In May, Meghan Weyland returned to Nativity Academy to serve as its Executive Director. She is returned to this leadership position after being a teacher and then principal at the school from 2008 to through 2015. She also served as a Board Member for the past 2 years. Meghan’s passion and expertise will lead her mission to guide the school into the future.
Join us is welcoming Meghan into her new role!
We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Leah Benzing has been appointed as the next Principal of Mother Seton Academy, beginning with the 2025–2026 school year! Ms. Benzing has been a dedicated member of the MSA community for over 14 years. She currently serves as the 6th-grade girls homeroom teacher and teaches English Language Arts, Literature, and Social Studies. Her leadership has extended far beyond the classroom — from overseeing our Saturday School program and leading the AIMS accreditation process, to stepping into administrative leadership when the school needed it most. Leah champions student achievement inside and outside of the classroom. She is a loyal supporter of MSA Athletics and a familiar face at student events.
She brings a strong background in both education and nonprofit leadership, holding a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Nonprofit Management from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Prior to joining MSA, she worked in Advancement at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.
Reflecting on her new role, Ms. Benzing shared: “I am honored and excited to take on this new role as principal of Mother Seton Academy. This community has given me so much over the past 14 years. I look forward to building on the incredible legacy created by our faculty, staff, and leadership over the past three decades.”
We know that Leah’s passion, experience, and deep commitment to our mission will continue to move MSA forward with strength and purpose. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Benzing on this well-deserved new role!
On Friday, May 30th, eleven 8th-grade students graduated from San Miguel Academy in the School’s 16th annual commencement ceremony. George Hauqui, San Miguel Class of 2016, addressed the graduates. George attended P-Tech Academy in Newburgh, and graduated from SUNY Maritime College in 2024 with a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
The valedictory speech was delivered by Chanel Rodriguez, who was also awarded the Grit and Grace Award for leading by example and being a role model to others. The San Miguel Student Creed Award was given to Aylen Mendez: “When faced with a mountain, I will not quit. I will keep on striving until I climb over, find a pass-through, tunnel underneath, or simply stay and turn the mountain into a gold mine, with God’s help!” The Grit and Grace and Creed Awards are the School’s two highest awards.
San Miguel alumni in attendance were recognized and celebrated for their achievements in high school and college, and assisted Father Mark Connell in awarding diplomas to the graduates. George Mendoza, SMA Class of 2021, spoke to the graduates about his journey ahead. George recently graduated from Millbrook School and will be matriculating to Northeastern University as a member of the class of 2029.
San Miguel Academy makes a 12-year commitment to each student beginning in 5th grade, seeing them through high school, college or trade school, and into the workforce. The generous support of many individuals, foundations, and organizations enables San Miguel Academy to further its mission to break the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Newburgh.