Cordele Dispatch, Cordele, GA

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November 11, 2009

Cougar welcomed home

By BECKY CRISSMAN

CORDELE — The Crisp County Cougars got the opportunity to welcome back one of their own as a former football star returned to his alma mater Friday. Andre Ramsey, who now plays football for the Buffalo Bills stepped back into the gym to address the student body of CCHS and share with him his three keys to success.

Ramsey, who got his start as a Crisp County Cougar, went on to play for Ball State in Indiana.

“I can remember sitting in this very gym thinking about my dreams,” said Ramsey. “Dreams are a vital key to success. You have to have a dream and make it come true.”

Ramsey spoke candidly to the students, explaining the importance of character and maintaining a good work ethic.

“Character is what you do when no one is looking,” he said. “Continue to do the right thing. Everybody makes mistakes. Set goals for yourself and do what you can to achieve those goals.”

Ramsey described the most important key to success is a person’s work ethic. He told students that in order to really make your dreams come true you have to be willing to work at it and that they should always be willing to put the extra effort forward.

“Life is a competition,” he said. “When you go out to apply for a job, you are competing against everyone else that is applying, sometimes 20 or more people. Always work to be the best. Your work ethic is the difference between being good and great.”

Afterward Ramsey took the time to meet and greet with students and some of his former teachers. He signed a number of autographs and posed for pictures.

“This was a blast,” he said. “I have spoken at other engagements, but have always wanted to come back to my community. I want to give something back. This has been a blessing. Cordele is a great place to grow up, but so much more.”

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