One by one, each boy walked into the gym and took a seat at their individual tables. Also seated at the socially distanced tables were their guests.

Positioned on the stage were San Miguel Academy of Newburgh’s fifth graders. The fifth graders watched as their older classmates ended a major chapter in their life.

The boys celebrated the end of their middle school careers at the San Miguel Academy of Newburgh last Friday evening.

Cory Arias, alumni, was the first guest to speak during the commencement exercises. Arias is recuperating from a recent accident, and spoke over video chat from his hospital bed to those in attendance of the commencement exercises. Arias was invited due to his character and his ability to remain strong in the face of adversity.

Arias congratulated the graduates, and told them to never forget what they learned at San Miguel.

“San Miguel is such a special school,” said Arias.

At the end of Arias’ speech, Fr. Mark Connell asked the audience to stand and applaud for Arias. The gym echoed in claps and cheers for Arias.

The graduation also celebrated alumni of the school who have gone on to graduate from college. Because most in person graduations have been canceled or postponed, San Miguel sought the opportunity to celebrate alumni who’ve finished college.

These recent college graduates spoke to the audience on what their lives are like after San Miguel and the importance of what they learned from San Miguel.

Byron Morales graduated from San Miguel in 2012. He earned a scholarship to Fairfield University, and recently graduated magna cum laude from Fairfield. He interned with PricewaterhouseCoopers and won a permanent position in New York City.

“Something that helped me out was always stay hungry [for knowledge],” said Morales to the graduates.

“Always remember that when you go over there, you’re not like everybody else. You’re out here trying to help your family, trying to help our families.”

“Even though you’re graduating today,” said Morales. “San Miguel’s always going to be there for you. Even in tough times, you’re never alone.”

After the invited guests finished their speeches, one by one the graduates were honored with short speeches celebrating their accomplishments. Graduates walked up one by one to the front to receive their certificates of achievement.

Avante Walker, alumni, gave the keynote speech. He currently attends Niagara University. He will be working at San Miguel as a teacher this summer.

“We were showed that we can actually develop in a diverse community, that you’re not just a statistic,” said Walker about what San Miguel teaches. “That you are special and unique, just like everyone else.”

San Miguel gives boys from lower income families the opportunity to receive a positive and innovative education regardless of income status and race.

At the end of the Next Step Ceremony, the boys filed out to take a final class photo on San Miguel’s steps.

Class of 2020
Jayden Barrera- Newburgh Free Academy West

Edgar Bautista- Church Farm School
Luis Chirinos- Vermont Academy
Emanuel Giron-Luna- The Mount Academy
Julian Marin- The Harvey School
Alexis Martinez- Marvelwood School
Alexis Mendoza- The Mount Academy
Geoffrey Moran- Canterbury School
Jonathan Ochoa- Saint Benedict’s Preparatory
Steven Palacios- Saint Benedict’s Preparatory
Dominick Pineda- Saint Benedict’s Preparatory
Christian Recinos- Suffield Academy
Christopher Recinos- The Mount Academy
Jonathan Recinos- Saint Benedict’s Preparatory