Ryan Wicker is the Valedictorian for Newburgh Free Academy’s class of 2025.

Ryan Wicker has been named the Valedictorian for Newburgh Free Academy’s class of 2025. Next year, Ryan plans to study at Marist University. Before attending Newburgh Free Academy, Ryan attended Temple Hill Academy. 

While at Newburgh Free Academy, Ryan has been a multisport athlete. He demonstrated leadership as a Captain of the NFA Boys Lacrosse team and, outside of school, as the Captain of the Orange County West Varsity High School Hockey team. Ryan also played travel ice hockey for the Mid-Hudson Polar Bears. In addition, Ryan is a member of NFA’s National Honor Society.

Ryan notes that his favorite class at NFA was automotive technology, where he was able to learn valuable life skills that are not taught in the traditional high school classroom. 

When asked what advice he has to share with younger students, Ryan shared: “Trust yourself and don't get stuck overthinking the small stuff.”

Grace Musante is the Salutatorian for Newburgh Free Academy’s class of 2025.

Grace Musante has been named the Salutatorian for Newburgh Free Academy’s class of 2025.

Grace will be attending Oberlin College and Conservatory to study Vocal Performance and Cognitive Sciences this fall. Grace plans to be an opera singer and a classical voice teacher (both privately and at a university/school of music/conservatory). Prior to attending Newburgh Free Academy, Grace attended Horizons on the Hudson and South Middle School. 

Throughout her time at Newburgh Free Academy, Grace was involved in four musicals (All Together Now, Addams Family, Hairspray, Footloose) and assisted in music directing Footloose. She has been a part of Madrigals, Advanced Dance, Student Council, National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, the Hugh O'Brian Leadership Seminar (2023 as a participant and 2024 as a junior staff member), and the Puerto Rican Youth Hispanic Leadership Institute (PRYHLI). Grace is also an AP Scholar with Distinction, was noted for the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program, and received a President's Volunteer Service Silver Award through the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Organization for completing nearly 200 hours of volunteer service. Grace has participated in All County, Area All State, All State, and All Eastern Choir Conferences - considered as the “best of the best."

Grace has attended a number of world renowned summer intensives for classical singing/opera, including Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Interlochen Arts Camp, Schmidt Vocal Institute, and more.

In our local community, Grace participated in Girl Scouts, teaches dance and voice outside of school, and teaches voice to students at NFA. 

Grace credits her parents for having a positive influence on her. “Throughout my entire life, I have been encouraged to pursue every opportunity with my fullest effort, allowing me to explore various interests and discover my passions. I am so thankful for how they always make me feel supported in my endeavors, motivated to work hard in every one of my pursuits, inspired to be my authentic self, and emboldened to do the right thing.”

When asked for advice that she would like to share with his younger colleagues, Grace shared, “Take as many opportunities as possible with open-mindedness, dedication, authenticity, and consideration for others to hone and/or find your interests and understand your identity and values.”