“You don’t have to sell drugs or do other (bad) things to get what you want,” Johnson said. “Running with the wrong crowd will affect your future.

“You have to finish your work each day,” Johnson said. “Once you do that homework, you’ll have the confidence you need to make that ‘A’ on the test.”

Johnson also encouraged students to write a list of short and long-term goals they can review daily. “No. 1, write down what you want to do when you grow up, what you want to be,” Johnson said.

“Write down where you want to go to college and what you want out of life. You hold the key — you get what you put into it. If it will help you get to your goals in life do it, if not, don’t do it.”

Many students were inspired by Friday’s event.

“He (Johnson) said ‘bring God first,’” said fourth grader La’Bra’sha Walker. “I think that’s important.”

Fourth grade student JaDarin Wells agrees.

“You got to reach your goals and stay confident,” Wells said. “No matter what no one tells you, go for it.”