Having a vision was the message sent to area students Thursday night by Alabama Supreme Court Justice and Atmore native Lyn Stuart at the Atmore Rotary Club’s 25th annual Academic All-Star Program at Escambia County High School.

Students from Atmore Christian School, Escambia Academy, Escambia County High School and Northview High School were honored for their achievements at the ceremony that began in 1985.

An emotional Stuart spoke to students and parents on a number of things that they need to get to be successful.

Stuart said she was proud of Atmore’s Rotary Club having a program to promote student excellence.

“It’s emotional to be back in Atmore and Escambia County High School,” Stuart said. “This is a unique program. It’s a great program though, and I’m not aware of another like it in the state. Parents you should be proud of your Rotary Academic All-Stars.

With the beginning of her message, the Alabama Justice mentioned three names synomous with visions.

Stuart said that Henry Ford, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan all had visions, and despite that people thought they were crazy they stuck to their visions and created realities.

During her speech, Stuart said if students can get a good education and a mentor then they have found steps to succeeding.

“Get the best education you can get,” Stuart said. “Get the most appropriate education you can get as well, and never stop learning. Next, get a mentor. Find a person who can encourage you to become the person that you want to be. There are people out there who are willing to do this for you, so find a mentor.”

Following Stuart speaking, the Rotary Club honored the 2010 Academic All-Stars as well as those who have been named Academic All-Stars for all four years of high school.

The highlight of the night though was the awarding of the Randolph B. Luttrell Sr. Rotary Club Memorial Scholarship to Escambia Academy senior Jake Wasdin.