When Genesis Castro got to McCaskey High School, she was struggling. She was living with her grandmother, one of 10 people in a small, two-bedroom house. She suffered from depression and panic attacks.
“It took a lot to go to high school,” she said. “It was hard to adjust with all the personal factors.”
She rose from those challenges to be named the 51st member of McCaskey’s Hall of Honor, the highest recognition for a graduating senior. Teachers nominated her for induction, and a selection committee of faculty and administrators chose her based on criteria including academics, extracurricular activities, service and achievement. Her portrait will hang in both high school buildings permanently.
“My friends were all making bets on who they thought it was going to be,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it, but some of them said they weren’t surprised.”
In announcing the award, McCaskey principal Dr. Justin Reese referred to Castro’s “kind, caring, and thoughtful demeaner” her participation in the Principal’s Cabinet, Eco Club, and her selection as Homecoming Royalty in the fall. She graduated with a 3.77 weighted GPA.
Castro’s also a decorated athlete, winning gold in discus at the 2024 PIAA state championships.
“Her journey through high school has been marked by not only notable achievements, but by the character she demonstrated in every challenge and triumph along the way,” Reese said. “Genesis led with authenticity and grace, inspiring those around her with her quiet strength and unwavering dedication.”
She credits her support system while in high school with helping her overcome her personal challenges to achieve so much success by the time she earned her diploma.
“My relationships, 100%,” she said. “Dr. Reese, my counselors, my friends—these are really good bonds that I can take into my college career.”
Castro’s mother, who immigrated to the United States form the Dominican Republic before Genesis was born, took a video of her family when the award was announced.
“My mom was crying, so were all of my cousins, my aunt, everyone was so emotional,” she said.
Castro plans to attend Monmouth University in the fall on an academic and athletic scholarship. She expects to compete for Monmouth’s NCAA Division I track and field team, hoping to throw both shot put and discus.
She plans to major in criminal justice, saying she was inspired by watching episodes of “Forensic Files” with her mother.
“Cold cases always intrigue me,” she said. “I always wanted to be that person who can help a family who has lost loved ones but have no details on what happened.