“We need all the HOPE we can get…” was Kathleen Rosso-Gana’s advice to New Hope Academy’s graduating class of 2023. June 2nd was the day NHA held its 23nd commencement ceremony at the Sheraton Bucks County Hotel in Langhorne, PA. The ceremony was lead by Tiffany Trunell who is the Head of School at New Hope Academy. The enthusiastic graduates smiled in anticipation as they sat among their school administrators. Family, friends, underclassmen, and teachers proudly watched from the audience. NHA’s graduation ceremonies are distinguished by the number of graduates who are invited to speak. This ceremony featured Valedictorians, Honored Graduate speakers (students who have attended NHA for at least four years), and Commencement Closers from both campuses. All of the speakers highlighted their struggles and experiences that brought them to NHA, the successes that led them to this very memorable moment, and the hope they have for the future. This year’s keynote speaker was Virginia “Ginny” Brennan, who is the owner and founder of Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville, NJ. She congratulated the graduates on their important accomplishments and offered advice on how to achieve success and the importance of following their passions. After receiving their diplomas, the class of 2023 marched offstage to the Music Department’s rendition of “Gonna Fly Now” from the film “Rocky.”