Dear SCSPA Journalist of the Year Committee,
Jordan Davis is without a doubt a deserving candidate for Journalist of the Year.
Wando High School
_______________________
Eric Gallien, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Anita W. Huggins, M.Ed.
Deputy Superintendent
Sherry M. Eppelsheimer, Ed.D.
Associate Superintendent of the
High School Learning Community
Chas Coker
Principal
1000 Warrior Way
Jordan is a determined, focused, and brilliant individual who has made her mark on Wando
High School both in terms of academics and extracurricular activities. What is most
admirable about Jordan, though, is her unwavering kindness and inclusivity of all those
around her. This makes her not only a great candidate due to her drive and skillset, but also
because of her positive impact on her school and student body.
Jordan was my student during both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years in
Advanced Placement World and United States History class, respectively, at Wando High
School. During her time in my classroom, Jordan demonstrated her dedication to her
academics and her wonderful work ethic. Wando High School is a school of nearly 3,000
students. Wando High School offers rigorous academics and a great deal of opportunities
for students to become involved in the school community. In a school this size, it can
sometimes be challenging for students to stand out. It takes a special student to leave a
lasting impression and impact on teachers and the school community. Jordan has certainly
left an impression through her respectful disposition, kindness, and dedication to her
academics. Jordan has left an equally large impact on our school community through her
wide-ranging school involvement.
I first met Jordan at the beginning of her sophomore year in AP World History. I
noticed Jordan from the beginning due to her outgoing personality and genuine disposition.
Jordan is the type of student to treat her teachers with respect, but also treat her teachers
like they are also people. Jordan would take time to make conversation with me daily and
get to know me, which I very much appreciated. Jordan’s intelligence was obvious from the
beginning. She is very dedicated to her academics and extracurriculars and loves to enter
class discussion and participate whenever possible. I was lucky enough to teach Jordan not
only her sophomore year but also her junior year in AP United States History. This year
Jordan asked if she could serve as my teaching assistant for one period each day. I happily
accepted her as my TA and she has been so helpful this year. Jordan has not only helped
me with tasks in class and with organization but has also helped many students in AP
World History. I have asked Jordan to share her study habits, experiences with the course,
and any strategies for her writing in order to help students feel more comfortable. The
students love having Jordan as a teaching assistant and I am so grateful she requested to
serve in this position this school year. My reason for highlighting my relationship with
Jordan above and her academics in Advanced Placement classes is to demonstrate that her
dedication extends to all areas of her life. I have watched Jordan grow as a student and
person and have seen her increase in confidence, leadership, sense of self, and
determination to make an impactful contribution to our world as part of her future.
Jordan is extremely involved in extracurricular activities. Jordan is a Warrior
Ambassador for new students, she is a member of the Advanced Placement Academy
(which I sponsor), and most recently she was nominated by faculty as one of our 36
students in the Senior Hall of Fame for the 2024 graduating class. Out of 620 seniors this
year, this is a massive accomplishment and one that is very well deserved. In addition to all
of the above, Jordan also dedicates a huge portion of her time to her position as Editor-in-
Chief of the Wando High School Legend Yearbook. This is a much-coveted position with a
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rigorous application process. To be named to the position in itself signifies that Jordan is a
leader and force on the yearbook staff. Jordan has been a member of the staff for the past
three years and has served as a writer, features editor, and important contributor to the
award-winning Legend Yearbook. Though my best knowledge of Jordan is academically in
my classroom, because I often work closely with yearbook students I have seen firsthand
the effort and impact she makes daily on the staff. I was lucky enough to also serve as a
chaperone this past November for NSPA Boston for the National High School Journalism
Conference. I was able to see Jordan’s leadership skills in action as she not only attended
classes and made connections but also helped to guide and corral the staff of 50 students
throughout the trip. Having Jordan on the trip was like having another chaperone and she
took the role and responsibility very seriously. Jordan truly took advantage of all the
conference had to offer and demonstrated her dedication to the field of journalism while
also gracefully navigating her leadership position as Editor-in-Chief.

Again, it is with great pride that I recommend Jordan Davis for the distinguished
title of Journalist of the Year. I truly cannot imagine a better or more deserving candidate.

Sincerely,
Olivia M. Thatcher
AP Social Studies Teacher
AP Academy Sponsor
Wando High School
Mt. Pleasant SC