MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- "Think it, believe it, and you can achieve it." That was the message from an Army four-star general to thousands of school kids from his hometown.
Gen. Dennis L. Via, commander of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, visited five Henry County schools, addressing students from kindergarten to seniors, Nov. 10-12.
Arriving to applause, homemade signs, banners, and streamers, Via began his hometown tour in the very building in which he graduated high school. Now converted to an elementary school, G.W. Carver welcomed his return with full fan-fare.
"We are so excited and honored to welcome General Via back to Carver," said Principal Judy Edmonds. "There's so much history in this school, and we're so proud of him and all that he's accomplished."
Following a tour of the school pointing out changes made during the conversion, Via addressed the students, saying he was at home at Carver.
"Last time I sat in this auditorium was when I graduated high school," he said. "I walked the same hallways, sat in the same classrooms…I grew up here; I went to school here. That's what we share in common. I started right here just like you. I'm just like you."
Via told the students he never imagined what life had in store for him, only that he knew he wanted to be successful. He shared that message along with his tips for success, across his school visits.
"You can do whatever you want to do. You can become whoever you want to become," he said. "But there are a few things you have to do if you want to be successful."
Education is the foundation for success, Via stressed, telling several stories about teachers who impacted him in his early years and with whom he continues to keep in contact with today. He emphasized the importance of teachers, but also working hard and personal accountability throughout his visit.
"Your teachers believe in you. They want you to be successful. They share in your success," Via said. "They will do their part, but you have to do your part."
Via encouraged the students of all ages to set high goals and stay focused to achieve those goals. He warned of distractions -- from friends, peers, sports, and more -- that would try to sway students from their path, and stressed the importance of making good decisions.
"You're at a fork in the road in your life, and all your decisions count," Via said specifically to the middle school audiences. "Someone is always watching you. You know right from wrong. Be a good person; be a good student; be a good son or daughter; be a good friend."
Above all, Via told the students to believe in themselves.
"It doesn't matter where you start, where you come from, or the circumstances in your life. You have to believe that you can achieve whatever you want to achieve," Via said. "Believe in yourself and what you're capable of doing in life."
Via said the foundation that led to his success was built in Henry County, and he was humbled to come back and share his message to the next generation of students.
"Your foundation is being built here…built in the community you're growing up in," he said. "Don't forget the people who helped you along the way. Always give back to the next generation that will follow you."
Following his visit to Carver Elementary, Via visited Bassett and Magna Vista High Schools where he lunched with cadets from the schools' JROTC programs. He also visited Laurel Park and Fieldale-Collinsville Middle Schools, meeting with small groups of students from leadership clubs and organizations. Finally, Via briefly toured and spoke to students at the Piedmont Governor's School for Mathematics, Science and Technology, part of New College Institute for higher education.
Related Links:
Related Article: General addresses hometown crowd, recognizes veterans
Social Sharing