Modesto High School

Theatre Department

Home of the MHETT and the Performing Arts

Academy
18 H Street Modesto, California 95351
May 12, 2015
RE: Letter of Recommendation for Julieta Yanez
To Whom It May Concern:
From the moment I met Julieta Yanez, or Julie as I call her, I knew I had a student who
would completely change our theatre department because of her uniqueness, her boundless
energy, and her fearless determination to be a leader among her peers. Julie faces every
challenge as an opportunity and never loses her vibrant and contagious energy and positive
attitude. She is a generous human being who truly does not comprehend the word no.
Through her many involvements at Modesto High, she has learned to manage a heavy
workload in the theatre, where she has been an active member since her sophomore year and
truly one of our top Stage Managers, which is a tremendous honor, but more importantly an
extremely challenging undertaking. Julie chooses to focus on the important roles and
activities in her life, and doesnt let the challenges in life drag her down. She has proven to be
an integral part of the Performing Arts Academy at MHS, which affords high school students
the opportunity to explore the world of performing arts with a philosophy of hands-on
experiences that promote a love for life-long learning. I am confident that as she ends her
high school career, she will walk away with new pride and a sense of accomplishment in
herself from knowing that her hard work has brought incredible success to the Modesto High
Theatre Department. The Academy asks young people to set aside adolescent frivolity and
focus on developing and strengthening their critical thinking skills while dedicating endless
hours to our endeavors. Although Julie still has much enthusiasm and fun in her life, she has
sacrificed time and time again over the past three years. I often wonder why dedicated
students like Julie work so diligently and never complain, but then I see their growth, their
desire to succeed, their awareness that they are part of something rewarding and rare, and I
know that they understand and appreciate the fruits of their labors. As an educator, I cannot
realize a better result. This knowledge will undoubtedly aid Julie throughout her life.
This year has been pivotal for Julie. As the Academy Senior Lead Representative, she
has been required to be organized, magnanimous, compassionate, and professional in her
responsibilities. She listens and then responds and this is remarkably rare in teenagers today.
Her ability to persevere under pressure-filled circumstances is a tribute to her preparation and
dedication. She has instituted Academy team-bonding experiences and helped to facilitate
fundraising to insure all students can participate in Academy opportunities. Shes a rock star
in my book and will be greatly missed.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share the strengths and successes of this
fine young woman. Julieta Yanez is truly wonderful and I am honored to recommend. Should
you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly (209/5692893, work, or 209/602-4643, cell).
Respectfully,

Lisa E. McHale
Lisa E. McHale
Modesto High School Theatre and English Educator, Performing Arts Academy at MHS
Coordinator

Mchale.l@monet.k12.ca.us