High School Life

To Whom It Concerns:

It is a pleasure to write a reference on behalf of Ryan Reed.

Ryan served as a volunteer in our organization (Young Life Central West Virginia) from 2003 to 2006.

Ryan proved to be an invaluable asset.

As a volunteer Ryan was expected to go out into the community, meet teenagers where they hung out,

build relationships of trust and encouragement, and assist them in growth toward healthy maturity in

mind, body and spirit. Ryan proved himself diligent, faithful and skilled in this endeavor. He showed

himself to be gifted in establishing meaningful ties with young people, winning their trust and respect.

The community in which he served was rather economically depressed. Ryan, however, was able to

work with kids from across the spectrum, whether poor or well off, athlete or band kid, popular or

withdrawn. He was able to speak meaningfully into the lives of many adolescents so that their sense of

worth, of confidence and of security was strengthened and enhanced.

Ryan s skills, abilities, and trustworthiness were such that he assumed numerous demanding activities:

coordinating and leading two evening meetings for high school students every week, assuming

responsibility for week long trips out of state with students, coordinating weekend retreats at least once

a quarter, speaking weekly to a gathering of students, and leading a volunteer team meeting. Ryan also

met once a quarter with the committee of adults overseeing Young Life in the area. He briefed them on

the events taking place, as well as the fruits of the budget.

Ryan not only worked with kids directly, but as our leader for a team of 10 other leaders, proved himself

to be skilled in guiding and encouraging others to step up in their volunteering. He led by example and

demonstrated the importance of crossing boundaries to reach students.

It is noteworthy that Ryan did all of this while carrying a full college workload and assisting in many

activities on his college campus. Ryan s volunteerism was way beyond the level of that of the typical

college student.

These observations show Ryan to be not only skilled and responsible but also highly motivated in his

commitment to serve young people for their well being. I fully recommend Ryan to any position that

serves adolescents, especially those within impoverished areas.

Sincerely,

R.D. Wilkes, Young Life

Ronald D. Wilkes, Young Life, 2333 Sidney St, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 **********@*****.***

Contact this candidate