2/11/2022

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Millie Rice for the South Carolina Journalist of
the Year. Millie is currently a member of my AP US Government and Politics at Wando High School and
has struck me as not only an exceptional pupil, but an ideal citizen and a multifaceted individual.

Just within the first six months of AP Government, it is clear that Millie, through her depth of thought
and vital scrutiny of our volatile climate of the American political system, possesses a level of maturity
buoyed by compassion that you rarely see amongst high school seniors. In the quarterly debates that
we have in the course, students are assigned controversial topics that could cause uncomfortable
confrontations with their peers or even have them question their own predisposed notions. Millie is,
without a doubt, amongst the most prepared and articulate in her arguments, even when she is
assigned a particular stance that she personally may not agree with. Her ability to look at all sides of an
issue, while basing her reasoning on evidence and analytical deduction is a standard that most adults do
not attempt to maintain. One of the most important goals that I have for my AP Government class is to
produce thoughtful critics of our nation that have the ultimate goal of civic service—without a doubt,
her voice, her genuine concern for others, and her intelligence projects an exemplary future model of
this virtue.

Her performance in my class was simply a footnote in her busy life as a Wando High student. Enrolled in
a complete program of Advanced Placement classes (8 at graduation), Millie has accepted a daunting
academic burden to which she has met with an extremely high GPA. But outside the considerable
intellect that she has, I think Millie is most impressive in the leadership roles that she takes in the many
academic and service organizations at Wando. Whether it is the Wando National Honor Society or AP
Academy, Millie is always out front taking an active role leading these organizations. The example that
she sets for others to follow is rooted in her work ethic. In some of conversations with other teachers
regarding Millie, the common denominator that seems to always be shared amongst we educators is her
seemingly inexhaustible, yet selfless diligence to what needs to be accomplished. She needs very little
direction here—she knows what these groups need to succeed and gets the job done. That level of
proactivity, coupled with the outstanding nature in which this work is accomplished, projects an
incredible future in whatever line of work she embraces.

Philip Caston, the faculty advisor for the heralded Wando Legend Yearbook, first brought Millie’s
nomination to Journalist of the Year to my attention back in December. The pedigree of success that the
Legend has maintained over Caston’s tenure here is nothing short of astonishing—consistently awarded
Superior ratings, multiple State Yearbook of the Year, and a slew of individual awards, including three
Journalist of the Year winners. Millie herself has logged a 2020 1 st Place award and a 2nd place last year.
Caston, who has overseen a massive program with hundreds of students for close to a decade, singled
Millie Rice out as the singular student journalist with the greatest dedication and willingness to accept
any and all tasks. That’s quite an honor considering the slew of talent that he has seen, many of whom
shared my classroom as well. I cannot begin to understand the amount of work that goes in to the
construction of a yearbook that so superbly represents one of the largest high schools in the Southeast.
But from what I know from other students and Phil Caston, Millie has been the glue that keeps it all
together. Volunteering herself for the little jobs that no one wants, paying attention to the small details
and deadlines, all while producing award winning content and print—albeit I am an outsider, this just
seems to be the very embodiment of the SC Journalist of the Year.

Aside from all of this, Millie is just a great person. She is one of the most genuine, polite, funny, and
caring people that I’ve ever been around. At the risk of hyperbole, Millie Rice is one of the finest
students I’ve ever had the honor of teaching in 18 years of education. I honestly cannot wait to see
what the future holds for her.

Regards,

Jared Tyler
Social Studies Department Chair
AP US Government and Politics Teacher
Wando High School