Last Friday night, the air around the Hank Williams Pavilion was filled with music, but instead of the usual country style, it was praise and worship music.

Around 500 young people showed up to take part in the annual Back-to-School Bash.

“We had about 150 people come up and ask for prayer, and that’s what we came for,” said event coordinator Allen Stephenson. “Once again, I marvel at how God works in this.”

Music for the evening was led by the gospel group Southland, and the keynote speaker was former Auburn football player Wayne Dickens, who also spent some time with the Tennessee Titans.

“Southland was awesome, and Wayne also did an awesome job of relating,” Stephenson said. “He’s been there, where a lot of these kids want to be.”

Many of the students in attendance were athletes, and Stephenson sees that as a positive thing.

“These are the kids that will go back and have an impact in the school,” he said.

“We really appreciate all of the people who helped support us financially,” Stephenson added.