By Jennifer L. Warren
NEWBURGH – If you happened to catch a glimpse skyward in the City of Newburgh last Tuesday night, around 5:30PM, you might have been lucky enough to see something pretty spectacular.
An ensemble of black, blue and yellow hued balloons supporting four men clad in olive-colored military gear, could be detected, deftly gliding along, aiming for their destination: Newburgh Free Academy’s Academy Field. Here, was the site of the school’s 159th Annual Commencement, and the Class of 2024 was about to receive their ritual gift from the District: A salute to members of the Class entering the military (two are enlisted to join the Army ranks) as well as recognition of all in the District, community, and in attendance selflessly serving, past or present, our country. It was a special gesture, laden with something all in attendance could treasure.
Included in the celebratory theme, were from left; Staff Sargents, Robert Demus and Devontavios Hillsman as well as Sargent First Class, Ronnie Cunningham, all mainstays, who assist with recruiting, at NFA’s Main Campus.
“Each year we try to add a memorable element to the commencement ceremony as a gift to the class and their families; this year’s gift is also a way to honor core values of service and act as a reminder of ways we can serve each other and our local, national and global communities, said NFA Co-Principal, Matteo Doddo. “It is important to know service for each other is what makes us human.”
In addition to a quartet of jumpers from the United States Black Night Parachute Team at West Point flying onto the NFA field with one delivering a certificate to present to the Superintendent, Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell, with the official Diploma Recognition of the over 600 graduates, yet another inaugural event was on the schedule. All Newburgh Enlarged City School District employees who were parents/guardians of a graduate were provided the unforgettable opportunity to personally hand their child (ren) their high school diploma.
Prior to that pivotal Conferring of Diplomas, the ceremony also included many of the traditional pieces, beginning with the Welcome Remarks, delivered by Susan Valentino, Co-Principal of NFA.
Referring to the night as a significant milestone, filled with hard work and perseverance, Valentino relayed how being an alumni of the school allowed her a “unique perspective.”
“NFA is not just a school, but a family, a home,” said Valentino. “Remember to take kindness with you wherever you go, and know we will always be here for you; come back and visit us, and never, ever stop learning.” She added, “You will always and forever be a Goldback.”
Another speaker alluding to that lasting Goldback designation was Dr. Manning Campbell, who declared the Certification for the class of 2024, following her remarks.
“Bloom where you have planted;” today I challenge you to ponder what it means to ‘bloom,’ urged Manning Campbell. “For me, it means to embrace your circumstances and make the most of the mentors around you for growth; your journey in education is not just about preparing you for a career, but developing resilience and perseverance.” She added, “When you find yourself receiving congratulations-today and throughout your lives, I want you to always proudly tell people I’m a Goldback, and there is more to come.”
One of those Goldbacks, Valedictorian, Sarah Hyan, following Saluatorian, Anakin Landolfa’s remarks centering upon taking chances, gratitude and self belief, provided personal words during her speech. Reflecting upon her scholastic journey, beginning with her elementary school days filled with pink backpacks and socks and continuing through specific treasured moments from her junior high and high school days at NFA, Hyan proceeded to create one final authentic memory with her Class: a massive selfie. She then went on to provide some words of advice to the large contingent of teenagers, clad in blue and gold facing her, closely listening in.
“If you don’t make an active effort in life, nothing will happen; always follow your heart, and I encourage you to love what you do and don’t settle for complacency,” said Hyan. “We live in a world filled with hate and division, so it’s vitally important now to work together; we may be young, but we don’t have to be ignorant.” Reflecting further, smiling, and shifting to a lighter tone, Hyan concluded by quoting Taylor Swift, “You’re on your own kid.”
But not without the hope and belief that each 2024 NFA graduate is planted firmly and equipped with all the needed tools-resources to bloom.
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