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Outstanding Students of Berks and Beyond

WEEU is highlighting recent high school graduates to showcase the exceptional accomplishments of our local youth. Our “Outstanding Students of Berks and Beyond” program aims to recognize students from Berks and nearby counties for their outstanding achievements in academics, sports, arts and community service.

As one of the few remaining local media platforms, WEEU sees it as our duty to uplift and spotlight our community. We have partnered with local high school leaders who nominated two students who have given back to their community and have excelled inside and outside the classroom. We hope that you join us in congratulating these outstanding students.

We extend our gratitude to all the participating schools and to the students for their valuable contributions to the local community.

“Outstanding Students of Berks & Beyond” is sponsored in part by Glick’s Greenhouse.

Our Outstanding Students
of Berks & Beyond 2025

Berks Catholic High School

Isabella Logozzo

Isabella Logozzo is a senior at Berks Catholic High School. She has attended BC since freshman year and has been involved in various clubs. She is a member of National Honor Society, Saint Ambassadors, Year Book Club, DECA and the girls tennis team.

She has been playing tennis for about 5 years. Isabella went undefeated during her freshman year, won a District 3 title in doubles during her junior year and was named team captain and led the Saints to Berks and District 3 team titles as a senior.

Isabella has been on the DECA executive council for three years and was named the president of the club as a senior. She competed in the business competitions at the district and state level and is a four-time state qualifier and three-time state champion in the job interview category. Isabella has hosted various study sessions and DECA alumni events to help prepare members for the competition. She also started the “DECA Career Launch” event in which students have the opportunity to meet with community business owners, CEOs, financial managers and professionals and learn more about different career paths.

Berks Catholic’s involvement in Isabella’s life does not end at 2:30 pm everyday but carries into her everyday life. Through BC and her involvement in several extracurricular activities, she has been able to give back to the community that has supported her for many years. The relationships that Isabella has been able to build with friends and teachers at BC has been incredible. According to Isabella, Berks Catholic is an environment where you can grow in many ways and challenge yourself academically while having immense support from everyone around you.

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Noah Newswanger

Noah Newswanger has established a remarkable legacy during his time at Berks Catholic. As a dedicated member of the student government, Noah has held numerous leadership roles, including freshman class representative, Sophomore and Junior Class President, and currently, the Student Body President. His leadership has been instrumental in managing a religious 401k, creating lasting traditions and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.

In the realm of business, Noah has been an active participant in the DECA Business Club, where he showcased his skills in business competitions and role plays. His impressive performance saw him placing in the district competition at Millersville University and competing at the state level in Hershey, PA, specifically in the Travel and Tourism Division. Noah is determined to excel and aims to qualify for nationals this year.

Noah’s commitment to service and community building is demonstrated through his involvement with the Saint Ambassadors Club. This club organizes bonding activities for grades from feeder schools, helping future students acclimate to the Berks Catholic environment.

As a co-founder of the Berks Catholic Pickleball Club, Noah has helped establish one of the school’s largest clubs, offering play days and professional lessons to its members.

His academic dedication is reflected in his membership in the National Honors Society, where he tutors younger students and completes at least 25 service hours annually.

Noah’s athletic prowess is evident in his leadership roles in sports. He served as a captain on the Berks Catholic boys soccer team during his junior and senior years, earning accolades such as most valuable defender and BCIAA all-division honorable mention. Similarly, he captained the boys volleyball team, leading the Saints to consecutive playoff appearances. His soccer career extends with the FC Revolution Soccer Club. He is the team captain, contributing to the team’s rise in rankings. Noah is now transitioning to the Reading Rage Surf ECNL club to continue his soccer journey. Additionally, he has been a consistent player in CYO basketball, reaching the Diocese Championship twice.

Outside of school, Noah gained valuable work experience at the Wiltshire Pool Snack Shack over the past two summers. He developed customer service skills, managed food preparation and forged connections with the local community.

Noah Newswanger’s diverse experiences and dedication to leadership, service and athletics make him a standout individual poised for continued success in all his future endeavors.

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Brandywine Heights
Area School District

Greta Kline

Greta Kline has thrived as both a musician and athlete throughout her high school years. She has held leadership positions in several choirs, including concert choir, chamber singers and treble choir, while also participating in select ensembles such as vocal jazz and the PMEA District Chorus. In volleyball, Greta has distinguished herself as a team captain, earning MVP and All-Star accolades, and has shared her skills with others through coaching younger players.

Greta is thankful for the multifaceted experiences she has had in music, academics and athletics, and for the support she has received from those around her at Brandywine Heights.

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Hayley Reeser

Hayley Reeser, a dedicated and ambitious senior at Brandywine Heights High School, is gearing up for an exciting academic journey. She plans to enroll at DeSales University this upcoming fall and has elected to pursue their comprehensive Communications Sciences and Disorders 3+2 Program, which offers a unique blend of undergraduate and graduate studies in the field, preparing students for careers as speech-language pathologists or audiologists.

Throughout her high school years, Hayley has been actively engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities. She has played a significant role in the student council, contributing to school governance and leadership initiatives.

As a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), she has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to community service.

Her passion for music is evident through her participation in both the school band and choir, where she has honed her skills and contributed to the school’s vibrant arts community.

In her leisure time, Hayley finds joy and relaxation in playing the flute, an instrument she has mastered through years of practice. She also indulges in painting, expressing her creativity and artistic flair through vibrant colors and imaginative designs.

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Governor Mifflin School District

McKenzie Facey

McKenzie Facey is a senior at Governor Mifflin. During her time in high school, she kept herself busy as part of the many music ensembles offered at school. She is a member of the marching band, concert band, concert choir, select choir, indoor percussion and theater department.

After high school, she plans to attend Penn State University to study mechanical engineering with the hope of pursuing a career in mechatronics engineering.

McKenzie is thankful for all the people who have helped her get through high school, and she is excited to start this new chapter of her life.

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Alice Sprow

Alice Sprow is a senior at Governor Mifflin High School. After graduation, she plans to attend Seton Hall University and study journalism.

Having attended Mifflin throughout her entire academic career, Alice has been actively involved in art classes. Although she has always enjoyed art, it was during her senior year when she began to truly love it thanks to the freedom to create whatever she desired. This allowed her to expand her creativity and explore different mediums.

Alice is also passionate about English, as she enjoys writing and intends to continue pursuing this interest in college. She aspires to become an investigative journalist, focusing on topics she finds important or interesting, including current events and art.

Family is very important to Alice and she deeply values her family’s unconditional support and constant presence in her life. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, traveling and engaging in nail art.

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Kutztown Area School District

Tucker Hilliard

Tucker Hilliard is a dedicated and multifaceted individual with a strong involvement in both academic and extracurricular activities.

He has been active in chorus, select choir, band, jazz band and the school musical. He participated in athletics as a member of the Kutztown boys soccer, wrestling and track and field teams. Additionally, he has honed his debating skills as part of the debate team.

Academically, Tucker has demonstrated his prowess by securing third place in the Berks County Mathematics Competition, showcasing his analytical skills and dedication to excellence.

Tucker is also committed to giving back to the community. His volunteering efforts include participating in Music in the Parks, Wreaths Across America and Kutztown Area School District events.

His work experience includes assisting at the Kutztown Folk Festival in the quilt barn. He is currently a seasonal maintenance employee at his high school during the summer. His responsibilities include tasks such as painting, pressure washing, mowing, weed whacking and moving furniture and materials between schools.

With a clear career goal of becoming a lawyer specializing in criminal justice, Tucker plans to pursue a forensic science degree at Penn State University. Following this, he aims to attend law school to secure a law degree, aspiring to join a prestigious law firm and working his way up to becoming a partner.

After high school, Tucker is set to embark on his journey at Penn State, immersing himself in their forensic science program.

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David Neuenschwander

David has always been an enthusiastic and dedicated individual, deeply involved in both academic and extracurricular activities. Throughout his high school years, he balanced a diverse range of interests, from music to sports.

David was an active member of the band, choir and select choir, showcasing his musical talents and passion. His commitment to music extended beyond school as he became a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, which recognizes students for their musical abilities and academic excellence.

In addition to his musical pursuits, David was also an athlete, participating in both soccer and tennis. He demonstrated teamwork, discipline and perseverance on the field and court, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to his personal growth and leadership skills.

David has excelled academically, earning second place in the prestigious Berks Interscholastic Math Competition. His love for mathematics reflects his analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities.

David’s dedication to service is evident through his volunteer work. He has contributed his time to various causes, including Music in the Parks, LVHN and Wreaths Across America, among other music-related volunteer opportunities. These experiences have allowed him to give back to the community and develop a strong sense of empathy and compassion.

During the summers, David gained valuable work experience at the Kutztown Folk Festival, where he spent two summers assisting in the quilt barn. His role involved opening and selling quilts, providing him with insights into customer service and teamwork. Additionally, David worked for a summer at Kutztown Area School District as a maintenance assistant, where he helped prepare school grounds and buildings for the upcoming academic year.

Looking ahead, David is set to embark on a new chapter of his life at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he pursue a major in chemistry. His ambition is to leverage his education and become a general practitioner, with the ultimate goal of serving and supporting local families and communities. David’s journey is a testament to his hardworking nature and his commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

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Muhlenberg School District

David Markwood

David Markwood is a dynamic and multifaceted individual who approaches challenges with a blend of precision and creativity. As a student, he has a knack for discovering innovative solutions where others might see obstacles. Whether it’s revitalizing the school mascot with a mix of strategy and humor or crafting a board game that reflects the intricacies of his family life, David is driven by a passion for building, connecting and adapting. His home experiences have instilled in him resilience, empathy and the importance of thoughtful leadership. David is intentional in all his endeavors, striving to balance logic with imagination in pursuit of meaningful change.

In his role as Chief Science Officer and team captain for two years, David led the Muhlenberg CSO chapter by organizing outreach initiatives and promoting a culture of innovation in science and technology. His involvement in the school musical over three years saw him progress from ensemble roles to lead roles and assistant director, where he honed his collaboration, leadership and public speaking skills. As a member of the concert choir and camerata for seven years, David was part of an elite vocal ensemble, achieving first chair at county chorus and participating in district chorus, which developed his discipline and teamwork.

David’s commitment to science is evident through his participation in the science fair for six years, where he conducted award-winning independent research projects across engineering, data science and urban sustainability. His work was showcased at local, regional and national levels, including JSHS and PJAS. As Co-President of the National Honor Society for two years, he promoted academic excellence and service, organizing service projects and representing the student body.

In his role as school mascot and manager for three years, David brought school spirit to life at games and events, managing logistics and fostering community pride.

His STEM experience includes an engineering internship at Hydraterra Professionals, where he performed buoyancy calculations, analyzed pump station data and participated in site inspections. His independent research on an Adaptive Streetlight System achieved significant energy savings, and his Urban Walkability Project involved leading a quantitative city analysis using Principal Component Analysis.

David’s leadership skills extend to his work at Schell’s, where he has been promoted to closing lead, managing night operations and ensuring food safety standards.

His academic excellence is recognized through numerous awards, including Outstanding Overall Student, Excellence in English and Technology and multiple accolades in engineering and science competitions. His achievements reflect a commitment to excellence and a drive to contribute meaningfully to his community and beyond.

Quinn Wagner

Quinn has made a tremendous impact both within the school and in the broader community. At Shady Hollow Assisted Riding Program, she has devoted over 1,000 volunteer hours since 2019, serving in several capacities, including junior riding instructor, lesson supervisor, and most recently, co-starter of a teen-led mental health program in 2024. Her passion for helping others extends far beyond her involvement in this program—Quinn has been an equestrian for 16 years, working with horses that require training and rehabilitation, and is a regional qualifier for the International Equestrian Association.

Academically, Quinn’s achievements are just as remarkable. With a class rank of 1 out of 419 and an impressive 4.94 GPA (weighted), she has consistently demonstrated her intellectual curiosity and ability to excel in a rigorous course load, including a total of 15 Advanced Placement (AP) classes over her high school career. Quinn’s academic excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including the 11th Grade Mathematics and Social Studies Awards, the US Metric Association Award, and her standing as a Gold Standard student in 2024. She is also a finalist and award-winner at various prestigious competitions, such as the National Invention Convention, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, and the Reading Berks Science and Engineering Fair.

Quinn’s drive to innovate is evident in her independent study projects. In 11th grade, she focused on turning green algae into biofuel, and this year she is working on creating a biodegradable battery.

Beyond her academic and extracurricular commitments, Quinn has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. As a mentor, a volunteer, and a member of the Leo Club and National Honor Society, she continuously seeks opportunities to uplift her peers. Her leadership in organizing a mental health event with the Youth Mental Health Ambassador, alongside her role as treasurer of the Aevidum Mental Health Awareness Club, reflects her dedication to fostering a supportive environment for others.

One of the most impressive qualities about Quinn is her humility. Despite her numerous accomplishments, she remains grounded, always seeking to learn more and help others. Her fluency in non-contracted braille and her small business, which donated profits to nonprofit organizations during grades 6-11, further showcase her selflessness and desire to serve.

In every way, Quinn exemplifies excellence, compassion, and leadership. Quinn will be heading to Stanford this fall on a full ride scholarship.

Reading High School

Iverson Brayan Velasquez Santos

Iverson Brayan Velasquez Santos, a distinguished senior at Reading Senior High School, exemplifies academic excellence, leadership and a deep-rooted sense of purpose. Ranked 10th out of 986 students with a 4.183 GPA, Iverson is a standout student whose drive and character have earned him recognition as one of WEEU Radio’s Outstanding Students of Berks and Beyond.

Iverson’s academic portfolio reflects both rigor and career focus. He has challenged himself with an array of Advanced Placement courses, including AP U.S. History, AP Calculus AB, AP Government & Politics, AP Biology, AP World History and AP Language Arts. His commitment to lifelong learning extended into college coursework through dual enrollment at Reading Area Community College, where he successfully completed business finance and English composition courses.

Driven by a passion for business and innovation, Iverson has also pursued a series of focused electives that prepare him for real-world success. These include Accounting I, Entrepreneurship, Virtual Enterprise, Business Law/Employment Law, Business Law/Contracts, Marketing & Sales and Webpage Design — a diverse and comprehensive foundation that supports his future major in business at Villanova University, where he will enroll in fall 2025.

Iverson has gained firsthand experience in public service through his internship with the City of Reading’s Public Works Department, where he developed a greater understanding of city operations and the importance of civic responsibility.

Outside the classroom, Iverson shines just as brightly—especially in his role as a mentor and academic supporter to his 7-year-old brother, balancing school excellence with family responsibility.

Iverson is more than an exceptional student—he is a symbol of hope, dedication and excellence for the Reading community. His story is one of rising above expectations, seizing every opportunity and setting an example for those around him.

As he prepares to take the next step at Villanova University, Iverson does so with the heart of a leader and the vision of a change-maker. His journey is only beginning, but he is already inspiring others to dream bigger, work harder and believe in what’s possible.

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Osiris Lisbeth Galo Avila

Osiris Lisbeth Galo Avila, a standout senior at Reading Senior High School, embodies the ideal blend of intellect, creativity, leadership and heart. A scholar with a vision and a servant’s heart, Osiris began discovering her academic identity in 10th grade when she enrolled in the Web Animation & Digital Literacy course. There, she began mastering industry-level tools such as Autodesk Maya, MotionBuilder, DaVinci Resolve and Python — applying creative coding through extensions like Turtle, Pygame and Panda3D.

By her junior year, her passion for technology had transformed into a personal mission. She immersed herself in Java programming and advanced Python, while simultaneously enrolling in Reading Area Community College’s dual enrollment program to study C++ in an introductory college course. Her senior year reflects a remarkable level of academic rigor: AP Computer Science A, AP U.S. History, AP Calculus AB, and college-level courses including Office 365 (Advanced Excel), JavaScript Frameworks and Data-Oriented Design for Game Development.

Osiris plans to continue her academic journey at Reading Area Community College, where she will pursue the Data Science and Computer Programming pathways while earning multiple industry certifications that position her for a future in tech innovation.

Her academic journey is matched only by her professional accomplishments. Osiris is one of three finalists for the 2025 Berks Best – Computer Science Award and has gained real-world experience working with enterprise-level HP servers—from installation to system upgrades and repair. She has twice represented Reading at the PA Media & Design Competition in the Animation Division, and she’s been a featured participant at the STEM Symposium for Girls in Berks County. Her exposure to the field has sparked interest in a range of careers—from software engineering, DevOps and machine learning to becoming a quantitative analyst in emerging tech sectors.

Osiris is more than a tech prodigy — she is a leader, an athlete and a compassionate mentor. Through her involvement in Link Crew, she helps guide incoming freshmen, welcoming them to the high school experience with care and insight. As a varsity softball player, she has learned to manage time, pressure and commitment with grace — lessons that have shaped her academic discipline and resilience. Through her leadership in clubs like Girls That Code, Computer Science Club, Key Club, student council, and JROTC, she demonstrates how technology and service can go hand-in-hand. In Marksmanship, she serves as a peer coach, teaching new students safety, focus and precision.

Her commitment to her community is just as inspiring. Osiris has helped organize and wrap holiday gifts for families in need, participated in city clean-up efforts, launched a holiday lights show to bring joy to Reading families, volunteered at middle school field day events and even led tours for new freshmen at the high school — creating memorable first impressions for the next generation of students.

Despite the demands on her time, Osiris continues to thrive. She is ranked in the top 7% of her class, placing 76th out of 986 students. At the conclusion of the fall semester, she tied for first in her class—a reflection of not only her intelligence, but her commitment to excellence.

Osiris is a young woman with vision, purpose and drive. She is determined to use technology not just to build things — but to solve real-world problems, uplift communities and create opportunities for others. With every project, every class, every act of service, Osiris is designing a future that is bold, compassionate and full of promise.

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Wilson School District

Paige Hinkle

Paige Hinkle is a graduating senior at Wilson High School. Paige has participated in a number of Wilson extracurricular activities. She was the co-founder of the Speech and Debate Club, co-president of the Mental Health Council, president of the service-oriented LEO Club and co-president of the Peer Tutoring Club.

Outside of school, Paige participates in independent research. As a sophomore, she was the Reading Berks Science and Engineering Fair (RBSEF) grand champion and went on to win first place in the Earth and Environmental Science category at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for her research into the dangers of radioactive radon gas in Berks County. She then worked with Pennsylvania Senators to promote radon safety and support legislation to ensure children in schools are safe from radon. As a junior, Paige conducted research into risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease. This project was awarded the RBSEF Champion and she went on to receive an Innovative Research award at ISEF. Paige presented the results of her Alzheimer’s research in 2024 at the Society for Neuroscience International Conference. Paige is currently interning in the Neurology department of Tower Health and will be attending Duke University in the fall and will study neurobiology.

In addition to academics and extracurriculars, Paige has been studying dance for many years and is a nationally ranked Open Championship Irish Dancer.

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Wyomissing High School

Noah Gibney

Noah Gibney is a musician and student whose years at Wyomissing Area Junior Senior High School have been marked by exceptional achievements both on and off the stage. As a pianist, vocalist and songwriter, Noah has collaborated with renowned artists such as G. Love, Ray Holloman (guitarist for Eminem and Ne-Yo) and Oteil Burbridge (bassist for Dead & Company), while also performing at major Berks County venues like Santander Arena and The Miller Center. He has also performed in cities throughout the country including Los Angeles, New York City and Austin. His commitment to music extends beyond performance — he has taken on marketing and media roles for the Reading Musical Foundation, helped build an accessible digital music program with the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, and led his own band, the Noah Gibney Trio, in festivals and community concerts.

At the same time, Noah excelled as a student-athlete, balancing a rigorous academic schedule with a competitive tennis career, winning Berks County and District 3 championships this year. He is now preparing for his next chapter at Berklee College of Music in Boston, having earned a prestigious full-tuition scholarship. He chose Berklee for its world-class faculty, innovative curriculum and deep commitment to contemporary music. At Berklee, Noah plans to continue developing his craft with the goal of becoming a professional touring musician.

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Ariyan Patel

Still in high school yet already forging a bold path at the intersection of entrepreneurship and public service, Ariyan Patel has proven that age is no obstacle to meaningful impact. As the first high school intern at both the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (129th District), Ariyan has contributed to legislative initiatives affecting millions of Americans — coordinating with agency leaders, White House advisors, Congressional stakeholders and youth across the country to shape equitable policy.

Simultaneously, Ariyan co-founded and leads Pathlight Project, LLC, a health-tech startup developing a patent-pending navigation headset for the visually impaired. With $15,500 in seed funding secured, endorsements from top incubators such as Winston Starts and Penn Center for Innovation Ventures, and robust beta testing by blind users, Pathlight Project exemplifies his commitment to bridging innovation with social impact. Equally dedicated to grassroots leadership, he helps oversee $20,000 in grant funding through VoiceUp Berks to combat homelessness, substance abuse and food insecurity — initiatives engaging 2,400 youth across the county. Meanwhile, as part of the executive committee for the Youth Volunteer Corps, he has helped mobilize 20,000+ volunteers across North America and Africa, uniting diverse communities around the world through high-impact service-leadership projects.

In recognition of his dedication, Ariyan received the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award for completing 600+ hours of service in a single year. Furthermore, his innovative spirit has been recognized internationally as both a Yale Young Global Scholar and one of the Top 25 Emerging Innovators out of 34 nominating countries. Whether he’s pioneering accessible technology, shaping legislative policy or orchestrating large-scale service initiatives, Ariyan remains steadfast in his commitment to creating bold, solutions-focused opportunities that uplift communities around the globe.

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