Never give up was the theme Congressman Bobby Bright focused on during his speech to Pike County High School seniors Friday afternoon.

Bright told the group to focus on three things to get the most out of life after high school. The first was to set goals, then work hard and never give up.

According to Bright, he came from a poor family and had to work to put himself through college by first going to a community college so he could work full time and go to school full time.

“I was 30 years old when I graduated from law school,” Bright said. “Don’t be in a hurry, and don’t think you have finish school in four years.”

Bright said he had been offered a partial scholarship to play football at Livingston, but his family didn’t have the means to come up with the other money, so he opted to go to the community college.

“I overcame that hurdle,” Bright said. “But don’t ever push yourself above what you can do.”

Bright told students it was important for them to learn something extra that could set them apart from others in their field.

“I challenge you to find a niche,” Bright said. “My niche was honesty, integrity and hard work.”

According to Bright, if students find their niche, they’ll be able to compete with students from Harvard or the Citadel.

After Bright’s speech, students had the opportunity to ask questions.

One student asked Bright about the differences between being mayor and a congressman.

Bright explained he was in the executive branch in Montgomery and could cut grass, fight crime and put out fires. Now, he had to read bills that affect daily life.

Bright did tell students he thought it was important to stick behind the commander in chief.