To Whom It May Concern:

I am pleased to recommend Eric Michals for your scholarship. As Eric’s Honors English 10 teacher, his SCA adviser, and
his eleventh and twelfth grade Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow I​ a​ nd II instructor, I have had the extraordinary pleasure
of watching Eric develop into an amazing teacher, leader, and young man. I have observed Eric’s extraordinary
intellectual and behavioral attributes in ​and​ out of the classroom. As Eric’s teacher and adviser- in one capacity or
another, I have watched this talented teenager mature and progress into a male role model for all ages. I am proud to say
that whether Eric is teaching a group of adolescents or whether he is learning in my classroom, he has without a doubt
always remained super positive, fully dedicated, and an inspiration to all.

Eric is one of the most dedicated and compassionate young men I have had the honor of meeting. Eric is the only male in
my Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow II class. It is difficult to be a minority pursuing a career in the field of education, but
Eric displays confidence and is comfortable in that role. Recently, Eric helped to create an innovative pilot program
where elementary students visit Cox weekly in order to participate in a STEM Olympics Program in our Educators
Learning Lab: a classroom designed for little ones in our very own high school. Eric not only helped develop the STEM
Olympics Program but he also spent all summer working with money from a grant to design, paint, and furnish our new
flexible classroom. Eric’s creative ideas paved the path for a successful program that is now sought after.

As a vital member of the Cox SCA Executive Board, Eric demonstrates his outstanding leadership qualities daily. He
shows initiative and enthusiasm in whatever goal he sets for himself and for others. He has led several elementary and
middle school leadership workshops. He has participated in countless projects with local schools and within our
community: Community Boo Bash Halloween Festival planner for local elementary students, Citywide Elementary
Leadership Workshop planner and staff member, leader for Cox’s freshman orientation, student panel leader on a Cox HS
staff day, Buddies Helping Buddies Special Education Workshop staff member… and the list goes on and on. He is
without a doubt a leader and deserving of success.

Eric has an unsurpassed dedication and genuine compassion for the tasks and people to which he is devoted. His positive
outlook on life and situations is contagious to those around him. I have no reservations recommending Eric for this
prestigious scholarship.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Nardelli 

Jennifer Nardelli
Frank W. Cox High School
Instructional Specialist
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow​ I, II Instructor (TCC Dual Enrollment)
SCA Adviser

Put Students First • Seek Growth • Be Open to Change • Do Great Work Together • Value Differences