Borough President Vito Fossella Congratulates Staten Island Tech for Achieving Top Ranking

Borough President Vito Fossella visited Staten Island Technical High School to congratulate them after they were ranked as the number one best high school out of 25 across New York State by Niche, which reviews schools throughout the country.

“The formula for success is like a three-legged stool: It’s the students, it’s the parents and it’s the professionals who walk the hallways every day at Staten Island Tech,” said Borough President Fossella during a press conference, echoing the philosophy set forth Principal Mark Erlenwein. “You don’t want to brag or spike the ball too much, but you work very hard, you commit yourself every day and you have found your way. We couldn’t be prouder. You give us great joy and we know your best days are ahead of you.”

Principal Erlenwein called the ranking a team effort.

“First and foremost, I want to say congratulations to the whole Staten Island Technical High School family -- and that includes past, present and future,” he said.
“It’s a communal effort. Everything works better when we do it together.”

Abigail Hecht, a senior, recalled that her parents wanted to move during her freshman year. She responded by telling them how hard she worked to get into Tech: “I am staying here.”

​“The past four years have been an absolute honor to walk these halls,” she said. “I’ve only had a positive experience. It’s not only about the academics, but it’s about the extracurriculars, the sports and the sense of community that I feel every day.”

A special guest was U.S. Army Lt. Col. Adam Scher, a Tech alumni who was nominated to the United States Army Military Academy West Point by then-Congressman Fossella.

​“It truly is an honor and a privilege to be here because my story is Staten Island Tech’s story,” he said. “What I found in these hallways was a passion for public service that made me decide that I wanted to lead our country in uniform. This award is truly a credit to the students who come through these halls every day and take advantage of the leadership the teachers provide. I am motivated every single day to know that we are surrounded by the next generation of leaders who are going to help solve the world’s toughest problems.”