Athens High School students visit with members of the Athens Fire Department during the Henderson County Career Expo. One student shakes hands with a firefighter across a table displaying fire safety tools, red stress balls, and pens. Other students stand nearby holding giveaway items and listening. The event is taking place inside the AHS gymnasium.

Athens High School was full of energy Oct. 2, as students explored career possibilities during the 2025 Henderson County Career Expo. The event brought together around 30 companies from across the area, eager to connect with the next generation of workers and leaders.

Juniors and seniors from Athens High School, along with students from three other local high schools, filled the AHS gymnasium to explore career options in fields such as healthcare, construction, public safety and technology. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and build meaningful connections with professionals representing a wide variety of industries rooted in Henderson County.

The expo also featured a business panel discussion where students heard directly from industry leaders about the skills and mindset needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Athens ISD is proud to partner with local businesses and schools to help students gain exposure to real-world opportunities. Our mission is to be the educational heart of East Texas, and part of that mission includes inspiring students to take confident steps toward their future.