Retired Army Gen. Colin Powell got the ultimate praise for his speech to students at George Washington High School in Indianapolis. Nobody dozed off.

The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff dispensed advice to about 180 students Friday, urging them to stay in school, avoid teenage pregnancy and stay off drugs.As he did throughout his military career, Powell commanded attention.

"He opened up a lot of ears today," said student LeRae Troutman. "Usually when we have a speaker, they put people to sleep. No one was asleep."

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