Two Reading educators honored for their dedication to students

David Mekeel, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·2 min read

Sep. 22—A pair of Reading educators have been honored for their tireless dedication to students.

The Berks County Association of Retirees presented its Lauretta Woodson Awards during a meeting Thurday at the Berks Career and Technology Center West Campus in Bern Township. The annual award honors one educator and one support professional for doing outstanding jobs within their school districts.

This year, the awards were presented to two Reading School District employees: Wanda Gonzalez-Crespo, assistant superintendent for school improvement, and Dorothy Berry, a one-on-one wraparound aide.

Wanda Gonzalez-Crespo

Gonzalez-Crespo is a Reading High graduate who initially returned to the district to teach English as a second language.

She said she has high expectations for excellence and equity in education and sees promise in every child. According to the association, Gonzalez-Crespo's positive leadership style inspires others, and she has been instrumental in developing new strategies and teams to meet new demands.

Dorothy Berry

Berry is the former director of the Child Care Center at Reading High. She currently serves as an aide assigned to a student on the autism spectrum.

She has been assigned to the student while he attended Lauer's Park Elementary School and, currently, Central Middle School.

According to the association, her care and concern have allowed the student to progress in education, and she always does an outstanding job with her work, showing kindness and compassion.

Volunteer of the Year Award

The BCASR also presented its volunteer of the year award. This year's award went to Luanne Curry Reese, a retired elementary school teacher from the Muhlenberg School District.

The bulk of Reese's volunteer work is through Evangelical Lutheran Friedens Church in Bernville, where she serves as president of the church council.

The council provides free community lunches, a meal for the local fire company and Angel Tree holiday gift program for students in the Tulpehocken School District.

Reese serves as secretary of the Bethel-Tulpehocken Council of Churches, which provides a monthly food pantry. Reese also volunteers with the Andulhea Heritage Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution.