Newark Public Schools Students Are Rowing To Success

NEWARK, N.J. – “Take me to the river!” Al Green sang in his classic soul song. And now, Newark Public Schools students are getting ready to be taken to the Passaic River as participants in the district’s pilot rowing program.

Two groups – 13 girls from Quitman Elementary School and 15 boys from Hawkins Street School – have been training after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays since early January. Through a partnership with Brick City Rowing, a Newark-based nonprofit that introduces urban youth to the sport of rowing, the Quitman students train at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School while the Hawkins Street School students train at Riverfront Park.

Eventually, the students will be ready to compete on the Passaic River, where several schools in neighboring districts already maintain boathouses and rowing programs.

“Our goal is to make sure Newark Public Schools students have access to every opportunity that exists in the world of athletics and education,” said Superintendent León. “Rowing is a sport that builds tremendous physical endurance, teamwork, and discipline, but it also opens doors for students in the college admissions process. Through this pilot program, we are exposing our students to an activity that many young people in urban communities have never had the chance to experience.”

“This program reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities for Newark’s young people,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Rowing has long been associated with prestigious schools and universities. By introducing it to Newark Public Schools students, we are helping them see that these kinds of opportunities belong to them as well.”

“Ultimately, this is about providing greater access for our students to the opportunities that come from involvement in competitive rowing,” said Dr. Julianne Bello, Director of the Office of Extended Learning Time. “It is a niche sport that isn’t found in most public school districts. Students who commit to crew teams are often viewed more favorably in the college admissions process and considered for athletic scholarships at the nation’s top universities. They also develop essential life skills, including teamwork and discipline.”

“Rowing is an incredible sport for developing strength, endurance, and mental focus,” said Elizabeth Aranjo, Director of Health and Physical Education for Newark Public Schools. “It requires students to work together in perfect coordination while pushing themselves physically and mentally. Introducing rowing to our students not only expands their athletic experiences, but also helps them build healthy habits and confidence that will benefit them throughout their lives.”

At this early stage in the program, there have been encouraging signs of success.

On Saturday, February 28th, Hawkins Street School boys participated as part of the Brick City Rowing Team at Hackensack High School in the Comet Crush Erg Classic, a one-day indoor rowing competition. The team competed against students from Hackensack Crew, Rockland Rowing Association, Princeton National Rowing Association, Nereid Boat Club, and Bergen County Rowing Academy.   

Hawkins Street School students Anquelys Perez placed first, and Leonardo Castro placed third.