Landstown High School

Home of the Governor’s STEM & Technology Academy

2001 Concert Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23456-8088
(757) 648-5500 Fax: (757) 468-1860

January 11, 2020

Dear Selection Committee:

It is with great pleasure that I present to you a young lady who deserves the utmost consideration as a recipient of this
scholarship. Through all my years of teaching and coaching, I’ve never worked with a student as compassionate,
honorable and charismatic as Emma Jenkins. I was fortunate to teach Emma both her sophomore and junior years in
chemistry and AP Chemistry, respectively. It was early into her sophomore year that I noticed her academic maturity.
While most of her peers completed assignments to earn grades, Emma always saw the bigger purpose behind
assignments. She completed everything to the best of her abilities because she wanted to learn, not just get a grade.
For the next two years in my class, Emma would demonstrate this intrinsic drive to learn time and time again.

Through our many conversations, Emma shared with me that AP Chemistry was one of her more challenging classes.
I’m sure there were times when she got frustrated or felt overwhelmed by the rigorous demands of the course.
However, she never let this affect her performance, rather she used it as fuel to persevere. With natural intellect
coupled with exceptional work ethic, Emma achieved great success in both chemistry and AP Chemistry. She
approached assignments and tasks with determination and attention to detail. She was able to solve complex problems
and understand the intricate details of chemical processes. In addition, she collaborated well with her classmates on
labs and projects. She held herself to the highest standards by regularly attending after school study sessions to further
her learning and prepare for examinations.

Throughout her high school career, Emma has been diligent and purposeful in her pursuit of excellence. She currently
holds many leadership positions at our school, including National Honor Society Vice President, Best Buddies Vice
President, a member of the Principal’s Student Advisory Board, and a mentor to our freshman class. Her success in
several advanced courses while holding various leadership roles, participating in volunteer activities, and working a
part-time job speaks volumes of Emma’s time management skills and her commitment to high marks and her
community.

Emma’s accolades are undeniable, but I’m truly more impressed by her virtuous character. As an educator, my wish is
to have a positive impact on my students. However, I think Emma has had more of a positive impact on me than I on
her. At last year’s Junior Ring Dance, Emma stopped to dance with a student with special needs. She didn’t care what
her friends were doing or what others thought. She chose to do the right thing in that situation, as she always does.
This is just who Emma is. Her kindness reminds me of the inherent goodness in people’s hearts. I can honestly say
that Landstown High School is a better place and I’m a better teacher because of Emma’s presence and contributions
to our school’s community both in and out of the classroom. This smart, personable young lady is destined to make a
difference in the world.

It has been an honor to have worked with an individual such as Emma Jenkins. I’ve seen her grow through the years
from a quiet young scholar into a confident student leader. She is a polite, trustworthy, and responsible young lady.
I’m confident that she’ll leave a mark of excellence upon her collegiate community as she has done here at Landstown
High School. This scholarship would greatly aid in making this potential a reality. I cannot think of a more deserving
candidate. Therefore, it is with much enthusiasm that I recommend Emma Jenkins for this scholarship.

Sincerely,

Megan H. Wong
AP Chemistry Teacher