Local former student speaks at RNC

MIAMI (WSVN) -- South Florida was represented well at the Republican National Convention Thursday night, but a former student stole the spotlight.

"I'm sure, like a lot of us, my mother pushed for my education. I'm glad she did," said Frantz Placide.

Placide's mother, Carlette, smiled as she watched her son on TV take center stage at the convention. "I'm so proud. A lot of people called me at work. I'm not supposed to answer my phone, but when I see they call me, they say, 'Carlette, I'm so proud of your son. I saw your son on TV.' I say, 'Thank God.'"

Frantz Placide is an Archbishop Curley graduate, who spoke about the education he received through former Florida Governor Jeb Bush's School Choice program. "Who knows what the future would have held if I didn't have a choice in my education," he said. "I do know the numbers for failure, and I probably wouldn't have had a good chance. Governor Bush's School Choice program gave me a chance to achieve academic success."

A Haitian native, Carlette Placide said she worked hard to provide for her family and pushed her son to commit himself to school. "My son, he's an intelligent young man. He can get through it because I pushed him," she said. "I'm always there for them. Make sure they do their homework, make sure I'm here for them when they need me. When they go to school, I make sure they come back straight home to do their homework."

Meanwhile, in Tampa, another local took the stage with the honor of introducing the Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. "Tonight," said U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, "you will hear from another man who understands what makes America exceptional. My fellow Americans, I am proud to introduce to you the next President of the United States of America, Mitt Romney."

Jeb Bush also spoke about Florida's gains in academic achievement and endorsed Romney as a candidate who believes in equal education for all children.

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