Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke to students of Dorsey High School Thursday, advising students to work hard and think about the choices they make.

Schwarzenegger took the opportunity to urge the state legislature to pass his proposed legislative package that would ensure California meets the federal Race to the Top requirements to compete for $4.35 billion available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). Right now, California is not eligible to apply for the funding.
 
"California deserves it. We're the biggest state, the most important state," said Schwarzenegger. He quickly added that students had the responsibility to learn and work hard.

The governor explained to the students that he called for a special session of the legislature to change some of the state laws that are keeping the state from competing for the funds.

The governor said he called on the  legislature to change "simple laws, like if students are in a low performing school, that parents can take them out of that school and out of the district and move them to another district in another school."

Dorsey High School, which serves approximately 1,900 students, has improved 28 points from last year on its Academic Performance Index.  The index measures academic growth and achievement at schools across the state. Schwarzenegger credits this improvement for choosing to visit Dorsey.

"We chose this school because you did the best on test scores," said Schwarzenegger. "I studied. Let me tell you, it isn't simple."

In his speech, Rev. Jackson pointed to the governor and President Barack Obama as examples of persons who had overcome hardship and succeeded.

"Everybody has a story, but no one cares if you don't put glory in your story," he said.  "Glory comes from achievement."

Junior Raymond Noel, 16, an aspiring NFL football player, said the speakers spoke truth.  He liked Jackson's emphasis on choices and consequences.  He said that to reach his goals he will have to work hard and keep away from problems like gangs.

Dorsey senior Cristal Aguilar, 16, who wants to study at UC Berkeley and become a criminal lawyer,  found the speeches well presented and inspirational.

Jackson "warned students on what the right path is," said Aguilar. "Dreams are possible."