February 15, 2019

To Whom it May Concern:

It is my pleasure to write this letter to wholeheartedly recommend Joseph Furfaro for consideration for academic scholarship support from McMaster University.

I first met Joe in the fall of 2013 when he came into my classroom as a grade seven technology student. Joe immediately gained my attention because of his confidence with not only computer functions, but actual code writing. Since my first encounter with Joe over five years ago, I have been fortunate to have been able to teach computer technology to Joe, to mentor Joe and to have had the opportunity to work with him in a business capacity. In my experience, Joe has proven himself to be a very rare individual. Not only has Joe been consistently the top academic student for every school he has attended in the years I have known him, in grade nine, he completed a self-paced university-level coding course and received a Microsoft certification.  Additionally, he is exceptionally compassionate, well-mannered, and is a genuine leader in all endeavours he undertakes.

Joe is incredibly talented in the area of computer technology. His ability to read and write code comes naturally to him, but it must be mentioned that Joe also works diligently to continue to advance his knowledge and skills in computer science..  He is confident, capable and innovative. He has the ability to listen to the needs of others, and then work with technology to create and impress. He has been selected for participation in very elite courses, including the Martinrea 2018 AIV Summer Coop, and he is presently the head of First Robotics (Team 7456) at Aurora High School. These prestigious positions underscore not only Joe’s natural talent and passion for computer science, but also shed light onto his natural leadership skillset.

In addition to my role as Coordinator of Educational Technology for Chinook’s Edge School Division, I run a business that offers technological services to educational institutions and private businesses.  In 2016, I subcontracted Joe to build a website that I did not have time to create.  His work ethic and ability to meet deadlines far exceeded my expectations of a young teenager, and indeed, exceeded expectations I would have had of an adult. In meeting with the client after the site was completed, He was graceful in his explanations, and he was able to explain the project respectfully, without speaking over her head, or condescending. That type empathy is a skill that cannot be taught. Many people who are as proficient with technology as Joe is struggle to find that “sweet spot” when communicating with people who are not as comfortable or confident with it. Joe is one of the rare individuals who has exceptional access to both his right and left cerebral hemispheres.

Joe is also a leader amongst his peers. He volunteers formally, with his church on a weekly basis doing a variety of tasks including music, audio-visual and website design and upkeep. He also volunteers informally to assist people (oftentimes teachers) in troubleshooting or repairing their technology and alleviating challenges. Further, he is a gifted athlete who has been a leader in many sports and has competed provincially, nationally and internationally; yet another testament to his well-rounded personality and skillset.

Finally, but not least of his many strengths as an individual, it must be articulated that Joseph Furfaro is a compassionate, brave, enthusiastic, positive, young man with a strong moral fibre who is a cooperative and helpful contributor in every sense.  It would be my pleasure to speak to you personally; I can be reached at 403-324-2424.


Sincerely,



Michelle Baragar