Brooklyn Technical High School and User talk:Rexx19: Difference between pages

Revision as of 09:10, 4 September 2005

Revision as of 13:41, 10 July 2007

Line 1:

{{Welcome}} [[User:.K|<font color="black" face="Arial" >♠</font>]][[User:.K|<font color="red" face="Arial" >'''K'''</font>]] | [[User_talk:.K|☢]] 12:29, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

{{wikify}}

{| class="toccolours" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 18em; font-size: 90%;" cellspacing="3"

| colspan="2" style="text-align: center; font-size: larger;" | '''Brooklyn Technical High School'''

|-

| colspan="2" style="padding: 1em 0; text-align: center;" | [[Image: Bthslogo.gif]]

|-

|- style="vertical-align: top;"

|'''Established'''

|style="padding-right: 1em;" | [[1922]]

|- style="vertical-align: top;"

|'''School type'''

|style="padding-right: 1em;" | Specialized

|- style="vertical-align: top;"

|'''Principal'''

|style="padding-right: 1em;" | Dr. Lee D. McCaskill

|- style="vertical-align: top;"

|'''Location'''

|style="padding-right: 1em;" | 29 Fort Greene Pl <br> Brooklyn, NY 11217

|- style="vertical-align: top;"

|'''Phone'''

|style="padding-right: 1em;" | [phone]

|- style="vertical-align: top;"

|'''Enrollment'''

|style="padding-right: 1em;" | approx. 4,200

|- style="vertical-align: top;"

|'''Mascot'''

|style="padding-right: 1em;" | The Engineers

|- style="vertical-align: middle;"

|'''Colors'''

|style="padding-right: 1em;" | Blue and White

|- style="vertical-align: top;""

|'''Homepage'''

|style="padding-right: 1em;" | [http://www.bths.edu www.bths.edu]

|}

'''Brooklyn Technical High School''' is one of three primary high schools making up the specialized science circuit in New York City, the other two being [[Stuyvesant High School]] and the [[Bronx High School of Science]]. "Brooklyn Tech," as the school is commonly known, has the largest enrollment of the three schools and is the fifth largest school in the United States, according to [[U.S. News & World Report]]. It is a member of the [[National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology|NCSSSMST]]. The school is operated by the [[New York City Department of Education]].

''See also:'' [[Bronx Science]], [[Stuyvesant High School]], [[Hunter College High School]]

==History==

===The Original Plan===

In [[1918]], Dr. Albert L. Colston, as chair of the Math Department at Manual Training HS, recommended the establishment of a technical high school for Brooklyn boys. His plan envisioned a school with a heavy concentration of courses in [[math]], science, and [[drafting]] with parallel paths leading either to college or to a technical career in industry. By [[1922]], Dr. Colston’s concept was approved by the Board of Education and Brooklyn Technical High School opened in a converted warehouse at 49 Flatbush Avenue Extension with 2,400 students.

[[Image:tech.jpg|200px|right|frame|Brooklyn Technical High School]]

===The Building===

Brooklyn Tech would occupy one more residence before settling into its current building. In [[1930]], as the [[Great Depression]] began, the ground breaking for the current building occurred. The school, at 12 stories high and at a cost of $6 million, opened in [[1933]]. The school's physical offerings included two gyms, one indoor track, a pool, tens of shops and drawing rooms, a foundry, a recording studio, a broadcasting antenna, a recital hall, a library with fireplaces, a courtyard and a 3000-seat auditorium. Brooklyn Tech's founder and first principal, Dr. Colston, had an apartment built for himself in the tower of the building, and was the only person to ever live inside Brooklyn Tech.

In 1934, the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP), which later became the [[Works Projects Administration]] (WPA), commissioned artist Maxwell B. Starr to paint a mural in the foyer depicting the evolution of man and science throughout history.

===The Early Academics===

One of the unique features of Brooklyn Tech is its system of specialization. When Dr. Colston envisioned Tech, it was to be an elite vocational high school. Its graduates would be able to get the top jobs of their day upon graudation. Thus, the curriculum consisted of two years of general studies with a technical and mechanical emphasis followed by two years of specialization.

The curriculum would remain mainly unchanged until the end of Dr. Colston's term as principal in [[1942]], after 20 years at the helm. After his retirement, Tech was led briefly by Acting Principal Ralph Breiling, who was succeeded by Principal Harold Taylor in [[1944]]. Tech's modernization would come under Principal William Pabst, who became principal in [[1946]] after serving as chair of the Electrical Department. Under his stewardship, he created new majors and refined older ones as students were able to major in Aeronautics, Architecture, Chemistry, Electrical and Electronics, Industrial Design, Mechanical Technology, Structural Technology, and Technical College Prep.

===Tech Becomes Specialized and Beyond===

After Principal Pabst retired in [[1964]], Tech remained stable with no dramatic change until [[1972]]. In 1972, Brooklyn Tech, [[Bronx Science]], [[Stuyvesant High School]], and La Guardia High School of Arts become incorporated by the New York State Legislature as specialized high schools of [[New York City]]. The act called for an uniformed exam to be administered for admission to Brooklyn Tech, Bronx Science, and Stuyvesant. The exam would become known as the Specialized Science High Schools Admission Test (SSHSAT) and tested students in math and science.

With its statewide recognition, the school had to become co-educational starting a new era for Tech. Dr. Colston's vision of a school for Brooklyn boys is now a school for New York City students of both genders.

In [[1973]], Tech celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a dinner-dance at the [[Waldorf Astoria]]. Also included in the anniversary festivities was the erection of a monument, complete with a time capsule buried beneath it, in the North courtyard. The monument has eight panels and each panel has a unique design that represented each of the eight majors that Tech had at that point.

Techonological advances again changed Tech's character in 1976, as Graphics Communications became the latest major in order to prepare students in a changing world.

In [[1983]], Matt Mandery is appointed principal. His appointment to principal made him the first Tech alumni to guide the school, and in [[1984]] under his leadership and guidance Tech received the Excellence in Education award from the United States [[Department of Education]]. As the Alumni Association is formally created, coalitions are formed with the NYC Department of Transportation and the local business-university community.

Following Dr. Mandery, John Tobin is appointed Principal in [[1987]] and over the next five years Tech sees the Bio-Med major added to its curriculum, but at the same time the Material Science Department is abolished and the 7th floor foundry is closed. The man that leads the school at the present moment is Dr. Lee D. McCaskill, who was appointed Principal in [[1992]].

== Prominent Alumni ==

The following alumni have been inducted into Brooklyn Tech's Hall of Fame.

[[Image:colston.gif|200px|left|frame|Dr. Albert L. Colston, founder and first principal of Brooklyn Tech.]]

===Albert L. Colstron===

Dr. Albert L. Colston was the creator and founding principal of Brooklyn Technical High School. In the fall of [[1918]], Dr. Colston, then Chairman of the Mathematics and Mechanical Drawing Departments of Manual Training High School, presented a paper to the Brooklyn Engineers Club on "the modern technical high school" recommending the establishment of a technical high school curriculum for Brooklyn boys. He utilized his vision to implement a technical course of study at Manual Training High School and ultimately received, in 1922, the approval for the creation of Brooklyn Technical High School. He was nominated and chosen principal in 1922 and served in this capacity for the next twenty years.

Dr. Colston brought many programs to Tech such as the first aviation course given in any public school in the City, a [[radio station]], extensive co-curricular programs, and the evolution of a technical curriculum that was in the forefront of high school education.

Dr. Colston’s vision, leadership, commitment and dedication to the concept of technical education was the driving force and the inspiration for the continued development of Brooklyn Technical High School. He is recognized as being a visionary in secondary technical education in New York City.

===[[Harry Chapin]]===

A seasoned performer while still at Tech, Harry Chapin career included [[gold album]] records and his famous number one hit, ''[[Cat's in the Cradle]]'', an [[Academy Award|Oscar-nominated]] [[documentary]] film, a [[Tony Award|Tony-nominated stage show]] and an Emmy-winning children's television program. In [[1975]], he founded World Hunger Year, a charity to fight international [[famine]], and, in [[1981]] at the height of his popularity and influence, Mr. Chapin was killed in an [[automobile accident]].

===Col. [[Karol J. Bobko]]===

A [[NASA]] [[astronaut]] who logged 386 hours in space on three missions, Col. Bobko was the pilot of the maiden voyage of the [[Space Shuttle Challenger]], the [[STS-6|mission]] that conducted the first shuttle [[Extra-vehicular activity|space walk]]. He was the commander of the [[Space Shuttle Atlantis]]’ first flight. A member of the [[Air Force Academy]]’s first graduating class, he holds the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]] and two Meritorious Service Medals. He was awarded the Air Force Academy’s prestigious [[Jabara Award]] in [[1983]].

===Dr. Frank A. Cipriani===

Dr. Frank A. Cipriani is the fifth President of the [[State University of New York at Farmingdale]]. He is currently the most senior President among the thirty State operated campuses of SUNY, and celebrated completion of his 20th year as President of SUNY Farmingdale on [[April 27]] [[1998]]. Dr. Cipriani began his career at SUNY Farmingdale as an Asst. Dean in [[1964]] with the School of Continuing Education. He rapidly rose through the ranks, moving in [[1965]] into the positions of Exec. Asst. to the President and, two years later, Vice President for Administration. He also holds the rank of [[Professor]] of [[History]] and [[Political Science]] at SUNY Farmingdale since 1967.

Prior to entering his present profession, Dr. Cirpiani was an officer in the [[US Air Force]] where he was honorably discharged holding the rank of Captain and the rating of Navigator-Flight Instructor. As a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, he pursued his graduate studies while employed in the engineering department of an international insurance company. Dr. Cipriani is a graduate of Queens College, earning his Ph.D. at[[New York University]]. He speaks Italian and French fluently, and has been a strong advocate of international education and supporter of a strong humanities component in technical education curricula.

===Adam J. Cirillo===

Adam J. Cirillo has achievements in the fields of education, business, community service, engineering and the field of [[American football|football]], for which he is best known. He [[coach (sport)|coached]] the Brooklyn Tech football team for 30 years.

===Joseph J. Jacobs, PH.D.===

During World War II, Joseph J. Jacobs, Ph.D. '34 helped develop the mass production of the wonder drug penicillin. He founded Jacobs Engineering Group and took it from a one-man chemical process consultancy to its present status as one of the world's leading engineering-construction companies with offices on six continents. Dr. Jacobs served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Polytechnic University and, in 1938, received the Hoover Medal, which recognizes the civic and humanitarian achievements of professional engineers.

===Donald L. Klein===

The leader of the team at Bell Telephone Laboratories that created the polysilicon Field-Effect Transistor in 1966, Dr. Klein’s advance has been the key to very large scale integrated circuits and the advancement of computers and communications technologies. The innovative breakthrough was to employ polycrystalline silicone in a self-aligned process to replace the previously used thin metal films. It has become the standard process for manufacturing all silicon semiconductor memory and microprocessor circuit chips.

===Joseph J. Kohn===

A native of [[Czechoslovakia]], Dr. Kohn's family emigrated to [[Ecuador]] in [[1939]] and to the [[United States]] in [[1945]] where he received his Ph.D. from [[Princeton]] in [[1956]]. He is Professor of [[Mathematics]] at Princeton University.

===Sgt. Meyer Levin===

Brooklyn Tech’s first World War II hero, Air Force Master Sergeant Levin was a much decorated B-17 bombardier in the Pacific Theater. He flew in the first planes to attack the enemy after Pearl Harbor and miraculously escaped death in the ill-fated flight that claimed Captain Colin Kelly’s life. On January 7, 1943, his plane ran out of fuel and the crew was ordered to parachute to safety. But, Sgt. Levin remained onboard long enough to drop the life raft that saved the crew’s lives. He did not survive the crash.

===Harvey Lichtenstein===

An impresario with a world-wide reputation as an innovator in the arts, Mr. Lichtenstein guided the Brooklyn Academy of Music for thirty-two years, creating America’s leading contemporary performing arts institution. From 1971 to 1973 he served as the American Director of Italy’s Spoleto Festival and he created the cutting edge Next Wave Festival at BAM in 1983. His extraordinary contribution to the arts has been recognized in awards including Sweden’s Order of the Polar Star and the induction into the Chevalier French Legion of Honor

===William J. Mack===

For over four decades, William L. Mack '57 developed real estate projects around the globe. After serving in the Air Force, he began his real estate career with one small site leading to such projects as AOL Time Warner at Columbus Circle. Mr. Mack was the first Chairman of the Long Island Power Authority and founded the Mack Center at the Wharton School to help companies develop strategies to compete and succeed in industries being transformed by emerging technologies. Mr. Mack is Chairman of Mack-Cali Realty Corporation.

===Saverio Morea===

One of America's foremost pioneers of flight, Saverio Morea '50 received his Private Pilots License during his junior year at Tech. He was NASA's Project Manager for the F-1 engine, the world's most powerful liquid rocket engine and he also led the team that developed the Lunar Roving Vehicle, which the astronauts used to move around on the surface of the moon. For these significant contributions to space exploration, Saverio Morea was twice awarded NASA's Exceptional Service Medal.

===Arno A. Penzias, PH.D.===

Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978 for his contributions to Astrophysics, Dr. Penzias worked at Bell Labs for most of his career, first as a research scientist and later as the head of its research organization. An author, R&D leader, and inventor, he later moved to Silicon Valley, where he helped aspiring scientists and engineers to create a number of successful high-technology companies.

===Leonard Riggio===

Leonard Riggio began his career as a clerk at the NYU bookstore. Convinced he could provide better service to students, he opened a competing store in 1965. His business thrived and, in 1971, he bought the flagship Barnes & Noble bookstore. He changed the book industry with such innovations as extensive selection of books, discounts, and comfortable stores that have become community institutions. His revolutionary concepts have made Barnes & Noble the world’s largest and most respected bookseller.

===Dr. Steven P. Shearing ===

Thanks to the creation of the "Shearing Lens" by Steven P. Shearing, M.D.'52, countless thousands of people around the world have experienced the unique joy of improved sight after cataract surgery. A Fulbright scholar, he is a member of the Nevada Inventors Hall of Fame, and he is only the second person to receive the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Innovator's Award. In 1993, the Steven P. Shearing Chair of Ophthalmology was established at the University of California.

===Charles B. Wang===

A native of Shanghai, China, Mr. Wang founded Computer Associates International in 1976, building it to a multi-billion dollar company on the principle that technology must serve business. His belief that computer technology can improve children's lives led him to found The Smile Train, an organization committed to eradicating the problem of cleft lips and palates. Mr. Wang endowed the Asian American Center at SUNY Stony Brook and actively supports the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, whose national headquarters bears his name. A lifelong sports fan, he owns the NHL's N.Y. Islanders.

===Josh S. Weston===

A Fulbright Scholar after graduating Magna Cum Laude from City College, Mr. Weston retired as Chairman after building Automatic Data Processing into a $6 billion, 35,000 employee company. He served on the Boards of many colleges, corporations, and other institutions including Boys Town of Jerusalem, Liberty Science Center (NJ), International Rescue Committee, NJ Symphony Orchestra, United Nations Association, and Channel Thirteen. He served in the Navy and holds four honorary doctorates.

==External links==

* [http://www.bths.edu/ Brooklyn Technical High School]

* [http://www.bthsalum.org/ Brooklyn Tech Alumni Association]

* [http://www.bthsnews.org/ BTHSnews.org Tech's First Student-Run Online Newspaper]

* [http://www.ratemyteachers.com/schools/new_york/brooklyn/brooklyn_tech_high_school Brooklyn Tech Teacher Ratings]

* [http://bthsalum.org/mural.htm Mural website]

[[Category:New York City public education]]

[[Category:NCSSSMST]]

[[Category:High schools in New York]]