Read the original story as it appeared in the Jan. 7, 2010 edition of The Star-Ledger
NEWARK -- Gov.-elect Chris Christie, along with city and state politicians, joined Stephen Adubato Sr. and about 1,300 Newark schoolchildren at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart today to celebrate Three Kings Day and kick off the North Ward Center's 40th anniversary celebration.
Political kings and kingmakers from the city and state lined up under the vaulted ceilings of the ornate cathedral to pay their respects to Adubato during an event that was as much theater as community celebration.
The North Ward Center, founded by Adubato in 1970, has grown into one of the largest educational and community centers in the city and also serves as Adubato's seat of political power.
Praising the North Ward Center's contribution to the city, Mayor Cory Booker said, "First and foremost I want to give gratitude to its leader, Steve Adubato," he said.
Christie, who pointed to Adubato's Robert Treat Academy as a model of education reform throughout his campaign, made his first post-victory stop at the charter school, and has made Newark a centerpiece of his pre-gubernatorial activity. Many of his inaugural day events are also scheduled here.
The governor-elect appeared to shed a tear at one point in the ceremony during a performance "Tu Scendi Dolle Steele" and "Tutania" by Cathedral Basilica singer Olfary Guttierez.
The Newark native evoked the memory of his early childhood and praised the students of Robert Treat who stood on the altar beside him during his remarks.
"My talking about you around the state is not purely a generous act. It is also a selfish one. I speak of you to inspire me," Christie told the students. "I came from where you are coming from now."
The celebration is a major religious holiday for the North Ward's heavily Latino community. Performers included the Harriet Tubman School Ensemble, The Robert Treat Academy chorus, and a rollicking rendition of "Burrito Sabanero" by pre-schooler Maylynn Rodriguez.
Adubato closed the ceremony by calling on students from Robert Treat, Harriet Tubman, Barringer High School, St. Benedict's Prep and New Jersey Regional Day School to stand up and be recognized, touting their achievements.
"It's not about money, it's about leadership," he said of school success in Newark. He also offered encouraging words for the incoming governor.
"At Robert Treat we call you Governor Chris," Adubato said. "Our prayer is with you to make New Jersey proud."
