Annual RLK Scholarships
*** Scholarship applications are due May 31st, 2024 . Applications will be reviewed and the winners will be notified shortly thereafter. ***
The Scholarship Committee would like to thank everyone that supports their activities throughout the year to raise funds for the scholarship, and they are grateful for any donations supporting the Reading Liederkranz Scholarship.
Two $1000 scholarships are available for children and grandchildren of members. The scholarships are available for college or trade school.
E-mail risgasschn@aol.com for more information, including how to donate to the Scholarship Fund.
(Please consult your tax advisor for any tax benefit you may gain from your gift.
Scholarship Requirements & Application
2022 Winners
2021 Winners
Sam Ruemmler is a graduate of Fleetwood Area High School. He is the grandson of Elaine Riegel. While in high school, he was a member of the Fleetwood German Club, Marching Band, Jazz Band and Concert Band. He also participated in Science Olympiad and Academic Challenge. He also volunteered at the Fleetwood Food Pantry and was active in St. Paul’s UCC Church Youth Group. He will be attending Roger Williams University to major in Marine Biology and Aquaculture and Aquarium Science.
Tyler Shollenberger is a graduate of Keene High School in Keene, New Hampshire. He is the grandson of Barry and Cherylene Shollenberger. While in high school, he participated in Cheshire United Soccer Club, Keene High Soccer and Alpine Racing Team. He was a member of National Honor Society, Keen Interact Club, National Arts Honor Society, Math Team, Science Club, Envirothon, and Spanish Club. He is employed by Amicci’s Pizza. He will be attending the University of Connecticut to major in Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science.
2020 WINNERS
Sarah Gechter is the daughter of club member Sharon Gechter. She is a graduate of Wyomissing Area High School. Her extensive list of activities includes All American United Nations International Travel Team, Girl Scout Ambassador, Wyomissing Drama Club, Varsity Volleyball, National Honor Society, Chorale, Pennsylvania Governor's School of Global and International Studies. She is a volunteer with Opportunity House, Safe Berks, Salvation Army, Wood to Wonderful, Encore, Appalachian Service Project. She is is also an employee at Dosie Dough. She will be attending George Washington University to major in International Relations.
Ty Reinert is the son of club members Marianne and Doug Reinert. Ty is involved as a youth group leader, Sunday school choir leader and various church mission projects. He is a member of Daniel Boone concert choir, Tri-M Music Honor Society, various theater plays and musicals, and National Honor society. He has served as both president and secretary of FBLA. He is a member of the robotics club and went to 2 state competitions. He also attended the National Agri-Science Summit. He has been a 4-H camp counselor, and a youth representative to the Berks Co 4-H development committee. He will be attending York College of Pennsylvania and majoring in either business or education.
2019 WINNERS
Rosalie Borst is a senior at Berks Catholic High School. She is the granddaughter of club member William Borst. Her many activities include Delta Epsilon Pi National Honor Society, Yearbook, Committee, and Club Volleyball. She plans to pursue a degree in Criminology Forensics at Wilkes University.
Molly Riegel is a senior at Governor Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick, MD. She is the granddaughter of club member Elaine Riegel. Her many activities include NJROTC, Orienteering Team Captain, Venture Crew and Operations Department Head. She plans to study Nursing at Salisbury University.
2018 WINNERS
Shelby Boyle is the granddaughter of club member Joanne Hotzman. She graduated from Reading High School. Her many activities included National Honor Society, Concert Band, Pep Band, and RACC Upward Bound. She was also a member of the varsity soccer team, varsity indoor track and varsity outdoor track. She will attend Ursinus College to major in business.
Cole Reinert is the son of club members Doug and Marianne Reinert and the grandson of club member Anne McLain. He participated in Oktoberfest, Chriskindlmarkt and Fasching. His school activities included Future Business Leaders of America, Key Club, Ecology Club, Relay for Life, Prom Committee, Blood Drive and National Honor Society. He was also a member of the varsity tennis team. His community activities included 4-H camp counselor, 4-H Teen Leader, and St. Paul's UCC Youth Group. He will attend Penn State to major in biomedical engineering.
2014 Winners
Riley Hotzman was graduated from Brandywine Heights High School in 2014. She is the daughter of Steven and Korinne Hotzman and granddaughter of Frederick and the late Helma Hotzman. Her grandparents are long-standing members of the club. In the fall of 2014, Riley will be attending Bloomsburg University to major in Middle Level Education Language Arts with a concentration in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and a minor in American Sign Language (ASL) with future plans of obtaining a Master’s in Deaf Education. She has studied the German language for four years. Her high school extracurricular activities included co-president of Telecommunications, National Honor Society, president of German Honor Society, and co-president of German club. Riley participated in the International Culture Day language competition at Lebanon Valley College and the Reading Liederkranz’s Evening of German for several years. In her spare time, Riley also volunteered for events with the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department and attended several ASL classes at Berks Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.
Breanna Manzolillo was graduated from Schuylkill Valley High School in 2014. She is the daughter of Anthony and Susan Manzolillo, and granddaughter of Calvin and Fran Wagner who are members of the club. In the fall of 2014, Breanna will be attending Robert Morris University to study nursing. She studied German in high school. Her activities in high school included track and field, tennis, NHS, PYEA, cross country manager, and she volunteered at Berks Heim.
2013 Winners
Kristen Diener was graduated from Wyomissing Area High School in 2013. She is the daughter of Henry Diener Jr. Her grandparents, Henry Sr. and Marilyn Diener, are members of the club. In the fall of 2013, Kristen will be attending Reading Area Community College to major in Culinary Arts. Her activities included volunteering at the Kutztown Folk Festival, the Reading Liederkranz Christkindlmarkt and at the Greater Berks Food Bank. She participated in Walk MS: Gring's Mill, and is an active church member and participates in the youth group.
Joshua Meck was graduated from Methacton High School in 2013. He is the son of Erik and Diane Meck, and grandson of George Babilon. His father and grandfather are members of the club. In the fall of 2013, Joshua will be attending Bloomsburg University to major in Elementary/Special Education. He has studied the German language for five years. His high school extracurricular activities included football, ultimate Frisbee, band, jazz band, chorus, chorale, jazz choir, the Tri-M music honor society, German club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Key Club, and the ski and snowboard club. Joshua is also an Eagle Scout and a proud schuhplattler in the Auerhahn Schuhplattler Verein, Oley, Pennsylvania. He also shared that he plays the guitar, ukulele and drums.
