Seventh and Eighth graders at Andalusia Junior High learned the importance of making good choices Friday.

The Choice Bus, a part of the Mattie C. Stewart Foundation, and sponsored by State Farm, was on hand.

Presenter Mark Miller talked to students about the importance of making good choices.

Students were taken into the Choice Bus, where they saw a presentation on Dr. Shelley Stewart, who got a rough start to life, was homeless and an orphan. His mother was murdered by his father when he was 5, but he went on to complete his education.

The students saw a presentation on the price of dropping out and learned that every 26 seconds a student drops out of school.

They also learned that 8 out of 10 high school dropouts end up in prison, and 75 percent of prison inmates are high school dropouts.

Students also learned that a college graduate will earn $1 million more over his or her lifetime than a high school dropout.

“The second half of the segment goes into prison system and inmates wish they would have stayed in school,” he said.

They also shared a story of a 19-year-old woman who went to prison at 14.

“She talks about bad choices and how it leads to prison,” he said.

They also had the opportunity to see inside a real-life jail cell taken from a state prison.

“It helps show them the reality of jail or prison,” Miller said. “They get to go inside and see the cramped space.”

Miller said they also talk to students about the importance of the company they keep.

“We also talk about their goals and aspirations,” he said. “We know college isn’t for everyone, but we talk about trade school or the military.”

At the end of the program, they signed pledge cards to get a good education and to make good choices in their lives; to study, pay attention in class and graduate from high school; to hang around with friends who will have a positive impact on their lives, and not jeopardize their future.