DuBois Area School District

Senior High School

425 Orient Avenue Telephone (814) 371-8111
DuBois, PA 15801 Fax (814) 371-3928

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing today to offer my recommendation of a remarkable young woman, Nicole Schalk.

As her visual arts instructor and Art Club advisor these past few years, I have had the
opportunity to witness examples of her academic potential and have long been impressed by
her character.

It is difficult to find the wording to express the character of Ms. Schalk, but, only because there
is so much to say. Simply stated, she possesses the qualities necessary to succeed in her goal
to become an art educator. Nicole sets high standards for herself and is determined to reach
them. Her hard-work, outgoing personality and personal integrity make her the special young
woman that she is. She can be counted on to take action in difficult situations and to lead by
example. She is kind to all who cross her path and can be described as a leader.
Nicole is a dedicated student, maintaining a high GPA while taking a rigorous schedule which
includes two campus classes. Within the school community, Ms. Schalk participates as a DAHS
greeter, is involved in community service through NHS and is actively involved in Peer
Mediation. Outside of school, Nicole maintains a part-time job and is actively involved in the
Brockway Center for the Arts (BCAT) after school ceramics program. Through her work with
BCAT, Nicole most recently had work accepted in a national student ceramic show in Portland,
Oregon.

Within the Art Department, Nicole is considered an example of what effort and dedication look
like. She takes criticism in a mature manner. She listens to recommendations and takes action
to improve her work, while maintaining her artistic integrity. She can be depended upon to
offer assistance and support to struggling students and to be a source of encouragement within
the classroom. She is secure in her abilities and leads by example, without her even knowing
it. She eagerly assists her teachers in preparing materials, hanging displays and participating
in critiques. She is eager to participate in any and all art related projects.
Though our department will feel a significant loss upon her graduation, I offer my full
recommendation of Nicole Schalk. She has demonstrated the skill and aptitude to succeed in
college and as a future teacher. I urge you to consider her application for this scholarship and
would be pleased to discuss her qualifications further, as she will prove to be a worthy
investment; one that will return in the form of the lives she touches as an educator in the
future.

Sincerely,

Jennifer L Gaston
Art Instructor
DuBois Area High School
jgaston@dasd.k12.pa.us