This post was originally published October 17, 2009. Stephen Forster two years after high school graduation drown on the North Fork of the Payette June 27, 2011. An entire high school mourns the loss of a most respected and liked leader to graduate from the academy. As the school director, Stephen’s teacher, and a friend I’d never published a letter of recommendation. That is until Stephen.
Yesterday, I checked the school’s google hits. I was surprised to see the normal 60-70 hits jump to over 700 hits in one day. It was a series of searches for Stephen Forster. This brought me to the old letter of testimony I’d written over two years ago, long forgotten. Below is that blog shared almost three years past.
How Did Dr. Butterfield’s Recommendations Affect Stephen Forster?
Dr. Butterfield was my “Adolescent Development” professor at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. He was an older man who knew how to laugh and spend time with students. I remember him saying, “if you can’t enjoy interacting with the students then you won’t last.” Dr. Butterfield was the one Chattanooga School Systems called when they had tough discipline problems. He knew how to listen and he knew how to be clear, direct, and fair. As a college education major I was soaking up every detail Dr. Butterfield was both modeling and teaching.
I felt Bill Butterfield knew I had potential and he was the kind of teacher that taught in a fashion that empowered students. His model was simple. Clearly communicate the desired behavior, be consistent, follow through when you say you are going to do something, and praise, praise, praise.
Dr. Butterfield had even came to visit me in VT when I taught for Adventure Quest. Last year I went to track him down to discover he had died. I thought about how many people he must have impacted. And knew I should write his family a letter to explain that he had a profound influence on me starting a school.
Dr. Butterfield wrote the most incredible letter of recommendation for me. You see his model of education was one of expectation. Describe the desired behavior, praise, and motivate the student to progress and achieve. Again, “I felt Dr. Butterfield knew my potential.”
Dr. Butterfield took great pride in observing the positive attributes of students, watching them develop and grow, and hearing their parents excited remarks. I have also experienced and enjoy a pride in helping New River Academy students achieve their goals, in helping them gain acceptance to universities, to discover their career path, and to earn employment.
Below is a recent letter of recommendation written for Stephen Forster. Recommendations were submitted to Appalachian University, University of North Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Clemson University on the New River Academy (the pretty paper) letterhead.
Stephen Forster trains for US Team Trials in Chile's Patagonia Mountains.
October 15, 2009
Attention: Office of Admissions
Re: Applicant Stephen Forster
Winner of the Immersion Research Academic Scholarship to New River Academy
Stephen Forster worked hard his junior year both academically and athletically. His dedication caused teachers and coaches to notice and sing his praises. Stephen attends a high school that travels internationally training for whitewater kayaking events and seeking cultural exploration. The training and travel is intense and the academics are even more demanding.
As a junior year star student Stephen illustrated his creative side combined with a strong work ethic via his Videography Media I class. As director of New River Academy I noted teacher and coach remarks and wanted to help Stephen.
“Stephen is the kind of student you want to help because he is always pitching in, leads by example, respected by peers, and makes wise decisions.”
Stephen would be offered a scholarship from one of the top kayak accessory clothing manufacturers as well as sponsorship, Immersion Research. Learning to be an ambassador and lead is a key role Stephen has accepted. As a leader Stephen is a star student, a top national kayak athlete, and holds a high rapport with both peers and staff.
What positive role will Stephen play at your university? You can expect Stephen to graduate with honors. You can additionally expect Stephen to be a leader in whichever programs he chooses to participate. Departments like outing clubs, kayak programs, and media relations will specifically benefit from Stephen’s experience and dedication. Should you choose to accept Stephen Forster then your university will certainly benefit for the next four years.
“And that has made all the difference.”
David Hughes
Executive Director- New River Academy
Tags: stephen forster
