Sept. 29 noon update: What a day, Hornets! All bus riders have now been dropped off. The downed line across from AMS caused delays, but credit goes to our bus drivers for adapting quickly. We expect power to be fully restored before classes resume tomorrow. The city also reports that the water leak has been contained, though a boil-water notice remains in effect for now. School will resume as normal tomorrow, and each student will be provided with two bottles of water. Thank you to all our wonderful parents and guardians who responded to today’s events with patience and grace. For water updates from the city, tap the link. https://www.athenstx.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Water-Alert-45

Update related to buses: Just before our buses exited from Athens Middle School in response to the lack of water, a semi truck took down a powerline in front of the campus, making it impossible to take a left toward town. CR 4628 is also blocked. Buses are backed up. Alternative routes will be used; there will be delays.

Update: All campuses will begin car pickup at 8:30AM and buses will begin running at 9. To avoid congestion, we ask that you please stick to the assigned pickup time.
The City of Athens is experiencing a significant water leak, and we are monitoring the situation. The city is asking all residents to conserve water as they work to address the issue. For the latest official information, please check the City of Athens website (link below). The website will be the primary source for updates as this situation develops. https://www.athenstx.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Water-Alert-45
👑 Congratulations to 2026
Athens High School Homecoming Queen Keileigh Friendly! Joining her on the court are Junior Princess Camila Pudilo, Sophomore Duchess Taryn McAlister and Freshman Duchess Charity Cumby. Congratulations, ladies! 🎊


🎓 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

👏 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

🎉 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

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.

🎓 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
👏 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.

👉 Where did the time go?! Our summer sports camps are right around the corner, parents. Mark your calendars.

🎣 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!

🎉 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 🐝
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/

🙌 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!

🥎 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

⚾️ 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

🏅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. 🐝

🥎 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


👏 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!
