Marc Pedersen (mpedersen@paulding.k12.ga.us)

Dear Sir or Madam: 30 SEPT 2024 I am very pleased to recommend Cole Vaughn for a Georgia Engineering Foundation scholarship. Having known Cole for nearly three years, I can truly attest that he is a natural leader with tremendous potential and capabilities. Cole is a student in the highly selective Academy of Science, Research and Medicine, which one of 18 high school programs in the state that has been awarded STEM certification by the Georgia Department of Education. Thus, Cole has been immersed in an extremely rigorous curriculum comprised solely of Honors, Advanced Placement, and independent research classes. Cole has already earned the following science credits: AP Biology, Honors Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Environmental Science, Essentials of Biotechnology, Applications of Biotechnology, Honors Scientific Research I-III, and Biotechnology Independent Research. Despite this high level of academic rigor, he has continued to maintain exemplary grades (2 of 450), while also participating in numerous extra-curricular activities and earning awards, such as President of the Future Business Leaders of America, Vice president for the vice president of Science National Honor Society, secretary for National Honor Society, president of BETA club, vice president FBLA, robotics, Georgia Science and Engineering Fair First Honors, and the Biotechnology Student of the Year Award. As the lead science teacher for the Academy, I would like to take a moment to outline many additional qualities, which will undoubtedly deem him as a prime candidate for a scholarship. Cole is a compassionate leader in our school and on the district level. He has volunteered hundreds of hours, served as elected president in numerous organizations, and represents our school on the district level. In class, he thrives off inquiry and will often ask questions that demand a great amount of thought. His desire to learn and challenge himself is commendable and this quality alone will give Cole a great academic advantage in any field or discipline. Throughout his time in the biotechnology pathway, he gained invaluable experiences in microbiology, genetic engineering, and immunology. He mastered skills such as aseptic technique, micro-pipetting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, protein assays, and chemical transformations. His fervor, creativity, and passion, coupled with his ability interact with all students, is a powerful combination that will ultimately allow Cole to succeed in any endeavor. Cole was accepted into Biotechnology Independent Research his junior year, and he has already proven to be an exceptional choice. His team’s science fair project titled, “Using qPCR to Analyze Growth and Metabolism Genes in Carassius Auratus”, earned him first place in the regional fair and first honors at the 2023 Georgia Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF). He was also awarded numerous special awards for his accomplishments as a researcher, such as Best in Category at GSEF, and NOAA’s 2023 Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award. Upon completion of his research, Cole will submit a manuscript to the Journal of Emerging Investigators for peer-reviewed publication. His current research focuses on using real-time PCR to detect a gene associated with the efficacy of nitrogen-fixation in bacteria. Cole even plans to compete again in the 2024 Georgia Science and Engineering Fair. It is clear to me, as I hope it is to you, that Cole Vaughn is an exceptional candidate for a scholarship. I have no doubt that with Cole’s passion, confidence, and leadership skills; he will accomplish any goals and overcome any obstacles that he may face. I wholeheartedly recommend Cole and wish him the very best in all his future aspirations. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or need additional information regarding this highly qualified and deserving student. Sincerely, Marc Pedersen, Ed.S. Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Science Teaching Academy of Science, Research, and Medicine (770)-443-8008 / mpedersen@paulding.k12.ga.us

Marc Pedersen (mpedersen@paulding.k12.ga.us)

Dear Sir or Madam: 30 SEPT 2024 I am very pleased to recommend Cole Vaughn for a Georgia Engineering Foundation scholarship. Having known Cole for nearly three years, I can truly attest that he is a natural leader with tremendous potential and capabilities. Cole is a student in the highly selective Academy of Science, Research and Medicine, which one of 18 high school programs in the state that has been awarded STEM certification by the Georgia Department of Education. Thus, Cole has been immersed in an extremely rigorous curriculum comprised solely of Honors, Advanced Placement, and independent research classes. Cole has already earned the following science credits: AP Biology, Honors Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Environmental Science, Essentials of Biotechnology, Applications of Biotechnology, Honors Scientific Research I-III, and Biotechnology Independent Research. Despite this high level of academic rigor, he has continued to maintain exemplary grades (2 of 450), while also participating in numerous extra-curricular activities and earning awards, such as President of the Future Business Leaders of America, Vice president for the vice president of Science National Honor Society, secretary for National Honor Society, president of BETA club, vice president FBLA, robotics, Georgia Science and Engineering Fair First Honors, and the Biotechnology Student of the Year Award. As the lead science teacher for the Academy, I would like to take a moment to outline many additional qualities, which will undoubtedly deem him as a prime candidate for a scholarship. Cole is a compassionate leader in our school and on the district level. He has volunteered hundreds of hours, served as elected president in numerous organizations, and represents our school on the district level. In class, he thrives off inquiry and will often ask questions that demand a great amount of thought. His desire to learn and challenge himself is commendable and this quality alone will give Cole a great academic advantage in any field or discipline. Throughout his time in the biotechnology pathway, he gained invaluable experiences in microbiology, genetic engineering, and immunology. He mastered skills such as aseptic technique, micro-pipetting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, protein assays, and chemical transformations. His fervor, creativity, and passion, coupled with his ability interact with all students, is a powerful combination that will ultimately allow Cole to succeed in any endeavor. Cole was accepted into Biotechnology Independent Research his junior year, and he has already proven to be an exceptional choice. His team’s science fair project titled, “Using qPCR to Analyze Growth and Metabolism Genes in Carassius Auratus”, earned him first place in the regional fair and first honors at the 2023 Georgia Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF). He was also awarded numerous special awards for his accomplishments as a researcher, such as Best in Category at GSEF, and NOAA’s 2023 Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award. Upon completion of his research, Cole will submit a manuscript to the Journal of Emerging Investigators for peer-reviewed publication. His current research focuses on using real-time PCR to detect a gene associated with the efficacy of nitrogen-fixation in bacteria. Cole even plans to compete again in the 2024 Georgia Science and Engineering Fair. It is clear to me, as I hope it is to you, that Cole Vaughn is an exceptional candidate for a scholarship. I have no doubt that with Cole’s passion, confidence, and leadership skills; he will accomplish any goals and overcome any obstacles that he may face. I wholeheartedly recommend Cole and wish him the very best in all his future aspirations. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or need additional information regarding this highly qualified and deserving student. Sincerely, Marc Pedersen, Ed.S. Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Science Teaching Academy of Science, Research, and Medicine (770)-443-8008 / mpedersen@paulding.k12.ga.us

Marc Pedersen recommends Cole Vaughn

Marc Pedersen (mpedersen@paulding.k12.ga.us)

Dear Sir or Madam: 30 SEPT 2024 I am very pleased to recommend Cole Vaughn for a Georgia Engineering Foundation scholarship. Having known Cole for nearly three years, I can truly attest that he is a natural leader with tremendous potential and capabilities. Cole is a student in the highly selective Academy of Science, Research and Medicine, which one of 18 high school programs in the state that has been awarded STEM certification by the Georgia Department of Education. Thus, Cole has been immersed in an extremely rigorous curriculum comprised solely of Honors, Advanced Placement, and independent research classes. Cole has already earned the following science credits: AP Biology, Honors Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Environmental Science, Essentials of Biotechnology, Applications of Biotechnology, Honors Scientific Research I-III, and Biotechnology Independent Research. Despite this high level of academic rigor, he has continued to maintain exemplary grades (2 of 450), while also participating in numerous extra-curricular activities and earning awards, such as President of the Future Business Leaders of America, Vice president for the vice president of Science National Honor Society, secretary for National Honor Society, president of BETA club, vice president FBLA, robotics, Georgia Science and Engineering Fair First Honors, and the Biotechnology Student of the Year Award. As the lead science teacher for the Academy, I would like to take a moment to outline many additional qualities, which will undoubtedly deem him as a prime candidate for a scholarship. Cole is a compassionate leader in our school and on the district level. He has volunteered hundreds of hours, served as elected president in numerous organizations, and represents our school on the district level. In class, he thrives off inquiry and will often ask questions that demand a great amount of thought. His desire to learn and challenge himself is commendable and this quality alone will give Cole a great academic advantage in any field or discipline. Throughout his time in the biotechnology pathway, he gained invaluable experiences in microbiology, genetic engineering, and immunology. He mastered skills such as aseptic technique, micro-pipetting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, protein assays, and chemical transformations. His fervor, creativity, and passion, coupled with his ability interact with all students, is a powerful combination that will ultimately allow Cole to succeed in any endeavor. Cole was accepted into Biotechnology Independent Research his junior year, and he has already proven to be an exceptional choice. His team’s science fair project titled, “Using qPCR to Analyze Growth and Metabolism Genes in Carassius Auratus”, earned him first place in the regional fair and first honors at the 2023 Georgia Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF). He was also awarded numerous special awards for his accomplishments as a researcher, such as Best in Category at GSEF, and NOAA’s 2023 Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award. Upon completion of his research, Cole will submit a manuscript to the Journal of Emerging Investigators for peer-reviewed publication. His current research focuses on using real-time PCR to detect a gene associated with the efficacy of nitrogen-fixation in bacteria. Cole even plans to compete again in the 2024 Georgia Science and Engineering Fair. It is clear to me, as I hope it is to you, that Cole Vaughn is an exceptional candidate for a scholarship. I have no doubt that with Cole’s passion, confidence, and leadership skills; he will accomplish any goals and overcome any obstacles that he may face. I wholeheartedly recommend Cole and wish him the very best in all his future aspirations. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or need additional information regarding this highly qualified and deserving student. Sincerely, Marc Pedersen, Ed.S. Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Science Teaching Academy of Science, Research, and Medicine (770)-443-8008 / mpedersen@paulding.k12.ga.us

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