Buford Graduation Magazine 2023

Buford High School

Tradition

— FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION —

TO THE CLASS OF 2023

tradition As we celebrate the Class of 2023, we honor

M

erriam-Webster defines tradition as “an inherited, established or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior.”

At Buford High School, tradition is an established value alongside family, leadership and character, professionalism and accountability, and instructional time. There is a stated belief that student growth and achievement depend on a culture of excellence — and that culture is built on tradition woven throughout the history of Buford High School dating back to its inception in 1949. Tradition reminds the Buford High School family that each individual is part of a shared, collective, and celebrated history that began when the first student entered the original school building on Hill Street and continues with the Class of 2023’s graduation.

Tradition is key to establishing a sense of belonging and serves as an avenue for creating lasting memories among those who share in tradition. It helps strengthen bonds — traditions at Buford High School bring together students from diverse backgrounds to celebrate shared experiences unique to their school.

From the choral department’s annual Variety Show of student performances — a tradition now in its 30th year — to the baseball team’s tradition of leaving a light shining on a Wolf head on the locker room floor at the start of the season to its finish, tradition at Buford High School is ingrained in students’ experiences.

The Buford High School graduation magazine is a tradition now in its sixth year honoring graduating seniors and celebrating their achievements and accomplishments in academics, athletics, and the arts. From the first

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publication in 2018, the magazine has served as a lasting tribute to each graduating class and their successes. As we celebrate tradition in this edition dedicated to the Class of 2023, we feature families with multiple generations of Buford graduates, as well as Buford “Lifetimers,” seniors who attended Buford City Schools from kindergarten through graduation. We also highlight various traditions that make Buford High School an exemplary place not only to learn and be challenged in the classroom, but to truly experience all that the school has to offer — the highly anticipated annual Homecoming celebrations both past and present, the theatre department’s senior rose ceremony, the longstanding Miss Buford pageant, the annual academic awards night, and the senior art gallery, just to name a few.

Buford is not just a school. It is a community built on a foundation of tradition. The saying “Once a Wolf, always a Wolf,” conveys the lasting sentiment that the Buford High School community is, at its core, a family, one that honors and preserves tradition.

As the graduating Class of 2023 — now Buford alumni — begin their individual paths in life, may they remember and celebrate that tradition.

Deanna Allen

Editor/Creative Design

When I think about the word tradition, I picture connection. I see

an invisible line connecting generations before me and those that will come after.

It’s a unity amongst family, friends, and strangers alike.

— Anna Williams, Class of 2023

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CONGRATULATES THE

CLASS OF 2023

To each graduate — as the outline of the person you are becoming continues to take shape, we hope you will continue to become better and better versions of yourself.

Jessica Wilson, Publisher | Deanna Allen, Editor/Creative Design Jim Simpson — Staff Writer/Copy Editor | Denise Rumbaugh — Staff Writer Find us online at NorthGwinnettVoice.com and in newsstands throughout Buford

“ remem er your u ord roots As you embark on your next journey,

b

B f

and the community supporting you.

Dear Senior Class of 2023,

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It is my privilege to celebrate this milestone with you. I remember many of you when your journey began as Kindergartners at Buford Elementary School. I got to know many more of you through our time together at Buford Middle School. It has been an honor to serve you in my various roles and a joy watching you grow and mature.

Your graduating class is filled with young people who have achieved many accomplishments in academics, athletics, and the arts, along with many other activities worthwhile to Buford High School and this community. Your class exemplifies the Buford City Schools motto of Triple “A” Excellence.

Although your class will be known for its many achievements, those accomplishments do not compare to the incredible character you have shown. You were respectful and always showed class in any event. You supported one another, and no amount of championships can top that. Your character will take you further in life than any championship.

Congratulations on your many successes! I am so proud of you. You have reached this point through your hard work and perseverance. However, no one achieves success alone. As you look back on your educational journey, remember to show gratitude to the teachers, coaches, friends, extended family members, and most of all, your parents, who have positively impacted you along the way.

As you embark on your next journey, remember your Buford roots and the community supporting you. Continue to be responsible, work hard, and strive for success. After all, you will represent Buford, as you will always be known as a “Buford Wolf.”

Thank you for all you’ve done to impact our school system and community. I wish you all the best!

Melanie Reed Superintendent Buford City Schools

CONGRATULATIONS, BUFORD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2023!

The Buford Board of Education extends its sincere congratulations to the senior Class of 2023, and we are proud to now call you Buford High School alumni.

Your graduating class has embodied the Tradition of Excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts, boldly carrying on that banner as past graduates have done so before you. Be proud of your accomplishments and take those successes with you as you move into the next phase of your young lives. Whether you pursue college, a career in the military, or join the workforce, we hope you will take with you the spirit of tradition that makes each and every student in Buford City Schools family — once a Wolf, always a Wolf!

Buford Board of Education members are Daren Perkins, Phillip Beard, Matt Peevy, Bruce Fricks, and Kathleen Welch

CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2023!

No matter where your journey takes you, the City of Buford wishes you success!

Phillip Beard, City Commission Chairman | Chris Burge, City Commission Vice Chairman | Bradley Weeks, Commissioner Bryan Kerlin, City Manager | Kim Wolfe, City Clerk/Planning Director Clyde Black, Public Utilities Director | Mike Brown, Finance Director/Deputy Clerk

“ your class has le t its legacy There is no doubt that

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on the halls of Buford High School.

To the Buford High School Class of 2023,

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Congratulations on being the first graduates to spend all four years at the new Buford High School. Even though some of the faces of students, teachers, and staff have changed throughout your time at BHS, the Class of 2023 has maintained the vision of AAA Excellence that drives our school to be the best in the state. This class has continually risen to the occasion through a building change, a pandemic, moving up two classifications, heartache, and the overwhelming triumphs of success. There is no doubt that your class has left its legacy on the halls of Buford High School.

The road ahead is going to be filled with both highs and lows as you pursue post-secondary plans, the military, or begin to pursue a career. As you enter this next phase of your life I would encourage you to heed the words of the title character in “Ted Lasso.” In an episode, he asks one of his players, “You know what the happiest animal in the world is? It’s a goldfish. It has a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish.” As you face trials or mistakes along the way, we would all be a little bit better if we would just move past the problem and begin to work on a solution. Be a problem solver as you strive to carry on the mission of Buford High School to reach your full potential as lifelong learners and effective members of society.

I wish you the best of luck and know that each of you will do great things in the world. All I ask is that in some way you will always remember to give back to this special community that loves you and always welcomes back its own. On behalf of the administrative team, faculty, and staff at Buford High School, it has been our pleasure to watch the Class of 2023 throughout the past four years and we are so excited to see the amazing things to come in your future.

“Be a Goldfish” and as always, Go Wolves,

Ms. Teresa Hagelthorn Principal Buford High School

Gradu Class o

uation of 2023

Turning the Tassel On Friday, May 26, 2023, 373 Buford High School students officially became Buford High School graduates.

As families, friends, teachers, and coaches looked on, and as each of their names were announced, the 373 graduating seniors crossed a stage inside the Buford Arena to accept their diplomas and receive congratulations from administrators. Members of the Class of 2023 donned green graduation caps and robes with gold accents, many wearing honor cords, stoles and medals signifying their accomplishments and involvement in extracurriculars during their four years as students.

A total of 108 honor graduates were recognized during the ceremony, the highest number in school history. Honor graduates were presented their diplomas by Buford Board of Education Chairman Phillip Beard.

In her remarks during the ceremony, Principal Teresa Hagelthorn called the Class of 2023 “young people of achievement and courage”

and congratulated them on reaching a significant milestone in their lives.

“Graduation is only one stepping stone,” Hagelthorn advised.

“Use the greatness inside each of you to go out and change this world for the better.”

Buford City Schools Superintendent Melanie Reed also addressed the Class of 2023, highlighting achievements in athletics, the arts and academics, and praising the seniors’ characters.

“This graduating class is filled with young people who exemplify excellence. Excellence is measured by our actions,” Reed said. “Make sure your actions continue to show excellence.”

During the ceremony, Dr. Tim Harris, assistant principal, announced that more than $223,000 in scholarships was being awarded to the members of the Class of 2023 during both the academic awards night held earlier in May and the graduation ceremony. These included scholarships from area businesses, local service organizations,

athletic associations and more.

Gratitude was a consistent theme throughout the ceremony, from the welcome speech given by Luke Riza to Reed’s remarks when she encouraged graduates to thank those who have positively impacted their journeys Riza expressed gratitude to family and loved ones for their support.

“It is such an understatement to say that most of us would not be here today without the immense love that you all have shown us,” Riza said. “Your commitment to us students proves your unconditional love for each of us, and for that we are extremely grateful.”

In her valedictory address, Maya Joshi thanked the educators who contributed to her success.

“I want to thank everyone who has made Buford City Schools an exceptional place to learn,” she said, “especially the teachers who have made an unforgettable impact on me.”

Throughout the ceremony, a trio of chairs remained empty except for

a single yellow rose placed in each seat in memory of three students — Olivia Ouimet, Wade Myers and Aaron Kirkland — whose tragic passings prevented them from graduating with their peers.

In her salutatory address, Erin Lim recognized her late classmates.

“Despite not personally knowing Aaron Kirkland, Wade Myers or Olivia Ouimet, I felt that I should at least bring them here in heart and in memory for those who they have impacted during their time at Buford,” she said. “Once a Wolf, they will always be Wolves.”

At the close of the ceremony, Reed declared the members of the Class of 2023 high school graduates and invited them to move their tassels from right to left and turn their class rings. Following a rendition of the school’s alma mater, Reed then presented the Class of 2023, a moment graduates celebrated by tossing their caps into the air as a symbolic act of closing a chapter in their young lives and beginning a new one as Buford alumni.

Graduation by the numbers 05/26/23

373

GRADUATES

108

HONOR GRADUATES

$223,000 awarded through local scholarships during graduation and academic awards night

AP Honors AP Scholars: 21 AP Scholars with Honor: 22 AP Scholars with Distinction: 33

Scholars • Number of National Hispanic Scholars: 5 • Number of National African American Scholars: 6 • Number of National Merit Commended Scholars: 8 • Number of National Merit Finalists: 1

Duration of ceremony: 1 hour, 45 minutes *Data courtesy of Buford High School administration

Welcome Speech H

ello, everyone, and welcome to the graduation of the Buford High School Class of 2023.

To begin, I’d like to thank the people who made this day possible.

A massive thank you to the teachers who have supported us on this rather difficult journey. We all have at least one teacher who, whether it be in academics, athletics, or the arts, has inspired us to be better than what we imagined we could be. It is so important to convey the absolute impact that just one teacher can have on a student, so from the bottom of all our hearts, we thank you.

Of course, we must also thank our loved ones and family for giving us the support that we need.

It is such an understatement to say that most of us would not be here today without the immense love that you all have shown us. Your commitment to us students proves

Luke Riza

your unconditional love for each of us, and for that we are extremely grateful.

If I had to say one thing to the Class of 2023, it would be that high school is just the jumping-off point

for the rest of your life. Whether you are going to the workforce, the military, or college, there are so many defining moments that you have yet to encounter. The musical theatre teacher Ms. Staples always says that

high school should not be the peak of your entire life, and I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. Each and every one of you has an exciting future ahead of you and I can’t wait to see what you accomplish.

To conclude, I’ll leave you with this: the Buford High School Class of 2023 is a class of firsts. We were the FIRST to spend all four years in the brand new high school. We were the FIRST freshman class to get hit with a pandemic since 1919. We are the FIRST class in Buford history to graduate over 100 honor graduates.

And I think we could be the FIRST class to finish graduation without anyone falling asleep.

As the host of the game show “Game Changer,” Sam Reich says, “The only way to win is by learning, the only way to learn is by playing, and the only way to begin is by beginning.” So without further ado, let’s begin.

Congratulations

Buford High School graduates!

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

— Benjamin Franklin

1899 Buford Highway Buford, GA 30518 (770) 932-1900 www.peoplesbanktrust.com

Salutatory Speech G

ood evening to the graduates, teachers, staff, administration, board members, families, friends, and Buford community members with us here today for the graduation of the Buford High School Class of 2023. Thank you all for your support throughout our four years of high school; we could have never made it through this tough journey without all of you.

It is an honor for me to be standing here to give this speech as a final task to represent our student body, and as such, I would like to recognize those in our class who are not able to be with us here today because of tragic circumstances.

Despite not personally knowing Aaron Kirkland, Wade Myers, or Olivia Ouimet, I felt that I should at least bring them here in heart and in memory for those who they have impacted during their time at Buford. Once a Wolf, they will always be Wolves.

When I first came to Buford, I was a sophomore during the peak of the COVID epidemic and did not know what to expect as I wasn’t able to have a traditional school experience as a new student.

I had both the experience of being a digital and in-person student that year, and I realized that despite being given the opportunity to spend a whole year in the comfort of their homes, most students had the motivation to go in-person to more devotedly fulfill their academic responsibilities.

I noticed this trend again in senior year, as not many seniors really skipped school as a symptom of senioritis in comparison to other schools I know, though dual

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Erin Lim

enrollment classes and privilege periods probably helped, and I deeply respect the drive and self-discipline of our students to finish their last year strong.

Before we say our last goodbyes I would like to celebrate the many firsts our class has had at Buford.

We are a part of Ms. Paez’s first AP Spanish class, Coach Gilbert’s first AP Euro class, Ms. MacAdam’s first AP Calculus class, and Ms. Sutton’s first AP Computer Science class.

We are a part of a number of teachers’ first students at Buford, such as Mr. Leitsch, Ms. McHugh, and Ms. Bogans, to name a few.

We are a part of the first orchestra program.

We had our first-time winner of the Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition.

We won our first state champi-

onship in Game Day Cheer.

We are the first class to have a record number of 108 honor graduates.

And we are the first graduating body to fully have all of our high school experiences in the new high school building.

With the Class of 2023 being so many of Buford’s firsts, I am proud to have seen the growth of the Buford community and the opportunities that have come along with it.

The tightness of the Buford community amazes me as our school spirit extends past the walls of just the school and into neighboring community members, businesses, alumni, and Buford fans, which is something I don’t think I would have gotten to experience at any other school. I have made a number of memories at Buford that I will always remember.

I will always remember taking

tests while listening to the sound of the marching band blasting their Homecoming music in the cafeteria, and the sense of pride I had at International Night for being able to take a closer look at the diversity in our school.

I will always remember the amazing concerts, performances, and shows put on at the PAC by the performing arts department.

I will always remember the bets being made during the 2022 FIFA World Cup matches, and David’s amusing celebration that took place during first lunch because of it.

I will always remember Ms. Green’s tagline for AP Bio, the collective panic when checking grades for AP Physics, and that according to “Sophia’s Law,” gravity is to the left.

I will always remember the friends, peers, teachers, and administrators I have met during my time here and the gratitude I have for them for shaping my high school experience into what it was today.

And I will remember so much more.

The endeavors of Buford High School have an extremely lasting impact on those who have dipped their toes into the Buford experience, with some strong indication being the sheer number of teacher alumni at this school, and I hope that this strong sense of community will persist through our future years even when we are far away from its heart.

Congratulations, Class of 2023.

We made it! I am so incredibly proud of us and I wish nothing but the best for all of you and your new chapters in life. Thank you.

The endeavors of Buford High School have an extremely lasting impact on those who have dipped their toes into the Buford experience ... and

I hope that this strong sense of community will persist through our future years even when we are far away from its heart.

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CLASS BUFORD OF HIGH SCHOOL 2023

Congratulations,

graduates!

Go Wolves!

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

We hope your future is sweet!

2295 Buford Highway, Buford Across the street from Buford City Hall

Valedictory Speech Maya Joshi

H

ello students, family, and administration. I want to start off this speech with an enormous thank you to God, who has blessed me and allowed me to persevere through these past 18 years. Next, I want to thank everyone who has made Buford City Schools an exceptional place to learn, especially the teachers who have made an unforgettable impact on me. I also want to give a shout out to my friends who laughed, cried, and helped me survive for these past several years. You know who you are! Most importantly, I want to say thank you to my family, my mom who listened to me complain every day about physics and offered her unyielding encouragement, my dad who always believed that everything would work out, and my brother, who told me at least twice a week to chill out.

Without these people, I wouldn’t be here standing today talking to all of you. Given this opportunity, I’d like to reflect on our collective experiences together.

Graduating is such a strange, bittersweet, unreal feeling. If you had asked me four years ago, when I had walked into Mrs. MacAdam’s advisement class for the first time about how I felt about this day, I would have said that I can’t even imagine a month into the future, let alone four years! Whoever said that the days were long yet the years were short truly wasn’t lying. From the “no celebrating birthdays” in middle school to wearing white instead of brown during Homecoming week

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color wars freshman year to being sent home with the promise of returning in two weeks that March, I really don’t know where the time went. We’ve taken many steps together in these quick four years and here we are, about to take the next steps in our lives, this time, in a new building with significantly less taxidermied wolves.

If I’m being honest, despite how excited I am, I’m going to miss dancing in physics with Ronolla, trying to make a successful plankton with Cam in Oceanography, piling into Abby’s red Honda Civic along with my other

friends, and screaming, “Go, fight, win tonight,” under those Friday night lights. We’re all going to miss these moments, crave these moments, the little joys that collectively defined us and brought us happiness, the times that made us stop and think, “I am so happy to be here, right now, with these people.”

But it’s the times like today that I am reminded of the fact that the best is yet to come. We have not yet met all the people who we are going to care about nor have experienced all the moments that will make us truly happy to

be alive. There is so much living still to be done. I look at all of us graduating seniors and see everyone’s eyes filled with hope, excitement, and definitely a little anxiety. Where will we be in 10 years? Some of us have an idea, yet others do not have a clue — I, somewhat towards the latter!

Whatever happens between now and the rest of our lives, however, we have to remember to stop, look around, and savor the present because the future isn’t going anywhere. As Mr. Wig eloquently put it, “So go climb a mountain, get in your hammock and have a fresh cup of coffee while watching the sun come up and wake the day.

It just might change your life.”

As I was trying to figure out what to say at the end of this speech, Anna Williams — who was so graciously helping me edit this at midnight — asked me, “The lights are dimming, the music is winding down ... what are your final words in this moment’s stage?” And I thought about it and I want to say, what I hope you hear is: Enjoy the little moments of life. When you are stressed and scared and worried that the future that you have always imagined may not be as shiny as it was in your head, I hope you remember to look for the bright lights in your life, the small things that bring you joy, comfort, and peace.

I hope you focus on them and allow yourself to be immersed in their light, and in that light, Class of 2023, I know that we will be magnificent.

Enjoy the little moments of life. When you are stressed and scared and worried that the future that you have always imagined may not be as shiny as it was in your head,

I hope you remember to look for the bright lights in your life, the small things that bring you joy, comfort, and peace.

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Graduation song ‘Homeward Bound’

By Peter Hollens, arranged by Jay Althouse and performed by senior chorus members In the quiet misty morning When the moon has gone to bed When the sparrows stop their singing And the sky is clear and red When the summer’s ceased its gleaming When the corn is past its prime When adventure’s lost its meaning I’ll be homeward bound in time Bind me not to the pasture Chain me not to the plow Set me free to find my calling And I’ll return to you somehow If you find it’s me you’re missing If you’re hoping I’ll return To your thoughts I’ll soon be list’ning In the road I’ll stop and turn Then the wind will set me racing As my journey nears its end And the path I’ll be retracing As I’m homeward bound again Bind me not to the pasture Chain me not to the plow Set me free to find my calling And I’ll return to you somehow Bind me not to pasture Chain me not to the plow Set me free to find my calling And I’ll return to you somehow In the quiet misty morning When the moon has gone to bed When the sparrows stop their singing And the sky is clear and red When the summer’s ceased its gleaming When the corn is past its prime When adventure’s lost its meaning I’ll be homeward bound in time

Tradi

ition

THREE GENERATIONS

The Moody-Denson Family When Teresa Moody crossed the stage inside the Buford Arena to accept her diploma on May 26, 2023, she became the third generation of women in her family to graduate from Buford High School — her mother, Amy Denson Moody, graduated 30 years earlier in 1993, and her grandmother, Ann Bailey Denson, graduated in 1972.

“Being a third-generation Buford graduate means so much to me since I have gotten the chance to grow up in similar environments to my mom and grandma,” said Teresa, a Buford “Lifetimer” who attended Buford City Schools from kindergarten through graduation. “The Buford family is like none other, which makes it that much more special to have so much of my actual family also a part of it.”

For Amy, who serves as executive secretary in Buford City Schools’ Superintendent’s Office and has worked for the school system for the past 24 years, the tradition of Buford High School means family.

“Not only did my mother graduate from Buford, myself and my two sisters, and now both of my children have graduated also,” Amy said. “That just makes me happy that we continue to carry

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Amy Denson Moody Class of 1993

Teresa Moody Class of 2023

down the tradition within three generations. It just makes my heart full. It is very special to be a part of three generations of Buford graduates.”

“I am proud to be a 1972 graduate of Buford High School,” Ann said. “I think I was more proud to see my three daughters graduate from Buford High School. But to be able to see two of my grandchildren was a dream come true.”

While Teresa, Amy, and Ann have experienced many traditions

Ann Bailey Denson Class of 1972

as Buford High School students of different eras, the annual Homecoming parade has remained a constant tradition.

“It was very special to me because I marched in it as part of the Buford Band of Wolves and rode in it my senior year as I was selected for the Homecoming court,” Amy said. “My son marched in it with the Buford Band of Wolves all four of his years at Buford High School. And this past year, (Teresa) rode in it with the Buford Dance Spirit Team.”

Ann said Homecoming was one of her favorite traditions during her years at Buford.

“We always went to one parent's home to build our floats for the big parade down Main Street,” she recalled. “We always had a big crowd to make paper flowers and decorate the floats. Then football and dance afterwards in our old gym that is still standing. Such good times!”

“It is just awesome how Buford comes together for that day and pretty much ‘shuts down’ and just enjoys the family atmosphere and celebration,” Amy said.

Teresa, Amy, and Ann hope future generations in their family will be able to enjoy the tradition of Homecoming, as well as other traditions that are part of the Buford High School student experience.

“One day, we are in hopes that my grandchildren will be able to attend Buford like us and will continue on the traditions that we have all shared,” Amy said.

“Being a generational Buford Wolf is something that I hold close to my heart and am so grateful for,” Teresa added. “My family holds the honor up high, and I can’t wait for my kids to one day go to Buford as well.”

Being a third-generation Buford graduate means so much to me because I have gotten the chance to grow up in similar environments to my mom and grandma.

” FROM GENERATION Buford mea — Teresa Moody, Class of 2023

FOUR GENERATIONS

The Garmon-Beard Family

Madison Garmon

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Class of 2023

Brooke Beard Garmon Class of 2000

Justin Garmon Class of 2000

Russell Beard Class of 1976

Mae Opal Abner Beard Class of 1943

My family roots run deep ... This is special because

our children can continue this line of BHS graduates in hopes that their children will grow up in the same community.

— Brooke Beard Garmon, Class of 2000

THREE GENERATIONS

The Adams Family

Van Adams Class of 1966

Todd Adams Class of 1986

Troy Adams Class of 2023

ans family

N TO GENERATION

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Alexander Aguirre Yoseph Oromia Aguma Jennifer Amador-Cabrera Cody Davis Anglin Carmelo Antonio Arellano Drew Davis Avant Alan Ramiro Avila-Rodriquez Hailey Nicole Aycock Lillian Beatrice Ball Kyah Nataysha Renee Barcourt Jackson Charles Bare Alizandro Barrientos Pina Jaime Starlight Beckman Brian Benitez Samantha Raquel Brody Malachi Lloyd Brown Christian Jarmal Butler Hailey Margaret Carefoot Gracie Allison Carey David Chavez Luviano Kimberly Marie Christian

Halle Kate Gunter Jake John Haley Avery Clare Hardee William Christopher Hatzilias Olivia Lynn Haywood Caleb Matthew Hedges Montgomery Wade Henderson Lillie Alyse Hopper Harrison Clarke Hubbard Gracie Lynn Huskin Benjamin Grady Irwin Nicolas Ben Keller Isaac Jisung Kim Dylan Gene Kimbro Jamie Elizabeth Koch Aaron Jeffrey Lancaster Joshua Michael Licona Franco Bryan Alexander Lopez Trejo Yair Axel Lopez-Hernandez Dayannelly Lopez-Santos Jason Mai

Daniel Ortiz Pina Cristal Osorio-Palacios Gladis Yarexy Pineda Byron Jquwan Poole Oscar Antonio Portillo-Mejia Connor Reed Proud Jordan Michael Proud David Isaul Ramirez-Mejia Jennifer Ramirez Jonathan Ramirez Juan De Dios Ramirez Giselle Rivera Abigail Mae Robertson William Frazier Ross Kyla Rose Russell Jaeda Sadler Briceyda Santana-Harrison Braden Kurt Schmid Kimberly Serrato-Serrato Maxwell Lane Sheppard Brent Anthony Sherman

‘l i f e t imers’ Celebrating Buford

Graduates of the Class of 2023 who have attended Buford City Schools since kindergarten

Madisyn Grace Christian Alyssa Paige Christopher Joshua Blake Cook Zara Deniz Crump Ycker Cruz Beltran Christopher Diaz Jonathan Diaz Joshua Levi Dinges Peter Dang-Kiet Dinh Kevin Alexis Duran Ava Katherine Eckert Mia Nicole Edmondson Magnus Augustus Erhardt Cole Stewart Fields Abigail Marie Foretic Jose Guadalupe Garcia Barroso Diego Garcia-Gomez Madison Lee Garmon Tyler Cole Gentry Triston Kade Gibson Star Alexie Gordon Shelby Renee Gowen

Emma Grace Manders Grace Callyn Martin Luke James Martin Brandon Martinez-Avila Daniela Sarai Martinez Josue Dagoverto Martinez Pamela Martinez Jeremiah Kwentae Maxey Edgar Ulises Mayo Joshua Thomas McCullough Eli Davis McElwaney Cade Aron McKee Ana Lucia Medina Alvarado Corbin James Mewborn Andrew Vasily Mixon Teresa Lauren Moody Ashley Stephanie Morales Lane Jordan Mosley Joshua Cody Mott Jazmin Murillo-Almanza Michele Sarai Nunez-Navarro Zenova India Revea Odeh

Yun Li Sitton Anna Catherine Smith Skylar April Smith Arianna Riley Sok Kevin Roberto Solis-Arroyo Jamille Solis-Vega Jazmin La Ray Speight Brandon Parker Taliaferro Cole Sherwin Taylor Laney Grayson Taylor Megan Elizabeth Thompson Dean Sebastian Torovich Luke Michael Turner Jonathan Alexandro Vazquez-Carrillo Nicholas Edward Warnstrom Daygan Gabrielle Wasson Lindsey Marie Wehunt Charlotte May Whitmire Joshua Kyle Williams Abigail Reece Wright Audrey Peterson Zachman Adam Victor Zubar

Twins Grace and Luke Martin hold a photo from their pre-K graduation in 2010. Grace and Luke are Buford “Lifetimers,” Class of 2023 graduates who attended Buford City Schools from kindergarten through their senior year.

TraditionS

VARIETY

One of the longest-standing traditions at Buford H celebrated 30 years of bringing choral students’ t In keeping with the 2023 theme “Rain or Shine,” such as “Here Comes the Sun,” “Pocketful on Sun the Rain,” “Over the Rainbow,” and more.

Showing Off school spirit

“One of the most significant BHS traditions that I was a part of was being involved in the football games as a Band of Wolves member. I will always remember playing stands’ tunes and screaming all the different chants during those Friday nights with my fellow members, jumping and dancing in the bleachers while cheering on our team.”

LEAVING

a light on

— Maya Joshi, Class of 2023

Creating art

At the start of each baseball season, the team turns on a light that remains lit until the season ends. The light shines on a wolf head logo on the locker room floor.

for an annual coloring book For the past six years, students at Buford High School have contributed original artwork to an annual coloring book created and sold by the National Art Honor Society. Proceeds from sales go to fund a scholarship for a senior. “I think traditions such as these keep students interested and excited to be in our programs,” said Kim Barge, visual arts teacher and NAHS sponsor. “They need familiarity and something to look forward to.”

Coloring page by Pamela Martinez

76TH ANNU

Miss Buf

PAGEAN

Coloring page by Zara Crump

Mara Eva Cline was crowned Miss Buford annual pageant held Sept. 24, 2022, at Arts Center. The pageant is the primary fu ral Music Department, providing vocal m for students. The longstanding tradition i Pageant with a Purpose.”

SHOW Nick

Warnstrom

High School, the annual Variety Show talent to the Performing Arts Center stage. students performed weather-related songs nshine,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Set Fire to

UAL

ford

NT

d during the 76th the Performing undraiser for Chomusic scholarships is known as “A

PASSING

the shield

The baseball team carries a shield symbolizing unity to every game. Players who receive the shield pass it on to other players they believe to be deserving.

Jami

Solis Vega For three consecutive

each fourth-year A D D I N G years, art student has been to create a 24” x T O T H E invited 36” canvas to be confor display in the S E N I O R sidered school’s hallways. Submis-

ART

GALLERY

sions are evaluated based on completion, creativity, and skill, and the best artwork is selected for permanent display. This year, eight pieces were added to the senior art gallery.

Delivering letters of encouragement “One tradition that the BHS cross country program has carried on for well over a decade now is surprising our runners with written letters before the state championship meet. This tradition ... started in the fall of 2008 and has been continued every year since then. Every athlete that travels to the state championship meet receives letters. We reach out to friends, family members, teachers, coaches, administrators, community members, etc., and ask them to write letters of encouragement to our runners leading in to the state meet and we give them to our runners the day before the state championship race! It has been a very cool tradition in our program and something that means a lot to our runners! The runners typically open them and read them on the bus ride to the state meet and it’s a really cool way for them to see just how many people around our community are thinking of them and supporting them. It’s very inspiring and encouraging and a great reminder of how special our community in Buford is! Our runners work so hard to get to the state championship meet, so it is a tradition that makes the entire experience special and memorable for them.”

— Cross country coach Matthew Johnson

Celebrating senior theater students “As a member of theatre at Buford, one of my favorite traditions is the Senior Rose Ceremony. Essentially, each senior picks an underclassman to write a small speech about them and present them with a rose on the day of our final show. The senior then gets to share their experience in the program and how much it has affected them. I have been to three (freshman year couldn’t happen because of COVID) and they really help everyone feel very connected and they act as a nice send-off for the seniors. I presented a rose last year and this year I got to give my senior speech, so this tradition definitely means a lot to me.”

— Luke Riza, Class of 2023

Academics

“

2022-2023 SCHOOL RANKINGS AND HONORS

May your future be filled with joy, purpose, and a

profound appreciation for the traditions

”

that have helped to make you who you are.

Buford High School Class of 2023,

Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your lives! Although your high school experience was unique and often non-traditional, your class confronted each challenge head-on and continued to diligently pursue AAA Excellence.

As a result, the Class of 2023 is leaving an outstanding legacy to carry forward.

As you look ahead to the future and prepare to go your separate ways, know that you will always have a special bond through the traditions you experienced together during your high school journey. Senior prom, the Homecoming parade and dance, sporting events, fine arts performances, pep rallies, Benchmark week, and the Graduation ceremony are just a few of the numerous traditions that helped define your time as a Buford Wolf. Cherish these traditions as they created a sense of unity and provided the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments, honor your community, and create lasting memories. Remember the lessons you have learned from these traditions and the values such as integrity, perseverance, teamwork, and compassion they have instilled in you. Hold on to these values and let them guide you as you make a positive impact on the world around you. However, just as you believe in the power of traditions to shape you, do not let them restrain you. Embrace the excitement of new beginnings and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead of you.

Congratulations on the many successes you have already experienced! May your future be filled with joy, purpose, and a profound appreciation for the traditions that have helped to make you who you are. I am so very proud of all that the Class of 2023 has accomplished, and it has been my pleasure to have played a small role in your time at Buford High School. I am confident that you can do anything that you desire and cannot wait to see all that you will achieve in the future.

Ms. Lisa Cole Senior Class Sponsor Buford High School

• Buford High School ranked No. 1 Best High School for Athletes in Georgia • BHS ranked No. 3 Best Public High School in Gwinnett County

Buford High School ranked 20th of 429 high schools in Georgia

ADVANCED PLACEMENT HONORS • 2023 AP School of Distinction — School with at least 20% of the total student population taking AP exams and at least 50% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher • 2023 AP Humanities School — School with a minimum of five students testing in each of the following AP categories — one ELA course, two history/social science courses, one fine arts course, and one world language course • 2023 AP Humanities Achievements School — AP Humanities school with at least 50% of all AP Humanities exams earning scores of 3 or higher • 2023 AP STEM School — School with a minimum of five students testing in at least four AP STEM courses, including AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles • 2023 AP STEM Achievement School — AP STEM school with at least 50% of all AP STEM exams earning scores of 3 or higher

AP COURSE PARTICIPATION • 250 seniors, or 66%, of the Class of 2023 took at least one AP course • 202 seniors, or 53.3%, of the Class of 2023 took at least two AP courses • 165 seniors, or 43,5 percent, of the Class of 2023 took three or more AP courses

TESTING • Average SAT score for graduating seniors: 1172 • Average ACT score for graduating seniors: 24.1

*Scores are unofficial until released by ACT in fall 2023

Best wishes, graduates, as you begin to write the next chapter of your story.

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

Junior & Sharon Flanigan

4400 S. Lee St., Buford, GA www.flaniganfuneralhome.com

Class of 2023 Awards Night Honorees Each school year, Buford High School seniors are recognized for their hard work and dedication to excellence. On May 17, 2023, seniors of the Class of 2023 were honored for their achievements during the annual awards night ceremony, an academic tradition of recognizing seniors’ accomplishments. These seniors joined award recipients before them in being recognized for their individual talents and successes. The following is a portion of the script from the awards night ceremony.

2023 DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS At this time, we will present Departmental Awards 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. A faculty representative from each department or area of study will come forward to make each presentation.

——— This year’s recipient of the Instrumental Music Award is presented to one of the most committed and hard-working students that the band directors have ever taught. She has participated in all facets of the band program and has shown incredible growth as a performer and a leader of the past four years.

She has continuously stepped outside her comfort zone to face challenges head-on. Her Jamie Koch presence in the band program will definitely be missed next year! The Instrumental Music Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to JAMIE KOCH. ——— The Choral Music Award is being presented to a student who always works hard to uplift her fellow singers. She is encouraging and always engaged. Additionally, she is the first student in several years to be honored as a five-year All-State student, meaning she qualified for All-State Chorus every year Teresa Moody that she was eligible, a huge honor and accomplishment. The Choral Music Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to TERESA MOODY. ——— The young man receiving the Theatre Award tonight has been a hard worker who has been dedicated to the theater department.

This fall, he demonstrated a huge shift in his commitment of time and energy to his

theatrical work. Joseph Pearce once said, “To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” This student has demonstrated how life can change when you step out of your box. The Theatre Award for the Class of 2023 is pre- Jack Hall sented to JACK HALL. ——— This year’s Visual Arts Award is presented to a fourth-year art student who is currently enrolled in AP Art. She is an active member of the National Art Honor Society with over 20 community service hours. She had the opportunity to spend two weeks in Europe seeing art in France and Spain. She Zara Crump is an excellent student and artist that will go on to achieve amazing things.

The Visual Arts Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to ZARA CRUMP. ——— The Dance Award recipient has been a member of Advanced Dance and Competition Dance for four years and she was a member of the inaugural Spirit Dance team this year. She is a hard worker and an indispensable leader in the dance program, serving as co-captain for both the competition and spirit teams. She is a phenomenal dancer who lights Avery Hardee up the stage every time she steps on it; she will definitely continue to find success as she moves on to perform at the collegiate level. The Dance Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to AVERY HARDEE. ——— The Business and Finance Award is being presented to an amazing student who gives 100% in learning and leading. With his initiative and leadership, he has helped grow FBLA membership to 130 members. He has remained a stellar student, a dual-pathway completer, and a 4-year officer for FBLA, all while holding down a part-time Jack Jensen job throughout most of high school. He will continue his education next year at the University of South Carolina. The Business and Finance Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to JACK JENSEN. ———

The Computer Science Award is being presented to a student who was instrumental in establishing the FBLA eSports fundraiser event. As a first-year student in the Game Design Pathway, this student dedicated endless hours to organizing the inaugural eSports Competition. His passionate and creative ideas have provided a new annual event for Game Design students. With hopes David Lee of pursuing a career in STEM, this student has excelled in both Intro and AP Computer Science. The Computer Science Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to DAVID LEE. ——— The inaugural Criminal Justice Award is being presented tonight to a student who is a natural leader and who impressively handles complex criminal justice topics and situations. She responds to questions in a thoughtful, respectful way with insight that sets her apart from most students.

She is always eager to gain an in-depth understanding of Corina Killian the criminal justice system and she plans to further her education in college as a Criminology/Criminal Justice major.

The Criminal Justice Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to CORINA KILLIAN. ——— The Education Award is being presented to a remarkable young lady that takes pride in every task. Whether in the classroom working with a student or working with her mentor teachers, she puts her unique stamp on each and every task. She is focused, detailed, passionate, and caring, and she will make a stellar teacher, hopefully back here Gabby Branche in Buford! The Education Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to GABBY BRANCHE. ——— The winner of the Nutrition and Food Science Award is a student who has been a part of the Nutrition and Food Science program throughout all four years of high school. After completing the Pathway her junior year, she spent her senior year as a work-based learning intern in the Foods Gladis Pineda classroom. She assists with

labs and she bakes items to sell in the Wolf Pack Cafe. She has been an active member of FCCLA, and she has been hands-on for numerous community service projects. She has grown into a strong leader and a dependable student. She plans to attend Lanier Tech next year and study phlebotomy. The Nutrition and Food Science Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to GLADIS PINEDA. ——— The Healthcare Science Award for Patient Fundamentals is being presented to a student who currently serves as president of HOSA. She successfully passed the national certification for Patient Care Technicians last year, and she excels in all that she sets out to accomplish. She was chosen to sing the National Anthem at this year’s HOSA State Leadership Conference. She won first Place in the State for Physical Therapy and she is a HOSA scholarship recipient. She epitomizes leadership and academic excellence and she is esteemed by those who have been fortunate enough to know her. In addition to being an excellent clinician Morgan Shaginaw and critical thinker, she has also excelled in the arts. Combining all of these passions, she will attend UGA in the fall to pursue a career in Music Therapy. The Patient Fundamentals Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to MORGAN SHAGINAW. ——— The Award in Physical Education is being presented tonight to a student who enrolled in weight training classes all four years of high school. Not only was she an integral part of the 7A State Championship softball team, but she was a leader in the weight room, demonstrating work ethic and an ability to push herself and her classmates each and every day. It has been awe-inspiring to see the dedication and leadership Olivia Duncan she demonstrates in class as she has continued to be the most consistent and hard-working student in the weight room during her senior year. The Physical Education Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to OLIVIA DUNCAN. ——— The Sports and Entertainment Marketing Award is being presented to a stellar student who has worked hard in the classroom by setting the standard for classroom presentations. She shows a true understanding of how marketing influences consumers to make purchasing decisions, and she has participated in DECA activities this year and will be competing at the DECA Tabitha Petersen

international competition soon. Additionally, she plans to major in marketing in college. The Sports and Entertainment Marketing Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to TABITHA PETERSEN. ——— The Healthcare Science Award for Sports Medicine is being presented to an excellent student and a true leader in the classroom.

She has been an athletic trainer student assistant for the past four years. She is very dependable and highly respected by her peers and teachers. She has a strong Kathryn Sterritt work ethic and will definitely make a positive impact on others as she pursues a career. The Sports Medicine Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to KATHRYN STERRITT. ——— The Video Technology Award is being presented to a Video Technology Pathway completer who has spent his senior year as a work-based learning student for the program.

He has shown a strong work ethic and has led several video projects for the school system and local businesses this year. He also creates graphics and runs the video scoreboards for BHS softball and baseball. His enthusiasm Sterling Burgess and leadership skills will definitely be missed. The Video Technology Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to STERLING BURGESS. ——— The Work-Based Learning Award is being presented to a stellar student who has achieved high academic standards in all his school efforts while also working an average of 20 hours a week at his job.

His accomplishments have been rewarded as he was promoted to a leadership position and selected as Employee of the Year. His manager says that if all his employees were like this Dylan Kimbro student, the business would run itself. This student is an excellent representative of both BHS and the Buford workforce community. The Work-Based Learning Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to DYLAN KIMBRO. ——— The Georgia Youth Apprenticeship Program was established to allow high school students to begin preparation for careers in fields requiring a highly-trained workforce, such as health care and education. Students in the program complete additional requirements with the Work-Based Learning program to qualify. Our next award winner has consistently received outstanding evaluations while also

maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA, being a dedicated athletic trainer, and working several additional jobs outside of school. She is an inspiration due to her strong dedication and work ethic. The Youth Apprenticeship Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to KATHRYN STERRIT. ——— The recipient of the English Department Award is presented tonight to someone who has excelled in Honors and AP Language Arts classes while also demonstrating her talents in writing and storytelling. She has served as a peer tutor in the BHS Writing Center, helping others improve their writing skills.

She earned the prestigious honor of being selected for the Governor’s Honors Program. She earned a 7A Literary State Championship this Anna Williams year in Personal Essay, and she was recently named the State Winner of the Georgia Young Authors Competition for her poem, “Streetlights.” To those who have taught her, it will be no surprise when her books appear on the New York Times Bestseller list one day! The English Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to ANNA WILLIAMS. ——— Tonight, the World Languages Department would like to honor a student who set a goal her freshman year to take Spanish all four years of high school; she succeeded, taking Spanish 2, Honors Spanish 3, Honors Spanish 4, and, this year, AP Spanish, one of the few non-native speakers in the course. This student has earned an impressive Teresa Metz 97% average across all of her high school Spanish classes. Her bubbly personality and passion for the culture makes her a worthy recipient. The World Language Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to TERESA METZ. ——— The Award for Excellence in Math is being presented tonight to a student who always challenges herself, especially in the field of mathematics. As a sophomore, she took a course that most seniors would be enrolled in — Calculus BC. As an AP statistics student last year, she was always exploring deeper connections within the material and her work was always at the top of the Erin Lim class. This year, she took a course through Georgia Tech that most math majors would take in their second or third year of college — linear algebra. The Math Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to ERIN LIM. ———

The recipient of the Science Department Award is a senior who has excelled in every science course she has taken, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and AP Physics 1. She is a dedicated student with a tenacious work ethic; she is always thoroughly prepared for class and continually demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic Ronolla Joseph attitude. Her intellectual curiosity in science always sparks great questions, showing her desire to not only pursue a topic to a greater depth, but also investigate the ways in which she can apply her knowledge to the world around her. Her teachers unanimously agree that she is a student that makes them better because of her questions and her desire to know more.

The Science Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to RONOLLA JOSEPH. ——— The Social Studies Department is pleased to recognize a student who has taken five AP Social Studies courses and excelled in them all.

He is naturally gifted in academics and often makes quick work of even AP-level content. His other characteristics stand out even more: his willingness to communicate in class when discussing important issues and his obvious passion for social studies-related concepts. This student is an avid Jake Haley reader who often chooses books of historical value or even pure philosophical works, often bringing these readings into class discussions.

The Social Studies Award for the Class of 2023 is presented to JAKE HALEY. ——— The Governor’s Honors Program is a four-week summer intensive program designed to provide intellectually gifted and artistically talented students with challenging and enriching educational opportunities. Activities are designed to provide participants with the skills,

knowledge, and attitudes to become independent, lifelong learners. Last summer, one member of the BHS Class of 2023 participated in the Governor’s Honors Program in the area of Communicative Arts, and we would like to recognize ANNA WILLIAMS at this time.

——— The purpose of the Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition is to encourage students to develop enthusiasm for and expertise in their writing, to provide a context to celebrate their writing success, and to recognize students’ achievements in arts and academics. This prestigious competition has been engaging Georgia students for more than two decades. Entrants are first selected at a school-based competition.

School winners move on to a RESA district competition, and district winners move on to the state competition. This year, Buford High School is proud to recognize our state-level winner. Congratulations to ANNA WILLIAMS. Anna’s entry, a poem entitled “Streetlights,” has earned the distinction of being selected as the best work by any 12th-grade student in the entire state for the Class of 2023.

——— Recently, the Georgia Department of Education selected a student from our ESOL program as one of the most Exemplary English Learners in the state. In order to earn this award, the student must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and demonstrate leadership qualities, a commitment to succeed, and exemplary character. At this time, we Javier Angule Betancourt would like to recognize JAVIER ANGULO BETANCOURT for this distinction. Javier arrived at BHS from Venezuela in October 2021 speaking very little English. He took advantage of every opportunity available both socially and academically. He trained and worked out with the soccer team, was heavily involved in all of his classes, and studied English online after school and on the weekends. By the end of his junior year, he was

recommended for honors classes. He continued his drive and desire to learn more. He has completed his senior year with all A’s, scored high enough on his English Proficiency exam to exit the ESOL program, and he will be graduating with an overall GPA of 3.98. Congratulations, Javier!

——— The STAR Student is the member of the Senior Class who has earned the highest SAT score. This year, Buford High School is proud to recognize ERIN LIM as the STAR Student.

Erin scored an impressive 1590 on the SAT. As STAR Student, Erin had the opportunity to select the teacher who has been most influential to her as the STAR Teacher. Erin selected her Physics teacher, BRENT LEITSCH, as her STAR Teacher. Congratulations to Erin and Mr. Leitsch!

——— On behalf of the Academic Booster Club, I would now like to reveal the names of the top two students in the Class of 2023. The Salutatorian for the Class of 2023 is ERIN LIM. Erin is the daughter of Kyunghee Lim and Yongwook Lim. Erin participates in Beta Club, Key Club, Math Club, National Honor Society, and she plays the violin in the orchestra. She also serves as a math tutor. She plans to attend Duke University and major in biomedical engineering in hopes of becoming a cancer researcher.

The Valedictorian for the Class of 2023 is MAYA JOSHI. Maya is the daughter of AJ and Prithi Joshi. Maya has attended Buford City Schools since third grade.

She is a three-year member of marching band and serves as one of the vice presidents of Mu Alpha Theta. She is also a weekly volunteer at CatRangers. Maya plans to attend Georgia Tech Maya Joshi and major in chemical and biomedical engineering with a concentration in biotechnology. She hopes to pursue a career in pharmaceutical engineering.

Congratulations to Erin and Maya!

National Merit Scholars Each October, 11th graders nationwide take the PSAT with the hopes of being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This year, several members of Buford High School’s Class of 2023 have been recognized.

The following senior has been named a National Merit Finalist, having earned a PSAT score in the Top 1% of the nation.

Caleb Ledford The following seniors 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 2021.

Jake Haley Ben Irwin

Sophia Lee Erin Lim

Gaurav Nandyala Luke Riza

Morgan Shaginaw Samuel Son

The following seniors have been named College Board National Scholars for African-American, Hispanic, and/or Indigenous students. These awards are presented for overall academic achievement combined with top 10% performance on the PSAT and/or outstanding scores on AP exams.

Alexander Aguirre Mariana Borja

Zuri Nava Jami Solis

Julius Spencer Isis Davis

Ronolla Joseph Teniola Oshin

Gabby Tyson Anna Williams

AP Scholars Each July, the College Board releases the names of students who have been designated as AP Scholars. These students have demonstrated excellence by posting impressive scores on the nationally-recognized Advanced Placement exams. These awards are based on AP scores through the end of students’ junior year.

The following seniors are AP Scholars with Distinction for the Class of 2023 and have earned an average AP score of at least 3.5 and scores of 3 or higher on five or more AP exams.

Alexander Aguirre Lila Cheek Dillon Dombroski Erica Dorsey Lilli Engledow

Magnus Erhardt Carter Hales Jake Haley Jack Hall Jameson Hynds

Tedra Ibegbulam Ben Irwin Noah Johnson Ronolla Joseph Maya Joshi

Jamie Koch Aaron Lancaster Caleb Ledford Sophia Lee Erin Lim

Gaurav Nandyala Zuri Nava Ashton Persall Brice Reynolds Ceci Risley

Luke Riza Morgan Shaginaw Lofton Smith Samuel Son Brandon Taliaferro

Amber Um Nicholas Warnstrom Anna Williams

The following seniors are AP Scholars with Honor for the Class of 2023, earning an average AP score of at least 3.25 and scores of 3 or higher on four or more AP exams.

Hailey Aycock Hayden Bailey Ray Choi Zara Crump

Olivia Duncan Caroline Echols Diana Hanea Kate Harkness

Harrison Hubbard Nick Keller Isaac Kim Daniela Martinez

Catherine Metz Teresa Metz Teresa Moody Jenny Nguyen

Teniola Oshin Amanda Presley Keren Rey Kendall Stanciel

James Troutt Adam Vogel

The following seniors are AP Scholars for the Class of 2023 who have earned a score of 3 or higher on at least three AP exams.

Ashley Ackerman Annika Bouton Gabby Branche

Ivi Camilo Drew Davidson Hannah Davidson

Joseph Davis Mia Edmondson Lillian Gleaton

Will Hatzilias Caleb Hedges Jack Jensen

Evan Jones Jason Mai Luke Martin

Nash Perry Will Ross Yun Sitton

Anna Cate Smith Kathryn Sterritt Megan Thompson

Honor Graduates The following seniors earned an academic weighted percent of at least 95.00, unrounded, during their four years at Buford High School. They each received a certificate, an academic bar, and a $100 award from the Academic Booster Club.

Ashley Ackerman Alexander Aguirre Marissa Ashton Drew Avant Hailey Aycock Hayden Bailey Cadence Boozer Mariana Borja Annika Bouton Gabby Branche Sela Brannan Dex Brewster Jenna Brown Ivi Camilo Hailey Carefoot Gracie Carey

Emma Chafin Lila Cheek Ray Choi Caroline Church Davis Church Gracey Conaway Jada Crook Drew Davidson Hannah Davidson Joseph Davis Debora DeLoera-Romo Dillon Dombroski Erica Dorsey Chantelle DSilva Olivia Duncan

Caroline Echols Mia Edmondson Lilli Engledow Magnus Erhardt Kennedy Farmer Shelby Gowen Carter Hales Jake Haley Diana Hanea Avery Hardee Kate Harkness Will Hatzilias Alex Henkle Beckham Hunter Jameson Hynds Tedra Ibegbulam

Ben Irwin Grace Johnson Noah Johnson Ronolla Joseph Maya Joshi Nick Keller Isaac Kim Jamie Koch Aaron Lancaster Caleb Ledford David Lee Sophia Lee Erin Lim Carson Lipscomb Jason Mai Katherine Marszalek

Daniela Martinez Matthew Maurer Madison McCoy Eli EcElwaney Teresa Metz Andrew Mixon Teresa Moody Jazmin Murillo-Almanza Zuri Nava Jenny Nguyen Teniola Oshin Alyssa Pajado Vaughn Palmer Nash Perry Ashton Persall

Tabitha Petersen Reece Pomerantz Amanda Presley Brice Reynolds Luke Riza Abigail Robertson Will Ross Morgan Shaginaw Max Sheppard Yun Sitton Lofton Smith Jami Solis-Vega Samuel Son Ryan Stephens Kathryn Sterritt Morgan Sudderth

Brandon Taliaferro James Troutt Luke Turner Amber Um Ana Ventura Adam Vogel Evan Walker Nick Warnstrom Anna Williams Abby Wood Abby Wright Audrey Zachman

Academic Achievement The following seniors earned an academic weighted percent of at least 90.0, unrounded, over their four years at Buford High School. They each received a certificate and an academic bar or letter, as well as a $50 award from the Academic Booster Club.

Abigail Albert Christian Aluia Will Anderson Nathalia Anthony Carmelo Arellano Brian Benitez

Alex Bexho Lily Black Hadley Blankenship Samantha Brody Sterling Burgess Emma Castorri

Madisyn Christian Korbin Clack Mara Eva Cline Zara Crump Polly Cummings Alexandra Do

Tyler Dushane Cole Fields Abigail Foretic Jose Garcia Barroso Madison Garmon India Garvin

Ty Gentry Lillian Gleaton Leyton Grothe Jack Hall Sydney Harris Justice Haynes

Trinity Haynes Jack Jensen Jayce Johnson Evan Jones Jonah Kicklighter Dylan Kimbro

Isaac Lee Bryan Lopez Trejo Emma Manders Grace Martin Luke Martin Arman Maxatov Joshua McCullough

Catherine Metz Victoria Mitchell Grace Moon Joshua Mott Eunece Nam Gaurav Nandyala Michele Nunez-Navarro

Hunter Phillips Enjoli Pierre Keren Ray Cici Risley Annabelle Rosario Kyla Russell Brent Sherman

Anna Cate Smith Julius Spencer Kendall Stanciel Reese Stanford Ashley Sturzoiu Mckinlee Talbee Laney Taylor

Tin Thai Joshua Thomas Shep Thompson Megan Thompson Benny Tong Dean Torovich Aminatta Tulay

Gabby Tyson Jonathan Vazquez-Carrillo Bella Venable Daygan Wasson Madison Welch-Voltz Charlotte Whitmire Joshua Williams

of North Gwinnett, which also presented a $1,000 scholarship to Anna Cate Smith • Masonic Lodge #292 awarded $,1000 scholarships to Shelby Gowen and Julius Spencer

• Five scholarships in the amount of $1,000 donated by Bare Bones were presented to Erica Dorsey, Morgan Sudderth, Katherine Marszalek, Teresa Metz, and Matthew Maurer

was awarded to Diana Hanea • Metal Building Associates awarded $1,000 scholarships in memory of Pete Thigpen to Lila Cheek, Evan Walker, Ryan Stephens, Hayden Bailey, and Adam Vogel

• Buford Lions Club presented the following scholarships — in memory of Laveece Martin, an award of $1,000 to Christian Butler; in memory of Roscoe Hartley, an award in the amount of $1,000 to Corina Killian; in memory of Harold Hannah an award of $1,000 goes to Luke Riza; also in memory of Harold Hannah, an award of $500 was presented to Mariana Borja; in memory of Bob Riordan, an award of $1,000 was given to Paul Mubenga

• A $500 scholarship from Freeman Plumbing awarded to Caleb Ledford

• The fund donated by the architectural firm of Breaux & Associates awarded $1,000 scholarships to Caroline Church, Tabitha Petersen, Mia Edmondson, Emma Chafin, and David Lee

Scholarship AWARDS • Zara Crump received the National Art Honor Society Visual Arts Scholarship for $400

ship Program to present a $1,000 award to Morgan Shaginaw

• Buford Band of Wolves scholarships for $500 were presented to Eunece Nam, Audrey Zachman, Jackson Bare, and Jamie Koch

• The Buford Youth Cheerleading Association awarded a $500 scholarship to Anna Cate Smith and a $2,000 scholarship to Shelby Gowen

• A Buford Band of Wolves scholarship in the amount of $750 was awarded to Ray Choi

• Buford Youth Football Association Scholarships were presented to Tayshaun Pittman and Ian Chandler

• Teresa Moody received the Buford Choral Music Vocal Scholarship of $1,000 • Keren Ray was the 2023 recipient of the Theater Education Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 • Musical Theater Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each were presented to Mara Eva Cline and Grace Johnson • A $1,000 Theater Scholarship was presented to Luke Riza • A Technical Theater Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 was awarded to Zara Crump • Samantha Brody was the recipient of the 2002 Alumnus — Mark Mathis Memorial Vocal Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 • A Career and Technical Education scholarship for $500 was awarded to Abigail Wood • The Georgia HOSA Scholarship for $500 was presented to Morgan Shaginaw

• In memory of Mr. Robert Bell, the Wiley-Watson Foundation scholarships in the amount of $500 each were awarded to Uzoamaka Tedra Ibegbulam, Ronolla Joseph, Corina Killian, Shaniya Magee, Paul Mubenga, Oluteniola Oshin, Tayshaun Pittman, and Julius Spencer • Two $1,000 awards from the Wiley-Watson Foundation were presented to Christian Butler and Jaeda Sadler • Olivia Ouimet Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Carson Lipscomb • The 1969 alumnus Steve Merritt Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 was presented to Teresa Moody • Jeremy Nelson Memorial Scholarships for $1,000 each were awarded to Kirby Wallis, Anna Cate Smith, Aiden Jeter, and Ivi Camilo • Mara Eva Cline was presented a $500 scholarship as Miss Buford

• Buford Business Alliance awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Dexter Brewster

• The North Georgia Spine Center awarded scholarships of $500 each to Ivy Camilo, Christian Butler, and Mariana Borja

• The Greater Buford Basketball Association presented scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each in honor of 1993 alumnus Conley Earls to Enjoli Pierre, Julius Spencer, and Abigail Wood

• Chick-Fil-A Leadership Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each were given to Shep Thompson, Alex Henkle, Brice Reynolds, Brandon Taliaferro, and Nicholas Warnstrom

• Buford City Schools partnered with the American Red Cross High School Scholar-

• Abigail Wood and Christian Butler received $500 scholarships from the Kiwanis Club

• Recipients of the 2000 alumnus — Ryan Daniel Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each were Cole Taylor, Teresa Moody, Davis Church, Anna Cate Smith, Christian Butler, Avery Hardee, Kimberly Christian, Nathalia Anthony, and Brian Lopez • The 2009 alumnus — Devin Durden Memorial Scholarship of $500 was presented to Julius Spencer • Teresa Moody received the 1967 alumna — Judy Perkins Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 • The Adam Smith Memorial Foundation awarded $2,000 scholarships to Christian Butler and Avery Hardee • The Maximum Effort and Heart for Others Scholarship for Inclusive Learning in the amount of $5,000 was awarded to Steven Russell • The Buford City Schools Foundation Scholarship Fund awarded the following scholarships on behalf of donors: • $1,000 scholarships donated by L.H. Hearn II to Andrew Davidson, Olivia Duncan, and Eli McElwaney

• Six $1,000 scholarships from Republic Services presented to Dillon Dombroski, Caroline Echols, Kate Harkness, Nash Perry, Sela Brannan, and Madisyn Christian • The annual Buford Yellow Jacket Scholarship for $2,000 awarded to Aaron Lancaster • Classic Auto Rides scholarships for $1,000 presented to Cadence Boozer and Joshua Williams • Willard Wrecker Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 awarded to Amber Um, James Troutt, Isaac Kim, Abigail Robertson, Amanda Presley, Abigail Wright, Jazmin Murillo-Almanza, Vaughn Palmer, Will Ross, Daniela Martinez, Abbey Moore, Grace Conaway, Debra DeLoera-Romo, Cade McKee, Joshua Cook, Skylar Smith, Ana Ventura, Emma Manders, and Jayce Johnson • $1,000 scholarships from BBC Investment Group to Jake Haley, Hannah Davidson, Joseph Davis, Noah Johnson, and Grace Martin • The Buford Schools Foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to Caleb Ledford, Jason Mai, Kathryn Sterritt, Beckham Hunter, Chantelle DSilva, Alexander Aguirre, Grace Johnson, Jenna Brown, Jada Crook, Drew Avant, Reece Pomerantz, Emma Chafin, Hailey Carefoot, Uzoamaka Tedra Ibegbulam, Ashton Persall • The Brown Family presented $1,000 scholarships to the Madison Garmon, Avery Hardee, Halle Gunter, Lane Mosley, Garrison James and Sydney Austin • The Cain Electric Scholarship for $1,000

• The Rick Hendricks Chevrolet Scholarship Fund awarded $1,000 scholarships to Erin Lim, Lilli Engeldow, Nicholas Keller, Jenny Nguyen, Carter Hales, Audrey Zachman, Alyssa Pajado, Gracie Carey, Max Sheppard, Ashton McElhannon, Hadley Blankenship, Andrew Mixon, Zuri Nava, Luke Martin, Hailey Muglia, Ajae Zamora, Laney Taylor, and Luke Waller • $1,000 awards from the Buford Mall of Georgia Ford Scholarship Fund were presented to Magnus Erhardt, Sophia Lee, Gabby Branche, Ray Choi, Madison McCoy, Jameson Hynds, Jami Solis-Vega, Marissa Ashton, Will Hatzilias, Yun Sitton, Annika Bouton, Kennedy Farmer, Ashley Ackerman, Cole Fields, Lillie Hopper, Braden Schmid, Gabby Tyson, and Dylan Kimbro • The Nun-Watson-Bell Education Fund, formed by Phillip Beard, Buford city commissioner and school board chairman, presented $1,000 scholarships to Teresa Moody, London Williams, Lane Mosley, Cole Taylor, and Anna Cate Smith • Northeast Georgia Superintendent’s Scholarship sponsored by Charles Black Construction presented 13 scholarships of $1,000 each to Maya Joshi, Ben Irwin, Hailey Aycock, Anna Williams, Lofton Smith, Sydney Harris, Matthew Canavan, Ronolla Joseph, Jamie Koch, Luke Turner, Oluteniola Oshin, Samuel Son, and Charlotte Whitmire

To the outstanding Class of 2023, we are so proud of your tremendous accomplishments, and we wish you the very best in your future endeavors! ­— Matt Peevy and Family —

Our high school interns write their own success stories The NGV Internship Program helps foster the next generation of journalists by providing eligible Buford High School students the opportunity to learn skills that will prepare them for their venture into adulthood and independence.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Inspiring today’s youth to become tomorrow’s responsible journalists “If not for my internship with the North Gwinnett Voice, I would have never cemented my passion for journalism. I felt honored to wear my press badge around the city of Buford, and I treasure the connections that I made with people and businesses through interviews. To this day, I still get a rush when assigned a new story.

Working with the North Gwinnett Voice placed me far ahead of my (college) peers; while others struggled in our upper-level courses, having trouble with AP style and story structure, I excelled.

“Being an intern at the North Gwinnett Voice was an incredible opportunity to step outside my comfort zone as an individual. I received invaluable guidance and knowledge that gave me the experience to step into the workforce and the confidence to go after my dreams.

— Hayden Wiggs, Class of 2018

— Amy Davis, Class of 2019

“My internship at the North Gwinnett Voice ... provided me with a unique opportunity for involvement in my community, as I got the chance to attend and write about local people and organizations doing great things.

Most importantly, however, my internship with the North Gwinnett Voice helped me discover my passion for Journalism.”

“I began as a student intern for the North Gwinnett Voice in the midst of a global pandemic, and despite challenges and obstacles I may have faced, it has ended up being one of the best opportunities I have had in my life. Throughout the year, I have gotten to write articles on some of my best friends, my fellow classmates, and those who I have not spoken to before. It has helped me break out of my shell and forced me to go beyond my comfort zone.

— Torin Smith, Class of 2021

— Emily Hammond, Class of 2021

The internship program is made possible through the support of local businesses. Proceeds from this publication fund the program.

Athletics

JONY VAZQUEZ

KIRBY WALLIS

DAVIS CHURCH

MIKIAH GRAVES

“the uford ‘tradition’ o excellence ”

We wanted you to realize how much you have done to uphold

B

f

in athletics these last four years.

Seniors,

I am sure you are suddenly realizing how fast these last four years have gone by. You are about to move on to the next phase of your lives (work, college, military, etc.). We wanted you to realize how much you have done to uphold the Buford “tradition” of excellence in athletics these last four years. Here are a few of your accomplishments: • Football — Three State Championships (2020, 2021, 2022) • Softball — 2023 State Champions (11th championship in school history) • Volleyball — State Champions 2021, 2022, 2023 • Gymnastics — State Champions 2022, 2023 • Game Day Cheer — 2023 State Champions • Wrestling — Two State Championships, two State Runner-Up finishes • Girls Basketball — You advanced to the Final Four; won one state championship in your career • Boys Basketball — State runner-up last year • Track and Field — Boys second at state, girls fourth at state this year • Comp Dance — You placed fourth at state • Baseball — State Final Four in 2022 These are just a few of the tremendous accomplishments you seniors achieved in your four years. We had many other athletic programs that achieved high state level honors because of your dedication to BHS and preserving the tradition of success.

Best of luck to all in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Tom Beuglas Athletic Director Buford High School

192

seniors participated in athletics programs during the 2022-2023 school year

WINNING SPIRIT Game day cheer squad brings home first state championship

Buford’s game day cheerleading squad made school history this past season, winning the 2023 GHSA Class AAAAAAA State Championship.

The state competition, now in its fifth year, was held Feb. 24, 2023, at Columbus State University, where squads put forth their best efforts in leading a crowd to show spirit on game day.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be state champions,” said head game day cheer coach Caroline Parker. “These cheerleaders devote so much of their time and energy to cheering on our amazing sports

teams and our community; they truly bleed Green and Gold. I am so glad they were able to be recognized at the state level for their hard work, school spirit, and community pride.”

During the competition, in the first round, three components are evaluated — a crowd-leading cheer, a fight song and a band chant — with various aspects considered, including synchronization, spirit, motion technique, execution and incorporation of skills such as stunting. Squads scoring the highest in these three areas advance to finals and then combine all three areas in

an additional three-minute routine.

Parker said in the final round, judges call out a scenario cheerleaders may see during a football or basketball game and the squad must call an appropriate “offense” or “defense” cheer to lead a crowd.

“There are some incredible cheerleading programs around us that also compete in this event, and we are just so honored to represent Buford as GHSA State Champions,” Parker said.

Senior Kate Harkness, a fouryear game day cheer squad member, said the support the cheerleaders received during the competition

was incredible.

“All the parents, coaches, and dance team were so loud and uplifting to us, and they made the experience that much better,” she said.

“I remember sitting in the hallway before the final round, and the team wasn’t even nervous! We were all excited to go out there and show off our routine, and that was something we’d never felt before.”

Harness was a member of the inaugural game day cheer squad her freshman year.

“Ending senior year with a state championship was just such an amazing experience,” she said.

SENIOR GAME DAY CHEERLEADERS EMMA CHAFIN | SHELBY GOWEN | KATE HARKNESS TORI MITCHELL | REESE STANFORD | MORGAN SUDDERTH

THREe-PEA champion

SYDNEY AUSTIN | DYLAN CUMMINGS SENIOR POLLY CUMMINGS | INDIA GARVIN | TRINITY VOLLEYBALL GRACE MOON | MADISON ROMANO | ASHLEY PLAYERS

EAT ns

S Y HAYNES Y STURZOIU

Senior volleyball player

Sydney Austin Winning back-to-back state championship trophies in GHSA Class AAAAAA in 2020 and 2021, Buford’s varsity volleyball team went into the 2022 season competing in a higher classification, Class AAAAAAA, the largest in Georgia. The Wolves’ dreams of a three-peat became a reality when they defeated Lambert High School on Nov. 5, 2022, at the LakePoint Sports Complex in Emerson to bring home a third consecutive state trophy.

“It was for sure the toughest match of our season,” said Hadli Daniels, director of volleyball operations for Buford, “but the girls were mentally and physically prepared, and with the leadership of our senior players, they were able to come out with the win.”

Eight graduating seniors were part of the 2022 championship team.

“This past season was definitely a memorable one for a few reasons,” Daniels said. “We had the most seniors we have ever had on a team, and many of them were on the State Championship teams in 2020 and 2021, but we weren’t sure how moving up to 7A was going to be. But honestly, all of the classifications have some really strong teams, so we thought the three-peat was possible, we just knew we would have to be playing our best volleyball by tournament time.”

Daniels had high praise for the senior varsity players and said they were each very different leaders on the court, a distinct advantage for the team throughout the season.

“Our captains were Polly Cummings, who was our setter, and led by keeping the team calm and focused, and Ashley Sturzoiu, who was definitely a lead by action type of player,” Daniels said. “She was our killer on the floor ... just hit the ... ball harder than anyone we have ever had.”

Senior middle blocker Sydney Austin was also a key player in the team’s offense.

“She was a force at the net,” Daniels said, “and

Ashley Sturzoiu

2022-2023 Gatorade Georgia Volleyball Player of the Year

whenever we needed a point, whether it be a block, kill, or ace, she came through for us. Our defense was stacked with seniors as well, with Dylan Cummings and Trinity Haynes playing crucial roles in the back row for us.”

Contributions from seniors in the state championship game included 22 kills from Sturzoiu, 19 kills from Austin and 54 assists from Cummings, who reached her 2,000th career assist during the matchup.

Sturzoiu was named the 2022-2023 Gatorade Georgia Volleyball Player of the Year. The award honors outstanding athletic excellence, high standards of academic achievement, and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field.

The 6-foot outside hitter led the Wolves to a 38-5 record for 2022 with 487 kills, a .457 kill percentage, 302 digs, 71 aces, and 20 blocks on the season. She was also named the 2022 MaxPreps Georgia Player of the Year in volleyball. She was also the state VolleyballMag Player of the Year and was named a MaxPreps FirstTeam All-American.

Sturzoiu graduated early to play volleyball at Mississippi State University.

SOFTBALL

Wolves

dominate season, state

The varsity softball team went 32-1 on its way to securing the 11th overall state championship in Buford High School history

Olivia Duncan

2022-2023 Gatorade Georgia Softball Player of the Year

With just one loss in 33 games, Buford’s varsity softball team dominated its 2022 season and continued a legacy of excellence in athletics by bringing home its 11th overall state trophy in school history.

The Wolves won the GHSA Class AAAAAAA State Championship on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Columbus, Georgia, by dismantling East Coweta High School 9-1 after going 4-0 against opponents.

Senior Olivia Duncan, a four-year starter for the Wolves, pitched seven innings of 3-hit, 1-run ball while striking out three in her 10th complete game of the season as senior Emma Castorri went 1-for-2 with two runs scored.

“It’s awesome,’’ Buford head coach Trent Adams said of the championship win. “I’m proud of these girls.

I’m proud of our school, our community, and our city.”

Buford’s previous softball state championships were won in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The 2022 state championship is

Buford’s first in Class AAAAAAA. “I want to thank the Board of Education and our city for what they do for these girls, our student-athletes,” Adams said. “It’s unbelievable how much they pour into them.”

The senior class, which includes Duncan, Castorri, Emma Manders, and Jenn Ramirez, has a high school career record of 116-24-1.

Duncan, a 5-foot-10, left-handed pitcher with a .325 batting average, eight home runs, 21 RBIs, 103 strikeouts and just six walks facing 339 batters in 87 innings in the 2022 season, was named the 2022-2023 Gatorade Georgia Softball Player of the Year. The award honors outstanding athletic excellence, high standards of academic achievement — Duncan maintained a 4.0 GPA — and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field.

Duncan will continue her academic and softball endeavors at the collegiate level with Clemson University.

SENIOR SOFTB OLIVIA DUNCAN

|

EMMA CASTORRI

BALL PLAYERS |

JENN RAMIREZ

|

EMMA MANDERS

RECORD B

Buford’s gymnasts bring home fifth state champ to support your team from the side,” Smith said. “So a tradition of winning for Buford looks like dedication and is in a perpetual state of what’s next ... what can we do better on events, in the stands, and in the classroom.”

Smith said her team’s motto is “clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.”

“It’s the reminder that gymnastics doesn’t have a traditional defense,” she said. “We cannot change what other teams do on the event. We can just prepare to be our best. While we are clear on our individual expectations, there is always a time to step up AND to step back to let a teammate shine when it is their time.”

In individual results in Class 6A-7A, senior Marissa Ashton, who plans to compete for San José State University in California this fall, placed first in allaround for the second consecutive year, as well as first on bars and beam. Ashton and fellow senior Lily Black tied for first place on floor, both scoring perfect 10s.

“Having our last two scores of the night as 10s was just incredible,” Smith said. “Especially for Lily, who has never scored a 10 before.”

Going into the 2023 GHSA Class 6A-7A State Championship, Buford’s gymnastics team held a school record of 113.9 points scored in state competition from the previous season, a season during which Buford won its fourth state title in the history of the gymnastics program.

In the 2023 competition, held over three days in mid-April at the Buford Arena, Buford’s gymnasts would surpass that school record, compiling 114.825 total team points to secure the fifth state title since the program’s inception in 2013.

“The state meet was one of those moments in sports where the hard work and the fun met in the most spectacular way,” said head gymnastics coach Tyler Ann Smith. “The girls wanted to be better than they were the year before and they crushed their team goal of a 114.0.”

Smith said the team called its goal to score 114 total team points its “9.5 mentality” because 12 scores of 9.5 would add up to reach their goal.

“We focused on the details of our routines, high difficulty skills, and know when it’s your time to shine versus when

Senior gymnast

Marissa Ashton

SENIOR GYMNASTS MARISSA ASHTON

|

LILY BLACK

|

HAILEY AYCOCK

SENIOR TEAM MANAGER REECE POMERANTZ

BREAKERS

pionship in program history

Senior gymnast

Lily Black

The Arts

“to this moment o achievement. ”

LUKE RIZA & MARIANA BORJA

EUNECE NAM

JACK HALL & MARA EVA CLINE

Perseverance and hard work have brought you

f

You are to be commended for this outstanding accomplishment.

Dear Fine Arts Seniors,

Congratulations to you upon reaching a significant milestone in your life! Your graduation from high school is an important step on your journey. You successfully reached this goal by prioritizing your time and energy. Perseverance and hard work have brought you to this moment of achievement. You are to be commended for this outstanding accomplishment.

It has been a joy to watch you represent our school system throughout these years. You have performed at countless concerts, shows, and competitions and have brought honor to yourselves and to our community. Your work has been judged to be superior at Literary meets, band competitions, Large Group Performance Evaluations, One Act Play events, and many auditions. You have entertained us at musicals, Variety Shows, Dance Concerts, and at our annual Community Holiday Concert. Thank you for all that you have given on the stage and behind the scenes. You are truly a remarkable group of seniors!

To whom much is given, much is expected. This community has poured an incredible education into you. Please take a moment to thank your family, your teachers, and others who have contributed so much to your opportunities. We are all so very proud of you and we wish you great success as you move on to the next chapter in your life. We will continue to cheer for you and we know that we will hear great things about you in the coming years!

Sincerely,

Dr. Chris Fowler Fine Arts Coordinator Buford City Schools

100

seniors participated in fine arts programs during the 2022-2023 school year, including 13 in band, 27 in chorus, 27 in dance, 24 in theatre, two in orchestra and seven in music technology

30

years of variety

Annual choral performance brings Buford community together to bond over music

Senior chorus member

Zara Crump

One of the longest standing traditions at Buford High School is the performing arts department’s Variety Show — the annual performance showcases the vocal talents of choral students.

The 2023 Variety Show, held April 29 at the Performing Arts Center, was Buford’s 30th performance.

“Our students have played to full auditoriums from the very beginning,” said Dr. Chris Fowler, fine arts coordinator for Buford City Schools. “The Variety Show has become a rite of spring in Buford for the Arts. The question that we heard for decades at the beginning of each school year was: ‘What is the theme of the show this year?’ It created an excitement in the community that was infectious.”

The theme for the 2023 show was “Rain or Shine,” and performances showcased weather-related tunes, including songs about sunshine, snow, rain, storms, and clear skies, such as “Here Comes the Sun,” “Raining Men,” “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Over the Rainbow,” and “It’s a Sunshine Day.” Graduating senior Teresa Moody, the Class of 2023 recipient of the Choral Music Award, participated in three Variety Shows during her four years at Buford. For “Rain or Shine,” she performed a solo rendition of the song “Tennessee Rain” by singer-songwriter Grant-Lee Phillips.

“These shows have been a constant in Buford for so long now and it was so special to be a part of it,” Moody said. “ … the Variety Show is a way for the community to bond over the art of music. People from all backgrounds and ages gather once a year to watch the annual Variety Show, and I see that as a way for our community to come together and unite. It acts as a way for people from different groups to interact with each other and agree over the uniqueness of the performance.”

Fowler said community support has remained consistent throughout the past three decades.

“The main thing that has remained consistent is the incredible support that our students have received,” Fowler said. “Our City Commission and Board of Education have given so much to provide world-class experiences for our students. Our students have been willing to pay the price to do great work. It is a demanding and time-intensive process to put a show together. The many hours of preparation are a large part of the learning process.

“The performance is the payoff, but the rehearsals are where the gold is mined,” he said.

Senior chorus member Grace Johnson

Senior chorus member

Chantelle D’Silva

really plays a big part “Tradition in the life of any Buford student.

— Luke Riza, Class of 2023

”

Katherine Marszalek and Caroline Echols

Ashton McElhannon

Davis Church, Hannah Johnson, Caroline Church, and Lily Black

Class o

Dayannelly Lopez

Emma Castorri, Olivia Duncan, and Emma Manders

Jackson Bare, Audrey Zachman

Lillian Hall

Gracie Huskin

of 2023

n, and Cody Anglin

Caroline Church and Davis Church

Ben Irwin

Lindsey Wehunt, Gracie Huskin, Connor Proud, and Jordan Proud

Be Your Favorite Self

Graduates of the Class of 2023, as your experiences at Buford High School and the celebrations and traditions that accompanied your graduation become past memories, we wish you success and happiness as you pursue the dreams and goals of your future. We encourage you to carry the traditions of Buford High School with you in mind and memory as you move forward in your life’s journey, and we encourage you to live in present moments. Graduates, go be your favorite self. Rather than your highest or best self, your favorite self leaves room for grace and growth. Be the version of yourself you like best in the moment.

Buford High School alumna

Emma Castorri Buford High School alumna

Emma Manders

Tradition Special thanks

Buford Board of Education — Phillip Beard, Bruce Fricks, Matt Peevy, Darren Perkins, and Kathleen Welch

Buford City Commission — Chairman Phillip Beard, Vice Chairman Chris Burge, and Commissioner Brad Weeks Bryan Kerlin, City Manager Melanie Reed, Buford City Schools Superintendent Teresa Hagelthorn, Buford High School Principal Dr. Tim Harris, Buford High School Assistant Principal Lisa Cole, Teaching and Learning/Senior Class Sponsor Abbie and Gracie Huskin Heather Adams

ON THE COVER: From left, Amy Denson Moody, Class of 1993, Teresa Moody, Class of 2023, and Ann Bailey Denson, Class of 1972 sit for a portrait in front of Buford High School.

— Photo by Natasha Zagrodnik — Magazine photos courtesy of Natasha Zagrodnik, Lily McGregor Photography, Cecil Copeland, Ed Turlington, and families of the graduates of the Class of 2023

The 2023 Buford High School Graduation Magazine is published by the North Gwinnett Voice, P.O. Box 1812, Buford GA 30515, NorthGwinnettVoice.com.

Jessica Wilson | Publisher • Deanna Allen | Editor/Creative Design • Jim Simpson | Copy Editor

7

Celebrating

Years

serving the community

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