DAPHNE, Ala.—Daphne High School was treated to a special guest Friday when one of its own came home.

Former student-athlete and West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Pat White, in town for the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, recevied commendations from city officials and school administrators and cheers from his fellow Trojans.

Mayor Fred Small proclaimed Friday as “Pat White Day,” and shared some encouraging remarks about the day’s namesake.

“I think Pat has set the bar really high,” Small said. “The city of Daphne is honored and privileged to have you.”

The guest speakers highlighted White’s credentials—including being a 2007 Heisman Trophy Award finalist; earning the 2008 Fiesta Bowl Most Valuable Player Award; winning the 2006 and 2007 Big East Conference Offensive Player of the Year Award; and graduating from college as the all-time leader in NCAA quarterback rushing with 4,385 yards—and his leadership ablities and commitment to discipline.

“He’s something special,” Trojan football announcer Buddy Stallworth said. “He’s a good athlete but he’s just special.”

Former Daphne High football Coach Steve Savarese—who trained White when he played at Daphne and is now the executive director of the Alabama High School Association—recognized the positive influences in White’s life that aided his success.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child,” Savarese said. “Daphne is a village.

“Pat White is successful today because of all the teachers at Daphne High School,” he added. “We need to recognize the teachers.”

Students stood and cheered in honor of the educators that facilitate their success.

“Pat, I’m proud that I coached you,” Savarese said. “I’m proud because of the young man you’ve grown up to be.”

When White finally spoke at the assembly, the crowd’s voices rose to a deafening roar, supporting their hometown hero.

“I’m proud to be back in the city of Daphne,” the 22-year-old said. “Thanks to all of the coaches who helped me out over the years. They made me work hard and have helped me get to the next level.

“Of all the honors I’ve received, this is the most special.”

Baldwin County Comissioner David Ed Bishop presented a decree, on behalf of Baldwin County schools.

Baldwin County superintendent Faron Hollinger also shared in the lighthearted mood in his remarks about White’s football prowess.

“I’m just glad my alma mater didn’t have to play you,” he said. “I wish I had a dollar for every time I said, ‘How did Alabama and Auburn let this guy get away from us?’”

Praise of White’s athletic prowess continued throughout the assembly.

“He could play any position he wants,” Arthur Ogden of the U.S. Sports Academy said. “From my perspective, he changed the face of college football.”

Principal Don Blanchard made closing remarks about the influence White has had on students.

“Before you became a Mountaineer, you were a Daphne Trojan,” he said.

“God bless you; we love you. You’re always welcome when you come back to the city.”