STUDENTS FROM COUNTY PREP PRESENT AT YOUTH SCIENCE CONFERENCE

STUDENTS FROM COUNTY PREP PRESENT AT YOUTH SCIENCE CONFERENCE

County Prep students from the Aquaculture and Hydroponics class presented via video at the 7th Annual Youth Conference “Discovering Sustainability Science” sponsored by the NY Sunworks and streamed live over the internet from Symphony Space in New York City. Students Harleigh Johnson and Alyanna Lopez also presented live on stage and joined the student press team backstage. The NY Sunworks is a non-profit organization that promotes environmental education through the use of innovative science labs that utilize hydroponic farming.

Students in the class were challenged to utilize STEM components to design and implement a unique and efficient hydroponics system that would function efficiently in the growth of plants. The students received support from their teachers, Mr. Nicholas LaVolpe and Dr. Stephanie Szymanski in the completion of this project. They would like to thank students from Ms. Pica’s audiovisual class and the NY Sunworks for making this a successful and rewarding experience.

County Prep's Jaylene Sierra is Named Top Pitcher in Garden State

This Spring season, County Prep's Jaylene Sierra was named the top softball pitcher in the Garden State. In a NJ.com poll 34,053 votes were cast for Jaylene, who pitches for the Ferris Girls Softball team. Pictured here, she is signing with Coppin State University. Congratulations, Jaylene, and good luck from the County Prep community!

High Tech Freshman Victoria Caban Appears on NBC's WORLD OF DANCE

(Universal City, CA--May 30, 2018) On Tuesday, May 29th, Season Two of NBC's World of Dance, staring Jennifer Lopez, premiered, and featured High Tech freshman Victoria Caban of Jersey City competing on the show, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

In the premiere episode (see link), Caban speaks about the recent devastation from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the show features her dancing, of course:

https://www.nbc.com/world-of-dance/video/the-qualifiers-1/3732193

NBC's hit dance competition series, World of Dance, led by a judging team of dance superstars Jennifer Lopez (an executive producer), Derek Hough, and NE-YO, provides dancers with a national platform to showcase their talents and the opportunity to receive a life-altering grand prize of $1,000,000.

In partnership with global dance brand World of Dance, the series brings the world's elite dancers together to compete in epic battles of artistry, precision, and athleticism. Solo dancers compete against duos and crews in an unlimited range of dance, including hip-hop, popping, locking, tap, ballet, break dancing, ballroom, stomping, and more.

The contestants, handpicked from qualifying events around the nation and thousands of online submissions, compete in four divisions: Junior (17 years-old and under, one to four dancers), Junior Team (17 years-old and under, five to 15 dancers), Upper (18 years-old and older, one to four dancers), Upper Team (18 years-old and older, five to 15 dancers). The show's panel of experts scores the acts by using a precise point system, developed by World of Dance, using the following criteria: Performance, Technique, Choreography, Creativity, and Presentation. The competition consists of five rounds: Qualifiers, Duels, The Cut, Divisional Final, and the World Final. In the first four rounds, dancers only compete within their division, but in the World Final, the winners from each division compete against each other for the grand prize.

High Tech Earns Accolades at 35th Annual Orlando Saa Foreign Language Poetry Recitation Contest

(Wayne, NJ—May 17, 2018) William Paterson University held its 35th Annual Orlando Saa Foreign Language Poetry Recitation Contest, and once more, High Tech distinguished itself in the contest for German, French, Italian, Japanese and Spanish, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

The following High Tech students received special recognition for the Orlando Saa Foreign Language Poetry Recitation Contest: First Place for Erica De Lacerda of North Bergen (Advanced Level French) and, also from North Bergen, Diana Concepcion (Advanced Level Japanese); Second Place for Carlos Arce-Sanchez of East Newark (Advanced Level German), Kearny resident Kalsey Colotl (Beginner Level Japanese), Alexandra Bothe of North Bergen (Beginner Level Italian), and Jersey City resident Shanaz Munna (Intermediate Level Japanese).

Also, these High Tech students participated in the Poetry Recitation Contest: Ibrahim Bangoura of Jersey City (Native Level French) and Union City resident Nicole Sanchez (Intermediate Level French); Monica Arce-Sanchez of East Newark (Intermediate Level German); Jersey City resident Lola Buczkowski (Intermediate Level Italian); and Rishika Bandamede (Beginner Level Spanish) and Joan Marie Tubungbanua (Advanced Level Spanish) of Jersey City and Hoboken resident Josephine Conlon (Intermediate Level Spanish).

Three High Tech Students Receive Distinguished Honors in 2018 Letters About Literature

(New Brunswick, NJ—May 15, 2018) Essays by Allison Chang of Bayonne and Kearny residents Eric Araque and Alfonse Sessa have been chosen for Distinguished Honors from a total of 1,700 entries in the New Jersey Center for the Book/Library of Congress Letters About Literature, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

In the Level III category, which covers 9th-12th graders, Chang and Sessa both earned Distinguished Honors for writing essays/letters addressed to R.J. Palacio, author of Wonder, while Araque wrote to Victoria Aveyard, author of Red Queen.

These three High Tech students had been honored, along with others, at a statewide reception at the Livingston College Student Center of Rutgers University on May 8th.

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 (essays) 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.

Allison Chang of Bayonne and Kearny residents Eric Araque and Alfonse Sessa

High Tech Environmental Science Majors Participate in “Out of the Blue” Competition

by Jeremy Lewan

(Hackensack, NJ—April 20, 2018) High Tech Environmental Science majors participated in the "Out of the Blue" Surgical Wrap Competition, sponsored by the Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

The "Out of the Blue" Surgical Wrap Competition, a celebration of Earth Day, challenged entrants to design and create different products by utilizing unused blue sterilization wrap collected by the Central Sterile Department at Hackensack University Medical Center. This blue wrap can only be used once, in accordance with the hospital's health policies, so thousands of tons of it contributes to landfill each year.

The competition, facilitated by Nadine D'Ambrosio, Business Development Manager at Hackensack University Medical Center, aimed to produce viable solutions to lessening the waste generated by hospitals and repurposing it to limit production of other waste. High Tech students created an array of products, from wedding dresses to umbrellas to tote bags, rain ponchos, and sleeping bags. The main lobby of Hackensack University Medical Center displayed the products.

Seniors Lily Israel of North Bergen and Bayonne resident Jeremy Lewan worked together to develop a reusable, travel-sized pillow. Made completely from blue wrap, the pillow could be used on airplanes to replace pillows made with synthetic fibers like PET, which contain carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and those with down feathers, the production of which contributes to animal cruelty due to the live plucking of birds.

"After weeks of experimenting and testing the properties of the blue wrap, we discovered that it is made of two different layers, allowing us to tear it into a soft stuffing to fill the pillow,” says Israel.

High Tech seniors Tige Anderson of Hoboken and North Bergen resident Nicholas Rosado won second place with their umbrella constructed from water-repellent blue wrap.

"It's great to be part of an initiative to reduce the amount of waste we are creating,” says Anderson. “The more we turn our one-way waste streams into circular ones, the less impact we will have on the environment.”

Tige Anderson of Hoboken

Lily Israel of North Bergen and Bayonne resident Jeremy Lewan

High Tech Environmental Science Majors Visit Costa Rica

by Jeremy Lewan

(North Bergen, NJ—March 29, 2018) – Thirty High Tech Environmental Science majors, accompanied by a contingent of five teachers and four chaperones, attended an EF Educational Tours nine-day expedition of Costa Rica over the Easter/Spring Break, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

The Environmental Science group from High Tech flew into Liberia International Airport to traverse the countryside from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans. High Tech visited Guanacaste, where the contingent went snorkeling and observed marine life and coral reefs up close.

At La Fortuna, High Tech visited a local school, kayaked at the base of Arenal Volcano, swam at the end of a waterfall, and the contingent immersed itself in beautiful, landscaped hot springs. In Sarapiqui, High Tech went whitewater rafting and zip-lined through the jungle. While at Tortugero, the group explored the mating grounds of endangered turtles and went on boat rides to survey wildlife. Finally, at San Jose, they attended a professional soccer match between two Costa Rican teams.

"It was not only an amazing trip in itself, but it was made more so because of positive interactions among the adults and students,” says William Goold, Science Instructor and Group Leader. “To have a chance to interact with actual students in a Costa Rican school environment was probably the most moving part of the trip for me.”

The High Tech group partook of traditional meals, a definite high point for Lily Israel, a North Bergen resident and a senior at High Tech. "I really enjoyed the rice and beans, and the fresh pineapple and watermelon,” she says. “The food was healthy and the portions were large. My favorite snack was definitely the macadamia nut ice cream.”

County Prep Theatre Arts News

Foxy Award Nominations for the Cast of Summer and Smoke

Mrs. Shields is very excited to announce that our 2017 production of Summer and Smoke, by Tennessee Williams, has earned the cast two Foxy award nominations this year. Our production has received nominations for Outstanding Performance for recent graduate Adam Hassan (Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Drama), and recent graduate Kailyn Segovia-Vazquez (Outstanding Performance by a Leading Actress in a Drama), for their roles of John and Alma, respectively.

The cast attended the Award ceremony during the Theatre Night Awards on May 14th, 2018 at Montclair State University, which was an incredibly memorable event, attended by high schools from across the entire state, which were nominated from the initial 70 or more participating high schools.

This program has been established in 2009 by Montclair State University Theatre and Dance Department professor Susan Kerner and Mahwah High School teacher JoAnne Fox. They conceived the event to provide a balance for the popularity of the high school musical and its celebration at well-established awards ceremonies in New Jersey and the region.

This competition is open to all secondary schools in the state of NJ, and only to straight play productions. The event is a positive educationally based community building experience.  Students are able to share their work with other students and to be recognized outside their own high schools.  This outside recognition has direct benefits for students and teachers in districts throughout the state.

Eleven High Tech Students Honored at 32nd Annual Hudson County Teen Artists Art Expo Awards Ceremony

(Bayonne, NJ—May 10, 2018) Judges at the 32nd Annual Hudson County Teen Artists Art Expo honored eleven High Tech students for their artistic achievements at the Judges Award ceremony at the Bayonne Library and Cultural Center, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

High Tech students honored with the Judges Awards at the ceremony include Bayonne resident Daniela Tero; Lauren Krasnoff of Guttenberg; Jersey City residents Pauline Bertholon, Antoinette Critelli, Tulsi Franklin, and Mously Lo; Claire Carrera of North Bergen; Secaucus resident Gina Fayazi; and Union City residents Karina Chen and Kaitlin Juarez.

Top Honors went to Samson Bainbridge of Jersey City.

Tulsi Franklin

Gina Fayazi

Lauren Krasnoff

Daniela Tero

County Prep Students Attend Dare to Dream Conference

On April 20th County Prep students attended the Dare to Dream Student Leadership Conference held at St.Joseph's School for the Blind in Jersey City.  The conference featured accomplished students and adults with challenges who have demonstrated exemplary self-advocacy and leadership skills.  The purpose of this event was to empower students to help them transition from high school to adulthood. Some of the workshops attended included "Believe in Yourself or No One Else Will," "The Secret to My Success," "Recipe for Success," and "Clear and Concise Communication." It was a dynamic structured learning experience (SLE).

Ms. Rose's Environmental Science Cleans Up at Liberty State Park

Jersey City, NJ. Once a month, Mrs. Rose's Environmental Science class has a field trip to Liberty State Park.  

Pictured here on March 28, 2018 are the students who cleaned the gardens around the Interpretive Center.  

High Tech Scores Big in 2018 National Spanish Exams

(North Bergen, NJ—May 8, 2018) – Thirty-six High Tech students of Spanish, levels I-IV, scored exemplarily well in the 2018 National Spanish Exam (NSE), sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP), announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

The NSE assesses students’ proficiency in the Spanish language. They compete on a national level with peers in grades 6-12. These exams, the largest of their kind in the United States, find students vying for a prestigious medal or honorable mention.

“Attaining a medal or honorable mention for any student on the National Spanish Examinations is very prestigious,” claims Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, National Director of the Exams, “because these exams are the largest of their kind in the United States, with over 150,000 students participating in 2018.”

Kearny resident Alvaro Orihuela and Sherly Tapia of West New York earned the Oro (Gold Medal) for Spanish IV.

These students received the Plata (Silver Medal): Sydney Chaca of Secaucus for Spanish I; Secaucus resident Ariana Perez for Spanish III; and Jacqueline Perez of Union City for Spanish IV.

Bronce (Bronze) Medalists include Kearny resident Carlos Ascensao for Spanish I; Gabriela Conde of North Bergen for Spanish II; Hoboken resident Alice Meyer, Sarah DeCaro and Nicole Colmenares of West New York, and North Bergen resident Keysie Argueta for Spanish III; and Alyssa Mojica of North Bergen for Spanish IV.

Mencíon de Honor (Honorable Mention) candidates include Bayonne residents Aya Abdalla (Spanish I), Apostolos Bourinaris (Spanish I), and Emily Kelly (Spanish I); Olivia Cahn (Spanish I) and Josephine Conlon (Spanish I) of Hoboken; Jersey City residents Olivia Castillo (Spanish II), Lailany Maldonado (Spanish II), and Hillary Ordonez (Spanish III); Hamza Ahmad (Spanish I), Angelie Albino (Spanish I), Christie Arango (Spanish III), Elissandra de la Cruz (Spanish III), Valeria Mesa (Spanish III), Marla Paneque (Spanish III), Lucy Rieder (Spanish I), Tanushri Shah (Spanish IV), and Mellina Perez Vieta (Spanish II) of North Bergen; Secaucus residents Alyssa and Marissa Conde (Spanish III) and Shana Coggins (Spanish I); Kelly Villares (Spanish III) of Union City; West New York residents Zachary Fernandez (Spanish II), Ashley Pazmino (Spanish II), and Aaliyah Rodriguez (Spanish I).

County Prep Dance Program's Performance Invitation and Exciting News

Director Ms. Warfel-Sandler of the County Prep Dance Program and the CP dance majors invite you to join us in celebrating the following news: 

- May 10 & 11 at 7pm in the County Prep 407 Theatre, we present our 17th Annual Dance Concert, Memory In Motion. In creating the show, our students interviewed family members about different times in their lives, and then choreographed dances based on those memories.  The show investigates the passing of time as told through modern and contemporary dance.  Thursday May 10 & Friday May 11 at 7pm.   Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3423606 

-We are wrapping up a wildly successful first year of our Choreographers in Residence Program (CHIRP). This is a groundbreaking partnership between our dance program and the local professional dance community.  We have created an exchange through which professional choreographers, chosen by application, have the opportunity to rehearse and perform in our theater, and in turn spend the semester teaching and mentoring our students.  We hosted Katelyn Halpern & Dancers in the fall, and Driggs Productions/Khadija Ahmaddiya in the spring. The CHIRP program culminates with our students performing work by our Guest Artists in CP's upcoming dance concert.

-We are thrilled to launch our brand new website, countyprepdance.org.  The website was designed by senior dance intern Delana Ramos.

-Look forward to seeing more from some of County Prep's most talented dance alumni this summer, July 12 at dusk, on Exchange Places's Owen Grundy Pier.  The performance will be a celebration of dance across generations, and will feature CP alumni, and the work of professional dancers Katelyn Halpern, Ross Sandler, Heather Warfel Sandler, and more. 

Jersey City's SUMMER DANCE SERIES is Presented by Mayor Steven M. Fulop, the Jersey City Municipal Council, and the Office of Cultural Affairs. More info to come...

High Tech Envirothon Teams Finish in Top Ten in Statewide Competition and Earn a Feature on Classroom Close-Up NJ

(Elmer, NJ--May 5, 2018) Seven High Tech students comprising two High Tech teams participated in the statewide Envirothon competition against 27 other teams at Camp Grice, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

Team #1 comprised seniors Eleanore Woodruff, a resident of Weehawken, and West New York resident Amir Mustafa, who earned a 10th place win in the state, and in spite of possessing only two members in a five-member team competition, Team #1 placed 2nd in the Team Presentation category.

Team #2 consisted of seniors Alex Seth Becerril of Bayonne and North Bergen resident Soham Shah, with juniors Aubrey Beam, a resident of Jersey City, and Sarah Bacha and Zhixiu Zhang of North Bergen. Team #2 earned a 5th place win in the state. and placed 2nd in the Wildlife category.

Meanwhile, in a segment celebrating the 25th anniversary of the New Jersey Envirothon, a camera crew from NJEA’s Classroom Close-Up NJ followed Team #2. Classroom Close-Up NJ, a half-hour television program, features innovative projects in New Jersey public schools, the only program in the country devoted to featuring positive happenings in public schools.. The 15-time Emmy®-winning show, now in its 24th season, airs on NJTV every Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m, and the segment featuring Team #2 will air in October 2018.

In preparing for the New Jersey Envirothon competition, high school students pursue in-depth knowledge about New Jersey’s natural resources and gain skills needed to navigate the complex environmental issues of today and tomorrow. Guided by a local teacher or parent, the participants employ online study guides and attend in-person training workshops provided by natural resource professionals from the various sponsoring organizations.

Early in May, teams of five students convene for a day-long, problem-solving competition, with honors, prizes, and scholarships at stake. Areas of competition include Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife, Team Presentation, and a Current Environmental Issue. One week prior to the event, students receive an environmental issue or real-life scenario for which they must (1) explore the natural resources, implications, and stakeholders involved, (2) collaborate to devise a solution, and (3) give a team presentation to a panel of judges on the day of the competition.

High Tech Receives Medals in the National Japanese Exam

(North Bergen, NJ--May 4, 2018) Seven High Tech students have received medals and Honorable Mention for their performances in the National Japanese Exam, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Japanese, which evaluates reading and comprehension skills, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

The following students earned medals and Honorable Mention:

Gold Medal: Karina Chen of Union City

Bronze Medal: Bayonne residents Allison Chang and Rena Hayashi; Erin Chen of Harrison; Secaucus resident Harold Canonigo; and Shayla Larson of Weehawken.

Honorable Mention: Harrison resident Andy Chae

KAS Prep Joins County Prep in Trout Release and Environmental Field Trip

Students from KAS Prep High School joined students from County Prep to release trout into the Manasquan River in Wall Township, NJ. The trout were raised in the classroom from eggs and their release marks the culminating activity of a state sponsored program known as “Trout in the Classroom”. The district has been a participant in this program for more than ten years. The Hudson County Schools of Technology remains committed to the advancement of environmental education in the state of New Jersey and is proud to participate with the New Jersey Division of Wildlife and Trout Unlimited to bring this worthwhile program to fruition. Teachers Nicholas LaVolpe, Stephanie Szymanski, Ken Ruskowski, along with their students, visited the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center and received a guided boat tour of the Manasquan Reservoir. The students were introduced to the history and wildlife in the area and were privileged to come within 30 yards of a beautiful bald eagle perched in a tree.

Three High Tech Seniors Win Project SEED College Scholarship Award

(North Bergen, NJ--April 13, 2018) High Tech High School’s Muhammad Umar, John Rezk, and Anna Rezk, all residents of Bayonne, have received the Project SEED College Scholarship Award, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

Project SEED scholarships, nonrenewable and awarded to first-year college students, recognize achievement in school, success in the Project SEED program, financial need, and intended chemical-related field of study. The scholarship assists former SEED participants in their transition from high school to college. Students can earn up to $5,000 in scholarship money.

Sponsored by the American Chemical Society, the Project SEED summer research program opens doors for economically disadvantaged students to experience the environment and rigors involved in becoming a chemist. Students entering their junior or senior year in high school receive a rare opportunity to work side-by-side with scientist-mentors on research projects in industrial, academic, and federal laboratories, where they discover new career paths as they approach critical turning points in their lives.

To be eligible for a Project SEED College Scholarship, students must be high school seniors and have worked at least one summer at a science institute under the Project SEED program. Scholarships must be restricted to students who plan to pursue studies in scientific fields such as chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, materials science, or another related major.

John and Anna Rezk

Muhammad Umar

Three High Tech Students Have Received the 2018 NJATJ Japanese Language and Culture Study Award

(Cranford, NJ--March 9, 2018) Andy Chae of Harrison, North Bergen resident Diana Concepcion, and Rebecca Rosas of West New York have received the 2018 New Jersey Association of Teachers of Japanese (NJATJ) Language and Culture Study Award at Orange Avenue School, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

The award recognizes New Jersey students for their work and achievement in learning Japanese language and culture. This year, 56 recipients from 21 high schools and universities have been honored with the award.

“The ceremony was held in a warm atmosphere with students and families leaving the event with smiles,” says Akemi Dobkin, veteran instructor of Japanese at High Tech.

The ceremony began with greetings from Kristin Wingate, President of NJATJ, and Tomofumi Horiki, Consul of the Consulate General of Japan in New York City, who congratulated the recipients for their hard work. Each recipient of the award made a short speech on the benefits of learning Japanese. Following the ceremony, the Japanese Club Dance Team of High Tech performed a traditional Japanese dance called “Soran Bushi” (the Fisherman’s Dance). After the performance, the Dance Team taught the award winners and audience members the dance.

“It was amazing to see so many students from different backgrounds expressing their passion for the Japanese language and culture,” notes Concepcion. “I’m proud to be a part of this group and hope that our love for Japanese will change the world.”

High Tech Students Selected into Japanese National Honor Society

(North Bergen, NJ--April 13, 2018) Eleven High Tech students have been inducted into the Japanese National Honor Society (JNHS) this year, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

The following students earned this honor: Bayonne resident Thomas Fiennan; Ava Ichikawa of Hoboken; Jersey City residents Shahan Abdi, Gilir Gabinete, and Shanaz Munna; Carla Herrera, Brianna Morales, and Zhixiu Zheng of North Bergen; Secaucus resident Alexandria Tao; Karina Chen of Union City; and Weehawken resident Shayla Larson.

JNHS recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement and excellence in Japanese study, uniting teachers and administrators in developing and maintaining high academic standards of Japanese language education and promoting altruistic conduct through unique activities. To qualify for JNHS, students must maintain a B+ and above average in Japanese Language class and a B in their other classes.

“Our students are hardworking and earned this honor by themselves,” says Akemi Dobkin, veteran Japanese Language instructor at High Tech. “I believe that they will continue to make an effort to succeed in the Japanese program.”

High Tech High School’s Poetry Slam Team Wins First Place at Louder Than A Bomb Competition

(Newark, NJ--April 29, 2018) High Tech's Poetry Slam Team won first place at Louder Than a Bomb, New Jersey's youth poetry slam competition, battling several schools in multiple individual and group rounds at the Paul Robeson Center at Rutgers-Newark, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

High Tech scored a perfect 30 with both of its group pieces at Louder Than a Bomb.

The following students took part in the competition: Victoria Rodriguez of Bayonne; Jersey City residents Isabel Culpepper, Jaden DeArmon, Joshua Fowler, Amaya Montanez, Jahvel Pierce, and Katerina Vail; and Layla Ferreiro of North Bergen.

Founded in 2001, Louder Than a Bomb features youth poetry slam built around teams, rather than emphasis on individual poets and performances. The structure of Louder Than a Bomb demands that kids work collaboratively with peers, presenting, critiquing, and rewriting their pieces. Teams create an environment of mutual trust and support.

According to Brian Mooney, High Tech Language Arts Instructor and Moderator of the High Tech Poetry Slam Tech, he hopes that High Tech can compete at the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam in Houston, Texas, this summer.

High Tech's Sarah Bacha Selected as an Emperor Science Award Winner

(North Bergen, NJ--May 1, 2018) Sarah Bacha, a North Bergen resident at High Tech High School, has been named one of 100 award recipients for the third year of PBS’s and Stand Up To Cancer’s Emperor Science Award program, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

The program, designed to empower high school students to become the next generation of scientists, assists students in exploring careers in cancer research and care through a unique mentoring opportunity.  PBS and Stand Up To Cancer, a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, received nearly 600 applications from eligible 10^th and 11^th grade students interested in pursuing a career in science research from 28 states throughout the U.S.  Prominent scientists served as judges and evaluated the students’ applications: written essays submitted online this fall, addressing how cancer has affected them or their communities; how science can help find a cure for cancer; and, if able to become cancer researchers, what scientific fields would they study and why.

Dr. Nina Lavlinskaia, veteran AP Biology and AP Seminar teacher at High Tech, shows great pride in Sarah’s accomplishments. “We are very proud of Sarah,” she says, “We are wishing her good luck in the future as she peruses her passion of biological and medical science.”

The 100 Emperor Science Award recipients will work with an esteemed university scientist on a rewarding multi-week cancer research project, receive a Google Chromebook computer to enhance their studies and to facilitate mentor access for those students who live at a distance from their mentor’s research facility, and a $1,500 stipend for expenses. Those entering the program for the first year will also have the opportunity to apply for a second year.

Students from rural, suburban and urban communities in 28 states comprise the third class of Emperor Science Awardees. These students demonstrated awareness of emerging developments in cancer treatment, including precision medicine, immunotherapy and epigenetics, and have an impressive range of research focuses and interests, including nanotechnology and engineering, basic cellular biology, gene mapping, bioinformatics, DNA splicing and computational sciences.

Bacha, a junior at High Tech, loves science and has a passion for biomedicine.  A two-time recipient of the Young Science Achievers Program Grant and an avid member of her school’s Apiculture Research Program, Bacha mentors underclassmen and teaches them how to conduct their own experiments. She has also been a part of High Tech’s Envirothon team and Science League for three years. Besides taking part in science, Sarah has membership in the school's French Club and she teaches children about science in her free time.