To whom it may concern,
I am honored to recommend Morrie Pongratz to be on the School Board. I had the opportunity and privilege of working with Morrie for several years, and was constantly inspired by his enthusiasm to serve the community.
Although I likely met Morrie at Breakfast with Santa when I was a young child, I really began to get to know him when I became involved with Key Club and the United Way Youth Team while attending Los Alamos High School. He helped me put on my first fundraisers, was the emcee at my high school sports games, never missed my dance performances, and continually aided me in growing as a person and community member. Morrie’s impact is wide, as he works to serve the community as
a whole. However, this never takes away from his personal care for the students that he works with. He holds students to high standards, then supports them in their growth. I am now a junior attending New Mexico State University, and in my time here at NMSU, I have been a member of the Residence Hall Association, National Residence Hall Honorary, Aggies without Limits, and I am currently serving as the Vice President of ASNMSU. He has remained involved with my growth and supportive of my successes, even though I attend school in a different city.
I believe Morrie would make an excellent addition to the School Board. He taught me the value of giving back to one’s community, and the importance of providing support to youth. Los Alamos thrives on that passion that individuals have towards comradery and community. Because of the consistently selfless ways that Morrie chooses to devote his time, he embodies the kind of individual that would implement positive change for Los Alamos Public Schools, and pose as a role model for numerous students.
I strongly recommend Morrie for this position because of the support and inspiration that he has given me, and countless other students throughout the years.
Please feel free to contact me at 505-920-7254 if you have any questions.
Melina Burnside
New Mexico State University