NEWBURGH, NY – September 11, 2026 – San Miguel Academy of Newburgh held its 22nd Annual Defying the Odds Scholarship Dinner on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Westchester Country Club Beach Club in Rye, New York, raising more than $370,000 in support of its mission to break the cycle of poverty through education.
More than 250 guests gathered for the annual celebration, bringing together supporters, community leaders, alumni, and friends of San Miguel Academy to recognize the transformative power of education and the opportunities it creates for young people.
The evening began with a rowing demonstration on Long Island Sound by San Miguel Academy’s student-athletes, cheered on by SMA alumni now attending St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey. The demonstration highlighted the Academy’s commitment to teamwork, perseverance, and the opportunities that continue long after students graduate from its middle school.
Acclaimed author Adriana Trigiani hosted the dinner, held for the first time at the Westchester Country Club Beach Club, whose wit, warmth, compassion, and generosity helped make the evening memorable. Her enthusiastic support of San Miguel Academy’s mission added a special touch to the celebration.
A highlight of the evening was an original flag design created especially for the occasion by acclaimed artist Lynn Mara. Honoring America’s 250th anniversary and the students of San Miguel Academy, the artwork offered a meaningful tribute to both the country and the young people whose promise and potential inspire the Academy’s work.
Founded in 2006 by Father Mark Connell, San Miguel Academy is an independent Catholic middle school serving students in grades five through eight in Newburgh, New York. Following the Jesuit Nativity model of education, the Academy provides a rigorous academic program and a comprehensive network of support for students and families. The school is entirely privately funded and relies on the generosity of individuals, foundations, and community partners to sustain its programs.
Proceeds from the Defying the Odds Scholarship Dinner support the Academy’s educational programs, scholarships, and Graduate Success Program, which provides ongoing guidance and support as students transition to high school and pursue their goals beyond graduation. Through the generosity of its supporters, San Miguel Academy continues to open doors to opportunity and help young people shape brighter futures for themselves and their families.
