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CHARLOTTE — Vance High School is welcoming a familiar face back in to the classroom this year. A former student is heading back to school, this time, as a teacher.

Anthony McClenny will be bach at the school as a first-year teacher. School staff members said they could not be more proud. With another school year quickly approaching, teachers are hard at work getting things in order.

But McClenny is no stranger to Vance High School.

"My fondest memory is watching him deliver the graduation address as the valedictorian of his class, having been the captain of the basketball team, we took great pride in that that one of our players was recognized as the number one student," said basketball coach Bill Robinson.

McClenny is returning to Vance High School to teach. He said he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I'm very excited. Vance has a special place in my heart. I really loved my high school years, my friends all the great teachers,” said McClenny.

Some of those great teachers, like Dr. Carol Felder, said they are fortunate to have him back.

“He is a mentor, one who can show change and make a difference in young people's lives, I truly believe that," said Felder.

"When you are invested enough in a group of students, when you could have taught anywhere in the United States and you choose to come back to your high school it says that I care deeply,” said VHS Principal, Melissa Dunlap.

McClenny said he is humbled and although he knows the expectations are high, he is ready for the challenge.

"I really enjoy teaching and I feel like I have a lot to share with my students," said McClenny.

McClenny will teach 9th-grade biology. He also hopes to start back up some extracurricular activities that have gone away since his time at Vance.