5715 SovTH 1300 Fast * SALT LAKE City, UT B4121 + PHONE: 801.2" ACADEMY December 19, 2018 To Whom It May Concern: Itis my great pleasure to write this letier recommending Melaina Harris, a senior at The Academy for Math, Engineering, and Science (AMES). As a classroom teacher at a small, inclusive leaning environment I am often asked to write letters of recommendation for students applying for scholarships or college admissions. It is my hope that this letter stands apart and that it adequately illustrates the strengths of Melaina because during my decade as a teacher she stands out as a truly exceptional student and person. In fact itis fair to say that during my tenure as an educator I have never encountered a student who works harder or who has delivered on the promise of her potential like Melaina, When she asked me to write her a letter I was thrilled because she is a rare student who truly deserves all the praise I can give her. My hope is that this letter does justice to her work ethic, accomplishments, tenacity, and potential, but I know that no words can paint a complete picture of this amazing young woman. Itis important for you to understand that Melaina attends a high school thet values diversity, hard work, and opportunity for all students. Students who are motivated and want more out their high school experience enter a lottery for admission in eighth grade. We have many students who do tremendous things in and out of the classroom, but as I stated above Melatina has distinguished herself from her impressive peer group. Melaina’s work was so impressive during her time in my English 10 class that I invited her to work as a paid tutor the following year. Her responsibilities included helping, teaching, and mentoring students who struggle in language arts I chose her for this position because of her advanced scholarship, her work ethic, and her compassion. Melaina initially didn’t know if she wanted to be a peer tutor, She is humble and assumes that others are often better qualified. The truth is that there are few students I trust more fully than Melaina, ‘Melaina is a well-rounded and self-reflective student, 1 am truly in awe of the quality of her work in the classroom and the quantity of her activities outside it. She also works, and has a schedule that few can handle. Melaina clearly understands and demonstrates the connection between hard work and success. AN EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL PaRrNERED WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH 278.0460) * FAX: BUL,277.3527 * WWWAMES SLCORGACADEMY Thave complete confidence that Melaina will find ways to succeed and impress at whatever tasks she dedicates herself. She is truly a rare student, and she has eamed my complete trust and respect. She is deserving of praise and acknowledgment, and yet because of her humble, unassuming personality she often flies under the radar. She would be an asset to any college campus. [recommend her to you fully without any hesitation or qualification. If you have questions or any concerns, please do not think twice to contact me. LA Gary Bigelow, MLA. Academy for Math, Engineering, and Science Phone: 801.278.9460, ext. 158 wi@i Sincerely, AN EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL PagTNERED WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAL 5715 SOUTH 1300 East © SALT LAKE CITY, UT S#121 © PHONE: 801.278.9460 * FAN: 801.277.3527 * WWWAMES SLCORG