It is with great pleasure and honor that we write this letter for Jeremy Cabaccang, an outstanding student and young man. We feel Jeremy’s commitment and dedication to his education and to his fellow students at McNair High School have developed him into the leader he is today.

As a student of McNair High School, Jeremy has not only excelled academically, but more importantly has served as a leader and role model for McNair’s student body. Jeremy ‘s character embodies graciousness and humbleness. His service as the leader of our link crew, Friday Night Live, and conflict mediation program has provided many of our troubled youth from diverse backgrounds with guidance, leadership, and most important, motivation. The student population of McNair blends low socioeconomic status with unstable home environments that requires our staff and student leaders to provide a family structure to support, motivate, and encourage each other towards each person’s personal best. Jeremy fulfills this role daily through his service to his fellow students via tutoring, a lending hand, a listening ear, and compassionate heart.

As an administrator and Jeremy’s teacher and advisor, we have continuously relied upon Jeremy and his organizational and motivational skills to meet with small and large groups of students to focus and encourage them to set goals and achieve their personal best. We know that if I need to get something done we can go to him and the task will be completed in the most efficient and professional manner possible.

In closing, we are sure that you receive many glowing letters of recommendation from many different school leaders. In our experience as a current position as an administrator, a teacher, and an advisor at a large, socially and economically diverse high school, we firmly believe that including Jeremy Cabaccang as part of Teen Truth Difference Maker Award and his contributions and efforts will add to the esteem of your institution.

Please do not hesitate to contact either of us directly for further information regarding Jeremy. We would be delighted to share more about him with you, as even this letter does not address many other tremendous qualities and accomplishments he has achieved. Thank you for your consideration of Jeremy Cabaccang as part of our future leaders.

Sincerely,

Sarah K. Solari, Ed.D. & Michele Dorman

After attending the YAC Conference at the beginning of this year, Nicole helped to organize a program here at the High School called Social Connections. This club is similar to the Best Buddies Program. Nicole gathered many peers to join this club to help support and promote friendships with students with intellectual disabilities. Once a month, students from our ABA/Life Skills program and students from the general population of the school get together to play team building games, do crafts and socialize to create a bond that will last a life time. Nicole helped to organize and run our Spread the Word to end the Word campaign throughout the month of April into May ending with the Teen Truth Live Project Unify Program. She also being a role model for the SAAD organization helped coordinate with Social Connections to make the Teen Truth Program happen here in Marlborough.

Nicole participated at the Youth Lead Conference to help teach other teens about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. She stayed after school every week to help create posters warning other teens about the effects of texting and driving and distracted driving. Nicole was a huge factor in the success of the American Cancer’s, Relay for Life in raising money and awareness. She has also volunteered for the Relay for life the past couple of years with a group of cancer survivors.
Nicole is President of Peer Leaders and has organized the pop tops collection from soda cans for the Shrinners Hospital. She meets regularly with middle school students as a mediator and talks with them about bullying. Nicole helped Student Council with fundraising and organizing spirit day. Nicole has also contributed in the fitness club, trying to promote healthy lifestyles.

Nicole was accepted into the volunteer program for Children’s Hospital in Boston this coming summer. She joined with a 2 year commitment and will be involved on a weekly basis during the summer. In order to be part of this hospital team she was required to be interviewed, have 3 letters of recommendation, and take an entrance exam in order to be selected to volunteer with the pediatric oncology department of the hospital.

She has played both school and community sports since a very early age of 5 including soccer and basketball and is currently on the varsity lacrosse team which shows great dedication and commitment.

Nicole was also chosen as a candidate to visit Akuiruno, Japan as a 7th grader with the Marlborough public schools.

Nicole is an exceptional young lady who volunteers her time out of school to make a difference in others lives. She spends additional time in the community with students from the ABA/Life skill program at Marlborough High School. She takes them to the mall, movies and to school events. Nicole Archibald is truly someone who is and will continue to make a difference!

Heather Pratt
ABA/Life Skills
Social Connections Advisor
Marlborough High School Marlborough, MA

“Anilise’s attitude is one that cares about her education, no matter what. Her determination to make the most out of every minute she is in class is admirable. She always volunteers to do everything, takes setbacks well without arguing, always tries to do the best that she can, and always has a smile on her face. I would trust her unflinchingly with anything. If I lived within a few mile of here–she’d be my boy’s babysitter! On top of this, she is one of the few students who picks up trash around campus. And, I know that she is considered a “helper” by other teachers. She’s a good kid!”

“I had Anilise last year. It was a difficult class, filled with “personality” and kids that are challenging. Anilise always maintained a positive attitude, did her best, and produced quality work. She did not allow herself to be pulled into the chaos, and actually encouraged others to act appropriately in her own, gentle way. Although she is not a leader in the traditional sense, she did lead by example.”

“Anilise stands out as a difference maker to me… I know that she does a lot outside of the classroom, including being a member and a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes group on campus. She’s the most positive, helpful student I have, as well, in class.”