
Distinguished Alumni Award
Since 2014, Wyomissing Area Education Foundation (WAEF) has recognized an alumnus or alumna of the Wyomissing Area School District who has made great achievements and has loyally served the community. The district includes West Reading High School and Wyomissing High School, currently named Wyomissing Area High School.
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients:
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2021-2022 - Rachel Kuhn
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2020-2021 - Sharon Luyben
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2019-2020 - Helene Zintak
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2018-2019 – David M. Kozloff
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2017-2018 – Barbara Homsher
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2016-2017 – John Rothenberger
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2015-2016 – Carolyn Holleran
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2014-2015 – Edward Kuhn

Rachel Kuhn,
Class of 1990
2022 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner
Rachel Kuhn is a 1990 graduate of Wyomissing and was fortunate to have started at Wyo as a kindergartener. After graduating from high school, she attended Villanova University, graduating cum laude. She then pursued her Master's in Communications from Penn State University, completing that in 1996. After working in advertising for a few years, Rachel attended Alvernia University in the evenings to earn her secondary teaching certificate. She was a student teacher for Mary Pearsall at Wyomissing and became a junior high English teacher at Wyomissing in 2001. After Rachel and Mike's first child was born in 2002, Rachel stayed home with their three children (Mikey, Molly, Brady) who all attended the three district schools. Rachel has been married to Mike Kuhn (a Holy Name grad - but two siblings went to Wyo!) for 23 years, and they own Kuhn Funeral Home in West Reading, along with Mike's parents. Rachel currently works part-time in administration in the family business. Rachel feels fortunate to be able to serve the community in so many different ways, but she especially enjoys giving back to Wyo and interacting with the students and staff in this exceptional district.
Rachel's experience includes:
Wyomissing 7/8th grade English teacher/Wilson 11th grade English teacher
Co-Founder of VOiCEup Berks/Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading
Youth Advisory Board Director for Youth Volunteer Corps
Advisor Wyomissing Area Ski Club
Former president of the Junior League of Reading
Current board chair for Olivet Boys and Girls Club Board (2nd female to chair the board)
Former board member IM ABLE Foundation (received Motivator of the Year 2022)
Staff Appreciation Committee (7 years)
Dancing with the Reading Stars 2014
Wine, Woman and Shoes Committee (2 years)
Chaired 5th grade sleepover 3 years
Homeroom Parent (countless years!)
Team parent Boys and Girls Soccer (several years)
Senior Class Gala Committee
Toast Committee
WAEF Board Member
School Board Member
WAEF was proud to honor Rachel at a small reception in May of 2022, surrounded by her family and close friends and colleagues.
Selection Criteria
Qualified award candidates will meet the following criteria:
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A graduate of the Wyomissing Area School District (or West Reading High School, prior to the merger of the West Reading and Wyomissing school systems)
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A person generally recognized as someone with strong moral and ethical character.
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Someone who has demonstrated one or more of the following:
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Outstanding professional success
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A record of involvement and support of activities within the WASD schools
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A commitment to education, students and/or youth
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A history of generously donating his/her time, talents or treasures to social programs, not-for-profit organizations and/or community activities.
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A history of involvement with not-for-profit organizations.

2017-18 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

John Rothenberger, 2016-17 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient with his family

2014-15 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and 2015-16 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

2017-18 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient