Nora Cronin Presentation Academy [NCPA] concluded its final day of classes with the celebration of commencement exercises for the graduating class of 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

The NCPA graduating Class of 2022 included Analisa Espinosa, Dulce Moran, Naydeen Casco, Michelle Maldonado, Denise Hernandez, Leticia Martinez-Brant, Nicole Amador, Sailyn Perez, Jennifer Perez-Lozano, Stephanie Lara and Analisse Montoya.

On June 1, the entire NCPA community attended an intimate liturgy service at St. Francis Church, led by Father William Damroth, pastor of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, to honor the graduating class. During the ceremony, each of the graduates received a small lantern, a keepsake in honor of Nano Nagle, the founder of the Sisters of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Nano Nagle, originally from Ireland, is often referred to as the Lady With The Lantern because she would venture out into the night with a lamp and would tend and care for the sick and poor. The significance of these lanterns is that for each of the graduates, the lamp light inside signifies the Light of Christ being brought by each of the graduates into the world.

On the day of the graduation, families, friends, NCPA students, NCPA alumni, NCPA benefactors, volunteers and supporters gathered in St. Francis Church and awaited the graduates to walk down the aisle. Melanie Fescoe, NCPA Graduate Support Coordinator welcomed the gathered group to the ceremony and recognized the alumni gathered for the ceremony. Yoselyn Perez, NCPA Class of 2016 and sister of graduate Sailyn Perez, led the gathered group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sister Yliana Hernández, PBVM, Principal of NCPA thanked all those in attendance and those who have supported the mission of NCPA leading towards graduation. In her opening remarks to the graduating class, Sr. Hernández reflected on the past two years with COVID and the difficulties that came with it.

With the creation of a new normal, Sr. Hernández said that for each of her students, she hopes that they take the lessons and values learned from NCPA wherever they go into the new normal of the world. “Do not let anyone or anything stop you from achieving your goal,” said Sr. Hernández. “Know that we [NCPA] will always be here for you. We are proud of you. I am proud of you. Be proud of yourself.”

As their names were called, each of the graduates, one by one came forward to the altar and received their diplomas from Sr. Hernández. After each section of graduates came forward, the crowd erupted in applause. Awards for excellence in social studies, language arts, physical education and other academic subjects were also given to students in the graduating class.

The Nano Nagle Medal, the highest and most prestigious award from NCPA, was awarded to Stephanie Lara. This medal is given to the student not for academic achievement but for character and who embodies the words from the scripture passage Micah Chapter 6 Verse 8: “To act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with God.”

Nicole Amador was then called to the podium and delivered the valedictory address where she thanked her classmates for being a part of her life and was proud to be a part of the final class under the leadership of Sr. Hernández. “During my four years here at Nora Cronin Presentation Academy, I have met wonderful people that have made me become the young woman I am today,” Amador said.

Guest commencement speaker, Melanie Mendoza, NCPA Class of 2011 delivered the guest speaker address and is currently on route to receive her doctorate degree in nursing practice in 2023 from Columbia University in New York.

For Mendoza, she shared to the graduating class that today they should enjoy and remember this day as they head out into the world. Mendoza shared that there are challenges that will await them on the road to success, but success is achievable and NCPA has prepared them for success.

NCPA also welcomed Tammy Barnett of the Town of Newburgh, who will assume the role of principal on August 1. The graduation ceremony concluded with the entire crowd raising their arms towards the class for a final blessing for them. Pomp and circumstance played as the students processed and made their way back to the altar for pictures from family.

Lisa Treacy-Pignetti, who works as the 8th grade teacher for NCPA, shared that it has been a wonderful experience for her to work with this group of students and she is happy and proud of this achievement. While only being with NCPA for a year, Treacy-Pignetti is thankful for the relationships that she has created with her students.

Graduate Denise Hernandez shared that following her graduation, she had emotions of nervousness and excitement. With the last few years of COVID, there were challenges and with Sr. Hernández’s retirement, Hernandez shared that she was sad for the news but now she has graduated and will be heading off to Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie.

Hernandez shared this brief message for her fellow graduates: “The years really went by fast. Spend all your moments actually, like genuinely enjoying them,” Hernandez said.

Karla Gunera, Class of 2016 and cousin of Hernandez, said she was happy to be back amongst her NCPA community after having graduated several years ago. For her, she is happy to be reconnecting with fellow peers and the NCPA community and is happy to see the graduates moving on to the next stages of their lives. “Good luck out there ladies, never give up. If you ever need help, come back to one of the NCPA graduates and they’ll help you out,” Gunera said.

George Bowles Jr., who many graduates and NCPA students referred to as “Coach” has served as the school’s gym teacher for several years and shared he was happy for the class and hopes that some of his students will come back to teach in the Newburgh area. “This is the beginning of life. Stay in school, do your best, respect your parents,” Bowles Jr. said. “You are the leaders of tomorrow.”

Hernandez, Espinosa, Perez-Lozano and Perez will be attending Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie. Casco and Lara will be attending John S. Burke Catholic High School in Goshen. Amador and Martinez-Brant will be attending John F. Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School in Somers. Maldonado, Montoya and Moran will be attending Newburgh Free Academy.