Tommy Ford thinks all teenagers are beautiful, and he wants them to think so, too.
The actor, best known for his work on the sitcom "Martin," has made it his mission to convince others that they are beautiful, valuable and powerful, one teen at a time.
Ford visited five Chattanooga schools in the past week, including East Lake Academy on Thursday, talking about his past, growing up in poverty and the power of choices.
"Beautiful people do beautiful things," Ford told the students. "If you're beautiful and you know it, then your report card will show it."
The founder of Be Still and Know Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth, Ford has worked on other TV shows such as "Law and Order," "House" and "A Different World."
Ford's visit was a joint effort of the Hamilton County Board of Education and the Servant Leadership Christian Fellowship Council, a local alliance of pastors and churches.
Lakweshia Ewing, coordinator for the council, said Ford visited Orchard Knob Middle School, Dalewood Middle School, Brainerd High School and Howard School of Academics and Technology, along with East Lake Academy.
"We've really been working to get more faith-based organizations in the schools," Ewing said.
Unlike many "stay in school/don't do drugs" talks, Ford didn't tell a story of succumbing to early temptation. He said he chose the good life, chose to be successful, and had never spent a day drinking, smoking or doing drugs.
"A loser is a winner who quit doing what was necessary to win," Ford said.
East Lake students Raina Bailey and Damareay Hale, both 11, said Ford's message was inspiring.
Other students said Ford's challenge to choose success over failure when it comes to their grades was the most inspirational part of his speech.
Principal LeAndra Ware said the school is constantly on the lookout for speakers who can motivate the students.
"We have to see in them what they can't see in themselves," Ware said.