San Miguel Program Holds 16th Commencement

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Kaylee Martinez vividly recalls her sixth grade year as a rower; they were days filled with lofty challenges and unexpected mistakes, but most importantly, were the catalyst to transformative, inspiring lessons.

“When I was first starting to learn to be a coxswain back then, there would sometimes be a lot of screaming in the boat- particularly in races- because I wasn’t maneuvering it correctly, leading to mistakes,” recalls the recent eighth grade graduate. “However, rather than get upset by it, I chose to learn from it and not let it get me down, but rather practiced more and began to see improvement.”

It’s that perseverance, positivity and leadership that encapsulate just some of the lifelong characteristics Martinez credits the San Miguel Program for instilling in her during her four year journey at the Newburgh-based private school. One of ten graduates earning a diploma Friday evening, Martinez’ hard work in the boat at the School’s highly successful rowing program as well as in the classroom has earned her entrance into the all-girls St. Margaret’s School in Virginia where she will continue her secondary education, well- equipped to face what lies ahead.

“San Miguel has really prepared me well for high school,” said Martinez, who is excited to continue her rowing passion as a member of St. Margaret’s growing program. “The rowing has truly taught me discipline, hard work and leadership, making me a more responsible person.”

Each of the graduates in the Class of 2025 carries similar stories, where obstacles were countered by a strong foundation of character. It’s an unwavering mission that San Miguel is committed to instilling in all of its students. From the posters of inspirational quotes that adorn the hallways, to the care and dedication of the staff, to the remnants of hope and success that infuse the classrooms, the students feel that genuine belief, inciting them to chase their dreams.

“When I came to San Miguel, I was that fifth grader who couldn’t sit still, but in time, I learned here to want to be the best person I could be,” reflected George Hauqui, SMA Class of 2016, who delivered the Commencement Address and graduated in 2024 with an engineering degree from SUNY Maritime. “The three things I really learned at San Miguel were; perseverance, being able to get out of my comfort zone and staying focused on a purpose that is bigger than one’s self.”

Also offering remarks was another alumnus, George Mendoza, from the Class of 2021 and a recent graduate of the Millbrook School, where he excelled both in and out of the classroom, something he was quick to credit to both his upbringing as well as San Miguel family.

“The morals San Miguel etched inside of me became my toolbox to succeed at Millbrook; I used each of them to succeed,” said Mendoza, who will be attending Northeastern University in the fall. “All of your roots here at this school are strong.”

Continuing, while elaborating upon “The Journey Ahead” theme of his speech, Mendoza turned to the Class of 2025 and added, “My biggest tip is to lean on those roots and people and not be afraid to ask for help; doing it’s a strength and not a weakness, and turning outward can be your best support system.

Mendoza, reflecting further on his SMA days, whose lessons he continues to use as a guiding compass to navigate all he does, left the graduates with one of the most popular and lasting ones echoed throughout the halls on a daily basis.

“Always remember: “Easy now, hard later; hard now, easy later,” recited Mendoza. “Know that your efforts will pay off.”

Whether it’s moving on to pursue their high school studies at one of the three boarding schools or four local public schools, the San Miguel Program Class of 2025 graduates are prepared, confident, ready, willing and able to reach out of their comfort zones, pursuing purposes larger than themselves, leaning on those solid roots and forged memories.

“I want to wish all of my classmates success,” said Class of 2025 Valedictorian, Chanel Rodriguez, recipient of the revered Grit and Grace Award. “You have all created a year of memories to look back on.”