Full-length video interviews featuring red knight alumni
Julio has shown passion for helping the youth through his work, whether it was through administration in the school board or helping out at events to give resources to those most in need throughout the city. His time working with the community has opened his eyes and showed him that he wants every child to feel loved and to know that people are there to help them while they’re struggling. Julio Martinez demonstrates that no matter your background, you can achieve greatness. He is a symbol of giving back to the city of Reading, displaying genuine love and passion for the youth.
From a young age, he was determined to be the first in his family to attend college, combining his passion for sports with his career aspirations. During his time at Reading High, he cherished every moment spent competing in and supporting school athletics, creating unforgettable memories with his friends. He credits Ms. Myrna Fuchs, a dedicated career counselor, for guiding him through the college process and setting him up for success. Now serving on the Board of Directors for the Reading Education Foundation and attending numerous basketball games each year, he remains deeply connected to the Red Knight community.
Crystal Gilmore Harris refuses to give up on anybody and is constantly striving to make a difference. She believes that as long as somebody has a support system, anything is possible. Taking inspiration from her father, himself a determined coach, she never turns down opportunities to become a better person–not only for herself–but for those who look up to her. She is an inspiring role model to so many people. But through it all, she is just a kid from Reading trying to show her love and support for her city.
Mr. Friedman graduated from Reading High in 1959 and went on to have a very successful life going from a Straight-A student to joining the U.S Air Force, and then ultimately settling down and becoming a surgeon. Mr. Friedman had many interesting adventures along the way from battling with his class rival and starring in his senior class play to getting accepted into medical school an entire year early and becoming a surgeon here at the Reading Hospital. A man of faith and generosity who saved many lives throughout his long and illustrious career, Mr. Friedman embodies the best of us, and certainly the best of what it means to be a Red Knight.
Pamela is currently a successful attorney at Masano Bradley. She loves her job and states that it's a privilege to be able to defend people in need. She graduated from RHS in 2001 and then went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature and Political Science from Albright College in 2005. Ms. Vanfosson then went to Widener Commonwealth Law School and received her Juris Doctor Degree in 2009. She has worn many hats in her life, from being a server at restaurants to teaching police cadets at the Reading Police Academy. She then went on to serve as an Assistant District Attorney for Berks County for twelve years.
Ms. Parker Stewart is a wonderful social worker and a girl's basketball coach. She graduated in 2000 and her athletic abilities allowed her to go to college and become a first-generation college student. Using all her knowledge and a blend of both of her careers she's great at what she does
Wendy Collado has been working as a safe school officer at RHS for well over a decade. She has been a mentor, team player, and friend to countless numbers of students here at the Castle on the Hill. An effervescent and bubbly personality, she has not only kept our school safe for the past fifteen years, but she has done an amazing job keeping students off the streets and in the classroom. So let’s hear what she has to say!
Jennifer McFarland has been a social worker at RKAA Glenside since 2022. Although she didn't find her passion for social work until 2015, she has been able to step up and become someone students can look toward when they need help. Ms. McFarland is just another kid from Reading, so let’s hear what she has to say!
Geraldine Sepulveda started working with the Reading School District fresh out of college in 1996 as a school counselor, and throughout the years made it up the ranks. She later went on to be a vice-principal at the Castle on the Hill in 2001. She wears her heart on her sleeve proudly stating, "Students are my passion." And it shows! She has been working for the Reading School Dsitcit for 29 years and is currently the principal at RKAA Thomas Ford. So join us in learning more about this wonderful kid from Reading and hear what she has to say!
Stephanie Sanchez is an HR generalist in the Reading School District for the Food and Athletic departments. After graduating from Reading High, she went on to college and after three years she decided to finish her degree while working full time here at the Castle on the Hill. She is hardworking and dedicated to her goals, so let's hear what she has to say!
Angie (Farrell) and Chris Smith, co-owners of Sweet Ride Ice Cream, have overcome challenges and made all kinds of sacrifices to bring their dream of owning an ice cream shop into reality. They have now firmly established their name in the Reading area and continue to entice folks into their ice cream parlor in West Reading. So let’s get the scoop on them and hear what they have to say!
Janet Trate, a passionate and spirited woman, truly embodies the best that is our city. Proudly working for the Reading School District for decades as a physical education teacher and librarian, she is one of the most beloved and respected Red Knights to ever walk our hallowed halls. Even after her retirement she has stayed busy, volunteering her time as a scorekeeper for basketball games and helping out with RHS library fundraisers. Now, let’s see what this just a kid from Reading has to say.
Christina Vaccaro has been teaching at Reading High since 2006. She started teaching as a special education paraprofessional while studying at college and was eventually offered a position in the ESL department. She has helped many students over the years by making a comfortable and safe learning environment for them to learn in. So let's hear what she has to say!