On Friday, May 30, 2025, Becton Regional High School proudly hosted its annual Sports Signing Day, marking a milestone event with a record-breaking ten student-athletes officially committing to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level.
Signing Day is a celebratory event that honors the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of senior athletes as they take the next step in their athletic journeys. This year, the spotlight fell on Gracie Taylor, Antonina Buda, Francesca Buda, DeShawn Witter, Adrian Rozon, Max Thorn, Steven Longo, Kailey Mount, Mika Tampadong, and Kaitlyn Reiner.
Gracie Taylor committed to compete in Division I track and field at Marist University. She plans to major in Biology with a focus on Athletic Training. Although she began the sport just four years ago, she fell in love with jumping events during her sophomore year and dedicated herself to improving. She credits Coach Quinn Geraghty for her success. “Without him teaching me the basics and helping me grow, I don’t think I would’ve fallen in love with the triple jump the way I did,” she shares. Her advice to younger athletes is, “Never be afraid to ask for help or extra support from your coaches—it can make all the difference.”
Kaitlyn Reiner is heading to Division III Drew University, where she will play basketball and major in Business. A lifelong basketball player, Reiner was driven by her passion for the sport and the support of her parents—especially her father, who coached her. “Always work hard and don’t let anyone get in the way of what you want,” she advises aspiring athletes.
Francesca Buda will join the softball team at Division III Roanoke College, majoring in Sports Management. She has been playing since kindergarten but found her true calling after starting club softball. “It has been my entire world every single day,” she affirms. She thanks her parents for encouraging her even through moments of doubt.
Antonina Buda will compete in softball at Division III Framingham State University, where she will major in Food and Nutrition. A 13-year player, she fully committed before her freshman year and overcame challenges along the way. “If something is your passion, never stop fighting for it, even when it starts to seem unachievable,” she advises.
Max Thorn has committed to Stevens Institute of Technology for Division III track and field. He plans to major in Mechanical Engineering. Thorn started track in his sophomore year and picked up cross country as a junior. “Consistency is the most important,” he insists. “Three months of steady training is better than one week of intense effort. Don’t get too competitive—just have fun.”
Steven Longo will attend Stevens Institute of Technology, where he will compete in track and major in an Engineering-related field. A year-round athlete in soccer and track, Longo credits his success to time management, mental toughness, and the support of his coaches. “Use setbacks as motivation,” he says. “Stay disciplined and never lose confidence in yourself.”
Kailey Mount will join the women’s wrestling team at Division II Felician University, majoring in Exercise Sports Science. Wrestling transformed her perspective on life and pushed her toward higher education. “This sport rerouted how I see life– it’s pushing me to go to college which is something I never thought I would do,” she admits. “Wrestling has taught me grit, perseverance, discipline—both mental and physical.” She credits Coach Fiona Rupinski and her entire coaching staff for her success.
Deshawn Witter will attend Montclair State University, competing in Division III track and field and majoring in Cybersecurity. Though he began the sport just three years ago, he embraced the opportunity to continue at the college level. He cites his coach and father as key mentors. “Train as much as possible,” he advises younger athletes.
Mika Tampadong will attend Johns Hopkins University, competing in Division III cross country and track and field while majoring in Engineering. She credits her motivation to the upperclassmen she looked up to as a freshman. “It’s very encouraging to see them run fast times and continue in college. I once thought I could never be at their level—so being able to compete with them now means a lot.” Now, Tampadong hopes to serve as that same inspiration for younger athletes at Becton.
Adrian Rozon is set to play Division III basketball at William Paterson University while studying Digital Marketing. A lifelong basketball player, Rozon worked hard to make his dream a reality. “Stay consistent, stay coachable, and take care of both your game and your academics,” he encourages. Adrian chose William Paterson not only for its strong basketball program and supportive coaching staff, but also because of the team’s close-knit culture and the university’s academic offerings that align with his future goals. Rozon concludes, “Talent can take you far, but work ethic and attitude are what really separate you. I was once cut from my middle school team—look at me now.”
This year’s Signing Day not only celebrated athletic success but also highlighted each student’s commitment to growth, resilience, and the future. Becton congratulates all ten student-athletes and looks forward to watching them thrive in the next chapter of their journeys.
