Edwards “firmly believes in education, hard work and values, and the only person who can do that for you is you,” Patterson told the students. “Don’t let anyone stop you.”

Columbus cheerleaders led students in a cheer they made up for Edwards, and the high school band broke into Neal Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” in tribute to Edwards’ Carolina home.

To the delight of students, Columbus teachers and administrators even performed the "(Watch Me) Whip/Nae Nae" dance.

Asked why so many people would turn out on a blustery afternoon for man who left Columbus following graduation in 1999, Tosha Vavak, president of the Columbus PTA, said “it’s because he gives back.”

“He has stayed humble. He never forgot where he came from,” she said. “Any chance he gets, he’ll stop by and say hi. These guys need to know with hard work they can grow up to be successful like he is.”

“We love to see the spirit coming to this town,” said Amy Ward, the event’s chief organizer.