For the past several years, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District has proudly embraced Pink Day, a heartfelt tradition dedicated to lifting up our courage-filled community members and honoring the precious lives lost to cancer.

This meaningful movement began in 2009 with a powerful act of love and solidarity: faculty and staff at Heritage Middle School rallied around a beloved colleague battling breast cancer, choosing to wear pink together as a visual promise that she would never fight alone. That spark of compassion grew into a district-wide tradition in 2015, uniting every school in support of all faculty, staff, and students—whether they are bravely fighting today, celebrating remission, or remembered fondly.

Each year, our district pauses to deeply honor the cherished members of our Goldback family whose stories inspire us. We stand together in hope, dedicating Pink Day to every fighter, survivor, and angel impacted by Breast, Prostate, Skin, Lung, Kidney, Blood, Bladder, Pancreatic, Childhood, Colon, Ovarian, and all other forms of cancer.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Jonelle Santo, whose tireless dedication and passionate leadership breathe life into our annual Pink Day initiatives. As the primary point of contact for school and community outreach, Mrs. Santo thoughtfully organizes meaningful moments of connection—including our moving pre-game ceremony at the varsity football game—ensuring that every family touched by cancer feels the enduring love, honor, and support of the entire Goldback community.

This year, the NFA Advanced Dance team welcomed back a former dancer to their team, wearing her last name in solidarity has she continues to battle cancer. This powerful act reminds us of our united Goldback Nation and the strength, compassion, and unwavering support that unite our students and alumni. When one of us faces a battle, we stand together, bound by love, driven by hope, and proving that no Goldback ever walks alone.

PHOTOS Pink Day | 2026

Photos of Pink Day (Credit: Sharif Washington and students)

In Memoriam:

Danielle Clarino Cotton-Heritage teacher (alumni)

Marlene Shafer-South & NFA teacher (alumni)

Marilyn Halperin-South teacher

Debbie Nucifore-District secretary (alumni)

Sonya Dixon-Grants Development Specialist 

Barbara Hatch Butrick-Teaching Assistant

Tony Favino-NFA teacher

Ernie McDonald-NFA teacher

Maritza Ramos-Fostertown Principal

JC Gaspard-NFA teacher (alumni)

Carol Drejza-GAMS teacher

Hillary Wright-Food Services

Mary Larson Strothenke-Gidney Avenue & SMS Teacher

Nancy J. Brown-Teacher/Physical Therapist

Susan Giza-South & Heritage Teacher

Sharon Amoia-GAMS TA (alumni)

Lorraine Santacroce-North, NFA, Temple Hill Teacher (alumni)

Pasqua (Pat) Weiler-NWS Teacher

Joe Galizia-GAMS Teacher

Lillian Cabello-Gardnertown Food Service

James Joyce-SJH & NFA teacher

Angel Arnoldo Monroig-Tirado-Meadow Hill Assistant Principal

Dawn Lyn Mathieu-Technology Department

Helen Lewis Graziano-Health Clerk

Russell Coughlin-NFA Teacher

Liz Brocker-NFA Teacher

Anita Cappell-Vails Gate Teacher

Gina Romano-District Secretary

Dr. Annette Saturnelli-Science Director & Superintendent

Diane Lennon-SJH Teacher

Lenore Giansante-NTA Office Manager

Jeanette Logerfo-NWS Teacher 

Ross Joseph Rosenberg-GAMS & Washington St. Teacher

Robin Marks-Pre-K Teacher’s Aide

Claudine Leduc-Vails Gate & Meadow Hill Teacher

Lou Bucci-SJH and NFA Teacher (alumni)

Elaine DeFeo-NFA teacher (alumni)

Edward J. Mucci-District Teacher & Administrator (alumni)

Shawna Howard-District Security Monitor

Sheila Fiumarello -District Director

Wanda Rivera-Alumni

Edwin Herrera-Alumni

Xavier Torres (student)

Johnny Sileno (student)

Michael Mack-Alumni

Teneka Patterson-Alumni

Jett Diaz (student)

Alicia Torres-Diaz Contarino-Alumni

Ayana Farias-Ruiz- Alumni

Vincent Santacroce-Alumni

Barbara Copeland Jacobs-Alumni