The College Signing & Commitment Ceremony at J.P. McCaskey Athletics was a celebration of years of work finally paying off. On Wednesday, May 6, families, coaches, teammates, teachers, and supporters gathered to recognize a group of McCaskey seniors who officially committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.
This year’s ceremony recognized five student-athletes from wrestling, swimming, and field hockey.
Janexsi Lizzbeth Aviles signed with York College of Pennsylvania to continue her wrestling career. During her time at McCaskey, Aviles became a two-time varsity letter winner, LL League Section qualifier, Second Team All-Star, and team captain. She also earned the Super Women Award and the “Jon Mitchell Coach Award,” recognition that reflected both her leadership and commitment to the program.
Stewart Geiser committed to swim at The Catholic University of America after an accomplished career in the pool at McCaskey. A four-time varsity letter winner, Geiser was part of multiple LL League, district, and state championship teams and competed on championship relay teams in the 200 medley and 200 freestyle events.
Henry Paterson signed with Mount St. Mary’s University to continue his swimming career after building one of the most decorated resumes in recent McCaskey swimming history. Paterson was named McCaskey Swimming’s 2025 highest point and record holder, earned All-American USA Swimming Scholastic honors, and was recognized as All-State in the 100 butterfly. He also qualified for Junior Nationals, competed at YMCA Nationals for four consecutive years, and qualified for USA Swimming Futures California 2025.
Makayla Ressel committed to continue her field hockey career at Penn State Harrisburg. Ressel earned multiple varsity letters during her time at McCaskey, served as a team captain, and was named a Lancaster-Lebanon League First Team All-Star and Academic All-Star.
Kaitlynn Rodriguez signed with Albright College to continue wrestling at the collegiate level. Rodriguez earned varsity recognition in girls wrestling and represented the continued growth and strength of McCaskey’s wrestling program.
“Days like this are some of the most rewarding moments in athletics because you get to see years of hard work come together,” said Teasia Peña, Athletics Director, “Every one of these student-athletes earned the opportunity sitting in front of them today. We’re proud of what they accomplished at McCaskey, but even more proud of the people they’ve become along the way. We’re excited to watch them continue their academic and athletic journeys at the next level.”
Every athlete sitting at the signing table carried years of support behind them. Parents and guardians who spent weekends at tournaments and meets, coaches who challenged them to improve, teachers and staff who helped them stay on track academically, teammates who pushed each other every day.
There was a lot of pride in the room, but also reflection. For many families, this was the result of years spent watching their students grow into leaders and young adults ready for what comes next.
At McCaskey, athletics help students develop discipline, accountability, teamwork, and confidence that extend far beyond high school sports. Events like the College Signing & Commitment Ceremony offer a chance to pause and recognize not only athletic achievement, but the personal growth that happens throughout the journey.
For younger Red Tornado athletes watching from the audience, the ceremony served as a reminder of what is possible through commitment and hard work. And for the seniors being celebrated, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one that will carry them from Lancaster to college campuses across the region while always keeping them connected to the McCaskey community that helped them get there.