Mentorship Matters: My James T. Reedy Sr. Scholarship Fund Experience

The James T. Reedy Sr. Scholarship Fund had a great influence on my undergraduate experience by providing support and resources that helped me succeed. Being a mentor in this program has had a positive impact on me, improving my leadership skills and giving me a sense of purpose. Upon arriving to college, I did not have the proper mentorship that I was seeking. This unfortunate experience has motivated me to become the mentor, that I never had. As I help guide students through their challenges, I’ve learned the importance of empathy and listening, which has strengthened my relationships and deepened my understanding of different perspectives. Mentoring others has been rewarding; seeing their growth reminds me of how we can positively affect each other’s lives. The sense of community created by the James T. Reedy Sr. Scholarship Fund has not only shaped my college years but has also inspired me to continue to keep giving back.

Imani Logan

RHS Class of 2017, Recipient of the James T. Reedy, Sr. Scholarship, James T. Reedy, Sr. Scholarship Fund Mentor

RHS Award Ceremony 2024

Onward and Upward!

On the beautiful Sunday afternoon of May 19th, 2024,  JTR Scholarship Fund Scholarship Fund alumnus Rangeline DeJesus returned to the "Castle on the Hill” for the 2024 Reading High School (RHS) Scholarship Awards Ceremony. Taking the stage of the auditorium, Rangeline delivered inspirational remarks to a large, receptive audience of educators, community members and RHS Class of 2024 scholarship winners and their family and friends. 

Rangeline recently graduated from Shippensburg University (SU) with a B.A. in International Studies, with minor in Women’s Studies. At “Shipp,” she continued her trajectory of leadership that emerged in the hallways of the RHS. In 2023, she was appointed by the Gov. of Pennsylvania to the prestigious role of Student Trustee of the SU Board of Trustees. Her experiences at RHS as a top scholar (National Honor Society) and student leader (Key Club President and Lt. Gov. of District 13) had prepared her well. 

On the same stage with Rangeline were the eighty or so RHS scholars waiting in hopeful anticipation for announcement of their name for an award. Amidst these were the recipients of the James T. Reedy Sr. Memorial Scholarship Award. This year, ten RHS scholars and three Reading Muhlenburg Career and Technology Center (RMC&TC) scholars received the James T. Reedy Sr. Memorial Scholarship Award. The award is comprised of a high quality laptop and an invitation to participate in our organization’s Mentor program.

In her remarks, Rangeline related the significant challenges she faced as a child in an immigrant family in New York City. She connected her success in the classroom and leadership to her pattern of reaching out and connecting with others who were interested in helping her along her path. Rangeline spoke on the power of mentoring in her success, including the impact of her engagement in the JTR Mentor Program. She acknowledged that it hasn’t always been easy. At college, there were low seasons where self-doubt crept in. Rangeline credited the encouragement she received from her JTR mentor. To paraphrase her remarks, “He believed in me when I started to lose belief in myself.” 

After her remarks, JTR President Steve Reedy announced that Rangeline was recently appointed to a coveted position with the United States Peace Corps, resulting in a warm ovation from her listeners. Currently she serves as Youth Development Trainee in her family’s native Dominican Republic, helping young people rise from the complexities of poverty.  To follow, in a ‘full circle moment” Rangeline presented the JTR awards to each recipient. 

The JTR Scholarship Fund is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients: 

RHS: 

Ariana Canelo- PSU, Pre-Med

Tatiana Garcia- Kutztown U, Psychology 

Melanie Tavares Ciprian- Rdg. Hosp. Sch. of HS, Nursing

Jaymaree Lebron- Alvernia University, Nursing 

Amelie Taveras- RACC- Radiology Tech. Joan Pintag- Lehigh University, Journalism 

Dayhana Trevino-Escobar- Haverford College, Chemistry 

Mario Rodriguez-Perez- PSU, Nursing 

Zachary Schrader- Lebanon Valley College, Physical Therapy 

Zavala-Medina- Lehigh University, Computer Science 

Deaza Zulianni- Northhampton Community College, Dental Hygiene

RMC&TC: 

Zulianni Deaza- Northampton Community College; HDO

Vanessa Morban Moran, York College of PA; HMP

Dynasty Parrilla- Millersville University; HMP

Many of our 2024 recipients have chosen to enter our Mentor Program as they pursue their academic and career aspirations. Thank you each for your support for our organization!