Newburgh Free Academy Hosts 156th Commencement Ceremony

Newburgh Free Academy celebrated their 156^th Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, June 24th at 4:00pm on Academy Field. Graduates and their guests celebrated under a clear, sunny sky after a year and a half of uncertainty, unknowns, and challenges as the world navigated the COVID-19 global health pandemic. The Class of 2021 graduation ceremony was one of the first events of “normalcy” in quite some time as the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, fully lifted the ongoing state of emergency that day. 

Photos of the 156th Newburgh Free Academy Commencement Ceremony can be found by clicking this link. These photos are free to download and share, courtesy of the NECSD Communications Department. 

Speakers included co-principals of Newburgh Free Academy, Mr. Matteo Doddo and Mr. Edgar Glascott, as well as remarks and conferring of diplomas by NECSD Superintendent Dr. Roberto Padilla. Ms. Sophia Hyun and Mr. Jacob Johnston, Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively, of the Class of 2021 also gave remarks. 

A highlight of the ceremony occurred when special guest, a gyrfalcon named Daredevil, flew over the graduates as a symbolic gesture of how they can soar beyond Academy Field. The gyrfalcon was coordinated and called for by co-principal Mr. Matteo Doddo. The gyrfalcon was released by Master Sergeant Christian Granda, an ROTC teacher at NFA. The mascot for Newburgh Free Academy is a Goldback, a fictitious bird with a legendary history. Daredevil, a gyrfalcon, is an arctic species and is trained to do educational programs throughout the northeast through Skyhunters in Flight by falconer Brian Bradley.

The NFA Drumline and City of Newburgh Police Motorcycle Division led the traditional procession from the pillars of Newburgh Free Academy, down South Street, and onto Academy Field. The NFA Madrigals, under the direction of Ms. Jillian Caci sang the Star Spangled Banner as the NFA JROTC cadets raised the flags. The musical group also sang the NFA Alma Mater (Yellow and the Blue) and the Senior Song, When We Were Young by Adele. Ms. Monica Antonelli-Guido and Dr. Paul Caroll accompanied the Madrigals. 

Achievements of the class of 2021 include:

• 52 scholars received a Seal of Biliteracy, 7 of whom are English Language Learners and one scholar who earned a double seal;
• 29 additional NFA P-TECH scholars earned their Associate’s Degree, 20 of whom completed both high school diploma and associate’s degree requirements in four years
• Isabella Leggett and John Abrams have been named 2020-2021 Senior Scholar Athlete Honoree Award recipients by Orange-Ulster BOCES
• Alexander Yakle and Sage Galati have been named 2020-2021 Senior Scholar Humanities Honoree Award recipients by Orange-Ulster BOCES
• More than $125,000 of local scholarships was awarded to NFA scholars
• More than 170 scholars earned the distinction of High Honors, earning an average of 89.5 or above, representing approximately 25% of the class
• Countless scholars walked across Academy Field right into the workforce thanks for the multiple Career and Technical Education pathways that allow scholars to earn certificates in their field upon completing necessary hours, passing required tests, and graduating high school or turning 18.

Notable seniors include:

Executive Council Student Officers

President - Michelle Wang (Harvard University)

Vice President -Parisa Hutchinson (Howard University)

Secretary - Fatou Jammeh (Howard University)

Senior Class Officers

President - Matthew Haynes (University at Buffalo)

Vice President - John Abrams (New York University)

Secretary - Isabella Leggett (University of Rhode Island)

Treasurer - Arnaz Reza (Vassar College)

Class of 2021 Advisors

Amanda O'Neill 

Linda Rooney

Madrigal performers include:

Seniors:

Solangie Almeyda (Messiah University)

Christopher Carbone (unknown)

Sage Galati (Binghamton University)

Morelia Ortiz (unknown)

Underclassmen:

John O’Sullivan

Manuel Tejeda

Madison Valenti

View a recording of the commencement ceremony here.

Photos of the 156th Newburgh Free Academy Commencement Ceremony can be found by clicking this link. These photos are free to download and share, courtesy of the NECSD Communications Department. 

A full list of graduates can be found here.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!