Little League opening day parade brings Buford community together
BUFORD — Families, players and coaches lined the streets Saturday morning as the annual Little League Opening Day Parade made its way through downtown Buford, marking the start of another spring baseball and softball season.
Despite skies that threat-
ened rain, mild temperatures and strong attendance created an energetic atmosphere as teams wearing bright jerseys rode through the city in decorated trucks.
Parents, siblings and community members gathered along sidewalks to cheer while young athletes waved enthusiastically as banners representing each team rolled along the parade route.
The parade has become a long-standing tradition for many Buford families, signaling the arrival of spring and the start of another youth sports season. Players rode in trucks displaying their team names, tossing candy and greeting spectators who filled the downtown streets.
See PARADE Page 8
Buford baseball builds early momentum behind dominant pitching
highlighted by a three-game region sweep of Collins Hill and a historic outing on the mound.
BUFORD — Through the opening weeks of the 2026 season, the Buford Wolves baseball team has relied on a familiar formula: dominant pitching, disciplined defense and timely offense. The combination has helped Buford surge through its early schedule and build strong momentum as Region 8-6A play unfolds.
After navigating a competitive early slate that included tournament play and non-region matchups, the Wolves entered March in rhythm,
Buford’s season began with an early test against Parkview on Feb. 14. The Wolves fell behind 6–0 in the opening two innings before mounting a dramatic comeback.
Senior Javy Ojeda sparked the rally with a two-run home run in the third inning, and junior Payton Walker followed with an RBI single to cut the deficit in half.
Trailing by one run in the seventh inning, Buford completed the
Jason Martin
Sharon Stewart
Photo by Christian Stahl
Buford players gather for a team huddle before a game earlier this season. The Wolves opened the year 10–1 and began Region 8-6A play with a three-game sweep of Collins Hill.
Print preserves the record. Digital expands the reach.
While waiting to return to our regular print schedule with a new printer, I finally had the time to rebuild and update our website. What I learned quickly is that moving a news website isn’t as simple as flipping a switch and that a lot can shift during the process.
Behind the scenes, databases must transfer, media libraries reconnect and search engines must relearn the site. Sometimes timestamps change, categories reorganize or images stored on outside servers take time to reconnect. Even with careful planning, things move around while the system recalibrates.
For readers, a website refresh might look like a simple design change. But on the backend, it can feel more like moving an entire digital archive from one building to another while people are still trying to walk through the front door.
The process also reinforced something important: digital and print serve very different purposes in modern journalism.
Digital news moves quickly. It allows readers to search for information, find stories instantly and access coverage whenever they want. A Buford Wolves game recap can be read late at night, school board coverage can be found within seconds, and someone considering moving to North
ISSN: 2996-0177
Gwinnett can learn about the community before they ever arrive.
Digital provides speed, reach and accessibility. It connects readers with information in real time and allows local stories to travel far beyond city limits.
Print, however, serves a different role.
When we publish a story in the print edition of The North Gwinnett Voice, it becomes part of a permanent record. Those pages exist in homes, businesses, libraries and keepsake boxes across the community. Sports recaps, city council coverage and stories about local families become part of the documented history of North Gwinnett.
Years from now, those pages won’t suddenly change timestamps or lose formatting the way digital content sometimes can. They won’t disappear because a server was retired, a platform was replaced or a link stopped working.
Print doesn’t rely on servers, plugins or algorithms. It doesn’t break during a platform update or disappear behind a broken link. It simply exists, as it has for centuries.
Pick up a newspaper printed fifty or even one hundred years ago and you can still read the stories exactly as they were written. The ink may fade slightly with time, but the record remains intact.
That permanence is one of the reasons newspapers have long been considered the first draft of history.
They capture the daily life of a community, the victories, the challenges, the celebrations and the decisions that shape the place people call home.
If the day ever comes when newspapers are no longer printed, the stories already on those pages will still remain, preserved exactly as they were written long after the presses stop.
Digital and print are not competitors. They are partners that serve different purposes.
Digital drives traffic, helping readers find the information they need quickly and allowing stories to reach audiences that may never hold the physical paper in their hands.
Print preserves the record, capturing a moment in time and placing it permanently into the historical archive of a community.
Both matter. Because long after search rankings change and algorithms evolve, communities still deserve a record of their story.
And that story deserves to last.
- Jessica Wilson Publisher
Jessica Wilson | Publisher/Managing Editor jessica@northgwinnettvoice.com
Sharon Stewart | Community editor@northgwinnettvoice.com
Ashton Senter | Crime ashton@northgwinnettvoice.com
Jason Martin | Sports sports@northgwinnettvoice.com
Kelli Sierra | Buford staff@northgwinnettvoice.com
Grace Anne Johnson | Sugar Hill graceannejohnson@gmail.com
Jennifer Johnson | Advertising advertise@northgwinnettvoice.com
A P R I L 1 8 S Y L V I A B E A R D T H E A T R E
The following restaurant health inspection scores were compiled based on records from the Georgia Department of Public Health for locations in Buford, Flowery Branch, Suwanee and Sugar Hill between Feb.5 -Mar. 5, 2026.
Buford
Blue’s Jamaican Restaurant Jerk Center — 5370 Lanier Islands Parkway; 96 Cold Pressed Gwinnett — 11 Buford Village Way; 100
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — 4758 Friendship Road; 91
Dave’s Hot Chicken — 2925 Buford Drive; 90
Dunkin’ #358579 — 4803 Golden Parkway; 99
El Rinconcito 100% Guerrerence
Taqueria — 1625 Buford Highway NE; 90
Flying Biscuit Cafe — 2660 Mall of Georgia Boulevard; 92
Game Changer — 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway; 100
Golden Phoenix — 4850 Golden Parkway; 97
La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant — 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway; 92
La Madeleine — 1795 Mall of Georgia Boulevard; 74
Manor Lake – 2911 Hamilton Mill Road; 100
Popeyes — 3333 Buford Drive; 91
Quesitos Restaurant — 4450 Old Hamilton Mill Road; 98
Regency House of Buford — 4450 Old Hamilton Mill Road; 99
Sbarro — 3333 Buford Drive; 87
Starbucks at Target Store #1206 — 3205 Woodward Crossing; 94
Subway — 4977 Lanier Islands Parkway; 95
Taco Bell — 2422 Hancock Drive; 98
The Twisted Oar — 6900 Lanier Islands Parkway; 96
Vegreen — 2660 Mall of Georgia Bou-
levard; 89
White Oak Elementary — 6442 Suwanee Dam Road; 100
Flowery Branch
Branch House Tavern — 5466 McEver Road; 97
Cabos Mex Grill II — 7367 Spout
Springs Road; 91
Caroline’s on Main — 5518 Main Street; 86
Cherokee Bluff — 6603 Spout Springs Road; 100
Cherokee Bluff Middle School — 5458
Union Circle; 100
Chili’s Grill & Bar — 5851 Spout
Springs Road; 90
C.W. Davis Middle School — 4335
Falcon Parkway; 100
Flowery Branch Winery & Vineyard — 5773 Conner Road; 100
Hampton Inn & Suites — 4660 Holland Dam Road; 98
Johnny’s Pizza — 7363 Spout Springs Road; 70
McAvoy’s Cafe — 5540 Atlanta Highway; 97
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt — 5857 Spout Springs Road; 95
Papa John’s — 4605 Elk Ridge Court; 96
Tea Top — 3446 Winder Highway; 100
Waffle House — 3467 Mundy Mill Road; 92
Wendy’s #0400 — 4219 Martin Road; 100
Whistle Q — 5509 Main Street; 90
Whole Being Cafe — 5510 Main Street; 100
Sugar Hill
August Swine BBQ — 1150 Temple
Drive; 90
Frontera Mex Mex Grill — 5865 Cumming Highway NE; 97
Holbrook Assisted and Memory Living – 5135 W Broad Street; 83
Ramen Studio — 5019 W Broad Street; 96
Reveille Cafe — 5885 Cumming Highway NE; 100
Starbucks — 1170 Temple Drive; 98
Uptown Wings — 5192 Nelson Brogdon Boulevard; 91 Suwanee
98K Chicken and Pizza — 3255 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road; 84
Arby’s Restaurant — 2920 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road; 100
Burnette Elementary School — 3221 Burnette Road; 100
Collins Hill High School — 50 Taylor Road; 96
Cooley’s Pizza — 1120 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard; 100 Courtyard by Marriott — 310 Celebration Drive; 89
Crepes Square — 80 Horizon Drive; 94
Dunkin’ Donuts — 2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road; 93
IHOP — 3463-B Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road; 89
Jaws — 2700 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road; 88
Kisoya — 1291 Old Peachtree Road NW; 90
Kitchen Master — 3131 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road; 71
Level Creek Elementary — 4488 Tench Road; 100
Marco’s Pizza — 425 Buford Highway
NE; 86
Nature Village Restaurant — 302 Satellite Boulevard; 93
Seoul Seolleongtang — 1197 Old Peachtree Road NW; 88
Smoothie King — 3429 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road; 88
Soon’s Bakery — 2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road; 80 Umaido — 2790 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road; 91
Wasabi & Sushi — 1291 Old Peachtree Road NW; 100
Wise Coffee — 1095 Old Peachtree Road NW; 98
WNB Factory — 2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road; 81
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Sugar Hill recognized with three awards from event association
Grace Anne Johnson
SUGAR HILL
— The City of Sugar Hill received three honors at this year’s Kaleidoscope Awards presented by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association, recognizing excellence in festival and event programming across the Southeast.
Two of the awards were tied to the city’s annual Sugar Rush Arts Festival, one of Sugar Hill’s signature events that draws artists and visitors to the downtown area each spring.
Sugar Hill received the Best Event Website award for the Sugar Rush Arts Festival website, which provides information on participating artists, vendors, schedules and festival activities. The site helps promote the event and connect visitors with festival programming.
The city also received a Silver Award for Best Event T-Shirt, recognizing creative branding and merchandise associated with the festival.
In addition to the event honors, Sug-
ar Hill event manager Cam Coan was named Event Professional of the Year, an individual award recognizing excellence in event planning, coordination and innovation within the industry.
City officials said the awards reflect the combined efforts of city staff, volunteers, artists and community partners who help bring Sugar Hill’s events to life.
“These awards reflect the dedication of our events team and the enthusiasm of our residents and visitors,” city officials said in an announcement. “Our festivals continue to grow because of the incredible support from the community.”
The Sugar Rush Arts Festival has become a popular annual event in Sugar Hill, featuring visual artists, live demonstrations, food vendors and family-friendly activities throughout the city’s downtown area.
City leaders said the recognition from the Southeast Festivals and Events Association highlights Sugar Hill’s growing reputation as a destination for community events and cultural programming.
Gwinnett County Public Schools receives Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award
Sharon Stewart
GWINNETT — Gwinnett County Public Schools has been named a recipient of the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for 2026, recognizing organizations with some of the most engaged workplace cultures in the world.
The award, presented by Gallup, honors organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to employee engagement and workplace culture. District officials said the recognition reflects the school system’s efforts to ensure staff members feel supported and valued in their roles.
“Winning the Gallup Workplace Excellence Award two years in a row validates the work GCPS does to ensure our staff receive the support they need to feel safe, welcome and prepared to focus on teaching and learning,” said Cathy Hardin, Chief Human Resources Officer for Gwinnett County Public Schools.
Gallup’s analysis is based on data from more than 3.3 million employees across 347 organizations in more than 50 industries and 90 countries. The research identifies workplaces that demonstrate
strong employee engagement and organizational performance.
Organizations recognized with the award often outperform their peers in key measures such as productivity, employee retention, safety and overall workplace well-being.
District leaders said the recognition highlights the contributions of teachers, administrators and support staff across the school system.
Gallup has recognized organizations for exceptional workplace engagement for more than two decades, highlighting those that place employee development and workplace culture at the center of their organizational strategy.
According to Gallup, highly engaged workplaces share a common approach: leaders view employees as their greatest asset and invest in environments where staff members can use their strengths, contribute ideas and feel connected to a larger purpose.
Friends group forms to support potential new library in Sugar Hill
SUGAR HILL — A new community group is forming to support efforts to bring a full-service public library to the Sugar Hill area.
Sugar Hill Mayor Brandon Hembree is currently serving as the primary contact for the newly formed Friends of the Sugar Hill Library group while organizers work to recruit additional members.
The group was created to help build community support and awareness as the Gwinnett County Public Library System conducts an ongoing study and master planning process examining the possibility of opening a new full-service library in either Sugar Hill or Buford.
Supporters say the effort is intended to generate momentum and gather community input as the library system
evaluates future expansion options in the North Gwinnett area.
An informational meeting for residents interested in learning more about the initiative is scheduled for April 22, at 39th street station, E Center at Sugar Hill from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
The meeting will provide details about the study and outline ways community members can get involved.
Sharon Stewart
CRIME LOG
BUFORD AND SURROUNDING AREAS
The incidents listed below have been pulled from reports filed by the Gwinnett County Police Department, City of Suwanee Police Department, and the Hall County Sheriff’s Office throughout the month of Febuary 2026.
Buford
Assault and Violent Crimes
* Simple assaults were reported at the 2700 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard, the 4400 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard NE, the 000 block of Poplar Street NE, the 400 block of Ruth Court NE, the 1000 block of Arbor Grove Way NE, the 1600 block of Horizon Parkway, the 1700 block of Ivy Stone Court NE, the 2400 block of Tall Oak Drive NE, the 2800 block of Buford Drive NE, the 3300 block of Buford Drive NE, the 3400 block of Andover Way NE, the 4000 block of Spring Lake Circle NE, the 300 block of East Shadburn Avenue NE, the 600 block of West Jackson Street NE and the 2700 block of Falcata Court NE.
* Aggravated assaults were reported at the 3300 block of Buford Drive NE, the 2900 block of Buford Drive NE, the 2100 block of Kilgore Road NE and the 2900 block of Pebblebrook Drive NE.
* Forcible sodomy was reported at the 4200 block of Woodward Mill Road NE, the 000 block of Poplar Street NE and the 1800 block of Appaloosa Lane NE.
* A robbery was reported at the 1500 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard NE. False imprisonment was reported at the 4400 block of Friendship Road.
Theft and Property Crimes
* Motor vehicle thefts were reported at the 000 block of East Main Street and the 2500 block of Mill Center Parkway NE.
* Theft from a motor vehicle was reported at the 1200 block of Old Peachtree Road NE. Entering an automobile to commit theft was reported at the 4900 block of Lanier Islands Parkway.
* Theft of lost or mislaid property was reported at the 4900 block of Bristol Industrial Way.
* All other larceny incidents were reported at the 1200 block of Byrnhill Court NE, the 1400 block of South Richland Creek Drive NE, the 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard NE, the 2900 block of Buford Drive NE, the 3300 block of Buford Drive NE and the 2600 block of Buford Highway.
* False pretense, swindle or confidence game incidents were reported at the 1800
block of Appaloosa Mill Court NE, the 3100 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard NE, the 3100 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard NE, the 4100 block of Brynhill Lane NE, Buford Drive ay and the 600 block of Emerald Acres Way NE.
* Credit card or ATM fraud was reported at the 3400 block of Buford Drive NE.
* Shoplifting incidents were reported at the 1900 block of Buford Mill Drive NE, the 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard NE, the 3700 block of Buford Drive NE and the 4300 block of Buford Drive NE.
Drug and Alcohol Violations
* Drug or narcotic violations were reported at the 3300 block of Buford Drive NE, Mall of Georgia Boulevard and Woodward Crossing Boulevard and Buford Highway, the 4500 block of Cheeley Drive NE and Horizon Parkway and Satellite Boulevard.
* Driving under the influence was reported at the 300 block of Brett Drive NE and the 5400 block of Rolling Oak.
* Public drunkenness was reported at the 7000 block of Lanier Islands Parkway.
Property Damage and Other Incidents
* Vandalism or damage to property was reported at the 2900 block of Buford Drive NE, the 100 block of Arnold Street NE, the 800 block of Long Branch Circle NE, the 1800 block of Appaloosa Lane NE, the 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard NE, the 1400 block of Laurel Crossing Parkway NE, the 200 block of New Street NE and the 2800 block of Buford Drive NE.
* Criminal damage to property in the second degree was reported at the 3500 block of North Bogan Road.
* Criminal trespass was reported at the 6900 block and the 7000 block of Lanier Islands Parkway.
* Disorderly conduct incidents were reported at the 2800 block of Buford Drive NE, the 3500 block of Buford Drive
Sugar Hill
Assault and Violent Crimes
* Simple assaults were reported at the
900 block of Upland Ives Drive, the 1000 block of Level Creek Road NE, the 4600 block of Pine Tree Circle NE, the 5500 block of Princeton Oaks Lane NE and the 1400 block of Buford Highway NE.
Theft and Fraud
* False pretense or confidence game incidents were reported at the 1000 block of Level Creek Road.
* All other larceny was reported at the 4900 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard NE.
* Credit card or ATM fraud was reported at the 4600 block of Deep Creek Drive NE.
Drug and DUI Violations
* Drug or narcotic violations were reported at the 1200 block of Hartford Run NE.
* Driving under the influence was reported at Nelson Brogdon Boulevard NE and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
Suwanee
Assault and Other Violent Crimes
* A simple assault was reported at the 4500 block of Lochsa Lane NW.
* Simple battery was reported at the 200 block of Gilliflower Park. Sexual battery was reported at the 600 block of Grove Manor Park.
* Stalking incidents were reported at the 100 block of Buford Highway and the 3800 block of Dollar Circle.
Theft and Property Crimes
* Burglary in the first degree was reported at the 4700 block of Rio Vista Trace.
* Burglary in the second degree was reported at the 300 block of Sharon Industrial Way.
* Theft by taking, a felony, was reported at the 3000 block of Lake Pass Lane and the 400 block of Satellite Boulevard.
* A motor vehicle theft was reported at the 4300 block of Hansboro Way.
* Theft by deception was reported at the 4800 block of Gathering Place and the 3700 block of Portland Trail Drive.
* All other larceny incidents were reported at the 700 block of Brogdon Road NE and the 4200 block of Westbrook Road NE.
* Shoplifting incidents were reported multiple times at the 3200 block of Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road.
Drug and Alcohol Violations
* Drug or narcotic violations were reported at Peachtree Industrial Boulevard NE and West Price Road.
* Possession of a controlled substance was reported at Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and Northolt Parkway.
* Driving under the influence was reported at Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, and McGinnis Ferry Road, Interstate 85 and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and the 11200 block of Interstate 85 North.
* Public drunkenness was reported at the 400 block of McGinnis Ferry Road.
Lake Lanier / South Hall
Assault and Violent Crimes
* Aggravated assault involving anoth er weapon was reported at the 5600 block of Flowery Way in Flowery Branch.
Theft and Fraud
* Theft by deception was reported at the 6200 block of Saddlehorse Drive in Flowery Branch.
* A motor vehicle theft was reported at the 6300 block of Germantown Drive in Flowery Branch.
* Theft by extortion was reported at the 6500 block of Crestwood Peninsula in Flowery Branch and the 5600 block of Lakeshore Road in Buford.
* Financial transaction card fraud was reported at the 6000 block of Seminole Drive in Flowery Branch.
Other Incidents
* A death investigation was reported at the 6200 block of Sweetgum Trail in Flowery Branch.
* A missing person report was filed at the 6300 block of Brookridge Drive in Flowery Branch.
Continued from page 1
Following the parade, players and families headed to the ballfields for opening day ceremonies and the first games of the season. Local officials and league leaders welcomed athletes and thanked the volunteers, coaches and parents who dedicate countless hours to organizing teams, maintaining fields and supporting the league.
Youth baseball and softball programs organized through the Greater Buford Athletic Association provide opportunities for children of all ages to participate in the sport while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and community
involvement.
For many of the youngest players, opening day marked their first time wearing a team jersey and stepping onto the field in front of family and friends. Others, already familiar with the tradition, embraced the excitement as another season of practices, games and friendships began.
While wins and losses will unfold in the weeks ahead, many families say youth sports offer far more than competition. The opening day parade serves as a reminder that in Buford, youth athletics are about community, tradition and watching young athletes grow both on and off the field.
Photos by Alicia Payne
Young athletes ride decorated trucks and trailers through downtown Buford during the annual Buford Little League Opening Day Parade, a community tradition that celebrates the start of the spring baseball and softball season.
SUGAR HILL COUNCIL ADVANCES WORKFORCE HOUSING PROJECT
Jessica Wilson
SUGAR HILL — The Sugar Hill City Council voted at its February City Council meeting to move forward with Roosevelt Commons, a proposed 24unit workforce housing development aimed at expanding attainable homeownership in the city’s downtown district.
The project is planned for 1181 Level Creek Road and 4939 Roosevelt Circle and comes as rising home prices across Gwinnett County continue to push moderate-income residents out of the local housing market.
Council members Joshua Page, Alvin Hicks and Samantha Piovesan voted in favor of advancing the initiative.
According to city officials, the development would be funded entirely through federal HOME Investment Partnerships and Community Development Block Grant programs, meaning no local tax dollars would be used. Ongoing maintenance costs would be covered through homeowner association fees.
Workforce housing typically serves households earning up to 80% of the area median income. Often described as “missing middle” housing, the model is designed for teachers, first respond-
ers and other working professionals who may not qualify for traditional affordable housing but cannot compete in higher-priced housing markets.
Under the proposed community land trust model, buyers would purchase the home while the city or a designated land trust retains ownership of the land.
Separating the land from the structure lowers the purchase price and helps preserve long-term affordability.
Homes would be sold under a 99-year ground lease, with resale restrictions requiring properties to be sold to another income-qualified buyer at a price determined by a preset formula.
Local Realtor and Sugar Hill resident Amy Parris Cook spoke in favor of the proposal, describing it as a pathway to homeownership for families who have been priced out of downtown Sugar Hill.
“You build equity in two ways,” Cook said. “You keep 100% of the mortgage principal you pay down, and you typically receive a fixed share of the appreciation.”
While the model limits full market appreciation, Cook said it still allows families to build wealth rather than remain renters.
Some critics of workforce housing developments cite concerns about den-
sity and potential impacts on property values. However, research in multiple states has found that well-managed workforce housing developments do not negatively affect surrounding property values.
Supporters say Roosevelt Commons reflects broader efforts in fast-growing communities like Sugar Hill to balance
continued development with housing options that allow residents who work in the city to live there.
“It’s not for everyone,” Cook said. “But for 24 families, it could mean the difference between continuing to rent and finally owning a home.”
Sugar Hill to consider golf cart ordinance
SUGAR HILL — The Sugar Hill City Council is considering a proposed ordinance that would regulate the use of golf carts and other motorized carts within city limits.
The proposed Motorized Carts ordinance was discussed during a recent City Council work session and is scheduled for a vote at the March 9 City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
If adopted, the ordinance would
establish rules governing the registration, operation and safety requirements for golf carts and other personal transportation vehicles used on public roads within the city.
Under the proposal, owners of electric- or gasoline-powered motorized carts would be required to register the vehicle with the city and pay a $15 annual registration fee. Registered carts also would be required to display a numbered decal issued by the city.
Only individuals 16 or older with a valid driver’s license would be permitted to operate a motorized cart on
public roadways within city limits.
The ordinance would allow motorized carts to operate on roads with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less, provided operators follow all applicable traffic laws.
The proposal also includes several restrictions. Motorized carts would not be permitted to operate or park on sidewalks, playgrounds, greenspace, city rights-of-way outside public streets or in front yards, unless otherwise authorized by the city manager.
In addition, seat belts would be required for all occupants while the ve-
hicle is in motion, along with other safety and equipment requirements.
City officials say the ordinance is intended to improve safety while providing clear guidelines as the use of golf carts and similar vehicles becomes more common for neighborhood transportation.
Residents who wish to comment on the proposal may contact city officials or attend the March 9 council meeting and speak during the Citizens and Guests Comments portion of the agenda.
Ashton Sentor
Lanier Cluster home to growing Ukrainian and Russian-speaking student population
SUGAR HILL — As Gwinnett County continues to grow as one of the most diverse school systems in the Southeast, the Lanier Cluster has become home to the district’s largest concentration of Ukrainianand Russian-speaking students.
According to Sugar Hill Mayor Brandon Hembree, schools within the cluster, which includes Lanier High School and its feeder schools, have the highest percentage of students who speak Ukrainian or Russian in the Gwinnett County Public Schools system.
“The Lanier Cluster has the highest percentage of Ukrainian and Russian-speaking students in the entire Gwinnett County Public School System,” Hembree said. “Depending on the school, it ranges from 5 to 7 percent.”
The growing presence of these families reflects broader global migration patterns in recent years, as well as the appeal of North Gwinnett communities such as Sugar Hill.
Hembree said families have been drawn to the area for several reasons, including strong public schools, established community connections and a welcoming environment.
“They’ve chosen this area for a variety of reasons, and I’m proud our community is a place they want to establish roots,” Hembree said. “I welcome them to Sugar Hill and the surrounding area.”
As new families arrive, local leaders and community members have worked to help them integrate and build connections throughout the community.
provide spiritual care, community support and humanitarian assistance in regions that have experienced conflict and displacement.
Members of the international “Chaplain Patrol” team recently met with partners in Georgia to express appreciation for the continued support of chaplaincy programs serving law enforcement agencies in Ukraine and Moldova.
According to the organization, partnerships with supporters in the United States have helped strengthen the development of chaplaincy programs by hosting international delegations and sharing professional experience to build sustainable models of support for
public safety personnel.
Hembree said the dedication of the leaders involved has left a lasting impression on him.
“I’ve never met people more bold in their faith, more loving to the community they call home and more thankful to be here in the United States of America,” he said.
As the Lanier Cluster continues to grow and diversify, local leaders say the presence of families from around the world has enriched the community and strengthened cultural connections throughout North Gwinnett.
For many families, the area has become more than just a place to live - it has become a place to build a future.
Among those supporting the growing Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking population are Yaroslav Malko and Max Lisovskiy, who are involved in faith-based outreach and humanitarian efforts both locally and internationally.
Malko is the founder of a chaplaincy program serving law enforcement agencies in Ukraine, providing spiritual support to personnel in the National Police, Court Security Service, correctional system and fire departments.
Lisovskiy is also active in ministry and community initiatives that focus on mentorship, service and support for families in the United States and abroad. In addition to his ministry work, Lisovskiy serves on the
advisory board of International Leadership Training, an organization that equips immigrant pastors and lay leaders for ministry in the United States and around the world.
Hembree said the work being done by Malko and Lisovskiy has had a meaningful impact, particularly through outreach programs supporting chaplains and humanitarian efforts across Eastern Europe.
“I’m thankful for Yaroslav Malko and Max Lisovskiy,” Hembree said. “The work they are doing here and in countries like Ukraine, where they have over 400 chaplains, as well as in Moldova, Poland and Romania, is extraordinary.”
Those efforts include supporting ministry networks that
Jessica Wilson
Submitted photo
From left, Yaroslav Malko, Sugar Hill Mayor Brandon Hembree, Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock and Max Lisovskiy pose for a photo during an international meeting of the Chaplain Patrol International Committee in late February at New Life Atlanta in Suwanee. The gathering brought together partners and supporters involved in law enforcement chaplaincy efforts serving Ukraine and Moldova.
Sugar Hill earns excellence in policing certification
ipal Association assessor who reviewed the department’s policies, operations and procedures.
SUGAR HILL — The City of Sugar Hill has been designated an Excellence in Policing–certified city through a program administered by the Georgia Municipal Association and the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, according to a press release from Sugar Hill Chief Marshal Andy Smith.
The certification recognizes the city’s law enforcement agency for meeting professional standards related to departmental policies, risk reduction and community engagement.
The Excellence in Policing Program provides a framework designed to help law enforcement agencies strengthen procedures, adopt modern best practices and improve public trust. The certification can also serve as a steppingstone toward Georgia Law Enforcement Certification.
“This certification represents our promise to the City of Sugar Hill that every decision, every interaction and every policy is guided by integrity, accountability and respect for our community,” Smith said.
Sugar Hill’s Marshal’s Office spent about a year working toward the certification, reviewing and strengthening its policies and procedures. Smith said the department already had many policies in place but conducted a deeper review over the past six months to ensure they aligned with best practices.
The process included an onsite audit by a Georgia Munic-
Smith said the certification provides reassurance that the department operates with strong accountability and professionalism.
“The residents of Sugar Hill will know that the Sugar Hill Marshal’s Office will do the job the right way, every day,” Smith said. “They will know our department will have clear accountability if something goes wrong.”
The program was developed by the Georgia Municipal Association in collaboration with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and Local Government Risk Management Services to support agencies in improving officer safety, reducing liability and strengthening public confidence.
GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson congratulated the city on the achievement.
“By achieving this certification, Sugar Hill is demonstrating its leadership in public safety and ensuring high standards for its officers and residents,” Hanson said.
Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Butch Ayers said the recognition reflects the department’s commitment to professional policing.
“This certification reflects a commitment to best practices, officer wellness and risk reduction,” Ayers said.
Smith said the certification also reinforces the department’s focus on ongoing training. Rather than com-
pleting only the minimum 20 hours required by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, Sugar Hill marshals review national law enforcement trends and analyze body-camera footage and reports to identify areas for additional training.
Officer wellness also plays an important role. “Prioritizing wellness within our department means we take care of our most valuable asset,” Smith said.
“We make sure each marshal has the resources, support and equipment needed to remain mentally sharp, healthy and professional.”
The Sugar Hill Marshal’s Office consists of nine fulltime marshals and 12 reserve marshals. Because Gwinnett County Police Department handles most calls for service within the city, Sugar Hill marshals focus heavily on community policing and proactive engagement.
“Our primary focus is community policing and building positive relationships with the people we serve,” Smith said.
The department also operates one of only two police therapy dogs in Gwinnett County. Sanford, Sugar Hill’s therapy dog, assists with community outreach and wellness efforts.
In addition to daily patrol and outreach, the department offers community programs such as a vacation watch service that allows residents to request periodic checks on their homes while they are away.
Smith said maintaining the Excellence in Policing certification will remain the department’s immediate priority.
“Our goal for Sugar Hill is to become better each day we come to work,” he said. “Right now we want to focus on maintaining the certification and continuing to improve.”
Jessica Wilson
Submitted photo
Marshal Shawn Hamlin, Marshal Meia Santore, David Trotter with GMA, Chief Marshal Andy Smith, Marshal Edwin Ritter, and Marshal Eliazar Andrade.
A tradition of love:
Every February, the Kiwanis Father-Daughter Valentine Dance transforms an ordinary evening into something out of a storybook — twirling dresses, polished shoes, fresh corsages and proud fathers standing just a little taller beside their daughters.
But the annual event represents far more than music and photographs. It represents a promise.
For Andrew Southerland, that promise began long before his daughter Molly was old enough to understand what the tradition would mean.
“When I look at Molly, I see a blessing sent by God,” Southerland said. “It is my job as her dad to protect her, love her and show her how valuable she is. The Father-Daughter Dance gave me a chance to raise her standards on how a man in her life should act.”
What began as a special night out gradually became something deeper — a yearly investment in time and intention.
“The biggest way it shaped our relationship is communication,” Southerland said. “The conversations we would have over dinner and the time spent just the two of us helped us form a bond where we can talk about anything.”
As Molly has grown, so have those conversations.
Early dances were filled with talk of favorite movies and childhood interests. Now, the discussions center on her future career aspirations, personal
values and what she should expect one day in a spouse.
“The dance is so much fun,” Southerland said, “but the conversations over dinner and in the car ride to and from the dance are what I will remember most.”
For Molly, the night has always felt intentional.
“My favorite part of the Father-Daughter Dance with my dad is getting to spend a special night with him, just us two, and catch up on our lives,” she said. “It’s a yearly reminder of his love and care for our family.”
That consistency has shaped her sense of worth.
“It makes me feel so special,” Molly said. “He makes the night so fun and really a special experience. I truly love this night every year.”
One memory stands out — a year when a princess carriage was part of the festivities.
“I truly felt like a little princess riding in her carriage with my dad and cousins,” she said. “It was an amazing experience I’ll forever remember.”
Across the dance floor, a similar story has unfolded for Josh Brown and his 13-year-old daughter, Lilly.
Father-daughter dance builds bonds that last a lifetime
For Brown, the annual dance has become a cornerstone of their relationship.
“This dance is very special to me,” Brown said. “It gives me a chance to spend time with my daughter, showing her how one day a young man should treat her. We have come year after year, and I believe that this consistency teaches her that she is special and deserves to be treated like a princess.”
Like Southerland, Brown views the tradition as intentional — especially as his
daughter enters her teenage years.
“As she is maturing into a young lady, it is important to me for her to never forget how much I love her,” he said.
For Brown, much of the bonding happens long before the first song begins.
“We bond in the moments leading
Josh Brown and his daughter Lilly attend the Kiwanis Father-Daughter Valentine Dance n two photos taken several years apart, highlighting a longtime community tradition celebrating the bond between fathers and daughters.
up to the dance,” he said. “Going to the store together to find the perfect dress. After finding her dress, finding the right suit to complement her. Picking out her corsage and always having a special gift waiting in the car. What we really discover during that time is a better understanding of each other.”
Lilly says the consistency has never gone unnoticed.
“Knowing that every year I can look
forward to this special day makes me feel so valued and loved,” she said. “It makes me realize how much he puts me first, no matter what else is going on.”
As she has grown older, the evening has taken on new meaning.
“When I was little, it was mostly about dressing up and having fun,” Lilly said. “But as I got older, it turned into a special time where we talked and got closer. Now it means so much more to me every year.”
in Atlanta, and on the way it started to snow. That little moment made everything feel so magical.”
Even without the formal dance, the tradition endured.
“My prayer is that she knows how truly valuable she is,” Southerland said. “That she never settles for anything less than God’s will for her life.”
“I hope these dances reinforce that she is worthy of love and respect,” Brown said. “That she is fearfully and wonderfully made.”
When asked what the tradition says about her relationship with her father, Lilly offered a simple answer.
“I think it shows that our relationship is really strong,” she said. “No matter what is going on, he makes sure we have this special time and lets me know that I’m always a priority.”
Molly shares a similar sentiment.
Some of the most meaningful memories have come in unexpected moments.
Brown still remembers their first dance when Lilly was four years old.
“I opened her door and helped her out of the car,” he said. “I went to take her hand, and she said, ‘No, Daddy, let me show you.’ She placed my hand at my side and said, ‘You keep your arm like this and I will hang my arm around it.’ She has always been a little lady.”
For Lilly, one favorite memory came during the COVID-19 pandemic when the event was canceled.
“He made it his mission to keep our tradition alive,” she said. “We rode a limo to a fancy dinner
Thirteen dances.
Dozens of car rides, dinners, corsages, inside jokes and quiet conversations.
Long after the music fades and the dresses are packed away, what remains is something far more enduring — trust, communication and the quiet confidence of a daughter who knows she is cherished.
More than a dance, it is a father showing up.
Year after year.
And a daughter learning, without question, that she is loved.
- Jessica Wilson
“From the new dress to the fancy dinner, the flowers and the community of dads and daughters we see every year — it’s all special,” she said. “It’s amazing to see the kind souls every year.”
In a fast-moving world filled with crowded schedules and constant distractions, the Kiwanis Father-Daughter Valentine Dance offers something increasingly rare — an intentional pause.
Fifteen dances.
Submitted photo
Molly Southerland and her father attend the Kiwanis Father-Daughter Valentine Dance, a tradition they have continued each year since her birth.
Submitted photo
Josh Brown and his daughter Lilly enjoy dinner before this year’s Kiwanis Father-Daughter Valentine Dance
Submitted photo
Molly seen with her father Andrew at her first father daughter dance
Buford Middle School student Maxwell Charepoo wins district spelling bee
ford Middle School student Conner Tu, a sixth grader, finished as runner-up.
District Spelling Bee Coordinator
BUFORD — The Buford City Schools
District Spelling Bee brought together top young spellers from across the district Jan. 21 at the Buford High School Performing Arts Center.
Twenty-nine students in grades three through eight competed for the district title. Maxwell Charepoo, an eighth grader at Buford Middle School, won the competition, while fellow Bu-
Stephanie Ledford said the district was proud of the students’ accomplishments.
“The Buford City School System is so proud of our District Spelling Bee winner, Maxwell Charepoo, and runner-up, Conner Tu,” Ledford said.
Maxwell advanced to the regional spelling bee Feb. 28, where he placed third overall. His finish earned him a spot as an alternate in the upcoming state spell-
ing bee competition.
The district event featured Dr. Tim Harris as the caller. Judges included retired Buford educators Jill Anderson and Janet Graves, along with Buford City Schools graduate and current Board of Education member Kathleen Welch.
Maxwell, an all-A student at Buford Middle School, is enrolled in advanced courses including Advanced Placement English Language Arts, Enhanced Algebra, Band and Spanish. He recently received the Mindset of the Month “Good Citizen” award.
In addition to academics, Maxwell is active in the school’s music program, playing electric guitar in the Jazz Band and clarinet in the Symphonic Winds. He is a threetime member of the District 13 Honors Band and participated in the University of Georgia’s Midfest Honors Band in 2025. In 2026, he earned recognition as a Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Band clarinetist.
Outside the classroom, Maxwell participates in the Bahá’í Junior Youth Empowerment Program and enjoys tennis, reading, creative writing, coding and composing music.
His mother, Melissa Charepoo, said the experience was meaningful for their family. “Maxwell was truly honored to represent Buford, and we are deeply grateful for the preparation and support provided through the district program,” she said. “We appreciate the time and dedication invested in providing this opportunity and
thank everyone who supports our students and fosters academic excellence in our community.”
Runner-up Conner Tu also maintains strong academic performance, earning All A Honor Roll. He enjoys math and writing and participates in band, theatre and Odyssey of the Mind, while also playing baseball.
District leaders said the spelling bee continues to provide students an opportunity to challenge themselves academically while celebrating language, learning and perseverance.
Photo curtosey of BCSS Maxwell Charepoo holds his certificate and ribbon after winning the district spelling bee. Charepoo will advance
bee competition.
Jessica Wilson
Student spot l ight
Ryland Johnson | Buford Middle School
Ryland Johnson, a seventh grader at Buford Middle School, says sports play a central role in both his school experience and his personal goals. Whether he is practicing, competing or simply spending time staying active, athletics are one of the things that define his daily routine and keep him motivated each day.
Johnson describes himself simply when asked what makes him unique.
“I think what makes me unique is that I really enjoy being part of a team,” he said. “I like working hard and helping my teammates.”
Being part of a team carries into how he spends his time outside of school. Johnson prefers to stay active and involved in sports whenever he has the chance, but he also enjoys relaxing by playing video games with his friends after a long day.
Among the programs that have meant the most to him during his time at Buford so far is football. The sport has allowed him to challenge himself physically while also learning important lessons about teamwork and commitment. Being part of a team environment has allowed him to work alongside other students who share the same competitive drive and passion for improving.
For Johnson, athletics are not just about playing the game. They also provide a way to build friendships, learn discipline and develop confidence. As he continues through middle school, he hopes to keep growing as both a student and an athlete.
Johnson says one of the things he enjoys most about Buford Middle School is the transition into a new stage of learning and independence.
“What I like most about Buford is having more freedom,” he said.
The added independence of middle school allows students like Johnson to begin exploring their interests more deeply, whether through academics, sports or other extracurricular activities.
While his interests are focused on athletics right now, Johnson says his main goal is to continue to improve in the sports he loves. He understands that becoming better takes time, practice and dedication.
“My goal is being better at sports,” he said.
That mindset of steady improvement is something coaches often encourage in student-athletes — focusing not only on winning, but on putting in the work necessary to grow each season.
At Buford, school pride and teamwork are values that extend across classrooms, athletic fields and extracurricular programs. Students like Johnson reflect that spirit through their willingness to work hard and support their teammates.
As he continues his journey at Buford Middle School, Johnson plans to keep building his skills, staying active and representing the Wolves with determination and pride.
For him, the path forward is simple: keep working, keep improving and keep doing what he enjoys most — playing sports.
Buford swimmers chase the clock
Speed built through discipline and dedication
100 butterfly and 200 individual medley. Senior Joseph Guillory has also contributed strong times in the 100 breaststroke.
BUFORD — In competitive swimming, the difference between a good performance and a great one is often measured in hundredths of a second.
For athletes on Buford High School’s swim and dive team, chasing those small improvements requires early mornings, demanding training and mental toughness.
“One of the most important things swimmers must have is mental toughness,” head coach Kali Dasher said. “The amount of training required to reach elite times means athletes have to push themselves every day.”
Buford swimmers train six to seven days a week, often spending more than two hours per session in the pool while also completing dry-land workouts to build strength and endurance. Many practices begin before sunrise, meaning athletes complete a full workout before the school day starts.
Several swimmers have posted some of the team’s fastest times this season. Senior Collier Johnson has led the team in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, while junior Stephan Sol has emerged as one of the program’s most versatile swimmers, leading multiple events including the 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 100 backstroke,
On the girls side, senior Lila Kate Bush has posted top performances in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly, while sophomore Shelby Claire Drake has led the team in distance events including the 200 and 500 freestyle. Junior Bria Carter has recorded competitive times in the 100 backstroke and 100 breaststroke.
The diving program has also added points during meets with contri-
butions from Bryson McKnight (9), Ryker Williams (11) and Gabriella Amidei (9).
Dasher said one of the biggest highlights of the season has been the improvement shown across the roster, including newer swimmers Embree Smith (9), Christian Oates (9), Emma Chinzorig (10) and Daniela Martis (10).
“Swimming teaches perseverance and resilience,” Dasher said. “Athletes train for hours just to see a .01-second improvement.”
Despite the demanding schedule,
the team continues to excel academically. About half of Buford’s swimmers maintain grade averages of 95 percent or higher, while roughly 75 percent hold averages above 90 percent.
“The habits they build in the pool carry into other parts of their lives,” Dasher said.
For the Wolves, the goal remains simple: keep improving, one race and one fraction of a second at a time.
Photo by Lily McGregor Photo
Buford High School’s swim and dive team poses for a team photo during the 2025–26 season. The program trains six to seven days a week, often beginning practices before sunrise, as swimmers balance demanding workouts and weekend meets with a full academic schedule while working to
Jessica Wilson
Alumni Spotlight Faith Clack Class of 2019
For Buford High School alumna Faith (Dinges) Clack, high school was not defined by trophies, titles or academic accolades. Instead, it was defined by the people around her.
“High school wasn’t a book of achievements for me,” Clack said. “It was full of conversations, laughs, inside jokes and friendships.”
When Clack graduated from Buford High School in 2019, she said she left with something far more meaningful than awards, a strong sense of belonging and lasting relationships built within the Buford community.
Looking back, Clack said Buford was a place where students felt welcomed and known.
“I always felt like I could talk to people,” she said. “It didn’t matter what group someone was part of. I was friends with anyone and everyone.”
Some of her favorite memories came from the everyday moments she shared with friends. Lunch periods often turned into social gatherings filled with laughter and conversation.
“It sounds simple, but lunch was our time,” she said. “We’d scarf down our food and spend the rest of the time gossiping and catching up.”
Outside of school, those friendships continued through afternoons spent together. Clack remembers walking laps around the Mall of Georgia,
hanging out at friends’ houses and stopping for tacos at the Mexican restaurant inside the Chevron on Thompson Mill Road.
Music also brings back memories of those years. Songs such as “God’s Plan” by Drake, “HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar, “Circles” by Post Malone and “Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers remind her of the carefree moments she shared with friends.
While friendships shaped much of her experience, Clack also credits the influence of coach David Snell, who taught in Buford’s Early Childhood Education pathway.
“He always pushed me to be better and want more out of life than the bare minimum,” she said.
“Coach Snell truly cares about each student who walks through his doors.”
After graduation, Clack chose a different path than many of her classmates. She began working at age 16 and balanced three jobs during her senior year before stepping directly into the workforce.
Since April 2021, she has built a career with her company, moving from customer service into the accounting department, where she now handles billing and collections.
“I’m someone people count on professionally,” she said. “I’m proud of myself for sticking through challenges and not giving up.”
Her life outside of work has been equally meaningful. Clack met her husband, Tyler, in July 2019 shortly after graduating. The couple will celebrate five years of marriage in July 2026.
In April 2022, they welcomed their son, Paxton — a role Clack describes as her greatest accomplishment.
“I am a loving mother and wife, and that is truly my biggest accomplishment,” she said. “God knew I was
made to be Paxton’s mother.”
Clack said the values she learned growing up in the Buford community continue to guide her today.
“This community is a huge family,” she said. “Buford taught me to be kind, inviting and always willing to lend a helping hand.”
For Clack, Buford High School was never about accolades. Instead, it was about connection, community and the relationships that helped shape who she is today.
Krause throws perfect game as Wolves open region
play 6–0 and surge to 10–1 start to the season.
Conitued from page 1
comeback when junior Ian Chafin delivered a game-tying RBI single before the Wolves executed a first-and-third double steal to take the lead. Buford added an insurance run and held Parkview scoreless the rest of the way to secure an 8–6 victory. Walker finished 3-for-4 at the plate, while Ojeda and Chafin each drove in two runs.
Two days later, Buford picked up another early win with an 8–6 victory over Marist, building an early lead before holding off a late rally behind steady relief pitching.
The Wolves opened Region 8-6A play Feb. 24 with a 5–2 road victory against Mountain View. After the Bears jumped out to a 2–0 lead in the first inning, Ojeda tied the game in the third with a solo home run to right-center field, his second homer in four games.
Buford took the lead in the fifth when Ryan Johansen delivered an RBI single, and the Wolves added two insurance runs in the seventh after Ayden Lockett drew a leadoff walk and Ojeda followed with a double.
Walker Taulbee earned the win in relief, allowing just one hit over five scoreless innings while striking out a career-high 11 batters.
The Wolves secured the series the following day with a 7–3 win at Gerald McQuaig Field. Senior Kyle Krause earned his first win of the season, pitching three innings while striking out six.
Buford responded to an early Mountain View run with a threerun second inning and extended its lead in the third after Walker doubled and two Mountain View errors helped push the score to 6–2.
Andrew Williams pitched the final four innings to earn the save, allowing two hits and one run while striking out five. Lockett led the offense, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a stolen base.
Between region matchups, Buford competed in the Southeastern High School Baseball Classic and advanced to the championship game at Coolray Field on Feb. 28.
The Wolves fell 4–0 to McEachern despite a strong outing from Ryan Elliott, who pitched three hitless innings while striking out three. Buford managed just two hits in the game but carried confidence back into region play.
That momentum continued in a three-game series against Collins Hill.
Buford opened the series March 2 with a 10–3 victory. After Collins Hill scored first on a wild pitch, the Wolves answered in the second inning when Walker scored on a first-and-third double steal.
Buford took the lead when Lio Garcia drove in Caleb Griffin, and Ojeda later added a solo home run — his third of the season.
After the Eagles tied the game again in the fourth inning, Taulbee entered in relief and stabilized the Wolves on the mound.
Buford broke the game open
in the sixth inning. Chafin started the rally with an RBI single, and hits from Garcia, Walker and Vance Bock helped the Wolves score seven runs to take control.
Taulbee earned the win, allowing one hit over 3⅔ innings. Garcia, Chafin and Ojeda each recorded two hits, while the Wolves also turned three double plays defensively.
Two days later, Buford delivered one of the most dominant pitching performances in recent program history.
On March 4, Krause threw a perfect game in a 13–0 five-inning victory over Collins Hill. Krause retired every batter he faced while striking out five and issuing no walks.
The Wolves jumped out early with RBI hits from Johansen and Payton Walker and continued to build the lead throughout the game.
Garcia led Buford offensively, finishing 3-for-4 with two doubles, four RBIs and three runs scored while stealing two bases. Ojeda added two hits and three runs scored, and Griffin delivered a three-run home run in the fifth inning.
Buford completed the series sweep March 7 with a 3–1 victory behind another strong pitching performance.
Senior Maddox Degon made his first varsity start, throwing two hitless innings before turning the ball over to Taulbee, who held Collins Hill hitless through the third, fourth and fifth innings.
Buford took an early lead when Lockett delivered an RBI single in the first inning. The
Wolves extended the lead in the fourth after Griffin doubled and later scored on an RBI single by Bock.
Collins Hill cut the deficit to 2–1 in the sixth inning, but Griffin responded with a solo home run to left field to push the Wolves’ lead back to two runs.
Taulbee closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning to earn the save.
Degon earned the win, while
Taulbee pitched five innings of relief, allowing just one hit and one run while striking out three.
With the victory, Buford improved to 10–1 overall and 6–0 in Region 8-6A play.
With a deep pitching staff, aggressive baserunning and steady defense, the Wolves have built early momentum as the season continues and region play intensifies.
Photo by Christian Stahl Senior pitcher Kyle Krause delivers a pitch during Buford’s game against Collins Hill on March 4. Krause threw a perfect game in the Wolves’ 13–0 run-rule victory
Buford High School junior Matthew Crabbe competes on cycling’s world stage
Ashton Senter
BUFORD — For Buford High School junior Matthew Crabbe, cycling has never been just a sport — it has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. Introduced to competitive cycling by his father, Crabbe grew up attending races before eventually joining the competition himself.
Over time, he gravitated toward cyclocross, a discipline known for its demanding terrain, technical skill and unpredictable conditions.
“I was particularly drawn to cyclocross because of the raw nature of it,” Crabbe said. “The strongest and smoothest rider will win. There’s less luck involved, and every course and condition is different, which makes it so much fun.”
That passion has carried him far beyond local competition.
This fall marked Crabbe’s fourth trip to Europe for international racing, where he competed in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and the Czech Republic. Two of those races — in France and the Czech Republic — were Junior World Cup events, the highest level of under-19 competition in the sport.
Racing overseas, Crabbe said, presents a significantly different challenge compared with competing in the United States.
“In the U.S., you might have four or five riders separated at the front,” he said. “In Europe, the first 30 riders are all at the same level. One mistake can drop you from the front to the back instantly.”
The courses themselves are also more demanding. While many American races take place in groomed public parks, European events are often held on farms or open fields, featuring muddier conditions
and sharper terrain changes.
That level of competition has helped shape Crabbe’s development as an athlete.
In mid-December, he finished second at the U.S. National Championships — a result he described as one of his strongest performances of the season.
“All year I felt like I was struggling to put together a race where I was strong the whole way through,” Crabbe said. “That race gave me confidence heading into a big block of holiday training.”
Those performances helped earn Crabbe a spot representing Team USA at the UCI Cyclocross World Championships, scheduled for early February.
Selection for the national team was based on both domestic results and consistency in international competition.
From 15 European races this season, Crabbe recorded seven top-20 finishes — an encouraging sign as he approaches the older end of the two-year junior age group.
\“The goal is to develop riders who can eventually compete for podiums and top10 finishes,” Crabbe said. “These results show that next year, that’s possible.”
Balancing elite-level training and international travel with academics requires careful planning.
As a junior at Buford High School, Crabbe participates in Georgia’s dual enrollment program, allowing him to complete college-level courses online while earning high school credit.
“That flexibility makes everything possible,” he said. “It takes a lot of focus, but it’s important for life after racing.”
Crabbe credits a strong support system for helping him manage the demands of the sport. His parents remain his primary supporters, while coaches and staff with
EuroCross have guided his development since he began attending summer camps at age 13.
He is coached by Roger Aspholm, who directs the FinKraft Junior Cycling Team, and also competes in road racing with the Hot Tubes Development Cycling program.
Training for cyclocross requires versatility. A typical week includes long endurance rides, recovery sessions, cyclocross-specific skill work, running, core training and stretching — with recovery playing a central role.
“Without good sleep and nutrition, the training doesn’t work,” Crabbe said.
Competing at a high level has not come without challenges. Crabbe suffered a concussion last spring that sidelined him for a month, and he said difficult races — when preparation does not translate to performance — can be mentally demanding.
Extensive international travel has also tested his endurance, including a recent return trip home that stretched from one day of travel into three. Despite those hurdles, competing overseas has reshaped his long-term perspective.
“Racing overseas humbled my goals,” Crabbe said. “I came in expecting podiums, but now I’m focused on improving and aiming for top-15 results. The end goal is still becoming a professional — I just
know it takes time.”
Following the World Championships, Crabbe will shift his focus to the road racing season, beginning with the La Primavera race in Texas before heading back to Europe for additional race blocks with his team.
For now, his attention remains on the next challenge — and the continued pursuit of improvement, one race at a time.
Submitted Photo
Josh Brown and his daughter Lilly attend the Kiwanis Father-Daughter Valentine Dance n two photos taken several years apart, highlighting a longtime community tradition ce
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