NFA Class of 2026 Celebrates New Beginnings

By Journalist Dr. Ms. Jones

NEWBURGH – Cheers, music, and heartfelt embraces filled Academy Field on Thursday evening, June 25th, as 638 graduates crossed the stage during Newburgh Free Academy’s commencement ceremony, closing one chapter of their lives while preparing to begin another.

Family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered beneath cloudy skies to celebrate the Class of 2026. The evening was filled with stirring performances by the NFA Madrigals, who sang The Star-Spangled Banner, The Yellow and the Blue, and the senior selection, For Good from Wicked, setting an emotional tone for the celebration.

Co-Principal Susan Valentino reflected on the determination that brought the graduates to this milestone. She reminded them that every obstacle had prepared them for the future.

“Your future is still unwritten. You hold the pen. You choose the direction,” Valentino said. “The world needs your ideas, your talents, your kindness, and your courage.”

Co-Principal Matteo Doddo mixed humor with inspiration as he welcomed the graduates one last time.

“No hall passes. No exams. No attendance reminders. No, ‘Please take your hood down.’ No Yondr pouches.” Doddo joked, drawing laughter from the crowd, and reminding graduates that they are remembered not for social media popularity but for the lives they touch. “People will remember: Were you honest? Were you kind? Did you help someone? Did you leave the world a better place? That’s your legacy.”

As Doddo spoke, an unexpected surprise unfolded overhead. A small airplane circled Academy Field five times, trailing a congratulatory banner honoring the graduating class, prompting cheers and applause from students and spectators alike.

Salutatorian Madison Gravel balanced humor with gratitude during her address, opening with a lighthearted joke about her uncle before encouraging classmates to recognize those who helped them reach graduation.

“Before you leave the field, find one person who helped you get here and thank them genuinely… None of us arrived here alone,” Gravel said as she also encouraged classmates to remain proud of their hometown. “Newburgh teaches you things that can’t be learned from a textbook… Though our paths may lead us in different directions, carry Newburgh with you.”

Valedictorian Steven Yang reflected on the lessons learned beyond academics. He reminded classmates that setbacks are simply part of life’s journey.

“Don’t end a book early because of a bad chapter,” Yang said. “Failure isn’t the end. It’s just one part of the journey.”

Superintendent Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell praised the graduates’ resilience. She also recognized the educators, families, and support staff who helped them reach this milestone.

“Each diploma represents determination, resilience, and countless hours of effort,” she said. “Wherever life takes you, you will always be an NFA Goldback.”

Among those celebrating was Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey, who has spent 27 years teaching history at NFA and helped establish the school’s P-TECH program.

“I’m here to celebrate the kids and the families of my students,” Harvey said. “Graduation is the best day of the year. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Harvey explained that P-TECH students earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree from SUNY Orange while completing leadership development and internships with IBM. This summer alone, he said, 26 students will participate in paid IBM internships.

Several graduates proudly displayed colorful cords, medals, and stoles representing their academic achievements, leadership, and community service. P-TECH graduate Aldwin Valdez wore numerous honors, including cords recognizing his SUNY Orange degree, community service, academic excellence, and citizenship. Printed across his graduation stole was Proverbs 3:5-6, the Bible verse he credits with transforming his outlook.

“I decided to put my faith in God and trust Him. That’s when everything started aligning… That’s how I got all these,” Valdez said as he gestured toward his honors. He plans to continue his education toward a master’s degree before pursuing a career in cybersecurity.

Cameron Ford’s success story showcased the impact of NFA West’s project-based learning model. Ford, who will attend Morehouse College this fall, is a four-year athlete, National Honor Society member, and Vice President of the Black History Club. He said the program helped him develop confidence as a public speaker while serving the community through an internship with the Newburgh Fire Department and a partnership with the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms in local homes.

“No tests. No quizzes. The way we prove our learning is through exhibitions,” Ford explained. “I loved it because I didn’t like test taking. That’s how I got so good at public speaking. That’s how I got great at helping others.”

The ceremony also highlighted the close-knit spirit of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. Several district employees whose children or family members were graduating were invited to walk across the stage and personally present them with their diplomas, creating emotional moments for families and applause from the audience.

Before the procession began, retiring teachers Linda Romano and Julie Felton reflected on their decades of service and their “NFA Babies.”

“September’s gonna feel weird,” Romano said. “I’ll probably cry on the first day of school.”

Felton agreed, adding, “It’s very much bitter than it is sweet right now.”

Following the conferring of diplomas, graduates officially became alumni as they moved their tassels from right to left. Many celebrated by tossing their caps high into the evening sky before embracing classmates, laughing through tears, and saying goodbye to friends they had spent years alongside.

Journalist Ms Jones