Group photo of Athens ISD Career and Technical Education staff standing on a wide indoor staircase inside a school building, wearing black Athens ISD CTE shirts. One staff member in the front center holds a glass award recognizing the district as a CTE District of Distinction.

Guess who’s been named a Career and Technical Education (CTE) District of Distinction? (Hint: We have.)

CTE classes in agriculture, welding, health science, criminal justice, culinary arts, business & marketing, information technology, education & training, HVAC and construction technology provide our students with hands-on, real-world experiences. It’s part of our commitment to having Hornets ready for their next steps after graduation.

“This recognition by the Career & Technical Association of Texas belongs to our students and teachers who show up every day with passion, professionalism and a commitment to excellence,” said CTE Coordinator Zach Tappan. “Our programs are built on real-world skills … and the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to discover their potential and pursue a meaningful career path.”

Our incredible CTE program is just one reason Athens ISD is the educational heart of East Texas.

CTE instructors (pictured from left on the back rows) are Lewis Davis, Theresa Tindel, Cole Beaubien, Trinity Desselles, Morgan Burleson, Brittney Edwards, Gary Barnes, Haley Castor, Meredith Lewis, Fatima Cerrillo, and (front row, from left) Tim Howard, Hunter Choate, Ashley Rojo, Zach Tappan, Natalie Tappan, Holden Sparks, Frank Duyka and Devon Bowie. Not pictured are Lisa Ramsey, Ramona Agesen, Brittany Smith, Edward Medvecky, Lauren Flowers, Staci Arce and Julie Hill.