Nora Cronin Academy Celebrates 10 Years

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – If money was not an issue, what good would you do?
That very question was posed over 16 years ago, in December of 1999 when the Leadership Team of the Sisters of the Presentation asked its members a similar question.
Added to that inquiry was the detail, “What ministry would you like to do?”

The answer and ensuing research surfaced quickly: the possibility of a grade school for girls from low income families in the City of Newburgh. It would not simply be a school, but an “instrument of change.”

After extensive research, laser focus and relentless hard work and dedication, that school became a reality on September 6, 1996. On this date, the Nora Cronin Presentaion Academy (NCPA) doors of the 19th Century building on 69 Bay View Terrace, in the historic “Heights”of Newburgh, officially opened for business.

Thirteen grade five students, along with their teachers, made up the first class; since that time, the student enrollment has flourished to over 50 with the faculty growing as well. Now including grades 5-8, the NCPA has experienced impressive success, developing the academic, social and spiritual fabric of young females, aspiring to make the very most of their lives.

“The last 10 years have been wonderful and a challenge; it’s great to see so many young ladies who have gone to this school and gone on to high school and college,” said Sister Yliana Hernandez, Principal of NCPA. “We truly believe education is really the only way out of poverty.”

Thursday afternoon on NCPA’s outdoor grounds, both the visionaries of the Academy as well as its numerous accomplishments were honored.

Concrete signs of the Academy’s success are evident everywhere. Over 500 girls have attended the Academy, while many of them have gone on to attend college, including; Iona, Mount Saint Mary, Rutgers University and Seton Hall. The remainder have enlisted in the military or continued their studies at technical schools.

Continually reminded they can grow up to fulfill their dreams, achieving whatever they want, the girls who attend NCPA are driven to success through the strong support system it provides, led by the four potent words: “Not words but deeds.”

In fact, one of those “deeds,” the launching of the book, CALLED TO BE WOMEN OF THE LIGHT, was presented Thursday. Detailing the history, as well as everyday life of an NCPA student, it was written by two of its alumnus, Janie Bravo and Jennifer Sandoval, who are currently attending John S. Burke Catholic High School. Their diligent  literary efforts were overseen by Meghann O’Donnell, English Department Chairwoman of the School. Seeds of similar successes are being planted with NCPA’s present day students.

“We live right nearby, so my mom thought this would be a great school where I could learn many religious things, while growing physically and mentally as well as growing   into a mature, young lady,” said seventh grader, Alondra Ruiz, who is currently in her third year at the Academy. “She was right.”

Ruiz, along with nine other NCPA students were on hand assisting with the Anniversary gala, which was attended by several area dignitaries. Among them was Frank Skartados, New York State Assemblyman and a strong advocate for the Academy’s mission. Turning to the Founding Mothers attending the Anniversary reception,  Skartados said, “Thank you for all you are doing Sisters, and thank you for our greatest treasure, our young girls, specifically our girls here at this school.”

Another NYS Assemblyman, James Skoufis, had recently come to the School to discuss the details of his job with some of the students. That day, he walked away completely impressed and a solid supporter of its mission as well.

“In many ways, this school is about hope,” said Skoufis. “I was dually impressed by the students and their thoughtful questions as well as the School itself when I came here.”
Several other people spoke about the great challenges connected to the Academy’s opening. However, despite it all, perseverance paid off in the end, and with it, endless possibilities for generations of young women in the City of Newburgh.

“The best part of this place is getting to know everyone; it’s a very happy, positive environment,” said a smiling Ruiz, clad in her School’s navy blue plaid skirt and sweater top uniform. “Since it’s very small, you always get to communicate with many students; it really is a second home.”