High Tech Students Receive Medals at the Hudson County STEM Showcase Awards Ceremony

(Jersey City, NJ—March 28, 2017)  Mariam Abdelmoul of Jersey City, North Bergen resident Jeel Shah, and Shreyas Agarwal of Secaucus, all students at High Tech High School, picked up awards for their research projects at the 59^th Annual Hudson County STEM Showcase Awards Ceremony, held at the Margaret Williams Theatre at New Jersey City University (NJCU), announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Shah received the Silver Medal for his research project, “Effect of Cellular Radiation on the Behavior of Apis mellifera.”  Also, Agarwal accepted the Bronze Medal for her research project, “Development of Wireless and Continuous Energy Source for Mobile User.” 

Abdelmoula’s project, “Antibacterial Effects of Dandelion Alcohol Extracts on B. subtilis,” earned her the Gold Medal.  For winning the Gold, for earning an impressive GPA, and for receiving a high SAT score, Abdelmoula has also been awarded NJCU’s prestigious Presidential Scholarship, which offers her up to $44,000 to cover full-time, in-state tuition and fees for four years.

Other High Tech students entered their projects in the STEM Showcase as well: Eleanore Woodruff and Ada Zhu of Weehawken for “Lung Disease Screening Using Bilateral Digitized Pulmonary Sounds” and “Paper Chromatography Using Water and Isopropyl (90%) Solvent System of Dandelion Stem Extracts,” respectively; Muhammad Umar of Bayonne for “The Effect of Various Neurotransmitters on the Behavior of Mus musculus”; and Secaucus resident Shelina Chotrani for “The effect of low power Argon Plasma Exposure on Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms.”

“I’m very proud of our students and program,” says Dr. Arun Srivastava, veteran High Tech instructor and Science Fair coordinator.  “We instructors teach them that every idea is a good idea, but often, some ideas are difficult to implement.  Our students overcome difficulties to offer us their great ideas.”

Sponsored this year by Jersey City Medical Center, in partnership with RWJ Barnabas Health and New Jersey City University, this year’s Hudson County STEM Showcase took place at Liberty Science Center on March 13^th.  Dr. Srivastava would like to thank Dr. Giammarella for his logistical support and the Hudson County Schools of Technology Foundation for sponsoring High Tech’s research programs, as always.

(from left to right: Jeel Shah, Shreyas Agarwal, Dr. Arun Srivastava, and Mariam Abdelmoula)

County Prep World Literature Classes Host Class Poetry Readings

In anticipation of National Poetry Month next month, students in Mrs. Ashe's World Literature classes wrote their own poems inspired by works of art. These ekphrastic poems were the center of  world poetry readings they held on Friday March 24th in their classes. Students read original lyric poems, narratives, and haikus. They are looking forward to hosting another reading in April.

Harvard Summer School Program for High School Students Accepts High Tech’s Alonzo Cortez

(Cambridge, MA—March 22, 2017) Bayonne resident Alonzo Cortez, a sophomore at High Tech’s D|FAB Academy, will attend the Harvard Summer School Program for High School Students, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

This program, designed to prepare high school students academically and socially for a successful college experience, provides Cortez with the chance to attend a college-oriented class of his choice for three hours a day for seven weeks.  Also, he will participate in college readiness workshops and team-building events. During the evenings, Cortez has the opportunity to attend social activities as well.

“I’m excited to meet people from all over the globe,” says Cortez, who plans to test-drive majors, gain valuable knowledge and skills, and explore Boston proper, one of America’s most vibrant and historic cities. “I’m hopeful that I’ll leave the Harvard Summer program more capable of thinking critically and communicating confidently.”

The Harvard Summer School Program features the following: college courses (over 200), which students like Cortez will attend alongside current college students, other high school students, and professionals from around the world; credit Cortez and others can transfer to a college in the future; the choice to live on campus, commute, or study online; and the freedom to schedule his days.

Students may enroll in one or two courses.  Outside of classes, Cortez and others can attend workshops, take trips to nearby colleges, and unwind through activities like intramural sports and musical pursuits.  Students find a healthy balance of organized events and free time, allowing him or her the independence reminiscent of colleges.

High Tech’s AP Biology Students Attend Undergraduate Research Symposium

By Kevleen Plaha and Sahil Patel, High Tech High School

(Jersey City, NJ—March 6, 2017) For the third year in a row, AP Biology students from Dr. Nina Lavlinskaia’s courses at High Tech High School spent time at Governors Hall in Liberty Science Center for the Independent College Fund of New Jersey’s Undergraduate Research Symposium, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Students in Dr. Lavlinskaia’s AP Biology courses had the opportunity to speak with college presenters and evaluate their research.  Shelly Witham, veteran Earth and Environmental Science teacher, Dr. Dimitri Lavlinski, veteran Chemistry instuctor, and the indefatigable Joan Marie Bellotti, veteran English teacher and Language Arts liaison, also chaperoned the students at the symposium. 

Mrs. Witham and Dr. Lavlinski doubled as presentation judges as well.

After a brief introduction by the President and CEO of the Independent College Fund of New Jersey, John B. Wilson, and speeches by pioneers in the STEM field, students observed and judged the college students who showcased their works.  Third Place went to Monmouth University’s Sarah Falotico for her project, “Engineering of an immunogenic pre-Trans-splicing RNA (iPTR) to Block Growth and Express a Glioblastoma Specific Epitope.”  Gianna C. Klucker from Caldwell University took Second Place for “Creation of a Novel Deodorant Using Essential Oils.”  Finally, the top prize went to Deborah J. Balthazar and Amanda L. Surujnauth, both from Caldwell University, too, for their joint project, “What Is on Your Toothbrush?  Are You Brushing with Fecal Matter?  An Assessment of Toothbrush Microbial Contamination from Toilet Aerosols and Suggestions for Storage and Decontamination.”

Through the participation in the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, the Independent College Fund of New Jersey (ICFNJ), which represents fourteen sovereign academic institutions in the Garden State, enhances STEM majors’ engagements in STEM areas, maintains student retention in undergrad STEM programs, and attempts to enhance the overall academic experiences of students enrolled at its member colleges.  Each year, ICFNJ invites the participation of an area high school, allowing high school students preparing to make a college decisions the opportunity to interact with undergraduates and witness the dynamic level of research being done on our state’s independent college campuses.  Once more, ICFNJ invited High Tech High School to participate in the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.

High Tech Dance Majors Participate in Regional High School Dance Festival in Norfolk, VA

(Norfolk, VA—March 20, 2017) The High Tech junior and senior dance majors returned from a five-day trip to the Regional High School Dance Festival, where they participated in three days of intense workshops and auditions for both college and summer study scholarships, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Senior Kayla Alvarez and Junior Melina Soriano, both Bayonne residents, performed “Esplanade,” one of pioneering modern dance choreographer Paul Taylor's signature pieces from 1975, with the Paul Taylor Teen Ensemble.  Also, Alvarez, senior Idaliz Cristian of North Bergen, and juniors Marlowe McGee and Elyssa Cueto, also from North Bergen, performed  "Kairos," choreographed by High Tech alumnus Raechelle Manalo.

Many High Tech dancers received summer intensive and post-secondary scholarships as a result of their auditions: 

Cueto for Hope College, Ohio University, University of the Arts, Bates Dance Festival, James Madison University, Long Island University, and Relativity School of Commercial Dance

McGee for to Rowan University, Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University, West Virginia University, New World School of the Arts, Miami, Ohio University, University of the Arts, Joffrey Ballet School, Long Island University, and Brenau University

Olivia Ruiz of Guttenberg for Long Island University, Ohio State, American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and University of the Arts

Soriano for University of the Arts

“The dancers had a great time meeting and dancing with other high school students from all over the country,” says veteran High Tech dance instructor Trista DeFilippis.  “This was an experience they will soon not forget, and I’m very proud of these dancers and of the work we present at High Tech.”

Letters About Literature Recognizes Four High Tech Students

(Piscataway, NJ—March 12, 2017) Out of almost 2,000 letters submitted from New Jersey in the 2016-2017 Letters About Literature contest, High Tech High School received notice that four of its students had been recognized at the 2017 Letters About Literature Award Ceremony at Rutgers University’s Livingston College Student Center, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

In the Level III category covering 9-12 graders, Hoboken resident Rebecca Klein-Cohen earned Second Place for her letter to Lin Manuel Miranda, the creator of the widely-popular musical Hamilton: An American Musical. 

Also in that category, the following High Tech students earned Distinguished Honors: Gabriel Goya of Bayonne, who wrote a letter addressed to David Lubar, author of Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie, and North Bergen residents Julissa Laignelet and Isabella Rodriguez, who wrote to Jay Asher, author of Thirteen Reasons Why, and Lauren Oliver, the author of Before I Fall, respectively.

These High Tech students will be honored, along with others, at a statewide reception at the Livingston College Student Center of Rutgers University on May 17^th.

Judges for Letters About Literature include authors, publishers, librarians and educators. The first two rounds of reading occurs at the Library of Congress, which determines which letters advance to state-level judging. First place state winners only advance for national judging.

Letters About Literature, a reading/writing contest for students in grades 4-12, recognizes students who read a book, poem, or speech and compose letters to the authors, whether living or dead, on how the authors’ works affect them personally. Judges review letters on state and national levels. Tens of thousands of students from across the country enter Letters About Literature every year.

High Tech’s Newly Renamed Environmental Club Produces Infomercial about Club’s Manifesto

(North Bergen, NJ—March 15, 2017) The High Tech Environmental Club, formerly known as the PHAT (Protecting Habitats, Animals, and Trees) Club, recently produced an infomercial in which club members explain the Environmental Club and its activities, past, present, and future, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

The infomercial features President Darrian Beam of Jersey City, Vice President Jeremy Lewan of Bayonne, and Secretary Shelina Chotrani of Secaucus.

“The [Environmental] Club aims to protect the Earth, a home we share with countless other plants and animals," notes Lewan, in the infomerical that he helped to produce.

The Environmental Club meets once or twice a month, whereby members present the latest news regarding the problems our Earth faces and what teenagers can do to help alleviate them.  Such issues as our carbon footprint, climate change, waste reduction, and preserving biodiversity may prove daunting, but the Environmental Club believes that, through teamwork, members can help tackle any environmental issue.

Besides disseminating information on the Earth’s present status, the Environmental Club plans and directs fundraisers and other activities to raise money for organizations that benefit the welfare of the planet, such as the National Wildlife Federation, the Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Sierra Club.  The club also has an Earth Day celebration in the works to inform the school about ecological conditions.

The club also gets close and personal with nature by participating in beach cleanups, tree and garden planting, and embarking on hikes in Ramapo Mountain State Forest.   The club always welcomes new members, and one may peruse the infomercial at the following link: https://youtu.be/MWaULEj1_OI

County Prep Students in the Graphic Technology Vocation Win 3rd Place in Annual Contest

Each year, The Arc of New Jersey hosts a Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month outreach event at the State House in Trenton. On Monday, March 6 2017, County Prep students of the Graphic Technology Vocation participated in the annual contest and won 3rd place. The theme of this year’s event and design contest was “Developmental Disabilities Awareness: It Matters to Me.” Students in grades 3 - 12 were invited to design a bulletin board that incorporated the theme of this year’s campaign and illustrated the students’ acceptance of all people. The County Prep group created a bulletin board on which they decided to draw a big brain made of puzzle pieces. In each piece there is a drawing of a child doing different activities regardless of the disability. 

The students that participated in the contest visited the Statehouse in Trenton where they received their award certificate and their work was displayed. They had the opportunity to tour the Statehouse, visiting areas such as the Governor's press conference room, the Assembly Chamber and the Senate Chamber.

Congratulations to the winners: Isabelle Leverock, Sanchit Anand, Casidy Collazo, Hamza Gseir, Adrian Restrepo, Daniela Noguera, and Banni Anand. 

Nail-Biting Finale to 2017 Hudson County Academic Bowl Ends in a Tie for High Tech and Secaucus High School

(Secaucus, NJ—March 8, 2017) In a wild finish to the 2017 Hudson County Academic Bowl, both High Tech High School and Secaucus High School shared in the glory of winning the championship title in this season’s quiz bowl competition, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

The High Tech Senior Quiz Bowl team, captained by Ryan Miller of Kearny, found team members Rakeeb Alam and Akash Ram of Bayonne and Kearny residents Jonathan Brooks and Kevin Shi tying Secaucus High School 210-210 after a controversial vote over an Academic Bowl rule.

“The Secaucus team claimed this rule never gets enforced,” says Miller.  “The advisors also said that one teammate wanted to help the captain out with pronouncing a word.”

According to the rules, each team designates a captain, who serves as the primary spokesperson for the team, prior to each match.  However, on the Secaucus High School team, a non-captain answered a ten-point question.  The questionable answer, based on the rules, didn’t figure into the calculation of the tournament until the final score, which had originally been 210-200 in favor of High Tech due to the sanction.  At the end of the championship, one of the Secaucus High School advisors objected to High Tech’s win.  So, based on a democratic vote, which favored Secaucus High School 3-2, the teams agreed to a tie.  No one suffered the agony of defeat this time around.

“We had three strong teams this year,” says a deferential William Kennon, Quiz Bowl advisor and veteran visual arts teacher at High Tech.  “High Tech should be very proud of the quality of our student population.”

County Prep Culinary Arts Team Wins 1st Place Gold

On Friday, March 3^rd, the County Prep High School Culinary Arts team competed in the Skills USA “MRE” challenge. There were fourteen teams in the contest. The student chefs were given 6 MREs:  “meals ready to eat that military branches use when training or in battle.” The gold medal winners created a meal which consisted of three courses that corresponded to the military:

Appetizer

A cheese flan in the shape of a submarine (Navy)

A beef ravioli with cheese on top of a vegetable biscuit

Entrée

A bunker and sand bags made out of chili and diced potatoes

Mexican chicken mole (spicy chocolate) with penne pasta & jalapeño cheese

(Army)

Dessert

Chocolate coffee mousse considered to be the “safe haven”

Cookie & pop tart crusted with chocolate coffee mousse with a blueberry granola spread

The three Marine judges along with the Army and the Navy were impressed by their creativity and presentation.

Ten High Tech Students Cited in National Hispanic Recognition Program

(St. Peter, MN—February 20, 2017) Ten High Tech High School students scored in the top 2.5% on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT©), based on regional results from among Hispanic and Latino test-takers, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

The following young scholars have been invited to participate in the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP): Bayonne residents Alex Becerril and Jeremy Lewan; Carlos Arce-Sanchez of East Newark; Guttenberg resident Elijah Flores; Alvaro Orihuela of Kearny; North Bergen residents Erica De Lacerda, Julian Munoz, and Nicholas Francisco; Fatima Bartel of Union City; and West New York resident Eduardo Valenzuela.

Each year, the NHRP recognizes approximately 5,000 of the 250,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT©. 

Participation in the NHRP enables students to highlight their outstanding academic achievements on college applications.   Although not a scholarship, the NHRP does allow institutions of higher learning to identify those academically exceptional Hispanic/Latino students all across America.

County Prep's Oleksiy Polishchuk Competes in Arena Pro Swim Series

The Arena Pro Swim Series made its second stop in 2017 at the world renowned IU Natatorium in Indianapolis. As predicted, the event proved to be a clash between some of the biggest titans in the sport.  Notable swimmers included Great Britain's Adam Peaty, America's Josh Prenot, Japan's Daiya Seto, and America's Cody Miller. Among the mix was County Prep's Oleksiy Polishchuk. Oleksiy had his hands full qualifying in five events including the 100m Breaststroke, 200m Breaststroke, 200m individual medley, 400m individual Medley, and the 200m freestyle. Oleksiy's most notable finish was in the 200m Breaststroke in which he swam a time of 2:25.55 in the preliminaries qualifying him for the finals in which he snagged 29th place in a time of 2:25.40.  The time is important because it serves as a benchmark for Oleksiy as he makes a push for the Junior World Championships later this summer.

CP's Tyanna Baez and Qu'Raun Scott-McKoy Accepted into Tisch's Summer Filmmakers Workshop

Ms. Pica proudly congratulates Audio Visual Production students Tyanna Baez and Qu’Raun Scott-McKoy on their acceptance into Tisch’s Summer High School Filmmakers Workshop! Tyanna and Qu’Raun will spend a month this summer on NYU’s campus developing their directing, shooting, and editing skills to produce a music video and short film.

The curriculum for the Filmmakers Workshop, offered through Kanbar Institute of Film and Television, is similar to that of the undergraduate degree program. Students will learn about documentary, experimental, and narrative approaches to film. The hands-on workshop combines intensive professional training with a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and theories behind the art of film and video production.

High Tech French Honors Society Hosts French Culture Showcase

(North Bergen, NJ—March 1, 2017) High Tech French Honors Society, moderated by Dr. Laje Gashi, hosted a showcase of French culture for students and faculty, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

“Interdisciplinary teaching helps students engage and make connections between subjects taught at High Tech,” says Dr. Gashi.  “The showcase consisted of individual projects demonstrating how the French language and French culture impact and intertwine with our global culture.”

A wide variety of students and majors within the French Honors Society incorporated everything from fashion, architecture, food, dance, science, art, and notable French figures into the showcase.  Science majors, for instance, presented projects about Marie Curie, Lavoisier, Pasteur, and Descartes. Performing arts students offered dance terminology in the French language and the influence of French cabaret.  Visual arts majors also presented some of the major works of Monet, Pissarro, and Cezanne.

Students gained insights into the French showcase just by walking past the projects. The French Honors Society continues to work hard at creating unique and informational ways to incorporate French culture into the wider High Tech community.

County Prep Students Visit Brookdale Community College's Automotive Technology Labs

On Wednesday, February 8, 2017, County Prep students, William Lebron and Damion Holmes, visited Brookdale Community College's Automotive Technology labs to get a first-hand glimpse of the various programs of study.  They toured the state-of-the-art facility which is designed to meet the continual demand for trained automotive technicians.  The students rotated through the different automotive specialties and observed current students testing, diagnosing, and repairing automobiles.  Brookdale Community College has partnered with major companies including General Motors and STS Tire providing a clear-cut pathway to employment upon completion of the respective programs.  Overall, it was an invaluable Structured Learning Experience that defined a viable career option for our students. 

Three County Prep Students Accepted into Teen Video Workshop

Congratulations to County Prep’s Audio Visual Production students Tyanna Baez, Shayna Martins-Krasner, and Qu’Raun Scott-McKoy for their acceptance into The Jewish Museum’s High School Video Workshop!  

Audio Visual Production teacher, Ms. Pica, is very proud of them for their hard-work and excited to see the great films they’ll create throughout the workshop. The students, all juniors, are very happy for the program to start this spring.

The after-school program offers high school students with the opportunity to enhance their video production skills. The workshop focuses on storyboarding, cinematography, and editing. Students are able to work in small groups to create their own films and use the museum’s exhibitions as inspiration.

High Tech’s D|FAB Academy Holds Fundraiser at Applebee’s

(North Bergen, NJ—February 19, 2017) High Tech students from D|FAB Academy (formerly, Academy of Architecture and Contemporary Themes, or AACT) volunteered their time to serve customers a pancake breakfast at their local Applebee’s, raising nearly $1,100 in the process, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Applebee’s of North Bergen generously opened its doors before its business hours, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., so that students could serve their customers breakfast.  In exchange, customers donated at least $10 a plate for the D|FAB Academy to fund upcoming events and field trips. 

“It was awesome to see the kids hosting, serving, and tidying up,” says Jamie Velazquez, lead teacher and history instructor for D|FAB Academy.  “They learned a lot about customer service and multitasking.”

Some of the proceeds from the D|FAB Academy fundraiser at Applebee’s will be used for field trips to Gensler Architects in Manhattan, Stevens Institute of Technology’s Annual Innovation Expo in Hoboken, Eastern Millwork in Jersey City, Salon Interiors in South Hackensack, and Rutgers School of Engineering in Piscataway.  Also, some of the money will finance the D|FAB Academy Senior Dinner.