Teachers and staff for Selma City Schools are gearing up for next week’s school year opening. As such, they gathered at Selma High School Friday for the districtwide Institute Day, but this event came with a special surprise.

A newly famous guest who grew up in Selma and is a product of the school system got up on stage to as the auditorium erupted in applause.

Asher HaVon had returned to his alma mater to give the district employees his gift of song as way of paying tribute to the school that helped shape his career. That career was in the national spotlight earlier this year when he was crowned the winner on season 25 of NBC’s “The Voice.”

“I think it’s such a privilege when I can come back home and feel all the love,” HaVon said.

HaVon performed a special song he wrote specifically for the occasion. He said it was his way of honoring the teachers he credits with playing an instrumental role in shaping his journey to success.

“I really would not be here if it wasn’t for the guidance of teachers, if it wasn’t for teachers believing in me,” he said.

At the event, Selma City Schools Superintendent Zickeyous Byrd discussed how important it is for teachers to understand the difference they make in children’s lives.

Byrd said as they gear up to welcome nearly 3,000 students back to class, their mission of making an impact on children is clear.

It’s a mission HaVon agrees with.

“I wanted them to really know and understand that they literally have the capability and the power, they have the steering wheel, they’re the wheels, they’re the car that can take these kids, these students, to their destinies,” he said.

Also appearing at Institute Day was retired NFL player Michael Johnson, who is also a Selma native. He was a defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.