Dear Dee Dee Jonrowe:

We are Ms. Ramirez's 4th Grade Class from Safford, Arizona. We've been following you through the 2002 Iditarod Dog Sled Race. Our teacher's class last year followed you in the race too. It's good learning about a place not anything like our state.

We're sorry that you lost one of your dogs. I bet you cried a lot, we would have if we lost a dog. At what check point did you leave him/her at? What was his/her name? What position did he/she run for you?

We are glad that you were a good sport about coming in 16th place and not mad about not winning. We learned that if you saw someone in trouble you would help them and not be rude to them.

We heard that you told a little girl to go to college and get a degree when she said she wanted to grow up and be like you. We also learned that you have to be very polite and nice all the time so you'll be a good role model. We think lots of people want to be like you because you're a good sport and role model.

Now, we have a few more questions for you….

Who's your favorite dog and why?
Is it hard being perfect all the time and being a role model?
Was it hard mushing over the rocks and gravel?
How did you feel when you crossed the finish line?

Congratulations on finishing safely. We thought the Iditarod was kind of interesting because everybody is a good sport, just like you. If you can't write back, that's OK because we know you're busy with your dogs.

Good luck next year, we'll be looking for you!!

Sincerely,

Ms. Ramirez's 4th grade class
Clinton, Amanda, Michael, Ashley, Michele, Tanya, Marleena, Shelby, Caleb, Regina, Chris, Danny, Zac, Adamy, Jessecca, Veronica, Mary, Raegan, Nicole, Kim, Steven, Ray, Delmar, Josh, Mario, Scotty, Sean, Samantha, Bianca