A special thank you to the 2nd Aviation Detachment and USMA West Point Black Knights Parachute Team for making our 159th commencement a memorable event! 
 

Mr. Matteo Doddo shared his idea for this gift to the class of 2024 with Dr. Manning Campbell earlier this year. With her enthusiastic support, Mr. Doddo has been planning this special treat for months! A sincere thank you to everyone who took part in making this a memorable way to celebrate our graduates!
 

“This year’s ceremony is particularly special, as it honored veterans in our community. We recognize the value of veterans who are alumni, members of our community, family to our students, and part of our faculty and staff. We also celebrate our students who are committing to serve our country in such a selfless way.” Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell, Superintendent of Schools

“Each year, we try to add a memorable element to the commencement ceremony as a gift to the graduating class and their families from our high school community. This year’s gift is also a way to honor the core value of service and act as a reminder of ways that we can serve each other and our local, national, and global communities.” Mr. Matteo Doddo, Newburgh Free Academy Co-Principal

We hope you enjoy the jump and the aerial views of the neighborhood surrounding our high school campuses from the parachuter's perspective!
 

More about the Parachute Team: The mission of the West Point Parachute Team is to educate, train, and inspire cadets to develop leadership skills and build self-confidence in an in extremis context. We will accomplish this by providing cadets the opportunity to work towards three specific and challenging goals: train freefall students, conduct precision freefall demonstrations, and compete and win at the national level.
 

Video provided courtesy of Damon King SSG, USA (FAA Master Rigger | USMA Parachute Team)