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June 17, 2014
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is provided at the request of Claire Itamura who has asked me to serve as a reference on
her behalf.
I have only known Claire for a short time but she has made quite an impression on me. I seldom write
letters for students that I have not had in my class for more than a year, simply because it’s
sometimes hard to make a distinction about them so quickly. Claire is a true exception to this as she
stood out right away. I am privileged to have her as a student in my Economics of Business
Ownership class at Foothill High School this year. This college prep course provides students with the
insight, skill and knowledge to prepare for a career in marketing/business. Students receive training in
the areas of: market research, product development, pricing, promotion, distribution, personal selling,
presentation, management training, financial planning and daily operation of business. This program
allows students to take business and marketing principles and apply them in more of a “hands-on”
environment than most traditional classes. The demands of this class can be a challenge for some but
not for Claire as she has risen right to the top. In fact, Claire was selected as our Tri Valley Regional
Occupational Program, Business Student of the Year. During this year, I have been able to watch
Claire consistently excel time and time again on class assignments. Claire is a conscientious,
hard-working student that takes her education very seriously. She is the kind of student that keeps a
teacher on her toes.  For example, if I say I have put something on my website and I didn’t, guess
who catches it? You guessed right - Claire! I appreciate that so much about her. She approaches each
and every assignment with the same commitment to excellence. She never settles for less than her
very best work, even when it means stepping up for team members that do not deliver to her
standards. Claire is one that often assumes project manager roles in the classroom due to her natural
leadership attributes but she also knows when to step back and let others grow from the leadership
experience. She is one that brings unity to a classroom by her innate ability to make people feel valued
and special. She is a natural leader and even when she is not in a formal position of authority, she
seems to be able to rally her peers to gets things done.
Claire is a savvy young business woman with a lot of creativity and professionalism. Claire’s helpful
spirit, positive energy & attitude are a welcome addition to the classroom. She demonstrates
strong initiative, motivation and commitment to excellence and is a pleasure to have around! For
all these reasons and many more, I am privileged to make this recommendation on her behalf. If
you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Tami Raaker
DECA is a career technical student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for
careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe
Foothill High School 4375 Foothill Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588 (925)461-0425 class (209)207-4985 cell traaker@pleasantonusd.net
Tami Raaker
Tri Valley ROP Instructor
DECA Advisor