Reading High School's Impactful Giving Journey

February 12, 2024 | Written by Branden Waggoner

At Magnified Giving, we believe in the transformative power of youth philanthropy, where young minds have the agency to effect real change in causes close to their hearts. Our recent virtual giving ceremony with Reading High School stands as a testament to this, where students seized the opportunity to grant funds to nonprofits that resonate with their experiences and aspirations. At Reading, the Magnified Giving process is integrated into their English curriculum, led and taught by Mr. Scott Thamann, and provides an opportunity to fortify academic projects and skill-building with real-world experiences and philanthropy education.

Students from Reading High School and their teacher, Mr. Scott Thamann, are joined virtually by Magnified Giving staff to present grant funding to Lebanon Food Pantry and Voice for Parkinson’s, represented by Kristin Davenport and Caitlin Fattore, respectively.

Zach, Jake, and Aiden, three students from Reading High School, did an incredible job throughout the semester, culminating in a heartfelt decision to support the Lebanon Food Pantry with a $500 grant provided by Magnified Giving. Zach expressed how the project and program not only shed light on the realities of hunger and poverty but also revealed the intricate dynamics of brain chemistry affected by hunger. Working closely with Kristin and the Lebanon Food Pantry team, Zach and Jake immersed themselves in the cause, crafting presentations and essays that amplified the urgency of their mission. Zach finished off with a strong message on their reasoning for choosing Lebanon Food Pantry for their grant: “We chose the cause due to effects in our personal lives due to hunger and poverty and tried to bring awareness to how common it can be in our society”. 

For Jake, the experience was initially daunting, yet it unfolded into a time of discovery and purpose. His initial anxieties dissolved into enthusiasm as he realized the profound impact they could make in their community. The collaboration, the learning, and the shared commitment to alleviate hunger underscored the profound significance of their endeavor.

Meanwhile, a group of five remarkable girls—Corin, Olivia, Raegan, Ryan, and Paige—began a collective mission to support Voice for Parkinson's, an organization dedicated to serving individuals and families affected by Parkinson's disease. They were inspired to choose Voice for Parkinson's due to a personal connection to the cause. Corin said, “When we first received this project, we were lost on what NPO to pick, then I thought of Parkinson’s because one of my grandparents is affected by it.”

Corin then highlighted the camaraderie and the journey they embarked on together. Bonding over their shared dedication to raising awareness, the group found themselves in a new friendship with each other with a shared empathy for those battling Parkinson's. Olivia, echoing the sentiment of her peers, spoke passionately about the importance of giving back to fight a disease that touches countless lives. The $1,000 grant they awarded not only symbolized their commitment but also offered tangible support for speech and physical therapy for Parkinson's patients, enriching lives in ways both physical and emotional.

Scott Thamann, the facilitator of Reading High School's Magnified Giving program, praised the students' efforts, emphasizing the program's alignment with the school's values of empathy and empowerment. He called out the significance of such ceremonies in recognizing the students' achievements and validating their voices—a testament to the transformative power of youth philanthropy.

Reading High School's impactful giving journey shines as a beacon of hope and empowerment, and we congratulate the efforts of Mr. Thamann, his students, and the school’s administration. Through Magnified Giving's youth philanthropy program, students have the power to choose causes close to their hearts, effecting tangible change by granting funds to nonprofits that support their causes. As we celebrate the passion, empathy, and commitment of these young changemakers, we are reminded of the profound impact that youth can have when empowered to make a difference in their communities.