There was only one quote from a famous person at NYMA’s graduation exercises. Mason Brunco, the salutatorian, borrowed a statement from Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
The ceremony was held outside on the quadrangle on Saturday morning, May 30. Cadet Brunco’s remark provided a good segue for the cadet who followed him on the podium.
Somar Hadid appeared to be a misfit when he entered the academy. He would lose parts of his uniform or forget to tuck his shirt in his pants.
His introduction to the campus was memorable. He walked into Master Sgt. Fletcher Bailey’s office, said “Hi,” and took a seat. As he soon found out, it was a breach of military etiquette.
“I was traumatized,” the cadet admitted to the audience on a sunny graduation day. “I would lie on my bunk, thinking this was a horrible place.”
But his attitude changed. And while his time at NYMA seemed unpromising at the beginning, he graduated at the top of his class with a long list of honors, and gained acceptance into the college of his choice.
Cadet Hadid concluded his valedictory address with words that wouldn’t have seemed possible a few years ago. “Thank you,” he said to his classmates, “and God bless the New York Military Academy.”
Dean of Academics Mika Saarela referred to a few accomplishments that might have seemed impossible. He praised the new faculty for improvising after a series of necessary budget cuts. And he praised Anthony Desa, the president of the Board of Trustees for making NYMA his second full-time job. “Thank you for finding ways for us to survive,” the dean said, “and for helping us look forward to the future.”
There was only one reference to the school’s future at the ceremony. Master Sgt. Bailey introduced a graduate who had spent six years at the academy after starting in the seventh grade. That may never be done again, the master sergeant explained, because next year the school will start at eighth grade.
CADET ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Lt. Col. John D. Cross, the commandant of the USMA preparatory school, was the guest speaker at the NYMA graduation. He cited the accomplishments of the Class of 2015.
Two cadets were accepted into the National Honor Society, and two became members of the National Society of High School Scholars.
Two members of the senior class gained ROTC scholarships, and three qualified for Presidential Fitness Badges.
During the year, every student performed at least 50 hours of community service. “I implore you to keep that up,” Lt. Col. Cross said.
He also commended the cadets for their role in the recent Memorial Day Parade. He didn’t see them, but he heard from people who were there. “You guys looked magnificent,” he said.
