Guidance on writing a reference letter sample for college scholarships?

I need to help my teacher with some ideas for my scholarship reference letter. What are some key points or phrases that are usually included in a solid letter? Examples would be really useful!

Hello there! Writing scholarship letters of recommendation is crucial in offering wholistic view of you as a student. Here are some key points your teacher might consider:

1. Introduction of Relationship: This is where your teacher should mention how long they've known you and in what capacity. For example, "As John's 11th-grade Physics teacher, I have supervised his academic progress for over a year".

2. Academic Performance/Intellectual Characteristics: Here, your teacher can highlight your academic abilities including your performance in class, your diligence, creativity, or any specific projects or noteworthy accomplishments in their class.

3. Character and Qualities: This is where the teacher talks about your character, things like perseverance, leadership, ability to work in a team, resilience, etc. For example, “John consistently leads his study group with calmness, efficiently ensuring that every group member understands new concepts."

4. Extracurricular Activities: Here, your teacher can mention any extracurricular involvement, particularly if it's relevant to the scholarship you are applying for.

5. Situations that Showcase Qualities: Use a 'show, don’t tell' approach. Rather than stating the qualities, your teacher should share specific examples or stories where you displayed those qualities.

6. Endorsement for the Scholarship: In the conclusion, your teacher should fully endorse you for the scholarship, by stating your abilities, strengths, and why you would be an ideal beneficiary.

An example could be:

"Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,

As the 11th-grade Physics teacher at ABC High School, I've known John for over a year. John has been an exceptional student, showcasing profound understanding and curiosity about scientific phenomena.

During a group project on electromagnetism, John successfully led his team, demonstrating remarkable leadership skills. He was able to distribute tasks evenly, assuring every member understood their role, a trait that convinced me of his team management skills.

One impressive quality about John is his tenacity. During a challenging module on wave mechanics, he devoted extra hours after school to ensure he mastered the topic. This dedication was not just to his gain but also his classmates’ as he often explains complex topics to his peers, showing profound knowledge and patience.

Being a member of the school’s Science Club, John has tirelessly contributed to the organization of the annual science fair, fueling his passion for science beyond our curriculum.

For these reasons, I confidently recommend John as an excellent beneficiary of your esteemed scholarship, as his attributes align with your organization's objectives. His leadership, perseverance, and dedication to his studies, and the wider community is a testament to his character.

Thank you for considering my recommendation,

[Your Teacher's Name]"

Remember, genuine and specific recommendation letters can make a significant difference in your scholarship application. Good luck!