NFA Career & Technical Education Center Opens

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – “Historic.” “Game changing.” “Trendsetting.” “Highly emotional.” “In awe.”

These are just some of the words and phrases referred to at Monday’s milestone event: The official opening of the long-awaited, fully embraced Newburgh Free Academy Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center. Highlighted by the ribbon cutting segment with Superintendent, Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell doing the honors, the moment was a culmination of an innovative vision- coupling hands-on career training with traditional, academic curriculum- in order to equip and empower students with critical, marketable skills immediately following high school- planted nine years ago. A 132,000 square foot building, housing state-of-the art equipment for the 17 offered technical program- Career Pathways, the Covid-halted project was resuscitated by the leadership prowess of Superintendent, Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell with a ground breaking on October 23, 2024. Since then, the construction picked up momentum as did the community’s brewing enthusiasm for its skill-driven, job-creating and endless possibilities.

“I don’t often get choked up, but today I am,” said Dr. Manning Campbell in front of the large ribbon-cutting crowd in attendance. “Today is a very historic day in the Newburgh School District; this building does not belong to any one of us, but to all of us collectively, something that represents forward thinking our District has for the future and is a true hub of lifetime learning to the students.”

That ahead of its time, setting the precedent vibe can be seen in the eclectic mix of vocational offerings at the 300 West Street site, including the more familiar: Auto Body, Law and Security, Fashion Design, Cosmetology and Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) options in addition to some newcomers: Pet Grooming, Veterinary Science and Video Production. Regardless of the Pathway pursued, students can be assured that not only will they have passionate, talented instructors, many of whom have worked in their craft industry, but they will also be honing their skill sets on state-of-the-art equipment in settings that potently replicate real-world work settings; the Culinary Arts classroom features marble counters optimal for baking as well as a restaurant-sized walk-in refrigerator and freezer; while the Cosmetology classroom mimics a salon, complete with a welcome desk, Pet Grooming facilities sport huge, stainless steel sinks for washings as well as an outdoor dog run attached to the classroom, and the Auto Technology space is adorned with five car lifts as well as another for motorcycles.

“Newburgh has always been a trendsetter; I think about my own journey being on a computer here in second grade,” reflected an emotional, Newburgh graduate, Deputy Superintendent, Onyx Peterson. “This building is yet another symbol for that great education I received and us being ahead; it is a thing of awe.”

Another Newburgh alumnus, Matteo Doddo, who will proudly serve as the School’s co-Principal with Susan Valentino, was also awestruck and emotionally impacted by the dynamic relevance of the day he was committed to help become a reality since its inception.

“Today we cut the ribbon that opens doors to opportunities and discoveries students can only begin to imagine,” said Doddo, who alluded to the incredible impact supportive Newburgh teachers and faculty had in molding his confidence and overall life journey. “That student who once wondered, ‘What am I good at?’ will now be able to find those answers here in this building; I have the privilege to now help students find what they are good at the same way I had teachers here in Newburgh help me.”

In addition to several key Newburgh School District administrators being on hand, so too were an assortment of local political dignitaries, including: Newburgh Mayor (as well as NFA History Teacher) Torrance Harvey; New York State Senator, Rob Rolison; Assemblyman, Jonathan Jacobson; and yet another Newburgh Enlarged City School product, District 6 Orange County Legislator, Gabrielle (Burton) Hill, who possessed that same mesmerizing feeling of so many others who surrounded her, as they toured the building slated to open its doors tomorrow, starting an incredible chapter on what’s destined to be a flourishing journey for all involved.

“As a graduate of NFA’s Class of 1983, I have always had a deep appreciation for the diverse educational opportunities we have in Newburgh that other public schools did not offer, but today I am left in awe,” said Hill after taking the tour of the three floor new building. “Students will now be able to graduate with skills that prepare them for immediate employment, and instead of going off to college and creating debt, many inner city scholars will now graduate with a diploma, degree and entrepreneurial skills.” Reflecting further on the transformative magnitude of this occasion, Hill, who views the school as a vehicle to a chance for a better life for young people, added, “ This is more than education; it’s restorative justice in action, taking a huge step towards leveling the economic playing field and is really good news.”