HILLSBORO SCHOOL DISTRICT \ CENTURY HIGH SCHOOL One day, Margaret was in my room getting some help and I noticed she had a delicious lunch of noodles ‘and vegetables. | asked her if she made it herself (thinking she would say no) and she had! She had even made the sauce. She mentioned she used ginger and | asked if it was powdered or raw ginger. She used raw ginger. | have taught High school for 13 years and | can tell you most students don’t know what raw ‘ginger looks like much less have they used it. So Margaret not only takes AP Classes, is involved in a variety of clubs and athletics, volunteers to help the community but she also cooks for herself from scratch! What a truly well rounded young lady. At this point, Margaret shared that her mother grew up in Kenya and grew all her own food from the land and has taught Margaret how to cook. Margaret didn’t move to the United States until she was 5 years old. | had no idea that English was her second language. Century has a very small population of African American students and Margaret has a different background and attitude that most all of her fellow students of all backgrounds. | am impressed with Margaret's ability to adapt and to succeed and to not make excuses for herself. | had known her for over a year before | ever considered that Margaret was not a native English speaker. Margaret has a beautiful, kind soul and is someone who will work hard for all she earns. | am excited to bbe a part of her education and to encourage her to keep trying her best and keep believing in herself! Sincerely, Laura Cheek Century High School ~ Accelerated and AP Chemistry Teacher Engage and challenge all learners to ensure academic excellence 2000 SE Century Boulevard, Hillabora, OR 97123-8390 TEL: 503-844-1800 # FAX: 603-644-1825 = WEB: srwew.hed k12 OF 4