  A special thank-you is extended to Ms. Rubio and Ms. Pica for preparing their classes for the program and chaperoning the event.  

County Prep Artist Achieves Top Awards in NJ Regional Scholastic Art and Writing Contest

Shannon Carratini-Hatcher, a senior at County Prep High School, has won a Gold Key Award for both her individual pieces and her art portfolio in the NJ Regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. She is among only 41 student awardees in the state, and of those only 12 were awarded a Gold Key for their Art Portfolio. Shannon will be honored at Montclair Art Museum in February; her Gold Key pieces will go on to the national judging round. Principal Ms. Mendolla and the County Prep community wish her the best of luck as she advances.

County Prep Theatre Arts students awarded $10,000 to attend NY Conservatory of Dramatic Arts

New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts staff attended County Prep's Dress Rehearsal of Chicago, the High School Edition directed by Mrs. Raluca Shields. They were so impressed with the students’ performance, they awarded Juniors Kayla Velazquez, Arbaz Khan and Ariel Rivera, and Sophomores Matthew Segovia and Khira Fried $10,000 scholarships each, towards their Tuition at NYCDA. The entire cast and crew also received $1000 towards the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts summer program.

The New York Conservatory is a New York City based theatre conservatory program that offers an individualized and collaborative learning experience to transform any student into an actor who works. They believe the sooner they can start your career, the better.

The cast included Seniors Tyla Gibson, Yvelisse Vargas and Dynajah Smith, who was also Assistant Director of the show; Juniors Ivellisses Segovia, Kaine Malachi, Arbaz Khan, Angela La Rosa, and Alyssa Anglade; Sophomores Megan Wasserman, Tatyana Serrato, Ethan Barragan, Jaden Misaro, Fred Veloz, Emely Rivera, Yvette Cruz, Cinthia Perez, Reanna Cruz, and Madison Roman; and Freshmen Arianna Czaplicki, and Kawtar Laouej. Our backstage crew included Junior Eianna Martinez, our lighting technician, sound technician Senior Sheily Mateos, Follow Spot Operator Ellaine Dionisio, and Back Stage Technicians Freshmen Elleria Perez, Selsabil Belmokhtar, and Junior James Quach.

Ms. Shields would like to congratulate all the awards recipients.

County Prep Theater Arts performs Chicago, the High School Edition

In its eighth year, the after school Theater 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 theater. Once again, the show had complete live accompaniment, by renowned pianist Craig Ketter, and award winning saxophonist Isaac Ketter, under the direction of our multi talented Musical Director, Valerie Gonzalez. The show was designed by our professional lighting designer, Mr. Lance Michel, was choreographed by County Prep Alumnus Mr. John Hines, and was directed by Ms. Raluca Shields. 

This year, the students focused on rehearsing and performing Chicago, a darkly satirical, razzle dazzle musical set to the backdrop of prohibition era Chicago. The show has its origins in real-life, high profile crimes, criminals and trials of the 1920s. The show pokes fun at the corruption in the criminal justice system and at the idea of “celebrity criminals”. In the words of the great Fred Ebb, in a nutshell, Chicago “it’s a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery”.

On a deeper level, the play is about truth and the lack thereof in the world of the play, which sadly reflects ours also. Truth has become easily manipulated and in turn weaponized with the purpose of personal gain and quick fame. Such is the environment of the play, where corruption flourishes, and morals unfold quickly. 

This piece was chosen to showcase our performers this year, who wowed the audience “and really rose to the occasion” with “pitch-perfect singing” and believable characters, as Ms. Warfel Sandler, Director of Performing Arts/ Dance and Chair of the Board of Directors for the Jersey City Arts council put it. Juniors Kayla Velazquez and Ariel Rivera starred as Velma and Mama, and Sophomores Khira Fried and Matthew Segovia starred as Roxie and Billy respectively, while Senior Tyla Gibson starred as Mary Sunshine. The cast also included Senior Dynajah Smith, who was also Assistant Director of the show, and Senior Yvelisse Varga; Juniors Ivellisses Segovia, Kaine Malachi, Arbaz Khan, Angela La Rosa, and Alyssa Anglade; Sophomores Megan Wasserman, Tatyana Serrato, Ethan Barragan, Jaden Misaro, Fred Veloz, Emely Rivera, Yvette Cruz, Cinthia Perez, Reanna Cruz, and Madison Roman; and Freshmen Arianna Czaplicki, and Kawtar Laouej. Special recognition also goes to lighting technician Junior Eianna Martinez, sound technician Senior Sheily Mateos, our Follow Spot Operator Ellaine Dionisio, and Back Stage Technicians Freshmen Elleria Perez and Selsabil Belmokhtar and Junior James Quach; and our Costume Designer Esmeralda Garcia.

Ms. Shields and Ms.Gonzalez are very proud of all of the cast and crew whose work has developed through our premiere rendition of this musical.

Chicago, the High School edition is presented through arrangement with Samuel French.

Donari Joy Mosby of County Prep HS Lauded for Community Service

The County Prep HS community is proud of Senior Donari Joy Mosby. She collected 5729 pairs of socks and donated them to Triangle Park Community Center to be distributed to the homeless in Jersey City.
For more information about this wonderful venture, please visit:

dhttps://www.nj.com/galleries/GU5WGEHXOJEKZAV7UINREK64J4/

HCCC Hosts County Prep Culinary Arts Students for a Culinary Institute Tour

County Prep's junior and senior culinary arts classes along with their instructors visited Hudson County Community College during November to participate in their “Culinary Institute Tour." The students cycled through the various culinary labs to gain exposure to the post-secondary culinary arts program. In addition, one of their renowned chefs demonstrated a culinary lesson.  They also had the opportunity to interact with the professors and current college students.  The students met with an admissions counselor to review the application process.  At the conclusion of the tour, the students attended a luncheon in the dining hall that was prepared by the culinary college students.  Overall, it was an invaluable structured learning experience that defined a potential career option for our students.

FDU Latino Promise Program Hosts Campus Visit for County Prep Juniors and Seniors

Mr. Brennan and Mrs. Galluccio accompanied County Prep juniors and seniors to Fairleigh Dickinson University on Thursday, December 5. These aspiring young professionals met with a representative from the Latino Promise program and current FDU Latino Promise students to get an in-depth view of the benefits of a small program tailored to the unique needs of students coupled with the vast resources of a large institution. In addition, the students toured the campus including classrooms, offices, and the library. The tour concluded with a complimentary luncheon. Students were exposed to the different career trajectories possible at this higher education institution.