(Secaucus, NJ––June 15, 2021) High Tech juniors Roxlana Hreb, Reilley Peck, and Alessandra Blount took home first place honors for their work at the Virtual State FFA Convention Leadership & Career Development Events, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.
The FFA is a national organization that focuses on supporting agriculture and natural resources education through participation in competitions and events at the state level. The 2021 convention, which took place from May 26–28 in a virtual setting, is a time for FFA members to showcase various leadership and career events that highlight skills and the knowledge of the students across the State of New Jersey.
Among the events and competition is the Prepared Public Speaking event, for which Roxolana Hreb presented virtually before a panel of judges on the topic “Growing Our Energy: The Argument for Biofuel.” After delivering her remarks, the judges questioned her on the topic. In the end, her work landed her the first place award for that category.
During the Team Demonstration event, Reilley Peck, who is also the FFA HTHS Chapter Vice President, and her partner Alessandra Blount shared their video demonstrating food insecurity in an urban environment–specifically in Hudson County, NJ. Once again, the HTHS students’ work prevailed and they earned first place in the category. Reilley also participated in the state-level NJ FFA Delegate Committee as part of their Membership & Chapter Relations Committee.
Ms. Cathy Yuhas, who is the FFA Chapter Advisor at HTHS, said of the students: “I’m really proud of these students for going above and beyond and taking the opportunity to compete in the virtual convention during this time. Great work everyone!”