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

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

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