(Newburgh) - It took a couple of months longer for the 58 Newburgh Free Academy students who participated in the August Commencement to graduate, but it was bitter sweet. They lined the hall, eagerly awaiting their cue - “Pomp and Circumstance.” Then, it was show time.
The academic processional of graduates made their way into the auditorium at North Junior High School, which was filled to capacity. As proud friends and family looked on, NFA Principal Peter Copeletti, gave his welcoming remarks, impressing upon the graduates how important their education is and how proud all the parents are of their achievement.
Summer School Principal Gary VanVoorhis was equally proud of all the students who were graduating that didn’t give up. Acknowledging the stigma of summer school and perhaps feeling like a failure, VanVoorhis said, “You are only a failure if you don’t come back, after you didn’t succeed.” But they did come back and they did succeed.
And with that success comes the passage for where they want to go in life. “I am proud of all of you,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Saturnelli told the graduates. Impressing upon them that she would be certifying their diploma, “not a GED,” she said, “it’s the real thing!”
One by one the students names were read, as they walked across the stage, receiving their diplomas. Like those who graduated in June, these young men and women will move forward to create their place in history. Some are on their way to college. Others to the armed forces. Still, others to the work force. But wherever their road in life takes them, they will always remember their days at Newburgh Free Academy.
When our steps have left these portals
Time and change have had their way.
Still will sound the old time slogan
“Newburgh, Newburgh, N.F.A.!”
And the memory backward turning
Finds us loyal still and true
To the school whose treasure emblem
Is the “Yellow and the Blue.”
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