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On Thursday, April 2, Madison County Central School hosted their Bronco Pride program. The students performed songs and a skit, A and B honor roll recipients were presented with certificates and special speakers encouraged the student body to reach for the stars. To begin, a group of students led the assembly in the National Anthem and then the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders, accompanied by the MCCS Band, performed a skit, clapping and singing the lyrics: “If you wanna be somebody, if you wanna go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention.” Next, Ca'shiya Gallon welcomed special speaker, Miss International Beautiful 2015, Amber Robinson. The beauty queen graduated with a degree in criminal justice and works as a paralegal at a law firm. In addition to her career, she is dedicated to traveling the area and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. She spoke to the children about how to succeed in life, asserting “It all starts in the classroom.” She continued to encourage the students to strive for the very best, stating: “You can do anything you put your mind to, with hard work and dedication. Make good grades, listen to your parents and teachers, and anything is possible-- the sky is the limit.” After Robinson addressed the assembly, MCCS student, Shelby Burt, introduced Carl “Sugarfoot” Joseph, a Madison County High School graduate and legend across the United States for his success in athletics despite being born with only one leg. He declined to use a prosthesis and participated in football, basketball and track; not only did Joseph participate, but he played like a champion. Joseph started at noseguard in football his sophomore year, and was named Big Bend Player of the Week for his seven solo tackles and four assists during a game. However, his best game was during his senior year. He recovered a key fumble, knocked down two passes, had eight solo tackles and six assists in a shut-out victory over Taylor County High School. Joseph's story has been featured on "That's Incredible," "The Today Show," "To Tell the Truth," on NFL halftime shows and in Jet magazine. Joseph told the students that, despite the setbacks and despair that accompanied his childhood, he learned to overcome them and succeed beyond his wildest dreams. He attributed much of his success to his mother. “I wanted to quit, but my mother dried my tears and said, 'Son, look at me. You may only have one leg, but you must learn to stand on your own two feet,'” said Joseph. “You are the master of your abilities,” he continued. “With determination, you can do whatever you want to do.” Joseph went on to challenge the students to read, stating, “Knowledge is power.” After Carl Joseph's speech, the students who achieved A and B honor roll were acknowledged for their hard work and presented with certificates. The program ended with a special performance of the popular song, “Tomorrow.”