Newburgh Free Academy | Class of 2025

Newburgh Free Academy celebrated its 160th commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 26th, 2025. Of the 709 graduates, 25% of the high school class graduated with High Honors and were previously recognized by a virtual presentation. The commencement ceremony represents a culminating celebration of academic achievement from grade PreK-12, recognizing student achievement and acknowledging the educators and support staff who have supported our scholars along the way.

Candidates for graduation processed down South Street, led by the City of Newburgh motorcycle brigade, the NFA ROTC led by MSgt Donald Carter, the NFA drumline under the direction of Dr. Paul Carroll while entering the field to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the NFA Band, under the direction of Ms. Kristina Morano. After a brief ceremony, graduates walked across Academy Field before turning their tassels and tossing their caps to celebrate this milestone achievement.

NFA alumna and recently retired United States Army Sgt. Maj. MaryKay (Hollenbeck) Messenger (1984) sang the National Anthem, along with our NFA Madrigals under the direction of Mr. TJ Swetz. Messenger was the premier vocalist for the West Point Band and first sang with them at their season finale 1812 concert in 1980, at the age of 12. She has performed all over the world in her role, highlighting our Goldback Standard for excellence among our alumni.

The Madrigals also performed the NFA Alma Mater, “Yellow and Blue,” and their senior song, “Have it All,” by Jason Mraz.

Speakers included NFA Co-Principals and NFA alumni Ms Susan Valentino (1980) and Mr. Matteo Doddo (1982), NFA Salutatorian, Grace Muante (2025), NFA Valedictorian, Ryan Wicker (2025), and former Acting Superintendent, Dr. Lisa Buon. Student names were read by NFA English teachers, Ms. Jennifer Costabile and Mr. Ryan Walz. Diplomas were handed out by Board of Education members and former Acting Superintendent Dr. Lisa Buon with greetings from the NFA Co-Principals. In 2023, under the leadership of Superintendent, Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell, parents and grandparents who are current NECSD employees were invited to the stage to hand their child or grandchild their diploma. That established tradition continued this year.

For the last 17 years (and 32 years of announcing football games), the NFA commencement ceremonies have been announced by NFA alumnus, Matthew Lawrence (1989). We are thankful for the unwavering dedication that Mr. Lawrence has shown toward supporting our students and remaining a consistent and clear voice of tradition and celebration throughout our community.

Graduation is an all hands on deck event to celebrate the culmination of 13 years of education, from Pre-K to grade 12 for our scholars and those who celebrate along with them. We are thankful to the countless employees and volunteers who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable ceremony and celebratory experience as together, we mark the milestone of transition from student to alumni and leader beyond Academy Field.

A special thank you to: NFA administration, NFA faculty and staff, NFA Guidance, NFA Construction, Welding, Architecture and Engineering, Fashion teachers, ROTC, and Music teachers, Buildings and Grounds, Custodial, Print Shop, Safety and Security, Technology, Communications, the City of Newburgh Water Department, and City of Newburgh Police Department.

A special thank you to our volunteer photographers Scotty Rausenberger, Yael Ceglo, Melissa Winfield-Corbett, Luke Van De Mark, and teachers who usher students to take individual photos, particularly Ms. Kate Sinnott and Mr. Brian Sohan. Media outlets present included: Allyse Pulliam (Times Herald Record/Garnett credentials), Alberto Gilman (Mid Hudson Times), and Dr. Ms. Jones (Hudson Valley Press). NECSD Communications photographs taken by Cassie Sklarz and Ed Schindler. High Honors and Candidations for Graduation videos created by Ed Schindler and Cassie Sklarz.

PHOTOS | Newburgh Free Academy Class of 2025
NECSD Communications - Cassie Sklarz and Ed Schindler

(High Honors | Candidates for Graduation | LIVE STREAM: NFA Graduation | Class of 2025 (Recording)

Pre-Ceremony

Ceremony

Ceremony - Individual Graduate Photos

Post-Ceremony

Volunteer photographers, listed alphabetically:

When sharing photos, please provide photo credit.

NFA Graduation Photos by Yael Ceglio

NFA Graduation Photos by Scotty Rausenberger

NFA Graduation Photos by Luke Van De Mark (NFA student photographer)

NFA Graduation Photos by Melissa Winfield-Corbett