The three members of McCaskey High School’s Class of 2026 who spoke during the school’s 92nd commencement agreed the class shared a common trait: perseverance.
“We are a class composed of different languages, cultures, and neighborhoods, all from a school split between two buildings, yet time and time again, we came through for each other,” said Rachelle Kwitch. Graduates were born in 25 different states and territories and 36 different countries.
“With every obstacle and setback, we were given the easy choice to withdraw and stand alone, but each time we chose to stand together.”
Classmate Rebekah Reyes agreed.
“We haven’t just learned from textbooks, we’ve learned from each other, gaining a perspective and understanding that only a school as unique as ours can provide,” she said. “Through the support of SDoL we have been given the keys to the future, and McCaskey has ensured we know how to use them.”
High school principal Dr. Justin Reese also commended the class for setting an example for the community of how to “look out for each other.”
“You never stopped taking care of each other in our school, and I cannot thank you enough.”
During the ceremony, the school inducted Keira Koser Martin as the 52nd member of the McCaskey Hall of Honor, the highest award a graduating senior receives. An outstanding student academically, Koser Martin participated in Link Crew, and WMCC, the school’s student media outlet, was a member of National Honor Society, and earned a varsity letter in softball.
Addressing the class before her induction was announced, she also reflected on what the class experienced—”together.”
“The School District of Lancaster has a community like no other in this region,” she said. “McCaskey has helped us Pick our Path, and when we find that path, we go all in—giving it our total attention and commitment.”
Two out of five graduates took advantage of McCaskey’s array of high-level courses, such as AP, International Baccalaureate, and career training and technical courses at some point during high school. Graduates announced plans to attend colleges and universities including Baylor, Boston College, Millersville, Oregon, Thaddeus Stevens, Virginia Tech, and William and Mary.
VIEW STATS ON THE CLASS OF 2026
A musical ensemble of Andrew Eckman, Anya Eden, Stewart Geiser, Benjamin High, Keagen Laureano Roman, Isaiah Leon, Gregory Medina, and Yarelis Perez got the estimated crowd of 4,000 clapping along to a medley of songs by the Beatles.
Medina also drew loud cheers for his solo performance of the national anthem at the beginning of the program, who concluded with a brief fireworks display as graduates tossed their caps in the air, what has become a McCaskey tradition.
“We are resilient, we are creators, we are world-changers,” Koser-Martin told the class. “So If this is who we are now—imagine who we will become!”
