Testimonials and Letters
Jim Rockwell worked harder than most high-school students to reach graduation day. The Rockwell Project is dedicated to making sure other teenagers don't have to go through the same experience.
This page includes a partial list of Jim's references. In addition to TV and radio appearances, he has spoken before more than 300,000 students at a variety of schools and youth organizations. The Media Newspaper Coverage page provides more information regarding newspaper and magazine coverage of The Rockwell Project.
You can also read some of the many letters from teachers and students telling Jim how much his program affected them.
The National Council on Alcohol estimates that 30% of high school seniors get drunk at least once a week, and that 66% of high school seniors are classified as current users of alcohol. Take advantage of this opportunity to have the Rockwell Project help your school reduce these statistics - sign up today!
Letters To Browse Through:
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Commendations of Appreciation To Browse Through:
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Letters From Teachers and Parents:
Hello,
As a long time California resident, wife, mother of five grown children,
and active citizen, I really care about my family and my country.
I am the creator and host of a nationally syndicated and award-winning cable television series, "Everyday Heroes," which airs twice weekly nationally on Kaleidoscope. We celebrate and feature people whose extraordinary work enhances the quality of human life and really makes this world a better place.
JIM ROCKWELL IS INDEED AN EVERYDAY HERO!
I had the unforgettable opportunity of hearing him locally at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, where his motivational message brought 3,200 cheering students to thank him with a standing ovation! Having heard a gazillion speakers throughout our five children's high school education, no one has ever inspired, motivated or uplifted the students as much as Jim. I overheard one student say to her friend, "Wow, if he (Jim) doesn't get to us to inspire us to become good, productive people and not screw up, nobody will!" And that's the truth! His message is concise, loud and clear - "Do not drink and drive or do drugs. Your future can be alive and well!" We believe Jim and never forget!
Most
thankfully,
Maureen Nunn
Executive Producer / Host, "Everyday Heroes"
(the following letter was addressed to Jeff Lewis of Foothill Beverage Company, who was been a key sponsor and supporter of the Rockwell Project)
Dear Mr. Lewis,
On behalf of the students and staff of Azusa High School I would like
to extend a big thank you for your sponsorship of Mr. Jim Rockwell. Mr.
Rockwell spoke to our entire student body on May 22 and May 23 on the
topic of "Alcohol Awareness". Over this two day period, Jim presented
six forty-minute assemblies to all of our Physical Education classes and
Senior English classes. From the beginning, I was impressed with Mr. Rockwell's
willingness to adjust his schedule to insure that all of our students
received his message.
Mr. Rockwell did an outstanding job of relating his personal story to the students on how his decision to drink and drive dramatically changed his life. The video, coupled with Mr. Rockwell's personal story, provided a powerful message to our students. His combination of honesty and humor were effective tools in keeping the student's attention.
With graduation coming and school ending this was indeed a most appropriate message. Again I would like to thank Foothill Beverage for their sponsorship of Mr. Rockwell. Without his support our students would not have had a chance to hear his outstanding message.
Sincerely,
Alan E. Thorndike
Dean of Activities & Athletics, Azusa High School
Dear Jim,
Thank you very much for your wonderful talk at Hart High about drinking
and driving. My students enjoyed your sense of humor, and also your sincerity
about the problems caused by your own accident.
I commend you on your delivery and humor. It put the students at ease. They really listened and hopefully, will think before drinking and driving. Unfortunately, too many young people think they are invincible. I am glad you are taking the time to go around and talk to students.
Sincerely,
Eva L. McFadyen
Dear Mr. James Rockwell,
We at Laurel High School would like to tell you how much we appreciate
you taking the time to come and speak to us. Many students that go to
Laurel are in a 12-step program - an anger group and a special issues
group. We also have a lot of teen moms, and a nursery for their babies.
Your presentation hit home with a lot of these people.
Enclosed is a copy of our school newsletter. It includes an article on your presentation, along with other events that happened during this cycle.
Sincerely,
The Knight Life Staff
Amanda Morrison, Kristy Sagely, Sonya Cunningham & Renee Mixon
Letters From Students:
Dear Jim Rockwell,
First of all,
I'd like to say Thank You so much for speaking to us at San Mateo High
School. You spoke very well, interesting and fun. I'm sorry about the
accident you were in and it's unfortunate that it had to happen to a person
like you. Your speech enlightened me by the fact to never ditch class.
You made me realize how important school and getting an education is.
You made me realize, no matter how much you have, that alcohol is a very,
very dangerous thing.
You mention something that made me think. You said, "No matter who you are and how perfect your life is, it can all go away in a heartbeat." I thought about what you said, and in no time all, I thought to myself, "It's so true!" You brought to my attention that life is so delicate and never to be taken for granted. I enjoyed listening to you and listening to your sense of humor. I wish you the best of luck in the future and have a great life!
Sincerely,
Jimmy Jower
Dear Mr. Rockwell,
Hello! I am a seventh grader at Rolling Hills Country Day School, and
I sincerely enjoyed your presentation. It's amazing how you can be so
optimistic and enthusiastic after such an accident; I truly admire you
for that. It is so sad that one night changed your entire life forever,
but your new goal is a worthwhile one. You have taught so many children
to stay away from drugs. So many young minds and hearts have been touched
by your words. To help other children avoid your mistake is a courageous
deed. Not many people can admit their faults, but you seem to teach others
to stay away from drugs with confidence. I will put my religion, family,
and school in front of my vanity and social life always. Thank you for
speaking from your heart about using drugs and drinking alcohol.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Lee
Hello,
My opinion on the guest speaker that came today is that I really did like
it. Everyone always says "don't drink and drive" or we'll see videos during
class but that usually doesn't have much affect on us teenagers. Not until
we have reality on what could really happen to use, do we start thinking
about it seriously.
Having this man in our school, actually in front of our eyes really made a difference. I think it was a great idea to have someone like that come and talk to our school.
Sophomore Student
Dear Jim Rockwell,
My name is Kelly Noguchi. I was very touched and moved with your assembly,
but I was a little upset when you said you weren't normal, I think you
are a regular normal human being. I know that I have never been in such
an experience and I don't know how you feel, but listening from you I
feel that I have become a bit wiser than usuall.
Your speech had a lot of meaning to it, making the right decision, listening to your parents, and don't ditch and drive. There are a lot of unfortunate kids that had not heard from you and if this will help I will pass and tell about you and your experience to other people.
Thank you.
Dear Mr. Rockwell,
Thank you for visiting Hart High and sharing your story with us. I enjoyed
listening to you speak. I was amazed at your accomplishments, and how
you have recovered since your accident. Your sense of humor made it more
fun, and less intense. Hearing your story impacted me, and made me listen
because you have had the experience, where most adults just say "don't
drink & drive." The way you spoke to us seemed like we were having a conversation
not another lecture. I really like that quality. Once again, I want to
express my gratitude to you for coming and sharing with us.
Sincerely,
Rochelle Trochtenberg
Dear Mr. Rockwell,
Thank you so much for coming and speaking to our school. I think it's wonderful
the way you talk to teenage students about your life and, by doing that,
hope it will change everyone, but it will help may people. I will always
remember this first hand account of what alcohol can do to you and how
it can drastically change your life. It's sad that kids who are doing
so well in junior high can totally change their life in high school. Thanks
so much for your time and hour.
Sincerely,
Jen Lesser
Jim,
Hi my name is Shannel Davis. You were at my school today, J.H. Hull Middle
School. I am a seventh grader. I think you have a lot of courage to come
and talk to all of us, about your accident. I like how you made it funny
while serious. I had an uncle who died because of alcohol. I liked your
speech very well, it made me cry. I know a lot of alcohol things and I
know how it affects the family, and the person a lot! I think you got through
to a lot of people today. I'm sure that a lot of people will think differently
about alcohol. I know a lot people have heard stuff like this on the news
and TV, but it means a lot more when a real person comes a tells you about
it. You are living proof. I appreciate very much so stay strong!
Always,
Shannel Davis
P.S. everything turns out good in the end! and always remember how much
you are helping kids, communities, and towns, so much!
Hello,
I think that the speaker was sort of a touch of reality. It made others
think that it could happen to anyone. He was a football player, popular
& an honor student so it sort of made you think "if it can happen to him,
it could happen to anyone." I don't really know if it affected anyone,
but it's probably gonna make me think twice before getting in a car with
someone I know had too much to drink.
Cindy Santana