Modesto High School Theatre Department

Home of the 1\fHETT and

The Performing Arts Academy
18 H Street Modesto, California 95351

October 1, 2014
RE: Letter of Recommendation for Zulema Rivera
To Whom It May Concern:
I am fortunate to work with numerous motivated and dedicated students, but every once in
a while a student steps up through the years and brings an energy to our Theatre and our
Performing Arts Academy (PAA). Zulema Rivera is one of those students. She has proven to be an
integral part of the of the PAA and our Theatre Department for over three years, which affords
high school students the opportunity to explore the world of performance theatre with a
philosophy of hands-on experiences that promote a love for learning. I'm sure when Zulema
entered high school she never anticipated developing such a strong interest in the world of
entertainment. I am also sure that as she ends her high school career, she walks away with a
new pride and sense of accomplishment in herself from knowing that her hard work has brought
incredible success to the Modesto High Theatre Department. This program 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. Zulema has done that time and time again over
the years she has been part of this program. "No" is not a word you will ever hear from her. I
often wonder why dedicated students like Zulema 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 unique, 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 her
throughout her life in whatever career she decides suits her best.
During the past few years, Zulema stepped into leadership roles that have allowed her to
truly understand and appreciate her strong skills. She directed and acted in our Curtain Up
production that allows students to experience performance and become mentors to their younger
counterparts; she's been indispensible on our production make-up crews and is a true workaholic
behind the scenes of several productions. She has been devoted to our program's needs,
magnanimous to her co-workers, and professional in her results. Zulema listens with such
excitement and then responds in her actions with the same fervor; this is remarkably rare in
teenagers today. Her ability to persevere under pressure-filled circumstances is inspiring. I have
a difficult time imaging life at MHS without Zulema, but I feel confident that she will continue to
help train professionalism in the next crop of theatre students before she leaves us.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share the strengths and successes of Zulema
Rivera. She is a wonderful young woman who I am honored to recommend. Should you require
additional information, contact me directly (209/569-2893, work, or 209/602-4643, cell).

SAMARITAN
VILLAGE

9/15/14
To whom it may concern:
My name is Rikki Perezchica and I have known Zulema Rivera for six years. She has
volunteered with a non-profit assisted living community where I am the Assisted Living
Manager.
In all my years of experience, some individuals stand out for their great qualities and Zulema
is one of those people. She is well known for her compassion, work ethic, positive attitude,
teamwork mentality, and self motivation. She volunteers for the community about once a
month during school months and a few times a month when she is out of school. Throughout
the time I've know her, she has shown me time and again that she is a positive, motivated
with amazing potential.
During her time volunteering she has done various administrative tasks such as filing, labeling
files, creating resident information binders, making admission packets, passing mail, back
filing paperwork, and picking up supplies for activities. She also has shown her creative side
by decorating the common areas for the different seasons and holidays. Zulema gained
customer services skills while working with residents during mail delivery, escorts around
campus, answering phones in the reception area and directing families and friends of
residents to accurate destinations.
In summation, due to her attitude, dedication and excellent potential, I would heartily
recommend Zulema for any future endeavor she pursues. I am confident that she would not
dissatisfy and would be as great an asset to any team as she has been to mine.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance. I can be reached at

209-404-6358
Sincerely,

~~~,---..::,
Rikki Perezchica