NewTechnologyHighSchool 2205N.CareerAve.

SiouxFalls,SD57107 Phone:(605)3675850 Fax:(605)3675852 DollyEllwein,Principal

Dear Sir or Madame I am writing in reference to Zane Brandt. Zane is an active member of Sioux Falls New Technology High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In my capacity as instructor of English I, Speech, Photography, and English 11 I came to know Zane. This young man brings several endearing qualities to my school, my classroom, and more importantly my life. Zane is thoughtful, intelligent, selfconfident, motivated, honest, and incredibly honorable. He represents some of what is best about young adults and teenagers today. Zanes consideration for others, his willingness to chip in, his independence and leadership, and his love of the outdoors make him unique as an excellent example of a well-rounded young man. While some students work to complete the minimum to earn their respective grade, Zane works to learn because he truly desires to gain knowledge and experience. Zane will often advocate angles and ideas not commonly thought of by his peers. It is Zanes ability to think outside the box, think critically, and share his ideas that draw people to him as a leader. He takes pride in work he submits, he is conscientious enough to take responsibility for any mistakes he may make, and he readily accepts feedback and constructive criticism. Zane shows his dedication through his involvement in school activities, his participation, and presence to support his classmates in other activities. Zane is known in the school as a person who pours himself into his work, both inside and out of the classroom. It is not uncommon to find him coaching other students: sharing his experience and knowledge. Zane can often be found at school events, and has a variety of volunteer experience including working as a volunteer staff photographer for the LifeLight Music Festival. While Zane can often display a single minded determination to complete a project or task, it never comes at the expense of others. One a personal level, I have been blessed to serve as a sort of mentor to Zane for the past four years. From our time spent photographing events, to our mountain bike rides, volunteering, and simply hanging out, it humbles me to think of how much Zane has grown. I first met him as a shy, quiet boy. Now the confidence, the compassion, the leadership that he exhibits as a young man inspires me. As much of a gift Zane has been to my school, his presence in my life has been even more precious. I have watched Zane grow over the course of the last four years into a self-confident, motivated, honorable, young man. I can easily see Zane bringing his positive traits to whatever he chooses as he continues to grow. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at jason.b.olson@k12.sd.us Sincerely

Jason Currie-Olson