Friday, June 7th was the day New Hope Academy held its 24th commencement ceremony at the Sheraton Bucks County Hotel in Langhorne, PA. The ceremony was lead by Kathy Rosso-Gana who is the Founder and President, and 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, Salutatorians, 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 there was a special tribute to Kathy, the Founder and President, for all that she has done over the years to keep NHA alive and thriving. The tribute included a slide show of Kathy with former graduates, students, and staff from the past 24 years. Jenna Parilla Alvino from NHA’s Music Department sang a beautiful song to accompany the slide show. After the tribute Kathy received a standing ovation from the crowd.

After that, the graduates received their diplomas and enjoyed another standing ovation from the crowd. Then the class of 2024 marched offstage to the Music Department’s rendition of “Gonna Fly Now” from the film “Rocky.” Congratulations to the NHA Class of 2024!!!