J. P. Taravella High School is a secondary school located in Coral Springs, Florida which teaches grades 9-12. The school is a part of the Broward County Public Schools district.
Taravella is ranked within the top 1% of all public high schools in the United States. It was also the recipient of the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in 1987, and has an FCAT school grade of "A" for the 2011-2012 academic year. However, the school received a "C" grade by county evaluators for the 2015-2016 academic year.
In 2007, Taravella won the Grand Championship and also swept all awards at the Vero Beach Crown Jewel Marching competition.
In 2008, the J.P. Taravella Marching Band was selected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee as one of two bands (the other being Florida A&M) to represent Florida in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC.
In 2016, the J.P. Taravella Newspaper, known as the JPT Chariot was selected by the Florida Scholastic Press Association for their renowned online website and print newspaper. The JPT Chariot took the Silver Prize (Second) for 'FSPA 2015-16 Newspaper Evaluations' in Florida.
Taravella has a very active vocal music department which has received many accolades both within Broward County and throughout the state of Florida. The vocal music department is currently under the direction of Mrs. Katherine La Rosa.
Maps, Directions, and Place Reviews
History
The school was named after Joseph Phillip Taravella (1919-1978), who was the president and chairman of Coral Ridge Properties Incorporated, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and a founder of the City of Coral Springs.
Demographics
As of 2016, the total student enrollment was 3204. The ethnic makeup of the school was 27.2% White, 34.7% Black, 27.6% Hispanic, 4.1% Asian or Pacific Islander, 4.3% Multiracial, and 1.5% Native American or Native Alaskan.
Academic and Extracurricular Programs
J.P. Taravella offers many Academic and Extracurricular Programs that are award-winning.
Academy of Finance
The Academy of Finance (AOF) connects high school students with the world of financial services, offering a curriculum that covers banking and credit, financial planning, securities, insurance, accounting, taxes and economics. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to enhance classroom learning, including work-based learning activities, field trips, guest speakers, and cooperative learning projects.
Marching Band
J.P. Taravella Marching Band was selected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee to represent Florida in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC.
Debate
The school was renowned for its competitive Speech and Debate team, coached by Beth Goldman, whose members garnered numerous accolades--both locally and nationally. At the 2009 NFL National Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama, all three Taravella national qualifiers finished in the top six. Captain John Mern finished sixth in the nation in United States Extemporaneous Speaking, and Debate Co-Captains Mickael Silangil and Brian Zakarin finished fourth in the nation in Public Forum Debate. In Goldman's final year, captain Rohit Bhandari placed 6th at the University of Pennsylvania National Invitational and 3rd place at the state tournament in United States Extemporaneous speaking. Goldman has now left and has been replaced by Jon Price.
DECA
Members are co-curricular in the Academy of Marketing and Academy of Finance classes. Students are involved in chapter community service projects, and compete at the district, state, and international levels of marketing competition.
National Honor Society
J.P. Taravella has a chapter for students in The National Honor Society.
Newspaper - JPT Chariot
J.P. Taravella's Newspaper, known as the JPT Chariot was selected by the Florida Scholastic Press Association in 2016 for there renowned online website and print newspaper. The JPT Chariot took the Silver Prize (Second) for 'FSPA 2015-16 Newspaper Evaluations' in Florida. The program was run at the time by Amiee Vignola but is now run by Carla Mroz.
JPTV
"JPTV Live" hit the airwaves at J.P. Taravella High School on May 25, 1990 with segments on club activities, sports, and world news. JPTV Live received third place award for On-the-Spot Broadcasting Category at the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) Convention in 1990.
SECME/Engineering
J.P. Taravella has a renowned Engineering program run by John Tunon. The program lasts 4 years in which students receive industry certifications, hands-on experience, and get to compete in International competitions. The program also offers a club to offer more experience and learning..
ACE Mentoring
The ACE Mentoring program is an optional step into the field of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. J.P. Taravella's ACE program is the largest in the county.
Notable alumni
- Darwin Espinal (Class of 2013), professional soccer player for the Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Matt Ford (Class of 1999), former major league baseball player
- Yael Markovich Israeli/American Model and Beauty Queen/Pageant Titleholder (Miss Israel)
- John J. Miller (Class of 1988), National political reporter
- Dan Morgan (Class of 1997), former NFL football player
- Jeordie White (Class of 1989), aka Twiggy Ramirez, bassist
- Todd Widom (Class of 2001), professional tennis player
- Robbie Widlansky, baseball player
- Todd Weiner, former NFL football play
- Alberto Ruiz, Goalkeeper for FC SCHÜTTORF 09
- Ben Saunders (fighter), professional Mixed Martial Artist
2015 Incidents
During the 2014-15 school year two small fires, two fights and the arrest of a student at J.P. Taravella High School prompted major concern. Through the rest of the week there was a heavy police presence at the school. The Broward School District said more officers than usual were at the school Wednesday "as an extra precaution and deterrent to potential disruptions," spokeswoman Nadine Drew said. "The school operated its normal schedule of classes and activities today, without incident."
2016 Incidents
During the 2015-2016 school, there was a rally known as JPT Carnival. Students protested against an administrator's confiscation a student's Haitian flag as they were taking pictures. The administrator claimed they were "throwing up" gang signs. The incident ended up on the news, after the student whose flag was taken away expressed her concerns on Twitter. The students were encouraged to bring their flags to school to show their pride. The rallying ended up getting out of control after it got mixed in with senior pranks. These pranks included cockroaches and crickets being released in the cafeteria. Classes during "A" and "B" lunch were also skipped by students. During the beginning of school students were jumping on and off the lunch tables located outside. Some students went as far to start a food fight during "A" and "B" lunch and steal a golf car used by security. This, however, only lasted for one day as the administrator apologized after claiming the student whose flag she confiscated ruined her reputation.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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