April 29, 2016

To Whom It May Concern:

I am in the terrific position of watching Morgan Corwin navigate the last few months of her senior year in high
school and pursue her post-secondary options. I have known Morgan for the duration of her high school years, as she
has been a student in many of my English Language Arts courses. Morgan impressed me as a polite, determined, and
compassionate young woman from the very beginning, and four years later, she has definitely proven this to be true.
In todays fast-paced world, it is becoming more and more rare to encounter a student who has truly mastered the art
of listening. Morgan is one of those students. She listens attentively to all around herpeers, close friends,
teacherswith an ear for detail. I have come to discover that Morgan listens out of a deep-seated compassion and
respect for all. In planning group work or class projects, Morgan often waits until her peers are finished proposing
ideas, then comes from the back with a simple suggestion that leaves them nodding in agreement. When faced with
an opportunity to participate in class, Morgan always thoughtfully considers what has already been contributed, then
politely and respectfully contributes her own two cents. While I most often see Morgans compassion and respect in
the classroom, both are definitely at play beyond our school walls. Morgan is very active in the volunteer community
here at school and in the greater Traverse City area. She is a self-identified helper who cares passionately about
giving her time to others. Morgans respectful and compassionate nature garners great respect from others in return.
Morgan is simply a determined individual. One of the current buzzwords within the education world is grit, and
teachers across the country are debating how to foster this menagerie of skillsthe ability to work hard, to move
beyond failure, to try new things, to adapt to changewithin our students. Not only does Morgan exemplify this
idea of grit, but she also does it humbly and without fanfare, completing all her course work with quality and on time
and asking questions when she needs to. Morgan works very hard in all her classes to maintain grade levels that not
only meet her own high standards, but also help her retain her membership in our National Honor Society. When
Morgan sets a goal for herself, nothing prevents her from following through. This grit and determination will be the
major components to the great success I am sure Morgan will experience in her future.
Grand Traverse Academy has benefited greatly from the time Morgan has spent with us. I am proud of the work she
has done throughout her time in high school and proud to have been her teacher. I have no doubt that Morgan will
see great success as she embraces a future in which she will influence and help many.
If you require further information, you may call (231) 932-6037 or contact me at GeeA@mygta.us. I will gladly
respond.
Sincerely,

Abigail C. H. Gee
Secondary Teacher
Grand Traverse Academy

1245 Hammond Road E

Traverse City, MI 49686