Teachers Give DARIUS GOES WEST an A+
The video of Darius’s high school graduation is hosted on TeacherTube so that it may be shared and viewed on school servers (YouTube is usually blocked at schools).
When Dr. Mark Wilson, Met Life/NASSP National High School Principal of the Year, showed our film to his students at Morgan County High School (Madison, GA), they were so moved by the film that they decided to spearhead a movement that enabled a hand-written letter of endorsement (from a middle or high school student) AND a DVD of Darius Goes West to be mailed to every middle and high school in the U.S.!
Dr. Wilson isn’t the only grown-up fan of DGW. We constantly get letters from middle and high school teachers across America. Here are some testimonials we’ve received…
“What I saw was not only an inspiring, heart warming story, but something that was much, much more. The film is about Darius of course, a kid with a fatal disease and his travels across country, except it is not. It is also about those kids that I have been worried about who hold our future in their hands. It is a story about human kindness, love and dedication to a cause.”
–Roy Carroll, Clarke Middle School, Athens, GA
“As a middle school literacy teacher, I used Darius Goes West as part of a month long social action project my students spear-headed, which included fund-raising, the movie screening, and a school-wide letter drive. It was an amazing event from start to finish.”
–Tristan Wright, I.S. 528, Washington Heights, NY
“Darius Goes West not only raised awareness about Duchenne musuclar dystrophy, it also stimulated valuable discussions on disability awareness, accessibility issues, empathy and acceptance, race relations/tolerance issues, and the value of volunteering. It encouraged my students to act on their big dreams and also to be thankful for their friends.”
–Janet Dennis, Special Services Teacher, Wood River High School, Hailey, ID
” When we showed Darius Goes West, I have never seen our students–all 1000 plus of them–so quiet. Even kids who normally do not care about much at school, left talking about the movie and jumped in on helping with the cause.”
–Christine Lightsey, Daniel High School, Clemson, SC
“Showing this film at our school was inspiring and amazing for both teachers and students. The lesson plans that come with the “Know About It” program are wonderful. Do not miss the opportunity for your students to ‘meet’ this incredible group of young men—such role models!!!”
–Tracie Vitantonio, Mary Bethune Middle School, Cleveland, OH
“I have two words re: the effect this film had on my students: Life Altering. Through innovation, perseverance, dedication, self-discipline, and brotherhood, my students were able to see that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE when you can imagine it and you want it. Darius is a real-life, living, breathing, and talking inspiration. His experience and cause is real-life, and his spirit is catching.”
–Kimberly MacNeill, W.R. Coile Middle School, Winterville, Georgia
“What an amazing story of joy, love, perseverance, and brotherhood! This movie made me cry, laugh, and smile. I felt compelled to share it with my biology students and couldn’t wait to use the curriculum that comes with it.”
–Tracy Lawrence, Home Street Middle School, Bishop, GA
“Darius Goes West is a moving film that should be shared with students and adults alike to help teach the power of friendship, determination, and service to others. It shows us so clearly that the contributions of an individual can impact others in tremendous ways. A must-see film that I will share with all my students.”
–Joel Palambo, High School Art Teacher, American Embassy School, New Delhi, India
“Last year, a 5th grade teacher asked me to spend time in her classroom working with students to improve communication and conflict resolution skills. The lack of compassion and empathy that permeated the group’s academic and social experiences was evident. Change was necessary to have a successful year. I showed Darius Goes West to these students, and the impact was immediate. Prior to the movie, the class participated in a variety of activities that improved the overall climate in the classroom. However, Darius Goes West provided what we could not. Our students were moved to action and organized a screening for the entire 5th grade. Two months ago, the film was shown to every student in school, and fundraising began in earnest. As one student wrote, ‘For once in my life, I feel like I can really make a difference.’”
–Heather Meyer, ADAPEP Counselor, Jamesville DeWitt Middle School, Syracuse, NY
"A Classic"--The Los Angeles Times
"Certain to stir hearts."-- Variety
The Movie
Accompanied by his eleven best friends, Darius Weems, a fifteen-year-old living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), leaves home for the first time in his life. The rowdy crew sets a course for California where they hope to convince MTV to customize Darius's wheelchair on the hit show, Pimp My Ride. Darius Goes West has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people of all ages all around the world.
The Movement
Darius Goes West is more than a film. The continuing story of Darius, his crew, and the tens of thousands of supporters they have met in their travels can be experienced on this website. This site is continually updated with short videos, blog posts, and innovative initiatives that aim to affect a cure for DMD.
If you're new to DGW, check out the Blog, or join the Facebook group to see what you've missed. If you're a teacher or a student, be sure to check out the educational program. And If you are interested in having Darius or one of the crew members "Skype in" for a Q&A at your screening, please contact us.
DGW is a registered 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization. All proceeds benefit Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research.
Get blog and DVD updates delivered. Subscribe via RSS or Email
