Class of 2022

CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!

Triple A Excellence

The Buford City School System, the Buford Board of Education, and the Buford City Commission extend sincere congratulations to the senior Class of 2022. We are so proud to now call you Buford alumni. Triple A Excellence has been a hall mark of Buford High School, and your graduating class has embodied excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. As graduates of the Class of 2022, you have demonstrated excellence in each of these areas. Your class is leaving a legacy of excellence that brings pride to Buford City Schools and continues the tradition of excellence that has been carried on by graduates before you. Be proud of your achievements, and take the essence of these accomplishments with you into the next chapter of your life. And remember, once a Wolf, always a Wolf.

Dear Senior Class of 2022,

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

Your graduating class is filled with young people who have achieved many accomplishments in academics, athletics, and the arts, along with many other activities worthwhile to Buford High School and this community.

Your class exemplifies the Buford City Schools motto of Triple “A” Excellence.

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

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

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

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

Melanie Reed Superintendent Buford City Schools

Dear Members of the Class of 2022,

Congratulations seniors for your many accomplishments in the fields of academics, athletics, and the arts and for representing Buford High School and this community in a manner of excellence. During that time frame you have endured adversity and change, from a new high school building, leadership changes, and a pandemic. In spite of all these obstacles and challenges, your determination and perseverance remained, and you were able to achieve unprecedented successes.

Famous film director Nora Ephron said, “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” Buford High School has provided you with the tools to reach your full potential as lifelong learners and effective members of society. Continue striving and continue reaping the benefits of your hard work throughout the rest of your life, and always remember that Buford High School is here to support you along your chosen path.

I hope that our motto of Excellence will stay with you as approach your future endeavors, and my wish is that you will remember to give back to this wonderful community that has nurtured you over the years.

Congratulations and best of luck in all you do,

Ms. Teresa Hagelthorn Principal Buford High School

GRADUATION Class of 2022

Graduation numbers BY THE 392 GRADUATES

98

Honor Graduates

05/27/22

Advanced Placement Honors

• Number of AP Scholars: 33

• Number of AP Scholars with Honor: 21

• Number of AP Scholars with Distinction: 16

Savanna Wachter Welcome speech

Hello, everyone! Family. Friends. No matter where you’ve come from or how many countless hours you’ve spent traveling to come see your loved ones in this once-in-a-lifetime moment, Buford High School welcomes you to the graduation of the Class of 2022!

$190K awarded through local scholarships during graduation

• Number of National Hispanic Scholars: 4

• Number of National African American Scholars: 5

• Number of National Merit Commended Scholars: 3

• Number of National Merit Finalists: 3

Five

The number of graduates who participated in the Governor’s Honors Program last summer

Scholars ceremony lasted 2 hours

720

180 days of senior year

Total number of days in graduates’ high school careers

First off, I would like to thank all of those who made this day possible for the 392 individuals sitting here today. Thank you to the Buford Board of Education, Buford City Commissioners, Central Office, BHS administration, and faculty who have continued to push each and every one of us to become the truest versions of ourselves and to strive for excellence in everything we pursue. Whether that be in academics, athletics, or in the arts, the valuable lessons we’ve learned throughout our 4 years at BHS will continue to define who we are to become in our adult lives and beyond.

Thinking back, I would

especially like to thank the parents, friends, and loved ones who surround us today and their support in our pursuit of education. For almost two decades, you’ve watched us and helped us grow from tiny little toddlers who could barely walk (let alone carry on a conversation) and morph into accomplished young adults

ready to take on the world. Despite the difficult circumstances we’ve been dealt over the past two years with the COVID-19 pandemic, we never let it stop us from truly achieving a deep, meaningful high school experience with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

And so, before I start

getting emotional, I think that Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, says it best: “I’m not afraid to speak out, and say things that I want to do, or do the things that I want to do. I think in the end, being natural, and being actually genuine is what wins.” Do not be afraid to let go of the stresses of living up to unrealistic standards so that you can really experience what life has to offer. Throughout the course of your life following this graduation ceremony tonight, you will be faced with a multitude of choices. The key word is YOU. YOU are the one who will continue to grow and mature throughout your college or career experiences. YOU are the one who will be faced with difficult, “adult” decisions. YOU are the one who will shape your destiny through the steps you take once you walk out of these doors tonight. Above all else, YOU are the Class of 2022. We are the Class of 2022. Welcome to the next step.

HIGH SCHOOL BUFORD 2022 CLASS OF

Salutatorian’s speech

Jimmy Ragazino

Good evening to you all, and thank you for attending the graduation ceremony for Buford High School’s Class of 2022. To the Board of Education and our administration, thank you for making this event possible. To all of the teachers in attendance, thank you for guiding us through the arduous journey of reaching this very moment. You have inspired us, allowed us to learn, and furthered our growth in unfathomable ways. To the friends and family of all of the graduates, thank you for getting us to this point. School can be stressful more often than not, and your continued support has been crucial in overcoming all of our struggles and allowing us to reach this momentous occasion in our academic careers. Last but not least, to my fellow graduates: congratulations. We made it. After tonight, we’re done. Our academic experiences at Buford will be over, our clubs will be solely in the past, and our Buford accounts will be wiped clean. However, while our experiences within Buford City Schools will fade away from this material reality, the way we’ve used this pivotal time in our lives will live on within all of our minds.

As anyone who has experienced my anxious and stammering mind could probably guess, questions swirled in my mind in regards to this speech. Who am I to attempt

to motivate or inspire anyone else? How will I slip in the elements that people have asked me to incorporate?

Most importantly, what will be the connective tissue that will aid in bringing high school to a close? On that last point, I began by thinking about the limited time that we all possess. Everyone’s time in a certain place or with a certain person is limited, and it is constantly

ticking down to zero. However, you don’t need me to tell you that. No matter what our feelings are on the matter, all of us graduates are witnessing our time as students of Buford City Schools getting ever so close to zero, but even though our time here is nearly over, the memories formed here will live on. Even though we’ll never hear another one, we will always remember the infinite variations of

the one minute warning. Even though we’ll never need to do another one, we will always remember the rigorous and occasionally strange assignments we’ve done throughout high school. Even though it will never again be recited to us, we will always remember the Mission of Buford High School by heart. Even though we’ll never work alongside them again, we will always remember the clubs and teams we have belonged to as well as the legacies we have left with them. Even though they are fleeting moments in our relatively vast lifespans, we will always remember instances like the experience of dissecting frogs and grasshoppers, “No Slushies,” and the sudden resurgence of Malthusian thought after the release of “Avengers: Endgame.” Our time here is almost up, but our memories at Buford will persist. As time carries us further and further away from this high school experience, we will still have these memories to look back on every so often. As we all move into our own unique and bright futures, we, as the Class of 2022, will be at least lightly intertwined through our shared memories within Buford City Schools, and, considering the terrifying world we currently live in, we are all very lucky to have had this experience together. Thank you, and I wish all of you the very best.

As time carries us further and further away from this high school experience, we will still have these memories to look back on every so often. As we all move into our own unique and bright futures, we, as the Class of 2022, will be at least lightly intertwined through our shared memories within Buford City Schools ...

Valedictorian’s speech

Eugene Oh

To the principal, teachers, faculty, staff, parents, friends, and, of course, the Buford High School graduates of the class of 2022, good evening.

I’ve agonized over this speech for the past week because of my fear of public speaking, but it looks like I’ll have to suffer one last time before I am set free for the summer. In preparation for this, I’ve watched and taken notes of the many great speeches that have been given around the U.S. in the past years and I’ve recognized that I could never match up with those guys in the short amount of time I have had.

But what I can do for you today is convey an analogy between the class of 2022 and a potato that I have brought today in case anyone needs to reference it.

This plain chunk of carb represents the students we are today as we get ready to graduate and take a step into the adult world whether that be going to college, vocational school, the military, or the workforce. Fortunately for those of us here today, we have been prepared by some of the best teachers students could ask for, and it is now up to us to take advantage of this opportunity and become the best version of ourselves.

I am sure that at times, many of us here today can likely relate to being a couch potato, lazing around and scrolling through hours of social media until we realize that the entire

day was wasted away. However, like potatoes, many of us won’t remain plain and will likely be formed into something more extravagant ... like McDonald’s fries. Although I would prefer Chick-fil-A’s.

On the other hand, some of us will reach even higher heights, becoming Michelin star quality. Regardless, I know that like how potatoes have been vital to the growth of the world in the past, this graduating class will be vital to the future growth in both existing and non-existing industries.

We are essentially potatoes in the way that our currently plain nature can be transformed into something extravagant

do not doubt that as this class moves forward, these students will continue to strive for Triple A excellence as often said over the speakers.

These four years in high school have been filled with many experiences that have shaped us into the people we are here as today and I hope that each one of us will continue to meet new people and experience new things throughout our futures, all the while holding on to the relationships and memories we’ve formed throughout high school.

by the chefs that mold us that come in the form of influences and experiences. The new people we will meet and grow close to are the people that will mold us in the future, thus we must do our best to surround ourselves with friends and mentors that are the chefs that make the potato into something much more.

Many students today have already accomplished great things such as wins in football, wrestling, and literary state championships. Not only were there state champions, but there were also the Banana Bandits, who managed to accomplish the amazing feat of collecting 169 bananas just last week. I

As I near the end of this speech, I’m sure many of you are curious about the “So what” of the potatoes. So here it is. The potatoes represent us, the Class of 2022, and our ability to rise and face any obstacle that may be thrown at us in the inevitable future. We will be able to thrive in any environment similar to potatoes because of the great potential that lies in each and every one of us and our ability to utilize all that we have gained over the past four years at Buford High School.

As I was thinking about how to end this speech, I realized that like me, many of you are likely anxious to set foot into an unknown world. So to those who are still anxious about the future, remember that even plain potatoes can make a delicious meal when you’re hungry.

Congratulations, Buford Class of 2022!

Fortunately for those of us here today, we have been prepared by some of the best teachers students could ask for, and it is now up to us to take advantage of this opportunity and become the best version of ourselves.

Excellence in Academics

Every school year, Buford High School seniors are recognized for their hard work and dedication to excellence. On May 11, 2022, seniors of the Class of 2022 were honored for their achievements during the annual Awards Night ceremony at the Performing Arts Center. The following is the script from that event.

2022 DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS

At this time we will present Departmental Awards to students who have either demonstrated excellence in a particular subject over four years or who have demonstrated excellence while completing a Career Tech or Fine Arts Pathway. A faculty representative from each department or area of study will come forward to make each presentation.

This year’s recipient of the Instrumental Music Award is an amazing young musician who has been a musical leader in the classroom and who has made those around her better musicians simply by her presence. Beyond that, she has one of the kindest hearts; students universally talk about her as an example of positive leadership and many students list her as the best leader they’ve ever had. She has an ability to set those around her at ease and make them feel welcome from the time they walk in the door. The Instrumental Music Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to

SAVANNA WACHTER

The Choral Music Award is being presented to a singer who has been an integral part of our State Championship Literary Team for two years as Boys Soloist and a member of the Quartet. He attended Governor’s Honors as a vocalist in 2021 and participated in All-State Chorus. According to Mr. Greer, this student is an incredibly dedicated and driven young musician and a pleasure to teach. The Choral Music Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to

DYLAN APPLING

Robert Kyoski once said, “The most successful people in life are the ones who ask questions. They are always learning, always growing, always pushing.” The Theater Award is being presented to a young man who is one of those people. According

2022 Awards Night Ceremony

to Mr. Hunter, “Regardless of what we asked him to conquer, he kept pushing, he kept learning, he kept growing. This student is humble, but hungry, and always trying to be better than he was the day before.” The Theater Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to DYLAN

APPLING

This year’s Visual Arts Award recipient is a three-year member of the National Art Honor Society, currently serving as President. She received “Best in Show” at the Buford City Art Show for the past three years, first place in the Holiday Card Art Contest last year, and first place in the North Gwinnett Kiwanis Art Show in 2020. She is not only artistically and academically gifted; she is also an all-around amazing person. Mrs. Barge says that she has had the pleasure of teaching her for five years – in 4th grade and throughout all four years of high school! The Visual Arts Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to CAROLINE HENDERSON

The Dance Award recipient has been a member of the Advanced Dance class for four years and a member of the Competition Dance team for three years, serving as Co-Captain all three seasons. She is a phenomenal dancer and choreographer, and when she performs, she leaves it all on the stage. She has been an indispensable leader within the dance program and on the dance team, and she is certain to continue to find success as she performs at the collegiate level. The Dance Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to SYDNEY HOLTON.

The Business Management Award is being presented to a young lady that Ms. Edwards says has been a joyous surprise in her life. This student has served as FBLA President for the past two years, she has completed the Business Accounting Pathway, earning a college credit for Basic Accounting, and she has served as a work-based learner for Ms. Edwards this year. She has matured over the past four years into an amazing leader who is headed for even more success at the University of South Carolina. The Business Management Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to GRACEY KEMP

The Computer Science Award is being presented to a young man who entered the computer science course with some knowledge of the computer science industry; the Software Technology course has helped him narrow his focus to pursue a career in Computer Programming. He plans to major in Computer Science at Georgia State University and he is awaiting to hear if he has been accepted into the Amazon Future Engineer Internship program. The Computer Science Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to ETHAN SQUIRES

The Construction Award is being presented to a phenomenal student who was always willing to learn and use his skills to better those around him. He has a genuine interest in the construction trade and will be pursuing a trade program as he continues his education after high school. Coach Laws says, “I truly enjoyed teaching this student and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for him.” The Construction Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to SAMUEL NORRIS.

The Education Award is being presented to a young lady who has been both an intern and a one on-one tutor. She exudes all the exemplary teacher qualities such as compassion, diligence, composure, and professionalism. Coach Snell is proud that she will be entering the College of Education at Auburn University next year. The Education Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to NATALIE POPE

The Marketing and Management Award is being presented to a pathway completer who currently serves as a work-based learning student worker in the Wolves Den. He has done a wonderful job not only with his classwork, but also in fulfilling his duties and responsibilities in the Wolves Den. He handles everything from shipping online orders to taking inventory, to updating the website, and creating social media content. He sets an example for his peers by always being on task and turning in exemplary work. The Management and Marketing Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to JACKSON FAVORS

The winner of the Nutrition and Food Science Award is a student

who is a dream student. She is hard-working and works well with any classmate she is paired up with. On lab days, she is always asking what she can do to help out. This student always has a smile on her face and a great attitude at all times. The Nutrition and Food Science Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to MEHRAIL MIKHAIL

The Healthcare Science Award for Patient Fundamentals is being presented to a dedicated student with impeccable work ethic. She completed the pathway last year and became a Certified Patient Care Technician. Her warm and positive personality combined with her critical thinking skills combine to make her an excellent student. She is certain to be successful in all future endeavors.

The Patient Fundamentals Award is presented for the Class of 2022 to KINSEY WILLIFORD.

The award in Physical Education is being presented tonight to one of the hardest workers in the weight room over the past two years. He is a model student and an everyday guy in the weight room. You can tell he looks forward to coming to weight training every day and his presence makes those around him work harder. This student has improved in his benchmark maxes every time we test and he has become the strongest lifter in 6th period. Coach Winslette says, “He has never had a bad day in the weight room and as a strength coach, it has truly been a blessing to watch him grow over the years.” The Physical Education Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to ETHAN SQUIRES

The Healthcare Science Award for Sports Medicine is being presented to an excellent student and a true leader in the classroom. She is very dependable and highly respected by her peers and teachers. She is a pathway completer in Sports Medicine and Pharmacology with a certification as a Pharmacy Technician. She has a strong work ethic and many professional qualities that will benefit her in her career. She is truly compassionate and has an instinct for serving and caring for others. The Sports Medicine Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to ALEXANDRA CAREFOOT

The Video Technology Award is being presented to a student who has been a member of the Audio/ Video Technology pathway for the past four years. During this time he has won numerous awards including first place in the STN Fall Nationals for Mobile Journalism, Best Writing at the 2021 Bobcat Film Festival, and Best Editing at the 2022 Bobcat Film Festival. He is also an Adobe Certified Professional and he has been a vital member of AAA Today. He always brings a higher level of enthusiasm and creativity to the classroom. The Video Technology Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to MASON FULLER

The Work-Based Learning Award is being presented to a stellar student who maintains high academic standards in all of her school efforts while working an average of 30 hours a week at her job in the pet care industry. She has a 100 average in Work-Based Learning and she continues to set a high standard for work ethic both in school and on the job. Her employer says that she is an outstanding asset in every area of the business. The Work-Based Learning Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to KARLI MARTIN.

The Georgia Youth Apprenticeship Program was established to allow high school students to begin preparation for careers in fields requiring a highly-trained workforce, such as healthcare and education. Students in the program complete additional requirements with the Work-Based Learning program to quality. Our next award winner has diligently pursued two Youth Apprenticeship opportunities, one in healthcare and one with a law office. She received outstanding reviews from her mentors in both programs. The Youth Apprenticeship Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to ASHLEY UM

The recipient of the English Department Award is presented tonight to someone who has been an exemplary English student during her four years of high school, excelling in all Honors and AP Language Arts classes. She offers insightful commentary in class discussion and writes essays and analyses of tremendous depth and sophistication. She earned a

top score of 5 on the AP Language exam last year, and this year she was the Region Champion in Rhetorical Analysis. The English Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to AMELIA BARNARD

Tonight, the World Languages Department would like to honor a student who has truly embraced the Spanish culture and language. She has spent all four years of high school taking Spanish, earning a 100 her last semester of Spanish 4 Honors. Her love for the language and culture is evident to anyone who has shared a classroom with her. She not only spends time outside of school absorbing all the Spanish she can, but in class she has a positive outlook that is infectious. The World Language Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to ARI WELLS

The award for excellence in Math is being presented tonight to a student who has made a tremendous impression within the Math Department during a short period of time. He excelled in AP Calculus AB during the 11th grade, only missing 2 questions during class all year and earning a 5 on the AP Exam. He has since moved on to Calculus BC where he once again has shown a level of excellence unmatched by his peers. He is a tremendous worker, a critical thinker, and never takes days off. His ability to grasp upper level mathematics at the highest level our school can offer and translate them verbally, algebraically, and graphically makes him the ideal recipient of this award. The Math Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to EUGENE OH

The recipient of the Science Department Award is a senior who has excelled in each of his science classes over the past 4 years. These courses include AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, and AP Environmental Science. This student is exceptionally bright, has an unparalleled work ethic, holds himself to the highest of standards, and does so with a positive attitude and engaging sense of humor. What sets him apart and contributes most to his success in the sciences is his ability to learn a concept and then apply it to a variety of new situations, including both practical and theoretical. This young man

is certain to achieve much success in the future. The Science Award is presented to JIMMY RAGAZINO

The Social Studies Department is pleased to recognize a student who has excelled in five different AP Social Studies courses, including two this year. She has consistently earned superior grades in difficult courses while demonstrating an enthusiasm for the subject that uplifts the classroom environment in terms of participation and depth of thought. On top of all that, she is a top-notch student across the board and an all-around great person. The Social Studies Award for the Class of 2022 is presented to KARYME SANTIBANEZ.

12TH GRADE — CLASS OF 2022

Many of the presentations to seniors tonight are accompanied by monetary awards. In fact, by the end of the evening, we will have awarded approximately $18,000 to members of the Class of 2022. We would like to thank all the donors who have made these awards possible.

The following seniors have earned an academic weighted percent of at least 90.0 (unrounded) over four years. They will each receive a certificate and an academic bar or letter along with a check from the Academic Booster Club for $50. I will call you up in five groups.

GROUP 1

Caleb Allen, Madelyn Allison, Jazmin Alvarado-Solis, Adrian Alvarez, Sebastian Amaya, Dawson Andrew, Stephanie Arzate-Lopez, Kobe Bage, Victoria Bahr, Avery Kate Barton, Ansley Brand, Jason Bui, Wyatt Cameron, Camryn Carlton, Drake Cooper, Luke Crossett, Marigrace Crossett

GROUP 2

Nicholas Crouse, Ignacio Cruz, Jayden Deans, Katie Earl, Taylor Edwards, Zachary Elkins, Lillian English, Jacob Galbraith, Anthony Garcia, Eva Garcia, Mauricio Garduno-Rea, Jackson Gaspard, James Hadley, Bryant Hall, Mikayla Hayden, Tyler Henley, Lidia Hernandez Chavarria

GROUP 3

Piper Hill, Milica Hrnjak, Emily Jiang, Micah Jones, Alexander Krist, Ksenija Litchfield, Caitlin Lomax, Veronika Macias, Taylor Malvin, Ben Martin, Leslie Martinez, Dawt Mawi, Andrew McMurry, Katelynn Merrill, Joseph Miller, Mason Moore

GROUP 4

Melissa Muller, Geo Nam, Christopher Nance, Jordyn Olivo, Eli Parks, Leiah Patierno, Aubrey Pettit, America Pineda Tadeo, Jacob Pope, Natalie Pope, Fernando Reyes, Jackson Rhodes, Kaden Roberts, Emma Sanders, Madeline Sharp, Samuel Shoemaker

GROUP 5

Olivia Soriano, Malik Spencer, Ethan Squires, Riley Stanford, Reese Taylor, Jai Thaker, Martin Tran, William Traylor, Lindsay Turner, Victor Venn, Shree Vyas, Ashley Wall, Brent Warren, Kashmera Watson-Burnett, Josiah Wyatt, Stanley Zagrodnik

Congratulations to these seniors for their hard work and their superb academic achievement. You may now be seated.

The following seniors have earned an academic weighted percent of at least 95.0 (unrounded) over four years. As such, they are the Honor Graduates for the Class of 2022. They will each receive a certificate, an academic bar, and a check from the Academic Booster Club for $100. We will call you up in five groups:

GROUP 1

Emilee Akins, Averi Alexander, Ewuresi Amoo-Adare, Dylan Appling, Amelia Barnard, McLane Berkemeier, Melissas Bernal, Priscilla Bissah, Carley Borgelt, Juan Borrego, Marco Borrego, Isabelle Brewer, Sophie Brewer, Rachael Bryson, Carolyn Calzada, Victoria Carannante, Alexandra Carefoot, Owen Chaffee, Harrison Cleveland, Abigail Cochran

GROUP 2

Stephen Cole, Brill Colletta, Hayden Crane, Ashton Daniels, Emma Danley, Katelyn Davis,

Amanda Dinh, Keara Divoky, Marina Espy, Jackson Favors, Rachael Fox, Parker Fulginiti, Henry Gaines, Grayson Gilbert, Abe Gonzalez, Madison Gould, Abbey Graddick, Jenna Gubran, Abigail Guy, Yaa Gyimah

GROUP 3

Olivia Haag, Will Harkness, Caroline Henderson, Sydney Holton, Abbie Hopper, Spencer Hudson, Grayson Jordan, Gracey Kemp, Paul Kwak, Whitney Lee, Dylan Lesko, Alyssa Lovern, Barbara Machado-Requena, Leah Madsen, Masdon Mandall, Karli Martin, Aria Mason, Madeline Matos, Kylie McCammon, Ian McManners

GROUP 4

David Mitrofan, Nathan Montini, Caleb Mott, Quincy Ngo, Nina Nicholson, John Oakes, Eugene Oh, Summer Olsen, Tatum Ozment, Eryn Pearson, Davis Peek, Jackson Perry, Adriana Ponce-Rosales, Jimmy Ragazino,

Ana Laura Ramirez, Cole Richards, Max Rischar, Ashton Rubin, Zachary Salo

GROUP 5

Karyme Santibanez, Victoria Sealey, Avery Shoemaker, Tyler Sisson, Lucas Stevenson, Mary Stewart, Kris Telenta, Amy Thompson, Jhania Thompson, Talen Thompson, An Tran, Avery Treadwell, Ashley Um, Savanna Wachter, Parker Walsh, JT Warren, Heather West, Kelsey Whitlow, Kinsey Williford

Congratulations to these seniors for their hard work and their superb academic achievement.

Ask all Honor Grads to stand for applause.

AP SCHOLARS

Each July the College Board releases the names of students who have been designated as “AP Scholars.” These students have demonstrated excellence by posting impressive scores on the

nationally-recognized AP Exams. Note: these awards are based on AP scores through the end of the junior year.

The AP Scholars for the Class of 2022 have earned a score of 3 or higher on at least three AP Exams. Please come forward when your name is called.

Emilee Akins, Priscilla Bissah, Marco Borrego, Isabelle Brewer, Rachael Bryson, Alexandra Carefoot, Abigail Cochran, Stephen Cole, Hayden Crane, Luke Crossett, Katie Earl, Marina Espy, Mauricio Garduno-Rea, Madison Gould, James Hadley, Will Harkness, Caroline Henderson, Sydney Holton, Dylan Lesko, Alyssa Lovern, Masdon Mandall, Joseph Miller, Caleb Mott, Eryn Pearson, Ana Laura Ramirez, Kaden Roberts, Victoria Sealey, Riley Stanford, Lucas Stevenson, Talen Thompson, Parker Walsh, JT Warren, Heather West

The AP Scholars with Honor for the Class of 2022 have earned an average AP score of at least

Thompson, An Tran

NATIONAL MERIT

Each October, 11th graders nationwide take the PSAT with the hopes of being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This year several members of the BHS Class of 2022 have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The following students have earned corporate scholarships from National Merit:

• Isabelle Brewer – State Farm

• Sophie Brewer – State Farm

• Paul Kwak – ViaSat

The following students have been named as National Hispanic Scholars:

• Juan Borrego

• Marco Borrego

• Abe Gonzalez

• James Hadley

The following students have been named as National African American Scholars:

• Priscilla Bissah

• Lillian English

• Adeleke Famoriyo

• James Hadley

• Ethan Squires

3.25 and scores of 3 or higher on four or more AP Exams. Please come forward when your name is called.

Averi Alexander, Caleb Allen, Ewuresi Amoo-Adare, McLane Berkemeier, Juan Borrego, Sophie Brewer, Keara Divoky, Grayson Gilbert, Abe Gonzalez, Abbey Graddick, Jenna Gubran, Mikayla Hayden, Spencer Hudson, Gracey Kemp, Leah Madsen, Tatum Ozment, Karyme Santibanez, Kris Telenta, Avery Treadwell, Savanna Wachter, Kinsey Williford

The AP Scholars with Distinction for the Class of 2022 have earned an average AP score of at least 3.5 and scores of 3 or higher on five or more AP Exams. Please come forward when your name is called.

Dylan Appling, Amelia Barnard, Brill Colletta, Rachael Fox, Henry Gaines, Paul Kwak, Ian McManners, David Mitrofan, John Oakes, Eugene Oh, Jimmy Ragazino,

Three students in the BHS Class of 2022 have been named National Merit Commended Scholars, a designation that places them among the Top 3% of all students in the nation who took the PSAT in October 2020. Please congratulate our National Merit Commended Scholars:

• Juan Borrego

• Marco Borrego

• Will Harkness

Finally, three members of the Class of 2022 have been named as National Merit Finalists and they will learn any day now if they have earned a prestigious National Merit Scholarship. Our three National Merit Finalists are…

• Paul Kwak

• Jimmy Ragazino

• An Tran

EXEMPLARY ENGLISH LEARNER

Recently, the Georgia Department of Education selected a student from our ESOL program as one of the most Exemplary English Learners in the state. In order to earn this award, the student must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and demonstrate leadership qual-

Jimmy selected his Chemistry teacher, Lisa Cole, as his STAR Teacher.

Congratulations to Jimmy and Ms. Cole!

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Each year, the Buford High School faculty chooses a Teacher of the Year. This year’s BHS Teacher of the Year is science teacher and basketball coach, Ms. Melissa Green. She was honored at a banquet earlier this year at which she received a number of prizes including $500 from the Academic Booster Club.

Tonight, we would like to present Ms. Green with a plaque to let her know we are extremely proud of her accomplishments!

SALUTATORIAN AND VALEDICTORIAN

On behalf of the Academic Booster Club, I would now like to reveal the names of the Top Two students in the Class of 2022.

The Salutatorian for the Class of 2022 is JIMMY RAGAZINO

ities, a commitment to succeed, and exemplary character. At this time, we would like to recognize Ashley Arano for this distinction. Ashley has been enrolled at BHS since February 2021. She came to Buford from Mexico to visit her relatives and decided to stay because she wanted to take advantage of the education she could receive at BHS. Since enrolling, Ashley has excelled in Honors Physics, Honors Economics, and Honors Spanish III. She currently serves as a manager for the baseball team and she volunteered for the inaugural Poetry Out Loud competition earlier this semester.

Ashley’s ESOL teacher, Mrs. Fouquette, says, “Ashley is not only a great student, but she is also a great person. There is no doubt that Ashley will succeed in college and in life. She will do great things!” Congratulations, Ashley!

GOVERNOR’S HONORS PROGRAM

The Governor’s Honors Program is a four-week summer intensive designed to provide intellectually gifted and artistically talented students with challenging and enriching educational oppor-

tunities. Activities are designed to provide participants with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to become independent, lifelong learners. Last summer, five members of the BHS Class of 2022 participated in the Governor’s Honors Program, and we would like to recognize them at this time. Please come forward when I call your name.

• Dylan Appling – Vocal Music

• Caroline Henderson – Art

• Sydney Holton – Dance

• Paul Kwak – Instrumental Music

• Geo Nam – Vocal Music

Congratulations to these five outstanding artists!

STAR STUDENT AWARD

The STAR student is the member of the Senior Class who has earned the highest SAT score. This year, Buford High School is proud to recognize JIMMY RAGAZINO as the STAR Student. Jimmy is receiving a plaque as well as a check for $500 from the Academic Booster Club.

As STAR Student, Jimmy had the opportunity to select the teacher who has been most influential to him as his STAR Teacher.

Jimmy is the son of Eric Ragazino and Heather Kotula. Jimmy has been involved in a variety of activities at BHS included National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Tri M, Mu Alpha Theta, Quiz Bowl, and Book Club. He is also a member of Marching Band and Wind Ensemble. Jimmy plans to attend Georgia Tech and major in Computer Science.

This evening, Jimmy is receiving a plaque as well as a scholarship check in the amount of $750 from the Academic Booster Club.

The Valedictorian for the Class of 2022 is EUGENE OH

Eugene is the son of Jon and Yun Oh. Eugene has been involved in a variety of activities during his high school career including Science Olympiad, Engineering Club, Tennis, Gospel Mission, and Orchestra. Eugene plans to attend Georgia Tech and major in Mechanical Engineering. This evening, Eugene is receiving a plaque as well as a scholarship check in the amount of $1,000 from the Academic Booster Club.

Congratulations to Jimmy and Eugene!

Max Rischar, Ashton Rubin, Avery Shoemaker, Amy

Photo courtesy of Buford City Schools/Teresa Hagelthorn

Pictured from left to right are Buford High School principal Teresa Hagelthorn, STAR students James “Jimmy” Ragazino and STAR teacher Lisa Cole.

Photo courtesy of Buford City Schools

Pictured from left to right are Ms. Teresa Hagelthorn, principal of Buford High School, National Merit Commended Scholars Will Harkness, Juan Borrego and Marco Borrego, National Merit Semifinalists Paul Kwak, An Tran and Jimmy Ragazino, and BHS teacher Ms. Lisa Cole.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Inspiring today’s youth to become tomorrow’s responsible journalists

Proceeds from this magazine fund the North Gwinnett Voice internship program through which eligible Buford High School juniors and seniors have an opportunity to explore a potential career in journalism and media.

An internship with the North Gwinnett Voice offers students:

• Hands-on experiences working directly with staff

• Guidance in crafting engaging and informative articles

• Experience writing a variety of stories

• Continuous feedback on assignments

• An introduction to AP Style

• Competitive pay for their hard work

• The potential to receive scholarships upon graduation

Career and Technical Education

Department Accomplishments

Schools around the world revamped curriculum to better prepare students for future careers. This has translated into school’s teaching more than just the basics of math, science, language arts, and social studies. Buford High School, like many other high schools across the country, has invested in creating a Career and Technical Education Department.

Buford’s CTE Department has nine career pathways students can select. Those pathways include Audio, Video, Technology and Film; Business Accounting/Finance; Carpentry; Computer Science; Nutrition and Food Science; Sports and Entertainment Marketing; Teaching as a Profession; Healthcare Science: Sports Medicine and Patient

Care; and Work-Based Learning.

Students at Buford can participate in five clubs associated with the CTE Department, including DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), and Skills USA.

The CTE Department had a monumental year, which is proof of the ongoing investment in the school’s commitment to growing this department. Notable highlights from the 2021-2022 school year include: Buford’s marketing program, taught by Mrs. Jordan Simmons, earned industry certification.

Forty-seven students from the Healthcare Science Pathway earned their first and

second Certified Patient Care Technicians cohorts. CPCT is a national certification for entry-level patient care positions at the bedside in all health care facilities. Six students became Certified Pharmacy Technicians during the school year.

Three seniors from the Teaching as a Profession Pathway were recognized at the BHS Future Educators Signing Ceremony for committing to become future teachers.

Those seniors are John Oakes, Natalie Pope, and Summer Olsen.

More than 60 community business and industry partners interviewed over 250 11th

and 12th graders at the BHS CTE Mock Interviews.

Buford’s Work-Based Learning Pathway consisted of 116 participating students who worked a combined total of 39,400 hours and earned a total of $363,000 in wages.

Buford’s Career and Technology Student Organizations (CTSO) held the third annual Cookies and Cocoa 5K, which raised more than $11,000. This money benefits children at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and BHS CTSO students, and the funds helped seven students travel to CTSO National Conferences for competitions.

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

Working with the “North Gwinnett Voice” has placed me far ahead of my peers; while others struggle in our upper-level courses, having trouble with AP style and story structure, I excel.

Thanks to my position at the “North Gwinnett Voice,” I was able to continue my journalism education at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). I was a straight-A student and I graduated in May 2022 with a B.A. in political journalism with minors in English, history and theatre arts. I was the award-winning news director at Rebel Radio 92.1 FM, a staff writer with “The Ole Miss” Yearbook and I worked as a freelance reporter for Oxford Newsmedia LLC and Batesville Newsmedia LLC. I have had work published with “The Daily Mississippian,” “The Oxford Eagle,” “Oxford Magazine,” “The Panolian” and “Oxford Stories.”

— Hayden Wiggs, BHS Class of 2018

Class of 2022 senior wins first national award for CTE pathway

Class of 2022 Bu-

ford senior earned a first for the school by capturing first place at the 2021 Student Television Network Fall Nationals — Mason Fuller brought home Buford’s first award for the school’s Audio Video Technology and Film program after receiving top honors in the Mobile Journalist category.

When asked what his reaction was to winning this award, Fuller said, “Best feeling ever! Video-making is something I’ve always been passionate about and to finally gain recognition for my love of film/media was a really satisfying way to close out my senior year.”

Fuller starred in a one-minute video originally shot for Buford’s daily student news called “Triple A Today.” The segment, called “Chicken It Out: Short Eatz,” was part of a challenge from Nicholas Beshiri, head of the Audio Video Technology and Film program.

WHERE theyareNOW?

GCPS superintendent at forefront of community debate Deanna Allen

The segment was part of a series called, “Chicken It Out,” which featured different episodes in which Fuller visited a new restaurant each week to try chicken sandwiches. Fuller’s quest for the best chicken sandwich had him visiting Bojangles, which was shown in the award-winning video. His quest also took him to

fast food restaurants Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, Huey Magoo’s, KFC, McDonald’s, Popeyes, Wendy’s and Zaxby’s. Fuller also tried popular local restaurants like the Dawghouse, Pig Tales and Rico’s World Kitchen.

For anyone curious about the winning chicken sandwich, Fuller confessed, “Huey Magoo’s and Rico’s is a tough tie for me! I think it depends on what I’m crav-

ing, honestly, both sandwiches bring the flavor factor big time.”

The Student Television Network is an international educational association for middle school and high school that is focused on broadcast journalism, film and media programs. It was started in 1999 by a group of teachers who wanted to give educators a place to share ideas and learn from others in similar programs.

STN provides curriculum, communications and competitions for teachers and students throughout the year. As part of the competitions aspect of its mission, the network holds challenges over the course of the school year, as well as presents major awards for Fall Nationals and Spring Nationals.

View Fuller’s video online at studenttelevision. com/2021-fall-nationals-winners.

Class

pleasure of the board. the Board decides am not who they want, they can take action and change that. In the meantime, there a lot of work to do on behalfofGwinnettCountyPublicSchoolsand am committed to getting done.”

Dr. Lacrecia Smith is BHS alumna from the class of 1988. Lacrecia was born and raised in Buford to her parents, Anna Sue Smith and Marcus Smith Sr. She has two siblings, Marcus Smith Jr. and Sonya Lott. Both of them are also BHS graduates of the classes of 1991 and 1985, respectively. Lacrecia started at Buford in 1975 at the half-day kindergarten, and she attended Buford City Schools until her graduation. During her time at BHS, Lacrecia was an avid athlete, running track all four years of high school, as well as competing on the cross country team. She participated in the 1986 State track meet in the 200M race. Her 4x100 relay team held the school record BHS for more than 20 years. In her senior year, Lacrecia received the scholar award and the coach’s award for track. addition to athletics, Lacrecia was a member of the band from to 12th grade, earning several first-place awards band competitions. She also was member of FBLA, BETA Club and the Talent Search Program. Lacrecia remembers the day she first met the new principal, Mrs. Beauty Baldwin, when she was fifth grader at Buford Middle School. She remembers how Mrs. Baldwin always carried herself with great poise, dignity and grace. The phrase “representation matters” always stuck with Lacrecia. She always wanted to be like Mrs. Baldwin, and her presence always motivated Lacrecia to strive to be an even better student. After high school, Lacrecia attended Albany State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science early childhood education in 1992. She also earned her Master of Education early childhood education at Albany in 1996. She earned her Educational Specialist Degree in early childhood education at Brenau University in 2002 and recently, she earned her Doctorate Education in curriculum and instruction in 2019. While at Albany State University, Lacrecia earned track scholarship. She also was an inaugural member the college’s Kappa Delta Pi Inc. and cum laude graduate. Lacrecia works at the BCS Central Office as the Buford City Schools Diversity and Inclusion Manager and the Title III Instructional Coach. She chose to be an educator because the rewarding nature of the job. She loves that she can see the fruits of her labor every day. As a teacher, Lacrecia uses the knowledge her students’ cultural academicbackgrounds, capabilities and the curriculum to create excitement and energy in her classroom. However, her favorite lessons are the ones that her students teach her. In her free time, Lacrecia loves to spend time with her mother. They attend church and eat dinner together almost every Sunday. She also volunteers for various projects at her church, Union Baptist Church. Lacrecia is proud member of the Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She has served as volunteer on the Education Development Committee. Lacrecia also co-chaired EMBODI, male mentoring program that sponsored community event designed to bridge the gap between youth and the Gwinnett County Police Department. She is currently part the Risk Management Team. Dr. Smith’s work in the Buford school system as a teacher, mentor and coach, as well as local volunteer, constantly benefits the community that so lovingly raised her when she was in high school. Her outstanding achievements and impeccable character make her role model for BCS students, and we are proud to call her Buford High School alumna. Once Wolf, always Wolf! — Torin Smith Dr. Lacrecia Smith, Class of 1988 Rally draws supporters as two online petitions call for Wilbanks’ resignation or termination Supporters of Alvin Wilbanks attend rally Feb. the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center in Suwanee. Photo by Alicia Couch Payne To nominate a graduate from Buford High School, fill out a short nomination form online at www.northgwinnettvoice.com/bhs-alumni-spotlight-nomination. Success Stories Welcome Here If you know a Buford High School graduate who deserves a little recognition, nominate them for the BHS alumni spotlight “Where are They Now?” 26 Buford High School | Class of 2022 Class of 2022 | Triple A Excellence 27

Best with 1,940petitionsignatures. was created by Buford resident Claire Maki and reads, “It disheartening to learn individuals are attempting to terminate Mr. Wilbanks’ contract for his/her own person- agenda.” Maki is Gwinnett native and graduate of Duluth High School. “First and foremost, almost my entire early education was under Alvin Wilbanks with him as superintendent,” she said. chose to raise my children here in Gwinnett County, as well, because of the esteemed school district. think he’s done a very good job over the past 25 years building this school district to what today.” Wilbanks has responded calls for his res- ignationortermination,saying,“AsSuperinten- dent, have never worried about my job. give 100% every day and work at the

Special Photo

Mason Fuller, pictured here, received first place in the Mobile Journalist category for Student Television Network’s Fall Nationals and earned Buford High School’s first-ever national award for the Audio Video Technology and Film program.

Excellence in Athletics

SENIOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Isaiah Bond

CJ Clinkscales

Hysan Dalton

Ashton Daniels

Jackson Favors

Ryland Gandy

Abe Gonzalez

Will Harkness

Alejandro Mata

Joseph Miller

Sho Mitchell

Japhet Mubenga

Nate Norys

Tobi Olawole

Zach Pacheco

Eli Parks

Victor “VJ” Payne

Jake Pope

Peyton Rinker

Aubrey Smith

Malik Spencer

Victor Venn

Je’Marcus White

River Wilson

Josiah Wyatt

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

The accomplishments of your class are remarkable and in many ways historic. You represented Buford High School with Triple A Excellence, achieving great accomplishments academically, athletically and artistically throughout your high school careers. We have watched you achieve greatness in many areas while representing Buford in a great way.

I am so proud of the leadership, commitment and discipline the Class of 2022 displayed this past year, as the official leaders of the Wolves. Despite many changes and challenges throughout your four years, you responded with maturity, class and determination and continued the great tradition of excellence, poise and respect in every aspect of life and school. The Class of 2022 is leaving Buford HS and Buford “better than they found it.” You were proud to represent Buford, and you made Buford proud.

Our seniors are the key to athletic success, and the Wolves achieved great success with you leading the way. The Class of 2022 left Buford as the 2022 and 2021 GADA 6A Directors Cup Champions, an honor awarded to the best overall athletic program in the state. You also won a total of 15 State Championships during your careers, including 5 during your senior year. 56 of you signed college scholarships to continue your academic and athletic careers in college.

The Class of 2022 continued our great standard of excellence by giving of yourselves to your team, your teammates, your school and your community. Throughout the year we have seen great individual accomplishments, but even greater acts of leadership, selflessness, commitment, toughness, discipline, perseverance, poise and class. The intangibles you displayed will be a great part of your legacy at BHS, as you have created a culture of behaviors and expectations for future classes to follow.

As proud as we are of your accomplishments, we are even prouder of the support you consistently displayed for each other. Your class was close, and you continually displayed this through your support of each other in all you attempted. You began high school as a class, and grew into a family that supported each other and pushed each other to greatness.

We are so proud of the Class of 2022, and very thankful for your many contributions to our school this year and throughout the past four years. The legacy of excellence you are leaving will be remembered for years to come.

Always remember, “Once Family, always Family, once a Wolf, always a Wolf.”

Tony Wolfe

Athletic Director Buford High School

‘They took us to the wire’

Class of 2022 proves instrumental in state football championship win

s the final seconds on the clock became history, a single point separated the two teams that competed for the GHSA AAAAAA State Football Championship on a foggy Friday night in early December 2021.

Following a field goal kick by Langston Hughes that fell short with just 3 seconds left in play, the Buford Wolves brought home their third consecutive state title with a 21-20 victory Dec. 10, 2021, at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta.

With Buford’s win over

Langston Hughes, head coach

Bryant Appling became the first football coach in GHSA history to win three consecutive state championships in his first three years as a head coach.

THE GAME

The matchup opened with the Wolves receiving the ball first, but they were quickly forced to punt on fourth down. Not squandering their possession, the Panthers made a series of strong drives up the field. Following a face mask penalty against Buford, Langston Hughes capitalized on their mo-

mentum with a 33-yard touchdown pass at 5:09.

A good point after kick by Langston Hughes’ No. 43 Alan Gonzalez brought the score to 0-7.

Buford pushed back with a series of short passes and technical runs up the middle, but an interception by the Panthers’ No. 6 Rodney Shelley stopped the Wolves’ progress as the first quarter came to a close.

Langston Hughes opened the second quarter with another touchdown at 10:17, and a successful point after saw Buford go down 0-14. The rest of the quarter al-

lowed each team’s defense to shine as possession changed numerous times.

The Wolves left it to the last seconds of the first half, but following an ambitious push and a potential touchdown pass dropped in the end zone, Buford senior No. 5 CJ Clinkscales ran the ball in for a touchdown with only 0:04 left on the clock. A good extra point by senior No. 99 Alejandro Mata kept Buford’s hope alive as they went to the locker room with a 7-14 scoreline.

In the second half, Buford fell into a rhythm of short runs

Alahn Sumler

Victor VJ Payne

Ashlyn Page, Kate Harkness and Makayla Holton

Photo by Lily McGregor Photography

Buford senior Jake Pope dives for a catch in the second half of the Wolves’ 21-20 victory over Langston Hughes in the GHSA AAAAAA State Football Championship on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.

and long passes down the middle, which helped them progress steadily down the field. Following an injury for Buford No. 65 Paul Mubenga, the Wolves were able to push senior No. 12 Ashton Daniels into the end zone from the 1-yard line, and Mata’s extra point finished off the equalizer they needed.

“Before the kick, I was just thinking that I’ve been there before, I’ve made harder kicks than that,” Mata said. “I made sure to have a blank mind when I was out there and just execute again.”

The Panthers refused to quit however, and they managed to run in another touchdown with 0:12 left in the third quarter. The critical opportunity for Buford came when Langston Hughes missed the extra point kick, leaving the score at 14-20.

As a tense fourth quarter wound down, the Wolves found their moment when Daniels threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to senior No. 4 Tobi Olawole at 2:55. Mata’s extra point then saw Buford take the lead for the first time in the game with a 21-20 scoreline.

The Panthers would not go down without a fight however, and although Buford’s defense held them to third down with 19 yards to go, a pass interference penalty gave Langston Hughes the chance to push further up the field.

The dramatic conclusion came with 0:03 on the clock and the Panthers in field goal range with just one point between the two teams. As Buford’s student section migrated behind the goal posts to cheer on their defense, Langston Hughes made its final attempt at victory, but the kick fell short, and the buzzer was drowned out by the roars of celebration on the Buford side.

“I hate that anybody had to lose this game. It was a heck of a game,” Appling said following the win. “They took us to the wire, they really did.”

Appling expressed his gratitude for Buford’s fans.

“ … it’s about those fans up there in those stands supporting us all year long, and we appreciate you guys, and we love you guys,” he said. “Our

Congratulations TO THE Class of 2022!

Wolves refuse to lose

Volleyball team avenges regular season loss against rival Sequoyah to bring home state championship

The Buford High School volleyball team ended a stellar season on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, winning its second consecutive state title.

The win against Sequoyah brough home the fourth state title overall for the volleyball program. After falling to Sequoyah during the regular season, Buford avenged the loss. The Wolves (374) would take three out of four sets against Sequoyah 25-18, 28-26, 2527, 25-22 during the championship

match held at Lakepoint Sports Complex.

After having to rally from behind in their semifinal match against Pope, the Wolves, not wanting a repeat of that situation, came out of the gate aggressively in their first set with the Chiefs (51-4).

The Wolves took the first two sets, even overcoming deficits at times. They barely lost their third set but were able to take home the title in just four sets.

Senior Mikayla Hayden, a University of California at Berke-

SENIOR VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS:

ley commit, led Buford’s offense with 16 kills in the championship game. According to Daniels, Hayden, one of the team’s captains, was a leader on and off the court for the Wolves this year.

“She is respected by all of her teammates and is a leader on the court, not only because of her play, but because of her calm demeanor in any situation … she is the player you go to in a pressure situation,” Daniels said. “She was our most consistent hitter with a hitting percentage of .420, and was voted

all-region, all-county, and all-state this year.”

Also contributing on the offense were junior Sydney Austin (11 kills), senior Kiana Polk (10 kills) and junior Ashley Sturzoiu (7 kills). Junior setter Polly Cummings had 48 assists on the day, placing her over 1,000 career assists.

Defensively, the Wolves got help from senior Camryn Carlton, freshman Alexa Flowers, sophomore Ella Jane Williams and junior libero Dylan Cummings.

student section is the best student section in the nation.”

Photo by Lily McGregor Photography

Senior Josiah Wyatt, right, and teammate Davis Peek celebrate the Wolves’ state championship win Dec. 10, 2021.

Alex Carefoot, Camryn Carlton, Mikayla Hayden and Kiana Polk

Photos by Chrystal Moore

Above, University of California-Berkley commit Mikayla Hayden accepts the state championship trophy from the GHSA official after Buford defeats Sequoyah to capture the title on Nov. 6, 2021, at the Lakepoint Sports Complex. Right, Hayden goes to serve a ball in the championship game.

‘Our guys wrestled tough’

Wolves capture both duals, traditional state championships

he Buford wrestling team won its eighth and ninth state championship titles during the 2021-2022 season by capturing both the duals and traditional titles for Class AAAAAA.

The Wolves captured their eighth title at the GHSA Class AAAAAA State Duals Championships on Jan. 22, 2022, at the Macon Centreplex.

For the first time since the season had begun, Buford had its full starting lineup after gaining several athletes once football season had ended. Buford took advantage of this by knocking off opponent after opponent starting with a 66-15 victory over Lassiter. The Wolves then defeated Creekview by a sizable margin, winning 72-6.

During the final round, Buford faced off against Valdosta. The Wolves secured the win with a 54-17 victory to capture the State Duals Championship.

“Our guys wrestled tough and represented Buford with class,”

Buford wrestling head coach Tom Beuglas said.

Buford would secure its ninth state title Feb. 11, 2022, during the GHSA Class AAAAAA Traditional State Championship competition also held at the Macon Centreplex.

Buford would once again face Valdosta and Creekview as its main competitors. The Wolves finished first with an impressive 100-point lead over Valdosta with a score of 201.5 points. Creekview finished third with 94.5 points.

“We had a great tournament, with 12 of our 14 kids placing in the top five,” Beuglas said.

Buford got first place finishes from Rylan Ibold (106), Maddox McArthur (120) and Drew Gorman (126). Conor McCloskey (170) finished in second place.

Third-place finishers for Buford were Kieron McCormack (113), Gavin Pope (138), senior

Above, Buford wrestlers celebrate their win at the GHSA Class AAAAAA Traditional State Championship comepetition on Feb. 11, 2022, at the Macon Centreplex.

Talen Thompson (152) and Aaron Riner (182).

Finishing in fourth place were senior Tyler Henley (132) and JT McCullough (145), while Grayson Santee (160) and Eddrick Houston (285) placed fifth.

Beuglas said senior leaders Henley and Thompson were instrumental to the team’s success this season.

“Both of these guys have had to overcome injuries (Thompson knee surgery, Henley shoulder surgery) and both came back better than ever this year,” Beuglas said. “Both are outstanding students and both provided excellent leadership for our team. We will miss both as they graduate ... and move on.”

Both Henley and Thompson have had successful high school wrestling careers, each with more than 100 career wins. They attri-

bute a large portion of their success to their coaches’ leadership.

“One thing that Coach Beuglas taught me that will always stick with me is how to deal with adversity,” Thompson said. “There were a multitude of times throughout high school that myself or the team faced major setbacks and difficulties, but Coach Beuglas always got myself and the team through it; through his teachings we came out of it greater than we were before. His resilience and ability to lead people through tough situations is something that I admire and have

gymnasts bring home title

Buford’s athletes put forth championship effort in ‘incredible meet’

rom high-flying vaults to complex floor routines, daring bar maneuvers and inch-perfect balance beam flips, Buford High School’s gymnasts showed up and showed out at the GHSA state gymnastics championships.

learned from him.”

“I would just like to tell all the coaches that I can’t thank them enough for my success in wrestling and, more importantly, life,” Henley said. “They have played a big role in how I’ve matured.”

Both Thompson and Henley plan on taking the many lessons learned from the sport and adapt those lessons to make them successful in the next chapter of their lives. Henley would like to become a Delta pilot, while Thompson plans to pursue a business degree and become an entrepreneur.

Senior Wrestlers: Abe Gonzalez, Tyler Henley, Ben Martin and Talen Thompson

The team took first place in the AAAAAAAAAAAAA competition on Friday, April 22, at the Buford Arena, with the highest overall team score. Its gymnasts also took first or second place finishes in each individual event.

“The meet was incredible,” said head coach Tyler Ann Smith. “I am really proud of how well the girls performed on each apparatus, but even more proud of how they supported other gymnasts in the arena.”

According to Smith, Buford’s overall score of 113.9 was also the highest team score in any classification.

Although the gymnasts compete individually, it takes the efforts of each nominated team member to earn such a strong overall score. The state meet allows every team to put forward four competitors in each of the four events.

For the uneven bars, Buford sent Abby Hamilton (9.1), Kendall Rockwell (9.1), Jenae Larrazabal (9.4) and Marissa Ashton (9.7), who placed first.

Competing on the balance beam were Kendall Rockwell (9.05), Jillian Hynds (9.25), Lily Black (9.325) and Marissa Ashton (9.825), who earned second place.

To perform their floor routines, Buford tapped Olivia Su (9.1), Marissa Ashton (9.65), who placed fourth, Lily Black (9.7), who placed third, and Bellarae Newby (9.75), who placed second.

some recognition should go to the community of supporters that showed up to cheer on the Buford gymnasts.

“The support we received from the community was crucial,” she said. “I saw some of the nerves setting in right before we went to compete in our first event … then the girls heard the crowd and saw the support in the stands, and you could see a weight being lifted from them.”

“Bella (Bonner), our senior … in terms of kind of stepping in as a last-year leader, she’s done a really good job,”

On vault, the coaches called up Hailey Aycock (9.05), Vidya Bharadwaj (9.1), Lily Black (9.3) and Marissa Ashton (9.8), who finished in first place.

And while Smith is incredibly proud of the way her team performed, she also felt that

Smith also genuinely admires the sportsmanship and character her team exhibited during the state meet.

— Amanda Allen, Director of Gymnastics

“For a while, Buford was placing 1-23, but then a gymnast from Carrollton had an amazing routine pushing everyone down a spot,” Smith said. “Without prompting, the entire team went to her to tell her how great she did. It was an amazing night!”

Left, The Wolves pose for a team photo after the state competition.

Photos by Amber Cloy

Photo by Cecil Copeland

The gymnastics team took first place in the GHSA AAAAAA-AAAAAAA state gymnastics competition on Friday, April 22, 2022.

FALL SPORTS SENIORS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Emilee Akins — Football Cheer; Dawson Andrew — Football (Duke University) All-Region Honorable Mention; Averykate Barton — Football Cheer; Isaiah Bond — Football (University of Alabama) Preseason 247 state ranking at No. 23, Gwinnett Daily Post Super Six, TD Club of Gwinnett WR of the Year, Region Offensive Player of the Year, GACA All-State; Alex Carefoot — Volleyball; Camryn Carlton — Volleyball, AVCA All-American Watch List; CJ Clinkscales — Football (Boston College) Preseason 247 state ranking at No. 99, Region Athlete of the Year; Abby Cochran — Softball; Luke Crossett — Cross Country; Hysan Dalton — Football; Ashton Daniels — Football (Stanford University)

Preseason 247 state ranking at No. 93, All-Region Second Team Offense, GACA All-State; Marina Espy — Football Cheer; Jackson Favors — Football (Mercer University) All-Region First Team Offense, GACA All-State; Rachael Fox — Football Cheer; Ryland Gandy — Football (University of Pittsburgh)

Preseason 247 state ranking at No. 70, All-Region First Team Defense; Abe Gonzalez — Football; Lexi Guckert — Football Cheer; Olivia Haag — Softball (Truett McConnell University) All-Region First Team; Will Harkness — Football: TD Club of Gwinnett Scholar Athlete, National Merit Scholar Finalist; Mikayla Hayden — Volleyball (University of California — Berkeley) GDP Power

6, AVCA All-American Watch List, GDP

All-County First Team; Hunter Hays — Softball; Makayla Holton — Football Cheer; Abbie Hopper — Football Cheer; Maya Jones — Football Cheer; Whitney Lee — Competition Cheer/Football Cheer; Leah Madsen — Cross Country; Taylor Malvin — Softball (University of Mississippi) All-Region First Team, GDP

All-County First Team; Alejandro Mata — Football (Jackson State University)

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Preseason

All-State, GHSFD GA Power 100, TD Club of Gwinnett Kicker of the Year, All-Region First Team Offense; Made-

line Matos — Cross Country; Joseph Miller — Football (Mercer University); Sho Mitchell — Football: All-Region Honorable Mention; Mason Moore — Football Cheer; Japhet Mubenga — Football (Murray State University); Nate Norys — Football (Lenoir-Rhyne University) North Gwinnett Voice Player of the Week, All-Region First Team Defense; Tobi Olawole — Football (United States Military Academy West Point)

All-Region Second Team Offense; Pacheco — Football; Football Cheer; Eli Parks

All-Region Honorable Mention; Payne — Football (Kansas State Uni versity) Preseason 247 state ranking at No. 90, All-Region First Team Defense; Davis Peek — Football: All-Region

First Team Offense; Kiana Polk — Volleyball (Coppin State University) AVCA All-Amer

ican Watch List, GDP

All-County Second Team; Jake Pope — Football (University of Alabama)

Preseason 247 state ranking at No. 37, AJC

Preseason All-State, Recruit Georgia Preseason All-State, GHSFD GA Power Top 100, GDP

Power Six, All-Region First Team Defense, GACA

All-State; Peyton Rinker Football; Viktor Ruiz — Football; Zach Salo — Football; Sanders — Football Cheer; Smith — Football (University of Colora do) NGV Player of the Week, All-Region

First Team Defense; Malik Spencer

— Football (Michigan State University)

Preseason 247 state ranking at No. 56, Recruit Georgia All-State, GHSFD GA Power 100, NGV Player of the Week, All-Region First Team Defense, GACA All-State; Jenevive Talabar — Softball; Alex Vasquez — Softball; Victor Venn — Football (University of Colorado)

Preseason 247 state ranking at No. 77, GHSFD GA Power 100, All-Region

Second Team Offense, GACA All-State; Je’Marcus White — Football (Hampden-Sydney College); River Wilson

— Football (United States Naval Academy) All-Region Honorable Mention; Josiah Wyatt — Football (Appalachian State University) All-Region First Team Defense, GACA All-State

WINTER SPORTS SENIORS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Emilee Akins — Basketball Cheer/ Game Day Cheer/Bass Fishing; Marina

qualifier; Mason Moore — Basketball Cheer/Game Day Cheer; Eli Murray — Basketball: All-County Academic Team; Derick Myers — Wrestling; Tatum Ozment — Basketball: All-County Academic Team, All-Region; Ashlyn Page — Basketball Cheer/Game Day Cheer; Tamori Plantin — Basketball (Western Carolina University) All-Region; Emma Sanders — Basketball Cheer;

tling: Third place and sixth place at state, four-year starter, won over 100 career matches

SPRING SPORTS SENIORS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Caleb Allen — Baseball; Adrian Alvarez — Soccer; Sebastian Amaya — Soccer; Dawson Andrew — Lacrosse: Gwinnett Daily Post All-County

the Month; Isaiah Bond — Track and Field: Region Champion (100M and 200M), state qualifier (100M), state record holder (400M relay team), All-County (100M), All-County (400M relay team), GDP All-County First Team; Bella Bonner — Gymnastics; Carley Borgelt — Soccer (Georgia Southern University) All-Region Player of the Year, All-Region First Team, Gwinnett

at state; Parker Fulginiti — Baseball; Ryland Gandy — Track and Field; Jackson Gaspard — Baseball (Georgia Institute of Technology) 2022 PG

Preseason Southeast All-Region Honorable Mention, All-County First Team; Grayson Gilbert — Tennis; Sam Haynes — Golf: Area Champions, seventh place at state, All-County, GDP Super Six; Kylee Kangas — Lacrosse (Lee University) Georgia DiVarsity All-Star

Ashton Kehren — Baseball (East Georgia State College); Carson — Baseball: Gwinnett Dugout Club March Player of the Month; Dean — Golf (North Greenville University) Region Player of the Year, GDP Super Six, GDP All-County First Team; — Baseball (Vanderbilt University) 2021 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year, 2022 PG Preseason

three time state placer (third, third, fourth), won over 100 career matches; Makayla Holton — Basketball Cheer/ Game Day Cheer; Abbie Hopper — Basketball Cheer/Game Day Cheer; Nick Isaac — Basketball; Maya Jones — Basketball Cheer/Game Day Cheer; Whitney Lee — Game Day Cheer; Ben Martin — Wrestling: fifth place at county, third at region, state

Avery Shoemaker — Bass Fishing; Samuel Shoemaker — Bass Fishing; Aiden Smith — Swimming (Piedmont University); Alahn Sumler — Basketball (Northern Kentucky University) All-Region, All-County First Team, Gwinnett Daily Post All-County Third Team, All-State; Jaylon Taylor — Basketball: All-Region; Talen Thompson — Wres-

First Team; Victoria Bahr — Soccer (Valdosta State University) All-Region First Team, All-County First Team, GDP All-County Second Team; Zachary Bailey — Baseball; Brant Baughcum

— Baseball (Georgia Institute of Technology) North Gwinnett Voice Player of the Week, All-County Second Team, Gwinnett Dugout Club April Player of

Cleveland — Baseball; CJ Clinkscales

— Track and Field: state qualifier (long jump), All-County (800M relay team);

Abby Cochran — Golf; Hayden Crane — Soccer; Marigrace Crossett — Tennis: All-Region First Team; Emma Danley

— Soccer (Georgia College and State University) All-County Scholar Athlete; Brian Diaz — Golf; Taylor Edwards — Golf: Area Champions, seventh place

Southeast All-Region First Team, All-County Pitcher of the Year, ITG Baseball Player of the Year, 2022 MLB Draft prospect, most dominant pitcher in PG history; Masdon Mandall — Soccer; Ben Martin — Lacrosse: All-County Leadership Award; Kaden Martin — Baseball (University of Miami) 2022 PG Preseason Southeast All-Region First Team, NGV Player of the Week; Kylie — Tennis: All-Region First Team, GDP All-County Third Team; Ian — Soccer; Andrew Mc— Baseball (Mercer University); — Soccer (George Mason University) All-County First Team, GDP All-County Second Team; Caleb Mott — Soccer; Landon Nease — Baseball; Andrew Nixon — Baseball (Spartanburg Methodist College); Nate Norys — Track and Field: State qualifier (shot put); Tobi Olawole — Track and Field: Region champion (400M), state qualifier (200M and 400M), state record holder (400M relay team), All-County (200M and 400M), All-County (400M relay team); Jordyn Olivo

— Lacrosse (Kennesaw State University) All-County Second Team, Georgia DiVarsity All-Star Selection; Ashlyn Page — Golf; Eli Parks — Baseball: Gwinnett Dugout Club March Player of the Month; Victor Payne — Track and Field: State qualifier (110 hurdles and 300 hurdles), All-County (800M relay team), All-County (110 hurdles and 300 hurdles), GDP All-County Second Team (300 hurdles); Davis Peek — Lacrosse (Mercer University) GDP Super Six, Gwinnett Defense Player of the Year, Georgia DiVarsity All-Star Selection, Georgia DiVarsity Student-Athlete of the Year, All-State First Team, U.S. Lacrosse All-American, GDP Lacrosse Player of the Year; Carson Perry — Lacrosse (Lynn University) All-County Second Team, GDP All-County Second Team; Jackson Perry — Baseball; Jackson Rhodes — Lacrosse (University of Mary Washington) Gwinnett Attack Player of the Year, Georgia DiVarsity All-Star Selection; Kaden Roberts — Golf: Area Champions, seventh place at state; Ashton Rubin — Soccer; Zack Salo — Lacrosse (Lenoir-Rhyne University) GDP Super Six, All-County First Team, GDP All-County First Team; Tyler Sisson — Baseball; Riley Stanford — Baseball (Georgia Institute of Technology) All-County First Team; Lucas Stevenson — Soccer: GDP All-County Third Team; Kris Telenta — Golf: All-County, GDP Super Six, state individual Top 15, GDP All-County First Team; Avery Treadwell — Lacrosse: All-County Leadership Award; Victor Venn — Track and Field: State record holder (400M relay team), All-County (800M relay team), All-County (400M relay team); Parker Walsh — Baseball (Lafayette College) Regional Positive Athlete Award, Gwinnett Dugout Club April Player of the Month, Scott McIntyre Award, NGV Player of the Week; Heather West — Lacrosse; Josiah Wyatt — Track and Field: State qualifier (discus), third place at state (discus), All-County Honorable Mention (discus), GDP All-County First Team (discus); Stan Zagrodnik — Baseball (Wofford College) NGV Player of the Week, All-County First Team

Excellence in the Arts

Dear Class of 2022,

On behalf of the Fine Arts teachers in our system, congratulations on achieving an impressive milestone in your life! Graduation is a special time that you will look back to over the years as a significant rite of passage into adulthood. You are to be commended for the diligent effort that you have given to your education in the Buford City School System.

You have invested countless hours in the pursuit of excellence in the Arts.

Whether you graced the stage at one of our performance venues, marched on the football field at halftime, traveled the country with a performing group, or graced an art display with a beautiful painting, drawing, or sculpture, you have represented our school with honor and great skill. Many times, you gave extra time to practice and preparation prior to a presentation. You have learned the connection between hard work and success. This lesson is one that will serve you well as you pursue your dreams beyond high school. Your state championships, best-in-class trophies, superior ratings at Large Group

Literary Team wins title No. 13

The Buford High School

Literary Team brought home a state championship in the 2022 State Literary competition held Saturday, March 19.

Buford scored 36 points in the competition for Class AAAAAA, followed by Lee County and Sequoyah, both with 23 points, and Richmond Hill with 17.

The championship is Buford’s 13th consecutive state win and 19th in school history.

Literary Team members competed in several areas to secure points toward the overall team placement.

First place, state champions

Jenna Gubran — Humorous Interpretation

Mara Eva Cline — Girls Solo

Mara Eva Cline, Alyssa Lovern and Rachael Bryson — Girls Trio

Second place, state runners-up

Dylan Appling — Boys Solo

Sophia Lee — International Extemporaneous Speaking

Third place

Sydney Holton — Dramatic Interpretation

Fourth place

Karyme Santibanez — Personal Essay

Jenna Gubran and Grace Johnson — Duo Interpretation

Performance Evaluation, and many other accolades speak to your dedication and perseverance. Thank you for pushing past the obstacles to attain mastery of your art form.

It is my hope that you will take your love for the Arts with you throughout life. Your knowledge of the Arts can serve as a great encouragement to you throughout the coming years. I hope that you will find an outlet for your particular artistic pursuit in your adult life. Please show support for the Arts in your community by attending performances and patronizing local artistic endeavors. You have been blessed by a community that supports the Arts. Now it is your turn to bless others!

Wherever life may take you in the future, please know that we all will be cheering you on! Best wishes to each of you as you enter college, the military, or the work force. We are all very proud of you!

Congratulations!

Dr. Chris Fowler

Fine Arts Coordinator Buford City Schools

Dylan Appling Colin McCullough

Johanna Dean

Geo Nam

Mason Fuller

Barbara Machado-Requeña

Sydney Holton

chorus

PERFORMANCES

Fall Concert 2021; Community Holiday Concert; Winter Showcase Concert; 29th Annual Variety Show; All-State Chorus 2022; All-State Reading Chorus 2022

SENIORS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Dylan Appling — Cord of Distinction, 2021 AAAAAA

State Literary Team Champion, 2021 AAAAAA State Champion Boys Quartet, 2021 GHP Vocal Finalist, 2022 All-State Chorus, 2022 AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion, 2022 AAAAAA State Runner-Up Boys Solo; Rachael Bryson — Cord of Distinction, 2021

AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion, 2022 AAAAAA

State Literary Team Champion, 2022 AAAAAA State Champion Girls Trio; Mauricio Garduño-Rea — Cord of Distinction, 2020 All-State Chorus, 2021 AAAAAA

State Literary Team Champion, 2021 AAAAAA State Champion Boys Quartet, 2022 All-State Chorus, 2022

AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion; Jenna Gubran

— Cord of Distinction, 2022 AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion, 2022 AAAAAA State Champion

Comedic Oral Interpretation; Caroline Hender -

son — Cord of Distinction, 2021 GHP Art Finalist; Piper Hill — Cord of Distinction, 2021 AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion; Sydney Holton — Cord of Distinction, 2020, GHP Dance Finalist, 2021 AAAAAA

State Literary Team Champion, 2021 AAAAAA State Champion Comedic Oral Interpretation, 2022 AAAAAA

State Literary Team Champion; Alyssa Lovern — Cord of Distinction, 2021 AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion, 2022 AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion, 2022 AAAAAA State Champion Girls Trio; Barbara Machado-Requeña — Cord of Distinction, 2022

AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion; Aria Mason — 2019 All-State Chorus, 2020 All-State Chorus, 2022 All-State Chorus, Cord of Distinction; Geo Nam — Cord of Distinction, 2019 All-State Chorus, 2020 All-State Chorus, 2022 All-State Chorus, 2020 GHP Vocal Finalist, 2021 AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion, 2021

AAAAAA State Champion Boys Quartet, 2022 AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion; Kaden Roberts — Cord of Distinction, 2021 AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion, 2022 AAAAAA State Literary Team Champion; Alex Carefoot — Cord of Distinction; Abigail Cochran — Cord of Distinction; Sadie Getz — Cord of Distinction; Abigail Gibson — Cord of Distinction; Abbey Graddick — Cord of Distinction; Ethan Holcombe — Cord of Distinction; Riley Holcombe — Cord of Distinction; Leah Madsen — Cord of Distinction; Mariela Mirabal-Dinzey — Cord of Distinction; Tatum Ozment — Cord of Distinction; Leiah Patierno — Cord of Distinction; Fernando Reyes — Cord of Distinction; Jacob Riza — Cord of Distinction; Madeline Sharp — Cord of Distinction; Julia Suennemann — Cord of Distinction; Amy Thompson — Cord of Distinction; Amanda Bellavoix ; Angie Bermudez Delgado ; Brenlys Arce Lagares ; Shannon McEachern Caroline McBrayer Lucas Da Silva Menezes

Girls Trio

band and color guard

Performances and Achievements

Band of Wolves Fall Performances — Performed at 15 football games, supporting the team on its way to the 2021 State Championship; competed at four marching competitions, being named class champion three times, Silver Division Grand Champion twice, and multiple best in class awards for color guard, percussion and drum majors; performed in two parades and for the grand opening of Andretti Karting in Buford. Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Community Holiday Concert — Dec. 8, 2021, at Buford Arena; Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Large Group Performance Evaluation — March 15, 2022 at Discovery High School: All bands received straight superior ratings from all judges; Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band Spring Concert — May 12, 2022 at BHS Performing Arts Center; Winter Guard awards — SAPA Championships Scholastic Regional A Class Gold Medalist; GMEA District 13 Honor Band — 25 students selected; GMEA All-State Band — 10 students selected

Seniors and Accomplishments

MacKay Beverly — Marching Band (3 years), Symphonic Band (1), Wind Ensemble (3), Indoor Drumline (1), Quad Captain (2), Batterie Captain (1), Freshman Percussionist of the year, Most Outstanding Marching Percussionist; Brill Colletta — Symphonic Band (4); Katelyn Davis — Marching Band (4), Symphonic Band (1), Wind Ensemble (3), Drum Major (2), Patrick Gilmore Leadership Award Winner; Johanna Dean — Marching

Band (4), Symphonic Band (1), Wind Ensemble (3), Student Leadership (1); Amanda

Dinh — Marching Band (5), Symphonic Band (5), Wind Ensemble (2), Assistant Woodwind Captain (1), GMEA District 13 Honor Flute Ensemble (1), Most Outstanding Marching Band Member; Leslie Hernandez — Symphonic Band (2); Gracey Kemp — Marching Band (4), Symphonic Band (1), Wind Ensem-

(4), High Brass Section Leader (1), Brass Captain (1), GMEA District 13 Honor Band (4), GMEA All-State Band (4), NAfME Honor Band (2), ITG Youth Solo Competition Finalist (2), GHP Music (1), John Philip Sousa Award Winner; Aria Mason — Marching Band (4), Wind Ensemble (4), Color Guard (9), Winter Guard (9), Color Guard Captain (1), Drum Major (1), GMEA Distrcit 13 Honor Band (3), GMEA All-State Band (1), John Philip Sousa Award Winner; John Oakes — Marching Band (4), Wind Ensemble (4), Color Guard (2), Winter Guard (2), Color Guard Captain (2), Color Guard Instructors Award winner, Directors Award winner; Jimmy Ragazino — Marching Band (2), Wind Ensemble (4), GMEA District 13 Honor Band (1), GMEA All-State Band (1), Most Outstanding Brass Award winner; Maxwell Rischar — Marching Band (4), Wind Ensemble (4), Low Brass Section Leader (1), Equipment Captain (1), HOWL Award winner, Director Award winner; Savanna Wachter — Marching Band (4), Wind Ensemble (4), GMEA District 13 Honor Band (4), GMEA All-State Band (2), Woodwind Captain (2), Flute Section Leader (3), Most Outstanding

Boys Quartet

dance

PERFORMANCES

Dancing With the Wolves

– Dance competition where Advanced Dance students partnered with non-dance students from various schools in the system to compete for the coveted mirror ball trophy (spoof of “Dancing with the Stars”; Community Holiday Concert — Advanced Dance seventh annual dance concert

“On Broadway” — 150 dance students performed three shows celebrating hit musicals from Broadway to packed out audiences; Fourth Annual Young Choreographer’s Showcase — Intermediate, Intermediate II and Advanced Dance students presented their own works

Dance seniors

Advanced Dance — Madison Gould Sydney Holton –Accepted to and participated in the Governor’s Honors program for dance during summer 2021; Makayla Holton Natalie Pope

Intermediate Dance — Nyszjaylah Cunningham

Macy Dale Cierra Daniels; Lexi Guckert Leiah Patierno; America Pineda Tadeo

Biz Place Angel Salgado— Candia; Silvia Sanchez

Intermediate Dance II —Emilee Akins; Melissa Bernal; Abbie Hopper; Maya Jones; Katelynn Merrill; Mason Moore Ashlyn Page; Emma Sanders; Jhania Thompson

Intro to Dance — Jake

Riza Michael Miller

Julisa Hernandez; Kashmera Watson—Burnett; Brenlys

Arce Lagares; Leah Madson; Lupita Sanchez—Blas

Productions

“Sense and Sensibility”; “Little Women the Musical”; “Junie B Jones, Jr. the Musical”; Dessert Cabaret; “Hetty Feather”; “The Drowsy Chaperone”; “Follies”

Department achievements and senior accomplishments

A cast and crew of 47 students performed “Little Women the Musical” at region and state One Act

competitions.

Region One Act competition — Region Best Actress —

Mara Eva Cline (junior); All Star Cast — Grace Johnson (junior); Dylan Appling (senior)

State One Act competition — BHS took third place at AAAAAA state One Act competition; individual recognitions: Best Actress — Mara Eva Cline (junior); All Star Cast — Jenna Gubran (senior) and Sydney Holton (senior)

Georgia Thespian Conference — Thespy Superior Rat-

ings — Sydney Holton (senior); Mara Eva Cline (junior); Grace Johnson (junior)

Theatre students who were on the winning AAAAAA State Literary team — Seniors Jenna Gubran Sydney Holton; Dylan Appling; Karyme Santibanez; Barbara Machado-Requena; Mauricio Garduno-Rea; junior Mara Eva Cline

Seniors who plan to pursue musical theatre, acting or theatre education — Jenna Gubran Sydney Holton; Lucas da Silva Menezes; Mauricio Garduno-Rea

Sydney Holton

Department achievements and senior accomplishments

Senior Tori Carannante's piece, “Eden,” was selected for the 2022 NAHS/NJAHS Juried exhibition. Five students’ pieces were selected for the All-State Art Symposium — works by juniors Jada Crook, Lofton Smith

Visual arts

and Tabitha Petersen and seniors Tori Carannante and Emmy Cruz-Beltran

Artwork by junior Jada Crook and seniors Emily Jiang and Ksenija Litchfield was chosen for the Atlanta High School Exhibit.

Senior Caroline Henderson won first place for the Buford City Schools art show in the Advanced Art category.

Seniors Adriana Ponce’s and Kaden Roberts’ works were chosen for the Capital Art Show.

Fourteen pieces by seniors were chosen for the Senior Art Gallery, where their works will be permanently displayed in the hallways of BHS, including Kaden Roberts, Caroline Henderson, Jazmin Alvarado-Solis Colin

McCollough, Emmy Cruz-Beltran, Maybelin Ortiz, Laney Berkemeier, Leslie Martinez, Sophie Brewer Izzy Brewer, Ksenija Litchfield, Mikayla Hayden Talia Walker Stephanie Arzate-Lopez.

Senior Izzy Brewer's work was chosen for the GAEA show at the High Museum of Art for summer 2022.

Special thanks to ...

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

Pat Pirkle, Buford Board of Education — Retired (December 2021)

Melanie Reed, Buford City Schools Superintendent

Dr. Amy Chafin, Buford City Schools Deputy Superintendent

Laura Beth Short, Buford City Schools Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement

City of Buford Commissioners — Phillip Beard, Chris Burge and Brad Weeks

Bryan Kerlin, City Manager

Dan Branch, Public Safety Director

Teresa Hagelthorn, Buford High School Principal

Keith Johnson, Buford Middle School Principal (former Buford High School Associate Principal)

Marty Bozoian, Buford High School Assistant Principal

Dr. Tim Harris, Buford High School Assistant Principal

Maria Pacheco, Buford High School Assistant Principal

Lisa Cole, Teaching and Learning/Senior Class Sponsor

Trent Adams, Head Softball Coach; Bryant Appling, Head Football Coach; Alexandra Armbrister, Healthcare Science; Kim Barge, Visual Arts; Tom Beuglas, Head Wrestling Coach; Stuart Chester, Head Baseball Coach; Flora Contreras, SIS Coordinator; Hadli Daniels, Head Volleyball

Coach; Drew Dasher, Assistant Football Coach, Assistant Baseball Coach; Fyrone Davis, Head Track & Field Coach (Boys and Girls), Assistant Football Coach; Gene Durden, Head Girls Basketball Coach; Dr. Chris Fowler, Buford City Schools Director of Fine Arts; Sean Gilbert, Head Tennis Coach (Boys and Girls); Taylor Greer, Chorus; Megan Hill, Head Girls Soccer Coach; Justin Johnson, Head of Football Operations and Head Golf Coach (Boys and Girls); Matthew Johnson, Head Cross Country Coach (Boys and Girls); Erik Mason, Band; Amy Moody, Executive

Secretary to the Superintendent’s Office; Rebecca Moon, Assistant Athletic Director; Kevin Peek, Head Boys Lacrosse Coach; Stacey Schmuhl, Head Competition Cheer Coach; Ashley Smith, Dance; Kimberly Staples, Theatre; Tony Wolfe, Athletic Director; Benjie Wood, Head Boys Basketball Coach; Jennifer Wood, CTE Department Head and Dexter Wood, Assistant Athletic Director

Buford City Schools Resource Officers — Chief Mindy Bayreuther, Aaron Dieffenbacher, Humberto Garcia and Angelica McKinley

Chris Akins, Sandi Brewer, Deborah Clinkscales, Juan Daniels, Chris Holcombe and the parents, guardians and caregivers of the Class of 2022

ON THE COVER: Class of 2022 graduates, top row from left to right, Emilee Akins, Sophie Brewer, Riley Holcombe, bottom row from left to right, CJ Clinkscales, Izzy Brewer, Alejandro Mata.

Cover photos by Nicole Seitz

Design by Deanna Allen

Magazine photos courtesy of Cecil Copeland, Amanda Cloy, Ty Freeman, Lily McGregor Photography, Rebecca Moon, Chrystal Moore, Robert Nowland, parents of the Class of 2022, Alicia Payne, Nicole Seitz and Natasha Zagrodnik

The 2022 Buford High School Graduation Magazine is published by the North Gwinnett Voice, P.O. Box 1812, Buford GA 30515, NorthGwinnettVoice.com.

Jessica Wilson, Publisher

Deanna Allen, Editor/Designer

Alicia Payne, Sales/Editorial Assistant

Chris Bellows, Sports Writer

Emily Jiang

Emmy Cruz-Beltran

Kaden Roberts

Izzy Brewer

Tori Carannante

Adriana Ponce