I am writing in regards to Elizabeth, a student whom I worked with at a high school. I have had the true pleasure of having Ellie volunteer in my classroom for two years. Ellie is an overall outstanding individual who is constantly thinking of others before herself. Ellie started volunteering last year in my classroom with several students who have disabilities such as: Intellectually disabled, autism, orthopedically impaired, Down syndrome, other health impairment, and multiple disabilities. Our students are amazing people who have so much to share with others and that is what brought Ellie into our classroom. She appreciates each student as his own person, and our students really enjoy her friendship. She has such a fun, positive attitude which draws the students to her. She is always happy to come to our class, even stopping by between her other classes to just say "hello" to everyone. Ellie did such an incredible job assisting students in their everyday work. We trained her to implement 1:1 lessons for students, as the students asked if Ellie could work with them instead of adults for these daily tasks! Ellie picked up the material quickly and was a natural with delivering positive reinforcement and gentle redirection. Ellie has been an amazing role model and peer to our students; our students have missed her but have appreciated visits she has made! Besides volunteering in my classroom, Ellie also volunteered and gave back to her community. She was a volunteer, assisted in community races, and was part of our school and community outreach club. Also, due to her exceptional work with students at the high school, she was asked to work at the elementary school over past summers with students with special needs as well. Ellie is one of the first people to always offer to help and give back to others, and she does it because she truly enjoys it! I have also had the privilege of coaching Ellie in our basketball team. The team is a varsity team that works hand in hand with the Special Olympics organization. It is an incredible opportunity for students with significant disabilities and their peers to be on the same team and play other unified teams. Ellie showed maturity beyond her years while on the team, making sure that athletes got the support they needed so they could have their moment in the limelight. Not only is she a team player, but she also goes out of her way, with no adult/coach direction needed, to help the athletes feel confident and proud.