Gov. David Paterson paid a visit to his alma mater Hempstead High School Monday to deliver words of hope and encouragement to students.

Paterson, New York?s first African-American governor, graduated from the school in 1971. He told students that his parents moved the family from New York City when he was 4 years old because city schools would not allow Paterson, who is legally blind, to learn in the same classrooms as other students.

Students and teachers say Paterson?s visit was a morale booster for both students and the school, which has made great strides in improving graduation rates in the past few years.

?If you work hard and are persistent and have a dream, sometimes you surprise yourself,? Paterson told students.

The governor also visited an elementary school in Merrick and Antioch Baptist Church in Hempstead.

To see more of Paterson?s remarks, go to Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.