Ludacris returns to alma mater Banneker High

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After a four-year absence, Ludacris returned to Banneker High School as his alma mater honored him by naming the gymnasium after him.

Chris "Ludacris" Bridges got a huge ovation from students at Banneker High School when he returned to his alma mater for the first time in four years.

The school gave Ludacris a No. 69 jersey similar to the one he wore in his first video.

School officials hope Ludacris' presence will be beneficial to students. They have named the gymnasium after him and will retire the number.

Ludacris wanted to return to the school after hearing that students had held a mock funeral to symbolically put problems in their past behind them.

After telling the students, "It's not about the hand you're dealt, it's how you play it," the actor-rapper planted a tree to symbolize the future.

R&B singer Monica signs a mural of Ludacris that has been painted beside the school's namesake, Benjamin Banneker.

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Chris "Ludacris" Bridges got a huge ovation from students at Banneker High School when he returned to his alma mater for the first time in four years.

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