2. SACRED HEART ACADEMY
A Franciscan Parish School of Sacred Heart Church
April 20, 2012
To Whom it may Concern,
My name is Kenn Hitchcock and I am the current
Principal here at Sacred Heart Academy in Tampa, FL.
Sacred Heart did not have a Principal for a year and a
half before my arrival.
One of the first challenges I faced was to find a
replacement Spanish teacher. I interviewed a number
of very good candidates; but one stood out among the
rest, Adriana Matallana. She conducted an incredible

3. interview. Adriana explained to me how she would
teach her class using an iPod, pictures, costumes,
dancing, singing and acting. She was truly exciting in
her presentation and, as it turned out, in her teaching.
She has middle school boys and girls singing, dancing,
and dressing up in her class – all having fun doing it.
Students who refused to learn to speak Spanish last
year are reciting and having a wonderful time learning
Spanish this year. The younger students (grades K-5)
also love to go to Spanish, actually cannot wait until
they go to her class. She uses technology in her class
and utilizes the computer lab if it is available.
All our students have learned to say the Our Father in
Spanish and will recite it at the beginning of each class.
Adriana is a very faith-centered person, and living her
faith daily. Other teachers continuously comment about
her energy level and the variety of her lessons, as they
are amazed at all the activities she does in her class and
how she can maintain her spirited classes. She works
very hard while she is here and is willing to help on
any tasks asked of her support. She is especially
interested in service projects. Adriana is always very
positive and complimentary to all she comes in contact;
she truly loves her students, each and every one of
them.
In summary, Sacred Heart is closing after 81 years.
Each of us will go in different directions. I would hire

4. Adriana without reservation or I would call her for an
open position if my next school had one. She is truly a
gem to have on any teaching staff. If you do not hire
her, you will be missing out on one outstanding teacher
and person. If you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to call me.
Sincerely Yours,
Kenn Hitchcock