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Kay Lett set a challenge for Escambia County Middle School students during the school’s annual Black History Month celebration on Feb. 23.

Lett, the campus director at Coastal Alabama Community College in Monroeville, was the keynote speaker during the celebration and she challenged the young students in the audience to think about their goals and what they want to become in life.

“Start thinking seriously about your story,” Lett said. “What will your story be?”

Lett said the decisions and choices one makes will fill your book.

“When you’re born, your book is empty,” she said.

Lett then asked the captive audience to travel back to 2002, and then fast forward to present day, a 20-year gap. She talked about who was president then and the goings on in the world.

“Then, imagine it’s 2042,” she said. “When that day comes, where will you be?”

Lett encouraged the students to set their goals, and to accomplish them.

“Your station in life will be a direct result of who you are and what you’re not doing in life,” she said.

Lett spoke about some notable African Americans, and reminded the students that they were young like they are now.

Lett gave the students some advice on conquering her three Ds – decisions, determination and discipline.

“Use this day and program as motivation to decide who you are and what you stand for,” she said. “Your dreams are worth holding on to, and your hopes are worth it.”
Lett said each one of the students has the ability to do what needs to be done, and where it needs to be done.

Lett encouraged the students to learn about many things.

“The writing is up to you,” she said.

Earlier in the celebration, Destiny Worship Center’s Elements of Worship sang “How Great is Our God,” and “You Made a Way;” African Americans in the medical field’s biographies were read; poetry by African Americans was said; and the Concerned Citizens of Atmore’s Black History Essay and Poster Contest winners were announced.