Habersham County Schools

Dr. Martha K. Cantrell, Gifted Program Coordinator

PO Box 70
Clarkesville, GA 30523

March 1, 2017

Dear Scholarship Committee:

It is my pleasure to submit this letter of recommendation on behalf of Kiley Blackburn

for the Gene Higginbotham Memorial Scholarship. Kiley is currently a student in my AP
Calculus BC class. I have also been aware of her academic achievements through her
involvement in our gifted program since she was in elementary school.
Kiley is currently ranked third in our senior class of 425 students with a cumulative
average of 100.500. She has taken honors classes in all core content areas. Kiley has also
excelled in the our science and math advanced placement (AP) courses and was named an AP
Scholar by the College Board in recognition of her high scores on multiple exams. Kiley was a
school finalist for the Governors Honors Program in the areas of Biology and Chemistry. She
received an honors medal for attaining the highest average in Honors Physical Science, AP
Chemistry, and Spanish II and achieved a perfect score on Georgias Coordinate Algebra End-of-
Course examination. Kiley consistently achieves Honor Roll with Distinction, is an Academic
Letterman, and is a member of Beta Club and our chapter of the Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics
Honor Society. Kiley is also a member of the Technology Student Association and was selected
by the faculty to receive the Rotary Club Scholastic Merit Award. She received the University of
Georgia Certificate of Merit and the Georgia Department of Labor Georgia Best Certificate as a
junior.
A talented athlete, Kiley has been a standout member of our varsity basketball team and
varsity golf team. She has been awarded the Defensive Award, Coachs Award, and All Area
Honorable Mention in varsity basketball. She has twice received the Low Medalist Award for
varsity golf and was a finalist for the Blitz Player of the Year in 2016. Kiley is captain of both
the varsity basketball team and the varsity golf team. Her leadership also extends into school
activities. She is secretary of the senior class, serves on the yearbook staff, and is a member of
the Student Council. Kiley was selected by the faculty to serve on the South State Bank Student
Advisory Board, and is active in our Youth Leadership program through which she has served as
a mentor at one of our elementary schools and one of our middle schools. She has participated in
our local can food drive to benefit the local food bank and is a Red Cross volunteer. Beyond
school activities, Kiley is active in the youth group and mission team of her church, and she
serves as a summer camp counselor.
One of Kileys most significant experiences has been the opportunity to serve as an intern
at the Habersham Medical Center. She assists practicing nurses in the emergency room, labor
and delivery, and physical therapy. She has been able to interact with patients and to directly
assist with basic and advanced tasks. Kiley has also had the opportunity to shadow surgeons
during actual surgeries. These experiences have confirmed Kileys interest in pursuing a career
in the medical field.
 In the classroom, I have found Kiley to be focused, consistent, and exceptional in both
ability and effort. She exhibits intellectual and emotional maturity beyond her age. She is highly
respected by both her classmates and the faculty. Kiley exemplifies academic excellence and a
high level of integrity in every aspect of her school career. She is one of the most well-balanced
and self-motivated students that I have had the privilege of teaching in my 37 years in the
classroom. I highly recommend Kiley the Gene Higginbotham Memorial Scholarship. I am
confident she will continue to excel in the classroom and will be a leader on the campus of the
college she chooses to attend.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of additional assistance.

Respectfully submitted,

Martha Cantrell, Ed.D.

AP Calculus Instructor
Gifted Program Coordinator
Habersham County Schools