By Chuck Stewart, Jr.
Fishkill - With the summer sun beaming down, 613 graduates of Newburgh Free Academy walked onto the ball field Friday night at Dutchess Stadium for the 2008 commencement.
The venue, a change from the traditional Academy Field at the school, was due to renovations at the high school.
The graduates lined up on the outfield warning track and marched to their seats on the infield, while the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance" was played. Proud parents, grandparents, friends and family members greeted graduates with cheers.
Just moments prior, there was a mix of emotions, ranging from joy to sadness, excited to scared. The same held true for parents, who waited anxiously in the stands. "I can’t wait to see my baby graduate," Jackie Ceasar said. "I’m so proud of him."
Her 18-year-old son Justin will be attending Delaware State University in the fall. This is her second child to head off for college. She can already imagine a home with one less person, however it won’t be an empty nest just yet. "Two down, one to go," Ceasar says. She attributes her children’s success to their involvement in school and community activities. "I try to keep them busy with positive activities," she said.
Justin Ceasar is actively involved in his church, the NFA ROTC, Newburgh Youth Bureau and volunteers with numerous organizations.
According to valedictorian Beth Clearwater, the 613 graduates have much to look forward to, but ask them to be stewards of the environment. "The environment in which we live is dependent on people’s integrity, honesty and commitment to caring. We as individuals must care for it," she said. As for the community she said, "We should never underestimate our ability nor the impact we as individuals can have on the community. We have been given so much up to this point ... it’s now time for us to take on a more responsible role to get involved in the community or further our education and talents so we can better serve the community."
Clearwater, encouraging her fellow graduates to "do something no matter how small," ending with a quote from John Lennon, "You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope some day you will join us and the world will be as one."
