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Acting superintendent certifies diplomas as Newburgh Free Academy awards diplomas to 709 graduates
Summary
At Newburgh Free Academy’s June 26 commencement, Dr. Lisa Baum certified that candidates met New York State requirements, and school leaders and student speakers emphasized perseverance and community as 709 students received diplomas.
NEWBURGH, N.Y. — Acting Superintendent Dr. Lisa Baum certified that candidates had met New York State requirements and authorized members of the Board of Education to present diplomas at Newburgh Free Academy’s commencement on June 26, 2025, where 709 members of the Class of 2025 received their diplomas.
The certification was announced near the end of the ceremony on academy field by Dr. Baum, who addressed graduates, families and district staff and recited a short poem urging graduates to persist. "Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough, but I want you to give the world the best you have anyway," Dr. Baum said as she presented the certification under authority granted by the New York State Board of Regents.
Co-principals Sue Valentino and Matteo Dotto opened remarks earlier in the ceremony and urged graduates to persevere. "Giving up is never the answer. You push forward, even when it's hard, even when it would be easier to stop," Sue Valentino, co-principal of Newburgh Free Academy, told the class.
Student speakers reflected on high school experiences and community. Salutatorian Grace Musante told classmates that attending NFA "is a legacy" and called the school a "home" because of its programs and people. Valedictorian Ryan Wicker recounted athletic and team accomplishments and encouraged peers to "work hard, stay humble, and never be afraid to chase something big." Both students received specific recognition from school leaders before the diplomas were presented.
The ceremony included musical performances by the NFA madrigals and a special guest vocalist, Mary Kay Messenger, a Newburgh Free Academy graduate and retired U.S. Army sergeant who has performed with the West Point Band. The assemblage also recognized retiring teachers Noelle Atkins Brand, Fran D'Angelo, Verna Lee and Michael Ryan as they led faculty in the procession.
As a ceremonial note, the school announced it had registered a commemorative star named "Go Back for Life" with the International Star Registry and held a light promotional giveaway by placing two "gold star" tickets under seats for graduating students.
Dr. Baum said she certified the diplomas "in accordance with the authority granted to me by the New York State Board of Regents." Board of Education members and school administrators then joined school principals on stage to present diplomas to students. The ceremony concluded with graduates moving their tassels to signify their new status as Newburgh Free Academy alumni.
Details such as exact departmental responsibilities for diploma handling or any subsequent administrative paperwork were not specified during the ceremony.
