Hornet Pride Shines Bright

A.L. Mebane High School 2024 Homecoming Reunion

ALACHUA ‒ While many Americans spent the day after Thanksgiving recovering from hearty meals or braving the Black Friday shopping crowds, a vibrant tradition was unfolding in Alachua. Alumni of A.L. Mebane High School, proudly wearing their green and gold, came together for the annual A.L. Mebane High School Homecoming Reunion. This cherished event has grown into a cornerstone celebration of community, history, and school spirit.

Since its inaugural Homecoming event in 1996, the A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association has worked tirelessly to preserve the school’s rich legacy. This year’s celebration, held from Friday, Nov. 29, through the weekend, featured a variety of events aimed at honoring the past while fostering connections within the present community.

The reunion brought together alumni from graduating classes in a friendly rivalry to showcase their pride and preeminence. This year’s special recognition was for the classes of 1957, 1959, 1964, 1969 and 1974. Beyond nostalgia, the gathering underscores a broader mission: to instill community pride, maintain connections, and support future generations through scholarships and community projects.

On Saturday, Nov. 30, the streets of downtown Alachua buzzed with excitement as spectators gathered along Main Street for the annual Homecoming parade. Festivities began with a police escort, complete with flashing lights and wailing sirens, as floats and decorated cars rolled down the street to the cheers of onlookers.

Alumni classes showcased creative floats or festively adorned vehicles, many tossing candy to thrilled children. Community organizations and local churches joined the parade, adding to the celebration’s inclusive spirit. Dignitaries and homecoming queens waved to the crowd, embodying the pride and unity that define this yearly tradition.

But the annual A.L. Mebane High School Homecoming Reunion was more than just a parade—it was a weekend-long celebration brimming with activities that united alumni, families, and the community in a shared spirit of pride and camaraderie. In addition to Saturday’s parade, attendees were treated to a variety of events, including the Mr. and Ms. Alumni Pageant, a Live Auction, and the highly anticipated Green and Gold Social.

The A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association goes beyond reunion celebrations, engaging in year-round fundraisers and community projects across Alachua and surrounding areas. Funds raised during the Homecoming weekend directly contribute to the association’s scholarship program, which supports local students in pursuing higher education.

The Homecoming Reunion has become a vital tradition, weaving together alumni, families, and community members in a celebration of shared history and pride. For those who donned green and gold, the weekend is a testament to enduring bonds and the unshakable spirit of the Hornets.

As the final notes of the parade faded and the weekend’s events came to a close, the alumni association reflected on another successful year of honoring their alma mater’s legacy and strengthening the community. With an eye toward the future, the Hornets are already planning next year’s celebration, ensuring the legacy of A.L. Mebane High School continues to thrive.

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