Athens ISD trustees have adopted a lower tax rate for 2026, continuing a years-long downward trend. At Monday night’s regular meeting, the board of trustees unanimously approved a total tax rate of $1.0313 per $100 of taxable value; that’s 2.56 cents lower than last year’s rate.

The district’s total tax rate is made up of two parts: the maintenance and operations (M&O) rate, which funds the day-to-day work of the district; and the interest and sinking (I&S) rate, which is used to make payments on district debt.

The M&O rate decreased from $0.6669 last year to $0.6413 this year. The I&S, or debt service, rate remains unchanged at $0.39. Combined, the two produce the new total rate of $1.0313, down from $1.0569 last year.

The unchanged debt service rate is significant because district leaders committed before the May 2025 bond election that passage of the $121.5 million bond would not trigger an increase to the tax rate. That commitment has now carried through two tax-rate adoptions since voters approved the bond.

The latest action also continues a longer trend. AISD’s total tax rate decreased every year from 2019 through 2024 and remained unchanged in 2025. With this year’s decrease, the district’s total tax rate is now lower than it was before passage of the bond. The last time Athens ISD increased its total tax rate was in 2016.

The district projects just over $34.8 million in operating revenue for 2026-27 and the same amount in expenditures, with no use of the reserve fund balance. The state requires that districts have at least three months of operating expenses held in reserve; AISD has twice that. Approximately 58 percent of projected operating revenue comes from the state, while 41 percent comes from local sources and 1 percent from federal sources.

There’s a big improvement coming next to Bruce Field, but it comes with a tradeoff: less parking. The visitors’ lot on the south side of the stadium is closed as crews build a new covered practice pavilion, one of the projects made possible by the 2025 Athens ISD bond election.

Work on the project, which is scheduled for completion around May 2027, couldn’t be more timely. New heat-safety rules that took effect Aug. 1 require UIL-member public schools across Texas to use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or WBGT*, to determine when outdoor practices need to be modified. Depending on conditions, that can mean more water and rest breaks, reduced equipment, shorter practices or stopping outdoor activity altogether.

When it’s complete, the practice pavilion will give our students something increasingly valuable: shade, protection from rain, and more options for outdoor practices and activities when conditions are less than friendly. And if you’ve stepped outside lately and instantly begun to melt, you know exactly why that matters.

While construction continues, public parking for Bruce Field events is available at the Bruce Field lot and the Athens High School main campus lot off E. College St.; the horseshoe, baseball and softball lots off Dul Averiette St.; and on both sides of Central Athens Elementary from Owen or Madole streets. The field house lot will remain reserved for players, coaches and support staff.

We know construction comes with growing pains, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as the work moves forward. More than that, we’re grateful to this community for supporting the bond and making projects like this possible.

*Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is a measure of how much heat stress the body experiences in direct sunlight. Unlike the regular temperature or heat index, WBGT takes into account air temperature, humidity, wind and solar radiation. It uses readings that reflect how the body cools through sweat, how much heat is coming from the sun and the actual air temperature.

Gaden Riquelme and Gage Stasko have earned the top academic honors for the Athens High School Class of 2026, being named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Riquelme graduates with a grade point average of 110.688, and Stasko with a GPA of 107.972. In addition, Riquelme also graduated from Trinity Valley Community College on May 15 with an associate’s degree through Athens ISD’s PINNACLE Early College High School program.

Riquelme was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities throughout high school. During his junior year, he served as community service chair for the National Honor Society and was president during his senior year. He was also a dedicated member of the UIL math team beginning his freshman year, advancing to regionals every year, and participated in Science Olympiad, placing in several events.

Outside of school, Riquelme remained active in the community by helping in concession stands, assisting at a local art camp, and working with younger students competing in UIL math. He also participated in community service projects including Trunk-or-Treat, Trick-or-Treat for Cans, and helping at South Athens Elementary.

Riquelme plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and pursue a career in robotics. He expressed gratitude for the continued support of his family and teachers throughout his academic journey.

Stasko’s high school years were also marked by his involvement in both academic and career-focused competitions. He participated in UIL academics, including number sense, general math and general science, and was a member of Science Olympiad from sophomore through senior year. He was also a member of the construction team for several years, competing successfully and earning multiple honors, including a Best of Show award.

In addition to his extracurricular involvement, Stasko served his school community in several ways. He tutored classmates, worked as a student ambassador assisting with school events and office duties, and served as a junior usher helping with senior events and graduation activities.

Stasko plans to attend the University of Texas at Tyler to study electrical engineering. He said he is thankful for the support and trust his parents have given him over the years.

Congratulations to both of these young men on such an incredible accomplishment!

We are blessed at AISD with educators who pour their hearts into students every single day. Choosing just two teachers to represent the incredible work happening across our district is never easy, but for 2025-2026, we’re proud to recognize Rachel Wimberley as our Elementary Teacher of the Year and Spencer Hill as our Secondary Teacher of the Year.

🍎 Rachel Wimberley, a kindergarten teacher at South Athens Elementary, creates a classroom where students feel loved, valued and encouraged to grow. Through her patience and dedication, she helps build confidence in her youngest learners while creating a foundation for lifelong success. “Mrs. Wimberley plants the seeds of curiosity, kindness, and confidence in every child she teaches,” said Principal Jennifer Livingston. “She is growing not just learners, but shaping hearts, inspiring dreams and changing lives forever.” Mrs. Wimberley said she strives to make each student feel loved, valued and respected. “The learning seems to fall into place once I have accomplished this.”

🍎 Spencer Hill teaches eighth-grade math at Athens Middle School and also serves as the archery coach. Known for his dedication, Mr. Hill challenges students to think critically, work hard and believe in their potential. “Mr. Hill brings a one-of-a-kind style to the classroom every day,” said Principal Amy Guidry. “He challenges students, pushes them to grow, and truly cares about their success.” Mr. Hill said his goal is simple but meaningful: “I want students to believe they can change their futures and that they are not stuck. They can always control what they become.”

Both Mrs. Wimberley and Mr. Hill exemplify the heart of Athens ISD through their commitment to their students and colleagues. Please join us in congratulating them both!

Nearly 30 percent of this year’s Athens High School graduating seniors have earned associate degrees, before receiving their high school diplomas.

This Friday, May 15, at 9 a.m., 53 of our amazing students will participate in Trinity Valley Community College’s commencement ceremony to receive their associate degrees. Of those students, 49 are members of the district’s PINNACLE Early College High School program, while four earned their degrees through Athens ISD’s dual-credit program.

Together, those students make up 29 percent of the AHS senior class. By comparison, the statewide average for students graduating high school with an associate degree is approximately 3 percent.

The achievement reflects years of hard work by students and staff, as well as the district’s strong partnership with TVCC and the Ginger Murchison Foundation, whose support makes the PINNACLE Early College High School program possible.

We’re proud of you all!

We are very proud to celebrate our 2025-2026 Campus Teachers of the Year, five exceptional educators who bring dedication, skill and care to their work every day. Mindy Boyle, Sunshine Feagins, Rachel Wimberley, Spencer Hill and Morgan Burleson were selected for their excellence in the classroom, collaboration with colleagues and students, leadership, and communication. They represent the best of Athens ISD, and we are grateful for all the outstanding educators who serve our students each day.

Pictured above (from left) are Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims; Bel Air Elementary second-grade math teacher Mindy Boyle, Central Athens Elementary fourth-grade math teacher Sunshine Feagins, South Athens Elementary kindergarten teacher Rachel Wimberley, Athens Middle School eighth-grade math teacher and archery coach Spencer Hill, Athens High School biology and anatomy teacher Morgan Burleson, and Deputy Superintendent Ginger Morrison.

Athens talent has a way of traveling. Sometimes it heads to Broadway. Sometimes it winds up in Tiger Stadium, or on the golf course or in a newsroom. Athens ISD will bring four talented former students back home on Thursday, April 23 for its Distinguished Alumni & Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Banquet — and you’re invited.

This year’s honorees — Dan Dwelle, Tommy Frizzell, Seth Murphy and Quinton Johnson — followed very different paths after graduating from Athens High School. One helped guide a family newspaper and built a second career in banking. One turned a decorated Athens football career into unforgettable years at LSU. One chased excellence in golf from childhood through collegiate and then professional competition. One carried his gifts in the performing arts all the way to stage and screen.

• Daniel “Dan” Dwelle, AHS class of 1965, returned home after college to help lead the family newspaper business. Over the years, he worked every position at the Athens Daily Review, helped launch several more publications, and later became division manager over seven newspapers. In a second successful career, he joined First State Bank in Athens, where he has served for many years in leadership and helped expand the bank’s lending work.

• Tommy Frizzell, AHS class of 1975, graduated with one of the most decorated football resumes in the region and signed a full scholarship with LSU. There he overcame injuries and a major illness to return to a starting position and be named “Mr. Year Round LSU Tiger.” After college, Frizzell built a successful career in business, including 25 years running his own ophthalmic equipment company.

• Seth Murphy, AHS class of 2000, was a superlative high school golfer who went on to play for the University of Arkansas, where he remains listed among the Razorbacks’ top career performers. After several years playing mini tour golf and then a long break from serious competition, Murphy returned in 2020 to amateur golf in impressive fashion, winning multiple club championships and continuing to compete at a high level. He now teaches through the John Sikes Golf Academy at Eagles Bluff and is working toward Class A membership in the PGA of America.

• Quinton Johnson, AHS class of 2012, excelled in band, choir, theater and UIL academics before going on to the University of Texas at Austin, during which time he landed a role in Richard Linklater’s “Everybody Wants Some!” In 2017, he made his Broadway debut in the megahit “Hamilton” as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison and has since built a wide-ranging career across film, television, theater, music and production.

Guess who’s been named a Career and Technical Education (CTE) District of Distinction? (Hint: We have.)

CTE classes in agriculture, welding, health science, criminal justice, culinary arts, business & marketing, information technology, education & training, HVAC and construction technology provide our students with hands-on, real-world experiences. It’s part of our commitment to having Hornets ready for their next steps after graduation.

“This recognition by the Career & Technical Association of Texas belongs to our students and teachers who show up every day with passion, professionalism and a commitment to excellence,” said CTE Coordinator Zach Tappan. “Our programs are built on real-world skills … and the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to discover their potential and pursue a meaningful career path.”

Our incredible CTE program is just one reason Athens ISD is the educational heart of East Texas.

CTE instructors (pictured from left on the back rows) are Lewis Davis, Theresa Tindel, Cole Beaubien, Trinity Desselles, Morgan Burleson, Brittney Edwards, Gary Barnes, Haley Castor, Meredith Lewis, Fatima Cerrillo, and (front row, from left) Tim Howard, Hunter Choate, Ashley Rojo, Zach Tappan, Natalie Tappan, Holden Sparks, Frank Duyka and Devon Bowie. Not pictured are Lisa Ramsey, Ramona Agesen, Brittany Smith, Edward Medvecky, Lauren Flowers, Staci Arce and Julie Hill.

We’re proud of you all!

Athens ISD is full of stories worth celebrating, and we love getting to honor the people behind them. This year, we’re combining the AISD Athletic Hall of Fame and the Distinguished Alumni Induction ceremonies into one event. The induction dinner will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Athens Country Club, and we are accepting nominations for honorees through Jan. 31.

Do you know a former outstanding athlete who should be considered for the Athletic Hall of Fame? Or do you have the perfect person in mind as a distinguished alumni (not limited to athletes; open to former employees as well as students) who has made Hornet Nation proud through their achievements, leadership or service?

We invite you to submit a nomination!

Eligibility:

• Former student: Graduated 2016 or earlier (at least 10 years since graduation), or

• Former employee only: Has been separated from Athens ISD employment for five or more years

• Posthumous nominations are accepted

Nomination form: https://forms.gle/SJFhSumFaz5RyiDTA
List of current honorees: https://www.athensisd.net/page/athletic-hall-of-fame

Thank you for helping us honor our former students and employees!

By Michael V. Hannigan
Photos by Ashley Rojo/AISD

In a town that loves sports legends, quarterback David Richardson is becoming one.

When Richardson threw his fourth touchdown pass against Center last Friday, he broke a 36-year-old Athens record. His 31st scoring pass of the season topped Blake Armstrong’s mark of 30, set in 1989.

The senior has been nothing short of excellent this fall, leading an offense that averages more than 50 points per game. His performance against Center also earned him statewide recognition as the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football QB of the Week.

“Against elite teams, David Richardson is the best player on the field,” Head Coach Zac Harrell said. “There are a lot of great players, but I wouldn’t trade one of them for David Richardson.”

Through nine games, Richardson has completed 140 of 228 passes for 2,129 yards and 31 touchdowns with only three interceptions. He has also rushed for 716 yards and eight more scores on 96 carries, giving him 39 total touchdowns.

Of course, no quarterback breaks a passing record without big-time receivers.

Julius Brewer and E’manuel Moore have been the top targets this season, each catching nine touchdown passes. Brewer leads the team with 759 receiving yards, while Moore has pulled in 47 receptions for 726 yards. Cody Carter, Jayvian Taylor, and Eli Carnes have all played key roles as well, with each finding the end zone multiple times.

Coach Harrell said the depth and unselfishness of the receiving corps are major reasons the Athens offense has been so explosive.

When their number is called, they’re ready,” he said.

The coach added that the receivers’ mindset has been as important as their production.

“If a player worries about how many times he gets the ball, he won’t be ready when it comes to him,” Coach Harrell said. “You have to make the game about the team, not about yourself.”

Which is another reason Richardson is excelling. Coach Harrell said it is the way he leads.

“He fights for every yard and every teammate,” Harrell said. “He gives us a chance to win every game.”

With district play winding down and Bullard coming to town Friday for Senior Night, Richardson and his receivers have already written their names into Hornet history.

And the biggest games are still to be played.

📣 In case you haven’t heard, Hornets: Junior Donna Carpenter is heading to the state cross country meet FOR THE THIRD TIME! At Tuesday’s UIL regional meet in Arlington, Donna placed 10th on the two-mile course with a time of 12:26, earning a return trip to the state meet.

Sophomore Hannah Hunt also had an outstanding performance, running a personal-best time of 13:38 to finish 59th out of 178 runners.

Donna will represent Hornet Nation at the state meet on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, with her race starting at 8:15 a.m.

Congratulations to both of these athletes, who ran their hearts out. And don’t miss an opportunity to encourage Donna as Nov. 1 approaches.

By Michael Hannigan
Special to Athens ISD

Athens High School will welcome 15 schools from across Texas this weekend for its annual Athens TFA Invitational debate tournament. More than 120 students are expected to compete this weekend.

Athens has built a reputation as the “Debate Heart of East Texas.” The school will host six debate competitions this year, ranging from UIL academic meets to national qualifying tournaments.

"We have fantastic students that, through their success, have made Athens a notorious team in the debate community," said Director of Speech & Debate William Honea. "Our community and the Athens ISD administration have given the program so much support that allows us to expand our students' successes and influence in the activity. We could not have done it without them."

The program has won six state championships in Cross Examination (CX) debate, tied for eighth-most in Texas history. Six of the schools ahead of Athens haven’t added a title since the 1980s, while Athens has claimed back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025. Its most recent win also makes Athens the most current champion among the state’s top 50 all-time programs. Including other speech and debate events, Athens ranks in the top dozen programs in Texas overall.

This weekend's competition is part of the Texas Forensic Association circuit, which allows schools of all classifications to compete head-to-head. Students earn points at invitational tournaments in hopes of qualifying for the TFA state tournament, set for March 12-14 at Prosper ISD.

Three Athens juniors — Liam Tinsley, Ariel Silas and Marlie Adair — have already picked up points this season and are on track to qualify for state.

Upcoming Athens-hosted events include:

• Sept. 20: Athens TFA Invitational

• Oct. 18: UIL Academic Meet (already drawing 21 schools)

• Nov. 3: UIL Region 7 Congressional Debate State Qualifier

• Jan. 30-31: District National Qualifying Tournament

• Feb. 3: UIL Cross Examination Debate District Tournament (Athens is a two-time defending state champion)

• March 28: UIL Academic & Speech District Tournament

"The biggest benefit of these events to the community is the exposure all of these students, judges, and coaches get to Athens and all we have to offer," said Mr. Honea. "It’s the perfect opportunity to highlight our community and Athens ISD."

🥁 Bring a chair or get cozy on your tailgate this Thursday, Sept. 18 for the annual Athens Homecoming Parade. The AHS band will kick things off from the high school at 6pm, following the traditional route around the courthouse square and back.

🏈 The Hornets face Jacksonville at Bruce Field on Friday. The “Pride of the Hornets” Band will play at 7pm. Kickoff is at 7:30pm, and the homecoming court will be presented at halftime. (Our band plays before kickoff to allow time for the court presentation.)

We hope to see you Thursday cheering on the Hornets as they march by, then again Friday evening at Bruce Field!

📷 The homecoming queen nominees are (from left) Jessica Rivera, Sydney Wilson, Victoria Juarez, Taneja Chancellor and Alondra Ariciaga. 👇

📷 The homecoming princess nominees are (from left) Camila Pinedo, Monserrat Vazquez and Laura Munoz. 👇

📷 The homecoming sophomore duchess nominees are (from left) Kinley Bowlden, Cloey Stanley and Claire Allen. 👇

📷 The homecoming freshman duchess nominees are (from left) Taryn McAlister, Jayleen Johnson and Avery Miller. 👇

Athens High School seniors Gage Stasko, Chloe Coker and Gaden Riquelme have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program, which helps eligible students stand out on college and scholarship applications. The trio are among 15 percent of high school students nationwide.

Coker was honored with all three of the available recognitions: the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, the First-Generation Recognition Award and the School Recognition Award. Riquelme and Stasko each received the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award and the School Recognition Award.

“It’s not possible to gain this sort of recognition without a commitment to academic excellence,” said AHS Principal Bryan Gorka. “We’re extremely proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Students are eligible to receive these awards based on their achievement on PSAT/NMSQT (10th or 11th grade), PSAT 10 (10^th grade), or AP Exams (8th, 9th or 10th grades).

The following members of the class of 2025 were also honored by the College Board National Recognition Program with one or more of the available recognitions: Sebastian Campa, Zachary Carrizales, Alexia Cruz, Baleigh Due, Yahir Medina, Cooper Rich, Andrew Thong and Breana Vargas.

We’re extremely proud of all these hardworking, dedicated students!

Promise made; promise kept. At the regular meeting of the Athens ISD school board, trustees unanimously voted to adopt a total tax rate for the district that is identical to that of the previous fiscal year.

Leading up to the May 3 passage of AISD’s $121.5 million bond measure, district leadership committed to not increasing the debt service tax rate should voters approve the bond. That promise was kept; no increase occurred.

Athens ISD’s total tax rate is achieved by combining two individual tax rates: one for the purpose of funding the district’s maintenance and operations, the other for making payments on debt. The maintenance and operations tax rate remains unchanged at $0.6669; the interest and sinking (debt service) tax rate also remains unchanged at $0.39. Together, they produce a total AISD tax rate of $1.0569 per $100 property valuation — identical to last year’s rate. The district’s total tax rate decreased each year from 2019 through 2024. The last year the district experienced an increase to the total tax rate was 2016.

Presenting the proposed tax rates to the board was AISD Chief Financial Officer Randy Jones, marking his last appearance in that role prior to his retirement.

“This is Mr. Jones’ last week with us. … We can’t let this very last board meeting go by without expressing our sincere gratitude and a heartfelt thank you,” said Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims, prompting a standing ovation from the board and others in attendance.

“Thank you all very much,” said Jones. “One of the things you always hope for … is to be part of something absolutely worthwhile, that you're very proud to be identified with, and proud of the product or service that it’s offered. All of those touchpoints have been provided by Athens ISD. It’s been a great joy.”

In other board news, trustees:

• approved out-of-state travel for two AHS students, Matalie Ortega and Starlette Johnson, who serve as officers in SkillsUSA District 5. The students and their advisors will travel to SkillsUSA’s Washington Leadership Training Institute conference in September, where students from across the country have an opportunity to advocate for the skilled trades and receive advanced leadership training;

• increased the price of cafeteria-provided lunch for adults and guests from $5 to $5.25. The district provides free breakfast and lunch for all students;

• approved plans to have Pinnacle Fence complete the installation of security fencing at South Athens Elementary, as well as install new fencing at Athens High School in the area surrounding the track;

• approved a proposal from Advanced Sealcoat & Paving to resurface and stripe parking lots at the three elementary campuses, the softball and baseball fields, the field house, and some of the high school parking lots; and

• approved the renewal of the district’s participation in the Risk Management Cooperative of Texas from Sept. 1, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2026.

Enrollment for new and returning students is active! We are excited to welcome both new and familiar faces back to campuses. Here’s what you need to know:

Returning Students

⭐ Registration Process:
Returning students must complete their registration through Family Access on our website, athensisd.net — not the app if you have it on your phone. Using the app will return an error message. Once on the website, click Menu, then find Family Access under the Parents & Students section. Here’s a shortcut. If you do not remember your password, use the “forgot password” link on the Family Access login page.

New Students

👉 Registration Link:
New student enrollment begins at this link: https://bit.ly/4cRdg3j.

⭐ Having Trouble with Registration?
If you are having difficulty completing registration, please contact your student’s campus today. Here are the campus phone numbers — Bel Air: 903-677-6980, Central Athens: 903-677-6960, South Athens: 903-677-6970, AMS: 903-677-3030, AHS: 903-677-6920.

Important Dates and Events

⭐ 2025-2026 School Calendar:
Click here to download and print/save the AISD 2025-2026 calendar. The calendar shows important dates and days off for the district.

⭐ Class Assignments and Meet the Teacher Night:
Information on class assignments will be sent shortly before school starts. Meet the Teacher Night is scheduled for Thursday, July 31

• At all three elementary campuses from 5:30-7PM

• At Athens Middle School from 6:00-7:30 PM

🐠 Fish Camps (sixth and ninth grade orientations):

• For incoming freshmen and their parents: Thursday, July 31, 6:30PM at AHS.

• For incoming sixth-graders (parents drop off): Friday, Aug. 1, 9-11AM at AMS.

Additional Information

🗓️ Classes Resume:
We look forward to welcoming students back to campuses on Monday, Aug. 4. If you have questions about your student's return, please contact their campus.

👕 Dress Code:
If you have any questions about the student dress code, click here for the full policy.

✏️ School Supplies:
AISD is happy to be able to provide all school supplies for students up through 8th grade! This does not include backpacks.

⭐ A Great Information Resource:
You might also find helpful information on our website using our chatbot. In the bottom right corner of the website, you’ll see a little Hornet just waiting for you to type in a question. If information related to your question is located on our website, it should be able to provide the answer right away or direct you toward the right resource. We hope you find it helpful!

It’s going to be a great year in Hornet Nation!

🐝 P.S. Don’t forget to pick up a Hornet Nation bumper sticker (it’s free!) when you visit your student’s campus. We love seeing Hornet Pride on the streets!

Isaac Hoch and Cooper Rich are the best of friends now. But it didn’t start out that way.

“Oh, we didn’t get along,” said Rich of their freshman year in debate class at Athens High School.

They each had different partners that year, but when they returned for their sophomore years, only one other debater from the previous year had returned. So Hoch and Rich, members of the class of 2025, teamed up in October of their sophomore year.

“There was no personal connection at first,” recalled Hoch. “So we had to mutually agree we really liked winning, and that was the basis of our partnership.”

And win is exactly what they did, kicking off one of the most successful debate teams Athens High School has seen in its storied history. But that wasn’t the only positive result.

Midway through their sophomore year, “I decided this guy’s pretty cool,” said Rich. “… By the end of our junior year, I decided he’s probably my best friend.”

“We were spending about 36 hours a week together, which meant it was functionally a full time job and we were co-workers,” deadpanned Hoch. “Now, there’s no one I’m closer to.”

In March, Hoch and Rich claimed their second straight state championship in CX debate. (CX stands for cross-examination, a two-on-two policy debate format.) The win cemented Athens High School’s position among the top 15 winningest CX debate programs in the state of Texas — across ALL conferences, not just 4A.

Their shared achievements also include being octofinalists at UIL State in 2022 and bronze medalists in 2023; advancing to elimination rounds at both the University of Texas Tournament and Texas Forensics Association State Tournament in 2024; and qualifying three times for the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Tournament, competing in both policy and congressional debate.

Speech and debate team coach Will Honea said of Hoch, “I have never met a debater in my life that is so dedicated to being successful. … He treats every competition like it is the last he will ever have.”

And of Rich: “Cooper has served as president of the debate team for three years and helped grow the program. … Without his assistance with recruitment, practice scheduling and hosting our own tournaments, I couldn't have done it. His leadership has been invaluable.”

The two debate phenoms shine individually as well.

Hoch has eight UIL state medals to his name across three events (policy and congressional debate and informative speaking); Golden Gavel winner (2023 and 2025) and Silver Gavel winner (2024); UIL silver medalist in congressional debate (2025); 4th (2025) and 6th (2023) in informative speaking; 6th in congressional (2024); and he ranks second in AHS debate history for the number of NSDA honor points he has, with 2,086. (Class of 2014 graduate Madalyn Mikkelsen still holds the top NSDA point total for AHS at 2,189.)

Rich was named an Academic All-American by the NSDA, the first such AHS recipient since 2019; was a UIL bronze medalist in 2023 and octofinalist in 2022; served as senior class treasurer and National Honor Society president; and is ranked ninth all-time at AHS for NSDA honor points, with 1,614.

Both Rich and Hoch credit debate for propelling them closer to their career goals. Rich will study industrial engineering with plans to eventually refine distribution systems for companies. Hoch will study economics and energy systems with an eye toward becoming an urban planner.

“Cities need to be better designed to sustain growth,” said Hoch. “I’ve come to understand that because of all the travel we did for debate.”

Rich credits Athens ISD for making the debate program accessible to all students.

“AHS debate is one of the most well-supported programs in East Texas,” said Rich. “I can’t think of another high school that has the same support [for students] we do.”

Athens ISD is extremely proud to announce that Zachary Carrizales and Sebastian Campa have earned the top academic honors for the Athens High School Class of 2025, being named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. The AHS commencement ceremony will take place at the school’s competition gym at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30.

Carrizales graduates with a grade point average of 109.493 and Campa with a GPA of 109.017. Both students are dual-enrollment participants, with Campa also earning his associate’s degree from Trinity Valley Community College earlier this month.

Carrizales has balanced a demanding schedule filled with leadership roles and extracurricular competitions. He served as vice president of the Key Club and FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), and was a member of both the National Honor Society and Student Council, serving as class secretary. He also competed on the AHS barbecue team and advanced to state-level competition in both barbecue and FCCLA during his junior and senior years, placing third in his category at the state BBQ contest.

Outside of school, Carrizales volunteers at the Athens Soup Kitchen, helps with culinary events, and contributes to other community causes. He has also worked up to 30 hours per week throughout high school, beginning as a freshman.

Carrizales plans to major in public health and pursue a career in medicine. He expressed gratitude to his parents, teachers and mentors for their encouragement and support.

Campa’s time at AHS has been defined by academic achievement and diverse involvement. He served as community service chair and later vice president of the National Honor Society, competed on the debate team — earning first alternate to state his first year — and participated in UIL math and accounting, SkillsUSA, Science Olympiad, Key Club, and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), where he advanced to state.

His community service includes tutoring classmates, assisting with school and club events, and contributing to projects for organizations such as Go Blue Rodeo, the Women of Influence Gala, East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society, the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, and the local homeless shelter.

Campa, who completed his Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification, plans to major in neuroscience on the pre-med track and continue his pursuit of a career in medicine. He credits his family, friends, and teachers for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout his journey.

At Athens ISD, we are privileged to work alongside a faculty filled with passion, perseverance and purpose. Each school year, it’s a joyful challenge to select just two among so many worthy educators. For 2024-2025, our Elementary Teacher of the Year is Bernitha "Nikki" Enoch, and our Secondary Teacher of the Year is Edward Medvecky. They each exemplify excellence!

🍎 Nikki Enoch, a PreK-4 teacher at Central Athens Elementary, creates a classroom where curiosity is celebrated and young minds are nurtured. With her vibrant energy and loving commitment to her students, she stands out for her warmth and encouragement of others at Central Athens. “Ms. Enoch’s vibrant spirit and dedication not only ignite a love of learning in her pre-K students, but also inspire her colleagues. She has a unique ability to create a nurturing and joyful classroom environment,” said Principal Claudia Godwin. "Ms. Enoch has truly made a lasting impact on the lives of her students and our school.”

🍎 Edward Medvecky teaches honors English I & II and is the yearbook advisor at Athens High School. From his thought-provoking lessons to the pages of the AHS yearbook, Mr. Medvecky challenges and uplifts his students daily. His role as both a teacher and mentor is felt throughout the campus. “Mr. Medvecky’s presence on our team has been a joy,” said Principal Jason Iglehart. “His support of fellow teachers, assistance in launching our Student Advisory Committee, and his engaging Socratic classroom seminars have made such a positive impact at Athens High School.”

Both Ms. Enoch and Mr. Medvecky are educators who pour their hearts into their students, their colleagues and their craft. Athens ISD is stronger and brighter because of them.

Please join us in celebrating these outstanding educators and all those who make our schools a place of learning and inspiration every day.