As the temperatures cool down and the leaves began to paint a colorful picturesque scene on the ground, people all over the country will make their way back to the place where it all started to reminisce with old friends, take in a football game or two and reflect on their journey in life up until this point.

Homecoming has been an annual tradition for many high schools and colleges across the country. Homecoming weekend can rekindle old friendships, as well as provide the opportunity to introduce yourself to those you may not have been familiar with during your time in school.

Participating in homecoming can be a humbling experience.

This past weekend, graduates of Randolph-Henry High School traveled near and far to partake in the annual homecoming festivities.

The annual homecoming parade kicked off Friday at 5 p.m., however, the varsity football game between the Statesmen and the visiting Amelia Raiders was postponed due to technical difficulties.

The game was rescheduled for Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m., which will include the ceremony to recognize homecoming court and crown the new homecoming King and Queen during halftime.

Although the evening may not of went as planned, all was not lost.

Old friends were still able to gather and see each other and several class reunions were held throughout the weekend for various graduation years.

As Author Pliny the Elder once said, “home is where the heart is.”

No matter how near or far our travels into the world may be, at the end of the day, we can always come home.

In an era filled with technology, it can sometimes be easy to dismiss traditional face to face interaction due to social media platforms and instant messaging capabilities.

However, nothing beats coming home and spending time with those who started that same journey as you from the beginning.

Take the time to enjoy yourself. Be thankful for the opportunities and lessons learned over the years, and look forward to whatever the future may hold.

Remember, you can always come back home.

Italia Gregory is community editor of The Gazette. Her email address is Italia.Gregory@TheCharlotteGazette.com.