Choffin Career & Technical Center kicked off Black History Month Thursday welcoming Clemate Franklin from the City of Youngstown to speak to students.

It's part of a month-long effort to highlight role models within the community and celebrate their accomplishments.

Franklin, a Choffin alumni, shared an inspirational message to students about overcoming adversity in his life and the value of education.

"It's a fight through the uphill battles that are brought to you by life and for us to be prepared is essential," Franklin told the students.

Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown will visit students next week.

The school is also raising awareness about career and technical education throughout this month.