👏 Congratulations to Adyson Petty, River Lang, Ryleigh Sloan, Tristen Husband and Sage Nelson for qualifying for nationals in Monologue Acting with their outstanding performance at the Texas Thespian State Festival in Grapevine. Five national qualifiers is an incredible accomplishment in a highly competitive field. We are beyond proud of each one of you! #HornetNation
1 day ago, Toni Clay
Graphic with the heading “AHS Troupe 4490 National Qualifiers!” featuring five student headshots labeled with their names and event: Adyson Petty, River Lang, Ryleigh Sloan, Tristen Husband, and Sage Nelson — all listed as Solo Monologue qualifiers. The Athens Creates Theatre logo appears in the bottom right corner.

🎟️ 🏈 We all have somewhere to be Friday night! You can purchase tickets online now for the Hornets' Regional Finals match against Carthage this Friday, Dec. 5, by using the link below. (District administrator passes, THSCA, and senior citizen passes will be accepted.) Kick-off is 7pm at Tyler Rose Stadium; gates open at 5:30. Athens is the home team. Tickets are $10/adults & $8/students. To get to student tickets, scroll to the bottom of the page. 🐝 https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/tylerisd/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50Lzc0OA==

3 days ago, Toni Clay
A football playoff graphic showing two helmets facing each other. On the left is a maroon Athens Hornets helmet with a white “A” logo. On the right is a white Carthage Bulldogs helmet with a red “C” logo. In the center is a UIL Football 4A Division II Region II Regional Finals badge with a hornet over a Texas outline in the background. Below the helmets, the text reads “Athens Hornets” on the left and “Carthage Bulldogs” on the right. Along the bottom, bold white text on a black banner says “Friday December 5 Kickoff 7:00 PM at Rose Stadium in Tyler TX.”
🧑‍🎄🎄 Every year, members of the Athens Middle School National Junior Honor Society do a fantastic job putting up and decorating two Christmas trees at the AISD Administration Building. And every year, we are so grateful! Thank you, ladies! Pictured (clockwise from top left) are NJHS members Ella Richardson, Felicity Smith, Kayleigh Davis, Brighley Swartwood, Lexie Hawkins and Brennan Morrison. And a shout out to their awesome sponsor, Maureen Bogowitz.
14 days ago, Toni Clay
Six AMS Junior Honor Society members pose in front of the Christmas tree they decorated at the administration building. Three girls stand in the back row wearing festive holiday sweaters, and three girls kneel in front, also dressed in red and green sweaters. The decorated tree behind them features ribbon, ornaments, and lights.
🍍 "Are you ready kids?!" Athens Creates Theatre is diving into Bikini Bottom with The SpongeBob Musical. Join SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy and the whole gang for an adventure under the sea. 🐠 Showtimes are Dec. 5 at 7pm and Dec. 6 at 2pm & 7pm at the AHS auditorium. Tickets are $10 online (see link below) and $15 at the door. Grab your tickets and come enjoy the show! ✨ https://act4490.weebly.com/fall-production.html
16 days ago, Toni Clay
Poster for Athens Creates Theatre’s production of The SpongeBob Musical. The background is bright and colorful with neon outlines of flowers and a glowing pineapple. At the top, large text reads “A.C.T. Presents” above the official yellow SpongeBob Musical logo. Below, it says “Directed by Heather Berryhill.” A neon pineapple graphic sits on the left, and on the right is a ticket-style graphic with a QR code labeled “General Admission.” At the bottom, text lists the performance details: Athens High School Auditorium, tickets $10 online and $15 at the door, showtimes December 5 at 7 pm and December 6 at 2 pm and 7 pm. The phrase “Best Day Ever!” appears at the bottom.

📣 Hornet Nation! It’s a huge week and we need YOU! Join us this Thursday for a community wide pep rally at the AHS coliseum. Doors open at 1:45, and the cheering starts at 2. Our district clear bag policy will be in place. 🏈 On Friday our Hornets face the Krum Bobcats in the UIL 4A Division II Region II Area Championship at Mesquite’s Hanby Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30pm; tickets ($6/students & $8/adults) are available online (see link below) or at the gate with credit card only. Mesquite ISD also has a clear bag policy. 🫵 Be there, be loud, wave a white spirit towel, wear maroon, and maybe even paint your car windows, as we pack the stands and show what Hornet Nation is all about! 🐝https://www.mesquiteisdathletics.com/HTtickets

16 days ago, Toni Clay
A group of high school football players wearing maroon uniforms celebrates under stadium lights as one athlete lifts a golden trophy labeled “Bi-District Champions.” The background is dark, emphasizing the trophy and players. Large text at the top reads “Community Pep Rally!” and additional text on the right lists event details: “Thursday, 2pm, AHS coliseum. Doors open to public at 1:45. Clear bag policy in place.
📣 #HornetNation! We need your help creating a great sendoff for our team as they head to Henderson Friday for the bi-district championship! 🏈 Join us in front of Athens High School at 3:30 to cheer them on. Bring your signs and noisemakers to hype up our guys to beat Gilmer. Game time is 7:30pm at Lions Stadium (700 Lion Street, Henderson). 🎟️ All tickets must be purchased online. Presale prices are $8 for adults & $6 for students until 6pm Friday; after that, all tickets will be $8. We're the home team. https://events.hometownticketing.com/event/2815ab3a-1311-4134-b66d-b51ebf6bdd4c
22 days ago, Toni Clay
Graphic promoting the Bi-District Championship Send-Off for the Athens High School football team. The background features multiple Athens players in uniform under falling confetti. Large bold text reads “Bi-District Championship Send-Off!” with event details at the bottom: “Friday 3:30 AHS.”
🎉 Liam Tinsley and Kraven Parker led the way for the Athens debate team at the recent Whitehouse Invitational, taking first place in CX debate with Liam named top speaker. The team went a perfect 9-0 in CX (cross-examination) overall. Ariel Silas also took second as a maverick (competing solo in a two-person event), and freshmen Caleb Burks and Olivia Maner finished fourth — as the only freshman team. Lauryn Silas earned fourth place in congressional debate, while Miles Barnes and Samuel Hart advanced to the semifinals in prose/poetry. We’re very proud — but not surprised! — by the strong performance of our speech and debate teams. 📷 Pictured (l-r) are Wesley Zapata, Miles Barnes, Samuel Hart, Liam Tinsley, Kraven Parker, Caleb Burks, Olivia Maner, Ariel Silas and Lauryn Silas.
23 days ago, Toni Clay
Nine Athens High School debate students stand in a row, smiling in front of a glass brick wall. Several students wear medals around their necks, and one holds a small gavel, celebrating their success at the Whitehouse Invitational speech and debate tournament.
The regular season ends with a decisive victory, 77–43, over Bullard. Next stop: playoff action! #HornetNation
27 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

27 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
about 1 month 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!
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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!
about 1 month 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!
about 1 month 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! 🙌

about 1 month 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.

about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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!

about 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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.