Dear Judges,
It is without hesitation that I recommend Avis Qutub as the Colorado Middle School Journalist of the Year for 2024. Avis has been a dedicated publication staff member for two years and throughout that time has shown dedication, leadership, and excellence.
Avis joined the yearbook staff as a seventh grade student at Ranch View. The first thing I noticed about her was her inquisitive nature and her constant pursuit of knowledge and skills. She took on many roles on staff during her first year, many times stepping in to help other students (even second year staffers) when they were struggling. She developed as a strong photographer, showing up for numerous events and capturing great images on a regular basis. We always knew that we would have great photos for our spread if Avis did the photo shoot. She mastered yearbook design skills and was a frequent behind the scenes contributor to our proofing process. She single handedly completed a two spread story about twins and triplets in our building, interviewing over 30 students for the story.
It was an easy decision to name Avis as an Editor in Chief when she returned for a second year on staff. She is the definition of quiet confidence and students easily follow her lead. I admire her ability to collaborate with other students. She listens to input, makes thoughtful decisions, and values other opinions. She took charge of developing this year’s theme. She worked independently with our yearbook company rep to make decisions about the cover and endsheets. She worked tirelessly to complete our theme spreads in this year’s book. She continues to refine her own skills in order to improve the yearbook product. And she is one of our most reliable photographers, attending numerous events during the school day and after school hours.
Most importantly is Avis’ attention to capturing student voices. She will talk to anyone at any time in order to get the story straight from the source. She has a welcoming demeanor and people feel comfortable talking to her. She is respectful of their story and works to tell it in the best, and most honest way possible.
My only regret from my two years with Avis is that the school didn’t have more to offer her. She is an excellent writer, and would have done some incredible storytelling for a school news website. I could also picture her working behind the scenes of a school broadcast program to make sure that every story is told in a truthful way.
I know that her skills and her talents will serve her well in the future and I expect to see more great student journalism produced by Avis. I firmly believe she is deserving of the title of Middle School Journalist of the Year.
Signed,
Jed Palmer, CJE
Adviser, Ranch View Middle School
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of Avis Qutub, an 8th grade student at Ranch View Middle School, and her application for Colorado Middle School Journalist of the Year. It is with ease and enthusiasm that I write this letter in support of Avis, her work ethic, and impact on Ranch View Middle School over the past two years. I have known her in both her 7th and 8th grade years at our school.
Avis is a stand-out student and human being. There are so many wonderful qualities she displays as a young person in our community. Avis has one of the most outstanding work ethics I have seen from a middle school student. She is always focused, prepared, and willing to work through challenges whether it’s learning a new concept or making sure her group cooperates and accomplishes a task. Avis always works hard to make sure her work is accurate, thorough, and completed based upon the expectations - she often exceeds these expectations! Because of her work ethic, her teachers and classmates know that she is dependable and trustworthy. She won one of our school’s Excellence Awards based upon her well-rounded nature and her determination in her academics and extracurricular activities and interests.
Avis is also a wonderful leader. While she may not be the loudest in the room, her quiet confidence makes her approachable and a sought-out friend and peer. She is called upon to mentor or help peers, whether it is showing them how to approach a new concept or to learn important skills and programs in yearbook class. She exhibits patience and compassion when leading others. She not only displays this leadership in the classroom, but also in other settings. For example, she helps as a peer leader in our school’s transition program, Peek at the Pack, that welcomes the new class of 7th graders at the start of each school year. Avis fulfills this leadership role by leading small groups, answering questions about a myriad of topics related to middle school, and shares her experience with the incoming students. She always asks what she can do to help the staff and with preparation for the sessions and does not shy away from the tasks/projects she is asked to do.
Avis’ responsibility also makes her a stand-out candidate for this award. She completes and turns in work on time, she has developed an organization system that works for her, and she is trusted with important or advanced tasks. Avis has learned the skills for time management. She has interests and activities outside of school, like sports and theater, but she maintains balance with completing her work and excelling in her academics. She fulfills her responsibilities to her teammates and castmates and does not let her quality of work falter. Being a part of the yearbook staff, she is trusted with access to camera equipment and meeting quarterly deadlines for her assignments. There is no doubt that Avis has proven herself as a reliable and wonderful teammate and student.
As mentioned before, I write and sign this letter with no reservations that Avis deserves this award based on her yearbook/journalistic contributions and her characteristics as a person, student, and leader at Ranch View Middle School. As Avis moves onto high school, she will leave her mark and legacy at RVMS because of her kindness, work ethic, and overall character. She is the epitome of a strong, balanced, and caring individual that our young people can look to as a role model and no one deserves this award more. Thank you for your consideration and support of Avis.
Respectfully,
Becky Carson
Teacher, Ranch View Middle School