3
Mid Hudson Times, Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Newburgh Free Academy graduates Class of 2016
By SHANTAL RILEY
[email protected]
“I’d like you guys to take a moment and
close your eyes,” she said, and the students
went quiet. “This is our moment.”
Newburgh Free Academy Salutatorian
Kaila Helm stood at the podium in
front of a sea of blue and yellow-robed
students on Academy Field. “It will be
our responsibility to create solutions for
problems in the future,” said Helm. “It is
now time for us to be the idea generators
for our society.”
More than 600 scholars received
their diplomas at the NFA Class of 2016
commencement ceremony on June 23.
Class Valedictorian Zachary Siper thanked
teachers and staff for years of support.
“Thank you to all the friends who traveled
with us,” said Siper, “and the parents who
supported us all the way.”
“Are you guys ready to graduate?”
Siper shouted. A roar of cheers rose from
the crowd of soon-to-be graduates.
One-by-one, the graduates walked to the
stage to receive their diplomas. According
to the Newburgh Enlarged City School
District, 137 students – roughly a fifth of
seniors - graduated with average grades of
89.5 and higher.
Superintendent of Schools Roberto
Padilla encouraged students to cherish the
moment. “Scholars, there are moments in
life that bring us back to the proverbial
‘best day ever,’” he said. “This is one of
those days.”
The future will be filled with surprises,
big and small, Padilla told them. Mistakes
will happen, he said. “Place them under
your feet and make them stepping stones,”
the superintendent said. “Find what
ignites a passion in your soul and give it
150 percent.”
Padilla left the students with some key
points of wisdom. “