MCST Student Accepted to New Jersey Scholars Program

The Morris County Vocational School District is excited to announce Rachel Halpern, a Randolph resident and student enrolled in the Academy for Animal Science at the Morris County School of Technology, was accepted into the New Jersey Scholars Program.

The Program is a tuition-free five-week summer program for rising seniors of any high school in New Jersey. The mission of the New Jersey Scholars Program is to provide New Jersey’s rising high school seniors of extraordinary demonstrated academic potential with a free, ungraded, diverse, inclusive, and residential interdisciplinary learning environment that sharpens critical thinking, writing, and research skills, stimulates a desire for life-long learning, and fosters lasting interpersonal connections.

Rachel submitted an application with four required short essay responses, one sample research paper, two recommendation letters, and a summary of extracurricular experiences. Additionally, she participated in a group interview.
“My experiences at the Morris County School of Technology (MCST) provide me with many opportunities to follow my passion in animal science, and participate in the incredible intellectual and extracurricular activities the school offers,” said Rachel. “I know I will have lifelong connections and I am so grateful to the teachers and staff at MCST who have helped me along the way.”

Rachel is very excited to take the things she has learned at MCST to the New Jersey Scholars Program this summer. In addition to her school, she also credits the support of her mentors at Rockaway Animal Hospital, friends and family, especially her parents.

Jen and Jeff Halpern, Rachel’s parents, shared, "As her parents, of course we are so excited for Rachel's achievement, but we are most proud of her character, values, and the wonderful young woman that she is becoming. We are also deeply grateful for the education that Rachel has received in her Academy and at MCST as a whole.”

Mrs. Halpern stated, “Rachel's success is proof-positive that learners at MCST can achieve at the highest levels, as the school provides a challenging Career and Technical Education environment that prepares students for work-based learning, mentorship from business and industry partners, dual credit college programs, and hands-on/project-based learning.”

The Academy for Animal Science allows students to explore the fascinating world of animals, including everything from evolutionary biology to animal ethics and common animal disorders. As part of the academic program, students maintain and care for a large, varied collection of animals that students interact with on a daily basis.

The Morris County Vocational School District (www.mcvts.org) offers programs for Morris County high school students, including Career Academies, Share Time Programs, and Adult Education programs. For additional information, contact Gina DiDomenico, Student Recruitment & Community Relations Specialist at didomenicog@mcvts.org or call (973) 627-4600 ext. 277. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @MorrisCountyVSD.