March 28, 2011

To Whom It May Concern;

I am writing this letter of reference for Tonia Larson-Gagne in her application for your scholarship to
attend the Bachelor of Education post baccalaureate program at Vancouver Island University. I have
known Tonia since 2003 when she started with the Comox Valley School Districts Aboriginal Education
program as an educational assistant and resource aide. I was her supervisor as the District Principal of
Aboriginal Education and in that capacity have a strong history with her and know her work ethic and
character very well.
Tonia is a mature student attending university to complete her Bachelor of Education and I admire her
courage and passion to pursue her goal. She is continuing to work full time and is a mother of two,
school-aged children. She and her family have also hosted international students attending Comox
Valley secondary schools over the last four years.
Tonia is an outstanding tutor providing academic or behavioural support one on one or in small groups.
She works very hard to advocate for and create caring relationships with students, focusing on their
strengths and potential. She is an excellent role model. She is creative and resourceful in providing the
best support she can to meet the varied needs of children and families on her caseload. As a cultural
resource to teachers in classrooms and for school wide projects she is reliable and knowledgeable of
her culture. On staff Tonia is a leader and a valuable, committed member of the school and district
teams. I often heard praise from teachers and administrators in her schools for her dedication, caring
nature and professional manner.
Tonia always volunteers to support community events setting up and preparing food or facilitating
workshops for students and families. She has created a homework club for Aspen Park Elementary
students and provides tutoring after school for struggling students with less support from home. Tonia
is Mtis and is very proud of her heritage. She and her father often present amazing historical and
cultural workshops. She has also been very involved in her community, politically, through the North
Island Mtis Association.
I highly recommend Tonia for this scholarship and can be reached at contacts above as I retired in
2010.
Respectfully,

Lynn Joseph
Lynn Joseph B.Ed, M.Ed.
532 11
th
St
Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1S8
250 344-0653
Character Reference Letter
for Scholarship