The Reach High Scholars Podcast

The Reach High Scholars Program
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The Reach High Scholars Podcast is for students navigating the path to college and beyond. Through conversations with alumni of the Reach High Scholars Program, this podcast celebrates discovery and growth—whether it occurs in the classroom, through summer enrichment programs, or during the college search. Each episode features stories, practical advice, and insights on embracing challenges, finding inspiration, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community. Tune in for guidance and encouragement to take with you on your educational and personal journey.

Episodes

  1. 06/05/2025

    Abbey Schlangen - Part 1

    Abbey Schlangen (RHS ’12) joins Jon to talk about how her approach to learning evolved during high school—and why staying curious, even under pressure, helped her find direction. She shares how balancing school, sports, and work kept her grounded, what she took away from a summer at Phillips Exeter, and how being around motivated peers shaped her mindset. Catch the final episode of the season—part two of Abbey’s story—coming next.

    31 min

  2. 06/04/2025

    Abbey Schlangen - Part 2

    In the second half of her conversation with Jon, Abbey Schlangen (RHS ’12) talks about how she approached the college search, what helped her stay focused, and why visiting campuses made a real difference. She reflects on studying abroad in Italy, gaining hands-on experience during college, and how a series of college jobs, internships, and connections eventually led to a full-time role at Google after graduation.

    30 min

  3. 05/22/2025

    Jake Leavitt - Part 2

    In part two of his conversation with Jon, Jake Leavitt (RHS ’11) discusses the pressures of junior and senior year, the emotional rollercoaster of college applications, and how he leaned on his fellow Reach High participants to navigate the uncertainty. He shares his meticulous approach to college visits, what it was like to get into every school he applied to—including his dream school—and the unexpected chain of events that led him to his career as a therapist.

    30 min

  4. 05/22/2025

    Jake Leavitt - Part 1

    Jake Leavitt (RHS ’11) joins Jon to talk about how Reach High Scholars expanded his understanding of the college admissions process, helped him take greater control of his future, and changed how he related to academics and learning. Jake also shares how Phillips Exeter and Middlebury deepened his passion for psychology and languages. If you want to hear the second half of Jon and Jake’s conversation, tune into the next episode!

    37 min

  5. 05/08/2025

    Tovah Duffaut - Part 2

    In part two of her conversation with Jon, Tovah Duffaut (RHS ’19) opens up about navigating imposter syndrome as a college freshman, why a small liberal arts environment turned out to be the right fit for her, and how she managed stress and expectations during the application process. She also reflects on studying abroad in England, discovering her voice, and how those experiences ultimately led her to a meaningful career in public relations.

    34 min

  6. 05/08/2025

    Tovah Duffaut - Part 1

    Tovah Duffaut (RHS ’19) joins Jon Lemay to reflect on how she took charge of her own learning journey in high school. She talks about managing the pressures of rigorous academics and the college process while staying grounded in her interests—and how summer programs at Phillips Exeter and St. Paul’s pushed her outside her comfort zone. Tovah also shares how visiting over 20 college campuses helped her zero in on what she truly wanted in a school. Be sure to catch part two of their conversation in the next episode!

    35 min

  7. 04/24/2025

    Ami Diamond - Part 2

    In the second half of her conversation with Jon, Ami Diamond (RHS ’11) talks about the moment she knew where she wanted to go to college, why she wishes she had applied early decision, and what made her college experience so life-changing. Ami also shares how college challenged her in new ways, what she learned about adapting to a bigger academic environment, and how she ended up carving her own path in the pharmacy field.

    23 min

  8. 04/24/2025

    Ami Diamond - Part 1

    Ami Diamond ’11 joins Jon to discuss how she found her way into the college process while navigating uncertainty and finding support. She shares how her early involvement with Reach High Scholars helped shift her outlook, how summer programs at Phillips Exeter and Brown led to eye-opening experiences (including an unexpected two weeks spent deep in the woods), and why she remains actively involved with Reach High today—helping others find the same sense of direction and encouragement she once did. Catch the second half of their conversation in our next episode!

    34 min

  9. 04/10/2025

    Charlie DeBenedetto - Part 2

    In part two of his conversation with Jon, Charlie DeBenedetto (RHS '12) discusses a college visit road trip that changed his entire perspective on the application process—and what awaited him once he started college. He also talks about his time studying abroad throughout Asia (and his years spent teaching in rural Taiwan), why he started writing about his time abroad, and how a Mandarin saying about a frog living in a well perfectly captures his experiences in Reach High Scholars and beyond. You can read about Charlie's time abroad on his blog, and you can sample some of his other writing in the Taipei Times! Follow him on Instagram at @travels_withcharlie_.

    28 min

  10. 04/10/2025

    Charlie DeBenedetto - Part 1

    Welcome to The Reach High Scholar’s Podcast! For the first episode, host Jon Lemay (RHS ’11) is joined by Charlie DeBenedetto (RHS ’12) to talk about Charlie’s journey from a middle school troublemaker to a dedicated student, how a single conversation with his dad changed his entire outlook on academics, and what it was like spending his summers at Phillips Exeter and St. Paul’s. Jon and Charlie also discuss the importance of peer support and mentorship—and how stepping outside your comfort zone can open up a world of opportunities.

    31 min

  11. 03/25/2025

    Welcome to the Reach High Scholars Podcast!

    The Reach High Scholars Podcast features conversations with alumni of the Reach High Scholars Program, an organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for high school and middle school students. Hear inspiring stories, insights, and advice from those who have navigated the path before you. Follow now to catch the first episode when it drops wherever you get your podcasts!

    1 min

Trailer

About

The Reach High Scholars Podcast is for students navigating the path to college and beyond. Through conversations with alumni of the Reach High Scholars Program, this podcast celebrates discovery and growth—whether it occurs in the classroom, through summer enrichment programs, or during the college search. Each episode features stories, practical advice, and insights on embracing challenges, finding inspiration, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community. Tune in for guidance and encouragement to take with you on your educational and personal journey.

Information

  • Creator
    The Reach High Scholars Program
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Reach High Scholars Program
  • Show Website
    The Reach High Scholars Podcast