Father and son entertainers Master P and Romeo presided over the graduating class of Monroe Middle School, making good on a promise to return if the students kept their test scores up.
Monroe, NC (Billboard Publicity Wire) June 11, 2008 -- Entrepreneur and entertainment mogul Master P (also known as Percy Miller) made good on a promise to Monroe Middle School students when he returned to preside over their eighth-grade graduation ceremony on June 6, 2008.
The hip-hop icon made a promise to students during a surprise September 13, 2007, visit to Monroe Middle School saying he would return if students did well academically. He also promised to bring his son, Romeo, a successful entertainer in his own right.
Staying good to his word, Master P served as the keynote speaker during the 9AM ceremony. Miller said he was filming a movie in California, and stopped production so he could come to Monroe Middle School's graduation.
"I'm very proud of you," Miller told students. "You've taken the first step. Education is so important. I came from the streets, but I was able to change my life. I was able to change my life because I wasn't afraid to further my education. Go out and find yourselves. Find your dreams. This is such a great school to be at."
The screams of hundreds of excited students at Miller's arrival illustrated his popularity. Those screams only intensified when he announced the arrival of his son, Romeo, who will be going to USC in the near future, majoring in film and business, and joining the Trojans basketball team.
Romeo also offered encouraging words to the middle school students, stressing the importance of staying in school, getting a good education and saying no to drugs and gangs. After shaking the hand of every graduating eighth-grader, he sang for students.
"I'm the oldest of three brothers and three sisters, so anytime I can give back to kids, I'm feeling good about that," said Romeo after his performance. "I feel really blessed to be able to give back to these students. This is the future here. To see that people really do care about them really boosts their self esteem."
Miller speaks to youth around the country, stressing the importance of education, speaking out against violence, drugs and gangs with his program called Let The Kids Grow.
"I'm here to show kids you can break cycles," said Miller. "I was able to come from a community where people were known for selling drugs and being in gangs."
As for taking the time to come to Monroe, Miller said, "Life is not just about making money. Life is about what you do and what you give back. I love to see these kids smile. I learned a valuable lesson. Money is a tool you use; you love people."
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