Newburgh Free Academy graduates toss their caps during the 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Deniya James, Xiomara Jackson and Kayla Young pose for a picture prior to Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Rhonda Valentine-Free accepts a diploma on behalf of her daughter Omani who was killed at a Halloween party in October during Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Lesli Juarez help Yavlika Rivera with her cap prior to Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy graduates are all smiles after receiving their diplomas during the 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

The NFA JR ROTC Color Guard leads the Academic Processional of Graduates for Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

The Academic Processional of Graduates for Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

The Academic Processional of Graduates for Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

The Academic Processional of Graduates for Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

The Academic Processional of Graduates for Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

The Academic Processional of Graduates for Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Students look for relatives in the audience as Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

A student waves to relatives during Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

The NFA Madrigals perform as Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

The NFA Madrigals perform as Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

The NFA Madrigals perform as Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Opening remarks were presented by Newburgh Free Academy Principal Raul Rodriguez during Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberto Padilla, right, shares a moment with Valedictorian Katherine Gravel as Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Opening remarks were presented by Newburgh Free Academy Principal Matteo Doddo as Newburgh Free Academy held its 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Salutatorian Juan Peticco addresses fellow classmates during Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Valedictorian Katherine Gravel, Principal Matteo Doddo, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberto Padilla listen to remarks during the Newburgh Free Academy 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Salutatorian Juan Peticco addresses fellow classmates during Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Valedictorian Katherine Gravel addresses fellow classmates during the Newburgh Free Academy 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Salutatorian Juan Peticco and Valedictorian Katherine Gravel take a selfie during the Newburgh Free Academy 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Valedictorian Katherine Gravel addresses fellow classmates during the Newburgh Free Academy 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy Principal Raul Rodriguez shakes hands with Valedictorian Katherine Gravel as Salutatorian Juan Peticco and Principal Matteo Doddo look on during Newburgh Free Academy's 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberto Padilla addresses students during the Newburgh Free Academy 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Valedictorian Katherine Gravel is all smiles after recieving her diploma during the Newburgh Free Academy 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy graduates receive their diplomas during the 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Newburgh Free Academy graduates receive their diplomas during the 152nd Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2017 on Academy Field in the City of Newburgh, NY on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.