The regular season ends with a decisive victory, 77–43, over Bullard. Next stop: playoff action! #HornetNation
4 days ago, Toni Clay
Photo of several football players on the field taken from behind them as they lift their hands in celebration

More success! 🎉 Athens ISD has been named a 2026 District of Distinction in Career & Technical Education (CTE)! This is a huge honor that shines a spotlight on the amazing work happening in our CTE programs, from ag mechanics to health science to audio/visual and more. The award recognizes districts with top-tier programs that meet the real-world needs of students, local employers and the community.  “This recognition is a testament to the incredible commitment of our teachers and staff, and their dedication to student success. I could not be prouder to be part of this team.” said CTE Administrator Zach Tappan. We’re proud to be a statewide model of excellence in preparing students for life after high school. #HornetNation #DistrictOfDistinction

5 days ago, Toni Clay
Graphic titled “CTE District of Distinction” with a congratulatory message: “Congratulations to CTAT 2026 CTE Districts of Distinction.” The image lists dozens of school districts recognized for excellence in Career & Technical Education, including Athens ISD, which is highlighted with a maroon arrow pointing to its name. The background features colorful curved accents and the CTAT logo at the top.
🙌 The AHS debate team had a strong showing at the UIL Regional Congressional Debate competition. Out of 61 students in Conference 4A, three Hornets made it to the finals: juniors Liam Tinsley and Mason Gill, and freshman Caleb Burks. After a tough three-hour final round, Liam finished 9th and was named an alternate to the State Tournament. Caleb placed 10th (the ONLY freshman to make the finals), and Mason came in 11th. Congressional debate is all about thinking on your feet and understanding how government works. It’s a big challenge, and these students rose to the occasion. Liam will head to the state tournament in January at the University of Texas. Way to go, Liam! And well done to all the members of our debate team. #HornetNation
8 days ago, Toni Clay
Liam Tinsley, an Athens High School junior, stands in front of leafy bushes wearing a blue suit, striped tie, and a single UIL medal around his neck, smiling confidently after earning a spot as an alternate to the state tournament in Congressional Debate.
Five teenage students — four boys and one girl — are dressed formally or semi-formally, standing in front of foliage and smiling for the camera. One wears a medal.
🎭 It's almost time for our students and staff to face off with a professional comedy improv group! We need those seats full!! Mark your calendars for a night of quick thinking and lots of laughs! 🗓️ This Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7pm, the AHS Auditorium will host a showdown between the students of Athens Creates Theatre, a team of district staff members, and the professionals from Zingerz Comedy Club. Expect the unexpected!
🎟️ You can purchase tickets online: https://AthensHSTheatre.Ludus.com
👀 Sneak peeks & media: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B6EXtdeir/
▶️ Watch a preview: https://youtu.be/HUcttXCv0hM
So bring your friends and family!
8 days ago, Toni Clay
Poster for the “Improv Battle! Comedy Show” hosted by Athens High School Theatre. The top reads “Professional Comedy – One Night Only!” in bold red and blue letters. The center features large yellow and green text reading “Improv Battle! Comedy Show,” with “FUNdraiser” and “Audience Decides the Winner!” underneath. On the left is the Athens Creates Theatre logo, and on the right, the Zingerz Comedy Club logo. Between them is a large “VS” graphic with lightning in the background. Text below announces: “‘Pros vs. School’ Professional Comedy Battle Show plus auctions, food, and more!” A red circle lists “Early Bird Tickets: General Admission $15, Student/Child $12 – More at the door!” At the bottom, details read: “Tickets: AthensHSTheatre.Ludus.com – Join us and cheer on your home team! Thursday, November 6th @ 7:00pm, Athens High School, 708 E College St., Athens, TX 75751.” A QR code on the right says “Watch our video!”
♥️ Junior Donna Carpenter wrapped up another incredible cross country season with a strong showing at the UIL State Cross Country Meet in Round Rock. Competing against the best runners in Texas, she finished 44th out of 152 with a time of 12:17.0 on the 2-mile course at Old Settlers Park. This marks her third consecutive trip to the state meet, a testament to her hard work and competitive spirit. We are incredibly proud of her dedication and leadership both on and off the course. Congratulations, Donna, on another outstanding season! 🐝 #HornetNation #State #CrossCountry
11 days ago, Toni Clay
The photo of Donna standing in her racing attire on a stone stage it says round rock cross country
🎶 👏 Six Athens High School students have earned places in the TMEA (Texas Music Educators) Region 21 Honor Choir! They competed against students from across East Texas by preparing and performing songs and sight reading acapella for three judges. Pictured (from left) are Victoria Juarez, 1st chair soprano; Azaneth Flores, 5th chair soprano; Kaison Walker, 1st chair baritone; Dominik Snow, 5th chair baritone; and Kane Mitchell, 19th chair baritone. Not pictured is Cristian Lowe, 11th chair baritone. These outstanding musicians will perform with the Region 21 Honor Choir on Monday, Nov. 3 at UT Tyler. Thank you for for representing #HornetNation!
12 days ago, Toni Clay
Five Athens High School students stand side by side in a school hallway, smiling for the camera. From left to right are Victoria Juarez, Azaneth Flores, Kaison Walker, Dominik Snow, and Kane Mitchell, who earned places in the TMEA Region 21 Honor Choir. They are dressed in casual and semi-formal attire against a tiled wall background.
🎭 We do love a good students vs. staff competition — and there's a zinger of one coming up. This time, it’s improv, and a professional comedy troupe is joining in! The community is invited to students vs. staff vs. Zingerz! Mark your calendars for a night of quick thinking, quirky characters and lots of laughs! 🗓️ On Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 7pm, the AHS Auditorium will host a friendly but fierce improv showdown between the students of Athens Creates Theatre, a team of bold AISD staff members, and the quick-witted professionals from Zingerz Comedy Club. Expect spontaneous scenes, surprise dance moves, and more dad jokes than you thought possible.
🎟️ Save money by purchasing tickets online: https://AthensHSTheatre.Ludus.com
👀 Sneak peeks & media: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B6EXtdeir/
▶️ Watch a preview: https://youtu.be/HUcttXCv0hM
The more people in the audience, the better the energy. So bring your friends and family!
19 days ago, Toni Clay
Colorful promotional poster for a professional comedy improv battle hosted by Athens High School Theatre. The event features a face-off between Athens Creates Theatre (students and staff) and Zingerz Comedy Club (the pros). Bold text reads “IMPROV BATTLE! COMEDY SHOW” and “AUDIENCE Decides The WINNER!” The event is Thursday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Athens High School, 708 E College St, Athens, TX. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for students/children, with higher prices at the door. The poster also mentions auctions, food, and more. Ticket link: AthensHSTHEATRE.Ludus.com. A QR code is included with the caption “Watch Our Video!”

🏈 Schedule Change: Games Moved Up Due to Weather Concerns ⚡️ Due to the strong potential for severe weather Friday evening, this week's football games have been moved up by one day to help ensure everyone’s safety. The varsity game will now be played Thursday night at Bruce Field with kick-off at 7:30 p.m. The freshman and JV games will be played TONIGHT in Rusk, with the freshmen kicking off at 5 p.m. and JV at 6:30 p.m. Middle school games will also be played TONIGHT at Bruce Field, starting at 4:30 p.m. 🐝 Game Day may have changed, but we know the support of Hornet Nation hasn’t! Be there; be loud! 🙌

21 days ago, Toni Clay
Photo of a fooball bouncing on a rainy field

🐝 It’s been a busy and successful October for AHS Debate. On Oct. 10 and 11, juniors Liam Tinsley and Ariel Silas fought their way back from a 0-2 start at the Coppell High School TFA (Texas Forensic Association) Invitational to finish second overall and secure their spot at the state tournament in March. Junior Marlie Adair also reached the finals in Oral Interpretation, earning another state point. Juniors Kraven Parker and Faith Lee also competed in CX Debate, and junior Samuel Hart competed in Prose Interpretation. 🐝 On Oct. 13, Parker and Lee placed third in varsity CX Debate at the UIL practice meet at Tyler Legacy High School. Freshmen Caleb Burks and Mackaila Garcia also placed seventh there in novice CX Debate. 🐝 This past Saturday, Athens High School hosted 26 schools for its annual UIL Academic & Debate Invitational, and our students shone on their home turf, bringing home medals in multiple events. Our math, science, ready writing and literary criticism UIL teams had great showings as well. 🐝 Next up for debate: a meet Oct. 25 at Lindale, then UIL Congressional Debate Regionals on Nov. 3 at Athens First Methodist Church. You make us proud, Hornets! PHOTO: (l-r) Lauryn Silas, Faith Lee, Kraven Parker, Caleb Burks and Mackaila Garcia.

23 days ago, Toni Clay
Five Athens High School debate students stand side by side and smile for a group photo indoors. Two students in the center wear medals around their necks. The group is standing in front of a tiled wall and sitting bench, dressed in a mix of professional and semi-casual attire.
❤️ No surprises here, just Hornets doing good in the world! Athens High School was presented with a check from Carter BloodCare this week for reaching our donation goal during last school year’s blood drives, marking the 7th year in a row to receive this recognition. We’re proud of our students and staff for continuing to give the gift of life with generosity. Pictured (l–r) are Sage Nelson, Tristen Husband and Cobee Garner. #HornetNation #CarterBloodCare
27 days ago, Toni Clay
Three Athens High School students stand in a gym holding an oversized check from Carter BloodCare made out to Athens High School for $1,000. All three are smiling at the camera, and the check recognizes the school for reaching its blood donation goal. The students are identified as Sage Nelson, Tristen Husband, and Cobee Garner.

We're on the road this week! 🐝🏈 The Hornets take on the bulldogs Friday night in a big district matchup, and we want to see LOTS of maroon and white on the visitors side. Tickets at Carthage are cash only at the gate — $5 for adults and $3 for students. Let’s show some love on the road, #HornetNation!

29 days ago, Toni Clay
Graphic promoting the Athens Hornets vs. Carthage Bulldogs football game. The image shows two football helmets facing each other — Athens Hornets helmet on the left and Carthage Bulldogs helmet on the right — with a Hornet logo in the center. Text reads “Athens Hornets Football” across the top and “Friday October 17 | Kickoff 7:30 PM at Bulldog Stadium” across the bottom. Team names “Hornets” and “Bulldogs” are displayed below their respective helmets.
🙌 Our amazing students are volunteering their time and talents as part of the Athens Jamburgeree, happening Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 & 18, in Athens! They’ll help set up on Friday and spend Saturday assisting with the outdoor and indoor kid zones, as well as pumpkin patch decorating inside The Texan. 🎃 We’re proud of these students for their spirit of service! #HornetNation
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
**Alt Text:** Flyer for the **Athens Jamburgeree** in **Downtown Athens, Texas**, taking place **October 17 & 18**. The center features a vintage-style illustration of a man with a mustache and the event logo reading “Athens Jamburgeree, Athens, TX.” The flyer explains that the celebration combines the **Black-eyed Pea Jamboree** and **Uncle Fletch Hamburger Festival**. Surrounding the logo are event highlights in a circular layout, including: 5K & Family Fun Run, Biergarten/Wine Garden, Street Dance with Craig Howell on Friday night, Vendors, Inflatables, Black-eyed Pea Cookoff, Live Entertainment All Day, Turtle Races, Cornhole Tourney, Collectibles, Mooing Competition, Historical Museum, Decorate Pumpkins, “Barefoot Nation” at The Texan on Saturday night, Rock Climbing & Gyroscope, Uncle Fletch Hamburger Cookoff, Multiple Kids Zones, and KornPop the Clown. A QR code appears near the bottom with text that reads “AthensTXChamber.org/Events.” The design has a tan background with maroon and dark brown text and graphics.
#ThankYouCoach
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
A National Coaches Day tribute graphic features a coach standing on the left, wearing a cap, hoodie, and shorts, raising one finger, with the message “It’s Time to Say Thank You, Coach!” in bold yellow text on the right. The image honors the following coaches: Brittany Bostick, Desmond Bowie, Devon Bowie, Jaret Buchholtz, Lauren Carnes, Aaron Carroll, Randall Covey, Demi Cumby, Emmanuel Davis, Kris Duplissey, Judd Guidry, Chris Hall, Sabrina Hardcastle, David Haresnape, Zac Harrell, Julie Hill, Broderick Hopkins, Halle Joseph, Lee LaPrade, Jonathan McGee, Amanda McLean, Caitlyn Mitchell, Kayla Monus, Kim Morales, John Phillips, Holden Ray, Sarah Red, David Risnen, Chayse Rives, Garnett Smith, Matt Spears, Mike Taylor, Shernette Thomas, Cliff Thompson, Don Waddle, and Rachel Williams. At the bottom, white text reads “National Coaches Day,” completing the heartfelt recognition.
South Athens Elementary fourth-grader Tatiana Hill — who appears to be a little dubious at first — is among the many students having fall photos taken this week.
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
A young girl with a playful expression stands in front of a neutral gray backdrop. She wears a light pink polo shirt and khaki pants, with her hands relaxed at her sides. Her hair is styled in curls with a large pink and white bow on top. She glances to the side with a slight smirk, giving off a mix of curiosity and amusement.
👑 Congratulations to 2025 Athens High School Homecoming Queen Victoria Juarez! Joining her on the court are Junior Princess Camila Pinedo, Sophomore Duchess Kinley Bowlden and Freshman Duchess Jayleen Johnson. We’re proud of you, ladies!
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
A young woman in a black gown and tiara stands on a football field, holding a bouquet of red roses wrapped in red ribbon. She is smiling brightly, wearing a sparkling necklace and bracelet.
Four young women in formal gowns and tiaras stand side by side on a football field at night, each holding bouquets of red roses wrapped in red ribbon. They are smiling for the camera, with spectators and players visible in the background.
🥁🎺 The annual Athens Homecoming Parade is this Thursday, September 18! The AHS band will kick things off from the high school at 6pm, following the traditional route around the courthouse square and back. Find your perfect viewing spot and get ready to cheer on the Hornets as they march by. See you there! 👏🐝 #HornetNation
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
Map showing the Athens High School Homecoming Parade route. The parade starts at Athens High School, travels west along Madole Street, then turns right (north) onto South Palestine Street. It continues up South Palestine Street to Tyler Street, turns left (west), then left again onto Prairieville Street, followed by another left onto College Street. It then heads back south on South Palestine Street, turns left on Owen Street, and ends near the intersection of Owen Street and Dull Averiette Street. A bold label in the center reads: "AHS Homecoming Parade, Thursday, Sept. 18. Step-off is at 6pm."
We're glad to see the honored tradition of fort building is still going strong with these Bel Air Elementary students. 😆 Next up: The Floor Is Lava! 😉
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
Three children are shown underneath what appears to be a sheet draped across a table or desk. They are smiling
👏🐂 Big shoutout to the Tappan siblings for representing Athens ISD at the East Texas State Fair Livestock Show in Henderson County! Sophomore Wyatt Tappan placed 3rd in the Red Brahman Cattle Show, which was filled with top-notch entries from across Texas and Louisiana. And sixth-grader Reese Tappan also crushed it, placing 2nd in class and 2nd overall in showmanship! 👏 We’re so proud of these two for their hard work and heart! #HornetNation
2 months ago, Toni Clay
Wyatt Tappan stands proudly next to his Red Brahman heifer at the East Texas State Fair backdrop, holding a lead rope with a 3rd place ribbon attached to the cow’s halter. Both are standing on straw, posing for a show photo.
Reese Tappan, a young exhibitor in a turquoise patterned shirt and jeans, leads a Red Brahman calf in the show ring at the East Texas State Fair. She holds a show stick confidently, with a focused expression as other competitors and cattle appear in the background.
🍁 This group of friends makes us smile. These Central Athens Elementary kindergarteners were having a great time on the playground. Pictured, from left, are Aiden Chi, Messiah Bowman, Aaden Mullins, Lauren Chancellor, Marisol Lopez and Karina Cerrillo. #HornetNation
2 months ago, Toni Clay
A group of six kindergarten children stands close together on the playground at Central Athens Elementary, smiling brightly with their arms around each other. They are dressed in colorful school uniforms, including navy, burgundy, green, and purple polo shirts paired with khaki or dark bottoms. The playground equipment and other children playing are visible in the background under the shade of trees.
🎊 Seniors Gage Stasko, Chloe Coker and Gaden Riquelme (pictured, l-r) have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program, placing them among 15% of high school students nationwide. Chloe was honored with all three of the available recognitions: the Rural & Small-Town Recognition Award, the First-Generation Recognition Award and the School Recognition Award. Gaden and Gage each received the Rural & Small-Town Recognition Award and the School Recognition Award. Several of our May 2025 grads were also honored: Sebastian Campa, Zachary Carrizales, Alexia Cruz, Baleigh Due, Yahir Medina, Cooper Rich, Andrew Thong and Breana Vargas. We’re incredibly proud of these students! 👏
2 months ago, Toni Clay
Athens High School seniors Gage Stasko, Chloe Coker, and Gaden Riquelme stand in a hallway in front of the Library Media Center. All three students were recognized by the College Board National Recognition Program for academic achievement.