Washingtonville High is proud to announce this year’s keynote speaker for the Class of 2022 commencement ceremony: Mr. Paul Halayko. Paul is a Class of 2000 graduate. After graduating from Washingtonville High School, Paul attended Boston University. Soon thereafter, Paul became a financial consultant and CPA and quickly ascended to the position of vice president of JP Morgan in Manhattan.
After reuniting with friend and fellow graduate Chris Basso in 2012, the two purchased and renovated an old warehouse in Newburgh where they opened the Newburgh Brewing Company. Paul is the president and chief operating officer of the brewing company. The company has grown dramatically over the past ten years, earning local and national recognition. His products can now be found throughout the country.
Recently, the brewing company has entered into contracts with Citi Field, home of the Mets, and Legoland. Today, the Newburgh Brewing Company is considered one of the best breweries on the East Coast.
While Paul has achieved great success as a businessman, volunteerism and philanthropy have been a major part of his life, as well. He strongly believes in supporting local businesses in the Hudson Valley and gives back to a number of organizations. His company has helped raise funds for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Susan G. Komen For the Cure, among many other worthy causes.
The Class of 2022 is honored to have Paul Halayko as their keynote speaker.