Athens-Henderson County Now

Athens ISD Top Teachers

Robert Becker, a math teacher at Athens High School, and Juan Moreno, a fifth-grade reading teacher at Bel Air Elementary, were named the Secondary and Elementary Teachers of the Year, respectively, for Athens ISD. The honors were announced Thursday during the end-of-year service awards for district employees. “We are so fortunate to have both of these men with us,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims. “Mr. Becker is masterful at reaching all students wherever they are, and Mr. Moreno has such a heart for our kids and is willing to do whatever is best for them.” (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)

AISD’s Campus Teachers of the Year

Each campus in Athens ISD selected a teacher of the year. They are (from left) Robert Becker, Athens High School; Bronte Hirsch, Athens Middle School; Juan Moreno, Bel Air Elementary; Audrey Thurston, Central Athens Elementary; and Elaine Nelson, South Athens Elementary. Mr. Becker and Mr. Moreno went on to be named the Secondary and Elementary Teachers of the Year. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)

Keep Athens Beautiful searches for new board members

Come join these folks on the Keep Athens Beautiful Board. Pictured are Peggy Rhodes President, Linda Kenneaster, Kelly Driskel, Brian Baumgartner and Barbara Railsback. (Courtesy photo)

Press release

The life blood of any community is that of the members of the community and those who are involved with the organizations that help make the community strong. Volunteers are the members of the community that establish, manage, operate and sustain a great number of organizations in our community. It is these service organizations that make Athens the strong community that it is, without the volunteer the city in more than one case, would find itself having to pick up the services that are provide.

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Swim lessons scheduled at the Athens Country Club

Press release

Summer swim lessons, hosted by the Athens Country Club, are scheduled for June 7 through July 17 in two-week sessions at the ACC pool. The swim lessons are open to the public and are hosted by the Country Club as a community service for the health and safety of the youth of our community. This is the eighth year that ACC will host summer swim instruction.

Swim lessons are available for infants, preschoolers (3-5 years) and youth through 12 years of age. Classes are run in two week sessions beginning at 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday with Saturday and Monday being used as a make-up day in case of bad weather. Class fee is $50 for each two week session.

Lessons concentrate on helping the student in their swimming skills and safety, and are designed to work with the swimmer based on their ability starting with pre-school, beginner, and advance beginner. Classes are taught by Robert & Carol Morton who have been teaching youth swimming for over 30 years. Both of the Morton’s have held certifications in Red Cross WSI, Lifesaving, YMCA pre-school, youth, Lifesaving and Lifesaving instructor.

For specific lesson time, information, questions, and registration call Carol at 903-677-1339.

Bywaters, Hardin shine as AHS val, sal

Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

Athens High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian for the 2016 graduating class are Jonathan Bywaters and Allison Hardin. Bywaters earned a 4.0 grade point average and Hardin a 3.97. While GPA is critical in determining class rank, both also made their marks outside of the academic arena.

Bywaters was a standout member of the AHS “Pride of the Hornets” Band, where he played the alto saxophone, qualifying for state solo and ensemble competition every year of high school. He was also a veritable superstar on the math team, advancing to regionals all four years in number sense, calculator and general mathematics; and went to regionals in tennis twice. He also earned the Athens Public Education Foundation’s Superintendent Scholar Award all four years.

Hardin dominated in swim in the 100 and 200 freestyle, advancing to state as a junior in the 100, and missing a repeat state appearance this year by the merest fraction of a second. She also participated in track, cross country and triathlons, placing seventh her freshman year and eighth her sophomore year at the Texas State Triathlon championships in Houston. Her junior year, Hardin attended by invitation the Congress of Future Medical Leaders.

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