History
Nora Cronin Presentation Academy - 69 Bay View Terrace, Newburgh, NY
An acorn to an oak. A small seed and a mighty outcome. This is the history of Nora Cronin Presentation Academy.
The concept of seed and accomplishment can be traced back to the founder of the Sisters of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nano Nagle. When she was but a young woman, she was struck by the deep contrast in opportunity between the rich and the poor of her time. The lasting impression of these disparate lifestyles spurred her on to find ways to help poor young girls develop both their faith and their education.
One day four centuries later, the Sisters of Nano's congregation were challenged by their leadership to dream about needed ministries of their time. In January of 2000, the Sisters of the Presentation, New Windsor led by Sister Nora Cronin began exploring the possibility of opening a grade school for underserved and low-income students in Newburgh, NY. After many meetings and several years of work the school began to take shape and fund raising began.
In 2004 after being ill for many years, Sister Nora Cronin was called home to God and with her passing, the school, then named Presentation Learning Center was renamed to Nora Cronin Presentation Academy because of Sister Nora Cronin’s influence in starting the school. Needing a Principal for the school and perhaps through the encouragement of Sr. Nora over the years, Sr. Yliana Hernández, PBVM, volunteered. The 2006-2007 school year marked the first year of operation for NCPA. The school began with its first 5th grade class and added a new grade each year for the three years that followed.
In 2022, after eighteen years of service leading NCPA, Sr. Yliana Hernández, PBVM retired as Principal. While no longer involved in the day to day leadership, Sister continues to be involved and advise the school.
The 2022/23 school year marks the first year that Dr. Tammy Barnett leads the school as Principal. Dr. Barnett grew up in Mississippi and has taught throughout the United States. Prior to joining NCPA, she taught at the United States Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point for fifteen years. A motivational/ inspirational speaker, Dr. Barnett joins NCPA with a renewed excitement for education and leadership.
Today, NCPA has 15 students per grade, 60 students total each year. There is a waiting list for enrollment as the need for education far surpasses NCPA’s capacity. May of 2018 saw students of the first ever 5th grade class to attend NCPA graduate from a four-year college, a very proud moment for all.
The initial thought of Nora Cronin Presentation Academy was but the acorn. As the years unfolded, the seed took root through great faith and answered prayers. Today, Nora Cronin Presentation Academy stands the mighty oak which helps the underprivileged students use their faith and their education to break the cycle of poverty, following the philosophy and example set by Nano Nagle so many centuries ago.