🏈 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 4 hours 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.

2 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
6 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!

8 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
14 days 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
16 days 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.
28 days 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 1 month 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 1 month 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 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 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! 👏
about 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.
✨ More proof that our students are the best students: Seniors Matalie Ortega (left) and Starlette Johnson are headed to Washington, D.C. this September to represent Athens High School as SkillsUSA District 5 officers! They’ll join students from across the country at the SkillsUSA Washington Leadership Training Institute conference, where they’ll advocate for skilled trades and grow their leadership skills. Matalie serves as District 5 reporter, and Starlette as District 5 chaplain. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they are true leaders for our school and our region,” said Advisor Maria Cerrillo. We are SUPER proud of these two! 👏 #HornetNation
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
Two young women stand side by side indoors, both wearing red blazers over white tops. One has long curly brown hair and is smiling, while the other has long straight dark hair, wears glasses, and has a neutral expression. The woman on the right has a SkillsUSA patch on her blazer. The background shows open wooden doors and a hallway.
🏈 Friday night lights are about to be on at Bruce Field! #HornetNation
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
Game day promo graphic for Athens Hornets Football. On the left is a maroon Athens Hornets helmet with a white 'A' logo, and on the right is a blue Henderson Lions helmet with a red lion logo. In the center is a hornet mascot over a Texas-shaped background. Text reads: Athens Hornets vs. Henderson Lions, Friday August 29, kickoff 7:30 PM at Bruce Field.
🐝🏈 Get ready #HornetNation! The first varsity football game of the season kicks off this Friday at Bruce Field against Henderson. Check out the full schedule and make plans to support the team all season long, whether you're cheering from the stands or live streaming on YouTube at KLVQATHENS or on Facebook at 945KLVQ. For audio only, tune your radio to 94.5 FM, 1410 AM, or online at etexradio.live. For updates throughout the season, you can join the Athens Athletic Booster Club Remind group by texting @joinus25 to 81010. We hope to see full stands and lots of Hornet pride all school year! 🙌
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
The 2025 Varsity Football Schedule graphic features a yellow jacket mascot and a honeycomb layout with yellow and orange hexagons listing each game. All games begin at 7:30 PM. The schedule includes: August 29 vs. Henderson (Home), September 5 at Kaufman, September 12 at Palestine, September 19 vs. Jacksonville (Homecoming, Home), September 26 vs. Waco Connally (Youth Football Night, Home), October 3 open date, October 10 at Brownsboro (district play begins), October 17 at Carthage, October 24 vs. Rusk (Pink Out, Home), October 31 at Center, and November 7 vs. Bullard (Senior Night, Home). The background has a maroon dotted gradient design.
🛝 These kindergarteners at Bel Air Elementary enjoyed recess Tuesday morning when there was still a touch of morning coolness in the air. #HornetNation
2 months ago, Toni Clay
A group of kindergarten students at Bel Air Elementary stand together outdoors on the playground during recess, smiling and posing with arms around each other; they wear colorful school uniforms in shades of teal, gray, purple, black, white, burgundy, and red, with khaki or black shorts and skirts, and the background shows trees and a wooden fence.

🐝 Athens High School's annual Meet the Hornets event is Thursday, Aug. 14 at Bruce Field. Come enjoy a FREE hot dog, chips, drink and dessert beginning at 6:30pm. At 7, we will begin introducing all our amazing Hornet varsity athletes, along with the incredible members of our band, cheer squad and Stingerettes. A huge thank you to our sponsors: the Athens Athletic Booster Club, Hope Springs Water & Brookshire's! See you there! 🎉🏈🏐🎾⚽️🥎⚾️🏃‍♂️🏋️🏌️‍♀️🎺📣

2 months ago, Toni Clay
Promotional graphic for the “Meet the Hornets!” event, sponsored by the Athens Athletic Booster Club, Hope Springs Water & Brookshire's. The design features a large, bold white title “MEET THE” at the top and “HORNETS!” at the bottom, with a cartoon hornet mascot in the center wearing a red and white striped outfit. Text on the left reads: “Food service begins at 6:30 PM, program starts at 7.” Text on the right reads: “Thursday, Aug. 14, Bruce Field.” The background is a smoky maroon gradient.
🚨Hey, Hornets! The Henderson County Emergency Management Office is asking for your input through the Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey. Your responses will help the county better understand local risks and improve emergency preparedness. It only takes a few minutes. Make your voice count! 💪 https://www.henderson-county.com/departments/emergency-management/hazard-mitigation-plan-citizen-survey
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Green background with white words: Hazard Mitigation Plan Citizen Survey and a graphic representing an online survey image
Several of our teachers, staff and administrators met yesterday with architects from Claycomb Associates for an all-day planning and design discussion. We’ve put out a call for proposals for a construction manager at risk to oversee the bond-related projects, with bids opening Aug. 21. After narrowing the field to a short list of contenders, we’ll hold interviews and expect to make a selection by Sept. 11. We’re committed to keeping the community informed about the exciting improvements to be made across the district. It's a great time to be alive and a Hornet! #HornetNation
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Athens ISD staff and administrators meet with representatives from Claycomb Associates Architects in the Staff Development Room at the AISD Administration building. Participants sit around tables with building plans, notebooks, and drinks, facing two large display screens showing architectural renderings of a modern school interior. A flip chart stands between the screens, and the room has “ATHENS ISD” lettering on the wall.
Athens ISD staff and administrators share a lighthearted moment with representatives from Claycomb Associates Architects during a planning and design meeting in the Staff Development Room at the AISD Administration building. Five participants sit around a table with architectural drawings, notebooks, and drinks, smiling and laughing together. The background shows additional tables, chairs, and a whiteboard.
Athens ISD Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims speaks while gesturing with her hands during a planning and design meeting with staff, administrators, and representatives from Claycomb Associates Architects in the Staff Development Room at the AISD Administration building. Others listen attentively as large aerial maps and site plans are spread across the table, along with rolled-up drawings, markers, and a utility knife. In the background, additional chairs, tables, and a whiteboard are visible.