🏹 Big weekend ahead at Athens Middle School! They're hosting their biggest archery tournament yet with more than 600 students from across East and North Texas competing over two days. Our AMS team will begin shooting at 9am Saturday, and we’d love to see some familiar faces in the crowd cheering them on! Events run Friday (8am-8pm) and Saturday (9am–noon), with Bullseye in the big gym and 3D targets in the small gym. Come check it out!
about 1 hour ago, Toni Clay
Poster for the AMS Archery Tournament on January 24 at Athens Middle School. Flight time is 9:00 AM. The event will be held in the school gyms. Text encourages the community to support AMS students as they compete. The poster features black-and-white filmstrip-style photos of students participating in archery, with the Athens Hornet mascot holding two arrows at the bottom. Bold red and black lettering highlights the event details.
🎶 👏 We have another state qualifier! Congratulations to sophomore Thaily Ordonez Ramos for earning 2nd chair out of 23 flutes at the area band competition Saturday at Chapel Hill! Thaily’s incredible performance qualifies her for the prestigious 4A All-State Band, placing her among the top high school musicians in Texas. She’ll represent Hornet Nation in San Antonio Feb. 11–14. We couldn’t be more proud. Way to go, Thaily!
1 day ago, Toni Clay
Photo of teenaged girl in band uniform.
The holiday break: Great. Being together again: Priceless.
#CentralAthens #PreK
6 days ago, Toni Clay
A photo of the back of four preK-aged boys sitting on a playground bench, all either holding hands or arm around shoulder.
🚀 These Central Athens Elementary fifth-graders worked today on a "bottle rocket truck project" that blended engineering, science and problem-solving. Students used limited resources to acquire materials and design their builds, while their “fuel” consisted of a vinegar and baking soda mixture that built up pressure when shaken; once a tack was removed from the bottle lid to expose a small hole, the pressure was released and — ideally — pushed the truck forward. Easier said than done, though! Several different groups of students explored a variety of STEM concepts, including Newton’s Laws of Motion, as part of a high-energy learning experience made possible by the Texas Mobile STEM Labs.
26 days ago, Toni Clay
Overhead view of four elementary girls gathered around a table, working together on a STEM project. The students are using their hands to assemble materials around a small bottle, with scissors, paper, and notebooks spread across the table, showing teamwork and hands-on problem-solving.
Three elementary boys work together at a table inside a mobile STEM lab, carefully assembling a small bottle rocket truck. One student wearing a knit hat adjusts materials on the bottle while the others watch and assist, with scissors and notes on the table and a STEM design prompt visible in the background.
🎄 For the past several years, our district Christmas card has featured work by a student artist, but this year ... it features that of two! The holiday greeting — with freshman Alyssa Barrios' striking detail of a tree and freshman Alex Davidson's Hornet snow globe — was mailed out to friends and neighboring school districts throughout the area. The duo was honored tonight at the regular December meeting of the AISD Board of Trustees. We're thankful to both of these young artists for helping spread good cheer. #HornetNation
29 days ago, Toni Clay
Two student artists lean forward with their arms resting on a low bookshelf in a school library, smiling at the camera. Behind their heads, the front and back of the same Athens ISD Christmas postcard design have been digitally inserted. The front shows a hand-painted Christmas tree branch with ornaments, including a red ornament and a clear glass ornament with a small winter scene inside, with the text “Merry Christmas from Athens ISD.” The back features a matching holiday design with the Athens ISD hornet mascot inside a snow globe, decorated with greenery and a bow, along with a printed holiday message and credits acknowledging the student artists and superintendent.
🤖 Our AHS robotics teams had a solid showing this past weekend at the Commerce VEX V5 Tournament, a fast-paced competition where student-built robots face off to complete game challenges. Team members Lyrick Adley, Wyatt McDonald and Josue Govea (pictured on the left) won five out of eight qualifying matches and made it to the quarterfinals. Team members Starlette Johnson, Brady Mayne and Gaden Riquelme (pictured on the right) fought through mechanical issues and wrapped up the day with a win. Way to represent, Hornets!
29 days ago, Toni Clay
**Revised Alt Text:** Six Athens High School robotics team members pose indoors behind two VEX V5 competition robots on a table. From left to right: Lyrick Adley, Wyatt McDonald, Josue Govea, Starlette Johnson, Brady Mayne, and Gaden Riquelme. The robot on the left has a blue license plate labeled "46790B" and the one on the right has a red plate labeled "46790A." Orange banners hang in the background of the school cafeteria setting.
Three Athens High School robotics team members stand at the edge of a competition field during a VEX match, focused on operating their robot. One student holds a controller while the others observe. The event takes place in a school gym with bleachers and tournament equipment in the background.

It's SANTA!! 🎅 These second-graders at South Athens were among many elementary students across Athens ISD this week to have photos taken with Santa Claus — also known here as Barton Davis. Barton and his wife, Kathy (who was for many years the principal's secretary at South Athens), are well known in the community for their exuberant yuletide decorations. This will be Barton's 19th year to sit outside their home on East Clinton Street and greet, as the Jolly Old Elf, any children who stop by. Mr. Claus will be in residence Dec. 18-22, from 6pm-7:30pm.

about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
A group of excited second-grade students in colorful holiday pajamas gather around Santa Claus, who is seated in front of a decorated Christmas tree in a school hallway. The children are smiling, laughing, and looking toward Santa as he engages with them.
👏 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
about 1 month 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==

about 1 month 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.
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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

about 2 months 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
2 months 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.
2 months 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
2 months 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

2 months 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
2 months 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!
2 months 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
2 months 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!
2 months 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.