39 Receive Diplomas at NFA Commencement

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Christian Jandres has learned a great deal the last few years, and not all those lessons came from a classroom.

Two years ago, the then Newburgh Free Academy sophomore, Jandres, had just got his own car. New wheels meant independence and freedom, as well as joy rides, something that resulted in the frequent skipping of school.

As a result, Jandres found himself “behind the eight ball,” failing several classes and having to play catch up his junior year. Fortunately, an older friend, who had already graduated high school and was in the military, served as an unexpected role model, sparking motivation in Jandres…to lose weight, go to his classes and also look to a military future.

Last Tuesday, Jandres took a huge step toward that military vision, as he made up all of those failed classes over the last two summers, becoming one of 39 Newburgh Free Academy students to receive their high school diploma at a Summer Commencement, held at the North Campus Auditorium. Like many others who surrounded him, clad in the trademark Goldback blue and yellow colors, Jandres faced obstacles during his school career, but more importantly he derived the will and determination to overcome them as well as mine some priceless wisdom along the way.

“At the end of the day, I learned how to get it done on time, cause it’s just not worth not taking school seriously,” said Jandres, who is slated to ship out to the Army on November 20, 2018. “It will just come back to bite you in the end.”

Not all students enrolled in the Summer School Program had failed classes. Some, like J’lin Johnson, were there due to not passing a Regent’s Exam. In Johnson’s case, it was the English Regents that blocked his June Graduation date. However, rather than get upset and lose hope, the Varsity Football Team member as well as Coach for the Unified Basketball Team, got the most out of his summer school experience, passing the Regents, enroute to learning a great deal over the concentrated six week period.

“The teachers were really good, so willing to help in summer school; they really helped me learn the tricks I needed to pass,” said Johnson, who also is looking at a military future, one with the Air Force where he hopes to study aviation. “Today is very exciting because school has always been hard for me, so in a way I’m happy it’s over, but at the same time I’m going to miss it; I’m just really looking forward to my future now though.”

In addition to Matteo Doddo, Co-Principal of the North Campus and Raul Rodriguez, Co-Principal of the Main Campus being on hand at the Commencement, offering Welcome Remarks as well as hugs and support to graduates, Dr. Roberto Padilla, Superintendent of Schools was present to provide the Certification to the 2018 graduates.

“We are supporting more and more students walking across Academy Field with our summer school program, and what is really important is that they persevere, as it reflects their resiliency,” affirmed Padilla, who spoke about how graduates should aspire to possess empathy, take risks and chase all that they deserve in his Commencement address.

“Today, they will graduate; it doesn’t matter that they did it in June or in August; what matters is they will be high school graduates.”

And perhaps, where the real importance lies is in the changes-for the better-so many went through as a result of their journeys.

“Today is just so exciting; after all this time, I am finally finishing high school,” said a smiling and visibly proud Jandres. “I could have easily – dropped out, but I didn’t take that path; I took a better one.”