The McCaskey Alumni Association celebrated the inductions of five new Distinguished Alumni as part of the high school’s annual homecoming festivities.
“This year’s group of recipients is unique in that they all have the extraordinary careers typical of this prestigious award’s recipients, while also being known for their deep commitment to nurturing the Lancaster community,” said Jeremiah Miller, The McCaskey Alumni Association Alumni Director.
The new inductees join 139 outstanding McCaskey alumni recognized by the Distinguished Alumni program, which dates back to 1995.
This year’s inductees are, as pictured from left to right:
Blanding Watson, Class of 1990
Blanding Watson, a lifelong Lancaster resident who grew up in the 7th Ward, has significantly shaped local advocacy. He has held various roles, including Past President and current Chair of the Pennsylvania NAACP, Lancaster City Commissioner, and Poverty Commissioner. He’s served as a Labor Negotiator for ASCME, Job Developer for Urban League, and contributed to insurance sectors, managing brokers at Educators Mutual, Combined Insurance/AON. Blanding played a pivotal role in numerous boards, committees, and commissions, focusing on equity in major hospitals and community advisory committees. His commitment spans across Health, Education, Criminal Justice, and Economics, always striving to make a difference and support his community through dedicated equity work.
Evita Colon, Class of 2009
Evita Colon stands as Lancaster City’s pioneering Poet Laureate, embodying resilience and fiery passion for the arts. A proud alumna of Shippensburg University, her college years weren’t just marked by academia; they were intertwined with the journey of motherhood as she gave birth to her son, Dominic, in her final year. This period became the crucible for her choreopoem, “Speak to My Soul: A Montage of Voices”, an intricate tapestry that portrays the black experience through an amalgamation of song, dance, and spoken word. The reverberations of this work were expansive; Evita went on to establish Speak to My Soul as a fulcrum of community engagement, fostering workshops and celebrating arts. As her reputation flourished, so did her accolades, one of which was the prestigious NAACP’s Presidential Social Justice award. Additionally, she marked her entrepreneurial streak by launching BLK Voices magazine and co-founding A Concrete Rose, a unique blend of a Black bookstore and micro-winery, alongside her wife, Solise.
Maian Ly McCauley, Class of 2005
In the fast-paced realm of finance, Maian McCauley stands out as a beacon of dedication and fervor. Occupying the pivotal role of Commercial Sales Support Leader for Truist Bank, she oversees a team par excellence while also championing the bank’s endeavors in the Central PA region. With a professional journey spanning more than a decade, her connection with the community runs deep. Her charitable involvements include Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity and Junior Achievement, coupled with her earnest tutoring efforts at Tenfold. Maian’s excellence didn’t go unnoticed, as evidenced by her recognition with the Lancaster Young Professional Influencer award. Juggling a high-powered career with community service, Maian’s life remains rooted in Lancaster, PA, where her elder son is shaping his future at Thaddeus Stevens College.
Richard Mendez, Class of 1993
Chief Richard Mendez, as Lancaster City Police Bureau’s first Hispanic Chief of Police, is a paragon of leadership and community commitment. Born and bred in Lancaster and a proud graduate of JP McCaskey High School, Mendez embarked on a journey with the Bureau that spanned over two decades. Starting as a patrol officer, his dedication saw him ascend through various ranks, including the K-9 unit, the Violent Crime Unit, and the coveted captaincy of the Patrol Division. As Chief, Mendez’s vision is rooted in the principles of trust, transparency, and accountability. He ardently believes in fostering a community-centric approach to policing, facilitating a synergy between the Bureau and the city’s residents to ensure a harmonious, safe, and vibrant Lancaster for everyone.
Kenneth G. Myers, Class of 1989
For many in Lancaster County, Kenneth G. Myers epitomizes a mix of tradition, business sagacity, and dedication to community. After graduating from McCaskey High School in 1989, Kenny, in collaboration with his mother Suzanne, took on the mantle of Kegel’s Produce, a family-owned venture since 1992. Over the years, the business, with its 75-year legacy, has blossomed under his watchful eye, transitioning from the heart of Lancaster City to a vast modern facility on Old Tree Drive. While his enthusiasm for the Philadelphia Eagles is well-known, Kenneth’s true prowess lies in his entrepreneurial achievements. This is evident from accolades like the Purveyor of the Year and significant appointments such as serving on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Education Advisory Board. Under his stewardship, Kegel’s Produce not only supports local farmers but also enhances Lancaster’s reputation in the agricultural sector.