About 200 high achieving high school students got a lesson from a comedy legend last night.

Bill Cosby was the guest speaker at this year's Carroll F. Johnson Scholastic Achievement dinner in Tarrytown, which recognizes students from Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Dutchess counties.

The funny man had a serious message for the 15 kids who received scholarships. "It's the work they put into it. It's the time when you go into to ask questions. Don't be afraid to do that, you will understand more when you speak up," says Cosby.

The 15 students who got their awards also got a chance to meet Cosby one-on-one. "He's amazing, just what you would expect. I didn't expect him to come. I'm still star struck," says award winner Molly Naft.