Love and Support Shown For the NFA Class of 2020

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – The three Newburgh Free Academy Campuses might not be open for business these days; however, the adults who work there do not want their students to know they are forgotten.

As the senior graduation date slowly closes in next month, administrators, faculty and staff at the Main, North and West Campuses wanted to do something to show how proud of and excited for they are of the Class of 2020. Unable to interact with students and physically share in this upcoming, momentous occasion, they decided to hold a “kickoff graduation event,” distributing authentic, school-insignia and colored items, allowing graduates and families a fun platform to get into the commencement spirit in the safety of their homes.
Last Friday, from 10am-2pm, cars, SUVs, trucks and taxis, filled with graduate candidates, rolled up to the entrances of their occupant’s home campus. Met by mask-covered, but still wide-smiling faculty and staff, holding celebratory signs, while jubilantly screaming out such phrases as, “We miss you,” “We are so proud of you,” and “Keep staying strong,” the students, in vehicles, many covered in graduation flair, stopped at a designated location. Here, they were enthusiastically greeted by school administrators, also bearing face coverings, further cheering them on, while providing them with an ensemble of graduation goodies. Pennants, wristbands and lawn signs (also able to go in windows) containing the schools’ traditional gold and blue coloring as well as “Class of 2020” markings were provided. Dear Graduate Congratulatory Letters written by the administrative teams at each campus were also handed out.

Newburgh Free Academy, Main Campus Assistant Principal, Michael Ragusa, provides a lawn- window sign with the school’s insignia and congratulations to the Class of 2020 to one of its members, Ashlie Chabarria. Friday morning, outside of the School’s front entrance.
Newburgh Free Academy, Main Campus Assistant Principal, Michael Ragusa, provides a lawn- window sign with the school’s insignia and congratulations to the Class of 2020 to one of its members, Ashlie Chabarria. Friday morning, outside of the School’s front entrance.

The first in-person event held since school was closed over two months ago not only allowed graduates and their families to get into the spirit for commencement next month, but spiked enthusiasm on multiple other levels. Signs of genuine care and concern as well as unwavering support flooded all three campus parking lots, making a powerful difference for all involved.

“It has been so long since we have seen our students; we just wanted to see them and acknowledge and congratulate them on their success this year,” said Kationi Simoni, Assistant Vice Principal at NFA’s North Campus, as she cheered on a passing car and waved to the student inside. “We really want them to know we love and care about them and miss them dearly.”

Most all of the faculty and staff at each site volunteered their time and energy at staggered shifts. Several worked diligently, crafting creative, colorful signs, which they held up high with pride, and although unable to get within six feet of the passing vehicles, made sure their support and positive energy resonated and was felt by each student as well as their families.

“I feel like being here is the least I can do,” said NFA, Main Campus Nurse, Janet Morin. “They aren’t getting the normal fanfare, so this is something we can all do to show how much we care and help them celebrate their big achievement.”

Students at all three campuses profoundly felt those heartfelt efforts. Like so many of the high school students around the region, the abrupt closing of schools created a large gap in events lost- whether it be prom, award ceremonies, Senior Skip Day or a host of other once-in-a lifetime venues. Senior Jillian Roy, a Varsity Crew member was excited to participate in her final season as a Goldback, and feels a real sense of loss being denied that special season. However, when she received those “graduation gearup” gifts from administrators, faculty and staff Friday, a broad smile crossed her face. And, for at least for a little while, things felt normal, igniting the still very special nature and meaning of next month’s graduation.

“I felt really happy that they recognized the seniors,” said Roy, who plans to attend college in the fall, pursuing a degree in psychology and career path as a social worker. “It was really sentimental and nostalgic seeing all of the teachers and some other people I have known since I started at Newburgh Free Academy.”

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