🚨 Heads up this Thursday, Hornet Nation! Law enforcement, school personnel and emergency response teams will be conducting a planned training exercise at Athens Middle School on Thursday, June 4. During this time, you may notice lots of law enforcement vehicles, emergency vehicles or even simulated activity on the campus. Please know this is ONLY a training event, and there is no threat to district employees or the public. Have a great summer!
4 days ago, Toni Clay
Street-view image of Athens Middle School with a large translucent banner reading “First Responder Training Exercise” and “This Thursday, June 4 at Athens Middle School.”
🎓 Graduation is almost here! Be sure to study the parking map ahead of time so you’ll know your options for the May 29 commencement ceremony. The front doors of AHS will open at 5:30pm, and graduation will begin promptly at 6:30pm. As a reminder, balloons, flowers, noisemakers, face signs, and large displays won't be allowed inside the gym. The district's standard clear bag policy will be in effect. You can review that policy here: https://www.athensisd.net/page/bag-policy-for-public-events
16 days ago, Toni Clay
an aerial view of the school with a sign at the front doors it says enter here. The main parking lot says park here. It also shows two other parking locations at the home and visitor parking for Bruce Field
👏 Congratulations to junior Liam Tinsley on finishing third at the UIL State Championships in Informative Speaking today! Competing against some of the best students in Texas, he delivered an incredible performance on the state stage. We are so proud of you, Liam! #HornetNation
17 days ago, Toni Clay
Photo of a young man in a blue suit holding a bronze medal
🎉 Shout out to junior Liam Tinsley, who is in Austin competing at the UIL State Championships in Informative Speaking. Liam just advanced to the final round and is now among the top SIX competitors in Class 4A across the state. The final round will take place tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. We’re incredibly proud of you, Liam! #HornetNation
18 days ago, Toni Clay
Alt text: A smiling male student wearing a navy suit, light-colored dress shirt, and patterned tie stands in front of a blue UIL backdrop decorated with Texas UIL logos.
We're proud to recognize Mrs. Wimberley, a kindergarten teacher at South Athens Elementary, as the AISD Elementary Teacher of the Year and Mr. Hill, an eighth-grade math teacher and archery coach at Athens Middle School, as the AISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. We're so grateful for the incredible impact they have on our students' lives.
22 days ago, Toni Clay
Photo of Athens ISD Teachers of the Year Rachel Wimberley and Spencer Hill standing side by side against a gray background. Wimberley, the Elementary Teacher of the Year, is wearing a colorful floral dress and smiling at the camera. Hill, the Secondary Teacher of the Year, is wearing a blue button-down shirt and khaki pants. Text at the bottom of the image identifies each educator and their award title.
🎓 One of the reasons AISD is the Educational Heart of East Texas: This Friday, 53 (!!) members of the class of '26 will walk across the stage at Trinity Valley Community College’s commencement ceremony to receive their associate degrees. That's more than 1 in 4 seniors. Forty-nine of those students are part of our PINNACLE Early College High School program, while four earned their degrees through dual credit. Together, they make up 29 percent of the AHS senior class. For comparison, the statewide average for students graduating high school with an associate degree is about 3 percent. We are incredibly proud of our students and thankful for our partnership with TVCC and the Ginger Murchison Foundation. #HornetNation
23 days ago, Toni Clay
A large group of Athens High School students pose on the staircase inside the high school for a group photo celebrating students who have earned associate degrees through the PINNACLE Early College High School and dual-credit programs. Students are dressed in maroon, black and school spirit apparel inside the school’s main entryway.
👏 Congratulations to (from left) Kaylee Buford, Jessica Andrews and Chloe Coker! They were among several area seniors to be awarded scholarships to the colleges of their choice by the Athens Kiwanis Club on Tuesday. Kaylee, Jessica and Chloe stood out for not only their academic success, but their commitment to good works in the community. We're so proud of the way they represent #HornetNation.
23 days ago, Toni Clay
Three young ladies holding framed scholarship certificates standing in front of what appears to be a Kiwanis banner.
👉 Where did the time go?! Our summer sports camps are right around the corner, parents. Mark your calendars.
25 days ago, Toni Clay
Graphic titled “Hornet Summer Sports Camps” on a gold background with maroon and black text. The graphic lists seven Athens ISD summer sports camps with dates, times, locations, costs, and eligible grade levels. Football camp is June 2-4 from 9-11 a.m. at Bruce Field for incoming grades 1-9, $30. Boys basketball is June 2-4 from noon-2:30 p.m. at Coliseum Gym for incoming grades 1-9, $40. Volleyball is June 2 and 4 from 9-11 a.m. at Coliseum Gym for incoming grades 3-9, $30. Baseball is June 8-10 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the baseball field for incoming grades 2-9, $30. Girls basketball is June 8-10 from 1-3 p.m. at Coliseum Gym for incoming grades 1-9, $30. Boys and girls soccer is June 8-9 and 11 from 6-8 p.m. at Bruce Field for incoming grades 1-9, $30. Softball is July 13-15 from 9-11 a.m. at the softball field for incoming grades 2-9, $30. Registration takes place the first day of camp 30 minutes before start time. For more information, call 903-677-6992 Monday through Thursday. A cartoon Hornet mascot appears in the bottom right corner.
🎣 Tyson Rich and and his father, boat captain Jon Rich, had a great showing at the Texas High School Bass Association Regional Tournament, finishing ninth out of 220 boats. (Wow!) That finish punches Tyson’s ticket to the State Tournament May 30 & 31 at Lake Texoma. Way to go, Tyson! Congratulations and good luck at State!
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
Two bass fishing team members stand in front of a Texas-themed backdrop, smiling and holding plaques after a tournament; both wear maroon team jerseys and sunglasses, with one holding an envelope, celebrating their 9th-place regional finish and state qualification.
🎉 Seven Athens High School athletes are headed to the next level, and we loved getting to celebrate them today with their families, coaches and friends. Congratulations to Charles Livingston and Rhys Groom, who will both be playing football at East Texas Baptist University; Jayvian Taylor, who will be playing football at Nelson University; Ava Pugh, who will be playing softball at Austin College; Alizjah Davis, who will be competing in track at Jacksonville College; Marely Martinez, who will be playing soccer at Tyler Junior College; and Camila Martinez, who will be playing soccer at Cedar Valley College. We are proud of each of you and excited to see what comes next! #HornetNation 🐝
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
Three teen boys and four teen girls, dressed casually standing shoulder to shoulder.
Teen boy seated behind table surrounded by family members.
Teen boy seated behind table surrounded by family members.
Teen boy seated behind table surrounded by family members.
Teen girl seated behind table surrounded by family members.
Teen girl seated behind table surrounded by family members.
Teen girl seated behind table surrounded by family members.
Teen girl seated behind table surrounded by family members.
Attention local subcontractors: Athens ISD’s 2025 Bond Program is moving forward, and Jackson Construction is building a bidders list for interested subcontractors. To be added, please email your company information to [bids@jacksonconstruction.com](mailto:bids@jacksonconstruction.com) and include your company name, primary contact information and scope of work. For questions about the bidders list, contact Bryan Parma, VP of pre-construction at Jackson Construction, at 903-469-9272. Bid documents for the Early Childhood Center and High School Additions & Renovations will be released May 25 and posted in plan rooms, the local paper, and at jacksonconstruction.com/bidding-projects/
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
Graphic titled “Attention local subcontractors” with renderings of the proposed Athens Early Childhood Center and Athens High School additions and renovations. The bottom of the image lists bids@jacksonconstruction.com and 469-998-9272.
🙌 A big Hornet congratulations to our newest Distinguished Alumni & Athletic Hall of Fame inductees! Approximately 135 people attended the induction banquet at Athens Country Club Thursday night, making it the largest such event the district has held to date. Pictured (from left) are Dan Dwelle, honored for his longtime leadership in community journalism and banking; Tommy Frizzell, honored for his standout Athens football career and accomplishments at Louisiana State University; Seth Murphy, honored for excellence in golf as both a competitor and instructor; Quinton Johnson, honored for his achievements in theater, film, music and production; and Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims. Earlier that day, Quinton also took the time to meet with students at AHS and AMS to share his experience in the performing arts. Once a Hornet, always a Hornet!
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
Five people pose together at the Athens ISD Distinguished Alumni & Athletic Hall of Fame event. From left are Dan Dwelle, Tommy Frizzell, Seth Murphy, Quinton Johnson and Superintendent Sims, standing side by side in formal attire in a banquet room with wood floors and arched doorways.
🥎 The Lady Hornets take on Sulphur Springs in the Area round! It's a best-of-three series at Edgewood High School. Game 1 is Wednesday, April 29, at 6pm; game 2 is Thursday, April 30, at 6pm; and game 3, if needed, will be Friday, May 1, at 6pm. Tickets are $5 for adults & $3 for students. Let’s cheer on our Lady Hornets in person as they continue their playoff run! #HornetNation
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
Graphic for the Area Championship Series featuring the Athens Lady Hornets versus Sulphur Springs. Game 1 is April 29 at 6 p.m. at Edgewood High School. Game 2 is April 30 at 6 p.m. at Edgewood High School. Game 3, if needed, is May 1 at 12 p.m. at Edgewood High School. The image includes Lady Hornets softball players celebrating with a trophy.
⚾️ The Hornets are headed to the Bi-District Championship! Athens takes on Spring Hill in a best-of-three series at Mike Carter Field in Tyler. Game 1 is this Thursday, April 30, 7pm, with Athens as the visitor. Game 2 is Friday, May 1, 7pm, with Athens as the home team. Game 3, if needed, will be Saturday, May 2, 1pm at Canton High Field. Tickets are available online only. Adults are $7 & children are $4. All passes will be accepted. Let’s support our guys! Tickets: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/tx/parkway-tyler/organization/192970/tyler-independent-sc/tickets
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
Graphic for the Bi-District Championship Series featuring the Athens Hornets versus Spring Hill. Game 1 is April 30 at 7 p.m. at Mike Carter Field in Tyler, with Athens as visitor. Game 2 is May 1 at 7 p.m. at Mike Carter Field in Tyler, with Athens as home. Game 3, if needed, is May 2 at 1 p.m. at Canton High Field in Canton.
🏅Hooray! Liam Tinsley is the UIL 4A Region 2 Champion in Informative Speaking. After a long day of competition in one of the toughest regions in the state, the Athens High School junior earned the top honor and advances to the state competition at the University of Texas on May 18 & 19. Congratulations, Liam! We're proud of you. 🐝
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
photo of Liam in a suit with a gold medal around his neck and a lace in the background
🥎 BI-DISTRICT CHAMPS! The Lady Hornets brought the energy tonight in front of a packed house, shutting out Henderson with a 3-0 win to advance to the next round of playoffs. Information on round two to come. 👏 #HornetNation
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
The lady Hornets hold a sign that says by district champs
The Lady Hornets are shown celebrating on the field

👏 Big applause for ACT, Troupe 4490! 🎭 These student leaders went above and beyond this year, giving their time and energy to the Texas Thespians Honor Troupe Leadership Academy and showing what dedication really looks like. Their effort earned them a Gold Honor Troupe recognition, and we could not be more proud. Pictured (from left) are Camden Garner, Ryleigh Sloan, River Lang, Adyson Petty, Tristen Husband and Dylan Thornton. Congratulations to this amazing group of students!

about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
Six students pose playfully in front of a colorful mural, smiling and celebrating as one student holds up a plaque overhead. Two students stand back-to-back with their arms crossed, while others strike fun poses, including one student being held up and another riding piggyback.
Help the Class of 2026 raise funds for their Last Blast event by getting your vehicle washed! They'll be waiting for you this Saturday, April 18, from 9am-3pm at 1114 E. Tyler Street in Athens (First State Bank Tyler Street Branch). You'll have a sparkling ride AND help our students raise money for their senior activities. #HornetNation
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
Alt text: Two cartoon-style Hornet mascots wash a dark sedan and a black classic car, with soap suds and a red bucket in front of a soft sunset background. Large script text across the top reads, “Car Wash!”
Attention student athletes & families! Join us Tuesday, April 28, at 7pm in the large lecture hall for a free college recruiting seminar with guest speaker Todd Kelly. It's a great chance to learn more about the recruiting process, scholarships, eligibility, how to connect with college coaches and more. We hope to see you there! #HornetNation
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
Promotional graphic for a free College Recruiting Seminar. Large white text at the top reads, “Your Future Starts Here” and “College Recruiting Seminar.” The background is black and gray with a maroon honeycomb pattern. A photo of guest speaker Todd Kelly appears on the right with a gray label that says “Guest Speaker Todd Kelly.” White text in the center invites student-athletes and their families to attend a free seminar about the next steps toward a future in sports. A gray box on the left lists topics including the recruiting process, scholarships, college visits, academic and NCAA eligibility, social media, communicating with college coaches, the parent’s role, and building an athletic resume. A maroon shape at the bottom right gives the event details: April 28th, 7:00 p.m., Large Lecture Hall.
🎉 Several AISD teachers were thrilled Friday to learn they are new designees in the district’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program. In its second year at AISD, the locally developed plan recognizes high-performing reading/language arts and math teachers (in qualifying grade levels) based on classroom excellence and student growth. TIA is a state initiative that provides substantial financial incentives to qualifying educators. Pictured seated are new designees, as well as three who moved up a designation level. They are (from left) Jordan Carnes of Athens Middle School (moved from Exemplary level to Master level), Chantelle Allen of Central Athens Elementary (moved from Recognized level to Exemplary level), Angie Davis of South Athens Elementary (moved from Recognized level to Exemplary level), Spencer Hill of AMS (Exemplary level), Chera Gandy of CAE (Exemplary level), Christi Barnes of CAE (Master level), Heather Williams of CAE (Exemplary level), Sarah Willy of AMS (Recognized level), Sandy Howard of Bel Air Elementary (Recognized level) and Karla Rodriguez of BAE (Recognized level). Those standing are educators who earned their TIA designation prior to this school year. They are (from left) Amanda Huffer of Athens High School (Exemplary level), Polly Williams of CAE (Recognized level), Timothy VanOrden of AMS (Exemplary level), Edward Medvecky of AHS (Master level), Kelly Cohen of AMS (Exemplary level), Kaitlin Buchholtz of AHS (Exemplary level), Sherri Cole of AMS (Recognized level), Gary Barnes of AHS (Recognized level), Courtney York of BAE (Exemplary level) and Melanie Brown of CAE (Master level).
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
Alt text: Group photo of Athens ISD TIA designated teachers in a district meeting room. Ten educators are seated in the front row holding certificates, with 11 more standing behind them. All are wearing matching mauve Athens ISD T-shirts, and three pink screens in the background display a congratulatory message for TIA designated teachers.