SenateSTATE CAPITOL

HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813

December 10, 2009

Director of AdmissionsNew York Academy of Art111 Franklin StreetNew York, New York 10013

I recommend for your consideration Ms. L. Nicole Dean to pursue further grants in children's arteducation. For over a decade, Ms. Dean has contributed to our community through her manyfund raising efforts and volunteering her time to teach the beauty of art to Hana High andElementary School students. Ms. Dean has supplemented the Department of Education's artcurriculum by providing students with an opportunity to express themselves in painting, drawing,and ceramics. Her independent art program also includes education in art history, art techniquesand design.

Her devotion to teach art to children of all levels of artistic ability has been a great benefit to ourremote Hana community. Ms. Dean is dedicated to teach both gifted and talented students aswell as those who are disabled and seriously ill. She instills a sense of self-mastery andconfidence in students that impacts other areas of their academics and life. Her students produceinfluential art that expresses their joy and pride.

Through her national and international art education, Ms. Dean introduces her students to theworld beyond Hana. In doing so, she promotes a vibrant cultural and artistic community throughthe artistic creation of our children. Her service, integrity, student's artistic achievement reflectthe qualities of a remarkablejand admirable person. I recommend without reservation Ms. Deanto continue her promotion of art education.

Warm Personal Regards,

J. Kalani EnglishSenator, 6th DistrictHana, East, and Upcountry MauiMoloka'i, Lana'i, and Kaho'olawe

patricia HSUPERINTENDENT

STATE OF HAWAIIDEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

HANA HIGH AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

P.O. BOX 128

HANA, HAWAII 96713

July 11, 2008

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter in recommendation for Nicole Dean and as a record ofappreciation for her valuable contributions to Hana High & Elementary School over aperiod of the last 15 years. During that time, Nicole has collaborated annually withnumerous teachers to deliver high quality instruction in the arts to Hana students. Herenthusiasm, knowledge of the field, and teaching ability are remarkable, as evidenced bythe depth of engagement and excellence of work her students produce each year.

Nicole avoids the easy, craft-like or holiday themed art projects that are typical ofelementary school art programs. On the contrary, her students work on authentic andcreative projects that consistently lead them to the self-realization of their artistic talents.As an administrator of Hana Schools, I have observed Nicole and her students manytimes. A noticeable improvement in attitude toward school and learning in general ischaracteristic of her students during and after their time with her. Finding success andproducing quality art provides many students, particularly those that struggle withacademics or have a learning disability of some kind, with a platform of success thatsupports a positive self-image. In fact, Nicole has particular strengths in working withlow-performing students and students requiring specialized instruction. Her care andconcern for all children is readily apparent, as is her skill at building relationships withyoung artists.

Hana School hopes its association with Nicole Dean continues well into the future. Hercontributions to the welfare of our students cannot be underestimated and are well-appreciated by teachers and parents. Please provide any assistance possible to allowNicole Dean to continue her work with Hana students.

With Best Regards,

Gary Davidson, Vice PrincipalHana High & Elementary School

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

LINDA LINGLEGOVERNOR

PATRICIA HAMAMOTOSUPERINTENDENT

STATE OF HAWAIIDEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2360

HONOLULU, HAWAII 96804

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

November 9, 2007

Ms. Nicole DeanHana High & Elementary School4111 Hana HighwayHana, Hawaii 96713

Dear Ms. Dean,

The Department of Education introduced the DOE Student Corner showcasing colorfulpieces of student artwork from Hana High & Elementary School last month to greataccolades.

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to you and your students. You are a trueexample of the kind of educator who inspires students to think creatively and to producetheir best work.

Very truly yours,

Patricia HarnamatoSuperintendent

PH/dm

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER