On Friday, May 31st, 14 8th-grade students graduated from San Miguel Academy in the School’s 14th annual commencement ceremony. Julian Marin, San Miguel Class of 2020 and Harvey School Class of 2024, addressed the graduates. Julian will be matriculating to the College of the Holy Cross in Worchester, MA as a member of the Class of 2028. Special guests included Newburgh Mayor Torrence Harvey and New York State Senator Rob Rolison, who presented certificates to the valedictorian and salutatorian.
The valedictory speech was given by David Jiminez, who was also awarded the Grit and Grace Award, one of the School’s two highest awards, for leading by example and being a role model to others. David will be attending Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah, a new academic partner for San Miguel Academy. Salutatorian Jency Pineda, who will be attending St. Margaret’s School in Tappahonnack, Virginia, another new partner school, was awarded the San Miguel Student Creed Award:
When faced with a mountain, I will not quit. I will keep on striving until I climb over, find a pass-through, tunnel underneath, or simply stay and turn the mountain into a gold mine, with God’s help!
Academic Excellence awards were presented to Isabella Luna and Richardo Gunera. Zoe Arias was the inaugural recipient of the Award for Excellence in Aviation. Kelly Trotta of Canterbury Brook Academy of the Arts, another new partner school, presented Isabella Luna with a special scholarship certificate. San Miguel alumni in attendance were recognized and celebrated for their achievements in high school and college and assisted Father Mark Connell in awarding diplomas to the graduates.
San Miguel Academy makes a 12-year commitment to each student beginning in 5th grade, seeing them through high school, college or trade school, and into the workforce. The generous support of many individuals, foundations, and organizations enables San Miguel Academy to further its mission to break the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Newburgh, N.Y.
