Jesse Leisawitz is currently working as the Chief Legal Officer for the Reading School District. He graduated from Reading High School in 2000. Jesse has many fond memories of his time here at Reading High School, attending many school events and playing soccer. Regarding the latter, he learned two big lessons: “Discipline and teamwork. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to continue playing [soccer] competitively after high school. However, I like to think I am still athletic. I exercise regularly, and I coach youth sports for my daughter. Physical fitness is very important to me.”

Jesse explains that his experience at Reading High was wonderful, that it was full of diverse and welcoming students. “The teachers and administrators at Reading High cared very much about education and pushed many students to succeed.” During his time at RHS, Jesse also looked up to many people. “My parents are the best role models in their own way; they prioritized a life of service and education.” Reflecting on this time in his life, he also says, “The world felt simpler and safer” back in the late 1990’s/pre 9/11 era. “To me, the world seems smaller and faster now. While students have great opportunities to engage and experience new things, I feel that they don’t have the space or time to be kids. The proliferation of social media and the constant connectedness it affords has exacerbated this issue.” Jesse left Reading High for college prepared both academically and socially. Jesse didn't plan on coming back to Reading, but he was grateful that he did. While away from the school district, he clerked for two judges and served as an assistant district attorney in Berks County in early 2018. In late 2019, with the support of the superintendent and the board of directors, they helped give Jesse the opportunity to develop a Chief Legal Officer position to serve in the superintendent's executive cabinet. Throughout Jesse's journey from being a Red Knight to becoming a chief legal officer, he has enjoyed every memory that he has made along his journey. When asked if he would make any changes in this journey, he emphatically stated, “Not a thing! I am very happy that I have been able to accomplish many of my professional goals in a community that I love."

When Heather Ash looks back at her Reading High “glory days,” she likes to think about how many changes Reading High School has gone through from when she was a student who graduated in 2001 to now as a teacher in 2024. Changes like the population in the city, the number of schools in the district, to how teachers educate their students–all these are the things that make up Reading High School and help connect the community together. But one thing in particular that she believes hasn't changed is “the grit the students continue to exemplify to overcome the obstacles they face.” Heather truly feels like the determination of the students and staff is unwavering, and that's what makes her proud to be a Red Knight. To her, being a Red Knight is all about loyalty, pride, and perseverance. She has had nothing but four years of great memories and stories that she is glad to share with anyone when they ask, “So, where are you from?” While a student at RHS, Heather didn't have a clue as to what she wanted her future to become; all she knew was that she wanted to go to college. Pursuing higher education was instilled in her from her Reading High teachers, “the Reading High Heroes” as she likes to call them. They were here when she walked these halls as a student, and they were here when she returned to teach: Ms. Tester, Ms. Shreves, Ms. Travis, Ms. Gochnauer, Mr. Zuber, and Mr. Wade. She sees them now and thanks them for their dedication and love for “us Reading kids!” Also, Heather likes to incorporate her time in the Red Knight community and attend as many community events as she can and make memories with her husband and kids who also grew up in Reading. Heather’s best memories were the crazy times she spent with her softball and field hockey teammates, the endless nights in Yearbook, and the senior cruise. She believes that “Reading truly is a unique place.” Her life is nothing like she thought it would be–and she LOVES IT. It is messy, hectic, and stressful, but to her it is also filled with love, laughter and joy. She is truly proud to be called a Red Knight!

For Heather Foltz, being a Red Knight means being resilient. This is something her time at Reading High has taught her. She originally had plans to go into nursing, but after taking advanced gym and being given the opportunity to assist with a special education swimming class, she decided on becoming a special education teacher instead. After graduating from Reading High in 2001, she went to East Stroudsburg University for a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services. After this, she worked at Prospectus Berco for six years, during which she decided to get her Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Phoenix. Since then, Heather has gone on to become the Special Education Program Coordinator for Reading High School. She looks back on her years at RHS fondly. She played on multiple sports teams and was a part of the yearbook staff, but the people of Reading High remain the most special to her. Among those are Ms. Wendy Tester, her English teacher, who taught her about being her authentic self. Through her experiences, this kid from Reading learned about remaining resilient in the face of negativity.

Jennifer Toledo, currently a second grade teacher in the Reading School District at 13th and Union Elementary, has always aspired to be a teacher. Therefore, after graduating in 2010, she knew that college was her next step in life to achieve that goal. She wanted to return to Reading and give back to her community. Growing up in Reading, PA, Jennifer has had a lot of memories to share during her years at RHS. As a student-athlete, she participated in both volleyball and softball. She also wrestled, bowled, and was a part of the band during her high school years. During this time, Jennifer has looked up to many people: Coach Hudak, who believed in her both on and off the court; Captain Jimenez, as well as other JROTC instructors, who treated her as if she was a part of their family; Mr. Gross, Mr. Dicarne, and Mr. Simmon–her band directors–who showed her how to balance school, sports, and music; Ms. Hackling, who allowed her to volunteer for her during Jennifer’s freshman year and always had great advice for her–all of these dedicated professionals, and more, helped Jennifer become the strong teacher she is today! She still tries to help the Red Knight community today by going to sporting events, supporting from the benches. She knows Reading has come a long way since she was a student–the district’s push for more opportunities for students, the focus on equity for the entire district, the administrative staff who highlights the amazing work happening in the district–this makes her proud to be a Red Knight. “Being a Red Knight,” Jennifer says, “means overcoming stereotypes and stigmas. It also means being comfortable, being yourself, and being surrounded by mentors and adults who support you as you.” Reflecting on her journey and looking at all the hard work she’s gone through to get here, Jennifer's achievements and dedication will continue to inspire students as she is–and will always be–a Red Knight!