January 23, 2024

Dear Selection Committee,

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Mary Warner for the South Carolina Scholastic Press
Association award. As Mary’s AP Psychology Teacher at Wando High School, I have had the privilege of
working with Mary, and her contributions to scholastic journalism and our community have been nothing
short of exceptional.

Mary's dedication and passion for journalism became evident during the summer when she, along with
her co-editor, took on the significant task of redesigning publication. As someone with a specialty in
design, Mary's hands-on work played a crucial role in the successful overhaul of the paper. Her creative
approach and attention to detail were instrumental in creating a visually engaging and impactful
publication.

One of Mary's standout achievements is her remarkable success in the National Scholastic Press
Association's Best of Show competition for news design, where she secured the 2nd place position. This
recognition speaks volumes about Mary's talent and proficiency in her field, setting her apart as a
top-performing individual among her peers nationwide.

Furthermore, Mary's journalistic skills extend beyond design, as exemplified by her insightful staff
editorial on the parental rights activist group Moms for Liberty and their involvement in recent school
board scandals. This article not only showcased Mary's ability to delve into complex issues but also
demonstrated her commitment to addressing relevant and impactful topics. The editorial gained
widespread attention on social media, including a retweet by politician Annie Andrews, underscoring the
significance of Mary's work in contributing to meaningful public discourse.

Mary's dedication to scholastic journalism, her exceptional design abilities, and her capacity to tackle
important societal issues make her an ideal candidate for the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association
award. I am confident that her contributions to both journalism and our community will continue to leave
a lasting impact.

Thank you for considering Mary Warner for this prestigious award. Mary has established a strong sense
of purpose for Wando High School and her teachers and I hold her in the highest regard. Therefore, I
strongly recommend her for the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association award.

Sincerely,

Lance Renes
AP Psychology Teacher
Head Lacrosse Coach
Wando High School