The prodigal son returned. And he came bearing gifts.

On Thursday, former Tennessee star Peyton Manning returned to his alma mater to award the ninth annual Peyton Manning Scholarship to Nora Sue Hutchison of Anderson County High School.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been nine years, and we’ve had nine scholarship award winners,” Manning said. “Nora certainly fits the criteria. She has had an outstanding high school career in the athletic environment and certainly in the academic world. I’m just glad UT is getting her as a student.”

Hutchison left high school with a 4.0 grade-point average and salutatorian honors in the Class of 2006. During her high school career, she was a member of the soccer, tennis, track and volleyball teams. She excelled on the soccer field, earning all-state honors twice.

Hutchison was especially honored to be bestowed the honor with Manning’s name attached.

“It’s kind of beyond being able to express it,” Hutchison said. “What he does for the community and for the school, it speaks volumes, I think, about his personality. I’m just honored and in awe to be here.”

A speech communication major who was No. 1 in his 1997 graduating class, Manning is the career-passing leader at Tennessee with 11,201 yards, a 62.5 completion percentage and 89 touchdown passes. The Manning Scholarship is funded from gifts that were received due to Manning’s academic achievements and other private gifts that have been donated.

“You learn how grateful some of these students are and how they take advantage of the opportunity,” Manning said. “Most of these students who have won this scholarship have studied abroad. We have students in law school and in [medical] school. They take advantage of the financial aid opportunity and have benefited themselves. These are our future leaders of tomorrow.”

Manning intends to keep in touch with Hutchison, who plans on studying architecture in the fall, just as he has done with the eight previous winners.

“I’ve kept up with all the winners,” he said. “They have written me letters and keep me updated on what they’re doing as far as in school and out in the business world. It’s always been something very special to me.”

The efforts of Manning to help due to his financial success is not something that is limited to this scholarship. He also has started his own foundation and helps the local youth of Indianapolis. This type of work is something Manning only hopes to make more commonplace.

“I’ll certainly continue to do some community work after I am done playing, but I think right now, while you are playing and have a platform, you can make the biggest impact,” he said.