VIRGINIA BEACH — Wide-eyed students packed the bleachers on both sides of the gym. The marching band played in tribute and the dance and cheer teams took turns showing off routines set to the hip-hop producer’s music.

Then, Principal Carey Manugo presented the hometown celebrity a gift: a custom-made, black and scarlet letterman’s jacket.

“It means so much to Sun Devil nation,” Manugo said, “for you to come back and honor your roots.”

Timbaland, surrounded by 1,700 cheering students at his teenage stomping grounds and alma mater, described the welcome home as “a moment of awe.”

Despite all his previous accolades, the four-time Grammy winner knew the moment was special. The Friday morning pep rally at Salem High School was the first event in a three-day celebration of the Virginia Beach

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