Congratuations to Kaila Helm. The 17-year-old Newburgh Free Academy senior impressed our readers back in May with the news that she was accepted to not one, but five Ivy League colleges.

Before she sets foot in the University of Pennsylvania this fall, the NFA salutatorian shared with Hudson Confidential that she has a lot on her plate.

Helm, who is an accomplished dancer, performed in the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy's 12th Annual Dance Recital last Saturday. The sold-out performances were held in the NFA main auditorium.

After graduation, Helm plans to spend several weeks working as a summer camp counselor. After that, she’ll participate in a one-week summer program at Penn, which will earn her a half credit even before school officially starts.

Helm said she's excited about the future. She joked about how she doesn't have any time to rest. She plans to major in biology and minor in American sign language/deaf studies.

"It's the only Ivy League school that offers it as a minor," said Helm. She explained that it is one of the reasons why she chose the University of Pennsylvania.

Helm said she's been interested in learning American sign language ever since she saw a program about it on TV.

Her goal is to become a medical doctor.

-Pauline Liu

Downing Park Farm will host workshop

Downing Park Urban Farm is giving a workshop on harvesting rainwater, composting and the global carbon cycle from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

The event is part of a months-long series of “field days” combining lectures and tours of the park’s working farm.

The farm is a collaboration of the City of Newburgh, the Downing Park Planning Committee and the Newburgh Community Land Bank.

Field days will be held the last Saturday of the month from June to November.

The farm is located at Carpenter Avenue and Elm Street. For information, email info@downingparkurbanfarm.org.

-Leonard Sparks

Brookside School to hold 60th reunion

The Brookside School in Cottekill will hold a 60th anniversary alumni reunion picnic on June 25 at its campus located at 11 Tanhouse Brook Road.

The event is free to the public and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The school provides services to students with disabilities through the ARC of Ulster-Greene, which is a private not-for-profit agency.

Former students, employees and their families who are interested in attending are asked to RSVP.

Reservations are being accepted on the Brookside School's Facebook page or the ARC of Ulster-Greene's website at thearcug.org.

-Pauline Liu