Athens High School Alumnus, The Ole Athens Hornet, Reconnects with Hometown Roots

Edward Payne, fondly known as The Ole Athens Hornet and a distinguished member of the Athens High School Class of '74, recently made a nostalgic visit to his hometown.
Reconnecting with Hometown Roots
Payne took a trip down memory lane as he stopped by The Athens Daily Review to grab a copy of Fanfare 2024 and engage with the newspaper's staff.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Reflecting on his time at Athens High School, Payne shared, 'I always try to come home about once a month.' His visit coincided with a school reunion at the Texan Theater, where he reminisced with fellow alumni. Payne's ties to his alma mater run deep, as he is now a member of the Athens School District's Advisory Committee.
Commitment to Community
Discussing his involvement with the committee, Payne expressed his excitement, 'We're having a meeting that night – my first as a member.' Despite living in Houston for nearly half a century, Payne remains dedicated to staying connected to his roots in Athens.
Passion for High School Sports
As a proud supporter of the Athens Hornets, Payne makes it a point to attend football and basketball games whenever possible. He is particularly fond of the Lady Hornets' games, emphasizing, 'Once a Hornet, always a Hornet!' Payne's commitment to education led him to teach computers and business at Athens ISD for the 2022-23 academic year.
Educational Pursuits
Reminiscing about his teaching experience, Payne remarked, 'Accounting is the language of business, America is business, and the business of America is business!' When back in Athens, Payne immerses himself in hands-on activities, often tending to his historic home built in 1850.
Preserving History
Reflecting on his time spent in Athens, Payne expressed his deep-rooted connection to the community, 'It still has most of the original furniture, so it brings back so many memories for me. I really enjoy coming here.' A dedicated reader of The Athens Review for over five decades, Payne values staying informed about his hometown.
Staying Connected
Concluding his visit, Payne nostalgically stated, 'Let me tell you – I spent the last 50 years in Houston, but there's no place like home. That's a true statement and I'm glad to be back. Go Hornets!' Edward Payne's unwavering loyalty to his roots serves as a testament to the lasting impact of hometown connections.