🙌 Our AHS Choir earned straight 1s (Superior—the highest possible rating!) from all six judges at Tuesday's Region 21 UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation! Their performance met some challenging UIL requirements, including singing at least one piece a cappella (without instruments) and following strict guidelines for language, key and voicing. We're incredibly proud of you all! Great job as well to Choral Director Bridget Scott! 🐝#HornetNation
about 14 hours ago, Toni Clay
A large group of high school choir students, dressed in formal black attire, pose together and smile outside a school building. The students are celebrating and making peace signs, with one student holding up a UIL trophy in the background. The sky is overcast, and the setting includes brick walkways and a school campus.
🎭 One of the proposed projects in the AISD bond election is a new 120-seat auditorium. The current auditorium, built in 1956, is not large enough to accommodate the entire student body. It also lacks many modern features, including a fly system, wing space, updated sound and lighting equipment, accessible seating, and a dedicated loading area for stage equipment. Additional limitations include poor acoustics, outdated restroom and concession areas and inefficient climate control. Additionally, the stage is too small to accommodate the full AHS band for performances. #AthensISDbond2025 #HornetNation
1 day ago, Toni Clay
Collage featuring images of the Athens High School auditorium, built in 1956, showing students, staff, and the band using the space. The top row includes a packed audience and a student performance. The bottom row shows modern auditoriums from Mabank High School, Canton Performing Arts Center, and Eustace High School.
🎭 The Athens Creates Theatre program (ACT) made us proud at the UIL One Act Play District competition, earning the title of alternate and bringing home several individual honors: 🌟 Theo Dennis – Best Performer (only 2 selected out of 160!) 🌟 Ady Petty – All-Star Cast 🌟 Tristen Husband – Honorable Mention All-Star Cast 🌟 Kenzie Warren & Dylan Thornton – All-Star Technicians We are SO PROUD of the entire ACT team and shout out to Director of Theatre Heather Berryhill for doing such excellent work with the program! 👏 #HornetNation
2 days ago, Toni Clay
The Athens Creates Theatre (ACT) team poses proudly with their plaque after the UIL One Act Play District competition. The group of students is dressed in coordinated shades of red and black, with several wearing medals, all smiling in celebration of their achievements.
🎓 We see you, Class of 2025! Only 60 days until graduation. Finish strong! #HornetNation
3 days ago, Toni Clay
Group photo of the Athens High School Class of 2025 standing on Bruce Field, the school’s football stadium. The students are dressed in a variety of school spirit shirts and are lined up in rows across the field with the end zone and fieldhouse in the background.
🤔 We've been asked, "How is it possible for the district to not have to increase the tax rate in order to finance payments on a $121.5 million bond if it passes?" Answer: The taxable value within the school district has increased in such a way as to make this possible — due to many large tracts being divided into multiple smaller tracts, the sale of the smaller tracts, the construction of new residences, the construction of commercial properties, and the market appreciation of existing property. 👉 You'll find several more Q&A's, a list of earmarked projects, and much more by visiting athensisdbond.com. Check it out!
6 days ago, Toni Clay
Graphic promoting the Athens ISD bond website, athensisdbond.com. Bold text reads “Bond Website” with a large button showing the website URL and a cursor icon. Message encourages visitors to learn about proposed projects, voting information, and more. Bottom banner includes early voting dates (April 22–29) and Election Day (May 3), along with the Athens ISD Bond 2025 logo.
📚 Student Council Book Drive – Donate Your Gently Used Children's Books! 📚 Athens High School's Student Council is hosting a Book Drive for the month of April, and we need your help! We're collecting gently used children's books to donate to the library, helping young readers discover the joy of books. If you have any slightly used children's books at home, please consider donating! Students can bring books to their English teacher throughout April. Thank you for supporting literacy and making a difference in our community! #AthensBookDrive #DonateBooks #ReadersMakeLeaders
6 days ago, AHS ELA
Book Donations
👏 BIG WIN for senior Blaine DeShazo: He brought home Reserve Grand Champion in the Hampshire class at the HCLS!!! Way to represent and make us proud, Blaine! #HornetNation
6 days ago, Toni Clay
Group of people standing with a pig
Blind the shades are showing his pig in the pen
🐝 Hooray for Athens FFA members (l-r) Eddie Cleto, Yahir Medina, Luis Pina, Antony Rondan, and Diego Madera for earning Overall Best Team Showmanship in the Ag Mechanics division at the Henderson County Livestock Show! 🏆 The team built a 14-foot welding trailer almost entirely from scratch — including custom toolboxes and workbenches — and wowed the judges with their deep knowledge of every aspect of the build. From interpreting AutoCAD plans and following safety protocols to presenting their project as a market-ready product, these students showed what hard work, teamwork, and skill look like. We're so proud of you all! 👏 #HornetNation
7 days ago, Toni Clay
Five high school students wearing matching dark shirts and jeans stand in front of a black welding trailer inside a livestock show arena. They are posing proudly, with bleachers and red railings visible in the background.
👉 What’s in the 2025 Athens ISD bond package? Check out the bond fact sheet for a breakdown and get more details (including answers to some common questions) at www.athensisdbond.com. Early voting is April 22–29 and Election Day is May 3. #HornetNation
9 days ago, Toni Clay
Informational flyer for the Athens ISD 2025 bond proposal. Highlights include a new early childhood center, a new addition for Early College High School, auditorium and library renovations at Athens High School, a new Ag Science barn, traffic relief and new CTE classrooms at Athens Middle School, a covered activity center, and renovations at multiple elementary campuses. The total proposed bond amount is $121.5 million. A bold notice states there will be zero tax rate increase if the bond is approved. Early voting is April 22–29, and Election Day is May 3. Website for more info: www.athensisdbond.com.
🔥⚽️ AREA PLAYOFF GAME DAY! ⚽️🔥 Our BI-DISTRICT CHAMPION Lady Hornets take on Spring Hill in the area round of playoffs today, March 25, at 5:30pm at Rose Stadium in Tyler! 🎟️ Tickets are $5 adults; $3 students and available online at: https://tylerisd.hometownticketing.com/embed/all 👜 Clear bag policy in effect. Let’s pack the stands, make a lot of noise and support our team! #HornetNation
9 days ago, Toni Clay
The Athens Lady Hornets soccer team poses for a group photo in front of a goalpost on a turf field. The players are wearing white uniforms with maroon numbers, and the coaching staff stands on either end of the group. The team is smiling and celebrating their bi-district playoff win under a bright blue sky.
👑 Congratulations to the 2025 Henderson County Livestock Show Princess Reese Ann Tappan! Reese, a fifth grader at Central Athens Elementary, is representing our community with grace and charm. We’re so proud of you, Reese — way to shine! #HornetNation
11 days ago, Toni Clay
Reese is smiling for the camera wearing a white jacket in a black cowboy hat with jeans and pink boots that match her pink blouse
Reese is wearing a black cowboy hat and a sheer black blouse with white polkadots and a banner that says Henderson County live stock show Princess
Seniors Cooper Rich (left) and Isaac Hoch are two-time state champions in CX debate! The duo went undefeated, earning unanimous 3-0 decisions in every paneled round. Their victory marks Athens ISD’s sixth state title in CX debate since 2014. What a legacy! #HornetNation
12 days ago, Toni Clay
Seniors Cooper Rich (left) and Isaac Hoch smile while holding their state championship plaque for CX debate. Both are wearing medals and suits, standing in front of a blue UIL backdrop with red and white stars and Texas symbols.
🐂 Class Champion! Central Athens Elementary fifth-grader Reese Ann Tappan and her 2-year-old Red Brahman, Riqa (AKA: Moreno Ms. Lady Riqa 976/3), dominated the ring at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, earning the prestigious title of Class Champion. Last year, Riqa placed second in her class, but this year, the powerhouse duo took it to the next level. As a dedicated member of Athens Junior FFA, Reese is proving that supervised agricultural experiences start young. #HornetNation 👏👏 #HornetNation
21 days ago, Toni Clay
Reese Ann Tappan poses with her Red Brahman, Moreno Ms. Lady Riqa 976/3, at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Reese, wearing a turquoise patterned shirt and jeans, holds Riqa's halter while looking at the camera. Riqa stands proudly in the foreground. In the background, two men in casual attire stand against a blue backdrop featuring the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo logo, while Reese’s mom, wearing a black vest and distressed jeans, smiles while holding an award. The scene is set on a dirt floor, typical of livestock show arenas.
Attention Senior Parents! Time is running out to order a yearbook! And don't forget to celebrate a senior's journey with a personalized ad in the yearbook! Senior ads are the perfect way to honor their achievements, share pride, and give them a keepsake they'll cherish forever. 💡 Why purchase a senior ad? ✔️ Highlight your senior’s accomplishments ✔️ Share heartfelt messages and favorite photos ✔️ Give them a lasting memory of this milestone ⏳ Deadline to purchase ads: March 7 📍 Order now at: yearbookordercenter.com. School code: 6927 Space is limited, so don’t wait! Let’s make this year’s yearbook unforgettable! 🎉📸 #SeniorAds #ClassOf2025 #MemoriesThatLast
about 1 month ago, AHS Yearbook
Attention Senior Parents!
👉 If your student receives special education services through an IEP, they may be eligible for a one-time $1,500 grant through the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program! Use the grant for: 📚 Books, laptops, tablets and school supplies 🎨 Sensory & therapeutic items 📖 Tutoring, therapy, social skills classes, and more! 🗓 Application deadline is March 31, 2025. First come, first served! 🔗 Apply & Learn More: https://bit.ly/pdsesGrant
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
A digital flyer titled "Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) – Program Overview" outlines a $1,500 one-time grant available to parents of Texas public school students who receive special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Eligibility Requirements:      Must be enrolled in a Texas public school (PK-12)     Must receive special education services through an IEP     Must not have previously received a Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) or PDSES grant (one-time grant only)  Grant Benefits – What Can Be Purchased?  📚 Educational Goods: Books, laptops, school supplies, tablets, sensory & therapeutic items 🎓 Educational Services: Tutoring, therapy, social skills classes, camps Application Details:  🗓 Application Window: Feb. 3 – March 31, 2025 (First come, first served!) 💻 Apply & Learn More: PDSES.TEA.TEXAS.GOV 📞 Need Help? Call 1-855-773-3839 or email PDSESHelp@Region10.org  A note at the bottom reminds families that funds are limited and encourages them to apply as soon as the window opens.
Un volante digital titulado "Servicios de Educación Especial Dirigidos por los Padres (PDSES) – Descripción General del Programa" explica una subvención única de $1,500 disponible para los padres de estudiantes de escuelas públicas de Texas (PK-12) que reciben servicios de educación especial a través de un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP). Requisitos de Elegibilidad:      Estar inscrito en una escuela pública de Texas (PK-12)     Recibir servicios de educación especial a través de un IEP     No haber recibido previamente una subvención de SSES o PDSES (es una subvención única)  Beneficios – ¿Qué se puede comprar?  📚 Bienes educativos: Libros, computadoras portátiles, tabletas, suministros escolares, objetos sensoriales, artículos terapéuticos 🎓 Servicios educativos: Tutoría, terapia, clases de habilidades sociales, campamentos Detalles de la Solicitud:  🗓 Plazo de solicitud: 📅 3 de febrero – 31 de marzo de 2025 (Por orden de llegada – cupo limitado)  🔗 Solicita y obtén más información: PDSES.TEA.TEXAS.GOV 📞 ¿Necesitas ayuda? Llama al 1-855-773-3839 o envía un correo a PDSESHelp@Region10.org  ⏳ Si tu hijo(a) es elegible, solicita tan pronto como se abra la convocatoria. 🚀
🎉 We're putting the spotlight on the very wonderful Henry Thornton. Mr. Thornton, a former teacher and principal at another district, volunteered for 14 years(!) at Athens High School. He served as a student liaison by befriending hundreds of students — showing kind interest in their lives and encouraging them toward their futures. While he's been absent from the building a few years now, Mr. Thornton still cheers on many of the students he connected with, as well as the staff. We miss you, Mr. Thornton, and we THANK YOU! ❤️👏 #HornetNation
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
Photo of an older man leaning back against a recliner holding a plaque that reads: Athens ISD, Mr. Henry Thornton, Athens ISD appreciates your service to our students! 14 years of service as an AISD volunteer.
🏆 AHS Debate Dominates! Off to Nationals! 🐝 This past weekend, our Hornet debaters brought their A-game to the National Speech & Debate District Qualifier in Longview. Seniors Cooper Rich and Isaac Hoch took 🥇1st place in Policy Debate, and junior Regan Head earned 🥇1st place in Big Questions Debate—securing their spots at the National Speech & Debate Tournament! 🏆 Our talented underclassmen made some noise too! Sophomores Liam Tinsley and Ariel Silas finished 🥉3rd in Policy Debate (1st alternates to nationals), and freshman Camden Garner placed 🏅4th in U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking (1st alternate). To top it all off, Coach Will Honea was honored as 🏆 NSDA District Coach of the Year! 👏 Huge congratulations to our incredible debaters and coach! 📸 Pictured (back row, from left) Camden Garner, Liam Tinsley, Ariel Silas, and (front, from left) Isaac Hoch, Regan Head and Cooper Rich. 🐝 #RoadToNationals #AHSDebate
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
A group of six Athens High School debate team members poses in a school hallway, smiling and holding their awards. The students are standing in two rows with three in the front and three in the back. The front row students are holding plaques and a certificate indicating their qualification for the 2025 National Speech & Debate Tournament. Behind them, a trophy case and a wall display with the partial phrase "Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to is" are visible. The students are dressed in casual and school-branded clothing, with maroon and black as dominant colors.
🏀🔥 Our 12-0 boys basketball team is headed to the bi-district playoffs! 💪 Athens takes on Pine Tree TOMORROW—Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 6 PM at Wagstaff Gym, Tyler Junior College. (We're the visiting team.) Tickets are $5 for adults & students, and passes are accepted. Get yours online at the link below or at the gate; TJC is card-only! To purchase online: Click the link, scroll down to "HS Playoffs First Round," find Pine Tree vs. Athens, and hit "Get Tickets." Let’s pack the stands, wear our maroon, and cheer our Hornets on to victory! 👏🐝 #HornetNation 🔗 https://www.apacheathletics.com/tickets
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
A group photo of the Athens Hornets boys basketball team, coaches, and young fans celebrating on the basketball court. The players, dressed in white uniforms with "Hornets" across the chest, stand together with smiles and victory gestures. One player holds a golden championship trophy wrapped in a net. Coaches and supporters, including young children in maroon and white Athens apparel, join in the celebration. The background features maroon bleachers and the court’s polished floor with an Athens logo.
🔥🏀 PLAYOFF TIME! The undefeated district champion Hornet boys basketball team (12-0) is headed to the bi-district playoffs! 💪 Athens takes on Pine Tree on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6pm at Wagstaff Gym, Tyler Junior College. We're the visiting team. Tickets are $5 for adults and students, and passes will be accepted. Let’s pack the stands, wear our maroon, and cheer our guys on to victory! 👏 🐝 #HornetNation
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
boys in maroon uniforms standing on gym floor making #1 hand signs for camera
👏🎶 AHS choir students competed in the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest in Whitehouse yesterday — and they ROCKED IT. 🎶👏 These students put in extra time outside of class to prepare and memorize their songs for judges, and their hard work paid off with great ratings and six students advancing to the next level! 🏅 Earning a Superior (1) Rating on their solo and advancing to the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in May: Kelly Burras, Kaitlyn Capps, Cayden Hill, Victoria Juarez, Megan Mayne and Jesus Rodriguez. 🏅 Also earning a Superior (1) Rating on their solo: Justus Booker, Azaneth Flores, Nahomi Fraire, Armani Garcia, Kane Mitchell, Kraven Parker, Jordan Pena, Amelia Santos, Bianca Santoyo, Melissa Sauceda, Dominik Snow, Yolanda Sorto and Kaison Warren-Walker. 🌟 Earning an Excellent (2) Rating on their solo: America Cazares, Trevin Hill and River Lang. Huge congratulations to all these students! 🎶 #HornetNation
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
A group of 22 high school choir students poses for a photo in a classroom. They are dressed in a mix of formal and semi-formal attire, including suits, dresses, and button-up shirts. Some students are standing on risers, while others are in front of them, smiling at the camera. The background features a cabinet with trophies on top, indicating achievements in choir or other competitions. The students display a diverse range of expressions and styles