In order to apply for certain college scholarships and honor society memberships, high school students must sometimes obtain at least one letter of recommendation from someone other than a teacher.
The person writing the letter must typically write a glowing personal reference letter based on limited knowledge of the student’s work ethic, reliability, dependability, and/or leadership abilities.
Personal Reference Letter Wording
In this article, find example wording for a high school student’s letter of recommendation. Adapt the suggested phrasing into a reference letter for a college scholarship or honor society application.
Student Honor Society or College Scholarship Referral – Sample Recommendation
A letter of recommendation should start off just like any other formal letter, with a date and address block. Here’s an example address block:
January 1, 2010
**Insert four spaces between the date and mailing address.**
Student Honor Society
1000 Honor Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The exact recipient of the letter may be unknown, so it may be appropriate to address the reference letter to “To Whom It May Concern.”
Sample Letter of Recommendation – Character Reference, Leadership Abilities
In addition to strong character, the writer may be required to attest to one or more of the following characteristics in the high school student:
- Work ethic
- Reliability
- Dependability
- Leadership abilities
Use any one of these characteristics interchangeably in the example introductory paragraph below. This sample paragraph incorporates a character reference and attestation to the student’s work ethic.
“I would like to write a letter of recommendation for Student X. I understand that she is applying for a Student Honor Society (SHS) membership and that two of the characteristics SHS members exhibit are strong character and work ethic, both of which I can attest to on Student X’s behalf.”
Letter of Recommendation Tip – Support Statements Made in Intro Paragraph
When writing a reference letter, stick to what you know about the student in question. Don’t make things up; just play up what is there. For example, a babysitter might need a letter of reference to get into the Student Honor Society. Here’s how the second paragraph of that referral letter might read:
“Student X has been my babysitter for seven months. She has worked for me part-time throughout the school year and summer months. I hired her after meeting with her and being impressed by her positive and respectful attitude. Student X is a wonderful babysitter with a great work ethic. She is always punctual, and she lets me know her availability well in advance so I can plan my work weeks. Student X is very cooperative and does everything I ask in caring for my daughter.”
Letter of Recommendation Template – Example Letter Closing
Below is one way to conclude a letter of recommendation. Notice that the example letter closing includes contact information in case the person reviewing the letter needs to get in touch with the author.
“Based on Student X’s excellent work ethic, reliability, and dependability, I would definitely recommend her for a spot in the Student Honor Society.
If you have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to contact me at 555-999-5555 or emailaddress1@email.com.”
Sample Recommendation Closing – How to End Student Reference Letters
To wrap up the personal reference letter don’t forget to sign off with respectful word like “sincerely” or “regards.” Insert four spaces after the closing, and type your name. Print out the letter and sign between the closing and typed name.
Finally, provide the reference letter in an envelope. The student may need a sealed letter of recommendation, meaning he or she isn’t allowed to read the message. To provide this, simply seal the letter in an envelope and sign over the flap. The college or honor society will know the letter has not been tampered with when the seal arrives intact.
Other sample letters and notes:
Sample Thank You Note Wording for Gifts
Example Professional Interview Thank You Letter
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Lena Gott - Lena Gott is a Certified Public Accountant who gives practical financial advice to her readers.
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