February 12, 2015 To Whom it May Concern: I am the adviser at Blackfoot High School for the newspaper and I also teach journalism and honors sophomore English. In that capacity, I have had the pleasure of working with Erick since his freshman year. When Erick first came into the beginning journalism class his freshmen year, he was a quiet young man. However, the caliber of his thought and participation was impressive, so I encouraged him to join newspaper, and he did. Although he was still quiet, his sophomore year he performed well, and slowly but surely came out of his shell. He met all deadlines, and in fact, was often done before the deadline. His fellow student journalists started calling him “the Overachiever.” Because of his outstanding performance and steady growth, he made a successful bid for editor in chief his junior year, and his performance has been amazing. Under his leadership the newspaper has made a lot of positive changes. After attending the national convention in San Francisco spring of 2013, Erick was on fire with ideas. He decided he wanted to go from tabloid size to broadsheet, and to redesign our look. He also decided Blackfoot needed a literary magazine, and so he worked to make that happen. He has also been stellar at attending to the financial aspect of the newspaper. By selling advertising, subscriptions, and by organizing sales, he has made our budget healthier than it has ever been. His senior year, he was again the EIC, and again, he pushed the staff to improve. He attended the national convention in Washington D.C. in November, even though it was financially difficult for him as he was helping to support his family at the time because of medical problems his parents were both having. This year he also spearheaded a first ever Blackfoot High School Writer’s Workshop held for all aspiring student writers, which is another legacy he will leave. Erick works to achieve his highest potential not only in newspaper, but also in everything else he does. He is an active member of several clubs, including National Honor Society, and he was in my Honors English class his sophomore year. As in newspaper, his academic and club work are more than just resume building. He manages his time so that he fulfills his obligations and contributes tremendously in every activity he endeavors. Erick is everything a student should be: curious, eager to listen and learn, self-motivated, and disciplined. I recommend him for any and all opportunities available without reservation. Sincerely, Teresa L. Gallegos, Educator Blackfoot High School
Lisa Harral Photo by Lisa Lete for the Blackfoot Morning News.
January 19, 2015 To Whom It May Concern: It is a pleasure to provide a letter of recommendation for Erick Wood. I have known Erick for many years. I first met him when he was a young boy and would visit the Library. He has always had a quest for knowledge. As Erick progressed in school, he demonstrated a strong desire to provide community service. He inquired about volunteering at the Library and is someone we know we can call when different projects come up. Erick always has a positive attitude and follows directions carefully. Even if a task is overwhelming, he always looks to find the positive instead of complaining. Erick has helped with our Summer Reading Program for several years. He has always been very dependable and assisted in many ways in helping us provide a fun program to our community. The children felt very comfortable approaching Erick to receive instructions, and Erick made reading fun for the children. In high school, Erick has also maintained excellent grades and been very active in student activities. He also has learned time management. He has maintained an after school job and learned how to balance homework and grades right along with employment responsibilities. Not many youth these days have experience learning life's lessons. Erick demonstrates many of the qualities necessary for success in today's world. He is a hard worker, understands commitment to community, and enjoys learning and trying new things. He would be a great asset in anything he sets his mind to do. Lisa Harral Director Blackfoot Public Library (208) 785-8628
January 21, 2015 To Whom It May Concern: I have known Erick practically his entire life. He has always been a determined and hard working young man and even in his spare time he would write and write and then ask me to proofread his works for him. When I saw what he wrote I was more than impressed almost every time. As a writer myself I helped him with his grammar and spelling, that was more advanced than a 12 year old should have been anyways, and introduced him to great works of literature hoping his skills would grow. And they did. He is now the editor of his school newspaper, has worked multiple jobs, and is even on student council at his high school. I am sure that there isn't a thing he couldn't do. The growth of his thought process is incredible as well. Although he grew up in a home with parents who did not get a high school education, he has a big vocabulary and is able to think critically and without bias. I would recommend Erick for any and all endeavors that he chooses to pursue in life without hesitation. Angela Hulse Author Blackfoot, ID (208) 313-9263