Dick Van Dyke Returns to High School

<br>DANVILLE, Ill. (AP) _ Sixty years after he graduated from Danville High School, Dick Van Dyke returned over the weekend to be honored by the community he left to become a television star. <br><br>``A

Monday, May 3rd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DANVILLE, Ill. (AP) _ Sixty years after he graduated from Danville High School, Dick Van Dyke returned over the weekend to be honored by the community he left to become a television star.

``A lot of memories are popping into my head,'' Van Dyke said. ``It's just incredible, the sights, the sounds, the smells.''

Van Dyke watched a student production of ``Bye Bye Birdie,'' a play he appeared in on Broadway just before he starred in ``The Dick Van Dyke Show.''

He took the stage with the students, singing and dancing with them.

``It has been amazing to know that one of my idols will be sharing the stage with us,'' said Johnny Howard, a high school student who is playing the same role in ``Bye Bye Birdie'' that Van Dyke played on Broadway. ``It's a dream come true to me.''

Van Dyke also attended a reception and a tribute to him that was attended by former classmates, family members and friends.

``I never got this much attention in high school,'' said Van Dyke, 78.