A graduate of the class of 2008, Lauren had known since she was 15 that she wanted to be a pastor, to the surprise of her peers and teachers alike. A self-described “wild soul,” she had her fair share of experiences at Reading Senior High School. She looks back fondly on her time here, from days spent in the senior cafe with friends to being part of the German-American Exchange Program. “I remember walking around Europe thinking, “Man, my parents have never left the United States and here I am, galavanting around Europe!” [continue]

Minnie Ocasio is one of the many Red Knights who’ve gone above and beyond when it comes to helping those around her. When deciding on her college major, she already knew she wanted to help people. She did just this by majoring in social work at Alvernia University, going to grad school at Kutztown Univeristy, becoming a therapist at Betterview Counseling, and giving back to those in her community by organizing healthy lifestyle events. Despite her benevolent acts and helping countless numbers of people, Minnie herself bore many internal struggles, yet her gallantry allowed her to endure these battles with depression to inspire her to help others.  [CONTINUE] 

For Darren Anderson, being a Red Knight means being able to persevere. This is something Reading has shown him time and time again. After graduating from Reading High in 2012, Darren was unsure of where to go from there, but he was willing to make the most of any opportunity that presented itself. “I just knew that I wanted to keep pushing myself and make the most out of any opportunity that presented itself.” (continue)

Katrese Bradley, a social worker for RHS, has a supporting and understanding personality that makes her a reliable support for her students, all while being a hardworking mother. She is filled with so much pride working here at the High, inspiring her students and everyone around her. In fact, she says that it’s her students that are her favorite thing about her job. “I love my students. They are definitely a joy, and they’ll pop in and say hello just to see you and talk about their day,” she beams. (CONTINUE)

For Holly Foster, being a Red Knight means to have pride within oneself. She cultivated that pride early in her high school career. She was in the marching band in 10th grade and on the bowling team her senior year. “I have attended all the football games since I was in the band. What fond memories! We had so much fun at the games.” The phrase, “Once a Red Knight, Always A Red Knight” rings true for her because that pride carried on even after she graduated. “We have a lot of pride to be a Red Knight and that’s something you can’t describe.” (Continue)

Regarding inspiring women of color, Wanda Gonzalez Crespo should be at the top of one’s list. Every. Single. Time. Born in Reading and raised in Oakbrook, PA, she has served her community since day one. Her Red Knight blood runs deep, starting with her parents and brother and continuing with her two daughters who all attended the Castle on the Hill. Wanda always had big dreams while attending RHS, but teaching was always paramount. “When I was a child, I spent many hours alone in my room playing teacher. I always saw myself in a classroom. I think it’s because I always really liked school. So, when I graduated from RHS, I chose to pursue a career in teaching.” (Continue)

Lindsey Yeager, a physical therapist who graduated from RHS in 2010, has had a clear, set path she’s been striving toward since high school. “I became an athletic trainer first, which was a great stepping stone for gaining my doctorate in physical therapy, which was kind of always the plan.” Lindsey wasted no time in high school getting on the right path to reach her goals. While at RHS, she would often spend time with the athletic trainers during as many sporting events as she could. (Continue)