Teeing Off to Our New Schools

May 5, 2015

 Dear Supporter,

There has never been a more exciting time here at the Hudson County Schools of Technology. We are undergoing several major renovations and capital improvements that will change the learning environments for our students. From our brand new 330,000 sq ft state-­‐of-­‐the-­‐art High Tech High School facility in Secaucus to the expansion of County Prep in Jersey City, getting involved in the Hudson County Schools of Technology Foundation has never been more important or critical. 

In order to help these students be successful, the HCST Foundation was established to promote quality and innovative education for the community by empowering the district through financial support and community involvement. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $700,000 to support programs and field experiences thanks to your help.

We hope we can continue to count on your support for this wonderful organization that has helped so many students achieve.

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New Mission, Beliefs, Strengths and Challenges for HCST

June 5, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) – The HCST District held this year’s "Mission Vision 2020" meeting at St. Peter’s University in Jersey City and included representatives from local businesses, announced Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the Foundation.

The Mission Vision 2020 meeting gathered educators, parents, administrators, current students, alumni, HCST Foundation members, Board of Education members and community members together to assess the direction of the schools. This community-wide effort has been a long-standing district tradition.

With the financial support by the HCST Foundation, Dr. Joseph Sirangelo, Assistant Superintendent and Colleen Smith, Director of Personnel, did a tremendous job facilitating the event.

“The objective of the meeting is to identify HCST, to improve, and to look at our challenges,” said Superintendent Frank J. Gargiulo who has hosted these meetings for 25 years.

During the duration of the meeting, teams were assigned with the goal of identifying district beliefs, strengths and challenges. A core committee will be tasked with developing a vision for the future.

Collectively the groups came up with the new mission statement, “The Hudson County Schools of Technology is a visionary community that inspires creative independent thinking through diverse learning opportunities.”

Action teams will be established throughout the district to address the goals and action plans. “We have been doing this for 25 years and every challenge and goal that we have set has been accomplished,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Joseph Sirangelo.

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HCSTF Boost Brings Robotics to Explore 2000

May 16, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) –Students at Explore 2000 Middle School in Jersey City have been introduced to a new Robotics Club thanks to financial assistance from the HCST Foundation (HCSTF), announced Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation.

The Robotics Club is part of the First LEGO League® (FLL), a global initiative for 9 – 14 year olds that challenges students to utilize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts to build robots from LEGO components. Teams bring their robots to local FLL tournaments where the machines complete tasks or “missions” in a competitive setting.

The Explore 2000 team, known as the E2K Lego-bots, has started strong. Christopher Cosavecchia, a student in the program, explains: “I am excited to be part of E2K: Lego-Bots because I get to be creative and use my imagination to build anything that comes to mind.”

Ms. Carrie Rapaport, who is the club’s moderator says, “I am excited to work on an activity that incorporates team building, character education and valuable STEM skills in a fun, creative environment.”

Executive Director Quentzel adds, “STEM-related careers are on the rise in America, and a Robotics program for local middle school students is crucial to getting students into STEM fields. We take pride in our efforts at providing a foundation for a better future via the robotics program at Explore 2000.”

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Sparrow Spring Wine & Beer Tasting Event Nets Funding for High Tech

May 14, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) – The HCST Foundation, in conjunction with the Sparrow Wine & Liquor Company and the High Tech High School Parent-Teacher Association, hosted the inaugural Sparrow Spring Wine & Beer Tasting Event at the Elks Lodge in Hoboken on May 1st, 2014, announced Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation.

The event, which featured both local and international vendors of wine, beer and spirits, earned over $10,000 in donations for the students of High Tech High School. These funds will be utilized to support a variety of learning endeavors—from field experiences to scholarships—at the National Blue Ribbon Award-winning high school.

"This was a successful night for the High Tech community as a whole," says Ms. Allyson Krone, Assistant Principal of High Tech High school. "Teachers and administrators were able to join parents and local business members to network and have some fun for the benefit of our students," Krone continued.

Ms. Quentzel adds, "The Foundation is grateful for the support of the Sparrow Wine & Liquor Company whose efforts made this night possible."

The HCST Foundation hopes to continue their successful fundraising efforts with the annual HCST Golf Outing on July 1st, 2014. Interested parties can contact Ms. Linda J. Quentzel via the HCST Foundation website www.hcstonline.org/foundation.

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Grant Funds 21st Century Skills for 20th Century Restoration Project

April 2, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) – An historic 1969 Volkswagen Beetle convertible will have a chance at a new life thanks to a grant awarded to Mr. Sergio Gamarra’s Automotive Technology class at High Tech High School, announced Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation.


The Beetle, affectionately known as Karmen to Gamarra and his students, was originally donated by the HCST Foundation during the 2012-2013 school year. The vehicle, to date, has been used for a variety of basic automotive learning experiences. Now, the time has come to give Karmen her due respect and get this classic back on the road.

To achieve this, students in Mr. Gamrra’s class submitted an in-depth proposal outlining their goals for the project. The project utilizes 21st Century skills—such as creativity, decision-making, critical thinking, and collaboration—to bring a 20th Century relic back to life.

“By combining project-based learning with a long-term project,” Gamarra explains, “students will develop various 21st Century skills and earn the pride that comes with the final product.”

Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation, says, “Under Mr. Gamarra’s tutelage, the Auto Tech program at HCST has come to represent the crux of academic and vocational learning, and we are eager to see this program develop.”

Mr. Gamarra and his students expect to have Karmen on the road by June 10, 2014.

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HCSTF Helps Slam Poetry Club Keep Climbing

March 24, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) – Andrea Gibson, renowned spoken word artist, will visit High Tech High School for an in-depth poetry workshop and a performance this June thanks to a partial grant from the HCST Foundation, announced Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the Foundation.

Gibson’s visit, which was facilitated by Mr. Brian Mooney who teaches English at High Tech, will focus on students in High Tech’s Slam Poetry Club, which Mr. Mooney moderates.

“Bringing Andrea Gibson to High Tech builds on the past success of the Slam Poetry Club and ‘Word Up,’ our signature event,” says Mooney. Previous guest poets have included Pushcart Prize-winner Jon Sands and Shira Erlichman (Shira E.), whose work has appeared on NPR and other national television outlets.

Gibson, who was the inaugural champ at the Women’s World Poetry Slam and whose work has been featured in major news outlets around the world, was requested by the students. Ms. Gibson’s visit offers students the chance to learn from a respected working artist in a professional workshop setting. She will also perform her award-winning poetry as the Featured Poet at the “Word Up” showcase.

“The grant is truly a blessing,” continues Ms. Horan, “Without the Foundation’s help the students would have had to supplement the extra cost of a custom tour on their own.”

Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation, says, “Helping students experience the world in a memorable way is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, and we are excited to help this group see beyond their neighborhoods.”

“Few schools across the country are as supportive of hip hop and spoken word projects, curriculum and events, as HCST,” says Mooney, “The Foundation grant represents the district’s real commitment to experiential and student-interest driven learning.”

Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation, said, “The Slam Poetry Club has allowed students a unique literacy learning experience. Mr. Mooney and his students represent the kind of student-oriented, real-world learning that we are always proud to sponsor.”

Mr. Mooney and his Slam Poetry club plan to compete in the 2015 Brave New Voices competition and hope to bring poets like Gibson and Sands back as resident artists in the future.

HCST Foundation Supports County Prep High School’s Francophone

March 14, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) – Twenty students in Ms. Karen Horan’s French class at County Prep High School will have the opportunity for a unique French immersion experience in an overseas trip partly sponsored by the HCST Foundation, announced Executive Director, Linda J. Quentzel.

The trip will take students through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland on a private tour custom-tailored to their educational needs. Students will hone their French-speaking skills among native speakers at such cultural interest points as the Louvre, Giverny, Versailles, and the Palais des Nations.

The European Francophone trip exposes the participants to a variety of countries, experiences and cultures all of which use the French language to communicate while students are able to connect the past to the future.

Ms. Horan says, “Traveling abroad will provide students with a unique and challenging opportunity to broaden their perspectives of the global community and connect what they have learned in the classroom in new ways.”

“The grant is truly a blessing,” continues Ms. Horan, “Without the Foundation’s help the students would have had to supplement the extra cost of a custom tour on their own.”

Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation, says, “Helping students experience the world in a memorable way is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, and we are excited to help this group see beyond their neighborhoods.”

The trip embarks on April 17 and has students back on American soil on Monday, April 28th.

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Caren Freyer DeSouza Moves from HCSTF Advisory Council to Trustee

March 12, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) – Caren Freyer DeSouza, whose work in the fields of education and public utilities in Hudson County and surrounding areas, has been named to the Hudson County Schools of Technology Foundation’s Board of Trustees, announced Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the Foundation.

Ms. DeSouza’s appointment reflects her career of accomplishments at the intersection of industry and education. Currently the Regional Public Affairs Manager of Hudson and South East Bergen Counties for utilities giant PSEG, DeSouza also serves on the Board of Overseers at NJIT, where she is the liaison to the Board of Trustees University Master Plan.

Mr. Spierenburg holds a baccalaureate degree in Telecommunications from Indiana University, where he also minored in User Interface design. Rob also served eight years as a communications specialist in the United States Army. To keep his skills current and stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving world of user interface design, Mr. Spierenburg attends all of the major industry trade shows.

“I am humbled at the opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees,” says DeSouza, “For the sake of the greater Hudson County community, I’m eager to assist the students and faculty at HCST develop STEM and other cutting edge programs that will promote an already excellent education program to a world class level.”

Ms. DeSouza has also served—on behalf of Newark Mayor Corey Booker—as the Chair of the Youth Investment Council throughout the construction of two of Newark’s most successful and nationally recognized schools, Science Park and Central High School. She is a member of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee as well as the Hudson County Workforce Investment Board.

“Caren’s background in public service—particularly her service work with education and her professional work in utilities—makes her an ideal candidate to help the Foundation advance its’ mission,” says HCSTF Executive Director Linda J. Quentzel.

An academic herself, Ms. DeSouza earned a dual degree in Political Science and Political Administration from Kean University in Union, NJ, where she graduated Cum Laude. She is the proud mother of three college-educated children.

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HCST Foundation Advisory Council Welcomes Patrick Kelleher

March 5, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) – Patrick Kelleher, President of the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades, has been unanimously approved as the newest member of the HCST Foundation’s (HCSTF) Advisory Council, announced Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the Foundation.

March 5, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) – Patrick Kelleher, President of the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades, has been unanimously approved as the newest member of the HCST Foundation’s (HCSTF) Advisory Council, announced Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the Foundation.

In addition to his vocational accomplishments, Mr. Kelleher brings to the Foundation a history of volunteerism, devoting 22 years to the Christmas in April/Rebuilding Together project.

Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation, says, “Mr. Kelleher’s accomplishments in the building and construction trades are an asset for the students in our vocational district, especially as we continue to strive towards the highest standards of industry practices.”

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Albert Harary, of Martin Albert Interiors, Newest HCSTF Council Member

March 4, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) – The HCST Foundation has unanimously approved Albert Harary as the newest member of their esteemed Advisory Council. As the co-founder of Martin Albert Interiors, a premiere furniture design firm based in NYC, Al brings over thirty years of successful design and business expertise to the Foundation.

Mr. Harary’s work in the film and television industries had earned him an Emmy award. His work can be seen on screen everywhere from HBO’s Sex and the City to the recently renovated Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Tyra Banks has called Martin Albert Interior’s “the premiere designer and workshop in New York City.”

Mr. Harary’s success is owed to his passion for design and hands-on customer service approach: Al consults on-site with television and film clients as well as clients in the hospitality field. Known for his efficient problem solving, Mr. Harary has earned a reputation for honesty and productivity. Accordingly, Mr. Harary oversees the construction and fabrication of all Martin Albert pieces to ensure quality and timeliness.

In addition to his newly appointed position on the HCST Foundation Advisory Council, Mr. Harary is also a member of the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality. He is also a champion poker player, taking home the gold ring in the 2009 World Series of Poker at an event in Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City, NJ.

“Al Harary is a significant addition to our Advisory Council,” says Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation. “Al’s knowledge in the world of furniture design will have a tremendous impact on the students in our district.”

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Caren Freyer DeSouza the Newest Member of the HCST Foundation

The HCST Foundation has approved Caren Freyer DeSouza as the newest member of the Foundation’s Advisory Council. As the Regional Public Affairs Manager for PSEG in Hudson and and South East Bergen Counties, DeSouza brings to the Foundation a history of service to Hudson County and extensive work in the field of education.

Ms. DeSouza currently serves on the Board of Overseers at NJIT, where she is the liaison to the Board of Trustees University Master Plan. She is also a member of both the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee and the Hudson County Workforce Investment Board. DeSouza also served, on behalf of Newark Mayor Corey Booker, as Chair of the Youth Investment Council throughout the construction of Science Park and Central High School in Newark, NJ.

Ms. DeSouza graduated Cum Laude from Kean University with a dual degree in Political Science and Political Administration. She is the mother of three collegeaged students, one who attends Montclair State University, in Upper Montclair, NJ, and twins who attend Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. “It is a great pleasure to have Caren Freyer DeSouza on our Advisory Council,” says Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation. “Caren’s knowledge and experience at PSEG will help the Foundation in many ways, particularly in the area of sustainability.”

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HCST Foundation has announced that it will hold its annual Foundation Gala

October 16, 2013 (North Bergen, N.J.) – The Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) Foundation has announced that it will hold its annual Foundation Gala on Thursday, October 24 at Maritime Parc in Jersey City. The Gala will feature performances from High Tech High School’s Performing Arts program and a student showcase with work from High Tech’s Academy of Architecture & Contemporary Themes; the Automotive Technology program; and County Prep’s Culinary Arts and Medical Sciences programs.

Hosted by Natalie Morales – co-­-anchor of NBC’s Today Show and Dateline – this year’s event will honor global architecture, design, planning and consulting firm Gensler. Frank Gargiulo, Superintendent of HCST, says that Gensler’s contributions to the district have been innumerable.

“One of the original purposes of the HCST Foundation was to bring the corporate world into cooperation with the learning of our students,” he says. “Gensler, in particular, has had a direct impact on our school, as our architecture classes are benefiting from the ideas of Gensler's world-­-class architects. When the students get an opportunity to work with companies like these, it provides great opportunities for everybody.”

Laurent Lisimachio, Principal at Gensler, has served as a Foundation Advisory Board member and trustee since 2011. Lisimachio works closely with HCST staff to ensure that the district’s architecture curriculum is relevant to today’s industry standards.

“It has been a privilege to serve our communities and this generation of talented students and I am thrilled to celebrate this year's achievements at this wonderful event,” he says.

Daniel Gans, HCST Foundation's Board President, adds, “We are proud to honor our Board Member Laurent Lisimachio and his company, Gensler, for their continued support of the HCST Foundation and the HCST students.

HCST Foundation Mission Statement:
The HCST Foundation is a real-­-world, results-­-oriented organization whose purpose is to promote quality and innovative education for the community by empowering the district through financial support and community involvement.

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