July 18, 2018

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great honor and pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for my student, Grayson
Darwin. Grayson has been enrolled at Garza Independence High School since January 2016 and has
worked fastidiously to receive his course credits and graduate in 2018.

Our curriculum at Garza Independence High School is completely self-paced. Students are
responsible for their progress in meeting the curriculum requirements of each course.

Grayson was enrolled in Physics A & B during his time at Garza. When he arrived in class he was
not confident in his ability to perform in his Physics course because of the mathematical elements that
are such a prevalent part of Physics. However, he quickly made friends in class and was able to work
with other students on most of the assignments. Grayson was such a joy to have in the classroom. He
had a way of bringing out the personality of the shyest person in the room and made everyone feel
included. Several times he started impromptu discussion about science and ethics backed by the
researched he had completed the night before class. He was not timid about his struggles with the math
problems in class, which helped others to ask questions when they were afraid to appear dumb.
Grayson thought he struggled in math, but as his teacher I observed him learning concepts that were
difficult to him, failing and trying again, and after learning the math was able to teach it to fellow
classmates.

Math problems in Physics were not the only thing that slowed Grayson down in school, he also
struggles from mental illness. Grayson fought to stay at school as much as he could. Despite the fact
that he had to take a break in the middle of his high school career, Grayson re-enrolled at Garza in late
2017 with a clear ambition to graduate. He returned with a renewed fierceness, which allowed him to
complete the first semester of Physics within three months. A testament to his dedication and
intelligence, Grayson received an A as his semester average.

Grayson would be a vital contributor to any organization or endeavor. He is hardworking,

caring, dedicated, creative, compassionate and he perseveres. Grayson is not afraid to fail and keep
trying until he reaches his goals. I would be happy to continue a conversation about Grayson’s talents
and skills. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information you might need.

Sincerely,

Nicole Howard
Garza Independence High School Physics Facilitator
nicole.howard@austinisd.org

AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 

1600 Chicon Street, Austin, TX. 78702 ♦ Phone: 512-414-8600 ♦ Fax: 512-414-8610