Newburgh Free Academy | Class of 2026

Haga clic en este enlace para leer este mensaje en español.

Newburgh Free Academy celebrated its 161st commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 25th, 2026. Of the 636 graduates, 20% 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 grades PreK-12, recognizing student achievement and acknowledging the educators and support staff who have supported our scholars along the way.

This year’s graduating class reflects the limitless possibilities that await our NFA Goldbacks. Members of the Class of 2026 are heading to colleges and universities including ivy league schools Harvard and Columbia, pursuing careers through the skills and certifications earned in our Career and Technical Education programs, studying the arts at the Boston Conservatory, serving our country in the military, competing at Division I, II, and III colleges and universities, entering the workforce, attending community college, beginning apprenticeships, and exploring specialized training programs.

These diverse paths are a reflection of the exploratory experiences, rigorous academics, and meaningful opportunities our students encounter throughout their journey in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. The interests and skillsets of our scholars were refined in our high school classrooms, but their imaginations were initially sparked in our elementary schools and focused in our middle schools. Whether students leave us with a career plan already in motion or continue discovering new passions, we are proud to know they do so with the knowledge, confidence, and experiences to pursue futures as unique and boundless as they are.

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.

The National Anthem was sange by our NFA Madrigals under the direction of Mr. TJ Swetz. The Madrigals also performed the NFA Alma Mater, “Yellow and Blue,” with their senior members singing "For Good," from the musical Wicked.

Speakers included NFA Co-Principals and NFA alumni Ms Susan Valentino (1980) and Mr. Matteo Doddo (1982), NFA Salutatorian, Madison Gravel (2026), NFA Valedictorian, Steven Yang (2026), and Superintendent, Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell. During Ms. Valentino's speech, the Madrigals returned to their microphones to sing "Unwritten," by Natasha Bedingfield and an airplane with a special message for NFA's graduating circled the field as Mr. Doddo gave his speech.

Student names were read by NFA English teachers, Mrs. Christine Baumann and Mr. Ryan Walz. Diplomas were handed out by Board of Education members, Superintendent Dr. Jackie Manning Campbell and Deputy Superintendent, Ms. Onyx Peterson 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. This year, a familiar voice announced the ceremony, Mr. Bob Condosta.

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 photographer Ed Schindler and Aleyna Birinci, and teachers who usher students to take individual photos, particularly Ms. Kate Sinnott and Mr. Brian Sohan. Media outlets present included: Kelly Marsh (Times Herald Record/Garnett credentials), Kit Moore (Mid Hudson Times), and Dr. Ms. Jones (Hudson Valley Press). NECSD Communications photographs taken by Cassie Sklarz and Ed Schindler. High Honors and Candidates for Graduation videos created by Ed Schindler and Cassie Sklarz.