“As Kerris’s trainer, I have coached her for many years. She is a hardworking, talented, and coachable student that is always wanting to learn more. She has been a complete joy.
Her exceptional work ethic and love for this sport and horses makes her an outstanding individual and equestrian.
Beyond her individual achievements, she shines as a remarkable team player, she always offers support and encouragement to my younger riders and adults. Whether in the stables or during competitions, she exemplifies leadership, camaraderie and a dedication to fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere within the equestrian community and especially her barn family.”
~ Kim Snyder, owner and trainer, Bit by Bit Farms
Klsnyder1@gmail.com
“I am delighted to recommend Kerris Luedeke for a position on your college equestrian team. I have had the privilege of knowing Kerris since her pony days as she has consistently demonstrated a strong passion and dedication for equestrian sports.
Kerris possesses excellent riding skills and has shown significant growth and improvement over the time I have known her. She is not only a talented rider, but also a responsible and respectful team member who is always willing to assist others and contribute to the team’s success. Kerris has overcome many significant obstacles and has always done so with an exceptionally positive attitude and strong determination. Her outstanding work ethic, sunny disposition, and sportsmanship make her a valuable asset to any team.
I am confident that Kerris will continue to excel in equestrian sports and will represent your college team with the utmost professionalism and dedication. I highly recommend her for a position on your team and believe that she will make a positive impact both in and out of the arena!”
~ Nancy L. Holland
nancysmithiso@gmail.com
“In our very first phone call, Kerris Luedeke shared she is an equestrian. That speaks to its stance as not just something she loves to do, but in her identity of self. It was a text-to-self connection with our textbook, Reading the World. And out of everything in the whole wide world, Kerris wants to work with you on her skill sets. She dreams of D1, and it is my hope that this letter shares a bit about her and why she’s deserving of that dream coming true…
Kerris does, however, care about much more than just her world and her dreams. The second time we spoke, in relation to what we were reading, she shared about her favorite show, “All the Light We Cannot See.” She explained that the main character is blind and in charge of radio messages, helping to evacuate and rescue a town from Nazis in Germany during WWII. She told me that its theme is: setbacks can set us up for other successes. Overall, she’s an all-around caring kid who is growing into a concerned citizen and it’s even more impressive than her academic career, which is saying a lot.
She spoke about the show with the same eloquence and excitement she uses about equestrianism. In a virtual environment, some students shy away from speaking to their teachers altogether; however, Kerris is an involved individual. If she’s going to do something, she’s going to do it well– from education to being an equestrian. (What a perfect fit, since your program will be a balance of both!) Whatever she’s doing, she relates it to her world or the world at large. It’s a tactic few teens use, but it makes her more invested than most, and it makes learning natural and intrinsic.
Fundamentally, Kerris likes to learn. When last we talked, she expressed her love of literature in connection to a literary analysis essay. She spoke of a song I hadn’t yet heard. Maybe you’ve heard of it? It’s called “Chemtrails Over the Country Club.” Read it over, and you’ll read the words of a dreamer who just wants a sweet, simple life– perhaps words she relates to.
Please help Kerris trot toward her dreams. Give her the chance, and she will be a success story for your program. She’ll make you proud, as she’s done here. I know I am so proud of her!”
~ Sarah Hesterlee, English II Honors Teacher, Texas Connections Academy- Houston, sahesterlee@tcah.connectionsacademy.org
As a teacher for almost 30 years, it’s always easy to spot the students who are bound for success in whatever they pursue. I can say with assurance that Kerris is one of those students. She is an organized, efficient, and dedicated young woman who pursues her studies and interests with diligent focus. Her personality lends itself to teamwork, and I feel sure she would contribute fully to the growth and camaraderie among any group. Kerris’s parents have provided sound guidance and direction, which has strengthened her ability to be coached, but also to step into leadership roles with ease. As her teacher, I can attest to Kerris’s work ethic and time management skills, as well as her heart for equestrian sports. I believe she will be a trailblazer among her peers, and I am delighted to recommend her for a position on your college team.
~ Molly Graham, Communications Teacher, Texas Connections Academy Houston
mrgraham@tcah.connectionsacademy.org