Legends are sometimes popularly regarded as historical, even though legends are often not documented historically. However, these stories or wives’ tales can often outlast a community’s recollection of actual historical occurrences. The stories, in a sense, become an equally significant part of our history and our community. Sugar Hill had such a story - the legend of Pete - that is still prevalent on the tongues of many men and women that grew up in this part of Gwinnett County along the Chattahoochee River. The unique aspect about legends is that these stories usually have some element of truth. Old wives’ tales like the legend of Pete, even when taken with a grain of salt, are serious business and also
a lot of fun.
Prior to the creation of Lake Lanier and even up until the population growth experienced all over Gwinnett County, Sugar Hill was an isolated part of the state. Heavily wooded, with hills and numerous creeks, this area was ideally suited for hiding things. Illegal moonshining, for example, was prevalent in this area along the Chattahoochee River. Even today, hikers often comment about the wooded isolation of the trails that now connect neighborhoods like Wild Timber and Laurel Park. Old stills remain in the woods and are only occasionally discovered by hikers that wander off the more popular trails. The property between the Sugar Hill Golf Course and the Chattahoochee River, which can be seen when playing a round of golf, is thickly wooded and appears impenetrable to sunlight.
The legend of Pete, and other similar stories, like Big Foot, the New Jersey Devil, and the Mothman evolve out of the same isolation that makes illegal activities like moonshining
possible. Jon Payne, Commander for American Legion Post 127, remembers the prevalence of the legend of Pete when he was a child growing up in Sugar Hill and Buford. The old wives’ tale told the story of a creature that lived in the woods along the Chattahoochee River. Children were warned not to go into the woods. Men and women of the time would talk about unusual screams coming from along the river corridor. No clear description of Pete has ever been given. The physical characteristics of Pete are a mystery lost to the faded memories of the past.
Much like the tales of black panthers that were common and still are common in the north Georgia mountains, the legend of Pete certainly also incited stories of sightings that were told at schools, churches, barbershops and wherever gossipers gathered. Grandfathers and uncles, for a good laugh, undoubtedly scared young boys with the legend of Pete. Mothers and fathers, to instill discipline, certainly used the legend of Pete as a threat of what might happen
if a child wandered too far from home.
Humans were created to love stories. We listen to stories, and we tell stories. The legend of Pete is not a common legend in Sugar Hill like it was twenty, thirty, and even fifty years ago. Maybe Pete was real, but the creation of Lake Lanier and all of the growth that is prevalent in modern times slowly pushed him out of our woods and out of our minds. The Cherokee once inhabited the area that includes Sugar Hill, and they cherished legends and origin stories steeped in the mythology of creatures like Judaculla. The legend of Pete could linger from those far away times before settlers first arrived in Gwinnett County. Or, perhaps Pete was a story created by moonshiners to scare people and keep them from discovering their moonshine stills. History does not provide a final answer, but the legend of Pete is still an important part of our story as a community. As long as the legend of Pete is told, the story will always maintain an element of truth
he Buford High School arsity Football Player of the eek is #85 senior Hayden Olsen. Olsen is a 5 ft. 9 in., 160 lbs. punter/ kicker for the Wolves. During the Newton County vs. Buford (Buford Homecoming) game, Olsen had 5 punts for an average of 41 4 yards, completed 5 out of 5 P s, and had 5 out of 6 kickoffs for touchbacks During the third quarter, Olsen kicked a 55-yard punt that had Newton County at its o n 1-yard line his punt led to an interception and touchdown for Buford Congratulations Hayden Olsen! Keep up the good work! Go Wolves!
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH
Something for everyone at Suwanee Fest 2019
Anoshka Ramkumar
Suwanee Towne Center Park is a frequently visited place by the Suwanee community. It hosts several events over the course of a year. On September 21st and 22nd, Towne Center hosted its annual Suwanee Fest, a celebration of the community as a whole. Suwanee Fest is a wonderful time to bring family and friends together to enjoy food trucks, booths, performances, and maybe win a few prizes.
The community of Suwanee has seen many children and their families grow and change. The Fest has many activities for children on the older and younger side. Facepaint, Juggling Clowns, ball tosses, and so much more for the little ones of the community to enjoy. Since children are the future of Suwanee, the Fest makes it a point to keep their growing and active minds
challenged and entertained. For the older ones of the bunch, there is the fun and entertaining hammer hitter, where primarily teens took to trying for the highest score.
Teens also enjoy accompanying their parents to visit various booths and stalls to check out the different things being sold at each one. From Arts and Crafts to Community sponsors, each booth represented a unique part of the community’s local businesses and organizations.
Along with booths and activities for kids, families could get out of their comfort zone and try different foods such as deep fried turkey legs and spicy onion rings. Several
food trucks lined up on the street, providing many with a wide range of options. Performances included Sauti ya Africa or Voices of Africa, a musical trio from Uganda crowned Commonwealth Music Ambassadors by HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and Suwanee Academy of the Arts Aerial Silks group. These high school students stunned
the crowd at the Fest with their incredible use of movement and flexibility in the air. Suwanee Fest remains one of the largest community-organized events in the city. It has always served as a fun and entertaining way to unify the people and families of Suwanee and will continue to do so for a multitude of Suwanee’s citizens.
SugarRushisanoutdoor fallfestival locatedinbeautiful downtown Sugar Hill featuringacurated blendof performing, visual,and culinary ar ts.The familyfun begins with inflatables, an arcade, ar ts andcrafts, ar tist vendors,a juriedart show,and so much more.W iththe ECenternow open,thisyear’sSugar Rush will be bigger, better,and more ar tfullyfestive.
These young Suwanee residents are enjoying all that Suwanee Fest has to offer. Photo - Anoshka Ramkumar
NGHS student Lauren Beeco shows off skills that she learned in the aerial silk advanced class at the Suwanee Academy of the Arts. Photo - Anoshka Ramkumar
Friday, September 27, 2019
Bret Michaels, Starship wrap up outdoor concert season at Buford Community Center
Staff Reporter
The City of Buford is proud to announce the lineup for this year’s Buford Music Festival which will be held on Saturday, October 5 at the Buford Community Cen ter’s Town Lawn. The festival wraps up the 2019 outdoor concert season featuring artists Bret Michaels, Starship with Mickey Thomas, and special guest KRP The Band. Admission is free, gates open at 4:30pm, and showtime is at 6pm.
“We are very excited about our artists this year,” said Todd Cleveland, director of the Buford Community Center. “Starship with Mickey Thomas brings to the stage all of their chart-topping hits including ‘Sara’, ‘Who’s Gonna Stop Us Now’, and ‘We Built This City.’ Our headliner this year is Bret Michaels, a multi-platinum global super star! This concert will be a great event for our community!”
Bret Michaels has sold over 50 million re cords worldwide with his original band Poi son and as a solo act. He’s also a notorious reality TV celebrity who most notably won NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice 3.” A savvy entrepreneur, Michaels has created the Pets Rock Collection with PetSmart, launched his own line of custom guitars and created the beverage known as “Bret’s Blend, Diet Trop-A-Rocka.” Through his “Life Rocks Foundation” he has helped raise millions of dollars for diabetes awareness charities and childhood cancer research. Michaels has been on the road for the last 10 years for nearly 300 live performances, speaking engagements, charitable concerts and pri vate engagements. Michaels is currently on his 2019 Unbroken World Tour, in support of his newest single “Unbroken,” which he co-wrote and recorded with his youngest daughter, Jorja Bleu. Rock on, Bret!
Mickey Thomas joined Jefferson Starship in 1979. Mickey’s voice had become legendary after recording “Fooled Around
corporate rock, “Knee Deep in the Hoopla.”
Featuring two #1 hits, the album reached #7 on Billboard and went platinum. Starship followed with another #1 single, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” featured on the soundtrack for the brat-pack-era rom-com movie “Mannequin.”
KRP The Band (Kiss Rub Punch) is a
from 4pm-11pm. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, but concessions will be available for purchase. Guests may bring portable chairs.
For more information visit www. bufordcommunitycenter.com or call 770-904-2740.
HAMILTONMILLRD
ChaseHudson is a2007Buford HighSchool graduate.His parents areDar ren andTina Hudson who raisedChase in Dacula, Ga.Hehas a24-year old younger brotherDrew Hudson Chase attendedthe Daculacluster schoolsthroughthe 8th grade. In the 9th grade, Chase was slatedtogotoDacula High School in a time of severeovercrowding as Mill Creek High School had yet to be built. Hisparents took thatinto consideration alongwith a recommendationfromfriends and decided to send ChasetoBuford. He attended BHS for his entire high school career
Chase Hudson Where are th ynow?
At Buford, Chase played football all four years as a guard on theoffensive line and wasa par t of the varsity team star ting his sophomore year. During histime on the team, Buford wonthe State Championship his freshman year and was Region Champion all four years. His senior year Chasewas a team captain, won the Gwinnett Touchdown Club Player of the Week award and the First Team award
Throughouthigh school, Chase maintained a 4.0 GPA and says that P Gover nment with Coach Christian Hunnicutt was his favoriteclass. He also claims that Hunnicutt was the teacher/staff member who in uenced him the most while at Buford “On the field Coach ‘Cutt’ was relentless, he would push you beyond your limits and wouldn't settle for anything less than your best,” states Chase “He would not accept anything less than your best and wasn't afraid to let you know if there was something you needed to work on.”
When it came time to decide on a college, Chase chose Georgia Tech’s offer of being a prefer red walk-on over full rides for football at smaller colleges
During his sophomore year at Tech, he sustained a bac injur y that required surger y. The injur y would continue to plague him so Chase made the decision to retire from football deciding to instead concentrate on his studies He graduated from Georgia Tech in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Inter national Studies After Tech, Chase enrolled in the Georgia State College of Law where he ear ned his Juris Doctor degree in 2016 and would become an attor ney
Cur rently, Chase is a privatepractice attorney with the firm Sliz/Bramblett &Associatesbutalso makes the time to be an Appointed Counsel for Gwinnett County. GwinnettCounty does not have a public defender program butinstead has alist of private practice attor neys who represent those thatcannot afford their own counsel. Chase says he decided tosign up to be an Appointed Counsel because he wants to “provide a public service that is desperatelyneeded.”, Chase explains that “the right to representation for those whocannot afford it is a vital protectionfor thoseaccusedofany wrongdoing by thestate.”Hegoes on to add, “Ourjudicial system preachesthat the accused are innocent until proven guilty but withoutadequate representation,those same accusedcan find themselves sitting in jail for monthsand even years awaiting trial if they are unable to make bail or not even granted one. The justice system does not provide justice when someone's constitutional rights go unprotected and that is why Isigned up. Whether someoneis guilty or innocent they are afforded cer tain rights underour Constitution andI want to make sure those rightsare protected.”
Chase tookvaluable lessonswith him from Buford that stillser ve him well,“Hard work is the key tosuccess, nothing isgoing to be handed to you but if you are willing toput in the effort and work it will pay off eventually ” He also lear ned what community and giving back isall about. OnceaWolf, Always aWolf!
Free Homecoming and Prom Dresses through Buford’s Becca’s
Closet
Hope Fowler and Joy W. Fowler
Rebecca Kirtman was a Florida high school freshman in 2001 who saw a need and had a heart for her classmates who weren’t able to attend their prom because of financial hardships. Believing “Little things can make a big difference,” she collected and distributed prom dresses among her peers and was able to send hundreds of girls to their proms in style by her sophomore year of high school. Tragically, when Becca was only 16, she was struck and killed by a drunk driver and, consequently, was never able to attend her own prom. Wanting her legacy to live on and to cope with their nearly debilitating grief, her parents started a national non-profit in her memory called Becca’s Closet, a 501(c)3 formal dress bank providing underprivileged high school girls with a free prom or homecoming dress. In 2010, we learned about Becca’s Closet and were drawn to her story. Our family began making plans to start a local Becca’s Closet chapter with the goal of helping girls from Buford High School, as well as other schools in our general area, as a community service project of the BHS Choral Music Department. In 2016, we absorbed the inventory and online identity of
Becca’s Closet Atlanta (formerly in Marietta) and moved both our collection of dresses and racks from where they were stored at the church we attended, as well as all of the inventory from the Marietta location, into a permanent, donated retail space in Buford. With over 5,000 dresses from both former chapter locations, in 2019, we joined forces with BHS’s Key Club and FCCLA to extend our local volunteer base and became Becca’s Closet Atlanta/Buford. This year alone, we have already given away nearly 100 dresses. Thanks to dress donations from households all across metro-Atlanta as well as major nationwide retailers, which are continually flowing in, we have thousands more free dresses to give!
For the past two weeks, we have hosted a temporary dress shop in the new BHS Performing Arts Building specifically for the girls at BHS to drop by after school and pick up a free dress, courtesy of Lulu’s and Becca’s Closet. Our goal for hosting the dress shop was mainly promotional; we wanted to bring awareness to the girls at BHS who may not know what we have to offer. We asked the girls to flood their social media accounts with information about Becca’s Closet Atlanta/Buford to help us build a grassroots promotional campaign. With thousands of free Lulu’s dresses to choose from, we have given away many dresses for Homecoming 2019 and Prom 2020 and still have many, many more to offer. The temporary dress shop at BHS will remain in place this week in order to allow every girl at BHS to pick up a free dress and thereby help us with this big push for Homecoming giveaways for other girls in our area.
If you know of a high school student who cannot attend her school’s Homecoming this year, no matter what high school she attends, we would love to help! We are volunteer-staffed and open by appointment only. Simply have the student email us at beccasclosetatlanta@gmail. com to request a fitting appointment, and we’ll be glad to serve!
For more information about Becca’s Closet or to start a local chapter at your school, visit www. beccascloset.org.
BMS student selected for the State’s Student Advisory Council
Staff Reports
Buford Middle School eighth-grader, Jack Leland, was one of 60 middle school students chosen to participate on State Superintendent Richard Woods’ Student Advisory Council along with 70 high school students from the state of Georgia. Over 1,000 applicants were submitted this year making the selection process extremely competitive.
The Student Advisory Council will
convene with Superintendent Woods to discuss education across the state and serve as ambassadors to their schools. This Spring, they will join with the high school students for a service project.
“It is so important to me to hear directly from students about how decisions made at the state level are playing out in the classroom,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods stated. “Meeting with my Student Advisory Council allows me to hear feedback firsthand from those most affected by educational policies.”
“Jack possesses the discipline to excel at whatever he pursues,” Buford City Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Downs said. “He has successfully demonstrated leadership ability holding multiple positions on Student Government dating back to fifth grade. He is currently serving his second term as the FBLA president. His involvement and commitment to the Buford community, while striving to be the best student, inspires many other students.”
Volunteers pose outside the Becca’s Closet location, a donated retail space in Buford. Photo - Joy Fowler
Buford Middle School eighth-grader Jack Leland received the news that he was one of only 60 middle school students statewide to be selected to be a part of State Superintendent Richard Woods’ Student Advisory Council. Photo - Buford City Schools
Meet Spencer Alexander,afour th- grade studentatBufordSeniorAcademy. This week ,hehas been selected as BufordCitySchools’Reader of the Week .His teachers areMs. Olivia Harbin and Mr.Chandler Smith. “Spencer is one of the most voracious readers at BSA,”saysmedia specialist at theBufordSeniorAcademy, Sara Blankenship.“He will read anything put in frontofhim and really enjoyit!” Spencer’sfavoritegenreofbooks is myster y, but he also enjoys reading anything and ever ything about football,his favorite spor t. He says his favorite book is “Kickoff!” by Tiki and Ronde Barber.Spencer expressed whyheliked it so much saying,“ Tiki and Ronde Barber aremyfavoriteauthors.They tell exciting stories about all kinds of spor ts,including football,baseball,and basketball.”
It ’s no wonder whySpencer likes to read aboutspor ts so much; he takes par tin several of them!
Outside of reading, Spencer plays football,baseball,and basketball.Healso faithfully cheers on the UniversityofAlabama in all ac tivities.
Congratulations to Spencer! Keep up the good work!GoWolves!
Themedia specialists at the BufordSenior Academyand BufordAcademyselectthe BufordCitySchools Reader of the Week Bufordstudents grades first through fifthhavea chance at being named the Reader of the Week.Inaddition to appearing online and in print, the Reader of the Week receives avoucher to Starsand Strikesfor all of their hardwork.
A night to experience the world without ever leaving Buford
Regan Saunders
Members of the Buford community gathered together for Buford Senior Academy International Night on September 12. This event showcased 17 countries represented at colorful stations featuring information and artwork from each culture. The school sponsored this event as a way to stimulate interest in 4th and 5th graders in learning more about their world.
To foster an even greater connection with the students, the countries selected represented the heritage of
BHS graduation rate well above state average
Staff Reports
BUFORD — Buford City Schools announced in a press release on September 19, 2019, that their graduation rate far exceeded the state’s graduation rate average. According to a 2019 Georgia Department of Education report, the graduation rate for Buford High School is 92.6 percent placing them in the 23 percentile. The average graduation rate for the state of Georgia is 82 percent.
The state had only 71 school districts with graduation rates at or above 90 percent and Buford is one of those schools achieving a 90 percent or higher graduation rate.
“The hard work at school and at home has paid off as our graduation
various students from the school. This thoughtful detail made the night more specialized and personal. From Sweden to Nigeria, South Korea to Spain, all of the research about these countries was completed by the students themselves. In addition to art and research, each table featured delicious foods originating from the country represented.
Mrs. Kaleen Pulley, the Buford Senior Academy Principal, shared that, “Even if the kids can’t speak the languages of the countries, they can still eat the food and smile.” Indeed, a smile could certainly be found on the faces of children as they raced from station to station, trying new food and experiencing various cultures.
Another unique feature of the event centered around students who had recently immigrated to the United States. An entire section called “Wolves Around the World” was devoted to sharing these students’ background stories and places of origin, an overall touching addition to demonstrate the global reach of the Buford community.
rate continues to be among the highest in the state at 92.6%, well above the state average. We have consistently put programs in place to identify and support those students that need support in reaching graduation,”
Buford City Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Downs said. “Last year the district had the highest Advanced Placement and Milestones scores in Buford City Schools’ history which also indicates the many successes happening in each classroom.”
How Georgia calculates its graduation rate
Georgia calculates a four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate as required by federal law. This rate is:
• The number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma, divided by
• The number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduating class
Adjusted Cohort Rate Definition: From the beginning of ninth grade, students who are entering that grade for the first time form a cohort that is subsequently adjusted by adding any students who transfer into the cohort during the next three years, and subtracting any students who transfer out.
Students and parents get to learn about other countries’ cuisine and culture at the Buford Senior Academy’s International Night. Photo - Regan Saunders
STUDENT WEEK OF THE
brought to you by The City of Buford
Anna Charles Hollis
1ST GRADE
The Student of the Week titleisbestowed upon those in the Buford community who have set themselves apartfrom the crowd through their character, accomplishments and spirit. No one could be more deser ving of this title than Anna Charles Hollis, the strong and high-spirited six-year-old who exhibited immense strength and positivity in the midst of her battle against leukemia.
Affectionately called AC by her parents Benji and LeeAnna Hollis, and sister Everlee Hollis, she was eagerly looking for ward to attending school as a Buford Wolf when she was diagnosed in May of 2018 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
On September 16 of that year,this strong little girl lost her battle with this illness. Her family,friends and community make it clear,however,that her stor yisnot one of tragedy but rather one of hope.
From her parents, peers and teachers, Anna Charles is still touching the lives of those who knew her.Her five-month fight against AML was atrue example of perseverance and strength, but she was so much more than her battle against cancer
AC was aspunky,fun-lovingdaughter and sister. She remains abright light that empowers others to be strong, stay positive and never give up hope. AC’simpactwill live on in the lives of the children, parents and teachers in the Buford Community.“We actually talk about how we don’ttake moments for granted,” said Ms. Tarleton, AC’skindergarten teacher,“and enjoy ever ysecondoflife’sjourney AC’slife has been magnified and will continue to make us all better people by having known her.”
Anna Charles’ example continues to inspire action. AC is responsible for rallying her community and countr yto fight for acommon cause through her stor yand legacy that lives on forever.Ratherthan allowing her disease to keep her from making an impact, AC allowed it to empower her and became acatalyst, inspiring change around the world to this day.Team AC, afundraising organization started by the Hollis family,isdedicated to fighting pediatric cancer.InAmerica, cancer is the #1 cause of death in children —the Hollis family is passionate about
changing this statistic and giving hope to children who face the same circumstances that AC faced.
Team AC is active around the Buford Community, inviting Wolves of all ages to stand up against AML and rally for AC’scause. On September 15, Team AC held abake sale to raise funds, informmembers of thecommunity about AC’sstor yand encourage them to join the fight against pediatric cancer Selling hats and hosting fun runs is also incorporated into Team AC’s scheduled events. Getting Buford involved and united against pediatric cancer is the main goal for which Team AC strives.
Not only is Team AC active in the community,but the impact of AC’sstor yisfelt across the entire nation. On September 16, the Peach Bowl announced that they will be donating $20 million to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This donation ser ves as the backbone of the “Peach Bowl LegACy Fund”. In today’sworld, only four new children’scancer treatments have been developed in the past 30 years. With agoal to change this statistic, the Peach Bowl announced that the donation will go directly toward funding research for new and improved drugs and treatment options for pediatric cancer Without AC’s incrediblestor yand legacy,millions of children would be lacking new methods to fight cancer.ACisstill making the world abetter place.
Even though she livedonlysix shortyears, AC’s impact will be felt for years to come. Her father, Benji, said, “AC’slegacy can’tbetied to anger or bitterness. Her legacy has to be one of hope, faith and love.”
The entire Buford Community is encouraged by this legacy to fight for something bigger than themselves. Through Team AC, theHollis family is continuing the impact that AC’sstor yhas hadon her community and countr y. The Hollis family also emphasizes that AC’slife will have an eternal impact. Thanking God for the time they had with Anna Charles and her continued influence on the lives of others, the Hollis family cites the verseJohn 11:4: “This sickness will not end indeath but isfor theGlory of God,so that the Son ofGod maybe glorified through it.”
2019 Buford Homecoming Parade
BUFORD — Thousands of people lined Buford streets to watch the annual Homecoming parade and show their Buford pride. Young and old alike could be seen with smiles on their faces as they watched the parade go by. It was a sight to see both from a spectator’s point of view and from the point of view of a person in the parade. This tradition has been taking place for as long as anyone can remember on the Friday afternoon of Homecoming week. The parade was held on September 20 and began at the Buford Arena, went past the schools on Sawnee Avenue, and went the length of Main Street to South Lee Street. The parade route and the actual parade itself was the longest in history.
It wouldn’t be Homecoming Friday without this much loved Buford tradition.
Alicia Couch Payne
The Buford Mountain Biking team pedal down Sawnee Avenue. Photo - Cathy Moore
The junior class at BHS showed their spirit with a float that told the Rams that they are not Buford tough. Photo - Cathy Moore
The sophomore float titled “DefEATing the Rams” was full of creativity as it depicts a wolf making a meal out of a ram. Photo - Cathy Moore
The Buford High School Marching Band energize the crowds with their performance. Photo - Cathy Moore
Young parade spectators show off their candy haul. Photo - Cathy Moore
While waiting for the parade to begin, a few boys with the six and seven-year-old football team posed for a photo op. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Tiny Miss Buford Gabriella Canale is still all smiles by the end of the parade. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Twins Caroline and Callie Snell along with fellow varsity cheerlead- ers as they toss out candy to spectators in front of Buford Middle School. Photo - Cathy Moore
Anna Cate was escorted by her father, Carson Smith.
Kirby was escorted by her father, Jason Wallis.
Nyszjaylah was escorted by her father, Kevin Ingram.
Hailey was escorted by her father, Nathan Jones.
Yamileth was escorted by her father, Dionicio Arroyo.
• 11TH GRADE
Blair Wallis Blair was escorted by her grandfather, Steve Blair.
Arnette Autumn was escorted by her father, Gregg Arnette.
Tanya was escorted by her mother, Alejandrina Osorio.
Melany was escorted by her mother, Rosangela Chavez-Betancourt. All photos credit Cathy Moore
BUFORD FOOTBALL HOMECOMING
– CLASS REPRESENTATIVES –
• SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE • Starlyia Hill
• SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE • Debra Ogundimu
• SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE • Cyrena
• SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE • Tristan
• SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE • Ava
SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE •
Starlyia was escorted by her brother and her triplet, Original Hill.
Jenkins
Tristan was escorted by her father, Tim Jenkins.
Debra was escorted by her brother, Josh Ogundimu.
Whalen
Cyrena was escorted by her father, Brian Whalen.
•
Leah Marsh Leah was escorted by her father, Nathan Marsh.
Sherman
Ava was escorted by her father, Tony Sherman.
Melissa was escorted by her father, Rigoberto Garcia.
2019 Buford Homecoming
(L-R) Senior Jesse Hanks, Grace Haupert, senior Jonathan Ingram, senior Emma Simpson, junior Asher Thornton, and senior Olivia Mathews use the scenery at McDaniel Farm Park to get their Homecoming photos done. . Photo - David Hanks
Seniors gather on the track after the Homecoming Queen was announced. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Buford dominated the Rams of Newton County on Homecoming night winning 42-14. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Buford drum majors get pumped up before the Homecoming game. Photo - Cathy Moore
Junior Asher Thornton and senior Jonathan Ingram have some fun with the amenities at McDaniel Farm Park for Homecoming photos. Photo - David Hanks
Senior football player Evan DiMaggio and junior cheerleader Mackenzie Buffo at Sims Lake Park. Photo - Nikki DiMaggio
Junior Logan Banks and freshman Emma Chafin pose for photos before heading to the Buford High School Homecoming Dance. Photo - Gene Kimbro
Buford celebrates after the game with the trophy they won for being Channel 2’s Game of the Week.. Photo - Cathy Moore
Football players, cheerleaders, and Wolfie from the high school go to each school to hype the students at their pep rallies. Photo - Cathy Moore
BMS Volleyball wins county tournament
Alicia Couch Payne
In the athletics world, so much attention is given to high school athletics. But there is a whole world that is thriving at the middle school level. One such sport that’s thriving at Buford Middle School is the volleyball program. BMS has two volleyball teams, and their “A-Team” competed in the Gwinnett Middle School Volleyball Championship on September 14 at Parkview High School, taking home the championship trophy.
The “A-Team” which is comprised of 7th and 8th graders played six matches in one day against some really challenging teams. During the pool play, Buford beat Trickum Middle School, Greater Atlanta Christian, and Couch Middle School. In the knockout rounds, Buford’s speed proved too much for Pickneyville Middle School to handle and they fell in two sets.
Their next opponent, Brookwood Middle School, was a tall team that played well defensively except for covering tip balls. Buford adapted their plans and exploited Brookwood’s weaknesses. “Out of our 50 points from both sets,” said BMS Volleyball Head Coach Ethan
Buford dominates Newton County
Alicia Couch Payne
BUFORD — The Buford Wolves played to a packed house on Friday night against Newton County. The energy in Tom Riden Stadium was electric as several generations of Buford fans cheered on the team and at halftime the Homecoming Court festivities. Newton who going into the game against Buford was undefeated, failed to turn plays into points as they would fall to Buford 42-14.
If the second drive of the game for Newton was to set the tone of the game then the outcome would have been much different. Newton’s Quincy Cullins would rush for 26 yards which put the Rams on Buford’s 17. On the very next play, Cullins ran the ball in for a 17yard touchdown putting Newton up 7-0 after the PAT was good.
Burke, “we scored almost half of those points off of tip balls,”
Their final match of the tournament was against a very formidable Mill Creek. Burke had scouted the team earlier in the day and knew they were the complete package. During their first set, Buford was down 7-2, so Burke called a timeout. He noticed that only one player, their libero, could receive a ball off the serve and get it to their setter. The team once again adapted and won their first set. Mill Creek would not go easy as they kept tying the score in the second set. Buford’s hitters Palyn Reid, Ally Wall, Alexa Flowers and Avery Manley had to mix up their hits to get points. The back row passers led by Amy Ragazino and Ella Jane Williams were key to helping the team add points as well. Mill Creek and Buford were only a point apart when Buford needed the last point to win the set. Isabelle Cunnington would make her set off a great pass from Flowers. As Reid was about to strike, Burke noticed Mill Creek’s back row anticipate a hard hit so he yelled for Reid to tip it, which she did, scoring the last point for the win.
Coach Burke told the Voice, “Making adjustments while the ball is in the air is something only a few players in middle school can do and we have three girls with the capabilities of doing that.”
Burke credits the team’s coachability in making them a successful team. He added, “They all know their role when they are on the court
Buford would answer back when Jarvis Evans would connect with a wide-open Justice Johnson for a 36-yard touchdown pass with 1:37 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Hayden Olsen’s field goal attempt was good tying the game at 7 all. Jake Pope would intercept a pass by Newton’s Neal Howard setting up another touchdown when Evans would throw a sixyard touchdown pass to Gaber Ervin. After the successful PAT, Buford would lead the game 14-7 with 11:10 left in the second quarter. Newton would regret not being able to tie the game up before halftime after they failed to score when they were on Buford’s two-yard line.
During halftime, Buford head coach Bryant Appling told his players to come back from halftime and win the first five minutes of the second half to make Newton question themselves thus slowing down play. His team does just that as senior Elijah Turner will score a touchdown after rushing for 51 yards on their first possession of the third quarter putting the Wolves up 21-7.
A 55-yard punt by Olsen would force Newton to start their drive on their own 1-yard line. Howard was intercepted by Buford linebacker Mason McCranie who would then run the
and they depend on each other to do their part which leads to us being successful.” He is constantly telling the girls to “win the next point. It doesn’t matter what happened before, if we lost the point or set, correct your mistakes, and win the next point.”
Buford’s A-Team has an overall season record of 7-0 and 6-0 in the Gwinnett County Championship Tournament. The A-Team members
ball into the endzone.
Buford was leading 28-7 at the 6:31 mark in the third quarter. With 2:55 remaining in the quarter, Turner would score his second touchdown of the night after rushing the ball into the endzone. The score was 35-7 in favor of Buford.
The Rams were able to stop Buford’s scoring run in the third when Newton’s Diondre Glover would catch a 75-yard throw by Howard. Buford’s lead was cut down to 35-14 with 2:05 left in the third quarter. Buford was able to further distance themselves from Newton in the fourth quarter. Evans would connect with Julien Lewis for an 11-yard touchdown pass putting Buford at 42 to Newton’s 14 points.
are Alexa Flowers, Palyn Reid, Ella Jane Williams, Ally Wall, Isabelle Cunnington, Amy Ragazino, Berkley Clark, and Avery Manley. BMS Volleyball will wrap up their regular season next week with two matches. On September 28, they will play in the Winder Area Tournament, and if they’re successful there, Buford will move on to compete in the North Georgia Area Tournament on October 5.
7 out of 11 passing attempts for 138 yards and three touchdowns. Turner had 15 carries for 123 yards rushing against the Rams.
Buford quarterback Jarvis Evans completed
Buford (4-0) will host Archer next Friday night, September 27 at Tom Riden Stadium.
The BMS Volleyball “A-Team” won the Gwinnett Middle School Volleyball Championship on September 14. (Back Row: L-R) Assistant Coach Christy McGee, Isabelle Cunnington, Payton Danley, Berkley Clark, Palyn Reid, Avery Manley, and Head Coach Ethan Burke. (Front Row: L-R) Ella Jane Williams, Alexa Flowers, Amy Ragazino, Ally Wall, and Sophia Jo. Photo - Ethan Burke
Buford linebacker Mason McCranie is about to lock onto Newton County receiver Jerrol Hines for the tackle. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Buford Girls Track Team honored in ring ceremony at recent football game
Alicia Couch Payne
BUFORD — Last May, the girls track team at Buford High School won their third straight State AAAAA Track & Field Championship title. The team was honored for their win in front of a packed crowd at the football game against Life Christian Academy on September 13 at Tom Riden Stadium.
A young North Gwinnett softball team is proving people wrong
Alicia Couch Payne
SUWANEE — Many people thought this year would be a rebuilding year for the North Gwinnett softball team. It has turned out to be anything but that as the team’s record so far is 20-1 overall and 11-0 in Region 6-AAAAAAA. The Lady Bulldogs are ranked second in the state in AAAAAAA.
The team returned only a handful of starters this year and added a new head coach after longtime coach Randy Black retired. The new head coach Amanda Heil, a North Gwinnett graduate who played four years of varsity softball for the Bulldogs, was left to lead a young team. According to some of the players’ parents, Heil has brought a new and refreshing dynamic to the team.
North Gwinnett is having to rely on freshmen to fill some key positions including starting pitchers. Their top pitching ace is freshman Amber Reed with a 13-0 record, with 70 strikeouts in 75 innings of work and an impressive 1.44 ERA. Fellow freshman
Head track coach Fyrone Davis presented the girls with their state championship rings to cheers from the crowd. “The season was special because we broke so many school records and had great team spirit,” reflects Coach Davis.
The 2019 GHSA Track & Field State Championships were held May 9-11 at Carrollton High School and the Buford girls won the championship title by a landslide. At the end of the meet, Buford had racked up 72 points compared to the runner-up Miller Grove’s 43 points.
“Three times in a row is a phenomenal accomplishment as state champs,” says Davis. He adds, “Breaking two state records is a huge accomplishment for any program Especially when it’s an all-classification record. We live by the words dominate the track at every opportunity.”
Coaches and members of the Girls 2019 GHSA AAAAA StateTrack & Field Championship team were honored at the September 13 football game at Tom Riden Stadium. (Back Row L-R) David Snell, Andre Johnson, Ronald King, Debra Ogundimu, Trinity Price, Hayley Iverson, Vaughn Ross, Caroline Snell, Callie Snell, Ronald Green, Brooke Heindel, Shamaya Young, Caroline Green, Caroline Montini, and Kimberly Harris. (Front Row) Head Coach Fyrone Davis. Photo - Alicia Couch Payne
Buford had first-place finishes by Kimberly Harris (200- and 400-meter dash) and Buford “A” 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams of Harris, Trinity Price, Britiney Johnson, Trinity Rossum, Phoenix Armstead, and Alexa Rossum. The Lady Wolves had top-five finishes by T. Rossum (100-meter), Armstead (100-meter), Price (200and 400-meter), and Debra Ogundimu (100-meter hurdles).
pitcher Jaylyn Benson is 5-1 with a 3.00 ERA who struck out 37 batters in 32 innings on the mound.
The team has 10 batters with a .400 average or higher, and an overall team average of .415. Benson along with fellow freshman Bella Faw and sophomore Marisa Miller are three of the top batters for the Lady Bulldogs. Faw has a .458 average, 27 hits, 5 doubles, 2 home runs, and 17 RBIs, while Benson has a .407 average, 7 home runs, 6 doubles, and 29 RBIs.
With a quick glance, one can see an elite team that looks the part. They’re physically fit since a majority of the girls take an all-girl weight training class during their school day taught by the football strength coach R.J. Luke. The girls also work out five days a week including game days.
Heil says one factor in the girls’ success this year is just how bonded they are. “Our seniors and returning varsity players have done a great job being leaders, and more importantly being welcoming,” Heil said. “They love each other and get happy for each other’s success.”
With just five games remaining — four of which are region games — in the regular season, the girls enter their home stretch. They will rely on their upperclassmen like seniors Morgan Frye, Riley Jackson, Paige Nellis and Meaghan Lewis; juniors Grace Connelly and Caroline Schumeyko to lead a largely inexperienced team into the postseason.
“I love our chances moving forward,” Heil said of their postseason chances. “We have a lot of confidence and I always have confidence in the girls as long as we have another at-bat left.”
With returning top five finishers from the 2019 state meet of Harris, Price, T. Rossum, and Ogundimu for their 2019-2020 team, Buford has a great chance of winning a fourth straight state title come May.
The North Gwinnett varsity softball team clinched their region championship on Tuesday night. PhotoAlicia Couch Payne
Friday, September 27, 2019
Aliana Faith Hill, age 2, of Sugar Hill, GA passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2019, at 1:00 pm at Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory Buford Chapel, 201 Morningside Drive, Buford, Georgia 30518. 770-945-9999. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 noon.
Aliana will always be remembered as a little warrior who overcame five heart surgeries and shone as a light in a dark world.
Jamie Sheppard, III, age 33 of Buford, GA passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Harold Kemp; great grandparents, Ruby and Bill Kemp and Dr. Harry and Barbara Hutchins. Mr. Sheppard is survived by his son, Jay Sheppard; mother, Felicia Kemp Butler, Buford, GA; father, James Edward Sheppard, Jr.; brother, Justin Sheppard, Buford, GA; step-sisters, Chelsea Hughes, Boston, MA, Tiffany Waters, Atlanta, GA; grandparents, Margaret “Tina” Hutchins Kemp, Buford, GA, Jean and James Sheppard, Sr.; nephew, Brandon Sheppard, Buford, GA; aunts, uncles and numerous other relatives. Mr. Sheppard was born on May 1, 1986, in Atlanta, GA. He received his education at West Hall High School and Flowery Branch High School. Mr. Sheppard was an electrician by trade and a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church. Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 26, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Rev. Paul Garner officiated. Interment was at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens, Buford, GA. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518
Lynn J. Harter, age 85, of Sugar Hill, GA passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2019. He was preceded in death by his
OBITS & SERVICES
daughters, Leigh Wilson and Jean Harter; sons, Andrew Harter, Lynn Thomas Harter, and Richard Harter; sisters, Virginia Simmons and Lynda Quigley Howard; and brother, Gordon Harter. Mr. Harter is survived by his wife of fifty years, Mary Harter, Sugar Hill, GA; children, James M. and Rhonda Harter, Buford, GA and Joaquin and Kelly Martinez, Portage Indiana; fourteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Ron Howard; niece, Nancy Koch, Ann Harbor, MI; and other beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Harter was born on December 9, 1933, in Gary, Indiana. He was a 1952 graduate of Hobart High School, Hobart, IN and a graduate from Purdue University with an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Tech. He continued his education and became a Professional Engineer. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy. Mr. Harter was retired as a Design Engineer from Thrall Car Manufacturing Company where he designed railroad cars. He was a member of Buford Presbyterian Church in Sugar Hill, GA. A memorial service was held on Friday, September 27, 2019, at Buford Presbyterian Church. Rev. Carrie Barnes officiated. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518
Mary Barbara Kach of Sugar Hill, GA passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2019.
Mary was born on July 13, 1947, to Peter and Mary Walczuk in Stanford Connecticut. She was preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Kach is survived by her husband of 36 years Steve, her sons and their wives, Richard and Tisha Loeper-Viti, David and Natalie Viti, Danny and Laura Viti along with seven grandchildren, David Viti, Sara Viti, Ruby Loeper-Viti, Alaina Viti,
Eleanor Loeper-Viti, Nathan Viti, and Henry Loeper-Viti, and her brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Jana Walczuk, and Cricket the Cat. She was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and retired from the medical insurance industry. Mrs. Kach loved Christmastime and spending time with her family. She never missed a game or event for her kids or grandkids. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her funeral was held on Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518.
Diane Elizabeth Ramthun , age 66, of Buford, GA passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2019. She is preceded in death by her parents William and Margaret Gunn; brothers Jeffery Gunn, Donald Gunn; sister Margaret Rowin; and nephew Jeremy Holbeck. Diane will be greatly missed by her husband James “Jim” Ramthun; sons Charles Holman of Buford GA, Joey Holman of Brooklyn, NY; grandchildren Cayden and Brooks Holman; step-children Alex Ramthun (Amy), Amelia Solon (John); step-grandchildren Samantha Ramthun, Evan Solon, Blake Solon; siblings Linda Crandal of Milton, WI, Carol Holmbeck of Harvard, IL, Bill
Gunn (Sheila) of Edgerton, WI, twin Deborah Oakley of Demorest, GA, John Gunn (Jill) of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Joel Gunn (Kathie) of Janesville, WI, Daniel Gunn of Plover, WI, Dennis Gunn (Ronda) of Janesville, WI; 17 nieces and nephews; and 12 great-nieces and nephews. Diane was born and raised in Janesville, WI and moved to GA at the age of 22. Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 201 Morningside Drive, Buford, Georgia 30518. 770-945-9999.
Larry A. Martin , age 77, of Buford, GA passed away Sunday, September 15, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, J. L. and Betty Westbrooks Martin. Mr. Martin is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Patsy Jones Martin, Buford, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Stephen Floyd, Flowery Branch, GA; grandchildren, Cassidy Floyd, Mackenzie Floyd; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce and Curtis Westbrooks, Buford, GA, Janice and Ricky Gilliland, Buford, GA, Crystal Queen, Buford, GA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Stanley and Sarah Martin, Buford, GA, Winton and Carol Martin, Flowery Branch, GA, Joe and Shan Martin, Buford, GA; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Martin was born on December 18, 1941, in Buford, GA. He was a 1960 graduate of Buford High School. Mr. Martin was a retired carpenter. He was a member of Island Ford Baptist Church, Buford, GA and an avid golfer. Graveside services were held on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens. Rev. Allen Taylor officiated. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518
