May 20, 2018

To whom it may concern,

My name is Amanda Gillespie, and I am currently a Social Studies teacher and the Class of 2019 sponsor
at Cox High School in Virginia Beach. While working at Cox, I was fortunate enough to meet Abby Frey
during her first year at Cox, as her World I History teacher, and have maintained a relationship with her
since that time, both as her teacher (currently in Financial Management) and as the sponsor for the
Class of 2019. Based on my experience with Abby over the past few years I am more than happy to write
this letter of recommendation on her behalf.

Abby is an ideal student in the classroom. She is strongly self-motivated and produces superior work
when completing independent assignments. Abby can easily adapt to group work where she contributes
her fair share without overtaking or dominating the assignment. She is perceptive to the needs and
strengths of her peers and can use this to make group work a true success. Abby is an active participant
in class often adding valuable contributions to class discussions and showing respect to her peer’s
responses. Abby in a naturally bright student, but she is not afraid to be challenged and thrives on fully
comprehending a concept. She has been able to maintain a 4.019 GPA while also dedicating herself to
many school clubs, sports and community service.

I have been able to witness Abby’s dedication to the school firsthand while working with her as the
sponsor for the Class of 2019. Abby has already served three years on our Executive Board, and will
continue to do so next year as the Board’s Vice President. The contributions that Abby has made while
serving on the Executive Board have been crucial to our success. She has made advertisements for and
volunteered at the majority of our events, headed the community service committee and was an
instrumental part in coordinating the production of 150 class shirts all paid for by sponsors.

Abby has shown she already encompasses the ideals of seeking growth, doing great work together, and
valuing differences that Virginia Beach City Public Schools wants teachers to demonstrate. She has
expressed a seeking of growth by achieving academic excellence and participating in multiple
extracurricular activities and community service. She has shown that she values differences by
respecting and being open minded to the opinions of her peers. Her contributions to multiple school
events and in class activities has shown she can collaborate effectively and do great work with others.
The encompassing of these ideals are just a few of the many reasons that Abby is a great addition to the
Virginia Teacher’s for Tomorrow program. Just as Abby is an ideal student, I believe she would also be an
ideal future educator.

Sincerely,

Amanda Gillespie

amgilles@vbschools.com

2425 Shorehaven Drive

Virginia Beach, VA 23454