[Proper heading] February 12, 2019 State Board of Pardons and Paroles Mueller Rock Drive, N.W. Tower Austin, TX 78794-7384 [Formal address] Dear State Board of Pardons and Parole, [Your identity and relationship to individual] My name is Shelly Alvarado and I’m writing to you to request the pardoning of Nestor Willingham. I am a private secretary at the office building where he has worked as a custodian for over 10 years. We first met when he applied for the job in December of 2006. I was surprised to learn of his conviction as he was and is a man of noble character and moral fiber. [Traits of the person to be potentially pardoned] Nestor comes into the office every day with a smile on his face, whistling a tune. He takes the time to stop and greet each and every one of us as we end our days and he begins his. He is jovial, cordial, and one of the most thoughtful people I’ve ever met. His presence brightens my spirit and his wise words have helped myself (and many others) get through rough patches more times than I can remember. He has become the heart of his office and all the people in it deeply respect him and wish him only the best. [Reasons for official pardoning] Nestor’s dream is to become an addiction counselor so he can help people overcome the same struggles that took his father’s life and nearly took his own. He has applied for grants and scholarships to go back to school and receive his degree, but was denied due to his record. Considering the vast amount of joy and healing he has offered to all who know him, I can only imagine the number of lives he could uplift and even save while living his dream. [Expression of gratitude and reiteration of reasons] I wholeheartedly hope that you will consider clearing his record of his criminal conviction so that he may have the opportunity to achieve the life he so deserves. Thank you for your time and consideration. [Formal closing] Sincerely, [Your signature and notary stamp] Shelly Alvarado [Your contact information] Shelly Alvarado 9387 Holly St. Austin, Texas 78704 512-883-9383