‘Different Drummers’ to be shown at Central Valley High School

Central Valley graduate Lyle Hatcher is bringing “Different Drummers” to the school.

Hatcher co-wrote and co-directed the film about his friendship with David Dahlke, who had muscular dystrophy and used a wheelchair.

“David was the kindest person you have ever met,” Hatcher told The Spokesman-Review in 2012. “He knew he didn’t have long to live, but you never heard him complain. He died when he was 13.”

That story of friendship is one that resonates with Central Valley Principal Mike Hittle.

“The message of this movie fits so well with our goal of providing a safe and positive school environment that I am willing to use instructional time to provide our students with a chance to see it,” the principal said in a statement.

Teachers at CV signed up their classes to see the movie Wednesday and today. The community is invited to screen the film at the school today at 7 p.m.

Hatcher and the film’s star, Brayden Tucker, who plays Hatcher in the film, will be at the screening for a question-and-answer session and a book signing by Hatcher.

The event is a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and to help offset film production costs.