Athens ISD

👑 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

about 2 months 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

about 2 months 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

2 months ago, Toni Clay

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

3 months ago, AHS Yearbook

👉 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

3 months 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

3 months 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.

🔥🏀 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

3 months ago, Toni Clay

boys in maroon uniforms standing on gym floor making #1 hand signs for camera

🏆 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

3 months 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

3 months ago, Toni Clay

👏🎶 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

3 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

✍️ Nominations via the link below are open through Sunday, Feb. 9 for the AISD Distinguished Alumni recognition. The 2025 induction dinner will be held the evening of April 24. Let us know who should be considered by using the link! ✨To qualify, they must have graduated at least 10 years ago.✨ Past inductees include Jerry Rogers, Thelma Griffin, Freddie Paul, Derek Daniels, Vivian Anderson Castleberry, Drew Douglas, Richard Fisher, Eugene Buford, Kaci Koviak, William Wayne Justice, Randy Jones, Dr. Joe Mike Murphy, USAF Sgt. Timothy Johnson, Steve Grant, Katie Leatherwood and John Glover. https://forms.gle/dRabee6xgGPEcgw39

4 months ago, Toni Clay

Maroon background with bold gold words that read: Nominate someone as an aisd distinguished alumni

🙌 Athens Middle School students showed up and showed out at the 2025 UIL Academic Meet! With speaking and listening events hosted at AMS on Friday, our students competed across multiple disciplines and delivered outstanding performances. Congratulations to both dedicated students and hardworking teacher/coaches on your hard work and achievements. Here’s a look at our results: 8th Grade Chess: 2nd Place - Sylus Holland, Team: 2nd Place Dictionary Skills: 1st Place - Justin Carpenter, 5th Place - Kennedy Billington, Team: 1st Place Editorial Writing: 2nd Place - Kinley Boyle, 3rd Place - Gracie Robinson Impromptu Speaking: 3rd Place - Karis Williamson, 4th Place - Caleb Burks Listening Skills: 3rd Place (tie) - Karis Williamson & Eisley Diamond, 5th Place - Taryn McAlister, Team: 1st Place Maps, Graphs, & Charts: 5th Place - Kinley Boyle Modern Oratory: 2nd Place - Gracie Robinson Music Memory: 2nd Place - Jayleen Johnson, 6th Place - Rebekah Salazar, Team: 2nd Place Number Sense: 4th Place - Shaun Scheibmeir, 5th Place - Justin Carpenter, Team: 2nd Place Ready Writing: 4th Place - Eisley Diamond Science: 4th Place (tie) - Caleb Burks & Fisher Lang, Team: 2nd Place 7th Grade Art: 6th Place - Jocelyn Anguiano Chess: 2nd Place - Jeffrey Casas, 4th Place - Jack Ottaberry, 5th Place - Wesley Patterson, Team: 1st Place Dictionary Skills: 4th Place - Gabi Arcos Editorial Writing: 4th Place - Samuel James, 6th Place - Lewis Jones Music Memory: 3rd Place - Phoebe Stuckey Number Sense: 5th Place - Allison Subba Rai, Team: 3rd Place Ready Writing: 4th Place - Felicity Smith, 5th Place (tie) - Levi St. Clair & Ella Richardson Science Team: 3rd Place 6th Grade Dictionary Skills: 5th Place - Israel Aguilar, 6th Place - Nelly Powell, Team: 2nd Place Listening Skills: 5th Place (tie) - Alexis Holt & Colton Clark, Team: 3rd Place Maps, Graphs, & Charts Team: 3rd Place Mathematics: 4th Place - Cooper Jennings, Team: 2nd Place Modern Oratory: 2nd Place - Augustus Alen Music Memory: 1st Place - Anna Willy, Team: 2nd Place Number Sense: 1st Place - Cooper Jennings, 4th Place - Mercer Riquelme, Team: 2nd Place And One-Act Play Honorable Mention Cast: Kinley Boyle & Owen Duran

4 months ago, Toni Clay

A large group of 6th, seventh and 8th grade studens, dressed nicely, standing in a hallway, smiling for camera.

A boy in jeans and a button down and jacket smiling at camera with hands in pockets.

Five male students, sitting on a bench, smiling for the camera in a hallway. Some dressed nice casual and others regular casual.

A girl in a dress and long, dark hair smiling at camera standing in hallway.

Two girls dressed nicely, smiling, standing in hallway

A mix of male and female students, dressed nicely, standing in hallway, smiling.

Three female students, dressed nicely, standing in hallway, smiling.

⚡️ Bel Air Elementary preK-3 student Charlotte Rios is having a shockingly good time on the slide. Milder temperatures have caused many of our young students to feel ecSTATIC during recess. 😝 #HornetNation

4 months ago, Toni Clay

A young child with light skin and long, light brown hair smiles brightly while sitting on a yellow playground slide. Their hair stands on end due to static electricity, creating a wild, spiky effect. They are wearing a pink polo shirt and a fuzzy pink jacket. The background features colorful playground equipment with red, blue, and yellow structures under a clear blue sky. The child holds a small blue object in one hand and appears joyful.

📣✨ Announcing our 1st Ever Dance Competition! ✨📣 Get ready to cheer on our AHS Stingerettes and AMS Jr. Stingerettes as they host our first dance competition at Athens High School! The campus will be hosting more than 20 schools and several dance studios for this incredible event. The AMS Jr. Stingerettes will compete on Feb. 8 at 6pm, followed by an AHS Stingerettes exhibition performance around 6:45, just before the awards. Plus, some of the I AM DANCE studio dancers will be performing their solos throughout the day. Then on March 1, the AHS Stingerettes will take their contest routines to North Forney to compete! Come out and show your support as we showcase the spirit of dance in #HornetNation! 🎶💫

4 months ago, Toni Clay

A promotional graphic for the Showtime International East Texas Extravaganza dance competition. The background features an image of dancers in yellow costumes performing with bright yellow props. The event title, "East Texas Extravaganza," is displayed in bold red capital letters, with "Showtime International" written above it in white text. The event details, "February 8, 2025 • Athens HS," appear in smaller white text below the title. At the bottom, the text reads, "Hosted by Director Amanda McLean & the Stingerettes," followed by the website www.showtimeint.com in a handwritten-style font. The graphic has a dynamic color overlay of red and blue tones.

🥳 Today is a great day for Athens ISD! Central Athens Elementary proudly hosted the Elementary UIL Academic 4A District 15 competition, welcoming talented second- through fifth-grade students from Brownsboro, Mabank, Chandler and Kemp. 👏 We’re thrilled to announce that Athens won the overall sweepstakes award! 🥇Congratulations to our hardworking students and their dedicated teacher/coaches — representing Bel Air, Central Athens, and South Athens elementaries — for such an outstanding achievement! 🎉 Here’s how our Athens students performed: 5th Grade • Maps, Graphs, and Charts: 2nd Place - Maya Duran • Music Memory: 4th and 6th Places - Athens Team • Music Memory Team: 1st Place - Athens Team • Number Sense: 4th Place - Kalvin Roberts, 6th Place - Presley Neal • Oral Reading: 2nd Place - Kaleb Handley, 5th Place - Charlotte Quills • Ready Writing: 1st Place - Olivia Hollifield, 4th Place - Amelia Akin • Spelling: 1st Place - Penelope Davidson 4th Grade • Art Memory: 1st Place - Isaias Cardenas, 2nd Place - Ian Resendiz • Art Memory Team: 1st Place - Athens Team • Number Sense: 1st Place - Mateo Garcia, 5th Place - Frank Capan • Oral Reading: 6th Place - Madeline Pham • Ready Writing: 2nd Place - Rowan Diamond, 5th Place - Sylee Jones, 6th Place - Audrey Turner • Spelling: 4th Place - Maximus Bowman • Chess: 2nd Place - Julieta Olvera 3rd Grade • Oral Reading: 2nd Place - Claire David, 4th Place - Bennett Autry • Ready Writing: 5th Place - Annalees Ruiz • Spelling: 5th Place - Eli Bowlden, 6th Place - Stella Harrell • Storytelling: 4th Place - Miguel Garcia • Chess: 4th, 5th, and 6th Places - Athens Team 2nd Grade • Creative Writing: 3rd Place - Cheyann Strange • Storytelling: 1st Place - Kylah Upshaw, 3rd Place - Charles Carpenter, 5th Place - Karter Wheeler • Music Memory: 2nd Place - Bryce Padilla, 3rd Place - Graham David, 4th Place - Elliot Gorka • Chess Team: 1st Place - Athens Team

4 months ago, Toni Clay

Several young students sit at a lunchroom table in a group smiling for the camera.

Four girls stand in front of streamers -- one of them on the back of another -- smiling for the camerea.

Three young students sit at a lunchroom table in a group smiling for the camera.

Two young girls stand in a hallway and smile at the camera; arms around each other's shoulders

🧪 Students in Mr. Schmitz's chemistry class got hands-on in the lab Thursday. They explored how different substances interact by mixing solutions to uncover which combinations form solids. It’s all part of learning about solubility and how ionic compounds behave. Science in action! 👏 #HornetNation

4 months ago, Toni Clay

Four girls wearing lab goggles lean over a lab table involved in an experiment.

Three boys and one girl wearing lab goggles lean over a lab table involved in an experiment.

Four boys wearing lab goggles lean over a lab table involved in an experiment.

🎶 This past Monday, the AHS Choir lent their beautiful voices to the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration at The Texan. We're so proud of these talented students for contributing to the legacy of Dr. King. #HornetNation

4 months ago, Toni Clay

A group of Athens High School choir members, dressed in matching maroon shirts, are performing during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day program. They are holding black folders with sheet music and singing while seated in rows along a brick wall. In the foreground and to the left, audience members in coats and hats are standing and watching attentively. Some audience members are wearing "Texas College 75th Anniversary" sweatshirts. The setting is a warmly lit indoor venue with large glass doors in the background.

Students from all three of our elementary campuses are proudly representing us this morning at the UIL District Speech Competition in Brownsboro. Best of luck to our talented Hornets! 🐝🎤 #HornetNation

4 months ago, Toni Clay

Three students sitting at a long table, smiling at the camera, obviously waiting for their events to begin

Four students sitting at a long table, smiling at the camera, obviously waiting for their events to begin

Four students sitting at a long table, smiling at the camera, obviously waiting for their events to begin. One boy is giving a thumbs up.

Four students sitting at a long table, smiling at the camera, obviously waiting for their events to begin. One girl is giving a peace sign

🎶 Congratulations to senior Kelly Burras for being selected to perform with the Texas All-State SSC Choir — the highest honor a Texas music student can achieve! 🎤✨ Kelly is one of only 1,875 students selected statewide from an initial pool of 70,000 competitors. Getting to that point required three rounds of auditions, ranking him among the top 2.6% of student musicians in Texas! 🤩 "Kelly not only has a great deal of natural talent, but a great work ethic to go along with it," said Choir Director Bridget Scott. "He's also incredibly coachable, and in only his second year of choir has emerged as such a leader." 👏 Kelly will showcase his talent at the 2025 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention in San Antonio, performing on Saturday, February 15 at the Henry B. González Convention Center. 🎵 We're so proud of you, Kelly! #TexasAllState #HornetNation

4 months ago, Toni Clay

A smiling high school student wearing a maroon Athens High School Choir polo shirt stands in front of a brick wall and a school entrance, radiating confidence and pride.

☀️ The next polar vortex may be on its way, but today is a beautiful day to be on the tennis courts or anywhere else outside. Enjoy it while you can, Hornets!🐝

4 months ago, Toni Clay

a group of high school girls pose with tennis rackets on the tennis court smiling having taken a break from practice