ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A high school choir director who just won a Grammy award was brought to tears Tuesday as students and administrators welcomed him home with a surprise red-carpet return.

Dr. Jeffery Redding of West Orange High School was just chosen as the top music educator in the country at the Grammy awards in Los Angeles.

He was not in school Monday, or most of last week, because he was in Los Angeles.

"(It was) mind-boggling," Redding said of the experience. "(I was) trying not to be taken over by the moment, but taken in."

Attending the Grammys was a night he will never forget. But it was his homecoming Tuesday that was clearly more meaningful.

Every few feet, he was embraced by either a student, fellow faculty member or even his own former teachers in a surprise pep rally of sorts as they ushered him down a red carpet.

A large part of the school came out to support Redding as well, including the school's band, Principal William Floyd, even former teachers.

"Every place I have gone, there is someone who has believed in me," Redding said about his mentors. 

Redding himself — a man who prides himself on discipline and passion and doesn't cry often — was overtaken by emotion. 

Redding walked into his room to the chanting of, "Dr. Redding won a Grammy! Dr. Redding won a Grammy!”

The bond he shares with his students was built on his motto of passion and purpose. After the cheering quieted down, his students began to sing a song about unity.  

"While I am thankful for the award, it is because of you," said with tears in his eyes after the song ended. 

Redding beat 2,800 music educators from across the country to be chosen as Music Educator of the Year at the Grammys. He has not been given the physical award yet — he's scheduled to return to L.A. in a few months for an additional ceremony and to be formally awarded the honor.

(I feel) emotionally overwhelmed. Yeah, loved. Respected," Redding said.