STATE OF WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
Echo Glen Children's Center
33010 SE 99th St
Snoqualmie, WA 98065

January 20, 2000

James "Curley" Cooke
Pacific Northwest Blues in the Schools
2175 South 278th Street
Federal Way, WA 98003

Dear Curley,

I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of Echo Glen Children's Center, Toutle Cottage, to thank you, the musicians and other performers of PNW Blues in the Schools for your willingness to share your program with the students in our maximum security unit.

This program exceeded all of our expectations. The performer's commitment to five sessions per week for three weeks was commendable. The curriculum and final performance was well organized, met the varied levels of the participants and while difficult for some at times, the kids were clearly determined to succeed. For some of them this was a challenge, but they were committed to the project, in part, because of the care and skill of the musicians and other talented performers.

It is not often that we are able to see how an individual can impact the lives of the children that reside at Echo Glen, but the transformation and changes in behavior and appearance of the participants were clearly apparent. The majority of kids had never played an instrument, now they know that they can. Some of them had experience juggling, now they know that they need to continue to work to increase their skill, and they know that it is possible. They had fun learning about the history of the Blues.

Please thank all of the performers and teachers associated with the Pacific Northwest Blues in the Schools program for their commitment to at risk youth, for believing in their abilities, and help in us to positively impact twelve children who have many talents and much promise.

We are always open to offering this program again to another group of young offenders, working together to encourage them to strive to reach their potential. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[signed]
Patti Berntsen
Associate Superintendent