McCaskey celebrates “brilliant” class of 2023
May 31, 2023
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“The choice to continue to mature, to become independent, to continue with your learning and growing must be yours.”
Two other graduate speakers, Andrew Sheetz and Rose Carlson, reflected on the impact of important relationships in their high school lives. Sheetz, whose mother died due to COVID-19 in September of his junior year, talked about the impact of his JOTC mentor, Sgt. Beaver, among others.
“[Sgt. Beaver] was the first person who told me I was going to be something, that I was worth something, that I could be great, and I believed him,” Sheetz said. “My fellow graduates, we are stronger together here today. We achieved our goals and we will achieve our next goals.”
Carlson, a student journalist with the WMCC Tornado Alert Morning Show and the Vidette newspaper, encouraged her classmates to ask questions and embrace the uncertainty of not knowing the answers.
“Questions can be scary. They open up possibilities that we may not even be ready to consider, whether that’s within the scope of our own social lives, careers, or education, or in the context of an entire business, government, or society,” she said.
One of the most important questions Carlson faced during her time in high school, she said, came during her freshman year: A fellow freshman asked if they had a history class together, and the two became close friends.
“When Stephanie asked me her question on the D-floor hallway in 9th grade, she helped me to transcend my insecurities and doubts to make room for connection,” she said.
Nearly half of the Class of 2023 plans to attend college in the fall, attending schools such as Howard University, Princeton University, Bucknell University, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Millersville University and Lincoln University. Eleven grads are joining the U.S. military, including Mali Richardson, who earned a $400,000 scholarship to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy.
A large number of students, nearly one in three, plans to enter the workforce, in careers ranging from social services to construction.
The program concluded with a brief fireworks display as graduates tossed their caps in the air.
Class of 2023 Profile
659
Graduates
20
AP Scholars
22
Distinguished Honors
1
National Merit Finalist
2
National Merit Semifinalists
3
National Merit Commended
65
High Honors
66
Honors
35
Dual Enrollment
17
IB Diploma Candidates
79%
Postsecondary Education
“A full circle moment”
Hall of Honor inductee reflects on her mom amid the surprise
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Calling Mendoza “an exemplary scholar and student athlete,” Torres said her teachers describe her as “someone who believes in teamwork, unity and continually exhibits McCaskey pride everywhere she goes.”
During her time in high school, Mendoza participated in a host of music ensembles—vocal ensemble, chamber choir, Voices of Freedom choir, and McCaskey’s marching band—and is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She performed in the fall play and the spring musical. And she competed on the varsity field hockey, swimming and track and field teams.
As a senior, Mendoza captained the field hockey team and the marching band’s color guard. She was part of peer mediation, serving as a resource for McCaskey students placed in the reflective center and who are going through challenging times.
Mendoza “brightens a room just by entering it,” Torres said. “She is talented, gracious, gregarious, humble, diligent, and tenacious, and these are qualities that have helped her in her leadership roles at McCaskey.”
Outside of the classroom and off the field, she participated in Link Crew, which is a high school student leadership program that welcomes and mentors freshman students to help them feel more comfortable about the first year of their high school experience. Serving as historian of the National Honor Society, she was also a member of the Eco Club and Ski Club while working part time at Lancaster’s Central Market and Lancaster Sweet Shop.
“My family was joking around at first and just saying, ‘What if it’s Angelica?” she said. “But as Dr. Torres listed all my activities, their laughter turned into tears and excitement as they realized that it was actually me!”
Mendoza, whose mother passed away in 2018, said the moment was extra special for being in Clipper Magazine Stadium, where her family has had season tickets. She attended her first baseball game, the Barnstormers inaugural game, when she was just one month old. Her family also held her mother’s Celebration of life in the stadium.
“I learned to do what I love from my mom,” she said. “Graduation being held at the Clipper Magazine stadium was a very full circle moment for me.”
In the fall, Mendoza plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in social work and minor in Spanish. She hopes to one day return to public schools and as a child therapist.
Teachers nominate students for induction in the Hall of Honor, which a selection committee of faculty and administrators reviews based on criteria including academics, extracurricular activities, service and achievement.
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- What are you most excited about serving as SDoL’s superintendent?
First, meeting the students, families, and district staff. Looking ahead, the opportunity to support schools and district staff as we work together to help students discover and develop their unique gifts and talents.
- What are the biggest challenges facing the district over the next five years?
Academically, recovery and learning acceleration for all students and closing the achievement gaps that persist for specific groups within our school community. More broadly, meeting the social-emotional and mental health needs of all members of our school community. As an institution, we must address our national and local educator shortage while diversifying our educator workforce.
- What are some of the district’s strengths that you’ve seen during your on-boarding process?
The pathways, programs and industry credentials offered at McCaskey High School, the committed and dedicated staff and our diverse student community.
- What is the role you hope businesses and community organizations will play in supporting the school district during your tenure? And what’s the district’s responsibility to them?
We look to businesses to provide internships, employment and training opportunities to our students and staff. Business leaders can partner with principals to adopt schools, and serve on school district steering committees. As a district, we have a responsibility to graduate young people who are prepared to contribute to the local economy and their community, to involve the community in our work, and to keep the community informed of our progress. We also have a responsibility to develop and execute plans that take into account community feedback and ensure our student programs and curriculum prepare students for emerging industries.
- What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Visiting district classrooms and seeing students master new concepts. In particular, I love sharing a good children’s book with a group of young people.
- What restaurants are you excited to try in Lancaster?
The plant-based (vegan) cuisine at the Root restaurant on Walnut Street.
Looking forward to a brighter future... with gratitude
Matt Przywara reflects on his term as acting superintendent
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With a deep sense of gratitude and humility, I express my sincere appreciation for the honor and privilege to serve as the acting superintendent of our great school district for the last year.
First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the students, staff and entire community for the support and trust during my tenure. I would also like to express my gratitude to the school board for their guidance, wisdom, and belief in my abilities.
Together, over the last year, we have made progress to overcome challenges and continued our pursuit of academic excellence, inclusivity, and growth. I believe the data below show that we navigated this transition year successfully.
However, as the saying goes, “Change is the only constant in life.” I wholeheartedly welcome Dr. Keith Miles Jr. as our new superintendent. He brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and fresh perspectives that will undoubtedly lead our district to new heights. I look forward to supporting his vision and collaborating to guide our district toward a brighter future.
Sincerely,
Matthew Przywara
Acting Superintendent 2022-2023
School District of Lancaster
McCaskey High School
McCaskey High School made a strong emphasis on attendance as students return to regular school routines following the pandemic disruption. In the 2022-2023 school year, McCaskey students made great improvements across a number of metrics and demographics.
+4.7%
Increase in regular attendance at McCaskey High School
+5.4%
Increase in daily attendance by Hispanic students at McCaskey High School
+3.8%
Increase in daily attendance by Black students at McCaskey High School
-8.6%
Decrease in chronic absenteeism (missing 15 or more days per school year) among all students at McCaskey High School.
Achievements & Innovations
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Standout Students
Congratulations to the Wharton Wildcats chess team for earning 3rd place out of 20 teams at the annual Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 Chess Tournament. The Knights of Price and Burrowes Bishops also represented the School District of Lancaster.
McCaskey 2023 graduate Mali Richardson is the recipient of a $400,000 Coast Guard Scholarship. She will attend the Academy for four years, and then serve a minimum of five years as a Coast Guard officer. Mali has an interest in both aviation and computer science.
Kai Unwin-Wisnosky, McCaskey High School freshman, was named the 2023 Grand Champion of the North Museum of Nature & Science Engineering Fair.
Maya Escudero was awarded the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Scholarship. Maya will study Arabic in Morocco for six weeks this summer.
Innovative Education
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 99 recognized McCaskey High School Eagle Scout, Xyla Carlson. Xyla created an outdoor classroom space at McCaskey for her Eagle Scout project. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in BSA.
McCaskey teacher Bryan Hower was named one of four 2023 CYBER.ORG Education Award Winners nationwide. These educators show an undeniable commitment to growing the next-generation cybersecurity workforce and ensuring that every K-12 student is cyber literate.
The School District of Lancaster’s pre-kindergarten (PreK) program for district 4-year-olds earned a gold level “Pennsylvania Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award” from the state’s Department of Human Services.
McCaskey High School recent graduate Tessa Locke was named a National Merit Finalist. Tessa was an IB student and participated in cross country, track, peer mediation, and a number of other clubs including National Honor Society.
Strong Community
Thanks to the assistance of Representative Smith-Wade-El, The Pennsylvania Department of Education awarded McCaskey High School a $30,000 grant to outfit a girls’ IDEA Innovation Lab.
Congratulations to Lakeesha Bair-Myers, Certified School Social Worker at Reynolds Middle School, who is the recipient of the 2023 Millersville University Social Work Field Instructor of the Year Award.
The Giant Company and the local store on Columbia Avenue donated $8,732 and over 100 boxes of non-perishable snacks for students at Lafayette Elementary School. The continued support and funding from Giant supports our partnership with The Edible Classroom and the community gardens that are established and growing across the district.
The Reynolds Middle School Student Council raised $1,468.35 for breast cancer awareness. The check was donated to the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute.
Tornado Time
McCaskey Track and Field girls won the Section 1 Championship, the LL League Championship meet, and the District 3 Championship meet. The McCaskey girls 4×400 and 4×800 won the State Championship. The girls 4×100 relay finished 2nd in the state, settings new school and LL League records. The girls also won the state indoor championships in the 4×400 and the 4×800. Congratulations to runners Kamiah Wright, Isabella Shertzer, Milana Breuninger, Lucie DeSyon, Kamyah Wright, Aasly DeLeon.
McCaskey senior Matt Remash was the District 3 Champion in Boys Javelin.
McCaskey wrestlers Journie Rodriguez was a 1st place state medalist and Jurelys Peguero del Rosario was also a state medalist, placing 7th.
McCaskey wrestlers Jose Garcia III placed first in District 3 and 5th at the PIAA Championship. Kevin Olavarria also placed first in District 3 and 8th place at the PIAA Championship.
Coach Kevin Franklin was named PA High School Girls Wrestling Coach of the Year.
The PIAA voted to begin sponsoring girls wrestling as an official sport this spring. McCaskey was the first district in PA to offer girls wrestling.
2022-23 Retirees
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Ana Armanza, Full Circle Learning
Michelle Ascherl, McCaskey High School
Stephanie Bridgehouse, Wharton Elementary School
Tiffany Brunner, Carter & MacRae Administration
Robin Byers, Jackson Middle School
Beth Campagna, Carter & MacRae Administration
Douglas Feister, Reynolds Middle School
Teresa Glick, Smith-Wade-El Elementary School
Debra Glover, Lafayette Elementary School
Beth Hollenberg, E.R. Martin School
Luz Hoyos, Ross Elementary School
Lynne Kline, McCaskey High School
Brenda Krick Morales, Reynolds Middle School
Barbara Lewis, Jackson Middle School
Musa M’Mugambi, McCaskey High School
Linda McCandless, Wharton Elementary School
Willie McDowell, DASH
Cheryl Mill, Jackson Middle School
Kimberlee Neff, Wheatland Middle School
Linda Parker, McCaskey High School
Loreen Patterson, McCaskey High School
Janet Rawleigh, Burrowes Elementary School
Rebecca Ritter, King Elementary School
Ana Vazquez, McCaskey High School
Education Foundation names alum, veteran fundraiser new executive director
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“I am excited to be working with Angela,” said LEF Board President Christine Carrigan. “We have been searching for someone to fill this position for over a year, and with Angela, she is especially qualified to take on this role and to lead LEF.”
Trout was previously the Executive Director for the Ephrata Area Education Foundation.
“I am a proud product of the School District of Lancaster, and I feel honored to be in a position to help advance education for a district that played a huge part in developing me as the person I am today,” Angela said.
With over 12-years-experience in non-profit work, Trout served as
the Communications & Events Manager at YWCA Lancaster and
the Development Director for a local food bank. She was also self-employed for several years as a non-profit fundraising consultant. She possesses extensive experience in fundraising, event planning, donor development, advocacy, communications, and community relations.
Prior to working with non-profits, Angela was a newspaper reporter and editor with several newspapers, including The Philadelphia Tribune, the oldest continuously owned African American newspaper in the country.
Trout said she is ready to take the helm of LEF and continue the important work they provide to the SDoL students, from Hooked on Books, Adopt a Classroom, dual enrollment, and scholarships.
Trout lives in Akron with her husband Matthew and son.
For more information on the Lancaster Education Foundation, click the link below.
2023-2024 SDoL Budget by the numbers
The school board in June approved a $279.1 million budget for the 2023-2024 school year. The budget funds new elementary and middle school deans of students, who play important roles in resolving student, staff, and family concerns, particularly in the areas of school climate and attendance. The budget also includes an additional $1.5 million in debt service to finance the start of Phase IV of the district’s capital improvement plan.
To address a structural deficit of nearly $3 million, the proposed budget raises property taxes by 2.85% and draws down some district reserves. At the new tax rate, the average property in the district (assessed at $165,530) would pay an additional $9.18 per month. Despite its millage rate, SDoL
continues to raise less per student in real estate taxes due to the amount of untaxable property and limited growth in its tax base.
$279.1m
Total expenses
$278.7m
Total revenues
$5.7m
Increase in state funding
2.85%
Real estate tax increase ($9.18/month for avg. homeowner)
$42m
Federal COVID-19 relief
Where does a dollar go?
The vast majority of the district’s expenses support instructional programs and other student services, such as nursing, counseling, and social work. Non-instructional costs include facilities maintenance and technology. The district’s debt service includes an additional $1.5 million to finance the start of Phase IV of the district’s capital improvement plan involving the renovation or reconstruction of Burrowes, Carter & MacRae, Hamilton, King, and Price elementary schools, Wheatland Middle School, Phoenix Academy, and the main athletic complex at McCaskey High School.
59%
Instruction
31%
Support services
1%
Non-instructionals
9%
Debt service
Where does a dollar come from?
SDoL has long relied on disproportionately high local property taxes to provide necessary services. That’s historically due to a combination of low state funding and a large number of nontaxable properties. For more than a decade, the district has pursued a slow, incremental increase in its real estate tax in order to keep pace with rising deficits, as opposed to large spikes in difficult years. The district also raises millions through grants, fundraising and other alternatives to local taxes.
36%
Local
49%
State
14%
Federal
1%
Other
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