FROM THE DESK OF ROXANNE SCHANER

Inspiring excellence, building character, and impacting the future through academics, 
arts, and athletics...Mona Shores!  
 

October 11, 2020

To: College Admissions
Re: Applicant, Sarah Bayne

It is with great confidence that I write this letter of recommendation for Sarah Bayne. I have had the pleasure of working
with Sarah as a student in two of my courses: Speech class as a Freshman, and Advanced Placement Language and
Composition as a junior. Over the course of working with Sarah, I have gotten to know well her talents, skills, potential
and personality.

Sarah impressed me immediately in my Speech class her ninth grade year. She had a writing style that was mature and
insightful well beyond her years. She delivered the creative, meaningful, and intelligent speeches that she wrote with a
poise and demeanor often not seen even in adult presenters. I encouraged her then to consider auditioning to be her class’s
graduation speaker when the time comes. I looked forward to working with her again before she left high school.

Lo and behold, what name shines on my AP roster for the 2019-2020 school year- Sarah Bayne. She did not disappoint.
As a student in this rigorous class, she was an active participant in class discussions, continued to rise to the challenges
presented to further develop her powerful writing style and voice, enhanced her already ripe vocabulary, and brought
positive energy and enthusiasm to the class each and every day. Even though our time face to face was cut short by the
Pandemic, Sarah continued to overcome the new challenges of the situation and gave nothing less than her continued best
to the essays and other assignments required. Even more impressive is that in addition to the work required by the new
approach to education during the lock-down, she went over and above by taking the online course “Energy within
Environmental Constraints” from Harvard. This choice showcases so many of Sarah’s strengths: time management, love
of learning, passion for the environment, initiative, and self-motivation.

Sarah is the whole package beyond just academics. She exemplifies the concept of a “well-rounded individual” by being
involved in music, sports, leadership, and volunteer capacities. She rises quickly through the ranks of the activities she
joins. Whether it is being promoted from Concert Orchestra to Chamber Orchestra; moving from member of Interact Club
to Board Treasurer of Interact, or from student senator to Secretary of Student Senate, Sarah is truly a rising star in every
aspect of her life. Beyond the school walls, she volunteers her time in community endeavors such as the local library’s
Summer Reading Program and a number of United Way activities. One of the most impressive endeavors Sarah has taken
on is starting a shop on Depop, an internet business for second-hand clothing and accessory sellers, which allows her to
blend several of her interests including her creativity and love of photography.

Sarah truly is one in a million. As a teacher of 24 years, often teaching high school during the day and as adjunct at GVSU
at night, I have seen hundreds and hundreds of faces come and go and only a few leave an indelible impression. Sarah is
one of those few. She will be an undeniable asset to any organization she participates in, and she will be a bright spot for
all those who are fortunate enough to know her.
 
If you have any further questions regarding this wonderful young person, please feel free to contact me at (231) 332-8338,
or ​schanerr@monashores.net​. Thank you for your time and consideration of Sarah Bayne. 

Sincerely,
Roxanne Schaner
Teacher-AP Language & Composition,
AP Research, Classics, Speech, World Literature