Robert Treat Academy Charter School Graduates Ninth Class

Robert Treat Academy Charter School in Newark graduated its ninth class during an emotional commencement ceremony in the dramatic setting of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Proud parents, siblings, teachers, honored guests and fellow students from the school cheered loudly as 49 students received their diplomas June 28 from the K-8 Blue Ribbon school that is widely regarded as one of the highest performing in New Jersey.

The class of 2013 earned more than $5 million in scholarship offers to attend some of the nation’s best private boarding schools and day schools, including Choate Rosemary Hall, Phillips Exeter Academy, Phillips Academy Andover, Hotchkiss, the Hun School, St. Paul's School in New Hampshire and St. Andrew's School in Delaware.

Valedictorian McAfee Sheehan, who will attend the prestigious Regis High School in New York City, told graduates that they had opportunities that few students in Newark are even given.

“Our teachers have given of their early mornings, their late afternoons and their Saturdays, and even their August, in order to make sure that each of us, from the tiniest kindergarten student to the tallest eighth grader has every skill, every lesson, and every ability needed in order to go out and not only be a success in the world, but to become leaders in whatever field we choose,” Sheehan said.

Founded in 1997 by The North Ward Center, Robert Treat has longer school days, a longer school year and Saturday school. The school was recently recognized as one of only a small number of public schools – and the only charter school – to be named a “Reward School” for its high performance.

Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, the executive director of the New Jersey School Boards Association, told the graduates being picked as their commencement speaker was a special honor for him. 

“Robert Treat is a place where teaching and learning thrive,” said Feinsod, the former Essex County executive superintendent of schools. “I can say that without hesitation because after 40 years in public education, I know what makes a good school. And without a doubt, Robert Treat is the best school that I have ever seen.”

Jaritza Ramos, who graduated from Robert Treat in 2009 and recently graduated from Choate, told the graduates in her alumna address that though they are graduating from the school, they really never leave. Ramos said she contacted Robert Treat Principal Theresa Adubato on numerous occasions when she was going through rough times at Choate.

“I can speak from experience here when I tell you Ms. Adubato means it when she says she is always here for you,” said Ramos, who is attending Barnard College.

“You can call her from your dorm room, you can email her or text her and she will drop everything to assist you. When you get an excellent grade or an acceptance to a summer program or to college, she celebrates with you – you can hear the happiness in her voice.”

Ramos told the graduates that she picked Choate to get as far away from Newark as possible.

“Hearing about all the killings, all the people getting shot, and all the drug dealing was demoralizing. I thought it was unfair that I could not go outside my home and play without fear,” Ramos said. 

“The idea that I would miss home at all never occurred to me, but Newark was my home. Newark was where I was born and raised and it made me who I am today. All the adversities made me stronger,” Ramos said. “Attending Choate wouldn’t change where I was from or the fact that Newark made me who I am.”

During the ceremony, Stephen N. Adubato, the founder of The North Ward Center and the driving force behind the creation of Robert Treat, was presented with a star similar to those found on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His wife, Fran, was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

“These graduates today are proof that children from Newark can excel,” Stephen N. Adubato said.

Robert Detore, the president of Robert Treat Board of Trustees, and Adrianne Davis, the executive director of The North Ward Center and the vice president of the Robert Treat Board of Trustees, awarded the diplomas.

“Every graduation reminds me of why we founded Robert Treat in the first place,” Davis said. “The accomplishments of our graduates are truly amazing and their futures are limitless.”