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Resident Remains Ultimate Supporter of Reading High Boys’ Basketball Team

by Manor at Market Square

Nov 12, 2018
Joyce Kercher with Reading High Team Members

READING, Pa.–Standing amongst the crowd of eager fans outside of the Geigle Complex at Reading High during the early morning hours of March 26, 2017, Joyce Kercher was patiently awaiting the return of her beloved Red Knights.

The boys’ basketball team had finally secured the school’s first state basketball championship over Pine-Richland High School.

“It was very exciting to be there, to see them come off the bus, and hear the roar of the crowd,” smiled Kercher. “Welcoming the boys after their victory was definitely a neat experience for sure.”

Moreover, she still enjoys re-watching exerts from the momentous occasion on Reading KTB’s Facebook page.

Kercher graduated from Reading High in 1951. She’s a proud alumna of the school district and has been cheering for her home team since the 10th grade.

“There are rumors that I’ve been to every game,” she said laughing. “That’s not true, but I have been to a lot of games over the past 70 years.”

For about eight years, Kercher has been a part of the Reading High School Basketball Squires’ Club, which helps fundraise for the boys’ basketball team, and encourages support for them. The club also provides a meal for the team before every game, both home and away.

Her love for the team had taken her as far as Washington, D.C. when she went to see Lonnie Walker IV, while he was still playing for Miami University.

Kercher is proud to cheer on the past and present group of young men who have graced the basketball court at Reading High. She still keeps in contact with some of the former players, including Isiah Cook, who is currently playing for Penn State Brandywine.

She is excited for the upcoming Reading High School Alumni event on Monday, Nov. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Manor at Market Square. As a current resident of the senior living community, her boys will be featured on her turf, along with Reading High School cheerleaders.

Manor at Market Square is hosting Reading High classes from 1940 to 1970. The event will feature a good ol’ fashioned school-themed lunch and pep rally. Seating is limited. If you are an alumnus interested in attending, please RSVP by calling 610-373-0800.

Manor at Market Square is a unique retirement community offering Independent Living, Personal Care and Respite Care on an affordable month-to-month lease with no buy-in fees. Resident services include nursing care, meals, housekeeping, social events and transportation. For more information, please call 610-373-0800, or visit www.manoratmarketsquare.com.

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