NEWBURGH – On Friday, May 30, eleven 8th-grade students graduated from San Miguel Academy in the School’s 16th annual commencement ceremony. George Hauqui, San Miguel Class of 2016, addressed the graduates. George attended P-Tech Academy in Newburgh and graduated from SUNY Maritime College in 2024 with a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

The valedictory speech was delivered by Chanel Rodriguez, who was also awarded the Grit and Grace Award for leading by example and being a role model to others. The San Miguel Student Creed Award was given to Aylen Mendez: “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!” The Grit and Grace and Creed Awards are the School’s two highest awards.

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. George Mendoza, SMA Class of 2021, spoke to the graduates about his journey ahead. George recently graduated from Millbrook School and will be matriculating to Northeastern University as a member of the class of 2029.

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.