1. ________________________________________________________________________________________
To Whom It May Concern: 5 November 2013
I have been teaching the IB Biology course for nine years now. In the last couple of years, I have
noticed a large number of theatre/choir students who are taking the class. Partly some students
take the class because they need a science class for their IB diplomas. However I have realized
that artistic students like Lily Cichon use their creative abilities to bring out their scientific skills.
Lily has a wonderful playful spirit that makes the class fun, but always brings a keen desire to
learn. She exemplifies the idea that we learn best when we have fun.
The IB program comprises the top students in our school and is very rigorous. Lily is a 3.8 GPA
student. Lily is also taking my class for college credit, so she is being held to college standards. I
was initially worried my “theatre kids” would not have the time to apply to their IB courses. My
worries were unnecessary. Despite all her obligations, Lily has been exemplary in keeping current
with all the material and tasks and remains a top student in her class. The IB program also
requires students to work in groups and execute biological experiments. Lily has been particularly
good at organizing her team. Another theatre skill?
Outside of her IB work, she is involved in the National Honor Society, Key Club, International
Club and National Society of High School Scholars. Most of her extracurricular time is with
theatre plays, in which she has served as artistic director. She has a list of awards involving
production and musicals.
One of the advantages of the IB Biology being a two-year course, is I get to know the students
very well. In the two years since first meeting Lily, I have seen her develop into an analytical
science student, carrying out well-crafter investigations of the enzyme Amylase, pulmonary
capacities, osmosis and bacterial contamination studies. Her writing style is complete and
thorough, composed in her whimsical style. It has been a delight to have her in my class.
.
Robert Winters, IB Instructor, Gresham High School
A Century of Excellence
Gresham High School
1200 North Main Avenue
Gresham, Oregon 97030-3899
Phone 503-674-5500  Fax 503-674-5549
http://ghs.gresham.k12.or.us
John R. Koch, Principal
An International Baccalaureate
World School