2025 | Connecticut | GIRLS

Stamford-Westhill-Staples | SWS | GIRLS

RECOMMENDATION FOR ELIZABETH TOUSSAINT-BROWN

It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter of recommendation for Liz Toussaint-Brown. I have had the privilege of knowing Liz for four years as a student-leader at Stamford High School and as a player on the Stamford-Westhill-Staples (SWS) Coop Girls Ice Hockey team. Though I teach at Stamford High School, I have not had Liz in any of my classes. However, I am a coach of the girls’ hockey team. I am confident that I can share general and specific observations of Liz, especially as a young woman who can make a contribution to your institution. During the years I have come to know Liz, I continue to be impressed with her authenticity, a deep sense of empathy, a commitment to reflection, academic and personal responsibility, and her honorable character.
I teach students who have special needs, so I have not had Liz in my classes. However, I am aware of her outstanding academic performance, enrollment in the most challenging classes, a spirit of engagement in classes, and her leadership in special programs. I often see Liz working at and guiding others in the daily Future Business Leaders of America convenience store. It is clear that her positive attitude and strong organizational skills have contributed to the program’s success. In my conversations with Liz, it is evident that she has reflected on maintaining the appropriate balance of academics, athletics, and extracurricular activity. She knows how to prioritize which has served her well in high school and is a habit of learning she will bring to any institution.
One of Liz’s most outstanding qualities is her character. I have seen this from a special vantage point as a coach of her hockey team. Liz is a skilled player who has been on a constant trajectory of improvement. With that said, Liz’s skill puts her in the middle of the pack on a strong team. However, it is important to note that as a junior, she was selected by her peers (and supported by her coaches) to be a captain, a role she continues to hold as a senior. Her selection is a testament to her genuine spirit of inclusion, the trust others have in her, and her empathy which is unparalleled. Our team is a co-op, which means that players come from different school districts. SWS is composed of students from two Stamford high schools – ones that are city schools and serve a very diverse population. It also serves students from Staples High School in Westport which serves an affluent, suburban population. Our team is reflective of that diversity. Liz’s power stems from her ability to transcend the differences and meet her fellow students where they are in their progression through high school. Players confide in Liz, in large part because her empathy allows her to preempt situations so they can be addressed in a timely fashion.
Liz’s role as a captain requires strong communication with players and coaches. I continue to be impressed by Liz’s ability to read situations and provide thoughtful perspectives that contribute to team cohesiveness. Periodically, as coaches we seek feedback from captains to better understand the “pulse” of the team. Liz’s perspective is always the most rounded. The reality is that teams can develop cliques, but Liz always provides input that indicates that she fully comprehends that complicated dynamic of a team. Her genuineness and authenticity are those characteristics which engender trust among students and adults.

Liz’s positive spirit, intrinsic motivation, and authenticity set her apart. She genuinely loves to learn and strives to better herself and her community. Through her actions and attitude, she is an advocate for social justice – all in an earnest soft-spoken way. Liz has a beautiful smile which radiates in so many settings, but behind that smile is a young woman of drive and determination . It is a drive to do what is right for family, friends, and community. It is a selfless attitude rarely seen.
I wholeheartedly endorse Liz Toussaint-Brown’s candidacy for acceptance to your institution. I am confident that she will bring the academic and personal responsibility necessary for success, a special gift for connecting with people, and a commitment to justice. She will undoubtedly have a positive presence in your campus community. Please feel free to contact me should you require any additional information.
Regards,

Stephen V. Falcone

Stephen V. Falcone, Ph.D.
Stamford High School

Player information:

Liz Toussaint-Brown
#14 Stamford-Westhill-Staples Girls Hockey

Her address: