High Technology High School Earns AP® Computer Science A Female Diversity Award
High Technology High School Earns AP® Computer Science A
Female Diversity Award
Recognized for Closing the Gender Gap in AP Computer Science A
Lincroft, NJ – High Technology High School has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access in AP Computer Science courses.
Out of the 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, 1,119 achieved either 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or a percentage of the female computer science examinees meeting or exceeding that of the school’s female during the 2019-20 school year. That’s nearly 37% more than the 818 schools recognized last year. In 2020, High Technology High School was one of 232 recognized in the category of AP Computer Science A.
“During an unprecedented year, High Technology High School female students have demonstrated perseverance and dedication in their study of AP Computer Science,” said Kevin Bals, the principal of High Technology High School. “We could not be prouder of the High Technology High School female students for staking their claim as the next generation of STEM and computer science professionals. We can’t wait to see their passion for next-generation technology lead to lifelong success.”
“High Technology High School’s students need the power to shape technology, not just cope with it,” says Stefanie Sanford, College Board chief of global policy and external relations. “Young women deserve an equal opportunity to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers, and tech leaders. Closing the gap in computer science education empowers young women to build the future they want.”
AP Computer Science A students learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society. The number of female AP CSA exam-takers has grown steadily, up nearly 25% since 2017. Overall AP computer science course participation has increased 79% since 2017, broadening STEM career opportunities for more students.
Providing female students with access to computer science courses is critical to ensuring gender parity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to drive innovation, creativity, and representation. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $88,240 in May 2019. However, a code.org analysis of 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics data finds women represent just 24% of the 5 million people in computing occupations.
That’s why new College Board research about AP CSP is so encouraging. According to the data, female students who take AP CSP in high school are more than 5 times as likely to major in computer science in college, compared to similar female students who did not take CSP. The study also finds AP CSP students are nearly twice as likely to enroll in AP CSA, and that for most students, AP CSP serves as a stepping-stone to other advanced AP STEM coursework.
These findings make it all the more imperative that schools nationwide achieve gender parity in AP Computer Science classrooms. The 1,119 schools that receive this year’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award should serve as inspirations and models for all American high schools, where overall, female students remain underrepresented in computer science classes, comprising just 34% of AP Computer Science Principles participants. So there is a long way to go to achieve equal gender representation in the field of computer science. Currently, less than half of the nation’s high schools teach foundational computer science, a clear opportunity to be addressed by strong partnerships between policymakers, the tech industry, and educators.
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About Monmouth County Vocational School District
The Monmouth County Vocational School District prepares students for an evolving workplace, lifelong learning, and further education through specialized academics, career and technical programs, and achievement of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
Senior Arya Tschand Was Named a Top 300 Scholar in The Regeneron Science Talent Search
High Technology High School Student Named one of Top 300 Student Scientists in the Nation
Arya Tschand Named Scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021
Society for Science (the Society) today announced that Arya Tschand, a student at High Technology High school, was among the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Arya Tschand will receive $2,000, and High Technology High school will receive $2,000.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars were selected from 1,760 applications received from 611 high schools across 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and 10 countries. Scholars were chosen based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking, and promise as scientists, and hail from 198 American and international high schools in 37 states, Puerto Rico, Chinese Taipei, and Singapore.
“Arya is a diligent student who has a keen interest in scientific research. He has pursued that interest with passion”, commented High Tech Principal, Mr. Kevin Bals.
The full list of scholars can be viewed here: https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2021-scholars/
The Regeneron Science Talent Search provides students with a national stage to present original research and celebrates the hard work and discoveries of young scientists who are bringing a fresh perspective to significant global challenges. This year, research projects cover topics from bioinformatics to public health and energy efficiency.
“The remarkable“ drive, creativity and intellectual curiosity that each one of these scholars possesses represents a hopeful outlook for our future and our collective wellbeing,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science, Publisher of Science News and 1985 Science Talent Search alum. “At a time when many students’ educational experiences are being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am incredibly humbled to see gifted young scientists and engineers eager to contribute fresh insights to solving the world’s most intractable problems.”
“An exceptional group of student leaders and innovators comprise this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars, with an array of projects that demonstrate the power of science,” said Hala Mirza, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. “We are honored to celebrate the next generation of young scientists and inventors who can elevate the STEM community and our broader society through their high-quality research and novel discoveries. These are the inspiring problem solvers who will help address the current and future challenges facing our world.”
On January 21, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. From March 10-17 all 40 finalists will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron.
About the Regeneron Science Talent Search
The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science since 1942, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Each year, nearly 2,000 student entrants submit original research in critically important scientific fields of study and are judged by leading experts in their fields. Unique among high school competitions in the U.S. and around the world, the Regeneron Science Talent Search focuses on identifying, inspiring, and engaging the nation’s most promising young scientists who are creating the ideas that could solve society’s most urgent challenges.
In 2017, Regeneron became only the third sponsor of the Science Talent Search as a way to help reward and celebrate the best and brightest young minds and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM as a way to positively impact the world. Through its 10-year, $100 million commitment, Regeneron nearly doubled the overall award distribution to $3.1 million annually, increasing the top award to $250,000 and doubling the awards for the top 300 scholars and their schools to $2,000 each to inspire more young people to engage in science.
Program alumni include recipients of the world's most coveted science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 11 National Medals of Science, six Breakthrough Prizes, 21 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships, and two Fields Medals.
Ms. McCabe Chosen as the 2020-2021 Educational Services Professional of the Year
Congratulations to Ms. Kathy McCabe on being chosen as the 2020-2021 Educational Services Professional of the Year for High Technology High School. Ms. McCabe is in her second year as the school nurse. Besides serving in the role as school nurse she also teaches health to the freshman, sophomores, and senior classes. Since last March Ms. McCabe has been the point person on all things COVID. She has been a tremendous asset to the school community during the pandemic.
Ms. Garrity Chosen as the 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Ms. Jennifer Garrity who today was named as the High Technology High School 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Garrity is in her fourth year teaching at High Tech. She teaches our freshman course Computer Integrated Manufacturing and one of our junior electives, Civil Engineering and Architecture. She also is the advisor of the Technology Student Association, one of the largest clubs in the school.
High Tech Alumi, Maya Ravichandran (Rutgers '21) and Will Peracchio (Lehigh '21), are the Recipient's of Prestigious Post Graduate Scholarships.
Congratulations to two High Technology High School graduates on being named as recipients of prestigious post-graduate scholarships. Maya Ravichandran and Will Peracchio both graduated from High Tech in 2017. Listed below is information about both awards.
From the Rutgers University Website:
Maya Ravichandran was one of 46 selected out of a record-breaking 1190 students and recent graduates nominated nationally, and only the second Rutgers student in the school’s history to receive this prestigious postgraduate scholarship. Founded in 1954, the Marshall Scholarship finances the graduate studies of up to 50 of America’s future leaders in the United Kingdom with the goal of strengthening the relationship between the British and American peoples, their governments, and their institutions. Ravichandran plans to put her scholarship to use studying computer science and artificial intelligence at University of Oxford next year.
Maya Ravichandran - Hgi Tech ‘17 and Rutgers ‘21
From the Schwarzman Scholars Website:
Will Peracchio was one of 154 remarkable Schwarzman Scholars chosen from more than 3,600 applicants, and include students from 39 countries and 99 universities. The Class of 2022 will enroll in August 2021. Schwarzman Scholars, one of the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowships located at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
The Schwarzman Scholars Class of 2022 comprises an exceptional group of individuals, including a Scholar whose medical device company aims to improve the efficacy and affordability of coronary artery bypass surgery, an Amazon best-selling author, a developer of a UN and WHO-awarded app for achieving child nutrition security and reducing food waste, an award-winning Chinese film producer, Australia’s youngest Deputy Mayor, several Scholars named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30, and the youngest senior lecturer in Azerbaijan’s history. Information on the entire class can be found here.
Will Peracchio - High Tech ‘17 and Lehigh ‘21
High Tech Students Excel At The Virtual NJ Academy of Science Competition
The following ten members of the HTHS Experimental Research Group earned awards at the first-ever virtual, New Jersey Junior Academy of Science competition. The results were released on August 1st and are listed below for the High tech students. Congratulations to all the students who participated.
High Tech Students Garner 1st and 2nd Place Awards at the NJ TSA Virtual State Conference
New Jersey TSA Virtual State Conference 2020
At the recent NJ TSA Virtual State Conference Competition High Tech students participated in eight different events. Collectively they won two first-place awards and four second-place awards. Listed below are the results from each of the competitions.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) - Architecture
2nd Place: Owen MacCarrick
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) - Engineering
2nd Place: Jonah Sussman
Engineering Design
1st Place: Suhani Balachandran, Rachael Kim, Sophia Lin, Kara Lui, Mausam Patel, Nina Tripathi
Fashion Design and Technology
1st Place: Lauren Cali, Emily Guan, Gemma Lascano, Sunny Liang
2nd Place: Aiko Akiyama, Aarya Doshi, Tanishka Kapoor, Annika Sharp,
Scientific Visualization (SciVis)
2nd Place: Nishtha Dandriyal, Tiffany Fang, Emily Guan, Phylicia Ma, Nivedha Srinivasan, Grace Wong
This is an outstanding performance by our students. Congratulations to all the students who participated.
Senior Laura Futamura Is Named A U.S. Presidential Scholar In The Arts
HIGH TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL CONGRATULATES LAURA FUTAMURA
ON BEING NAMED A 2020 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR IN THE ARTS
FUTAMURA Nominated for High Honor by National YoungArts Foundation;
LINCROFT, NJ (May, 21, 2020) – High Technology High School of Lincroft, NJ congratulates Luara Futamura, 2020 National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) award winner in classical music on being named a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts. The U.S. Presidential Scholars award—one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership qualities and community service—is presented on behalf of the President of the United States and honors up to 161 graduating high school seniors of high potential each year. This year marks the 56th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program and the 41st anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. A full list of 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts can be found here.
Futamura joins an illustrious group of YoungArts and U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts alumni, including Tony Award-nominated performer and choreographer Desmond Richardson; Los Angeles Music Center President Rachel S. Moore; novelist and National Book Award Finalist Allegra Goodman; Grammy Award-nominated violinist Jennifer Koh; Bravo’s “Work of Art” winner Abdi Farah; Obie Award-winning actress Donna Lynne Champlin; and RCA Records award-winning singer-songwriter and Grammy Award-nominated artist Chris Young.
Students who would like to be considered for Presidential Scholars in the Arts in the future must first apply to the YoungArts program. Applications open on June 2, 2020 at youngarts.org/apply.
“It is my privilege to congratulate the Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 on their outstanding academic achievement, community service, and leadership,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. “These exemplary young people have excelled inside the classroom and out. And, while they are facing unprecedented challenges as they graduate from high school into a world that looks much different than it did just a few months ago, their determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence will serve them well as they pursue their next steps.”
Sarah Arison, Chair of National YoungArts Foundation, said, “Now, more than ever, it is important that we as a country celebrate the hope and promise of the next generation of great architects and designers, writers and poets, and visual and performing artists. YoungArts is honored to continue to support and nominate the nation’s most talented artists for the Presidential Scholars program. We congratulate all of the winners and look forward to continuing to offer our support throughout their artistic journeys.”
Becoming a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts The first step to becoming a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts is to apply to the National YoungArts Foundation’s annual competition. Applicants must be between the ages of 15–18 or in high school grades 10–12. To be further considered for nomination as a U.S. Presidential Scholar by the organization, applicants must be high school seniors and meet all of the U.S. Presidential Scholars requirements. YoungArts applications open on June 2, 2020 at youngarts.org/apply.
ABOUT U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS In 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established by executive order of President Lyndon B. Johnson to recognize and honor the nation’s top graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrated talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
Scholars are selected annually by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by the President, based on academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and writing ability. This year, more than 5,300 candidates qualified for the 2020 program determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams, through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, partner recognition organizations or the National YoungArts Foundation.
Since its inception, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 7,600 of the nation's high-performing students. The 161 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, up to 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, and up to 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.
ABOUT NATIONAL YOUNGARTS FOUNDATION National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) was established in 1981 by Lin and Ted Arison. YoungArts identifies the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts, and provides them with creative and professional development opportunities throughout their careers. Entrance into this prestigious organization starts with a highly competitive application process for talented artists ages 15–18, or grades 10-12, in the United States, that is judged by esteemed discipline-specific panels of artists through a rigorous blind adjudication process. All YoungArts award winners receive financial awards and the chance to learn from notable artists and mentors such as Debbie Allen, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Frank Gehry, Wynton Marsalis, Salman Rushdie and Mickalene Thomas as well as past YoungArts award winners such as Daniel Arsham, Terence Blanchard, Camille A. Brown, Viola Davis, Allegra Goodman, Josh Groban, Judith Hill, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Andrew Rannells, Desmond Richardson and Hunter Schafer.
YoungArts award winners are further eligible for exclusive opportunities including: nomination as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school seniors; a wide range of creative development support including fellowships and residencies and awards; professional development opportunities in partnership with major institutions nationwide; additional financial support; and access to YoungArts Post, a private, online portal for YoungArts artists to connect, share their work and discover new opportunities.
For more information, visit youngarts.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
COVID-19 Message From Assistant Superintendent Dr. Charles Ford
Hello Monmouth County Vocational School District staff, students and parents. As we continue to move through the pandemic of COVID-19, I want to thank you for your ongoing support and dedication as we continue to implement and sustain our remote instructional plan. Our school district has been functioning at above 90% attendance for our remote learning classes. This is proof that everyone is doing their part to ensure the continuity of learning in all of our schools.
We have continued to, not only engage our students academically, but also socially. Last week, we conducted a district-wide Spirit Week in which students and staff were asked to show their school pride by posting photos related to each day’s theme. Students and staff posted their photos on Twitter and tagged them with the label #MCVSDStrong. At the end of the week, the photos were counted and the Academy of Allied Health and Science prevailed as the winner. It was such a festive and spirited week in which all schools participated, and I thank everyone for staying connected and making the best of a difficult situation.
On a daily basis we are making decisions and trying our best to deliver information and remain transparent. Governor Murphy has stated all schools will continue remote learning until on or about May 15th at which time he will conduct another press conference to provide further guidance.
As we move forward, MCVSD is still working hard to answer many difficult questions: How will we determine final grades in all schools? What will become of prom and graduation? What will the end of the school year look like? What will be the new normal for schools after COVID-19? We look forward to providing more guidance and having answers to these tough questions once we receive direction from the Governor on or about May 15th. We will continue to be transparent and alert you when new procedures are put in place and decisions are made.
This is a difficult time for everyone, but TOGETHER we will make it through this. If you need assistance and/or resources, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school. We will continue to strive to provide the best education for all students and look forward to continuing with a high participation rate while finishing the school year strong…#MCVSDStrong.
Dr Charles R. Ford, Jr.
Assistant Superintendent
High Tech Named as a Project Lead The Way Distinguished High School
High Technology High School Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students
Named a distinguished school for STEM and career learning program
Lincroft, NJ– High Technology High School announced today that it has been recognized as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW Computer Science and Engineering. It is one of just 143 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in over 12,200 schools across the U.S.
The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, High Technology High School had to meet the following criteria:
Offer and had students enrolled in at least three PLTW courses;
Had 25 percent of students or more participate in PLTW courses, or of those who participated in PLTW, at least 33 percent took two or more PLTW courses;
Had 95 percent of students take the End-of-Course (EoC) assessments;
Had strategies and procedures in place that support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty, gender and can support such claims with relevant data.
Through PLTW programs, students develop STEM knowledge as well as in-demand, transportable skills that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take. PLTW courses empowers high school students to step into the role of an engineer or computer scientist and adopt a problem-solving mindset.
“It is a great honor to recognize High Technology High School for their commitment to providing students with an excellent educational experience,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “They should be very proud of their work to ensure students have the knowledge and skills to be career ready and successful on any career path they choose.”
High Technology High School is part of a community of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s recognition program, visit pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.
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Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 12,200 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
Mr. Roche Announces Jersey Shore Science Fair Winners
While working from home, forty-one HTHS students worked to convert their trifold poster displays, handwritten laboratory notebooks, and printed materials to prepare virtual entries for the Jersey Shore Science Fair. Twenty four of those students were recognized, earning ten first place awards, four second place, four third place and six honorable mentions.
Eighteen of those students earned invitations to advance to the regional level of these ISEF-affiliated fairs and are now awaiting word on how they will compete virtually at Delaware Valley Regional Science Fairs. The list of winners are listed below. Congratulations to all the students who participated in the event.
Additionally, since this year’s Research Showcase was cancelled, Mr. Roche and students from the Experimental Research Group are working on plans for a virtual research showcase to be made available for HTHS families in the near future.
| Home district | HTHS Student | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Hazlet | Aarya Doshi | 1st |
| Holmdel | Winston Li | 1st |
| Matawan-Aberdeen | Esben Nielsen | 1st |
| Marlboro | Ben Shain | 1st |
| Manalapan | Kristen Park | 1st |
| Holmdel | Bradley Xu | 1st |
| Marlboro | Emily Luo | 1st |
| Ocean | Amanda Guan | 1st |
| Long Branch | Maria Giannakopoulos | 1st |
| Marlboro | Alexander Postovskiy | 1st |
| Holmdel | Annie Wang | 2nd |
| Rumson | Micaeli Dym | 2nd |
| Marlboro | Edmond Niu | 2nd |
| Marlboro | Harold Huang | 2nd |
| Rumson | Bradley Miller | 3rd |
| Marlboro | Shiva Subramanian | 3rd |
| Marlboro | Roy Chen & (Arsh Singhal) | 3rd |
| Marlboro | Arsh Singhal | 3rd |
| Colts Neck | Ayush Botke | Honorable Mention |
| Holmdel | Sophie Zhang | Honorable Mention |
| Holmdel | Sidharth Srivastava | Honorable Mention |
| Spring Lake Heights | Kate Monroe & (Emily Guan) | Honorable Mention |
| Ocean Township | Emily Guan | Honorable Mention |
| Holmdel | Lily Wang | Honorable Mention |