Athens High School

🎭 The Athens Creates Theatre program (ACT) made us proud at the UIL One Act Play District competition, earning the title of alternate and bringing home several individual honors: 🌟 Theo Dennis – Best Performer (only 2 selected out of 160!) 🌟 Ady Petty – All-Star Cast 🌟 Tristen Husband – Honorable Mention All-Star Cast 🌟 Kenzie Warren & Dylan Thornton – All-Star Technicians We are SO PROUD of the entire ACT team and shout out to Director of Theatre Heather Berryhill for doing such excellent work with the program! 👏 #HornetNation

2 months ago, Toni Clay

The Athens Creates Theatre (ACT) team poses proudly with their plaque after the UIL One Act Play District competition. The group of students is dressed in coordinated shades of red and black, with several wearing medals, all smiling in celebration of their achievements.

🎭 One of the proposed projects in the AISD bond election is a new 120-seat auditorium. The current auditorium, built in 1956, is not large enough to accommodate the entire student body. It also lacks many modern features, including a fly system, wing space, updated sound and lighting equipment, accessible seating, and a dedicated loading area for stage equipment. Additional limitations include poor acoustics, outdated restroom and concession areas and inefficient climate control. Additionally, the stage is too small to accommodate the full AHS band for performances. #AthensISDbond2025 #HornetNation

3 months ago, Toni Clay

Collage featuring images of the Athens High School auditorium, built in 1956, showing students, staff, and the band using the space. The top row includes a packed audience and a student performance. The bottom row shows modern auditoriums from Mabank High School, Canton Performing Arts Center, and Eustace High School.

🎓 We see you, Class of 2025! Only 60 days until graduation. Finish strong! #HornetNation

3 months ago, Toni Clay

Group photo of the Athens High School Class of 2025 standing on Bruce Field, the school’s football stadium. The students are dressed in a variety of school spirit shirts and are lined up in rows across the field with the end zone and fieldhouse in the background.

🐝 Hooray for Athens FFA members (l-r) Eddie Cleto, Yahir Medina, Luis Pina, Antony Rondan, and Diego Madera for earning Overall Best Team Showmanship in the Ag Mechanics division at the Henderson County Livestock Show! 🏆 The team built a 14-foot welding trailer almost entirely from scratch — including custom toolboxes and workbenches — and wowed the judges with their deep knowledge of every aspect of the build. From interpreting AutoCAD plans and following safety protocols to presenting their project as a market-ready product, these students showed what hard work, teamwork, and skill look like. We're so proud of you all! 👏 #HornetNation

3 months ago, Toni Clay

Five high school students wearing matching dark shirts and jeans stand in front of a black welding trailer inside a livestock show arena. They are posing proudly, with bleachers and red railings visible in the background.

🔥⚽️ AREA PLAYOFF GAME DAY! ⚽️🔥 Our BI-DISTRICT CHAMPION Lady Hornets take on Spring Hill in the area round of playoffs today, March 25, at 5:30pm at Rose Stadium in Tyler! 🎟️ Tickets are $5 adults; $3 students and available online at: https://tylerisd.hometownticketing.com/embed/all 👜 Clear bag policy in effect. Let’s pack the stands, make a lot of noise and support our team! #HornetNation

3 months ago, Toni Clay

The Athens Lady Hornets soccer team poses for a group photo in front of a goalpost on a turf field. The players are wearing white uniforms with maroon numbers, and the coaching staff stands on either end of the group. The team is smiling and celebrating their bi-district playoff win under a bright blue sky.

It has been a great week celebrating our 2 amazing educational diagnosticians at Athens High School! Please help us continue to recognize these special ladies by showing them extra love today. 🩶 Mrs. Davidson and Mrs. Cruz deserve our appreciation for all the behind the scene paperwork, documentation, meetings, hours spent, but especially the extra care they give to each student they work with. Thank you both for all you do! 👏

3 months ago, Emily Siemens

👉 If your student receives special education services through an IEP, they may be eligible for a one-time $1,500 grant through the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program! Use the grant for: 📚 Books, laptops, tablets and school supplies 🎨 Sensory & therapeutic items 📖 Tutoring, therapy, social skills classes, and more! 🗓 Application deadline is March 31, 2025. First come, first served! 🔗 Apply & Learn More: https://bit.ly/pdsesGrant

4 months ago, Toni Clay

A digital flyer titled "Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) – Program Overview" outlines a $1,500 one-time grant available to parents of Texas public school students who receive special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled in a Texas public school (PK-12) Must receive special education services through an IEP Must not have previously received a Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) or PDSES grant (one-time grant only) Grant Benefits – What Can Be Purchased? 📚 Educational Goods: Books, laptops, school supplies, tablets, sensory & therapeutic items 🎓 Educational Services: Tutoring, therapy, social skills classes, camps Application Details: 🗓 Application Window: Feb. 3 – March 31, 2025 (First come, first served!) 💻 Apply & Learn More: PDSES.TEA.TEXAS.GOV 📞 Need Help? Call 1-855-773-3839 or email PDSESHelp@Region10.org A note at the bottom reminds families that funds are limited and encourages them to apply as soon as the window opens.

Un volante digital titulado "Servicios de Educación Especial Dirigidos por los Padres (PDSES) – Descripción General del Programa" explica una subvención única de $1,500 disponible para los padres de estudiantes de escuelas públicas de Texas (PK-12) que reciben servicios de educación especial a través de un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP). Requisitos de Elegibilidad: Estar inscrito en una escuela pública de Texas (PK-12) Recibir servicios de educación especial a través de un IEP No haber recibido previamente una subvención de SSES o PDSES (es una subvención única) Beneficios – ¿Qué se puede comprar? 📚 Bienes educativos: Libros, computadoras portátiles, tabletas, suministros escolares, objetos sensoriales, artículos terapéuticos 🎓 Servicios educativos: Tutoría, terapia, clases de habilidades sociales, campamentos Detalles de la Solicitud: 🗓 Plazo de solicitud: 📅 3 de febrero – 31 de marzo de 2025 (Por orden de llegada – cupo limitado) 🔗 Solicita y obtén más información: PDSES.TEA.TEXAS.GOV 📞 ¿Necesitas ayuda? Llama al 1-855-773-3839 o envía un correo a PDSESHelp@Region10.org ⏳ Si tu hijo(a) es elegible, solicita tan pronto como se abra la convocatoria. 🚀

🎉 We're putting the spotlight on the very wonderful Henry Thornton. Mr. Thornton, a former teacher and principal at another district, volunteered for 14 years(!) at Athens High School. He served as a student liaison by befriending hundreds of students — showing kind interest in their lives and encouraging them toward their futures. While he's been absent from the building a few years now, Mr. Thornton still cheers on many of the students he connected with, as well as the staff. We miss you, Mr. Thornton, and we THANK YOU! ❤️👏 #HornetNation

4 months ago, Toni Clay

Photo of an older man leaning back against a recliner holding a plaque that reads: Athens ISD, Mr. Henry Thornton, Athens ISD appreciates your service to our students! 14 years of service as an AISD volunteer.

🏆 AHS Debate Dominates! Off to Nationals! 🐝 This past weekend, our Hornet debaters brought their A-game to the National Speech & Debate District Qualifier in Longview. Seniors Cooper Rich and Isaac Hoch took 🥇1st place in Policy Debate, and junior Regan Head earned 🥇1st place in Big Questions Debate—securing their spots at the National Speech & Debate Tournament! 🏆 Our talented underclassmen made some noise too! Sophomores Liam Tinsley and Ariel Silas finished 🥉3rd in Policy Debate (1st alternates to nationals), and freshman Camden Garner placed 🏅4th in U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking (1st alternate). To top it all off, Coach Will Honea was honored as 🏆 NSDA District Coach of the Year! 👏 Huge congratulations to our incredible debaters and coach! 📸 Pictured (back row, from left) Camden Garner, Liam Tinsley, Ariel Silas, and (front, from left) Isaac Hoch, Regan Head and Cooper Rich. 🐝 #RoadToNationals #AHSDebate

4 months ago, Toni Clay

A group of six Athens High School debate team members poses in a school hallway, smiling and holding their awards. The students are standing in two rows with three in the front and three in the back. The front row students are holding plaques and a certificate indicating their qualification for the 2025 National Speech & Debate Tournament. Behind them, a trophy case and a wall display with the partial phrase "Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to is" are visible. The students are dressed in casual and school-branded clothing, with maroon and black as dominant colors.

🏀🔥 Our 12-0 boys basketball team is headed to the bi-district playoffs! 💪 Athens takes on Pine Tree TOMORROW—Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 6 PM at Wagstaff Gym, Tyler Junior College. (We're the visiting team.) Tickets are $5 for adults & students, and passes are accepted. Get yours online at the link below or at the gate; TJC is card-only! To purchase online: Click the link, scroll down to "HS Playoffs First Round," find Pine Tree vs. Athens, and hit "Get Tickets." Let’s pack the stands, wear our maroon, and cheer our Hornets on to victory! 👏🐝 #HornetNation 🔗 https://www.apacheathletics.com/tickets

4 months ago, Toni Clay

Saturday, February 8 was a great day to be a Hornet - especially for our AHS Hornet Band! They competed in the Region 21 Solo and Ensemble Competition and brought home quite the haul. Help us congratulate these amazing students and our band directors! Solo & Ensemble Participants: R1 (L-R) Marianna Salazar, Valentina Campa, Geraldine Nieto, Genesis Rodriguez, Laura Munoz, Judith Rondan, Jessica Reyes, Amber Rogers, Jeffery McNew, Donna Carpenter R2 Dylan Thornton, Bryan Fillip, Oscar De La Cruz, Bryan Lara, Thaily Ordonez-Ramos, Hannah Priddy, Jaxon Garcia, Megan Rogers, Sebastian Delgado, Jose Rincon R3 Logan Castaneda, Luis Rodriguez, Tristan Hunt, Chase Hamilton, Edgar De Luna, Caleb Zuniga, Josh Moreno, German Gonzalez-Gutierrez, Davin Perry, J'Von Williams, Ryan Doyle, Christopher Rodriguez, Santiago Garcia (Missing) Earning 1st Division Ratings: R1 (L-R) Geraldine Nieto, Thaily Ordonez-Ramos, Marianna Salazar, Valentina Campa, Hannah Priddy, Josh Moreno, German Gonzalez-Gutierrez, R2 Chase Hamilton, Bryan Fillip, Megan Rogers, Jeffery McNew, Jose Rincon, Edgar De Luna, Jaxon Garcia, R3 Luis Rodriguez, Tristan Hunt, Logan Castaneda, Caleb Zuniga, Davin Perry, J'Von Williams, Ryan Doyle, Christopher Rodriguez, Santiago Garcia (Missing) Earning 1st Division Ratings on Solos: R1 Jeffery McNew, Bryan Fillip, Megan Rogers, Marianna Salazar, Valentina Campa, Hannah Priddy, Jose Rincon, Jaxon Garcia R2 Logan Castaneda, Luis Rodriguez, Tristan Hunt, Chase Hamilton, Davin Perry, J'Von Williams, Ryan Doyle, Christopher Rodriguez, Santiago Garcia (Missing) Earing 1st Division Ratings in Ensembles and Advancing to State in May: R1 Flute Trio: Geraldine Nieto, Thaily Ordonez-Ramos, (Kelly Burras missing) R2 Percussion Ensemble: Caleb Zuniga, Josh Moreno, Ty Hadnot, German Gonzalez-Gutierrez, Edgar De Luna

4 months ago, Emily Siemens

👏🎶 AHS choir students competed in the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest in Whitehouse yesterday — and they ROCKED IT. 🎶👏 These students put in extra time outside of class to prepare and memorize their songs for judges, and their hard work paid off with great ratings and six students advancing to the next level! 🏅 Earning a Superior (1) Rating on their solo and advancing to the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in May: Kelly Burras, Kaitlyn Capps, Cayden Hill, Victoria Juarez, Megan Mayne and Jesus Rodriguez. 🏅 Also earning a Superior (1) Rating on their solo: Justus Booker, Azaneth Flores, Nahomi Fraire, Armani Garcia, Kane Mitchell, Kraven Parker, Jordan Pena, Amelia Santos, Bianca Santoyo, Melissa Sauceda, Dominik Snow, Yolanda Sorto and Kaison Warren-Walker. 🌟 Earning an Excellent (2) Rating on their solo: America Cazares, Trevin Hill and River Lang. Huge congratulations to all these students! 🎶 #HornetNation

4 months ago, Toni Clay

A group of 22 high school choir students poses for a photo in a classroom. They are dressed in a mix of formal and semi-formal attire, including suits, dresses, and button-up shirts. Some students are standing on risers, while others are in front of them, smiling at the camera. The background features a cabinet with trophies on top, indicating achievements in choir or other competitions. The students display a diverse range of expressions and styles

🧪 Students in Mr. Schmitz's chemistry class got hands-on in the lab Thursday. They explored how different substances interact by mixing solutions to uncover which combinations form solids. It’s all part of learning about solubility and how ionic compounds behave. Science in action! 👏 #HornetNation

5 months ago, Toni Clay

Four girls wearing lab goggles lean over a lab table involved in an experiment.

Three boys and one girl wearing lab goggles lean over a lab table involved in an experiment.

Four boys wearing lab goggles lean over a lab table involved in an experiment.

🎶 This past Monday, the AHS Choir lent their beautiful voices to the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration at The Texan. We're so proud of these talented students for contributing to the legacy of Dr. King. #HornetNation

5 months ago, Toni Clay

A group of Athens High School choir members, dressed in matching maroon shirts, are performing during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day program. They are holding black folders with sheet music and singing while seated in rows along a brick wall. In the foreground and to the left, audience members in coats and hats are standing and watching attentively. Some audience members are wearing "Texas College 75th Anniversary" sweatshirts. The setting is a warmly lit indoor venue with large glass doors in the background.

🎶 Congratulations to senior Kelly Burras for being selected to perform with the Texas All-State SSC Choir — the highest honor a Texas music student can achieve! 🎤✨ Kelly is one of only 1,875 students selected statewide from an initial pool of 70,000 competitors. Getting to that point required three rounds of auditions, ranking him among the top 2.6% of student musicians in Texas! 🤩 "Kelly not only has a great deal of natural talent, but a great work ethic to go along with it," said Choir Director Bridget Scott. "He's also incredibly coachable, and in only his second year of choir has emerged as such a leader." 👏 Kelly will showcase his talent at the 2025 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention in San Antonio, performing on Saturday, February 15 at the Henry B. González Convention Center. 🎵 We're so proud of you, Kelly! #TexasAllState #HornetNation

5 months ago, Toni Clay

A smiling high school student wearing a maroon Athens High School Choir polo shirt stands in front of a brick wall and a school entrance, radiating confidence and pride.

⭐️ We were so pleased to host members of the Athens Chamber of Commerce's "Leadership Athens" class today. The group gathered at Athens High School where Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims and other district personnel discussed AISD's victories and challenges before touring the campus. Members of Leadership Athens visit many area institutions and organizations over several months in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the community. 🐝 We're proud to be part of such an important undertaking! #HornetNation

5 months ago, Toni Clay

A group photo of 13 individuals standing indoors in a well-lit space with tile flooring. The group includes a mix of men and women dressed in business-casual attire, with some wearing name tags or school identification badges. The background features large windows with blinds, a projector screen. Everyone is smiling or looking toward the camera, suggesting a formal or community-oriented event.

❄️ Hornet Nation, after much consideration, we’ve decided to cancel school tomorrow. These decisions are almost never easy to make. It involves a great deal of weather watching, communication with other superintendents, and a healthy dose of intuition. 🥶 Our area happens to be teetering on the forecast dividing line between "this looks really bad" and "maybe it won’t be too bad." While we’re pretty confident about the safety of morning travel, we’re much less confident about everyone getting home safely in the afternoon. Ultimately, that’s not a risk we’re willing to take. 🐝 Calling off school is always a balancing act between keeping our students and staff safe, minimizing disruptions to learning, and understanding that last-minute changes can be tough on families. In the end, whether we get it right or wrong, the motivation is as simple as it is powerful: We want everyone to be as safe as possible. 🙏 Stay warm tomorrow, Hornets!

5 months ago, Toni Clay

A graphic with snow in the background and the words "No school Thursday!" There's a hornet in a toboggan and scarf by the words.

🔔 Our amazing NHS students are representing Hornet Nation on Friday by ringing the Salvation Army bell outside Walmart from 8am-6pm. The money raised through the Red Kettle campaign allows The Salvation Army to help meet the needs of food and shelter for many in need. If you're at Walmart Friday, please give what you can, if you can.

6 months ago, Toni Clay

Flyer featuring a Salvation Army bell on a light textured background with gold star accents. The text reads: 'AHS National Honor Society will be ringing the bell. Friday, Dec. 20, 8 AM–6 PM. Please donate while you're at Walmart!'

🎉🏈 Congratulations to three of our senior Varsity football players for earning Texas State Coaches Association Academic All-State Team recognition! 🏆 (From left) Andrew Thong was named Second Team All-State, while Isaac Pineda and Shelby Akin received Honorable Mention. We're so proud of you all! 👏 #HornetNation 🐝

6 months ago, Toni Clay

Three high school football players stand side by side on the field in front of empty stadium bleachers. They are wearing maroon and white Athens Hornets jerseys. From left to right: Player number 40 with short curly hair and a smile, player number 51 with short dark hair and a big smile, and player number 30 with long wavy hair and a cross necklace, also smiling. The background features the maroon running track and stadium seating.

👔 Each Wednesday, the AHS coaching staff picks a lesson to impart on the boys in athletics class to help them prepare to become men. This week, the lesson was "how to properly tie a tie," along with a discussion on professionalism. We love it. It's a great day to be alive and a Hornet! #SWARM #HornetNation

6 months ago, Toni Clay

A coach stands in front of a group of student-athletes seated in maroon chairs, demonstrating how to tie a tie. Another staff member observes in the background. The students, many dressed in athletic wear, listen attentively. Framed photos of football moments adorn the walls of the room.

Several student-athletes and some staff stand at the front of the room practicing tying neckties. The players appear focused on the task as others seated in the maroon chairs follow along. A podium and whiteboard are visible in the background.