Shepherd Elementary School 168 East Maple Street, Shepherd, MI 48883

Telephone (989) 828-5998 ** Fax (989) 828-6947

Amy Salogar, Principal Mike Allison, Assistant Principal

Mary Beltinck, Building Secretary Theresa Recker, Building Secretary



February 23, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Natalie Noble. I have known Natalie since she
was an 8
th
grader and I approached her class with a great opportunity. As a School Social Worker I
work with special needs students and while Natalie was in the 8
th
grade I spoke to her class about
becoming a Peer to Peer support student for a student with Autism. Several students signed up to
participate in the program and Natalie was instrumental in taking this experience outside of the school
setting to help this student improve his social skills. Natalie has worked side by side with this student
for the past 5 years and has changed the life of this student and his family. Natalie is mature beyond
her years and always speaks of lessons she has learned by being in this program, lessons many adults
have yet to learn. Natalie has created a powerpoint presentation that is now being used in schools
throughout Michigan and shown in statewide trainings about Autism so people can understand the
impact peers can have on students with Autism. This year I asked Natalie along with some classmates
to talk to middle school students about the Peer to Peer program and it was inspirational to watch her
speak to a gym full of middle school students about what is really important in life.

The amazing thing about Natalie Noble is that she accepts everyone and truly believes adversity can be
one of the best gifts you can receive in life. Natalie continues to work with many special needs
students while continuing to remain on the honor roll, take advanced classes, participate in extra-
curricular activities, and stay grounded socially as a high school senior. I am so impressed by Natalie
and what she has to offer this world, she will be a role model and inspiration to many and will continue
to push herself beyond others expectations, she sets standards high for herself and rises to the
occasion. If you have any further questions or I can provide any further information please contact me
at (989) 828-5998 ext. 2253 or via email at lpotie@shepherdschools.net. Thank you for this
opportunity.


Sincerely,



Laurie M. Potie, LMSW
School Social Worker
Shepherd Public Schools