JACKSONVILLE, Fla.-- Raines High School got quite the treat Thursday. Comedian, TV star and legend Bill Cosby was in the house.
"It was a great experience. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," junior Alex Gardner said.
When Dr. Cosby stepped onto the auditorium stage, the kids went nuts. Many of them grew up on reruns of "The Cosby Show," but today, it was about education. He encouraged the Vikings to live up to their potential, take advantage of learning and not be afraid to chase their dreams.
"I'm already studying hard, but I will go harder from what Bill Cosby said," senior Ahmon Lott said.
"Decide that you want it more than you're afraid of it. It stuck to me and I believe it will stick to them as well," senior Nalayah Jones said.
Several students were chosen to be onstage and take part in the discussion. They shared personal essays -- complete with their favorite quote from Cosby. When you looked around the room, you could tell students got the message loud and clear.
"You can be whatever you want to be, just get your education and study," freshman Zachary Brown said.
Cosby's visit was a part of Mayor Alvin Brown's greater plan to push and esteem education.
Students say they appreciate it.
"Having Bill Cosby agree with me that education is something very important in the lives of young African-Americans. It means a lot to me," sophomore Ebonee Maxey said.
