To Whom it may concern,

For the last few years I have had the opportunity to serve as the Associate Superintendent of Operations for McDowell County Schools. In this capacity it has been one of our developmental goals to create a healthier school environment. With the alarming National obesity data found with school age children in every system it is time for our educational system to take a proactive approach as we continue to educate our children daily. In taking on this daunting task I discovered we had a very disorganized approach that varied greatly in each of our thirteen schools. I contacted Zone health which is a wonderful program within the NC Partners organization. Ms. Julie Knaack worked closely with me to help assess and provide interventions/strategies to our entire system. Every school now has a committee and strategic plan to help school system focus on health and create a healthy school environment for over six thousand children found in the mountains of Western North Carolina. To be honest, our system could have never made the progress in this short period of time without the strong leadership from Julie, Ingrid, and others within the organization of NC Prevention Partners. Recently one of these schools, West Marion Elementary, received state-wide recognition for their efforts in this specific areas. I just wanted to take the time and give credit where it is due. Thank You NC Prevention Partners for the consistent support that helped accomplish our goals in McDowell County.