1. Christine Belton, Ceramics & Sculpture March 9, 2016
Springfield High School
49 W. Leamy Avenue
Springfield, PA 19064
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to recommend that you embrace MaryKate Mela to your program. I have had the distinct
pleasure of knowing MaryKate since 1998 when she was a student at Springfield High School. Since her
graduation and through her teaching career, we have committed to spend time together, sharing our own
artwork, lessons and ideas; planning for future class collaboration and generally building a strong, student
and art-centered collegial relationship.
MaryKate’s skills with 2-D and 3-D materials, as well as her open, engaging personality are a perfect
combination. She is an artist in her own right and has been producing, exhibiting and selling her work for
years – this kind of experience and credibility is vital. As an art teacher, MaryKate continued to be a
committed artist in her own right. As someone who has taught for twenty-six years, I know how difficult it is
to teach children all day and have the commitment go home at night, be there for your family and generate
the drive to create your own artwork.
As a teacher looking at the rising future of a former student, I am extremely proud of MaryKate’s
accomplishments; from carrying majors in Ceramics, Photography and Art Education at Tyler (and
graduating Magna Cum Laude), to becoming an AP Art teacher to becoming a leader in her school as a
Department Chair and Technology Teacher Leader. MaryKate has extremely high expectations of herself
and her students; whether the students are Elementary, Middle or High School students, AP students or
students for whom she provides Life Skills/Autistic Support. By bringing a wide variety of experiences to
the table, MaryKate is able to provide her students a broad base of skills – from drawing, painting, printing,
photography, graphic design, digital illustration to ceramics and sculpture.
MaryKate’s experiences in her career have many facets – as a teacher, an artist and one who is on a
mission to make a difference in her community. I also know that MaryKate as a person with incredibly
elevated standards for all that she gives her bright regard. MaryKate is driven, caring, flexible and
energetic – and she’s a skilled and creative artist. Wherever MaryKate chooses to teach, she will make
quite an impression.
Take her on – she will bring nothing but her best and she will be quite an asset to your program.
Sincerely,
Christine Belton
Springfield High School
Ceramics and Sculpture
Christine.belton@ssdcougars.org
www.christinebelton.com
610-308-6893
Springfield High School
49 West Leamy Avenue
Springfield Delaware County, Pennsylvania 19064
Phone: 610-938-6100 • Fax: 610-938-6105
MR. JOSEPH A. HEPP, Principal
MS. SUSAN M. TRELLA, Assistant Principal A Cornerstone of the Springfield and Morton Communities
MR. RICHARD MITCHELL, Assistant Principal