HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL

Scott Lyons, PRINCIPAL

Where Students Learn, Professionals Grow and Communities Partner

1150 FORESTVILLE ROAD

WAKE FOREST, NC 27587
May 24, 2018 PHONE: 919-570-5600
FAX: 919-570-5650
Re: Antonia Pantesco

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter on behalf of Antonia Pantesco. She is applying for your
organization. I have really gotten to know Antonia this year as a student in my Advanced
Placement Biology class at Heritage High School. This is a rigorous lab based course.
Two semesters of college Biology are taught in one high school semester. We move
quickly and a lot is expected of the students. Antonia is always up to the challenge!
During the class the students complete lab procedures such as bacterial transformation and
gel electrophoresis. Antonia excels in the laboratory portion. She can apply concepts
learned in class to the laboratory exercises. The AP Biology curriculum also stresses
inquiry based learning. Because she is naturally inquisitive about science, Antonia does
well in the inquiry procedures when she has to design her own experiment to address
variables and questions. She thinks through each step before implementing.

Antonia is one of the most focused students I have ever taught. She attempts the highest
level of work to challenge herself and when it is difficult Antonia is a great self-advocate.
She is diligent when performing the lab activities and is always interested in
troubleshooting labs that do not produce expected results. Antonia is organized and goal-
oriented. She works well in groups and can take on leadership roles when necessary. I
have seen her leadership qualities within lab groups when designing experiments. She
listens to her peer’s ideas and using active listening skills gets them to examine the idea
further! Through this process her group usually produces a great product.

Antonia is an active member of our National Science Honor Society of which I am the
adviser. She participates in our organization service and enrichment events as well as
regularly tutors others in Science and Math. This is all in addition to her participation in
other groups here at Heritage High School. Based on her mature and friendly demeanor
not to mention her work ethic, Antonia would be a great member of your team.

Margaret Handest

Science Teacher
SNHS Advisor
Heritage High School
mhandest@wcpss.net

WEBSITE: WWW.WCPSS.NET