Students at the Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics got a visit and some inspiration from an Academy Award winner Friday.

 

Forest Whitaker, known for movies like "The Butler" and "The Last King of Scotland" stopped by the Morrisania school, offering advice not only as an actor, but as a humanitarian.

 

Whitaker is an advocate for peace, and he says a shift toward that starts in communities.

 

"[You] let them know they can accomplish anything they want if they put themselves toward it. And let them know they can affect change right now," says Whitaker.

 

Students were inspired after listening to Whitaker speak, including one that connected with his upbringing.

 

"He didn't really have a rich background, and I can kind of relate to that, and that can really drive me in the future," says student Charles Stanley.

 

Students at BCSM are required to have 100 hours of community service in order to attend prom and other school events, but some said that after the speech, those hours seem more like a passion than a chore.