(March 22, 2018—North Bergen, NJ) The Hudson County School Boards Association has recognized Jahvel Pierce, a resident of Jersey City and Student Council President and Class Advisor at High Tech, for his outstanding contributions to his school and his community, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, principal of High Tech High School.
Pierce, recipient of the first annual Hudson County School Boards Association’s Unsung Heroes/Heroines Student Recognition Award, has been actively involved as Student Council President, both during his junior and senior years, and has demonstrated excellent leadership skills throughout his tenure at High Tech.
“[Pierce] is someone that students feel very comfortable working with and discussing school issues,” states Jamie Velazquez, lead teacher and history instructor for D|FAB Academy at High Tech. “He is a peer leader, and a part of his responsibilities includes mentoring freshmen as they become acclimated to the rigors of High Tech.”
Pierce, a drama major at High Tech as well, and a member of the Slam Poetry Club, enjoys participating in platforms that involve social issues. As a member of Generosity for Generations, he has helped organize activities like the Jersey City Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and has collected food for the homeless. A very active member of the Greater Emmanuel Temple Church, Pierce organizes clothing drives, distributes tracts for his church, participates in holiday events, and teaches summer theatre classes. For several years, he spoke at the Youth Convention for the Monumental Baptist Church.
“[Pierce] is a student on whom teachers can always count,” adds Velazquez. “He confides in us. He has an incredible heart and he will be missed after he graduates.”
Jahvel Pierce continues to support High Tech students who could really use a helping hand, and he often accompanies struggling students to administration and guidance offices. Upon graduation, he plans to study Theatre Education in college.
