Maurice Jones, graduate of Central High School and current Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the State of Virginia, spoke to CHS students on Tuesday, November 11. Jones talked to students about the Lunenburg County Public School teachers who took the time to encourage his love for learning and to help him apply to colleges.

Jones graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, studied at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar receiving his Master of Philosophy in International Relations, and received his law degree from the University of Virginia.

Among his many accomplishments, Jones served as the Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Obama Administration and was the President and Publisher of the Virginian Pilot in Hampton Roads, VA.

Jones told students that anything is possible with hard work and the guidance of good teachers and mentors. After his presentation, Jones demonstrated his belief in the importance of mentoring by taking the time to talk to many students about their future plans and to offer his assistance.