March 4, 2013
To Whom It May Concern:
Today I am writing you on behalf of a former student of mine, Willie Pirtle. Willie is currently a senior at
Theodore Roosevelt High School in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. Last year I had the privilege of teaching
Willie in my Sociology class. Willie performed at high level in my class and displayed a strong work-ethic, a positive
attitude, and an inquisitive mind. Willie showed a real knack for observing how people are organized in society and how
society works. He always participated in a positive manner, asked pertinent questions, and did quality work. Willie is a
model student at Roosevelt, he is a leader in both the classroom and the community, and is a determined student who
genuinely cares about his education.
In addition to being an avid learner, Willie is also a leader in the community here at Roosevelt and in Chicago.
Willie is a four year member of a very strong RHS wrestling team, spending one year as a co-captain. Willie also spent
one year as a member of the RHS football team. In addition to athletics, Willie also has an interest in the Arts. In getting
to know Willie last year, I learned that he likes to play the electric bass guitar. Furthermore, Willie has been a
participant in Chicago’s “Louder than Bomb Poetry Slam,” which is a competition where students from all over the city,
from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds come together and share poetry.
Moreover, Willie has brought his interest in the Arts to other avenues, he volunteered as a photographer for
Street Level Youth Media a Chicago-based program that educates Chicago’s urban youth in media arts and emerging
technologies for use in self-expression, communication, and social change, while preparing these students for a future in
our information based society. Willie has also volunteered his time in Civic Engagement for Cease Fire, an organization
whose goal is to end gang and gun violence here in Chicago.
In college, Willie wants to pursue a degree in Criminology/Law Enforcement while also studying Sociology.
Based on his performance and genuine interest in my Sociology class, his leadership skills both in the classroom, and in
the community, and his sincere energetic, loyal, and inquisitive personality, I believe he will be successful in these fields
of study or in any other fields in which he wishes to pursue a degree.
In conclusion, I believe that Willie Pirtle will be an excellent candidate for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
Scholarship. Not only is Willie an excellent student with high marks in his classes, but he is an outgoing, dedicated
student and leader who will thrive in college both inside and outside of the classroom. Willie is a great student, and a
person with an exceptional work-ethic who has worked very hard to get where he is at, and I strongly believe he will
make the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless very proud. Willie is a determined person who I know will make the most
of this tremendous opportunity, earn his degree, and be successful in whichever field he chooses to pursue.
Sincerely,
R.T. Denten III
Social Studies Teacher
Theodore Roosevelt High School
3436 W. Wilson Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
773-534-5000 Ext. 29825
RTDenten@cps.edu