On December 20, McCaskey High School celebrated academic excellence with its annual Advanced Course Recognition Ceremony.
The event, held at McCaskey East’s auditorium brought together students, families, faculty, and staff to honor the achievements of students in the Advanced Placement (AP) program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The ceremony served as a reminder of the importance of dedication and academic ambition.
“We are here today to celebrate the accomplishments of our AP and IB students who demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their exams taken last spring,” said Brian McDonald, Instructional Manager of Secondary English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Advanced Programs, marking his 25th year in the School District of Lancaster. McDonald, who has taught in both the AP and IB programs, expressed nostalgia as he watched students return to celebrate their success. “It’s always exciting to see students come back and reflect on their journeys. The IB program, like AP, offers students the choice to select their courses and test in their junior or senior years, with the exams serving as a capstone to their years of hard work,” he shared.
Jennifer Eaton, president of the School Board opened the event with a heartfelt message of pride and encouragement, emphasizing the power of education.
“Today, we celebrate not just achievement, but the commitment to lifelong learning and the pursuit of excellence. Our AP Scholars and IB students exemplify the best of McCaskey High School and inspire us all to aim higher.”
The Advanced Placement Scholar program is a four-year college preparatory initiative designed to equip McCaskey students with critical thinking and analytical skills, alongside enhanced written, oral, and presentation abilities.
Several students were recognized with the esteemed AP Scholar designation, awarded to those who achieved scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. This milestone reflects their dedication to tackling challenging college-level coursework while still in high school.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, known for its globally recognized rigor, honored students pursuing the prestigious IB Diploma.
This comprehensive program requires coursework in English, a World Language, History, Science, Mathematics, and an Elective, which may include Art, Music, or Theatre.
The Diploma Program is unified by three core components: The Extended Essay, which fosters independent research; Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), which encourages well-rounded development; and the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), which challenges students to think critically about knowledge itself.
Students at McCaskey can also opt to take individual IB courses and exams to earn college credit. These students demonstrate an exceptional commitment to academic rigor, participating in demanding projects and examinations that are assessed by international examiners. Uniquely, McCaskey High School allows open access to IB classes for non-Diploma students, exemplifying its commitment to inclusivity and opportunity.
The IB Career-Related Programme (CP), another highlight of McCaskey’s offerings, prepares students for success in the workforce by emphasizing skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and resilience. CP students earning this certificate gain college credits that support their transition to vocational schools and beyond.
Keynote speaker Hannah Geiser, a member of the AP and IB Class of 2024, reflected on her experience in the program and how it prepared her for college and beyond. “It was definitely challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding,” Geiser shared. “The AP and IB programs gave me the opportunity to explore my interests, develop my skills, and be prepared for college life. I feel more confident in my ability to write essays and contribute to discussions in my college classes, which has made the transition much easier.” Geiser, now studying International Studies at Mount Saint Mary’s University, emphasized that the AP and IB programs helped her gain confidence and academic skills that continue to serve her well. “I’ve already encountered some of the topics we discussed in high school, and having that background made it easier to participate and understand the material,” she said.
Fellow IB graduate Bryanna Rosario also shared her thoughts on the impact of the program. “It’s really nice to reconnect with everyone. We’ve all gone our separate ways, but coming back here reminds us of the journey we shared together,” she said. “The IB program not only prepared me academically but also gave me a sense of confidence and the tools to succeed in life.”
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the individual recognition of each scholar on stage. Students proudly received certificates commemorating their accomplishments, met with thunderous applause from the audience.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Keith Miles Jr., who extended his gratitude to the educators, families, and staff who played pivotal roles in the students’ success.
“Behind every one of our scholars is a team of committed professionals who believe in their potential and work to help them succeed,” Dr. Miles said. He also expressed his hopes for the future, stating, “These students are not only the pride of McCaskey but also the promise of what is possible when we invest in education.”
McCaskey High School’s commitment to fostering academic excellence continues to shape a culture where students are encouraged to dream big and achieve their goals. The Advanced Course Recognition Ceremony stands as an example of the school’s dedication to preparing its students for success in an ever-changing world.
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