May 16th, 2017

To Whom It May Concern,

Emilija Worthington is an astounding individual who strives for excellence in all that she
pursues. Over the past nine months she burned through two full English courses. Emilija
submitted an array of literary analysis, creative writing, opinion pieces, personal essays, not to
mention revisions, of such a high quality that I use this work as classroom examples day-to-day.

Not only was her work of quality, but it demonstrated an originality of thinking rare amongst
high school students. For example, when she tackled an American Novel Study unit early on, she
approached me about reading Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita. I was hesitant because Nabokov isnt
quite an American writer, but Emilija convinced me. Her general thesis was to evaluate the
novel, which was written in the U.S., as an examination and critique of American culture. Her
final product is one of the best pieces critical analysis I have received from one of my students.

Among her many strengths and talents, her streak as an independent thinker unafraid of asking
hard questions stands out. This drive for accuracy, equity, and unflinching honesty is a trait that I
greatly admire in Emilija. And her incisive analytic spirit does not stop at texts, opinions, or
events, but has often been focused on her own life, the events and people in it.

Emilija is a force to be reckoned with. Be it music, visual arts, creative, analytic, or personal
writing, she invests her all into whatever she pursues. Whatever she chooses to do after high
school will be all the better for having her involved.

I cannot recommend Emilija highly enough, she is an admirable, intelligent, and empathetic
human being with a great deal to offer the world.

Sincerely,

Christian S. Rees

CHRISTIAN REES, English Facilitator, Gonzalo Garza Independence High School

1600 Chicon Street, Austin, TX. 78702 Phone: 512-414-8647 christian.rees@austinisd.org