草榴社区

The 草榴社区Commencement Ceremony will continue as scheduled. There is rain forecasted in our area prior to the scheduled start time, however, we anticipate the rain to clear and that we will begin on time.

Newburgh Free Academy and our vast community of alumni prides itself on our commencement ceremony and celebration to culminate the high school experience and academic achievement of our scholars. Please take time to read important information about the commencement ceremony, so you and your scholar are prepared for a successful event!

Cap Decoration 
Graduates will be allowed to decorate their caps for the Class of 2025 草榴社区Graduation Ceremony.  Please refer to information on the district’s website for guidelines. Search: 草榴社区Graduation Ceremony | Cap Decorations Guidelines. If guidelines are not followed, caps may be removed prior to the ceremony and students may graduate without a cap.

Graduation Tickets
Graduates will receive four (4) outdoor tickets and two (2) indoor tickets for the ceremony which they will obtain when they pick up their cap and gown. If the ceremony is moved to the 草榴社区Auditorium because of rain, there will be two (2) indoor tickets allowed per graduate. There will be no additional tickets given.  

Auditorium seating is available for an outside ceremony only. Requests for up to two (2) auditorium tickets are available by written request only (email correspondence will NOT be honored).  The ceremony will be televised live in the auditorium. These tickets are only honored for auditorium access. 

Visitors’ Side Seating   

• Families who have a disabled or elderly member(s) may request seating on the Visitors' Side bleachers.  All family members may sit in this section provided that each member has a Visitors' Side ticket.  
• All Visitors' Side ticket holders are to enter through the lower South Street Gate adjacent to the visitor’s side bleachers.
• Please note that both home and visitor side bleachers will be used for the ceremony.  Graduates will be seated so that each side will have equal ceremonial views.

Graduation Evening   
The Academy Field Gates will open at 5:00 PM for guests. The Ceremony begins at 6:00 PM.  Graduates must report to their assigned room location by 5:30 PM. 

Parking:  Parking is available in the following parking lots

• 草榴社区North Lot (access from Gidney Avenue)
• Gidney Avenue Memorial Elementary School- Front and Rear Lots
• Inspire- Access from Fullerton Avenue

Reminders

• There is NO REENTRY. Once guests leave the spectator area, they will not be permitted to re-enter.
• School properties are drug-free zones, no cigarettes, vape pens, cigars, or alcohol.
• No weapons, including lighters, pocket knives, etc.
• Large balloon bundles should be left home or in your car.
• No airhorns or noise makers are allowed.
• Umbrellas that will block the view of others are not permitted.
   
• No bags are permitted in the event. This includes, but is not limited to:
• All Bags: paper bags, plastic bags, Ziplock baggies 
• Clear Bags 
• Pocketbooks 
• Diaper Bags 
• Fanny Packs, Waist Bags, Belt bags 
• Backpacks 
• Camera Bags

• Since Newburgh Free Academy is located in a residential community, please be cognizant of our neighbors.  If you park on city streets, please do not block driveways and park only in designated areas.
• "Accessible Parking" or "Parking for People with Disabilities" -  Vehicles that display an Accessible Parking tag will be permitted to park in the First Baptist Church Parking Lot (on the corner of South and West Street) across from Academy Field.
• Anyone driving a disabled elderly person(s) may drop them off at the South Street Gate adjacent to Academy Field and then park in recommended parking lots.   
• South Street will be closed between West St. & Fullerton Ave. to vehicular traffic at 12:00 PM. This closure includes access to and from the adjacent side streets from South Street. 

Additional Important Information regarding Graduation Day

Live Streaming - All graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed to the Newburgh Schools YouTube Channel and the @NewburghSchools Facebook page.

Reminisce with photos of graduations gone by! We are so proud of our vast community of alumni and welcome the graduates of the class of 2025!

Photos by Cassie Sklarz, Ed Schindler, and Sharif Washington, unless otherwise indicated.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We鈥檇 love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!