1. June 19, 2011
To Whom it May Concern
Ryan Hoag
I am humbled and honored to have been asked to speak positively on behalf of Jon Lendrum in the
form of a letter of recommendation. I first came into contact with Jon five years ago, when he transferred to
Minneapolis Washburn high school, where I work and coach. From the first conversation we had, I was
impressed by his confidence and desire to succeed. Coming to a new high school as a senior from another
state is a tough challenge for anyone, let alone a 17-year-old kid deciding on where to attend college the
following year. Jon never altered from his focus on being a leader, a good teammate as well as the best
student athlete he could be and fit in effortlessly with his teammates (soccer, hockey and tennis) and new
classmates. I got a chance to see him on a day-to-day basis in school and was overwhelmed by how
intelligent and professional he was. Wise and mature beyond his years, Jon became an instant leader with
our tennis team in off-season drills, often running captains practices after only a couple weeks of meeting
the team. Jon's play on the court speaks for itself, but it was his passion and intensity that stood him apart
from his teammates which, in turn, made him the de facto captain of the team. Our varsity tennis team is
made up of 7th, 8th and 9th grade impressionable minds and I could not have asked for a better leader on
and off the court, both by example, but also through his inspirational words and pre game speeches. While I
was thrilled with the fact Jon ended the year as the top player in our conference and an A honor roll
student, it was his leadership and future legacy that I will remember most. Our team succeeded beyond my
expectations this year because of the legacy of excellence and passion Jon brought in one short year.
He continues to be a part of our program, cheering us on and giving lessons to the team and most
importantly kids trying to live up to the excellent play and role he played last year. Jon Lendrum is a great
kid, a fantastic student and a supremely passionate individual with endless gifts. I would do anything and
everything for him, just as I know he would do the same for me and the Washburn tennis program.
Honored,
Ryan Hoag
Special Education Assistant and Head Boys Tennis Coach
Minneapolis Washburn High School