Native Long Islander Receives High School Diploma At Age 50

MELVILLE, NY — Robert V. Conte, a native Long Islander, officially graduated from St. Anthony's High School on Saturday. Conte, unlike the typical high school graduate, is 50 years old. He also earned his diploma 33 years ago.

Conte, originally from Massapequa and later on, Huntington Station, came back to Long Island from his current home in Little Neck, Queens, to realize what he called a "lost dream come true."

"For me, being able to officially graduate high school after more than 30 years is almost like living in an alternate universe," Conte told Patch. "I see it as a tremendous gift that will open the door for me to get a college degree. I only wish my parents were alive to see this day. It is the first stage of 'Rebuilding Robert.'"

Conte earned his diploma in 1988. However, his graduation never became truly official, as he purposely left his certificate inside the Melville school's walls for more than three decades.

"Due to the extreme racism I experienced being a biracial teenager during those four years in high school, I left it all behind and did not experience the joys of attending any senior activities," Conte said. "I was unwelcome because of my diverse heritage."

Conte said he earned a perfect 100 percent score on his chemistry Regents exam, as well as a 98 on his algebra Regents.

"To many students and staff, I should not have attended SAHS; I was not one of the 'elite' who 'belonged,'" Conte said. "The final straw was after a young lady expressed interest in going to prom with me, she rescinded the offer for fear of being ostracized by her family and friends for going with someone 'not fully white.' I did not fully realize it at the time but I was spiritually broken. I wanted nothing to do with anyone at SAHS toward the end of my time there."

Conte acknowledged the "excellent education" he received at the school, using it to become a professional writer, editor and consultant in the pop culture field. He worked on his favorite brands he had growing up, including "Star Wars," Disney, Atari and the rock group KISS. He wrote a memoir about his time with the band.

Conte's fortunes regarding St. Anthony's changed when Denise Creighton, the school's alumni director, invited him to attend a Zoom school event that delved into the racial divisions of the building's past.

The school's current principal, Brother David Anthony Migliorino, offered Conte the opportunity to graduate — complete with a cap and gown.

"This incredible gesture has helped me realize it is finally time for me to go to college and reach my full potential," Conte said. "I wish to do good for others and, hopefully, make a positive difference with my time left on Earth. It is also important that my three children see that their father practices what he preaches relative to the importance of education."