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Home » News

News

Exeter Senior Awarded Full Scholarship to Ivy League School

June 3, 2025

student stands in graduate robe holding graduate hat

It’s no wonder that Perla Alvarado-Rueda is planning to study Astronomy after she graduates–she’s been reaching for the stars for as long as she can remember. But she wasn’t always sure that her dream of studying Astronomy at a top-ranked university was going to be in the stars. As the middle child of eight, and a child of immigrants who had no more than a 6th grade education, no one in Perla’s family had ever sought a post-secondary education.

And, truthfully, no one could ever afford one.

Perla’s father is a construction worker. Her mother is a homemaker. Perla entered Owatin Creek as a kindergartener neither fluent in English or Spanish. Quickly, however, she adapted to English instruction, and by second grade, Perla was selected to compete in OC’s Spelling Bee. Proudly and defiantly, she spelled “orchestra” in the third round, mispronouncing the “H” as “hasch”--which was what her mother had taught her, as she didn’t know how to say the letter in English. As her mom struggled with her devastation of being responsible for her elimination from the Bee, Perla became more determined than ever: She would seize every opportunity to get the education her parents weren’t able to have.

For the next ten years, Perla did just that: She worked relentlessly and took honors and AP courses and joined sports and clubs. By her senior year, she had earned a coveted spot at the top of her class with a 100.318 weighted GPA and dreamt about applying to top-tier universities. Turning to her parents, she discussed her options with her father, who gently encouraged her to consider applying to RACC and then moving onto a local college out of financial necessity. Recounting the conversation, Perla said, “I didn't put myself through all of this hard work during four years of high school just to go to a school that's not highly selective–that was my goal, and I wouldn’t have been satisfied with myself if I didn’t get into one.”

It wasn’t long after that conversation that Perla unexpectedly received an invitation from QuestBridge’s National College Match program, a nonprofit that connects high-achieving, low-income students with top colleges offering scholarships. Taking every advantage of the extraordinary opportunity, Perla threw herself into the application process—spending countless hours completing forms and crafting an essay about how her parents' educational sacrifices shaped her determination. In that essay, she wrote with unflinching honesty about the tension she felt growing up and the emotional distance she felt between herself and her parents that was created by a lack of shared educational experiences–as well as the guilt she carried for resenting their limited schooling:

“For as long as I can remember, I underestimated my parents for lacking a ‘proper’ education. They both only went to the 6th grade before financial pressures caused them to drop out of school and work for the rest of their lives. Society imprinted on me that I had the misfortune of being part of an underrepresented minority, with two parents who were illiterate in both English and Spanish. A stereotype was placed upon me at birth for having a father who was a construction worker and a mother who was unemployed. A stereotype I fully believed as a young girl, that my parents were unintelligent because of their lifestyle.

“They reinforced my misunderstanding by overusing the same threat when I would deviate from my goals, ‘Do you want to live like us?’

“The truth is that that is my biggest fear.

“In a sense, I looked down on my parents. I classified them as incompetent. While I had friends who sat down with their parents and received help with their homework, I had to figure out things for myself. As I got older, the intellectual void between my parents and me caused huge gaps in our relationship. There was a point in my life where I even resented them for being the way they were. I felt as if we lived in different timelines within the same home.

“They immigrated to this country to escape the poverty cycle, and I was in charge of breaking it. Our heads clashed. I was stuck between, ‘Listen to your parents, they always know what's best’ and ‘Don't take advice from those you don't want to become.’”

Her honest and difficult essay, coupled with her academic performance and financial need, earned her the opportunity to become a finalist in the program. To proceed, she then selected seven colleges to apply to–Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Swarthmore and Haverford–all of whom asked her to write additional essays for each– a daunting task for Perla who says that “grammar is not my strongest subject” with a laugh as she clarified that she only speaks English in school and Spanish at home. By the end of the application process, she estimated that she spent approximately 60 hours completing more than 25 essays. “It’s a daunting and rigorous application,” said Mrs. Nikki Daub, who is Perla’s counselor. “I've had a student or two that started the application during my 13 years of being a counselor, but she’s the first one to complete it.” 

The scholarship application is also highly selective and competitive. Of the 25,500 students who applied this year, QuestBridge only offered full scholarships to about 10% of them. QuestBridge says that students who were selected have an average unweighted GPA of 3.94, and 92% are in the top 10% of their graduating class. Around 91% come from a household with an annual income under $65,000, and 89% qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. The majority of the scholarship recipients–83%–are among the first generation in their families to attend a four-year college in the United States.

Her acceptance to the prestigious University of Pennsylvania–the only college she was able to visit in person prior to the application process–came in December, along with an offer for a full-ride, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies, as well as travel expenses, all provided by the university. A full-ride scholarship to an Ivy League school is not seen often: Even highly-achieving academic athletes who commit to Division I schools usually only get partial scholarships. “A full scholarship to an Ivy has never happened to any student on my caseload,” said Mrs. Daub. 

The alignment of the stars through the scholarship and opportunity to study at the prestigious university is not lost on Perla, who holds a profound appreciation for the educational opportunities that she was given that her parents never had. Chosen as her class speaker at this week’s graduation, she will convey to her classmates her gratitude for this privilege: “Show up,” she writes in her speech. “Even when it’s hard. Even when it feels pointless. It’s better to be tired from school than to be broken from hardship for the rest of your life.” She’ll continue: “Education is not promised everywhere in the world. Your worst school day is someone else's impossible dream.” “Education is liberation… (it allows you) to carve a life on your own terms… (It) breaks the cycle of struggle that so many are born into.” 

Or, as she sees it, how education can allow anyone to reach for the stars. 

Filed Under: News, Senior High

Exeter to Award Diplomas to 314 Graduates on Thursday, June 5 at 7PM

June 3, 2025

The Exeter Township School District will award diplomas to 314 graduates at 7PM on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Santander Arena in Reading, PA. During the evening’s ceremony, speakers will include Exeter Township Senior High Principal Thomas Campbell, Superintendent Dr. Christy Haller, President Jason Mell of the Exeter Township Board of School Directors, Senior Class President Rachelle Toaldo, and class speaker Perla Alvarado-Rueda. In Alvarado-Rueda’s prepared remarks, she will discuss her parents’ limited ability to obtain an education past sixth grade in their home countries of El Salvador and Mexico and how that shaped her appreciation for the gift of an education. In her prepared speech, Perla writes, “Education is not promised everywhere in the world. Your worst school day is someone else's impossible dream. Your senior trip is someone else's dying wish. So please, be grateful. Every day. For every early alarm, every assignment, every teacher who refused to let you fail. Because while school might feel exhausting, school is not guaranteed, not where my parents come from, and not in many countries around the world. Education is a vital resource many do not have access to... Education is liberation. It’s the power to ask questions, to carve a life on your own terms—not because you have to, but because you choose to. Education gives voice to the voiceless and breaks the cycle of struggle that so many are born into.”

The ceremony will be broadcast on the District’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/IlN_RSAWVRU?si=PB3L5XLuslYZAqHW

The 314 graduates will include:

  • Aven Alexander Acuna 
  • Harper Leete Adams*
  • Nadia Alysse Adams 
  • Cameron Isaya Aiken 
  • Dezmon Ray Allen 
  • Hope Dakota Allen 
  • Abel Almonte, Jr. 
  • Diego Jesus Alonso Malagon 
  • Kristin Mae Althouse 
  • Perla Alvarado-Rueda*
  • Brennan Mathew Ament 
  • Gracia Manuella Ayele Amouzou 
  • Alison Rae Applegate 
  • Isabella Rose Arias 
  • Jacob Messiah Ayala 
  • Lindsey Ann Baer 
  • Samantha Nicole Baer*
  • Jaymes Austin Beckwith 
  • Griffin Dale Beidler*
  • Hannah Marie Benderoth*
  • Donald Ray Bieber, III 
  • Chase Michael Blew 
  • Aiden Rourke Boehm 
  • Richter William Bogust*
  • Raycer James Boyd 
  • Cheyenne Rhea Boyles*
  • Isaac David Breton 
  • David Boby Marley Brice 
  • Jacob Camries Brinson 
  • Dillon Armond Brodie 
  • Braden Lee Brooke 
  • Conner Francis Brown 
  • Taylor Celeste Brownback 
  • Ghery Brandon Burdier 
  • Madison Bailey Buroojy 
  • Pharrell Caceres 
  • Mahki Larenz Campbell 
  • Tyler David Campbell 
  • Ian Andrew Carr*
  • Gabrielle Marie Casalenuovo*
  • Exzoriana Lyfe Casiano 
  • Josue Alfredo Cedeno 
  • Jack Chenworth 
  • Ian Eynaliel Cintron Minaya 
  • Dared Cisneros 
  • Emilee Raeh Clark 
  • Ryan Alexander Claudfelter*
  • D’Angelo Ethan Coello 
  • Brendan James Coller 
  • Angelina Colon 
  • Juelz Giovanni Colon 
  • Jorberto Cordero 
  • Rian Elizabeth Coulter*
  • Tyler Patrick Crawford 
  • Zada Elizabeth Roze Croson 
  • Makayla Lillian Curry 
  • Jaxon Davis 
  • Logan John Davis 
  • Reese Catherine Davis 
  • Lillian Elizabeth Daymon 
  • John Patrick-Maxwell Deangelo, Jr. 
  • Luis Daniel Dejesus-Vargas 
  • Isac Delgado 
  • Alayna Pauline Derby 
  • Crystal Melody Diaz 
  • Allan Marcos Diaz Leon 
  • Miranda Elizabeth Dobron 
  • Treyton Allen Douglas 
  • Nicholas Alan Duff 
  • Phillip Michael Duval, Jr. 
  • Malia Marie Emery 
  • Robert John-James Endy 
  • Eliam Ismael Espinosa 
  • Jaydyn Rylee Favinger 
  • Amari Jay Feliciano 
  • Adrina Marie Fick 
  • Tyler Michael Flanders 
  • Yahir Zackdiel Flecha Cordero 
  • Gabrielle Stephanie Folkes-James 
  • Jacob Tyler Fost 
  • Gillian Sahara Foster*
  • Carson Michael Frederick 
  • Liberty Lynn Furman 
  • Meredith Amanda Fylypowycz*
  • Brandon Alexander Galanos 
  • Javier Valentine Garcia, Jr. 
  • Arabella Nichole Garretson 
  • Robert Paul Gaston, III 
  • Rileah Joelly Geedey 
  • Gavin Michael Gensemer 
  • Casey William Gerhart 
  • Gavin William Gery 
  • Andrew Parker Gill 
  • Hayden Parish Ginsberg 
  • Rian Drake Glidewell 
  • Elisyanna Neveah Gonzalez 
  • Hailey Rose Graham 
  • Trinity Jade Graham 
  • Anthony Akeem Greene, Jr. 
  • Gianna Groff 
  • George Elias Hajj 
  • Alana Chloe Harley 
  • Grace Elizabeth Hartman 
  • Abigail Leigh Hasselbach*
  • Elizabeth June Hassler 
  • Marli Ann Herner*
  • Nolan Ryan Hetrick 
  • Charles Allen Hill 
  • Jacob John Hill 
  • Genivieve Grace Himmelreich 
  • Javier Jesus Hitchcock 
  • Nathan David Hoffman 
  • Madelyn Rose Holbrook*
  • Dylan David Holland*
  • Evelyn Kate Holland 
  • Gabriana Isabella Holmes*
  • Katharine Ann Hoover*
  • Emma Marie Howerter 
  • Julia Ann Hunsberger 
  • Amy Marie Ipsen*
  • Alison Mary Istenes 
  • Charles Richard Jacoby 
  • Elijah Kalif Jean, Jr. 
  • Gianna Daisy Johnson*
  • Grace Omolola Johnson 
  • Ikeem Janal Johnson 
  • Tyler Matthew Jones*
  • Emma Grace Kabatt 
  • Neema Waruiru Kamau*
  • Emma Rose Kiesselbach 
  • Naelah Cadiz King 
  • Cameron Alexander Kline 
  • Lyndsey Rose Kline*
  • Sheridan Rock Klippel 
  • Dylan Jacob Knauer 
  • Margaret Ann Kopanski*
  • Chase Paul Kovach 
  • Benjamin Thomas Kowalski 
  • Matthew Michael Kowalski 
  • Aliana Y Kunhardt 
  • Connor Lambert Kushner 
  • Kira Kaur Lalh 
  • Lily Catherine Laverty 
  • Haley Leal 
  • Rachael Lee Lincoln 
  • Dansier Lizardo Hernandez 
  • Shalynn Leona Llanos 
  • Jan Carlos Lopez 
  • Molly Beth Lubenow*
  • Luke Xavier Mackey 
  • Aiden Emanuel Magee 
  • Cody William Manning 
  • Luizel Martell 
  • Ryan Michael Martin 
  • Jonathan David Martinez 
  • Justin Angel Martinez 
  • Raudy Martinez Cabrera 
  • Teagan Marie Marturano 
  • Valeria Del Mar Mateo Alicea 
  • Addison Rose Matthews*
  • Jayden Elliott Matthews 
  • Riley Ann Mazur*
  • Brandon Michael McAdams 
  • Rylie Ann McCarthy 
  • Madelyn Paige McCraw 
  • Angelo Samuel McDaniel 
  • Addison Kate McKittrick*
  • Lillian Jean McNally 
  • Priya Arionna Medina 
  • Kevin Antonio Mejia Umanzor 
  • Isaac Julio Melendez 
  • Ash Nicole Mertz 
  • Blaize Mertz 
  • Felix David Millan-Alvarez 
  • Gavin William Miller 
  • Jackson Lee Miller 
  • Kara Lynn Miller*
  • Morgan Nicole Miller*
  • David Jayden Molnar 
  • Sayvion Tyrese Montalvo 
  • Elijah Addis Moore 
  • Juan Gabriel Morales 
  • Alexis Marie Morgan 
  • Tai Morgan 
  • Kendall Paige Mosteller 
  • Meghan Elizabeth Moyer 
  • Ridleigh Quinn Moyer*
  • David Joseph Muhr, III 
  • Jack Douglas Mulhare*
  • Brady Joseph Murray 
  • Liam Patrick Myers 
  • Rachel Meredith Nester 
  • Ngoc My Nguyen 
  • Katelyn Elizabeth Nichols*
  • Stephania Maria Nicoloudakis*
  • Nathan Jace Nimmerichter 
  • Alexis Paige Nonnemacher*
  • Mackenzie Marie O’Brien 
  • Richard Olayinka Olorunsaiye 
  • Aleana Nicole Onisa-Hoffmaster 
  • Jewliany A Orbe Ochoa 
  • Jacob Miguel Ortiz 
  • Reis Pacharis 
  • Victor Migdemar Pacheco, Jr. 
  • Sabrina Yaa Panford 
  • Landen Matthew Pankratz 
  • Ethan Thomas Papich*
  • Zaymar Neil Paschall-Armstrong 
  • Stefan Ivan Patriak, Jr. 
  • Engel Alberto Perez Roque*
  • Yamileth Altagracia Perez Urena 
  • Na’Liyah A Perod 
  • Gianna Marie Peroni 
  • Aliyah Kiara Perry 
  • Jacob Noah Pineiro 
  • Elena Celien Ponce 
  • Alexander Popa 
  • Justin Michael Prizer 
  • Edriel Elier Ramos Rabelo 
  • Siahet Rose Ramos Spencer 
  • Jayden Michael Raquet 
  • Devon Joey-Jonathan Ravert 
  • Haley Jean Readinger*
  • Katelyn Ann Rears*
  • Carter Timothy Redding 
  • Kayla Deborah Redner 
  • Aiden Matthew Reiking 
  • Ansel Christopher Reinbold*
  • Brennan Donald Resh 
  • Aiden Alexander Rhoades 
  • Isreal Angel Rivera 
  • Tenaija Blessing Rivera 
  • Semaj Rapp Roberts 
  • Isabella Grace Robinson 
  • Olivia Rae Robinson 
  • Emely Carolina Rodriguez 
  • Jonathan Samuel Rodriguez 
  • Odaric Rodriguez Ortega 
  • Mia Victoria Rodriguez Rodriguez 
  • Michelle May Rogers 
  • Connor Donovan Rohrbach 
  • Esteban Jose Ruiz-Velazquez 
  • Amelia Craver Sahaida*
  • Mariangeliz Salas-Torres 
  • Jazlynn Sanchez 
  • Alexia I Santos 
  • Christian Joel Santos 
  • Dmitri Andrew Scearce 
  • Kayla Isabelle Schafer*
  • Chloe Emma Scherer*
  • Jayson Tyler Schillermann 
  • Olivia Rose Schofield*
  • Shelby Lynn Schwartz 
  • Giovanni Gabriel Schwetz 
  • Mikayla Rose Scolastico 
  • Benjamin Noah Seeberger*
  • Juryl Devine Sele 
  • Leighton James Sharpe 
  • Kiara Rae Shaw 
  • Corina Anne Shevick*
  • Halleigh Marie Shingle 
  • Ethan Michael Shirey 
  • Carlos Jarel Sinclair-Alvalle 
  • Sierra Star Sivak 
  • Josiah Maxwell Slater 
  • Aryana Jaime Smith 
  • Lydia Miriam Smith*
  • Sean Michael Smith*
  • Lazarus Yehoshua Sobalvarro 
  • Ariel Soto 
  • Sophie Marie Sowers*
  • Anthony Michael Spadafora 
  • Alexa Rae Speary*
  • Samai Shanara Spencer 
  • Alivia Anne Spitz*
  • Caitlin Abigail Stavarski 
  • Kylee Marie Stehman 
  • Joel Thomas Steinmetz 
  • Xadrian M Stewart 
  • Ethan Michael Stichter 
  • Isabella Dior Stoudt 
  • Payton Alexandria Strauss 
  • Callan Thomas Stuck 
  • David Talon Stum 
  • Genuine Joseph Stutzman 
  • Kendrell Lee Suttle 
  • Kenjia L Suttle 
  • Ezra Tanner 
  • Cyneilla Marie Taveras 
  • Michael Anthony Terra 
  • Makayla Beth Thomas 
  • Rachelle Elizabeth Toaldo*
  • Henry Joel Torres, Jr. 
  • Khalid Souza Tounsi 
  • Raelin Marie Tufariello 
  • Kassandra Lillian Tyler 
  • Sheldon Elijah Walford 
  • Jack Landis Wanshop 
  • Angelise Ciara Washington 
  • Logan Todd Wegman*
  • David Allen Weilacher, Jr. 
  • Giavonna Maria Wentling 
  • Quinn Warren White 
  • Alexandra Lynn Wilinsky 
  • Ashton Charles Wilson*
  • Carter Wismer 
  • Chloe Jameson Witzel 
  • Jordan Elizabeth Wolfe*
  • Kerek Delos Wright 
  • Joyanna Arielle Yaich 
  • Kaleb Jakari Young 
  • Chase Rowand Youse 
  • Jayden Matthew Zandier 
  • Luke Emil Zawilla*

*Designates membership in Exeter Township Senior High School Claude W. Dundore Chapter of the National Honor Society

Filed Under: News, Senior High

Exeter Educational Internship Spotlight: Molly Lubenow in Kindergarten with Mrs. Weaver

May 7, 2025

a student stands in front of a mural of a tree in the front of a school

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

This year, we’re proud to celebrate the next generation of educators by highlighting our students who have been inspired to pursue educational careers thanks to incredible mentors here in Exeter. Through our internship program, these students are now gaining real-world, hands-on experience in the classroom, learning directly in the schools and from the educators who once taught them. One such student is Molly Lubenow, a senior currently interning with Mrs. Weaver in Kindergarten at Jacksonwald Elementary. Molly plans to attend Arcadia University to study Early Elementary Education. Here’s how her teachers inspired her to become one herself:

Who inspired you to want to become a teacher?
My mom and aunt are both teachers and have been my biggest inspiration. They have made such an amazing impact on so many students, and I have loved seeing them at work. They are passionate and dedicated to their jobs and will do anything for their students.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher?
Yes, I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember.

Where are you completing your internship? Who have you been working with?
I am completing my internship at Jacksonwald Elementary School in Mrs. Weaver's kindergarten classroom. She has been an amazing mentor and has taught me so much.

What's your educational internship been like? Has it helped you solidify your decision to become a teacher?
My educational internship has been great. I have learned so much about the background of teaching and all that goes into it. This has finalized my decision to be an educator in the future.

Is there anything you'd like to say to recognize your teachers as you near graduation?
I could not have asked for a better experience at Exeter, and I thank all of my teachers for their dedication.

Filed Under: News, Senior High Tagged With: intern

Exeter Educational Internship Spotlight: Kayla Schafer in 2nd Grade with Mrs. Jupina

May 6, 2025

a class of students pose in front of classroom's whiteboard

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

This year, we’re proud to celebrate the next generation of educators by highlighting our students who have been inspired to pursue educational careers thanks to incredible mentors here in Exeter. Through our internship program, these students are now gaining real-world, hands-on experience in the classroom, learning directly in the schools and from the educators who once taught them. One such student is Kayla Schafer, a senior currently interning with Mrs. Dani Jupina, a second grade teacher at Owatin Creek. Kayla plans to attend Elizabethtown College to study Early Elementary Education. Here’s how her teachers inspired her to become one herself:

Who inspired you to want to become a teacher?
My elementary school teachers at Owatin Creek inspired me to become a teacher. They created an environment where learning was fun, and I wanted to return. From first grade with Mrs. Daniels, I developed a love of learning. By second grade, with Mrs. Jupina, I got out of my seat to help my classmates. Mrs. Jupina would always joke that I helped her with a million things! I am so happy to be interning with her now to help with a million more things. Next was third grade with Mrs. Marburger, and I had solidified my role as a classroom helper. Fourth grade with Mr. Hathaway was one of my favorite years of school. Mr. Hathaway was a big inspiration to me as a teacher. He encouraged me to help around the room and gave me extra work to do so I could help out. Later, I volunteered for the Teachers in the Parks (TIPS) program under his advice. Volunteering with the TIPS program reinforced my desire to be a teacher. I am so thankful for all of my teachers who inspired me to follow the path of being a teacher.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher?
Ever since I was a kid, I loved school. My favorite thing was going to school to learn with all my friends. I was always a mini-teacher, getting out of my seat to help the teacher or other kids with their work. I knew then that I wanted to share that love for learning with other kids.

Where are you completing your internship? Who have you been working with?
I am interning at Owatin Creek Elementary with Mrs. Jupina in second grade.

What's your educational internship been like? Has it helped you solidify your decision to become a teacher?
My internship at Owatin has been so much fun! I have such an amazing class, and it’s good to get teaching experience in math, English and science. It’s a great feeling to teach and see that the kids are learning. I know now more than ever that I want to be a teacher!

Is there anything you'd like to say to recognize your teachers as you near graduation?
I would like to thank my teachers for encouraging me to be the student and person I am today. I have been very supported in my goals, and I am grateful for all that my teachers have done for me.

Filed Under: News, Senior High, Uncategorized Tagged With: intern

Exeter Educational Internship Spotlight: Rachel Donnachie in 8th Grade with Mrs. Walters

May 5, 2025

a student stands outside of an empty classroom

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

This year, we’re proud to celebrate the next generation of educators by highlighting our students who have been inspired to pursue educational careers thanks to incredible mentors here in Exeter. Through our internship program, these students are now gaining real-world, hands-on experience in the classroom, learning directly in the schools and from the educators who once taught them. One such student is Rachel Donnachie, a junior currently interning with Mrs. Stephanie Walters, a JHS English/Language Arts teacher. Rachel plans to become a speech therapist for elementary students and hopes to continue her studies at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster. Here’s how her teachers inspired her to become one herself:

Who inspired you to want to become a teacher?
Throughout my schooling years I’ve connected with so many inspiring and selfless teachers that I’m honored to know. As my mom was faced with the job of teaching me in 3rd and 4th grade, I quickly learned how hard of a task that was, and how becoming a good teacher is such an admiral job to take part in. My fifth grade teacher, Mrs Bihl, was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. Her kindness and pure heart that had unending patience is what immediately captivated me into wanting to do better and possibly become a teacher. My junior high years were filled with excellent teachers like Mrs. Walters, who is now the most perfect mentor for me to currently intern with. As I go into senior year, my high school experience has been packed with the best teachers I’ve known. Feeling constant support and opportunities I couldn’t even imagine, they all individually inspire me to try and come close to their teaching abilities: Mrs. Stewart welcomed me into high school with open arms; Mr. Keebler taught me endless lessons I’ll never forget; Mr. Wisniewski was one of the coolest people I’ve ever met; Mrs. Lake was a person I could always rely on; Mrs. Defusco was the kindest and most relatable individual I know; and so, so, so, many more of these gems are working everywhere throughout America.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher?
As a kid, I had no clue what I wanted to be. I fell in love with singing and thought I’d be a rockstar at one point. But it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with being a teacher as I got into Sunday School teaching every week. This passion has just continued to grow, and now I can’t get enough of it.

Where are you completing your internship? Who have you been working with?
I’m currently completing my internship within Exeter Township Junior High School, working with one of my favorite teachers, Mrs. Walters. This eighth grade English class is packed with events that never disappoint to excite my day. As I connect with my students and the familiar school, I’ve gotten to know how much it takes to become a teacher and how much I truly admire people like Mrs. Walters for doing it. Mrs. Walters is open, creative, supportive, kind, understanding and the best person to intern with. I cannot say enough kind words about her.

What's your educational internship been like? Has it helped you solidify your decision to become a teacher?
My internship so far has been priceless! It comes with its challenges, but it also comes with its large rewards. Getting to know these growing students is an honor that I can’t get enough of. It’s kept me on my toes, making me realize how things won’t always go as planned, but it’s also let me see a whole new world and allowed me to find a new appreciation for teachers. I think I’ve learned that an educational field is fitting for a person like me–interacting with students and building connections is exactly something I want to pursue.

Is there anything you'd like to say to recognize your teachers as you near graduation?
I have so much love for every single one of my teachers I’ve had during high school. They’ve helped me through hard times while also preparing me for beyond. I could ramble on forever about each one of my teachers and how they got me to where I am now, but that’s just the magic of teaching. Their selflessness and their work has continued to inspire a whole new generation.

Filed Under: News, Senior High Tagged With: intern

22 Eagles Commit to Play Athletics at the Collegiate Level

April 29, 2025

22 student athletes stand in front of a backdrop

They're soon to be Golden Rams, Huskies, Cougars and more, but today, we celebrated these 22 seniors as Eagles as they signed their commitments to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level.

Here's where these talented athletes will be playing next year:

  1. Samantha Baer - Volleyball, York College

  2. Hayley Brown (Wyomissing) - Swimming, Misericordia University

  3. Taylor Brownback - Girls Soccer, Pennsylvania College of Technology

  4. Evan Carl (Oley) - Swimming, West Chester University

  5. Amelia Fanning (Wyomissing) - Swimming, Montclair State University

  6. Tyler Flanders - Football, Bloomsburg University

  7. Casey Gerhart - Football, Misericordia University

  8. Gabriana Holmes - Girls Lacrosse, Newberry College

  9. Charles Jacoby - Water Polo, Wheaton College

  10. Molly Lubenow - Girls Wrestling, Arcadia University

  11. Addison Matthews - Cross Country & Track, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

  12. Gavin Miller - Baseball, Shepherd University

  13. Alexis Nonnemacher - Swimming, West Chester University

  14. Mackenzie O’Brien - Softball, West Virginia Wesleyan

  15. Justin Prizer - Football, Wilkes University

  16. Carter Redding - Football, East Stroudsburg University

  17. Aiden Rhoades - Baseball, Northampton Community College

  18. Lydia Smith - Field Hockey and Track & Field, Meredith College

  19. Callan Stuck, Soccer, Penn State Berks

  20. Genuine Stutzman - Football, Bloomsburg University

  21. Logan Wegman - Football, United States Naval Academy

  22. Jayden Zandier - Football, West Chester University

Congratulations to all!

Filed Under: News, Senior High

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Exeter Township School District

district map

Address & Contact Info

  • 200 Elm Street
    Reading, PA 19606

  • District Phone:
    610-779-0700

  • Fax:
    610-779-7104

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Our Schools

Exeter Township Senior High

Exeter Township Junior High

Reiffton School

Jacksonwald Elementary

Lorane Elementary

Owatin Creek Elementary