🙌 Class of 2025 members Isaac Hoch and Cooper Rich just wrapped up one of the most decorated debate careers in school history. Want to know how many medals they’ve won (spoiler: a lot), what career paths debate helped shape, or how many hours a week they trained to succeed? Read their story here 👉 https://athensisd.substack.com/p/hoch-and-rich-close-out-historic #HornetNation #AISDDebate #StateChamps
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Athens High School seniors Isaac Hoch (left) and Cooper Rich (right) wearing gold UIL state champion medals and dress shirts, smiling and holding their 2025 4A CX Debate state championship plaque.
👏 Big shoutout to rising seniors Tristan Hunt and Geraldine Nieto on being selected as drum majors for the AHS Pride of the Hornets Band in the 2025-2026 school year! 🐝 This will be their first time leading the band, and they’re kicking things off with training this June at the Panola College Military Drum Major Camp. We’re excited to see these two step into leadership and help guide the band into another amazing year. Go Hornets!
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Two Athens High School students, Tristan Hunt and Geraldine Nieto, stand confidently on the football field in front of the Bruce Field scoreboard. Both are dressed in maroon polo shirts and black pants, holding drum major batons with a maroon and white twist. The sky is blue with scattered clouds behind them.
🎶⭐️ Eight Athens High School band students compete in the UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in Austin this weekend, where they delivered outstanding performances on one of the toughest stages in the state! The percussion ensemble of Edgar DeLuna, German Gonzalez-Gutierrez, Ty Hadnot, Josh Moreno and Caleb Zuniga earned a first division and received gold medals to commemorate their achievement, while the flute trio of Thaily Ordonez Ramos, Geraldine Nieto and Kelly Burras earned a second division rating. State-level competition is judged by a significantly higher standard, making their success even more impressive. These students worked on their music for months after qualifying in February, showing remarkable dedication during one of the busiest times of the school year. We are so proud of their commitment! Pictured (l–r) are Kelly Burras, Josh Moreno, Caleb Zuniga, Geraldine Nieto, Edgar DeLuna, Thaily Ordonez Ramos, Ty Hadnot and German Gonzalez-Gutierrez.
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Eight Athens High School band students stand smiling in front of a light gray brick wall, dressed in formal black concert attire. Two students are in front and six are in the back, all posing proudly after their performance at the UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
Sara Garcia (left) and Briana Rodriguez wrapped up their senior ceiling tile just in time, and it was worth the wait! The two began the project in January in Ms. Kling’s art class and spent countless hours recreating “The Sea at Satta” by Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige. Their impressive take on the famous woodblock print adds a heads-up wave of creativity to the room. #HornetNation #AHSfineArts
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Seniors Sara Garcia and Briana Rodriguez stand beneath their completed ceiling tile, a colorful and detailed hand-painted replica of Utagawa Hiroshige’s woodblock print The Sea at Satta. The artwork features vibrant waves, a distant mountain, and coastal trees, framed with the students’ names and class year on the borders.
They came. They grilled. They conquered. 🔥 Athens Middle School’s barbecue team brought the heat to the National High School BBQ Association’s Texas State Championship, taking home Grand Champion honors for chili, Reserve Grand Champion for chicken and ribs, and 3rd place overall in the entire state! Judges' comments included “tasty and tender” and even said of their chili, “Well done! I want more.” (Honestly, same.) Eighth-graders Brody Ard and Robert Dingler, and sixth-grader Parker Dingler earned a spot at the national competition in Kansas City June 3–6, where they’ll be with 13 other students representing AHS BBQ teams. 🐝 Bring on the BBQ, Kansas City! #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Three Athens Middle School students smile proudly in a school hallway as they pose with a large barbecue trophy featuring flame designs. The student in the center, wearing a black hoodie and glasses, holds the trophy with both hands. The student on the left wears a black polo shirt, and the one on the right wears a maroon polo shirt. They stand in front of brick walls decorated with colorful artwork
🎉 Woo-hoo! Athens ISD is honored to be named the Large Business of the Month for May by the Athens Chamber of Commerce. Pictured (from left) are Deputy Superintendent Ginger Morrison, Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims, and Jennifer Browning, interim executive director of the Athens Chamber. Thank you to our fellow chamber members for recognizing the district’s contributions to the community we love so much. We’re proud to serve! 💛 #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Three women stand in front of a large Athens Independent School District logo. From left to right: Deputy Superintendent Ginger Morrison wearing a maroon AISD polo shirt, Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims in a black top holding a framed certificate, and Athens Chamber of Commerce Interim Executive Director Jennifer Browning in a bright green dress. The certificate recognizes AISD as the Athens Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Month for May 2025.
🎓👏 Fifty-three Athens High School students graduated Friday from Trinity Valley Community College with associate’s degrees!! Forty-four are in Athens ISD's PINNACLE Early College High School, and nine are part of the dual-credit program. We are incredibly proud of their hard work to achieve such remarkable milestone in their lives! 🐝 #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
A group of 53 Athens High School students wearing maroon caps and gowns pose on bleachers, smiling proudly after graduating with associate’s degrees from Trinity Valley Community College.
The AISD Board of Trustees met this week to canvass the results of the May 3 bond election and swear in three returning members: Margaret Richardson, Gina Hunter, and Freddie Paul (pictured). Certified election results show that 1,240 votes were cast, with 766 (61.08%) in favor of the bond proposition and 474 (37.8%) against. The bonds are expected to be sold in July or August, with proceeds received about a month later. The board also adopted a resolution authorizing the use of bond funds to reimburse any project-related expenses that may occur before the proceeds are available.
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Three Athens ISD Board of Trustees members—Margaret Richardson, Gina Hunter, and Freddie Paul—stand with their right hands raised as they are sworn in for new terms. They are positioned behind a wooden board desk with nameplates, inside a boardroom with a red brick wall and Hornet mascot artwork in the background.
🐝❤️ Please donate your student's gently worn uniform clothing to be redistributed to others. Items will be collected beginning Monday at all campus offices.
4 months ago, Toni Clay
A child wearing a maroon polo shirt is shown from the shoulders down. Below the image, a beige box contains bold text that reads: “BEGINNING MONDAY THRU MAY 27 — PLEASE DONATE YOUR STUDENT’S UNIFORM CLOTHING AT THE CAMPUS OFFICE.” The message encourages families to contribute used school uniforms before the end-of-year deadline.
📣 We’re proud to announce Bernitha “Nikki” Enoch as Athens ISD's Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Edward Medvecky as Athens ISD's Secondary Teacher of the Year! ⭐️ Ms. Enoch, a PreK-4 teacher at Central Athens Elementary, brings great energy and deep care to her classroom, sparking a love of learning in her students and inspiring those around her. ⭐️ Mr. Medvecky, who teaches Honors English I & II and advises the yearbook at Athens High School, engages students with his thoughtful lessons while mentoring both students and staff. These two outstanding educators embody the heart of Hornet Nation. Congratulations to both! #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
Bernitha “Nikki” Enoch and Edward Medvecky, Athens ISD’s 2024 Teachers of the Year, stand smiling side by side in a school library. Nikki is wearing a black top and khaki pants; Edward is wearing a maroon polo with a white “A” logo and olive green pants.
🐝❤️ Join us in celebrating Jase Warren and Kim Rios as our 2024–2025 Hornet Male Athlete and Hornet Female Athlete of the Year. This recognition honors college-bound, multi-sport athletes who lead with heart and hustle. Jase, a standout in football, basketball and track, has made a huge impact through his leadership, determination and encouragement of those around him. He’s a favorite among our younger students and will head to Kilgore Lineman School to continue doing great things. Kim, an All-American cheerleader, soccer defender and track competitor, is the kind of teammate who always puts others first, works hard without fanfare, and brings a positive spirit to whatever she does. She’s headed to Stephen F. Austin State University this fall. Both will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Athens Athletic Booster Club. Congratulations, Jase and Kim. You earned this recognition with hard work! #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
A young man and woman smile as they pose in front of a maroon Athens High School backdrop decorated with white logos featuring a hornet and the letter “A.” Both are holding wooden plaques; the young man’s plaque reads “Hornet Male Athlete of the Year, Jase Warren, 2024–2025,” and the young woman’s plaque reads “Hornet Female Athlete of the Year, Kim Rios, 2024–2025.” They are dressed in light blue outfits and appear proud of their achievements.
🥁 It's not every day that a band's spring concert includes a WORLD PREMIERE of new music — but it's happening! May 20, 6:30pm, AHS. Reception for former longtime band director John Glover to follow! #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
promotional graphic on a red and gold spotlight background announces the Athens High School Band’s world premiere of “Pride of the Hornets” March by Dr. Timothy Rhea, Director of Bands at Texas A&M University. The event is dedicated to Mr. John Glover and scheduled for May 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the AHS Competition Gym at 708 East College Street. The concert coincides with the AISD Band Department’s Spring Concert, with a reception for Mr. Glover to follow. Musical notes and stars decorate the background.
Something tells us it's his birthday ... 🥳 Bel Air Elementary preK-3 student Owen Brown turns four today! He's got a few years to go before he's on the same campus as his dad, AHS Administrative Intern Miles Brown. Happy birthday, Owen! #HornetNation
4 months ago, Toni Clay
A young boy with short blond hair smiles proudly and flexes his arms while wearing a navy blue shirt and a large blue birthday ribbon that reads “It’s My Birthday!” He stands in a colorful library or classroom with bookshelves, supplies, and another person working in the background.
🐝 Mark your calendars for Hornet Summer Sports Camps!
4 months ago, Toni Clay
The graphic titled “Hornet Summer Sports Camps” features a yellow background and announces six youth sports camps offered by Athens ISD, each in a white box with bold sport titles and camp details. Football is June 2–4 from 9–11:30 AM for grades 1–9, $30. Girls & Boys Basketball is June 2–4 from 12:30–3 PM for grades 1–9, $40. Volleyball is June 2–4 from 10 AM–12 PM for grades 3–9, $30. Softball is June 9–11 from 9–11 AM for grades 2–9, $30. Baseball is June 9–11 from 10:30 AM–12:30 PM for grades 2–9, $30. Girls & Boys Soccer is June 9, 10 & 12 from 6–8:30 PM for grades 1–9, $30. A note clarifies that grades are based on the upcoming school year. Camp locations are listed as: football and soccer at Bruce Field; basketball and volleyball at the competition gym in front of AHS; and softball and baseball at their respective fields. Registration opens 30 minutes before the first day of camp. For more information, call 903-677-6992 Monday through Thursday.
A statement from Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims: "Today is a great day to be a Hornet. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire Athens ISD family, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to the voters for approving this bond. Your support represents a huge investment in the future of our students and our community. We are committed to being responsible stewards of these resources, ensuring every dollar is used wisely — and we’ll be sharing updates and milestones as projects get underway. Thank you for trusting us to continue making Athens ISD the educational heart of East Texas."
5 months ago, Elise Mullinix
graphic says thank you voters! Athens ISD bond 2025 approved
🐝 It's Election Day! Questions about the bond? Visit www.athensisdbond.com. The ballot includes the language: "This is a property tax increase." State law requires all school district bond election ballots to be printed with those words. The Athens ISD bond does not come attached to an increase in the debt service tax rate. #HornetNation
5 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic with a bold maroon headline reading “Every Vote Counts.” Below, a patriotic sign in blue, red, and white displays the word “ELECTIONDAY,” with “DAY” highlighted in red. The sign is decorated with white stars and vertical red-and-white stripes. The date “May 3” is centered beneath the sign in large maroon text. At the bottom, the website athensisdbond.com is shown, along with the Athens ISD Bond 2025 logo in the lower right corner.
🗳️ Election Day is tomorrow! Questions about the bond? Visit www.athensisdbond.com. The ballot includes the language: "This is a property tax increase." State law requires all school district bond election ballots to be printed with those words. The Athens ISD bond does not come attached to an increase in the debt service tax rate. #HornetNation
5 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic titled “Election Day Voting Locations” with a maroon background lists voting sites for Saturday, May 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Locations include: Seven Points City Hall (Temporary Location), 715 S. Seven Points Blvd., Seven Points; Mabank City Hall, 129 East Market Street, Mabank; First Baptist Church, 13567 TX-31, Brownsboro; Gun Barrel City Hall, 1716 West Main Street, Gun Barrel City; Trinidad City Hall, 100 Park Street, Trinidad; Oran White Civic Center, 701 N. Tool Drive (Hwy 274), Tool; Henderson County Election Office (back entrance), 201 East Larkin, Athens; Payne Springs Fire Rescue Station 1, 12650 TX-198, Gun Barrel City; Eustace High School – Kirk Gym, 318 FM 316 South, Eustace; and First United Methodist Church – Heritage Hall, 501 North Second Street, Chandler. The graphic includes a clock icon and the website athensisdbond.com, with a footer note reading Election Day | May 3 and the Athens ISD Bond 2025 logo.
📣 New & returning enrollment for the upcoming school year is open! 👉 To enroll returning students into AISD for the upcoming school year, visit http://www.athensisd.net, click on the “Parents & Students” menu, and select Family Access. After logging in, choose the tile labeled 2025–26 Returning Student Enrollment. You can also go directly to the login page here: https://skyward.iscorp.com/AthensISDTXStuSTS/. New this year: Families will need to upload proof of residency dated April 2025 or later along with a photo ID to complete registration. 👉 If your child will be new to Athens ISD this fall, enrollment takes place at the campus they will attend. Start by filling out the New Student Enrollment form here: https://skyward.iscorp.com/AthensISDTXStuSTS/NewStudentEnrollment/NewGuardianLoginRequest. This allows you to create a Family Access account (if you don't already have one), complete key forms, and upload required documents such as a birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency and more. You’ll still need to bring physical copies of key documents to your student’s campus to finalize enrollment. For questions, please contact: • Bel Air – 903-677-6980 • Central Athens – 903-677-6960 • South Athens – 903-677-6970 • AMS – 903-677-3030 • AHS – 903-677-6920
5 months ago, Toni Clay
Words on blue background say: New & Returning Student Enrollment is open
🗳️ It's the LAST DAY to early vote! Questions about the bond? Visit www.athensisdbond.com. The ballot includes the language: "This is a property tax increase." State law requires all school district bond election ballots to be printed with those words. The Athens ISD bond does not come attached to an increase in the debt service tax rate. #HornetNation
5 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic with a maroon background featuring a megaphone icon and large text that reads “DON’T FORGET!” Below, it says “Today is the last of early voting. Polls are open until 7 p.m.” A “VOTE” badge icon appears underneath. The bottom of the graphic includes the website athensisdbond.com, and the dates “Early Voting | April 22 – 29” and “Election Day | May 3.” The Athens ISD Bond 2025 logo appears in the bottom right corner.
👀 Attention Parents of Special Education Students at Athens ISD: Please be on the lookout for an important email or piece of mail regarding the TEA Parent Involvement Survey. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has selected a random sampling of parents to participate. So not all parents will receive this survey, and, unfortunately, we are unable to add additional names to the list. The survey will come from Gibson Surveys, not Athens ISD. Included with your materials will be a required PIN number that you must use to access and complete the survey. If you are selected and cannot find your PIN, please contact lconner@athensisd.net for assistance. We truly appreciate your time and input; it helps us improve support for our students and families!
5 months ago, Toni Clay