The Jame T. Reedy Sr. Scholarship: My Mentee Story

by Michael Dominguez

My post high school experience was very unique. Navigating this new journey of my life was already confusing and difficult, but was made more difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic. This brought many restrictions and obstacles, the most difficult being financial. Fortunately, my hard work during my academic career ensured my family wouldn’t have to worry much. I was fortunate enough to be awarded the James T. Reedy Sr. Scholarship. I was given a laptop which was a big upgrade from the late 2000s PC my family had been sharing for years up to that point. That laptop would go on to serve me through my whole collegiate career. Most importantly, being awarded this scholarship also offered me the opportunity to connect with a mentor through their mentorship program. Having been guided by my older sister who was in her junior year at Lehigh up to that point, I felt that having a mentor would be very beneficial in this confusing time for me. 

In the fall of 2020, I was connected with Charlene Fletcher, my appointed mentor by the program. Charlene is a Lehigh Alum and that immediately gave me the comfort that I sought.  Charlene has mentored me throughout my entire collegiate career. She has witnessed my growth from High School graduate in 2020, to now, as a Professional Software Developer. In the beginning, I was a shy and quiet kid who was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do at Lehigh. Charlene always made sure to check up on me and make sure I was heard and gave me very useful advice. She gave me the confidence to break out of my shell and encouraged me to continue pushing forward.

Michael with Lehigh Familia

Charlene was one of my motivators, and is why I pushed to get more involved in the Lehigh community, to want to learn more about Computer Science, and to want to be a programmer. As I began to mature and grow out of the shyness and quietness, Charlene was always there to cheer me on and let me know how well I was doing. Her mentoring style of being both professional and personable at the same time has inspired me a lot; to the point where I have taken on a mentoring role myself at Lehigh. During my junior and senior years at Lehigh, I would take it upon myself to mentor and provide guidance to the younger Computer Science students. I followed behind Charlene’s style of mentoring, keeping it professional while also befriending my mentees. 

I cannot describe in words the effect that the J. T. Reedy Mentor Program and Charlene has had on my career. I would not be so passionate nor open to speaking about my experiences, mentoring others or even open to speaking to strangers if it wasn’t for the guidance, mentorship and overall connection I made with Charlene. This experience has inspired me to continue to voluntarily mentor with the student organization I joined at Lehigh called the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), as well as their professional chapter in Philadelphia. I am so grateful for the opportunity the James T. Reedy Sr. Scholarship has given me with my mentor partnership. I hope to one day become a mentor myself and continue to help support the growth of Reading High School students!

Michael Dominguez

James T. Reedy Sr. Scholarship Fund Awardee and Lehigh University Graduate 2024

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

By Imani Logan

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!