September 10, 2016

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am happy to write this letter enthusiastically recommending to you an excellent
young man, Daniel Segobiano. Daniel was in my English class during his ninth grade year.
Since then, Ive admired his performances on stage, and have become dependent on his help
in my classroom. Daniels responsibility, commitment to academic excellence and burgeoning
confidence as a performer are remarkable. He is certain to enrich your program as powerfully
as he is enriching our campus.
Throughout his time in high school, Daniel has shown an impressive commitment to
academic and personal excellence. He continually strives to challenge himself. Last year,
Daniels joined our schools performing arts academy, NUEVA, including the honors course
options. He is an excellent fit for that program, not only because he is a determined and
successful student, but because he has a kind of endearing confident humility that has earned
him the lead role in this semesters production of Pippin. Although his has not been formally
trained, his natural talent and positive attitude make him an audience and director favorite.
Finally, Daniels clear, drama-free communication and collaborative skills earn his
classmates and teachers respect.
Especially as a first-generation university-bound student, Daniel has navigated the
pressures of high school and his many extra-curricular activities with an impressive grace. As
his familys first ambassador to university life, he carries the weight of all their expectations,
and adds his own high standards to them. Rather than buckle from pressure, or find excuses
for his responsibilities, Daniel rises to every challenge and continues to expand his abilities
and experiences. I am proud of the young man he is and know he is worthy of the highest
honors available. Please feel free contact me if I can be of further assistance in your
consideration of this admirable young man

Marc Elin Sincerely,

PRINCIPAL

Amy Zigler,
Grace Curtain-
Fiano
ASSISTANT
PRINCIPALS
Davon M. Godwin
8695 WINDSOR English & AVID Teacher
ROAD (707) 837-7767 ext. 2261
WINDSOR, CA
95492 dgodwin@wusd.org.
707-837-7767
FAX 707-837-7773
Daniel is exceptionally motivated to learn. His transcript reveals a young man adapting and
succeeding in the increasing demands of rigorous courses, while excelling in extracurricular
endeavors. His remarkably organized mind allows him to master the details of many
overlapping demands and deadlines of his multiple responsibilities: high-achieving student,
editor of our yearbook, lead performer in productions both on campus and in the community,
Upward Bound scholar. In addition to being intellectually curious and accomplished, Daniel is
uniquely generous with his expertise. Currently, in addition to his already full schedule, he
volunteers in my classroom, coaches a new teacher on implementing technology into her
classroom, and tutoring classmates on the college application process. His contributions are
tremendous, valuable and appreciated.

Without being selfish, domineering, or arrogant, Daniel constantly strives towards excellence,
intellectually, academically and personally. He is always working, thinking, learning, asking,
offering, doing. While his classmates slip into socializing when there is a free moment, Daniel
has a goal and takes steps to reach it. His interests and endeavors are many and varied. Unlike
other students in my career who are similarly scholarly, but they tend to be solitary learners,
spending hours alone in a library or online researching. Daniel is different: he has a sincere
inclination to share what he knows. Rather than giving his classmates (and sometimes even
teachers!) answers, he patiently and thoughtfully teaches others how to better understand what
they're struggling with.

Beyond being a low-income, ethnic minority, first-generation high school graduate (let alone
college student), Daniel has overcome another obstacle which renders his accomplishments
even more impressive. Very recently, Daniel came out as gay. It's so recent that his family still
does not know of this true identity. Born and raised in the conservative Victory Outreach
ministry, Daniel has lived his entire life in conflict: his dawning realization of being attracted
to males instead of females pits him directly against his family's beliefs. Hence, every day has
been a struggle for Daniel, as he fights to remain true to himself, and respectful of their
church and mother's preaching ways. The way Daniel gracefully navigates this, and his other
endeavors is inspiring.