On the first day that the Class of 2025 could sign National Letters of Intent, four student-athletes made their college choices official in Canisius High School's first commitment ceremony of this school year.
 
The senior student-athletes who expressed their thanks and appreciation Wednesday morning in the Brady Conference Room were:
 
Isaiah Aljuwani of Kenmore – Boston University (rowing)
Liam Feeney of West Seneca – Boston University (rowing)
Caleb Jackson of Cheektowaga – D'Youville University (baseball)
Josh Monti of West Seneca – Fredonia State (baseball)
 
Canisius is expected to have additional student athletes signing in the first football period, which begins on Dec. 4, as well as committing to programs throughout the school year.
 
Eighteen CHS student-athletes committed to college programs last year.
 
Canisius is again in line to have around 15-20% of its senior class participate in college athletics, according to Director of Athletics Jim Mauro, which is far above the national average of less than 2%.
 
"Here at Canisius, it's always an incredibly proud day for us, because we know these four young men have put an enormous amount of time and energy and dedication into their sports to get to this point," said Mauro.
 
"Additionally, it's for the family members – they are the ones who get you to crew practice at some ungodly hour in the morning, or get you to baseball tournaments and some drivable place, and they're the ones that supported you through everything.
 
"Here at the school, we're very fortunate that our support comes from our president, Fr. Ciancimino, to our principal, Mr. Coppola, to our guidance office, to our teachers, our faculty, and also to our coaches.
 
"These are all crowning achievements when student athletes they've worked with are able to move on and play college athletics."
 

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The four seniors were introduced by Mauro and honored for their achievements before each stood up and expressed their gratitude.
 
Isaiah Aljuwani of Kenmore – Boston University (rowing)
Liam Feeney of West Seneca – Boston University (rowing)
 
"I've been doing these ceremonies at least 16, 17, years now," said Mauro, "and this is the first time that we're going to have this situation: We have Isaiah Aljuwani, we have Liam Feeney. They're both members of our outstanding crew program, and I asked coach Jake Filby for some bullet points, some highlights?
 
"So he sent me five bullet points, and he goes they are the exact same for both."
 
* Both are co-captains of the crew program this year.
* They won the freshman eight at the 2022 scholastic national championships.
* They won the 2023 USRowing Youth National Championship in the under-17 four.
* They won the 2024 state, Canadian and American national championships in the men's pair, making them North American champions.
* They won both the under-19 eight and four at the 2024 Canadian Henley Regatta.
 
Aljuwani:
 
"I'd really like to thank my beautiful mother for supporting me all the way through my four years of my rowing career, getting me to practice in the morning, and really supporting me in all my actions.
 
"And thank you to the rest of my family that showed up, and also especially my coaches, everybody that's coached me from all four years, and my amazing friends and crew members – there are a lot of them sitting here with us today.
 
"Thanks to all of you. I really appreciate all of you."
 
Feeney:
 
"I've been waiting for this day for many years. I'd like to thank my parents for helping me through the all four years – they spent a lot of money taking me places, getting all the training I need. I'd also like to thank Logan, my brother, for being one of my number one supporters.
 
"Thanks to all my coaches, pretty much everyone on this side of the room ... and Father Federico, Father 'C' …  
 
"I really have no words. Words can't describe how much I'm thankful for you guys. Thank you."
 
Caleb Jackson of Cheektowaga – D'Youville University (baseball)
 
CHS baseball coach Justin Santonocito said of the three-year varsity letter winner: .
 
"Caleb is an incredibly respectful and hard-working young man. His love of baseball and his teammates is on display every time he steps on the diamond.
 
"Caleb is an incredibly talented pitcher with a tremendous upside. His pitching will only get better each year. He certainly will be a huge factor for our staff this spring."
 
Jackson:
 
"I'd like to thank my parents, coaches that are here right now, and everyone along the way who has supported me – teammates, friends and everyone."
 
Josh Monti of West Seneca – Fredonia State (baseball)
 
Monti was a Monsignor Martin Athletic Association All-Catholic first-team selection as a junior after hitting .429 in league play.
 
Coach Justin Santonocito said:
 
"Josh was an integral part of the team's success last year. He is a selfless teammate and player. This was apparent by his willingness to play right field last year, even though he had never played the position before, but he knew it made us a better team."
 
Monti:
 
"I'd like to thank my parents for all the ongoing support and sacrifice that you guys have given me throughout my baseball career.
 
"And coach Kenny and all my coaches that have helped me and supported me all through the way, all my teachers and the staff that have supported me, and especially all my baseball guys that have been there through the ups and downs."