Sean Vandenhouten recommends

Sean Vandenhouten (svandenhouten@savcps.com)

Gus is a very talented and inquisitive young man. I taught him AP Physics 1 at Savannah Christian Preparatory School and also coached Gus in esports. From the instant I met Gus in the ninth grade, he was asking advanced questions about advanced modern physics concepts. Often challenging my knowledge and leading me to do more research myself. Gus continued to impress me with his analytical lab skills in AP Physics 1. He is by nature a scientific minded individual and deserves all the accolades that come to him.

SMSgt Torrance McGee (torrance.mcgee@clayton.k12.ga.us)

Reference: Coswell Sims To Whom It May Concern, According to Tine Thing Helseth, the most famous song played on a trumpet is Joseph Haydn's Trumpet Concerto. Students and professionals alike are driven to practice the Concerto's well-known opening phrase. It is one of the only trumpet concertos from the 18th century that is still regularly performed today. When I asked Coswell how long he has played the trumpet, he told me, "since sixth grade." I asked him if he had ever played a piece like Joseph Haydn's Trumpet Concerto or any other masterpiece since his first seat in the band and jazz team, and he told me, "No." He said, "I like music because, despite the many ways it has been composed, it helps me see how creative I can be in overcoming my autism by providing a new outlook to learning and being innovative." Coswell is one of my top sprinters for Ola's Track & Field Team. I have known Coswell for four years. I have never taught Coswell in a typical classroom setting, but I have worked with him over the past three years in the classroom of life as his coach. Track & field have helped to shape Coswell's communication and social skills, deal with setbacks, and learn gratefulness in victory and humility in defeat. Coaching Coswell has allowed me to share life lessons with him, allowing him to mature into a well-rounded young man who is respectful, caring, long-suffering, and committed to those around him. One of Coswell's goals in life is to get a degree in engineering that allows him to work with his hands. He has a passion for building things and figuring out how things work. Loyalty and hard work are what define Coswell. He is faithful to his classwork and workouts. He does what it takes to improve. His commitment to giving his best at everything earned him the right to be team captain. He is committed to what he wants to accomplish and has worked hard in the classroom to maintain excellent grades. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for him in his engineering and running careers. My academic standards for my team are high. I expect my athletes to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Coswell not only met my criteria for academic excellence but exceeded them. Coswell's grades are a priority for him. He was selected for the All-Scholar Track & Field Team three times for academic excellence. He is involved with the community, personally, and with family. He effectively balances school, sports, and family responsibilities. He embodied and demonstrated our Air Force core values of "Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in all we do" and adhered to our Honor Code of "We will not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate among us, anyone who does." without even being a part of Air Force JROTC. His values reflect what his parents had instilled in him. His community service activities included tutoring local high school and middle school students and helping with the Ola High School Open House. Music is an aural form of art used to express emotion and touch the hearts of the listeners. This proven leader, academic achiever, and community-conscious individual will make his music for any institution of higher learning and company. His uniqueness and style, like music, will be appealing to help him be successful in his chosen career path. Coswell possesses that empathy to help those around him because of the many things he had to overcome with his Autism. He possesses the integrity, intellectual promise, maturity, and discipline that assures success in any environment. I have screened and evaluated leadership and academic potential numerous times over my 38-year United States Air Force career. Without question, Coswell exhibits a "can do" and "will succeed" attitude. Guaranteed success: he has my strongest endorsement! I am honored to be his coach and look forward to mentoring him. I hope I have been a positive role model and encouragement in his decision to become an engineer. I know Coswell and his family would greatly appreciate the financial support to help him achieve his career in engineering Feel free to contact me at (678) 644-4177 or torrance.mcgee@clayton.k12.ga.us with any questions. Respectfully, Torrance L. McGee TORRANCE L. MCGEE, SMSGT, USAF (Ret) Aerospace Science Instructor Air Force JROTC HQ AFJROTC Instructor of the Year Head Coach, Girls and Boys Cross Country Head Coach, Girls and Boys Track & Field Georgia Most Positive Coach Award Winner Our Mission: Empowering Students for a Lifetime of Success

Krista Taylor (krista.taylor@hcbe.net)

To whom it may concern: It is my pleasure to strongly recommend Ionela Munteanu for a scholarship in the engineering field. I am Krista Taylor, a teacher at Houston County High School. I have taught Fine Furniture and Cabinetmaking alongside serving as advisor for SkillsUSA for the last six years. Ionela Munteanu is one individual I have taught for the last 3 years. I have also had the honor of working hand in hand with Ionela through SkillsUSA. During our time together, Ionela displayed great talents in technical applications, such as woodworking, technical drawing, and several other design visualization tools. When we first met, I was immediately impressed with Ionela and the skills she had on day one, but during the time worked together, her understanding of woodworking and the tools of the trade has grown far more than her peers. My first experience with Ionela’s adaptability came not long after she began my class. She designed and created a desk then proceeded to build and create more. Last year, she built several extensive projects from design to completion, beginning with a coffee table. Her motivation did not end there, she completed a door hanger and a writing pen as well. It’s not just technical skills that impress me, however Ionela was a joy to work with because of her astounding positive attitude and eagerness to learn. Her ability to communicate with myself and others is impressive, along with her can-do attitude, she seems to never give up, even when it’s tough. Team building skills were also necessary and valued not just by myself, but by her peers, who often relied on her to help get the job done. If you need more information or specific examples please do not hesitate to contact me at Krista.taylor@hcbe.net. As a recommendation letter likely only provides a snapshot of her talents and achievements. I would be happy to further elaborate on my time working with her. Krista Taylor Fine Furniture Teacher

Kate McIntyre (kate.mcintyre@cherokeek12.net)

To whom it may concern, I am writing this letter regarding Dania Gonzalez, a former student of mine. I taught Dania last year in Honors Multivariable Calculus. Dania was a part of our highly competitive STEM program, reserved for the top students in the school. Her academic accomplishments are clear, as evidenced by her acceptance into Georgia Tech. Dania has always been the type of person to go above and beyond. Her freshman year was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and she was learning virtually. Although she was not enrolled in my particular class because she was taking it virtually, she still reached out and asked for additional study materials so she could better herself. She has always been very well spoken, mature, and thoughtful. She has always made it a priority to ensure she was gaining knowledge, and not just good grades. Dania is selfless. She has done so many things to help our community here in Woodstock, Georgia and has also joined many organizations at Georgia Tech to start making an impact. She is community-focused and will make an impact on the Georgia Tech community just as she did in Woodstock. Dania is such a deserving person and would be the perfect candidate for this scholarship. There are not many students that I would recommend as highly as I would Dania. She is kind, respectful, dedicated, motivated and inquisitive. She is phenomenal and I can't recommend her enough! If you have any questions regarding Dania, please feel free to email me at kate.mcintyre@cherokeek12.net. Sincerely, Kate McIntyre Mathematics Department Woodstock High School

Amber Juncker (ajuncker@uga.edu)

To whom it may concern: It is my great pleasure to recommend Ionela Munteanu for the Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ionela during her first semester at the University of Georgia. Ionela was selected to participate in the third cohort of a scholarship program at the University of Georgia, the First Year Scholars Program. As a member of the cohort of scholars, Ionela has demonstrated strong leadership skills, worked cohesively in teams, presented quality communication skills, and learned to engage in the College of Engineering community. During her tenure in the program, Ionela has taken a proactive approach to assignments and participation in class. She doesn’t shy away from asking clarifying questions and makes other students feel welcome to ask questions or share feedback. As part of the program, Ionela serves as a representative for underrepresented students pursuing engineering. This commitment to service and leadership does not go unnoticed. As a female in engineering Ionela is ensuring that our college community and the future of engineering are diverse and inclusive. Ionela’s resume speaks for itself. She has already completed a summer internship in the engineering field before her first semester in college. She worked for a construction company specializing in roofing. This gave her early exposure to a variety of aspects related to the engineering field. Most notably, she witnessed firsthand the diversity of team members engineers must work with to complete projects and work through the engineering process. In addition to her leadership in the First Year Scholars Program, Ionela has a proven record of leadership and excellence during her high school academic career. She served as Vice President for SkillsUSA where she led her chapter to conferences and competitions. She held a leadership position in the Spanish Honor Society and was a member of the National Honors Society. Ionela is committed to pursuing a career in Engineering and has technical skills in AutoCAD, CNC & heavy machinery and more! Ionela Munteanu would serve as a valuable representative for the Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship would enable her to continue her mission of pursuing excellence in engineering with a mindset of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. I recommend her for this scholarship opportunity with the highest support. Ionela will be a great representative and steward of the University of Georgia and any organization she participates in. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need additional information. Sincerely, Amber Amber Juncker Director, Engagement & Recruitment College of Engineering 1156D Driftmier Engineering Center Athens, GA 30602 706-542-2744

Joel Svoboda (jsvoboda.rhs@catoosa.k12.ga.us)

To Whom It May Concern, I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Riley Burdette, a truly exceptional individual and one of the most outstanding students I have had the privilege of knowing in my career. Riley, who is currently attending Georgia Tech, graduated as the valedictorian of her class and has consistently demonstrated a level of maturity, intelligence, and drive that is rare among her peers. During her time at high school, Riley was not only an academic leader but also a dedicated and active participant in a variety of extracurricular activities. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the BETA Club, both of which recognize students for their academic excellence and commitment to community service. Riley's involvement in the Varsity Tennis Team, as well as her contributions to the student council, further highlight her ability to balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining an unwavering focus on her goals. Riley's intelligence is matched by her remarkable work ethic. She approaches every task with determination and a keen analytical mind, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to her academic success. Her performance as valedictorian is a testament to her dedication, discipline, and passion for learning. Riley is not only a top student but also someone who consistently seeks to challenge herself and push the boundaries of her knowledge and abilities. What truly sets Riley apart, however, is her likability and maturity. She possesses a warmth and kindness that make her a pleasure to be around, and she has a natural ability to connect with people of all ages. Her peers and teachers alike have always admired her for her positive attitude, empathy, and genuine concern for others. These qualities, combined with her intellectual prowess, make Riley a unique and valuable presence in any setting. I have no doubt that Riley will continue to excel at Georgia Tech and beyond. She is driven, intelligent, and mature beyond her years, and she has the potential to achieve great things in whatever field she chooses to pursue. I wholeheartedly recommend Riley Burdette and am confident that she will make a significant impact in her academic and professional endeavors.

Dr. Gloria I. Green (ggreen@forsyth.k12.ga.us)

To whom it may concern, I have known Francisco Valentinotti for four years. He is a hardworking, diligent, creative, and driven student who will bring new topics and very interesting discussions to the class. He goes above and beyond any expectation. He is always researching and inspiring other students along the way. In my AP Spanish Language and Culture class he was totally dedicated and responsible. Furthermore, Francisco was a dedicated IB member and determined to succeed in life. Francisco was a student in AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Chemistry, and AP Calculus AB as well as IB classes. His academic performance is an accurate representation of his ability and his potential. His philosophical approach and contributions to the class are very impressive and productive. In addition, Francisco’s leadership skills as the president of the Spanish National Honors Society, make him a wonderful leader to be around. He is a leader in the class and in was in his Spanish National Honors Society. He brought the Society from 16 members to a bright energetic organization of 162 members. He does not hesitate to take extra steps to meet goals for the well-being of the group. His leadership skills are impressive. He contributes to the community as well and participates in outreach programs. Francisco was also ready to help students in our school with peer tutoring and outside the school setting. He helps feeding the hungry in our community, and he contributed to our collection of toys for poor children at Christmas. He is a model to follow and loves learning about other cultures. He is proud of his heritage roots and shares it with enthusiasm. His ethnic background helps him to accept other cultures very easy. He is a well-rounded student who will contribute with academics and athletic skills to any scholarship. I recommend this great leader without hesitation. Dr. Gloria Green. AP/IB/Spanish 3-4 Educator South Forsyth High School

MIchael Kruger (mrkruger@leschwartz.com)

Good afternoon. My name is Michael Kruger and I am a Vice President for L.E. Schwartz & Son, a commercial and residential roofing and siding company located in Macon, GA. During the past year, I had the pleasure of working with Ionela Munteanu, who served as an intern with our company during her senior year of high school. I would like to offer my full support and endorsement of Ionela. She was a model intern and not only did everything that was asked but always looked for other ways to help. She picked up every task with ease and gained a clear understanding of the objectives quicker than many of our employees. I could not give enough praise to the job she did while she worked with our company. She is an extremely smart and capable young lady and we were very thankful to have her with our company. Thank you for your consideration. Michael Kruger Vice President L.E. Schwartz & Son, Inc.

Joel Svoboda (jsvoboda.rhs@catoosa.k12.ga.us)

To Whom It May Concern, I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Riley Burdette, a truly exceptional individual and one of the most outstanding students I have had the privilege of knowing in my career. Riley, who is currently attending Georgia Tech, graduated as the valedictorian of her class and has consistently demonstrated a level of maturity, intelligence, and drive that is rare among her peers. During her time at high school, Riley was not only an academic leader but also a dedicated and active participant in a variety of extracurricular activities. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the BETA Club, both of which recognize students for their academic excellence and commitment to community service. Riley's involvement in the Varsity Tennis Team, as well as her contributions to the student council, further highlight her ability to balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining an unwavering focus on her goals. Riley's intelligence is matched by her remarkable work ethic. She approaches every task with determination and a keen analytical mind, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to her academic success. Her performance as valedictorian is a testament to her dedication, discipline, and passion for learning. Riley is not only a top student but also someone who consistently seeks to challenge herself and push the boundaries of her knowledge and abilities. What truly sets Riley apart, however, is her likability and maturity. She possesses a warmth and kindness that make her a pleasure to be around, and she has a natural ability to connect with people of all ages. Her peers and teachers alike have always admired her for her positive attitude, empathy, and genuine concern for others. These qualities, combined with her intellectual prowess, make Riley a unique and valuable presence in any setting. I have no doubt that Riley will continue to excel at Georgia Tech and beyond. She is driven, intelligent, and mature beyond her years, and she has the potential to achieve great things in whatever field she chooses to pursue. I wholeheartedly recommend Riley Burdette and am confident that she will make a significant impact in her academic and professional endeavors.

Dr. Sonia Garcia (soniagarcia@uga.edu)

RE: Nomination Letter for Kaely Jimenez Dear Georgia Engineering Foundation Committee: I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Kaely Jimenez for the Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship. As the Assistant Dean for Inclusive Excellence at the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia (UGA), I have had the pleasure of getting to know Kaely both inside and outside the classroom during her freshman year. Kaely is one of 12 first-generation college students who participated in our Summer 2024 Engineering Academic Boot Camp (EABC) program. Sponsored by Georgia Power, Lockheed Martin, and Gulfstream, this intensive two-week experience helped incoming students acclimate to university life and prepare for the challenges of university-level courses. Through the EABC program, Kaely was able to transition more smoothly into UGA and the College of Engineering while gaining a strong foundation for the rigorous science courses ahead. Kaely’s dedication and hard work during the program have contributed, thus far, to her successful transition. Albeit only a first semester freshman, Kaely is already involved in the community, while also maintaining and joggling her academic commitment; she has also already met some amazing people in the UGA community who are keeping her grounded. Kaely embodies the qualities that this scholarship seeks to support. What sets Kaely apart is not only her academic but also her unwavering determination, resilience, and commitment to her education. In sum, I find Kaely to be a diligent, hardworking individual with great tenacity; she is one who demonstrates initiative, commitment and persistence. Please contact me if you need additional information at soniagarcia@uga.edu. I would personally like to elaborate on Kaely’s attributes, she is well deserving of your consideration.

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