Kara is the daughter of Kim and Greg Morand, and she has attended Buford City Schools since the 6th grade. At BHS, Kara served as President of both the BETA Club and FCCLA. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. She competed twice in FCCLA Regional STAR Events and earned a silver medal both years. She volunteers yearly with Operation Christmas Child. Kara plans to attend Mercer University where she will major in Biomedical Engineering with hopes of a career as a Physician’s Assistant. Kara received a plaque, as well as, a check in the amount of $1000 from the Academic Booster Club.
Top of the Class
Katelyn Klein
Katelyn is the daughter of Ronda and Michael Klein, and she has attended Buford City Schools since 8th grade. While at BHS, Katelyn has been a four-time Region and State Champion as a member of the Lady Wolves Basketball team, earning All-Region honors this year. She was also a member of the BETA Club and National Honor Society, a two-time Science Fair winner, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and a National Hispanic Scholar. Katelyn plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in Business with a career goal of becoming an attorney. Katelyn will be receiving a plaque as well as a check in the amount of $750 from the Academic Booster Club.
Buford High School — Academic Awards & Accomplishments
Class of 2020
National Merit Commended Scholars
n Quinn Conrath
n Presley Dale
n Jessie Hale
n Kara Morand
National Hispanic Scholar
n Katelyn Klein
STAR Students (Highest SAT Scores - tie)
n Irene Choi
n John Alan Williams
n 67 Advanced Placement Scholars
n 22 AP Scholars (3 or higher on at least 3 AP Exams)
n 22 AP Scholars with Honor (3 or higher on 4 or more exams + average of at least 3.25)
n 23 AP Scholars with Distinction (3 or higher on 5 or more exams + average of at least 3.5)
US News & World Report Best High Schools in Georgia (#13)
Georgia DOE AP Honor School
n AP School of Distinction (at least 20% of the entire student population taking AP exams with at least 50% of those testing earning passing scores)
n AP STEM School (students testing in at least four STEM courses)
n AP STEM Achievement School (students testing in at least four STEM courses with at least 50% of those testing earning passing scores)
BHS Academic Team
n Novice Champions at Commerce Tournament
n 3rd Place, JV State Championships
AP Scholars
2020 Academic Accomplishments
n The AP Scholars for the Class of 2020 that have earned a score of 3 or higher on at least three AP Exams: Melannie Bernal, Griffin Caldwell, Eunice Choi, Nathan Christian, Kyle Duceatt, Jesse Hanks, Zeaven Hoxie, Jonathan Ingram, Will Jamieson, Tyler Jones, Ainsley Keller, Heather Liley, Jalen Mathis, Natalie Maurer, Seth McLaughlin, Macy Milton, Elijah Olofintuyi, Abigael Powell, Jason Roche, Kara Scoggins, Richard B. Smith, and Chandler White
n The AP Scholars with Honor for the Class of 2020 that have earned an average AP score of at least 3.25 and scores of 3 or higher on four or more AP Exams: Ben Archer, Natalia Beckman, Sydney Borgelt, Caroline Cole, Quinn Conrath, Natalie Cranney, Presley Dale, Gracie Gatlin, Zack Gibbs, Jonathan Gonzalez, Evan Henley, Estefania Hernandez-Medrano, Lexie Jordan, Amarah Khurram, Kara Morand, Arden Paulino, Jackson Powell, Danny Reymond, Josie Taylor, Toni Telenta, Tate Walters, and Riley Woods
n The AP Scholars with Distinction for the Class of 2020 that have earned an average AP score of at least 3.5 and scores of 3 or higher on five or more AP Exams: Jada Caraballo, Irene Choi, Corinne Cookson, Noah Cottmeyer, Ked Crossett, Charlie Darracott, Jessie Hale, Olivia Hundley, Katelyn Klein, Caroline Lipscomb, Kris Meier, Caleb Peterson, Ethan Pomerantz, Sinai Quintero Luna, Adam Reymond, Elizabeth Sanders, Regan Saunders, Alyssa Shaw, Jordan Sullivan, Amy Tran, Connor Vaverek, Sam Warren, and John Alan Williams
National Merit
n Four students in the BHS Class of 2020 have been named National Merit Commended Scholars, a designation that places them among the Top 3% of all students in the nation who took the PSAT in October 2018: Quinn Conrath, Presley Dale, Jessie Hale, and Kara Morand
n National Merit Hispanic Scholar for posting a PSAT score among the top 7000 of all Hispanic/Latino juniors who took the PSAT last year: Katelyn Klein
Governor’s Honors Program
The Governor’s Honors Program is a four-week summer instructional program designed to provide intellectually gifted and artistically talented high school students with enriching educational opportunities. Last summer, three Buford High School students participated in the Governor’s Honors Program: Hope Fowler - Vocal Music, Anela Leide - Visual Arts, and Josie Taylor - Visual Arts
Department Awards
Departmental Awards are presented to students who have either demonstrated excellence in a particular subject over four years or who have demonstrated excellence while completing a Career Tech or Fine Arts Pathway.
Fine Arts
The Instrumental Music Award is presented to Ethan Edwards.
The Choral Music Award is presented to Hope Fowler
The Theatre Award is presented to Quinn Conrath
The Visual Arts Award is presented to Josie Taylor
The Dance Award is presented to Autumn Arnette
Physical Education
The Physical Education Award is presented to Tristan Jenkins and James Munlyn.
Technology and Career
The Education Award is presented to Grant Turnage.
The Sports Medicine Award is presented to Kara Scoggins
The Nutrition and Food Science Award is presented to Kara Morand
The Graphics Award is presented to Anniston Roebuck
The Marketing Award is presented to Sydney Grothe
The Business Award is presented to Imani Bellavoix.
The Construction Award is presented to Mike Cruz-Beltran
The Video Technology Award is presented to Zane Harper
Academic
The English Award is presented to Regan Saunders
The World Languages Award is presented to Toni Telenta.
The Math Award is presented to Kara Morand
The Science Award is presented to Amy Tran
The Social Studies Award is presented to Katelyn Klein
2020
A tribute to the extraordinary Buford High School Class of 2020
The school year 2020 was supposed to end like every other year before for the seniors of Buford High School. For the Class of 2020, the end of their senior year was anything but ordinary.
The Class of 2020 has endured some pretty out of the ordinary events in their 18 years. First, they were born during 2001 during the 9/11 terror attacks. In the 8th grade, they were trapped for two hours during their field trip to Savannah, Ga which made the news. Also in the same trip, the bus that transported them to and from Savannah broke down on the side of the road both times. This senior class became the first senior class to occupy the new $85 million state-of-the-art Buford High School campus.
The Buford High School Class of 2020 produced three state championships in One Act Play, Football, and Girls Basketball. Four individual state champions in wrestling came from the Class of 2020. Buford High School won two Shuler Awards (Theatre) which were from this senior class.
Buford produced four National Merit Commended Scholars from the Class of 2020. Buford had not one but two STAR students this year. The Class of 2020 had 67 Advanced Placement Scholars with an impressive 23 of those earning a 3 or higher on five or more exams with an average of at least 3.5.
And those were just a few of the accomplishments that the Class of 2020 achieved up until March 16, 2020. It was in early March that a virus that came from a distant country made itself fully known to the state of Georgia. Never in a million years could the students, parents, and staff of BHS imagine what this virus would cause to happen. A full-blown pandemic made its way to Buford causing the Buford City School district to close the doors to their schools amid concerns about students becoming infected with COVID-19 or the coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China.
The schools closed and were going to do digital learning for just one week starting on March 16, 2020. All school activities were canceled as well for that time. That one week stretched into two weeks and then school was supposed to reopen after Spring Break.
On April 1, 2020, as the numbers of those infected with COVID-19 continued to mount, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued an Executive Order closing all public schools in the state for the remainder of the school year. This meant the cancellation of the remainder of the spring sports season and all other school activities that were scheduled for the last few months of school.
The Class of 2020 missed out on the most important part of their senior year. The senior athletes that participated in spring sports missed out on their senior seasons. They were robbed of their senior prom and all the pomp and circumstance that went with it. There were countless performances and events that this senior class lost out on due to a situation out of their control. Graduation was postponed until July 24-25, 2020.
So many final senior memories were never made but the Class of 2020 is a resilient group. They buckled down and made the most of quarantine. These seniors finished out their high school career from home. They may have gotten a bum deal but they adapted and have made the most out of a bad situation.
“What a unique group of Seniors that will be graduating this year. They have continuously overcome and persevered so much in their teenage years! As they become adults they will be able to overcome so much and might be the generation that shows much strength, care, and optimism!” said Dona Archer, mother of senior Ben Archer. Her words summing up the Buford High School Class of 2020.
Dear Fine Arts Seniors,
Congratulations to each of you for making your way through the most unique senior year in our collective memory. You were willing to try new things in new ways due to the Covid19 global pandemic. While none of us wished for things to happen in the way that they did, we are all incredibly proud of the manner in which you overcame many obstacles to finish strong. The future is always an unknown, but you may face it with great confidence knowing that you have what it takes to succeed in spite of any circumstance.
You have been a remarkable senior class! You have honored our school through multiple state championships, Shuler awards and nominations, All State events, presenting at national conferences, marching band competitions, dance team competitions, Governor's Honors selection, and incredible shows and concerts that will be forever burned into our memories. We are incredibly proud of everything that you have done to make BHS a remarkable place for the Arts!
More than that, we are grateful to you for representing our school and our community with poise and class. The grace and humility that you have shown has been inspiring to watch. It is your character and hard work that will assure your success as you move forward in life. You have blessed us with your remarkable gifts. We wish you the very best as you share them with the world!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Fowler
Fine Arts Coordinator Buford City School System
FINE ARTS | BAND
A note from Mr. Young
To my outstanding class of 2020,
This is one of the most difficult letters that I have written in my seven years at Buford High School. We have shared so many memories and been through so many experiences together the past four years, and yet I sit here today wondering where the time has gone. Even in these difficult circumstances as you finish your journey here and prepare to embark on your next one, I hope that this letter will bring you joy as you remember your time in the Buford Band of Wolves.
I have known since your freshman year that you were going to be a very special class of band students. Whether it was your outgoing personalities, or your willingness to put your head down and work on improv-
SPOTLIGHT ON ... Ethan Edwards | Band
A longtime wolf since kindergarten, Ethan Edwards has made his mark during his thirteen years in Buford City Schools. Ethan is the son of Kevin and Angela Edwards and the younger brother of Austin, a Buford High School graduate and junior at Georgia Southern University.
Ethan started performing in band during his fifth-grade year. “My class was the first fifth grade band at Buford,” he said. “I started playing trumpet but quickly switched to percussion because I felt it suited me better.” During the school year, Ethan practices two to four times to day; during the summer, he practices three times a week. “Practicing consists of me repping chunks of music repeatedly until I cannot play the part wrong,” he said. “Then, I link those pieces together to create art.”
Ethan’s hard work and constant practice has paid off in many ways. He has been awarded
ing your skills, you stood apart as a group that would do big things. This group has always been unified in many varied circumstances. That quality has been infectious! As you prepare to leave, you may know that you made a difference by showing others how to care.
You are one of the most talented classes I have been privileged to teach in my career.
During your time at Buford you have achieved over 60 superior ratings in classifications, 12 class championships, 4 silver Division championships, and brought home a Grand Championship for the first time in Buford history. You have raised the standard of excellence that is expected as a member of the Band of Wolves.
Your passion, commitment,
the Marching Band Music MVP for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years, as well as the Indoor Drumline Music MVP (2019-20), Most Outstanding Percussion (2018-19), and the Director’s Choice Award (2019-20). But for him, band is about more than awards; it has been an “awesome” experience where he has made
and determination have been evident in your work ethic, your love for each other, and your execution of the craft to which you have been devoted. To those of you who continue music in the next part of your journey, I hope that it continues to bring joy to you each day. Whether or not you are planning to continue your musical studies, I hope that you will always remember how music made you feel and the experiences you shared with your friends because of it. I will truly miss every single one of you. Please always remember that Buford High School will be your home and the Band of Wolves will always be your family.
Best wishes,
Matt Young
Director of Bands Buford High School
“great memories, life-long friends, and [has learned] what it means to be a good leader.” He was also a member of the BHS Beta Club for three years.
His favorite teacher was Mr. Matt Young, the band director. “He is a fantastic director and I knew that if I ever needed anything, I could go to him,” said Ethan. “He has nurtured my love for music and has inspired me to teach others to love music as I do.” Another favorite teacher was Mr. Dean Giddens. “While on staff with the Band of Wolves, he taught me everything I know about perfecting my craft,” he said. “No matter how hard things were, he never let me give up. He pushed me to be the best I could be.”
Ethan will attend Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia to major in music education. When asked what he will miss most about the Buford community, Ethan said, “the Friday night games. Just being in the stands, hanging out with my friends, and drumming. There is nothing like performing at halftime at Tom Riden Stadium.”
FINE ARTS | BAND
2019-2020 BHS Band & Colorguard Performances & Achievements
Wind Ensemble Fall Concert - Oct. 24, 2019 - Buford High School Performing Arts Center; Jazz Band Fall Concert - Oct. 29, 2019 - Buford High School; Buford City Schools Holiday Concert - Dec. 12, 2019 - Buford Arena; All-State Band - March 3-5, 2020 - Athens, Ga.; Blue Ridge Mountain Music Festival - Oct. 12, 2019 - Straight Superior Ratings, Drumline 1st in class - Silver Division Champions, Colorguard 1st in class, Band 3rd in class; Lake Hartwell Marching Competition - Oct. 19, 2019 - Straight Superior Ratings, Drumline 1st in class, Colorguard 1st in class, Band 2nd in class; Old South Marching Festival - Nov. 2, 2019 - Straight Superior Ratings, Drumline 1st in class - Festival Grand Champions, Band 3rd in class; Indoor Drumline - after two competitions (South Forsyth Indoor Drumline Competition - Feb. 15, 2020, and Denmark Indoor Drumline Competition - March 7, 2020) the Indoor Drumline was 3rd place in the state in A-Class Division before the season was cut short by COVID-19 and the GIPA Championships, which were to be held in the Buford arena were canceled.; State LGPE (Large Group Performance Evaluations) for Concert Groups - Canceled due to COVID-19; however this group of seniors was a part of the Wind Ensemble group that in the Spring 2019 LGPE received straight superior ratings and straight A’s across the evaluation sheet.; Overall Colorguard/Winterguard awards: Color Guard Grand Champions for Legend of the Mask 2017, Winter Guard 2018 First Place at Chattahoochee High School, MVP Visual Award 2018 for the Into the woods show - presented to the Colorguard Team, Grand Champions Into the Woods McEachern Invitational 2018
2020 Band & Colorguard Seniors & Individual Achievements
Natalia Beckman - Marching Band (5*), Wind Ensemble (2), Woodwind Captain (2019); Tanya Burgos - Marching Band (5), Wind Ensemble (1), Symphonic Band (2), Clarinet Section Leader (2019); Alex Chavez - Marching Band (3), Indoor Drumline (2), Percussion Ensemble (4), Symphonic Band (3); Melany Chavez - Colorguard (4), Winterguard (1); Irene Choi - Marching Band (3), Wind (2), Colorguard (2), Winterguard (1), Clarinet Section Leader (2017), Colorguard Captain (2019); Hannah Corley - Marching Band (4), Wind Ensemble (4), Symphonic Band (1), Jazz Band (1); Sarah Corley - Marching Band (4), Wind Ensemble (4), Symphonic Band (1), Flute Section Leader (2019); Dru Craig - Marching Band (3), Percussion Ensemble (4), Indoor Drumline (1), Wind Ensemble (2), Symphonic Band (2); Gracie Earl - Colorguard (3), Winterguard (2), Colorguard Captain (2018 & 2019), Honors - Most Outstanding Colorguard Award; Ethan Edwards - Marching Band (6), Indoor Drumline (5), Percussion Ensemble (4), Wind Ensemble (2), Symphonic Band (2), Front Ensemble Section Leader (2017 & 2018), Drumline Captain (2019), Honors - Most Outstanding Indoor Drumline, Marching Band Music MVP, & Directors Choice Award; Jose Franco Martinez - Jazz Band (1); Hector Garcia - Marching Band (5), Symphonic Band (3); Nataly Garcia - Marching Band (5), Wind Ensemble (4), Winterguard (1), Assistant Drum Major (2018), Drum Major (2019), JanFest (2), Honors - Most Outstanding Woodwind Player and Most Improved Member Winterguard Member; Will Jamieson - Marching Band (5), Wind Ensemble (4), JanFest (4), Low Brass Section Leader (2018), Brass Captain (2019), Honors - Most Outstanding Brass Award; Anica Jumper - Marching Band (5), Symphonic Band (4), Jazz Band (4), Saxophone Section Leader (2019); Fernanda Lara - Colorguard (3); Vanessa Martinez - Colorguard (2); Cole Moody - Marching Band (5), Wind Ensemble (2), Symphonic Band (2), Indoor Drumline (3), Percussion Ensemble (4), Jazz Band (1), Equipment Manager (2019), Honors - Most Improved Jazz Band, Most Outstanding Indoor Drumline, Marching Band Music MPV Award; Jessica Pineda - Colorguard (3); Abigail Powell - Colorguard (3), Winterguard (2), Colorguard Captain (2018); Sinai Quintero-Luna - Marching Band (4), Wind Ensemble (2); Arya Sahay - Marching Band (2), Symphonic Band (3), Percussion Ensemble (1); Indoor Drumline (1); Suria Sahay - Marching Band (1), Indoor Drumline (1); Elizabeth Sanders - Marching Band (4), Wind Ensemble (4), Symphonic Band (1), Jazz Band (1), Indoor Drumline (2), Low Brass Section Leader (3), Band Captain (1), District Honor Band (4), JanFest (2); Jaden Skelton - Marching Band (1), Wind Ensemble (4), Allstate Band/Orchestra (5), District Honor Band (6), Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony (3), JanFest (4); Zoe Smith - Colorguard (4), Winterguard (2); Ansley Stephens - Colorguard (3), Winterguard (2), Drumline (1); HonorsMVP Performance Award for Colorguard 2019; Griffin Stewart - Marching Band (3), Percussion Ensemble (4), Indoor Drumline (2), Wind Ensemble (2), Symphonic Band (1), Drumline Captain (2019), Honors - Most Outstanding Percussion Award; Toni Tolenta - Wind Ensemble (4), Allstate Band (2), District Honor Band (4); Amy Tran - Colorguard (3), Winterguard (1); Rosemary Umukodo - Symphonic Band (2), Jazz Band (2).
*Denotes the number of years participated
FINE ARTS | CHORUS
A note from Dr. Fowler
My dear seniors,
Congratulations to each of you as you complete this part of your educational journey! Your high school graduation is a significant moment that encapsulates years of hard work and dedication. I hope that you will pause and reflect upon the marvelous achievements that you have experienced in your time at Buford High School.
May God’s richest blessings be yours, both now and always.
Much love —
Dr. Chris Fowler
Choral Director
SPOTLIGHT ON ...
Hope Fowler | Chorus
Hope Fowler is a Buford native and is the daughter of Dr. Chris and Joy Fowler. She has an older brother, Alex, who graduated from Buford High School in 2015. Hope has a passion for music that she has inherited from her family. Her father is the Fine Arts Director for the Buford City School System who has recently left the classroom after 28 years as the Choral Director at BHS. Her mother is a professional vocalist and her brother just received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre.
Hope was able to maintain an A average throughout high school, even while she was extremely involved in Chamber Chorus, Advanced Dance, Musical Theatre, Literary Team, Student Leadership Team, One Act Play, and was the chapter president of Becca’s Closet at BHS. If you have caught a performance from one of the Buford High School Performing Arts, chances are you have seen Hope grace the stage. She has had key roles in productions such as “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.”
Hope’s vocal gift has allowed her to win numerous awards and honors including being selected for the All-State Chorus all four years, a finalist for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program in Voice in 2019, 2019 Class AAAAA State Champion Girls Soloist in Literary, Soprano I in the State Champion Trio for Literary in 2017 and 2018, District Honor Chorus in 2017 and 2018, and numerous other State Runner-Up
titles and region titles.
The most memorable moment from her senior year was winning the Class AAAAA State One Act Play Championship performing “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” in which she played “Phoebe D’Ysquith.” This role would see her named to the All-Star Cast at One Act, as well as, a Best Leading Actress nomination for a prestigious Shuler Hensley Award.
Hope said that the one thing she learned while at Buford that she will take with her to college and beyond is that hard work pays off. Buford is full of talented and intelligent students that has made for a very competitive environment. She will take that hard work ethic and competitive edge with her to Reinhardt University where she plans on majoring in vocal performance. Hope wishes to pursue a career as a professional vocal performer. She already has ample experience performing outside the halls of BHS as well.
“Buford will always be home,” she stated. Words she used to describe Buford were community, family, and safe. She attributed this to the many wonderful people that are part of the “village” that is Buford. One person that Hope formed a special bond with was Marty Bozoian, an assistant principal at BHS. From day one, Mr. Bozoian would check up on her and was there if she ever needed anything, including lending a listening ear. She remarked that he even took the time to write her a senior letter. It’s the caring staff at Buford that made the difference, and Hope is forever grateful to the many wonderful people who made up her Buford family.
FINE ARTS | CHORUS
2019-2020 Overall Chorus Achievements
Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference (Athens): The BHS Chamber Chorus was selected by blind audition to perform at the 2020 GMEA In-Service Conference, establishing the choir as one of the top high school choral groups in the state. The group, consisting of 55 singers, performed college-level material to the delight and rave reviews of music educators and music professionals on Jan. 25.; Large Group Performance Evaluation (Lawrenceville): Superior ratings from all judges in every category and subcategory in both performance and sight-reading - One judge remarked that he “closed his music 15 seconds into the performance and simply listened.” It was Dr. Fowler's last LGPE at BHS.; Georgia Governor’s Honors Program: Hope Fowler was selected as a finalist in Voice. Hope is the first GHP vocal finalist chosen from BHS in 30 years.; All-State Chorus: Twelve BHS students were selected for the 2019-2020 All-State Chorus in Athens through rigorous auditions.; All-State Reading Chorus: Quinn Conrath and Presley Dale were selected through extensive auditions for the exclusive All-State Reading Chorus in Athens.; GHSA Literary Region Meet: Region Champion Trio (Hope Fowler, Karrie Bryson, Heather Liley); Region Champion Quartet (Jonathan Ingram, Quinn Conrath, Jaden Skelton, Jesse Hanks); Region Champion Boys Solo (Jesse Hanks); Region Champion Girls Solo (Hope Fowler)
2019-2020 Chorus Performances
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - July 28, 2019 - Buford High School Performing Arts Center; GMEA District 13 Honor Chorus - Oct. 25-26, 2019 - Athens, GA; Fall Chorus Concert - Oct. 28, 2019 - Buford High School Performing Arts Center; Red, Blue & You Event - Nov. 21, 2019 - Buford Arena; Buford City Schools Holiday Concert - Dec. 12, 2019 - Buford Arena; Caroling for Cans - Dec. 20, 2019 - Brickton Station and Stonecrest subdivisions; GMEA In-Service Conference - Jan. 25, 2020 - Athens, GA; All-State Chorus - Feb. 27-29, 2020 - Athens, GA; Region Literary Meet - March 3, 2020 - Buford Community Center; Large Group Performance Evaluation - March 4, 2020 - Lawrenceville, GA; State Literary Meet - Canceled due to COVID-19; Variety Show - Canceled due to COVID-19; Graduation Ceremony - July 24, 2020 - Buford Arena
2020 Choral Music Department Seniors & Individual Achievements
Chamber Chorus: Karrie Bryson - All State Chorus (7,8,10,11,12), Variety Show Soloist (9,10,11), Honor Chorus (9,11), Girls Trio (9,10,11,12), State Literary Champion (9,10,11), 2020 Region Champion, GMEA Soloist; Nathan Christian - Honor Chorus (12); Caroline Cole - Variety Show Soloist (9,10,11); Quinn Conrath - All State Chorus (9,10,11,12), Variety Show Soloist (9,10,11), All State Reading Chorus (11,12), Boys Quartet (9,10,11,12), State Literary Champion (9,10,11), 2020 Region Champion; Presley Dale - All State Chorus (8,9,10,11,12), Variety Show Soloist (9,10,11), Honor Chorus (9,11), All State Reading Chorus (12), Girls Trio (11,12), State Literary Champion (11), 2020 Region Champion; Hope Fowler - All State Chorus (8,9,10,11,12), Variety Show Soloist (9,10,11), Honor Chorus (9,11), Girls Trio (9,10,11,12), Girls Solo (9,10,11,12), State Literary Champion (9,10,11), 2019 GHSA State Champion Girls Solo, 2020 Region Champion, GMEA Soloist, 2019 Governor’s Honors Program Finalist; Will Fuston; Jessica HaleHonor Chorus (11,12); Jesse Hanks - All State Chorus (7,9,10,12), Variety Show Soloist (9,10,11), Boys Quartet (9,10,11,12), Boys Solo (10,11,12), State Literary Champion (9,10,11), 2018 State Champion Boys Soloist, 2020 Region Champion; Zeaven Hoxie - Variety Show Soloist (9,10,11); Boys Quartet (12); 2020 Region Champion; Jonathan Ingram - All State Chorus (7,10,11,12), Variety Show Soloist (9,10,11), Boys Quartet (9,10,11,12), State Literary Champion (9,10,11), 2020 Region Champion; Will Jamieson - Honor Chorus (11,12), All State Chorus (10,12); Imanol Jaramillo - Variety Show Soloist (10); Tristan Jenkins - Variety Show Soloist (11), Honor Chorus (11); Heather Liley - All State Chorus (8), Honor Chorus (11), Variety Show Soloist (9,10,11), Girls Trio (11,12), State Literary Champion (11), 2020 Region Champion, GMEA Soloist; Abigael Powell - Honor Chorus (11,12), Variety Show Soloist (11); Ansley Randolph - Honor Chorus (11,12); Jaden Skelton - Honor Chorus (11,12), All State Chorus (12), Boys Quartet (12), 2020 Region Champion; Griffin Stewart - Honor Chorus (11,12); Caleb Williamson Bel Canto Chorale: Natalie Arlotta; Veronica Avila Rodriguez; Imani Bellavoix; Hannah Bobo; Nate Castleman; Alice Cho; Alex Conner; Jonathan Gonzalez; Christian Gower; Sydney Grothe; Noah Hicks; Original Hill; Starcia Hill; Starlyia Hil - Honor Chorus (11); Nya Howard - Variety Show Soloist (11); Pamela Martinez-Rodriguez; Elijah Olifintuyi; Tyler Owens; Jessalyn Pinkard; Adam Reymond; Lexi Scheffel; Skyler Thomas; Malone Van Gorder
FINE ARTS
Buford’s very own music man
Choral director Dr. Chris Fowler is retiring after 28 years at BHS. Fowler began his first year in August 1992 and is leaving a legacy that includes a number of awards and honors.
In early 1992, Chris Fowler conducted an LGPE performance with his school choir that happened to be adjudicated by Bill Davis, the longtime choral director at Buford High School, who was transitioning into administration and looking for a successor to continue the strong choral legacy he’d built for 15 years at BHS. Months later, Mr. Davis called GSU to ask about candidates for the BHS position opening in the fall of 1992, and Dr. John Haberlen mentioned that Chris Fowler was finishing his Master’s degree there and would be an excellent fit for the job and the community of Buford.
Mr. Davis, Mrs. Beauty Baldwin, and the Board of Education agreed, and 28 years have passed since Chris walked into Buford for the first time and saw confirmation with a sign: a left-behind school jacket with purple and gold lettering that read “Fowlerville Choir,” which hung in the lost-and-found in the front office as he walked past. No one knew where it came from or why it was there, and Chris asked if he could give it a home. It has hung prominently on display in his office at BHS ever since. Years later, with the advent of the Internet, the one and only Fowlerville Choir with purple and gold school colors was searched for and located in Fowlerville, Michigan. What are the odds of that jacket landing
inside Buford High School at that precise time? Maybe the same odds that would have a man of the calibre of Chris Fowler building a legacy in one place for 28 years. And what a legacy it has been.
In August 1992, Dr. Fowler began his first year as the Choral Director at BHS teaching six of the seven periods, namely: 8th Grade Chorus (at BMS), 9th Grade Chorus, Bel Canto Chorale, Humanities, Music Appreciation, and Drama. In November of 1992, Chris married Joy, a vocal performance major at Georgia State, and she jumped right into counting fundraiser quarters, selecting new performing uniforms, and teaching master classes for the treble voices. “Well, we were both so busy and we wanted to create time
to be together. His life became my life,” she said. Chris, with some help from his new wife, organized the first Buford Community Holiday Concert that December just as he had done at his previous school, bringing together all of the performing arts students from each of the schools for one evening. The concert ended with Joy and the choir singing “O, Holy Night” followed by a community sing-along. Now held at the Buford Arena, Chris and Joy are still organizing the Buford Community Holiday Concert and ending the concert with those perennial favorites.
Needing to do a spring project with the 38 students in the advanced Bel Canto Chorale group for the Class of 1993, Chris asked Joy her opinion. She urged Chris to do a spring
FINE ARTS
musical, “but then he said, ‘I think I want to do a Variety Show,’” she said. “Of course, I immediately said, ‘No way! I don’t know anything about doing a Variety Show. Nah, do a musical! I can do that. A Variety Show? Are you serious?’” But he was serious. And a legacy was born.
The first Variety Show was an all-live, themed musical review that featured the 38 students in Bel Canto singing and dancing on stage — individually and together — with lights, costumes, and a live band, and, for an hour and seventeen minutes, the sold-out audience from the community waited to lunge to their feet as they saw the sons and daughters of Buford become stars before their eyes. The principal asked Chris to repeat the performance for the student body during the school day the following week, and the entire school stopped for the inaugural show to be presented in the BHS gym. Enrollment in the choral music department doubled the next year, again the next year, and continued to do so until around 2000, when the school was finally able to add another Fine Arts elective with the addition of the theatre department. The choral music department saw an increase in numbers that included 30% of the student body — including 30% of the football players in 2004, when nearly all 20 of the 60 varsity football players who were enrolled in chorus sang “The Star Spangled Banner” for a Gwinnett Gladiators game. These were unprecedented times for any school system. As transfer students came in, many couldn’t understand why chorus was the “in” thing at BHS — that was until they joined, felt the family vibe, met friends from every clique and demographic and felt the subsequent inclusivity of that melting pot, and became a part of something larger than themselves that gave them a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Vocal Awards won by Buford
City Schools under Dr. Chris Fowler
State Championships won at Literary Meet (43 total)*
n Literary Team — 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
* Does not include 2020 due to COVID-19 forcing the cancellation of these competitions.
he dreamed of have since become a reality. Ever gracious, Dr. Fowler credits the success of the Fine Arts in Buford City Schools to the vision, generosity, and support of the Board of Education, the affection of the community toward the Arts, and a seven-period school day which allows for students to choose to enroll in more than one Fine Arts subject area. This multi-disciplined approach has allowed students to grow into stronger musicians, triple threats, and lovers of art, and has strengthened each area of Fine Arts. In the late 1990’s, Chris oversaw the construction of a new Fine Arts Center, which would be completed in 2000. For several years, Chris researched and visited other venues across the state and poured his heart and soul into making sure that his beloved Buford had the best of the best. The 2000 Variety Show, “Hit Parade,” opened the new state-of-theart performing arts venue, and Chris presented Buford with a building that still serves the community well even 20 years later. Around 2017, while he was finishing up his doctoral work in Music Education at UGA, Chris began the same process with the fabulous new Performing Arts building on the new BHS campus, where his office now resides.
Early on, Chris saw the vision to expand the Fine Arts, largely because of the tremendous support of the community and their sheer desire to see it happen. Having overseen the Fine Arts Department in his previous position, he was uniquely qualified for next level thinking, and as Mr. Davis moved into a principal position in 1993, he also passed the Fine Arts Coordinator mantle down to Chris. Chris’s vision included a stand-alone performing arts venue and the addition and establishment of self-contained dance, drama, and orchestra programs that would work together on cross-curricular performance projects. Under Dr. Fowler’s leadership, the Fine Arts program at Buford has grown — not only in numbers of students involved in a Fine Arts program, but also, those new programs, new teachers, and new buildings
After 35 power-packed and well-respected years in education, Dr. Fowler decided to make the transition into fulltime administration, keeping his position as Fine Arts Coordinator, but stepping out of the classroom, effective May 2020, along with his daughter’s graduation. A true master teacher, Dr. Fowler’s legacy is sure and established, as witnessed by the thousands of students he’s taught over the span of these four decades. His decision to leave the classroom came at a traumatic, yet strangely clear-headed moment as he gave the eulogy at his sister’s funeral in 2018. Thinking of his wife, their two children (Alex, BHS Class of 2015, and Hope, BHS Class of 2020), and the thought of doing other things beyond the world of education, he said he had the clear thought: “There is too much life to live and not that many years left for me to live it,” he said, “and I don’t want to be wheeled out of Buford High School on a gurney. I want to end well and then set up others for success.” And that, he has done.
Thank you, Dr. Fowler, for all the music. For the entertainment. For the smiles. For the ears to listen and the shoulders to cry on. For the wisdom you’ve passed on. For the legacy of character and integrity. Your impact in the classroom will be missed, but rest assured, it will be felt for generations to come. Godspeed, Dr. Fowler. We wish you well in this new chapter!
A note from Mrs. Smith FINE ARTS | DANCE
Dear Buford Dance Class of 2020,
What a year! This is certainly not how I envisioned the year ending, but I want you all to know how thankful I am you are part of the Buford Dance family! Whether you’ve been in dance all four years, or just one, you will always be part of our dance family. It has been a joy and honor teaching you and watching you grow into the
amazing young men and women you are today.
The class of 2020 has produced some of the best talent that we have seen on the stage at Buford High School. From your freshman year dancing in “Michael Jackson” to your senior year leading the stage in “A Night at the Movies”. You’ve shown immense talent and confidence. I know no matter what you pursue in life,
SPOTLIGHT ON ...
Jillian Clark | Dance
The Buford Dance Department gave Jillian Clark, a talented dancer with an extensive and impressive background, a spotlight to shine in. Jillian (Jilly, to her friends) is the daughter of Jim and Kelly Clark, and the younger sister of Nick Clark, a Buford alumni and a rising senior at Florida State University.
When she was three years old, Jilly started dancing at the Buford School of Ballet. Nine years later, at age twelve, she was accepted into the Georgia Christian Dance Theatre. Jilly spends about thirteen hours a week at the studio for rehearsals and classical training. “It takes a lot of dedication and perseverance,” she said, “but it has always been something that I love and is worth all the hard work and hours.”
Jilly was incredibly involved during her four years at Buford High School. She was a member of the Beta Club, the Advanced Dance Class, the Dance Team, and the National Honors Society. In 2018, Jilly represented Buford at the Gwinnett County Science, Engineering, and
whether it be a career on the stage, in an office, hospital, or classroom, I know you will approach life with that same confidence. Remember the hard work and dedication you’ve shown through your years with Buford Dance, and your future will hold endless possibilities. The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.
I wish you all the best as you enter in this new chapter in life. I
am proud of this class and hope to see many of your smiling faces at future Buford Dance performances. To quote one of my favorite movies, always remember…”whatever you feel, just dance it!”
All my love,
Ashley Smith Dance Teacher
Innovation Fair, winning a second-place award in the Biomedical Engineering category with her project, “The Roller Buddy,” used to assist dancers in recovery from overuse and injury. Jilly also maintained an impressive GPA, landing on the Principal’s Honor Roll all four years and graduating in the top 5% of her class.
Jilly’s favorite teacher was her ninth grade English teacher, Mrs. Shannon McClure. “My
freshman year was my first year at Buford, and I didn’t know many people,” said Jilly. “Mrs. McClure was warm and open and quickly became one of the most important people to me at school and in my life. She truly sees, listens to, and cares for her students. She has been a mentor, confidante, and encourager to me over these four years, and I will always be grateful God gave her to me in such a special way.”
Jilly will attend Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama to pursue a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with plans for graduate work to become a Speech and Language Pathologist. Jilly also plans to minor in Dance and audition for the Samford Dance Company.
When asked what she will miss most about Buford, Jilly said “Mrs. Ashley Smith and our Advanced Dance Class friends. Beginning my day with our second period Dance Class has been such a joy. I’ll miss dancing with Buford School of Ballet and our incredible teachers there, especially Mrs. Bernadette Campbell. I’ll miss my church family and small group at Restoration Presbyterian and, of course, Mrs. McClure.”
FINE ARTS | DANCE
2019-2020 Dance Overall Achievements
2019-2020 Dance Team placed 4th in the Jazz category and Pom category at the GHSA State Dance Invitational
2019-2020 Dance Performances
Dancing with the Wolves - Sept. 28, 2019; Annual Community Christmas Concert (Advanced Dance) - Dec. 12, 2019; “A Night at the Movies” Dance Concert - Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2020; 3rd Annual Young Choreographer’s Showcase - May 5, 2020Cancelled due to COVID-19
2020 Dance Seniors & Individual Achievements
Autumn Arnette - Advanced Dance, Dance Team Co- Captain and 2020 Senior dance award; Lluvia Becerril - Intermediate II Dance; Natalia Beckman; Melannie Bernal - Intermediate II Dance; Michelle Castelan-Yanez; Melany Chavez-Betancourt - Intermediate II Dance; Alice Cho; Jillian Clark - Advanced Dance; Anarosa Crosdale - Intermediate Dance; Joy Durosinmi; Michelle Esteban; Hope Fowler - Advanced Dance, Dance Team; Briah Fragoso; Blessing Gordon - Intermediate Dance; Angela Gutierrez - Intermediate Dance; Jesse Hanks - Advanced Dance, Dance Team; Becky Tebalan Hernandez; Tanya Hernandez-Bibiano - Intermediate Dance; Olivia Hundley - Intermediate II Dance; Jonathan Ingram - Advanced Dance, Dance Team; Fernanda Lara-Ramos - Intermediate II Dance; Jenny Le - Intermediate II Dance; Leah Marsh - Intermediate II Dance; Jose Franco Martinez; Olivia Mathews - Advanced Dance; Nicole Mayor - Intermediate Dance; Kalie Merrill - Intermediate II Dance; Mikahilov Mikhail - Intermediate Dance; Joanna Miranda; Cynthia Morales; Eric Ortiz; Jocelinn Panameno - Intermediate II Dance; Jordan Panzica - Advanced Dance; Jessica Pineda-Hernandez - Intermediate Dance; Abigail Powell - Intermediate II Dance; Grace Richardson - Intermediate II Dance, Dance Team; Keanu Ritter - Advanced Dance, Dance Team; Veronica Avila Rodriquez; Jordan Romero; Jovan Romero; Javen Sadler; Joscelin Salgado Gonzalez - Intermediate II Dance; Yamileht Salgado-Candia - Intermediate II Dance; Alexa Hernandez Sepulveda; Alyssa Shaw - Advanced Dance, Dance Team; Emma Simpson - Intermediate II Dance, Dance Team Manager; Ansley StephensAdvanced Dance; Nick Stonecheck; Dylan Tollis; Sharin Sanchez Usuriaga
FINE ARTS | THEATRE
A note from Ms. Staples
To the Amazing Class of 2020:
“Life is like a play in the theatre: it does not matter how long it lasts, but how well it was played.” Seneca
Not only are you a class of intelligent, hard-working young people, you are competi-
SPOTLIGHT ON ... Quinn Conrath | Musical Theatre
A student at Buford City Schools since kindergarten, Quinn Conrath knows what it means to be a wolf. Quinn is the only child of Wally and Cece Conrath, and comes from a family of artists and teachers.
Arts have always been a part of Quinn’s life. When he was in the fourth grade, he started musical theatre and entered the Buford theatre program in the sixth grade when he joined the Junior Thespian program. He currently trains with a vocal coach at the University of Georgia and a private dance company in Suwanee. He also hones his craft in his three arts classes at Buford High. “I constantly have to prepare by working out, staying healthy, and constantly singing,” Quinn said, “as well as researching and immersing myself in theatre. It’s a lot of worth, but it’s worth it.”
At Buford High School, Quinn has certainly delved into the arts program. He is a member of the Wolf Pack Players, Buford’s celebrated theatre troupe, as well as the band
tive, compassionate, witty, insightful, decisive, creative, and compelling. And it has been a sincere pleasure to collaborate with you, to watch you work in rehearsals and performances, creating magic on that stage!
I have no doubt that you will blaze a trail wherever you go. And we will watch, not in
and chorus programs. He has performed in the All-State Chorus for all four years, the All-State Band for three years, and All-State Sight-Reading Chorus for two years. He is a three-time State Literary Champion (Quartet and Humorous Interpretation) and a threetime State One Act Champion. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2020 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards for his role as “The D’Ysquith Family” in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.
Quinn’s favorite teacher was Mrs. Kimberly Staples, who always “pushed [him] to be better” through hard work. He admits that while he would sometimes get frustrated, she would “continue to push and encourage [him] to be better in all facets of life.”
Quinn will attend the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa to pursue a major in Musical Theatre. When asked what he will miss most about the Buford community, Quinn said it will be the community’s support of the arts. “The community has always showed up and supported our arts programs and made us a priority,” he said. “That truly helped my development as an actor and a person.”
amazement, but in the surety that you have the tools and the motivation to create the life you dream of.
On to brighter lights and bigger stages, Kimberly Staples
Theatre Director | The Wolf Pack Players
FINE ARTS | THEATRE
2019 - 2020 Theatre Overall Achievements
2019 GHSA Class AAAAA One Act Champions“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” Six 2020 Georgia Musical Theatre “Shuler” Award Nominations: Quinn Conrath, Best Supporting Actor; Hope Fowler, Best Leading Actress; Jesse Hanks, Best Leading Actor; Presley Dale & Jesse Hanks, Best Musical Direction (Winner); Best Ensemble; Best Overall Production
2019 - 2020 Theatre Performances
One Act Play Region Competition PerformanceOct. 26, 2019 - Buford Fine Arts Center; “See How They Run” - Oct. 6-8, 2019 - Buford High School Performing Arts Center; One Act Play State Championship Performance - Nov. 2, 2019 - Houston County High School; “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” - Nov. 10-12, 2019 - Buford Fine Arts Center; “Honk Jr! The Musical” - Jan. 12-14, 2020 - Buford High School Performing Arts Center; ThesCon - Feb. 6-8, 2020 - RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus; Cabaret for a Cause - Jan. 25, 2020 - Buford Fine Arts Center; Dessert Cabaret - Feb. 22, 2020 - Buford First Baptist Church; “Look Homeward, Angel” - Canceled due to COVID-19; “Dearly Departed” - Canceled due to COVID-19; Improv Show - Canceled due to COVID-19; “Matilda” - Canceled due to COVID-19; Follies - Canceled due to COVID-19
2020 Theatre Seniors & Individual Achievements
Costuming: Anna Billings; Advanced Drama: Quinn Conrath - State One Act All-Star Cast, 1st Place Dramatic Interpretation at Region Literary, Shuler Nominee for Best Supporting Actor, Pursuing Musical Theatre Major; Dylan Tollis; Advanced Musical Theatre: Ryleigh Allen; Karrie Bryson; Quinn Conrath; Presley Dale - Shuler Award Winner for Best Musical Direction; Hope Fowler - Region One Act All Star Cast, Shuler Nominee for Best Leading Actress; William Fuston; Wes Garrett; Jesse Hanks - Best Actor at State One Act Competition, Shuler Award Winner for Best Musical Direction, Pursuing Musical Theatre Major; Jonathan Ingram - State One Act All-Star Cast, 1st Place Duo Interpretation at Region Literary, Pursuing Acting Major; Imanol Jaramillo-Mayo; Heather Liley; Olivia Mathews; Sarah Beth Moore; Alyssa Shaw; Emma Simpson; Connor Vavarek; Technical Theatre: Matthew Alford; Melanie Bernal; Lacey Butler; Anela Leide; Nicole Mayor; Kate Rentz
FINE ARTS | VISUAL ARTS
A note from Mrs. Barge
Dear Seniors,
My heart aches as I write this letter. I miss you guys so much and I am so sorry for the way your year has ended. It was not what any of us ever imagined. Though the past few weeks have been a struggle for so many reasons, some positives
SPOTLIGHT ON ... Anela Leide | Art
have arisen that I want you to focus on. Hopefully you have learned that you are resilient, that family and friends are everything, and that school really isn’t that bad! While none of us miss getting up at the crack of dawn, I think we all miss seeing each other, hugging each other, and just the conversa-
Though only a student at Buford High School for her senior year, Anela Leide made a lasting impact through her impressive artwork. Anela is the daughter of Bruce and Holly Leide, and the sister of Mikayla, Lia, and Kiana. Mikayla is a junior at the University of North Georgia and Lia and Kiana attend Georgia Cyber Academy online.
Previously a student at Georgia Cyber Academy, Anela came to Buford for her final year of high school. As the daughter of a retired art teacher, artistry is in her blood. “Although my father had already retired by the time I could form memories, art was a way to bond and connect with him,” Anela said. She has been doodling and scribbling since she was a child and began receiving praise for her work early on. “It took me awhile to realize the superficial view I held to art,” she said. “Art, like anything else, is something you have to study if you want to become better. I was doodling without understanding the history and complexity that art has. I wasn’t able to understand this until my last year of middle school when I met an older artist.”
While attending Georgia Cyber Academy, Anela did not have access to any art courses, but still practiced on her own. Because of her connection to this older artist, who was a
tions we had in class each day. Through this experience let us learn to be thankful, grateful, and kinder. I will miss so many of you and the fun times we had in class. You bring me joy and such pride having watched you grow up over the past four years. Go into the next phase of your life knowing
digital artist, Anela studied this art form and became primarily a digital artist, using a drawing tablet and art software to create her pieces. Anela describes herself as a “self-taught” artist, learning what she could through the artists she admires. “It was a lot of trial and error in my pieces until I could find aspects that I liked,” she said. Her hard work paid off when she was selected to attend the 2019 Governor’s Honors Program for Visual Arts after three rounds of interviews.
Outside of the art studio, Anela excelled in academics. “My online school didn’t really have many AP classes so, when transferring to Buford, I took advantage of the wide range
that I am here for you, cheering you on, and being your biggest fan!
Love, Kim Barge
Visual Arts Teacher | NAHS Advisor
of courses.” Anela took AP 2-D Art, AP Literature, and AP Psychology. She worked as a techie for the Wolf Pack Players, building sets for the troupe’s productions. She was also a member of the National Art Honors Society and attended the NAHS Conference where she won a first-place award and the Dr. Helen Fleming Stone Scholarship for her art portfolio. She accumulated other awards through NAHS, including two Gold Keys (for Painting and Portfolio) at the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.
Anela’s favorite teacher was Mrs. Kim Barge, her art teacher. “I had many teachers that I admired, but my admiration and respect for Mrs. Barge went past that,” she said. “I was a senior, yet I was in a new school, and Mrs. Barge made me feel welcome. I felt like I spent all four years in her class. She went out of her way to help and support me and was just the most open and caring teacher I’ve ever met.”
Anela will attend the University of Georgia in Athens as a Media and Entertainment Major. She hopes to pursue a minor in Graphic Design. When asked what she will miss most about Buford, Anela said “the community. Although I only encountered it for a short time, the Buford community was so memorable and welcoming that it made up for the three years I didn’t attend,” she said. “I will deeply miss all my teachers, who I wish I could continue to receive guidance from, and all my peers who made each day lively and fun.”
2019-2020 Visual Arts Achievements
Senior Anela Leide – Scholastic Gold Key winner, Helen Fleming Stone scholarship recipient; Juniors, Miriam Lowery and Lily Perry – All-State Art Symposium; Sr. Anela Leide, Sophomores - Sophie Brewer and Ksenija Litchfield – Atlanta High School Art Exhibition; Sophomore - Caroline Henderson – 2nd place at the North Gwinnett Kiwanis Art Show; Sinai Quintero Luna - $300 NAHS scholarship; Natalia Beckman - $200 NAHS Scholarship; Josie Taylor – BHS Visual Art Award
NAHS Achievements
Our 36 NAHS members painted 14 canvases for BHS classrooms, raised over $3,000 through fundraising efforts like face painting at football games and our coloring book sales, worked over 170 hours of community service, and were able to attend the NAHS conference in Atlanta.
I would like to take this opportunity to say congratulations and thank you to the Buford High School Senior Class of 2020. Perhaps no class in the history of our great school has faced so many adversities and challenges, and yet you have overcome every obstacle and achieved greatly and represented our school and community honorably. While my heart breaks for the unexpected ending to your senior year, my heart swells with pride for the poise, class, resilience and determination you have once again been asked to display. I also take great comfort in knowing how prepared you are to begin the next chapter of your life. You have put in the work, you have displayed both academic growth and personal maturity, and have developed a resilience and toughness that will serve you well in your future.
The 2019-2020 school year has been remarkable in many ways and our senior class has led the way. We have achieved greatly throughout the school year with championships, dramatic wins, scholarships, school records and amazing comebacks. We believe that our seniors are always the key to successful athletics and the Class of 2020 has led the way to another incredible athletic school year, including being ranked #1 in the Georgia Directors Cup for the most outstanding athletic program in 5A.
The 2020 class has continued the standard of excellence again this year by giving greatly of themselves to their teams, their teammates, our school and our community. Throughout the year, we have seen great individual accomplishments, but even greater acts of leadership, selflessness, commitment, toughness, discipline, perseverance, poise and class. The intangibles displayed by the Class of 2020 will be a great part of your legacy at Buford High School, as you have modeled the behaviors and expectations for future classes to come.
This senior class has won many athletic state championships over the past 4 years and represented Buford in the state playoffs with pride, poise and class always.
We are so proud of the Class of 2020 and very thankful for their many contributions to our school this year and throughout their 4 years. The legacy they are leaving of excellence will be remembered for many years to come.
Always remember: Once family, always family; Once a Wolf, always a Wolf.
Sincerely,
Coach Tony Wolfe
Athletic Director
Catching a championship
Buford wins 2019 Class AAAAA Football State title game
Under first-year head coach, Bryant Appling, the Buford Wolves varsity football team would capture the 2019 Class AAAAA State Championship title beating out Warner Robins 17-14 in an overtime thriller at Georgia State University’s stadium in Atlanta. This would be Buford’s 12th state title in football.
Buford would travel over 900 miles during the final three playoff games leading up to the championship game. The Wolves had to knock off No. 1 seed Ware County, No. 1 ranked Carrollton, and No. 1 seed Jones County.
A note from Coach Appling
To the Buford Football class of 2020:
Words can't describe how much you will always mean to me. You bought in to the work ethic, the grit, and most of all the intangibles that make a Buford Football player. As coaches, we have always believed that in order to be
successful your seniors must play the best ball of their careers; you did. We believe that your seniors must be leaders of your program that your underclassmen want to inherently follow; you were. Thank you for your trust in me as your head coach. You will always be special as my first team, and I have no doubt that
your future endeavors will echo the way you finished your time in our program as CHAMPIONS.
— Coach Appling Head Football Coach
ATHLETICS
On a winning streak
Girls basketball claim fourth straight state title
The Buford girls basketball team, led by seniors Tate Walters (#3) and Katelyn Klein (#12) won their fourth consecutive state championship title against Kell. It was a hard-fought game with Buford just barely hanging onto the lead to win 66-63 over the previously undefeated Longhorns. Buford would use longtime head coach Gene Durden’s signature full-court defense to wear down the Longhorns.
Furman-bound Tate Walters scored 18 points, had five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Junior Ashyia Willis added 13 points, got two rebounds, three assists, and two steals while fellow junior Blair Wallis contributed with 12 points, three rebounds, one assist, and two steals. Senior Katelyn Klein put up nine points but she really shined defensively with five rebounds and a teamhigh seven steals.
A note from Coach Durden
This year’s 5A state championship is one of the most special ever for our Lady Wolves basketball program due to so many factors.
First, this was the first in our programs history to win 4 consecutive state titles in a row. This is such a special accomplishment that really shows the consistency and commitment of our program to doing things in a championship fashion. Many programs can win a state championship, but to compete for the state title in 10 of the past 12 years is an accomplishment that really special.
Second, to win this year’s state championship with this group of young ladies also makes this title special. From our two senior leaders in Tate Walters and Katelyn Klein, to all our underclassmen’s contributions, it was defiantly a team effort from the start to the end of the season. When we talk about the star of the team is the team, this fits all these players and their efforts to a tee. This is also the first senior class to win 4 state titles, 4 region titles and other numerous awards and honors. This and many other factors made this season one
to remember in the history of our program.
Lastly, due to the circumstances over the past couple of months. This season stands out to our program as such a blessing due to so many teams and programs not even being able to complete and have a season. We feel so blessed to not only be able to play the game of basketball, but to be able to complete and even play in the last game, the state championship game. We do not take this blessing for granted and are so thankful to be able to complete our season and finish on
top just six days before the school year was shut down. Again, we are thankful for this opportunity. We have had many great seasons in our program, but the 2019 2020 Lady Wolves basketball season will be one to always be remembered for how special it was due to the place, people and time it was played in and with. Congrats again on another special accomplishment and making your mark in our program’s history!
— Coach Durden
Head Girls Basketball Coach
SPOTLIGHT ON ...
Malone VanGorder
| Football | Fall Sports
Malone VanGorder started at Buford City Schools in the 6th grade when his older brother, Montgomery transferred to play for the football team. Malone is the son of Brian VanGorder and Pollie Nieporte. He has four older siblings Molloy, 34; Morgan, 30; Mack, 27; and Montgomery, 25.
Football is in the VanGorder genes. His father is the defensive coordinator at Bowling Green University and his brothers each played football in college. Malone was a left guard for the last two years on Buford’s formidable offensive line that helped the Wolves win the 2019 Class AAAAA State Championship. He was also a member of the track and field team as a thrower during his 9th and 10th-grade years.
“Putting on that Buford jersey was surreal for me. I looked up to my brother Montgomery a lot and was excited to follow in his footsteps,” said Malone about the first time he played on the varsity football team. Montgomery was the quarterback for Buford in
SPOTLIGHT ON ... Kimberly Harris | Track and Field | Spring Sports
2012 and 2013 when the Wolves won back-to-back state championships.
Many valuable lessons were learned as a part of the football team at Buford. Malone claimed that the coaches pushed him to work hard and never give up. He learned how to be a man and take care of his responsibilities from the coaches as well. Family, community, and camaraderie were also
Since arriving at Buford City Schools in her freshman year, Kimberly Harris has made her mark both on and off the track. Kimberly is the oldest daughter of James and Cortina Harris and has three younger sisters, Sydney, a rising sophomore at Buford High School, and Olivia and Carrington who are fifth and third graders at Alcova Elementary.
Kimberly started track and field at the age of nine and has been running ever since. She currently trains at Vex Sports. “My preparation is very tedious,” she said. “I try to focus on small things I have to fix to improve the bigger picture.” Her workout regimen is intense, she says, but worth it.
During her time at Buford High School, Kimberly has embodied “Tri-
important priorities that Malone learned about while being on the football team at Buford. He says both the older and younger Coach Mays and Coach Dasher had the biggest impact on him while a member of the team.
Malone has worked hard on and off the field. He maintained a 3.8 GPA during his high school career. His absolute favorite subject, hands down, was history and gov-
ple A Excellence.” She is a member of the track and field team, the Thespian Society, and is an editor for the yearbook. Throughout high school, she excelled in honors and AP classes. Her favorite teachers were Ms. Crystal Fowler, her art teacher and one of her track coaches, and Ms. Brooke Heindel. “I really connected with them,” said Kimberly. “They both helped me whenever I needed it and made sure I was always taken care of. They continuously poured words of wisdom into me that I will never forget.”
Kimberly will attend the University of Southern California to continue both her academic and athletic careers. Kimberly says she will miss how “invested” the teachers, staff, and community are in “any child, no matter who they are. Everyone expects greatness, and the Buford community makes sure that every student has the resources they need to be great and uphold the Buford name.”
ernment. Malone especially loved Ms. Shoemaker’s class because of the discussions and because Shoemaker made learning history fun. He also enjoyed his four years of being in the BHS Chorus.
The BHS staff member who really had a large impact on Malone was Coach Justin Johnson. Malone wasn’t working in the classroom to his fullest potential in the 10th grade and he said it was Coach Johnson who “got him in check.” This was the push Malone needed to turn his academics around. Johnson continued to check up on Malone and Malone said that he was grateful as Johnson was easy to talk to when he needed help.
This fall, Malone will head to play football for Bowling Green University. He plans on earning a degree in business management. Malone would like to take that degree along with his knowledge and skills in football to one day become a football coach.
Malone looks back on his time at Buford with a fondness. He said that from the moment he started at Buford, everyone was so nice to him and treated him like family. The lessons learned in the hallways and on the football field will stay with him for life.
ATHLETICS
SPOTLIGHT ON ...
Caleb Williams | Basketball | Winter Sports
Caleb Williams came to Buford High School his freshman year and has dominated the basketball court ever since. Caleb is the son of Jeffrey and Saresa Williams, and has an older sister, Perrin, who just graduated from grad school at the University of Georgia.
Caleb started playing basketball at the age of six. He trains with EBA Training in Lawrenceville and for him, preparation and training are “mainly all about first mastering the fundamentals. Then,” he said, “after that, it’s just about adding to my craft and expanding my game.” Caleb attributes his successes to this rigorous training program. Caleb has been extremely active at Buford and has excelled both on and off the court. Aside from being a valuable member of the Buford basketball team, Caleb was apart of
SPOTLIGHT ON ...
Tate Walters | Basketball | Winter Sports
Tate Walters made the transition from homeschooling to public school when she came to Buford in the 8th grade. Tate and her older sisters, Elizabeth (BHS Class of 2016) and Mary (BHS Class of 2018) enrolled in Buford because of the academics and basketball opportunities. Mary had played travel basketball with a few Buford players and Mary heard about the sort of girls basketball program that Buford had. So their parents, Todd and Becki Walters decided to send their daughters to Buford.
Learning to play basketball how Buford played was challenging at first. Tate says that head coach Gene Durden and his staff were very demanding. That Durden saw something in her during her freshman year and kept pushing her to up her game both on the court and off. Tate played on the varsity team all four years at Buford. She was a consistent player who could sink 3-pointers, as well as, make drives to the net.
Durden and his staff preached hard work, poise, and mental toughness. Tate took the lessons learned and assisted the
DECA, the debate club, and the Diversity Club. His freshman year, he played baseball, basketball, and football, as well as the trumpet. He even earned an academic letter for all four years and will graduate with honors.
His favorite teachers were Ms. Jaunais and Coach Parker, because, he said, “those are two teachers who I didn’t just talk about school with, but we had a deeper relationship and we talked about life.” Coach Parker was Caleb’s basketball coach as well as a source of trust; “I hope to one day be as honorable as he is.”
Caleb will attend North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina to play basketball and major in either Business Administration or Civil Engineering. Caleb’s time at Buford was packed and unforgettable, but a great time nonetheless. When asked what he will miss the most about the Buford community, Caleb said “the familiar faces and the homely atmosphere,” but he is excited about this next chapter.
BHS are too many to list but what stood out the most about her was her leadership qualities and her humility.
Tate received offers from multiple colleges and universities to come to play for their women’s basketball programs. Schools like Mercer, Delaware, Eastern Tennessee State, Tennessee - Chattanooga, Western Carolina, and Furman all offered. Tate ultimately picked to further her education and basketball career at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. She said she chose Furman because it was a good mix of academics, the quality of the basketball program, and the feel of the campus and community.
She kept up a 4.0 GPA during her time at Buford. Her favorite subjects were English and AP Psychology. Tate really enjoyed her AP Psychology class and said that her favorite teacher at BHS was Ms. Leah Curtright, her Psychology teacher. She was also a member of the yearbook staff and she enjoyed learning about the process from start to final product. Tate flourished during her tenure at Buford. She stated that the one lesson that will go with her into the next chapter of her life is that hard work pays off. If you want something bad enough, you can work hard and achieve that goal.
Lady Wolves to capture four straight state championship titles.
The awards and honors that Tate would earn during her tenure at
Buford High School Athletics 2019-2020 Performance Highlights
Fall Sports
Football: Region runner-up, STATE CHAMPIONS
Softball: Region Champions, State Final 4
Volleyball: Region Champions, State Final 4
Competition Cheer: Region runner-up, State 7th place
Girls Cross Country: Region runner-up, 17th place
Boys Cross Country: 4th place in Region, 24th place
Winter Sports
Girls Basketball: Region Champions
Boys Basketball: Region Champions
Wrestling: Region Dual Champions, State 3rd Place
Wrestling: Region Traditional Champions, State 2nd Place
Riflery: Championship cancelled due to statewide school closure.
Girls Swimming: 12th place State
Boys Swimming: 13th place State
Spring Sports - All spring sports championships were cancelled due to statewide school closure
Baseball Gymnastics
Boys Lacrosse
Girls Lacrosse
Girls Soccer
Boys Soccer
Girls Tennis
Boys Tennis
Girls Track
Boys Track
Girls Golf
Boys Golf
GADA Director’s Cup Standings: (Championship not awarded due to cancellation of spring championships:
Standings after Winter Sports:
Over-all: 1st Place 766 points
Boys: 1st Place 337 points
Girls: 1st Place 429 points
State Finish:
Football: Champion
Wrestling: 2nd Place (Traditional)
Wrestling: 3rd Place (Duals)
Volleyball: Final 4
Softball: Final 4
Comp Cheer: 7th Place
Girls XC: 12th Place
Girls Swim: 12th Place
Boys Swim: 13th Place
Boys XC: 17th Place
Region Champions
Softball
Volleyball
Girls Basketball
Boys Basketball
Wrestling Duals
ATHLETICS
2020 Senior Athletes & Individual Achievements
Anabel Adams: Softball - (University of North Georgia) - 1st Team All-County, 1st Team All-Region, 2nd Team All-State, Georgia Dugout Club Senior All-Star; Lexi Adams: Competition Cheer; Morgan Adams: Riflery - School Record Holder; Dylan Aikens: Football/Bass Fishing - (Emmanuel College); Brendon Allen: Cross Country; Carlos Alvarado: Soccer; Ben Archer: Cross Country/ Track & Field - All-Region Team, Gwinnett County Honorable Mention, Georgia Positive Athlete Regional Award Winner; Autumn Arnette: Football Cheer - Dance Captain; Sebastian Augustave: Basketball - (Lander University) - GACA All-State Team; Kennedi Bauman: Softball; Carson Bell: Basketball; Daniel Benitez-Palacios: Football - Kevin Maloof Award, All-Region; Blaine Bergey: Wrestling - (Princeton University) - GHSA Academic All-American, Gwinnett Takedown Club All-County First Team, 2x State Champion; Sydney Borgelt: Soccer - (Kennesaw State University) - 1st Team All-Region, County; Kyra Buffen: Track & Field; Betsy Burnette: Golf; Jada Caraballo: Soccer; Nathan Castleman: Football; Luke Chen: Track & Field; Anna Church: Lacrosse; Alex Conner: Golf; Natalie Cranney: Golf; Ked Crossett: Cross Country; Charlie Darracott: Wrestling - (Stanford University) - Gwinnett Takedown Club Wrestler of the Month, All-County Second Team, Scholar Athlete Award, 3x State Champion, Wrestling USA All-American; Alex Davis: Lacrosse - (Emmanuel College); Evan DiMaggio: Football/Wrestling - (Furman University) - Cecil Morris Award, Wrestling Region Champion, Gwinnett Takedown Club Wrestler of the Month, Gwinnett Takedown Club All-County First Team, State Champion; Trevor Dorsey: Track & Field; Ace Edwards: Football/Track & Field - (Georgia Southern University); Adi English: Softball; Hope Fowler: Dance Team; Mikayla Frierson: Cross Country/Track & Field; Conner Galbraith: Lacrosse; Trinity Gantt: Track & Field; Michael Graves: Soccer; Sydney Grothe: Tennis - No. 1 Doubles, All-Region - 3 yrs.; Jesse Hanks: Dance Team; Zac Harms: Tennis - No. 1 Doubles, All-Region; Kimberly Harris: Track & Field - (University of Southern California) - 2x Gwinnett 400M Champion, 3x State State 400M Champion, State 200M Champion, State Long Jump Champion, 2x State 4x400M Champion, 2x State 4x100M Champion; Braden Hartman: Baseball - (Chattahoochee Valley Community College); Jake Haynes: Baseball - (Kennesaw State University); Matisyn Hill: Track & Field; Todd Hill: Baseball - (Emmanuel College); Carlton Holley: Football/Track & Field - (University of Pikeville); Ansleigh Hollifield: Softball - (University of Minnesota) - 1st Team All-State, Region Pitcher of the Year, 1st Team All-County, Player of the Week; Trinity Holmes: Track & Field; Mackenzie Holton: Competition Cheer/Football Cheer; Jalen Huff: Football - (Georgia Institute of Technology) - 2nd Team All-County; Paige Huffine: Cross Country; Olivia Hundley: Football Cheer/Tennis - Cheer/Chant Captain, No. 2 Doubles, All-Region; Jonathan Ingram: Dance Team; Jamarius Isaac: Football/Track & Field - (Albany State University) - Player of the Week (2x) , All-County Honorable Mention; Will Jamieson: Golf; Tristan Jenkins: Cross Country/Football Cheer/Track & Field; Zachary Jenkins: Football; Greg Johnson: Baseball - (Cleveland Community College); Justice Johnson: Football - (University of Pikeville); Ainsley Keller: Golf; Katelyn Klein: Basketball - All-Region, Gwinnett Player of the Month, Gwinnett All-Academic Team; Eli Ledford: Baseball - (Piedmont College); T. Lee: Football - (Arizona State University) - 1st Team All-County, AJC All-State Team, GACA All-State Team, GSWA All-State Team; Maggie Leland: Soccer - (East Carolina University) - 1st Team All-Region, US Coaches All-State; Julien Lewis: Football; Leah Marsh: Lacrosse; Natalie Maurer: Soccer; Seth McLaughlin: Football - (University of Alabama) - Scholar-Athlete Award, All-Region, AJC All-State Team, TCA All-Star Team, GACA All-State Team, GSWA All-State Team; Evan McPhilimy: Lacrosse; Macy Milton: Football Cheer; Rebeka Miranda: Cross Country/Track & Field; Sarah Moore: Competition Cheer; James Munlyn: Basketball/Track & Field; Debra Ogundimu: Track & Field - (Kennesaw State University) - Region Champion; Elijah Olofintuyi: Football; Hayden Olsen: Football - (Tennessee Tech) - Player of the Week, All County Honorable Mention, All-Region, AJC All-State Team, GACA All-State Team, GSWA All-State Team; Saul Olvera: Soccer; Brie Orr: Football Cheer - Cheer/Chant Captain; Heidi Orr: Cross Country; Arden Paulino: Soccer; Alexis Payne: Swimming; Kaitlyn Pickens: Softball - (Emmanuel College) - Gwinnett Dugout Club Scholar-Athlete; Elissy Ponton: Soccer; Jackson Powell: Football - (United States Military Academy) - Player of the Week , 2nd Team All-County, All-Region, AJC All-State Honorable Mention, GACA All-State Team; Jacob Price-Williams: Football; Ryan Rettenmeyer: Football; Adam Reymond: Lacrosse - Captain; Danny Reymond: Lacrosse - (University of Alabama - Huntsville) - Captain, GDP Super Six Pick, All-County; Grace Richardson: Football Cheer, Dance Team; Christeena Rinker: Basketball Cheer/Football Cheer; Keanu Ritter: Football Cheer, Dance Team; Jason Roche: Football/Lacrosse - (Anderson University) - Captain, All-County; Jovan Romero: Track & Field; Emma Rooks: Football Cheer; Javen Sadler: Football; Joseph Salvo: Baseball - (Samford University); Bradley Schmidt: Swimming; Kara Scoggins: Basketball Cheer/Football Cheer - Captain, Spirit Captain; Alyssa Shaw: Dance Team; Ava Sherman: Soccer; Avery Siebrasse: Football; Emma Simpson: Dance Team - Manager; Nick Stonecheck: Wrestling - (Lock Haven University) - Gwinnett Takedown Club Wrestler of the Year, 1st Team All-County, 4x State Champion, Wrestling USA All-American; Jordan Sullivan: Cross Country/Track & Field - All-Region Team, Gwinnett County Honorable Mention; Julia Talaber: Swimming; Kara Taylor: Softball - (Piedmont College) - 1st Team All-Region, Gwinnett County August Player of the Month; Xalan Taylor: Football; Toni Telenta: Golf; Skyler Thomas: Lacrosse; Brady Todd: Tennis - No. 1 Singles - 4 yrs., Gwinnett Super Six - 2 yrs., All-Region - 4 yrs., Undefeated record - Junior & Senior yrs.; Grant Turnage: Cross Country/Track & Field; Matthew Turnage: Golf - (Truett McConnell University); Elijah Turner: Football - (University of North Carolina - Charlotte) - Player of the Week, All-County Honorable Mention, All-Region; Malone VanGorder: Football - (Bowling Green University) - All-County Honorable Mention; Amelia Veal: Softball - 2nd Team All-Region; Kevin Vindel: Football; Tate Walters: Basketball - (Furman University) - Gwinnett "Super Six", 1st Team All-Metro, GTOC Gwinnett Player of the Year, AJC 5A Player of the Year, Region 8-5A Player of the Year, GACA Player of the Year, GDP 1st Team All-County; Eric Warnstrom: Lacrosse - (Liberty University); Sam Warren: Cross Country/Track & Field; Carson Whitmire: Competition Cheer/Football Cheer; Caleb Williams: Basketball - (North Greenville University) - GACA All-State Team
*Indicates the year the student started at Buford City Schools
Most likely to get in trouble for texting in class:
Alexis Dudley
Jonathan Ingram
Eli Ledford
Eunice Choi
Zac Harms
Tate Walters
Trevor Dorsey
Macy Milton
Ryleigh Allen
Lexi Scheffel
Most likely to be late to ... everything:
Most likely to win the lottery and lose the ticket:
Senior Superlatives
Most likely to sleep through an earthquake: Most changed since Freshman year:
Most likely to put their foot in their mouth:
Most likely to be the officer that gives you a ticket:
Sydney Grothe
Wes Garrett
Cyrena Whalen
Noah Cottmeyer
Sydney Borgelt
Natalie Maurer
Elijah Olofintuyi
Adam Reymond
Kara Morand
Grace Richardson
2020 BHS Funny Teacher Award Winners
Scariest teacher:
Always has a “Back
Knows every student’s name:
Most inspiring:
Has eyes in the
Lisa Cole
Bonnie Davis Most school spirit:
Sean Gilbert
David Snell
Justin Johnson
Special thanks
A very special thank you to the following individuals for their support and contributions to the 2020 Buford High School Graduation Magazine.
City of Buford Commission (Phillip Beard, Chris Burge, and Brad Weeks)
Bryan Kerlin, City Manager
Buford Board of Education (Phillip Beard, Pat Pirkle, Bruce Fricks, Daren Perkins, Beth Lancaster, and Matt Peevy)
Dr. Robert Downs, Superintendent
Mrs. Melanie Reed, Assistant Superintendent
Ms. Teresa Hagelthorn, Principal
Mr. Keith Johnson, Associate Principal
Mr. Marty Bozoian, Assistant Principal
Ms. Elena Hernandez-Vo, Assistant Principal
Ms. Kari McIntyre, Assistant Principal
Bryant Appling
Kim Barge
Stuart Chester
Lisa Cole
Bonnie Davis
Fyrone Davis
Gene Durden
Angela Edwards
Dr. Chris Fowler
Sean Gilbert
Taylor Greer
Dr. Tim Harris
Brooke Heindel
Justin Johnson
Matthew Johnson
Kerri Leland
Erik Mason
Amy Moody
Rebecca Moon
Kevin Peek
Ashley Smith
Kimberly Staples
Matt Young
Bridget Wildes
Tony Wolfe
Dexter Wood
Joy Fowler
Ty Freeman
David Hanks
David & Lily McGregor
Cathy Moore
David Rank
Jessica Wilson
Alicia Couch Payne
Cathy Moore
Hayden Wiggs
Deanna Allen
Senior Parents — BHS parents are always amazing but this year the senior parents went above and beyond to help make this magazine what it is. Thank you so much!
An extra special thank you to Autumn Arnette for being the face of the 2020 BHS Graduation Magazine.
