September 20, 2023
Dear Selection Committee:
It is an honor and privilege to write a college letter of recommendation for Ms. Brooke Lacilla. In the position of Superintendent of Schools, there are countless requests for letters. This year the letter for Ms. Lacilla will be only one of two requests approved.
During my interactions at Litchfield High School, and across the greater town community, Ms. Lacilla has been beyond impressive or compared. Brooke is an active member and leader of the senior class and stands out amongst peers. In class, according to all teachers, she is an active contributor who not only produces exceptional work but leads others in discussions. Rarely one to settle, Brooke is the student who seeks excellence in her work and demonstrates this ethic across all disciplines.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Lacilla is a young adult who gives to the greater community. It is one thing to be an excellent student but another to balance schoolwork with life and giving back. Regularly working multiple jobs, Brooke is often the outward face of local businesses. For a student to be given this type of responsibility demonstrates maturity and responsibility. Even greater is the multiple daily and weekly commitments by Brooke to local charitable organizations. This ability to balance school and outside responsibilities clearly demonstrates an excellent well-rounded young adult.
As an educator, you have the privilege to work with thousands of students in varying capacities. Some of the names and stories you will remember over time. There is the rare, special, gifted, top-level student that spans the memory for a career. Brooke is that rare student and one who I am confident will go forward to accomplish many great things in life. There is not a university, or college, in this country that would not benefit from her enrollment.
Should further information be needed, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 860.361.9033 or via email at cleone@rsd20.org.
Regards,
Chris Leone
Superintendent of Schools
October 2, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
I have been asked by Brooke Lacilla to provide a letter of reference for her college admission process, and I do so without hesitation.
As Litchfield High School principal, I take great pride in our students. The environment in our school community is second to none, and students like Brooke are what makes our school a wonderful place.
Brooke is one of the most focused students inside and outside the classroom I have ever worked with. Her determination and desire to be successful is evident in everything she does.
In the classroom, Brooke excels. She is not only a student but one I classify as a learner. She not only seeks knowledge with her lessons, but an understanding and application of what she is learning. She asks questions to further her comprehension of the material being taught and how it connects to other subject areas.
Brooke’s teachers find her engaging, serious, and dedicated. Throughout her time at LHS, she has balanced her academics with numerous jobs in the community. She understands that diversifying herself allows her to impact others while building a skill set to serve her long-term.
Brooke’s academic record is stellar, she is a member of the National Honor Society, an accomplished artist, and a student-athlete. She participates in various clubs, and her design work has been chosen in two of our school-wide t-shirt contests.
Brooke comes from a very supportive family, where she and her siblings are active volunteers at the Torrington Soup Kitchen, and The Little Possum Queen Foundation, an organization that raises funds for local families who have fallen on difficult times. Along with her siblings, and Brooke’s active participation, the foundation recently raised $6000 towards their goal.
As you can see, Brooke Lacilla will make an excellent addition to your academic and school communities, leaving a lasting impact on all those she comes in contact with.
If I can be of any further assistance in securing Brooke a seat in your freshman class, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Michael Pascento, Ed.D.
Principal
16 September 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Brooke Lacilla, a senior at Litchfield High School and a student in my English class when she was a freshman in 2020. Brooke has also been a member of the Class of 2024 student council that I advised for the past three years.
As her teacher and as her class adviser, I know Brooke to be a persistent, ever-smiling, always respectful worker. When Brooke’s freshman year began, our school met in person, albeit with masks, desk cleaning, hand sanitizing, social distancing, and other protocols in place to protect the well-being of our students and promote their in-person learning. When I think of that year, I recall Brooke’s bright eyes smiling above her mask–every day and regardless of what was going on around here. Brooke exudes inner peace, kindness, and the patience that comes with such a mindset.
As a student, Brooke asked questions, accepted feedback, and worked until she was satisfied her work was excellent. Brooke cares as deeply about doing well as she does about doing right and being kind.
As her class advisor, I have known Brooke to be a strong, contributing member of her class, willing to support class events by organizing them and running them with her peers. As a candidate for membership in Litchfield High School’s Mortimer Warren Chapter of the National Honor Society, Brooke has created many afghans for Litchfield’s senior citizens in elderly housing, and she has encouraged her friend to do the same. Throughout her high school years, Brooke has demonstrated respect for her peers, her teachers, and the other adults who make our school community. She is polite and kind, and she is ready to do whatever it takes to succeed. As a National Honor Society candidate, she has met with me to ensure that her paperwork is in order and that she understands all that is required of her. Every one of my colleagues is thrilled that Brooke is eligible and will receive the distinction of membership because she is an all-around wonderful human being.
Wherever life takes Brooke, she will make a place for the people around her to feel welcomed and valued. She will share the road with them and ensure that she is doing her part as thoroughly and effectively as possible to make life better for everyone who comes in contact with her. She is a gem.
Sincerely,
Sandy Carlson
English Teacher, NHS Adviser, Class of 2024 Adviser, Yearbook Adviser
“As she begins her college search, it gives me great pleasure to offer a personal recommendation for Brooke Lacilla. As the owner of @ The Corner Restaurant in Litchfield, Ct. , I have worked closely with Brooke in her capacity as a barista for the past three years. Her job responsibilities include providing exemplary customer service as well as preparing a variety of specialized coffee drinks and baked goods.
Observing Brooke as a barista, which is a one-person operation from start to finish, I can attest to her outstanding professionalism and pleasant personality. She greets customers with a smile and makes informed recommendations for our morning menu. She engages in conversation with ease while preparing the necessary products.
She remembers what customers order and anticipates their requests.
Brooke has all of the skills needed to become an effective college student. She genuinely cares for others and I would characterize her as a very hard worker. She maintains clear communication and always helps when needed. She will do everything that is expected of her to the best of her ability. Brooke is always on time or early for work, she completes every task on her checklist and looks for additional projects such as making signs or updating displays. I truly believe she will bring these positive attributes to her college studies and her future career endeavors.
Brooke has shared that she is thinking about majoring in early childhood with a minor in business. As a former school administrator, I can say with confidence that she possesses the qualities to become successful in the college setting.
I highly recommend Brooke Lacilla without reservation and I believe she will flourish in the college of her choice. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.”
Jayne P Lanphear
Owner-@ The Corner
When I first met Brooke I saw her beautiful smile through her eyes wearing a mask. She would shop with her family in my store. I gravitated to becoming friends with her mom as they are all warm kind people. I asked if Brooke would work for me. She accepted the job. During her time here she has proved to be ultra-responsible, extremely reliable, and completely honest, all qualities I do not take for granted. I have her running the shop alone so I can leave and get my own children. She takes her position seriously and gets all tasks completed.
You can tell when someone comes from a supportive family because here she takes the extra step in displaying items without being asked.
Brooke is active in volunteering in the community. She has helped at the Possum Queen, the local soup kitchen, and our town library Festival of Trees event.
I am aware of how many jobs Brooke balances with attending high school, however, never allows them to interfere with her commitment to me. Brooke’s work drive is impressive. She saved her money and was able to purchase a car!
It has been a peace of mind and a delight having such a sweet young woman like Brooke representing me at my shop over these years. I will be extremely sad for her to move on in life but wish her nothing but the absolute best!
Rachel Bernhardt
Rachels Quality Consignment