San Miguel Academy of Newburgh Receives $500,000 Gift to Support Post-Secondary Success

San Miguel Academy of Newburgh is pleased to announce that Lauren and Bob Steers donated $500,000 to the newly launched Grandview Fund for post-secondary opportunities.  These funds will help students in the San Miguel Program finish their education and enter the workforce, including filling any gaps in tuition, room and board, internship costs, transportation, and other expenses associated with college or other post-secondary education opportunities.

Lauren and Bob Steers: “We believe that every SMA graduate is well deserving of the shot at success—however that is defined. We hope the establishment of the Grandview Fund at San Miguel Academy will help a great number of young adults fulfill their potential and become productive citizens.”

Alexis Mendoza, the first recipient, announced the scholarship at San Miguel Program’s annual Defying the Odds Scholarship Dinner in November. Alexis, a 2020 graduate of San Miguel Academy and 2024 graduate of The Mount Academy, started at SUNY Maritime in January, pursuing a degree in international transportation and trade. 

San Miguel School DC Unveils New Logo to Honor Tradition and Embrace the Future

Since our founding, a shining star has served as the emblem of our organization. Inspired by the Lasallian star, each of its five points corresponds to a core principle that guides our work: Faith in the Presence of God; Respect for All Persons; Inclusive Community; Quality Education; and Concern for the Poor and Social Justice.

In 2025, we are embracing a new era at San Miguel, marked by enthusiastic new leadership and unprecedented success. Yet the principles of St. John Baptist de la Salle remain at the heart of our work, guiding our faculty, community, and mission as steadfastly as ever. When we began the process of reimagining our logo, we knew the star – representing our vibrant community, cherished traditions, and faith that propels us forward – must endure at its center.

Our new design honors both our heritage and our home. The rich colors of red, blue, and gold pay tribute to our namesake, San Miguel Febres Cordero, Ecuador's first male saint canonized in 1984. These colors, which echo Ecuador's national flag, reflect the heritage shared by many of our students whose families trace their roots to Central and South America. The distinctive red stripes mirror those of the Washington, DC flag, rooting us firmly in the capital city where we answer our calling to serve. This dual symbolism celebrates both our global Lasallian connection and our local identity.

Our Miguel Men leave our halls equipped with the skills and virtues developed under our roof, ready for success in independent high schools, top universities, and meaningful careers. The emerging crest in our new logo symbolizes this transformative journey – while we have changed hundreds of lives in our 23 years, the impact of our mission continues to grow, reaching ever greater heights.

Dr. David T. Palank, Jr
President

Nativity Preparatory School of Boston Celebrates 35 Years

In the Fall of 1990, Nativity Preparatory School of Boston opened its doors to 29 boys whose families were ready to take a leap of faith, hoping that this new school could provide a promising pathway for their sons. Coming from impoverished neighborhoods in the city, this first cohort set out on an educational journey that has become a lasting legacy of love and commitment. 

For our 35th Anniversary, we are excited to celebrate Nativity Prep's Proud Past, Promising Future. Our school began with an idea modeled on the original Nativity Mission School in New York City. After a year of teaching in NYC, Barry Hynes believed that boys in his hometown of Boston deserved the same opportunity for a tuition-free Jesuit education. Barry pulled together family, friends, supporters, parents, and volunteer teachers to give life to his idea. In the 35 years since that first day of school, nearly 450 young men have graduated from Nativity Prep, and thousands of others have been impacted through their connections as benefactors, sponsors, volunteers, and teachers. 

Nativity Prep has grown from its early start-up days into an established and dependable source of hope for families in Boston. While remaining steadfast in our mission to prepare middle school boys for the academic challenges of college prep high schools, Nativity Prep has expanded programs to support graduates, ensuring they have the resources to complete college and develop their careers. With a strong academic and financial foundation, Nativity is looking to the future by exploring the possibility of increasing enrollment and expanding our College Promise Program. 

Please join us in honoring 35 years of Nativity Prep. The success of this school would not be possible without the selfless dedication of our community. Thank you for your continued support and belief in all that has guided Nativity Prep for these past 35 years.

In gratitude,
Brian P. Maher
President