From Olivet Boys & Girls Club
Pictured above, from left to right: Jeremiah Santiago, Jennasea Rodriguez, Zahavah Oliveras, Noah Gibney, and Kahlil Samuels. Not pictured: Nico Sosa.
Olivet Boys & Girls Club recognized six alumni — Jeremiah Santiago, Jennasea Rodriguez, Zahavah Oliveras, Noah Gibney, Kahlil Samuels, and Nico Sosa (who could not attend due to moving into college) — with a special scholarship luncheon held on Thursday, Aug. 14, at Olivet Oakbrook Club. Each alum received a $7,500 scholarship to use toward their higher education, thanks to the generosity of four donors — Sue Palmer, Art Haberberger, Tom McMahon, and Bernice Lebo.
About the Scholarship Recipients
Jeremiah Santiago is a 2024 Reading High School graduate whose academic achievements include being a Stokes Stitt scholarship recipient, a 2024 Dean’s List member, an AP student, and a National Honor Society member. He is majoring in accounting at Penn State Berks.
“Blue Mountain Camp is one of my favorite memories from being a Club kid. I had the chance to enjoy so many outdoor activities with my friends — experiences I never would’ve had if it weren’t for being part of Olivet Boys & Girls Club,” Santiago said. “I’m truly grateful for those opportunities.”
Jennasea Rodriguez is a 2023 Wyomissing High School graduate. She is pursuing a K-4 special ed teaching certification at the Reading Area Community College. Her academic achievements include being part of the National Society of College Leadership and Success and being named to the President’s List for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters.
“One of my favorite Olivet moments was the Halloween Party at Blue Mountain Camp – it was such a fun and unforgettable night. I also really valued the experience of volunteering at Clinton Street, handing out Thanksgiving meals to families in need,” Rodriguez said. “Both moments reminded me of the heart and community that make Olivet so special.”
Zahavah Oliveras is a 2025 Reading High School graduate who will start her journey at Cedar Crest College as a forensic science major this fall. She is a Trustee scholarship recipient and an Olivet Boys & Girls Club’s 2025 Youth of the Year winner, for which she was awarded a $3,000 scholarship this spring.
“My favorite memory as a Club kid is the lifelong friendships I’ve made along the way,” Oliveras said. “But one of the proudest moments of all was finally being named Olivet Boys & Girls Club’s 2025 Youth of the Year, after three tries. That experience taught me the power of perseverance, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
Noah Gibney is a 2025 Wyomissing High School graduate whose academic achievements include earning the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence and the Principal’s Award. He was also an Olivet Boys & Girls Club’s 2025 Youth of the Year nominee in 2023. He will attend the Berklee College of Music beginning this fall.
“My favorite Club memory was working on songs at Gravity Studios at the Pendora Park Club and then circling back to help teach that class with Cliff Starkey through my internship with Reading Musical Foundation this past year,” Gibney said.
Kahlil Samuels is a 2025 Reading High School graduate. During this time, he was also a three-sport athlete and a Boys Basketball State Champion. He will start his journey at Virginia Union as a business analytics major this fall.
“My favorite Club memory is winning three basketball championships at Clinton and just learning how to play the game I love,” Samuels said. “I will also never forget the mentors I’ve had while growing up at the Clinton Olivet. I also enjoyed all the trips, activities, and, of course, summer camp.”
Nico Sosa is a 2024 Reading High School graduate. During this time, he was also a basketball player and a 2023 Boys Basketball State Champion. He attended Manor College last year, where he played collegiate basketball. He will attend Sussex Community College this fall, where he will continue to play collegiate basketball.
“My favorite memory of being an Olivet kid has to be the sense of extended family I found as a member at Clinton Street. The mentorship I received from every single staff member and the guidance they shared truly helped shape me into the person I am today. I’ll always remember the late nights when staff kept the gym open, giving me a safe place to stay off the streets and work on perfecting my basketball skills,” Sosa said. “Without Olivet, I wouldn’t be nearly as involved in my community as I am now, and for that, I’m forever grateful.”
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Source: bctv
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