Vol. 10 No. 2 Feb 2026

Kiwanis

Father-Daughter

Dance builds bonds beyond the ballroom

Jessica Wilson Publisher

Every February, the Kiwanis Father-Daughter Valentine Dance transforms an ordinary evening into something out of a storybook, twirling dresses, polished shoes, fresh corsages and proud fathers standing just a little taller beside their daughters.

The annual event represents far more than music and photographs. It represents a promise.

For Andrew Southerland, that promise began before his daughter Molly was old enough to understand what the tradition would mean.

Buford Wolves finish 15-0, secure state championship in historic season

Jessica Wilson Publisher

When the Buford Wolves walked off the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium following a 28-21 victory over Carrollton in the GHSA Class 6A championship, the record book finally reflected what had been building for months: 15 games, 15 wins and a perfect season secured on the state’s biggest stage.

For head coach Bryant Appling, per-

fection was never about numbers.

“In our program, the word ‘standard’ means we have one way of doing things — not nearly right, but exactly right,” Appling said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s picking up a piece of trash, lacing up your cleats or making a big-time play in the fourth quarter. How you do anything is how you do everything.”

From the Publishers desk...

A Commitment to Record, Preserve, and Serve

WhenThe North Gwinnett Voice was first created, it was founded on a simple but enduring belief: communities deserve an accurate, lasting record of their lives. Ten years later, as we enter our tenth publication year, that belief remains at the heart of everything we do.

This newspaper was never intended to compete for attention or follow trends. It exists to serve — by recording the people, places and moments that define North Gwinnett. From school achievements and local businesses to civic decisions and lives well lived, our role is to document community life as it unfolds and to preserve it with care.

In today’s digital world, information moves faster than ever. Anyone can post online. Stories can be edited, reshaped or erased within minutes. What rises to the top is often driven by algorithms rather than accuracy, and what disappears can be just as influential as what remains. In that environment, the role of a local newspaper has become more important — not less.

Printed journalism creates a

permanent, tangible archive. Newspapers are preserved in libraries, historical collections, scrapbooks and family keepsakes. They become reference points — records that cannot be quietly altered or deleted. Long after posts are scrolled past or forgotten, printed pages remain, offering future generations a truthful account of how a community lived, grew and evolved.

Archiving news is not a technical function; it is a public service. Without an accurate record, communities lose pieces of their identity. Names are forgotten. Contributions fade. Context disappears. A newspaper safeguards that memory, ensuring that today’s students, educators, business owners, leaders and families are not lost to time.

Trust is what gives that record meaning. In an era when skepticism is widespread and misinformation travels easily, a local newspaper remains one of the last places where accountability still lives. A newspaper answers to its community. It verifies. It corrects. It stands behind what it publishes. Trust is not claimed — it is earned through

Vol. 10, No. 2

ISSN: 2996-0177

NorthGwinnettVoice.com

consistency, transparency and care.

To us, a free press does not mean reckless or sensational. It means independent, responsible and rooted in service. It means telling the truth even when it is uncomfortable, and telling it with integrity. It means providing a record residents can rely on — not just today, but decades from now.

What has sustained this work for ten years is not volume or perfection, but people. Readers who stopped us in the grocery store to say, “Thank you for covering this.” Families who saved articles because they mattered. Advertisers who believed in supporting local storytelling. Sources who trusted us with their stories. Students, educators, coaches, first responders, business owners, volunteers and neighbors who recognized their community in these pages and reminded us why this work matters.

This tenth year is not a victory lap. It is a recommitment.

We are honoring every promise we made when this paper was young: to show up consistently, to serve

Jessica Wilson | Publisher jessica@northgwinnettvoice.com

Cory Self | Digital Editor web@northgwinnettvoice.com

Staff Writers

Grace Anne Johnson, Sharon Stewart, Ashton Senter

Contributors

Brandon Hembree, Denise Rumbaugh, Alicia Couch, Lynn Bowman

with integrity and to use journalism as a tool for connection rather than division. In a time when trust is fragile and attention is fractured, local journalism remains one of the few places where a community can still meet itself honestly.

As publisher, my resolution for this new year is simple and unwavering: to continue protecting the integrity of this paper, to choose quality over speed, service over convenience and permanence over noise. Printed journalism still matters because it creates a lasting record — one that cannot be edited away, buried by algorithms or lost to time.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you for a decade. Thank you for holding us accountable, supporting us and growing alongside us. The work continues because our community deserves nothing less.

Here’s to the next chapter — grounded in service, guided by purpose and rooted right here at home.

-Jessica WilsonPublisher

Lanier Islands Resort to add new night-lit par-3 course

Sharon Stewart Staff Writer

BUFORD, Ga. — Lanier Islands Resort plans a multi-phase investment in its Legacy Golf Course, including a six-hole, night-lit par-3 course called “The Six,” a renovated clubhouse and updated course branding. Resort officials say the project is designed to enhance both the guest experience and the course’s appeal to golfers of all skill levels. The expansion is expected to open in spring 2026.

The investment follows recent renovations to the resort’s Legacy Lodge and LakeHouses accommodations, part of a broader effort to modernize amenities across the property and strengthen its position as a year-round destination.

Designed by Billy Fuller and opened in 2009, the 14-hole course overlooking Lake Lanier has become

a staple of the resort’s recreational offerings. In 2025, it was named one of Georgia’s top public courses by GolfPass, a recognition that highlighted both its scenic layout and playability.

Plans for the upgrade include a redesigned clubhouse by golf architect Jim Chapman, featuring expanded dining, a bar and lounge, an upgraded pro shop and enhanced outdoor gathering areas. The clubhouse will be dedicated to the memory of CEO Mike Williams, honoring his leadership and long-standing connection to the resort.

In addition to the physical improvements, the resort is refreshing the course’s branding and identity while continuing to offer yearround golf at its indoor venue, Game Changer, which provides climate-controlled play and entertainment options.

Northeast Georgia Medical Center reverified as Level I trauma center

Ashton Senter Staff Writer

GAINESVILLE,

Ga. — Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville has been re-verified as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons, hospital officials announced.

The designation keeps NGMC Gainesville among six nationally verified Level I trauma centers in Georgia, according to Northeast Georgia Health System.

Level I centers must meet strict

standards for advanced trauma care, including 24-hour surgical coverage, research, education and community outreach. Re-verification confirms the hospital continues to meet those benchmarks.

Hospital leaders said the February 2025 opening of the Green Tower expanded trauma capabilities with dedicated resuscitation spaces and a rooftop helipad with direct elevator access to the emergency department.

Northeast Georgia Health System serves more than 1 million patients through five hospitals and multiple outpatient locations across the region.

Local Students Win Congressional App Challenge

Sharon Stewart Staff Writer

BUFORD, Ga. — Three local students have been named winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Georgia’s 9th District, earning recognition for developing software applications designed to solve real-world problems.

U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde announced the winners Dec. 12 after evaluating six submissions from across the district.

Krish Tripathy, a Sugar Hill resident and senior at Woodward Academy, earned first place for Pulmo Lens, a web-based app that uses deep learning to help detect pneumonia from chest X-rays. Inspired by a family member’s experience, Tripathy

designed the app to quickly analyze images and highlight areas showing possible signs of illness.

“Pulmo Lens represents my vision of combining coding and compassion,” Tripathy said.

Tripathy’s app will be displayed at the 2025 House of Code celebration in Washington, D.C.

Second place went to Michael Wang, a junior at North Gwinnett High School, for Ten8Link, a platform that improves communication between property managers and tenants by organizing messages and maintenance requests in one system.

Linh Do, a Buford resident and junior at Fulton Science Academy, placed third for Ace AP STEM, an educational platform designed to support students in Advanced Placement STEM courses.

“His innovative design showcases

how coding can address real-world challenges,” Clyde said in congratulating the winners.

Launched in 2014, the Congressional App Challenge is the official com-

puter science competition of the U.S. House of Representatives. Winning apps are displayed in the U.S. Capitol and recognized at the annual House of Code event.

Suwanee student’s artwork featured in national exhibition

Ashton Senter Staff Writer

Cailyn Yoon of Suwanee is among a select group of middle and high school students whose artwork is featured in a national exhibition at the ARTEFFECT Gallery in Washington, D.C., highlighting overlooked figures who helped shape history.

Yoon’s piece is part of Visualizing Impact, the gallery’s inaugural exhibition inside the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream. The exhibit features 43 award-winning works by students in grades 6–12 from across the United States and abroad, each focused on an “Unsung Hero.”

Through the ARTEFFECT program, Yoon researched her chosen historical figure and created an original

artwork accompanied by a written impact statement explaining the subject’s legacy. Participants select their Unsung Heroes from a directory developed by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, which promotes project-based learning connected to history and character education.

Founded in 2016 by philanthropist Lowell Milken, ARTEFFECT encourages students to explore history through art while reflecting on values such as courage, integrity and service. The program includes an annual international competition, exhibitions and educator fellowships.

“Celebrating the qualities of character embodied in Unsung Heroes motivates younger generations to aspire to values essential during challenging times,” Milken said.

The exhibition groups artwork

into themes including freedom, justice, women in STEM, wartime heroes and innovation. Each piece is displayed alongside a short biography of the historical figure and an excerpt from the student’s reflection.

Admission to the gallery is free, and exhibitions rotate annually.

For Yoon, the recognition places her research and creativity on a national stage, highlighting how student voices can help preserve meaningful stories from the past.

Buford High School earns gold distinction on AP honor roll

Cory Self Staff Writer

BUFORD, Ga. — Buford High School has been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll, earning a Gold distinction from the College Board for strong academic performance and expanded access to rigorous coursework.

The school also received Plati-

num-level recognition in College Credit and College Optimization, reflecting high student success and broad participation in Advanced Placement courses.

During the Spring 2025 AP exam administration, 691 students took 1,407 exams, with 90% earning a score of 3 or higher — the benchmark commonly recognized by colleges for awarding credit. The school’s average AP score was 3.81.

Students outperformed state and

global averages in 18 courses, with a 100% pass rate in subjects including Art and Design: Drawing, Chemistry, Precalculus, Research, Seminar and Spanish.

All Buford High students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the corresponding exam, with the Buford Board of Education covering the full cost.

“Earning Gold status reflects the extraordinary dedication of our teachers,

counselors, administrators, students and families,” Principal Marty Bozoian said. “When students are challenged and supported, they rise to meet high expectations.”

According to the College Board, students who complete AP coursework and exams are more likely to enroll in college, persist and graduate on time.

Sugar Hill council advances workforce housing project

Jessica Wilson Publisher

SUGAR HILL, Ga. — The Sugar Hill City Council voted Monday to advance Roosevelt Commons, a proposed 24-unit workforce housing development designed to expand attainable homeownership in the city’s downtown district.

The project, planned for 1181 Level Creek Road and 4939 Roosevelt Circle, comes as rising home prices across Gwinnett County continue to push moderate-income residents out of the local market.

Council members Joshua Page, Alvin Hicks and Samantha Piovesan voted in support of moving the initiative forward.

The development would be funded entirely through federal HOME Investment Partnerships and Community Development Block Grant programs, with no local tax dollars used. Ongoing maintenance costs would be covered by homeowner association fees.

Workforce housing typically serves households earning up to 80% of the area median income. Often referred

to as “missing middle” housing, it is intended for teachers, first responders and other working professionals who may not qualify for traditional affordable housing but cannot compete in higher-priced markets.

Under the proposed land trust model, buyers would purchase the home while the city or a designated land trust retains ownership of the land. Separating the land from the structure lowers the purchase price and helps preserve long-term affordability. Homes would be sold under a 99-year ground lease, with resale restrictions requiring that properties be sold to another income-qualified buyer at a price determined by a preset formula.

Local Realtor and Sugar Hill resident Amy Parris Cook spoke in favor of the proposal, calling it a pathway to homeownership for families priced out of downtown Sugar Hill.

“You build equity in two ways,” Cook said. “You keep 100% of the mortgage principal you pay down, and you typically receive a fixed share of the appreciation.”

While the model limits full market appreciation, Cook said it

allows families to build wealth rather than remain renters.

Some critics of workforce housing cite concerns about density and property values. However, research in multiple states has found that well-managed workforce housing developments do not negatively impact surrounding property values.

Supporters say Roosevelt Com-

mons reflects broader efforts in fast-growing communities like Sugar Hill to balance continued development with housing options that allow residents who work in the city to live there.

“It’s not for everyone,” Cook said. “But for 24 families, it could mean the difference between continuing to rent and finally owning a home.”

Faith (Dinges) Clack - Class of 2019

For Buford High School alumna Faith (Dinges) Clack, high school wasn’t defined by trophies or titles - it was defined by people.

“High school wasn’t a book of achievements for me,” Clack said. “It was full of conversations, laughs, inside jokes and friendships.”

When she graduated in 2019, Clack left with something she considers more meaningful than accolades, a sense of belonging. That feeling, she says, is what made Buford special.

One educator who left a lasting impact was Coach David Snell of the Early Childhood Education pathway.

“He always pushed me to want more out of life than the bare minimum,” she said. “Coach Snell truly cares about each student who walks through his doors.”

After graduation, Clack chose a nontraditional path. Having worked since age 16. including balancing three jobs during her senior year. she stepped directly into the workforce. Since April 2021, she has advanced within her company into the accounting department, handling billing and collections.

credits the Buford community for shaping her character.

“I’m someone people count on professionally,” she said. “I’m proud of myself for sticking through challenges and not giving up.”

Her personal life has been equally meaningful. She married her husband, Tyler, in 2019, and the couple will celebrate five years of marriage in July 2026. They welcomed their son, Paxton, in April 2022.

“I am a loving mother and wife, and that is truly my biggest accomplishment,” she said. “God knew I was made to be Paxton’s mother.”

“This community is a huge family,” she said. “Buford taught me to be kind, inviting and neighborly.”

From afternoons at friends’ houses to walks at the Mall of Georgia and favorite songs that still spark nostalgia, her memories remain vivid.

“I was friends with anyone and everyone,” she said. “My whole high school experience was full of laughter.”

For Faith Clack, Buford High School wasn’t about accolades - it was about connection, resilience and learning to show up for life with heart and humor.

THREE BUFORD CHAMBER ENSEMBLES SELECTED TO PERFORM AT STATE MUSIC CONFERENCE

Jessica Wilson Publisher

BUFORD, Ga. — Three student chamber ensembles from Buford City Schools have been invited to perform at the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, one of the state’s most prestigious professional music education events.

The selected groups represent both Buford High School and Buford Middle School, underscoring the strength, consistency and long-term alignment of the district’s band and orchestra programs. Chosen through a highly competitive, juried audition process, the ensembles will perform before an audience of music educators, conductors and clinicians from across Georgia.

“Being selected to perform at GMEA is one of the highest forms of recognition a school music program can receive in Georgia,” said Kathy Mason, director of bands at Buford Middle School. “It affirms that the work happening every day in our rehearsal rooms across grade levels is meeting the highest artistic and educational standards.”

Mason said the invitation reflects more than individual achievement and highlights a shared instructional vision spanning middle and high school.

“For Buford, it reinforces that our programs are not only strong individually, but aligned in vision, instruction and expectations from middle school through high school,” she said. “Students are building skills and musicianship year after year, and this recognition validates that commitment.”

The invited ensembles include the Buford High School Violin Quartet, instructed by orchestra teacher Tori

Enloe; the student-led Buford High School Woodwind Octet; and the Buford Middle School Saxophone Quartet, instructed by saxophone teacher Jeremy Edmondson.

Members of the violin quartet are seniors Victoria Kil and Hannah Oh, sophomore Chaewon Lee and freshman Ayush Nagaraj.

The woodwind octet brings together students from multiple grade levels and woodwind disciplines, including Hannah Jung and Miley Kim (flute), Elizabeth Jung (oboe), Tanama

Quiles-Torres (bassoon), Jonathan Lee (clarinet), Johana Head (bass clarinet), Julian Esquivel (alto saxophone) and Nathan Beltrán-Chavez (baritone saxophone). Junior Zoë Edmondson serves as the ensemble’s conductor.

The Buford Middle School Saxophone Quartet features eighth-graders

Christopher Smith and Nathan Yun (alto saxophone), Rowan Moon (tenor saxophone) and Mack Irwin (baritone saxophone).

According to Mason, the selection process draws submissions from

outstanding school ensembles across Georgia, with only a limited number chosen each year. Performing at the conference provides students with the opportunity to showcase their musicianship on a professional stage while representing their school and community at the highest level.

The invitation also reflects the district’s continued investment in arts education and its commitment to cultivating excellence in both performance and instruction.

More than a dance: Fathers invest in time, trust and tradition

Continued from pg 1

“When I look at Molly, I see a blessing sent by God,” Southerland said. “It is my job as her dad to protect her, love her and show her how valuable she is. The Father-Daughter Dance gave me a chance to raise her standards on how a man in her life should act.”

What began as a special night out gradually became something deeper — a yearly investment in time and intention.

“The biggest way it shaped our relationship is communication,” Southerland said. “The conversations we would have over dinner and the

time spent just the two of us helped us form a bond where we can talk about anything.”

As Molly has grown, so have those conversations.

Early dances were filled with talk of favorite movies and childhood interests. Now, the discussions center on her future career aspirations, personal values, and what she should expect one day in a spouse.

“The dance is so much fun,” Southerland said, “but the conversations over dinner and in the car ride to and

from the dance are what I will remember most.”

For Molly, the night has always felt intentional.

“My favorite part of the Father-Daughter Dance with my dad is getting to spend a special night with him, just us two and catch up on our lives,” she said. “It’s a yearly reminder of his love and care for our family.”

That consistency has shaped her sense of worth.

“It makes me feel so special,” Molly said. “He makes the night so fun and

really a special experience. I truly love this night every year.”

One memory stands out, a year when a princess carriage was part of the festivities.

“I truly felt like a little princess riding in her carriage with my dad and cousins,” she said. “It was an amazing experience I’ll forever remember.”

Across the dance floor, a similar story has unfolded for Josh Brown and his 13-year-old daughter, Lilly.

For Brown, the annual dance has become a cornerstone of their relationship.

“This dance is very special to me,” Brown said. “It gives me a chance to spend time with my daughter, showing her how one day a young man should treat her. We have come year after year, and I believe that this consistency teaches her that she is special and deserves to be treated like a princess.”

Like Southerland, Brown views the tradition as intentional, particularly as his daughter enters her teenage years.

“As she is maturing into a young lady, it is important to me for her to never forget how much I love her,” he said.

For Brown, much of the bonding happens long before the first song begins.

“We bond in the moments leading up to the dance,” he said. “Going to the store together to find the perfect dress. After finding her dress, finding the right suit to complement her. Picking out her corsage and always having a special gift waiting in the car. What we really discover during that time is a better understanding of each other.”

Lilly says the consistency has never gone unnoticed.

“Knowing that every year I can look forward to this special day makes me feel so valued and loved,” she said. “It makes me realize how much he puts me first, no matter what else is going on.”

As she has grown older, the evening has taken on new meaning.

“When I was little, it was mostly about dressing up and having fun,” Lilly said. “But as I got older, it turned into a special time where we talked and got closer. Now it means so much more to me every year.”

Some of the most meaningful memories have come in unexpected moments.

Brown still remembers their first dance when Lilly was four years old.

“I opened her door and helped her out of the car,” he said. “I went to take her hand, and she said, ‘No, Daddy, let me show you.’ She placed my hand at my side and said, ‘You keep your arm like this and I will hang my arm around it.’ She has always been a little lady.”

For Lilly, one favorite memory came during the COVID-19 pandemic when the event was canceled.

“He made it his mission to keep our tradition alive,” she said. “We rode a limo to a fancy dinner in Atlanta, and on the way it started to snow. That little moment made everything feel so magical.”

Even without the formal dance, the tradition endured.

For both fathers, the deeper message is clear.

“My prayer is that she knows how truly valuable she is,” Southerland said. “That she never settles for any-

thing less than God’s will for her life.”

“I hope these dances reinforce that she is worthy of love and respect,” Brown said. “That she is fearfully and wonderfully made.”

When asked what the tradition says about her relationship with her father, Lilly offered a simple answer.

“I think it shows that our relationship is really strong,” she said. “No matter what is going on, he makes sure we have this special time and lets me know that I’m always a priority.”

Molly shares a similar sentiment.

“From the new dress to the fancy dinner, the flowers and the community of dads and daughters we see every year - it’s all special,” she said. “It’s amazing to see the kind souls every year.”

In a fast-moving world filled with crowded schedules and constant distractions, the Kiwanis Father-Daugh-

ter Valentine Dance offers something increasingly rare: an intentional pause.

Fifteen dances. Thirteen dances.

Dozens of car rides, dinners, corsages, inside jokes and quiet conversations.

Long after the music fades and the dresses are packed away, what remains is something far more enduring — trust, communication and the quiet confidence of a daughter who knows she is cherished.

More than a dance, it is a father showing up.

Year after year.

And a daughter learning, without question, that she is loved.

The scoreboard confirmed perfection. The season

had already explained it.

Continued from pg. 1

That standard shaped Buford’s preparation from August through December and guided the Wolves through the most difficult moments of the championship game.

Tested early, steady late

Carrollton controlled much of the first half, limiting Buford’s rushing lanes and dictating tempo. The Wolves entered halftime trailing, facing stalled drives and championship pressure — a situation that unravels many talented teams. Buford did not panic.

“When this team faced adversity, two things mattered,” Appling said. “We practiced situational football better this year, and the team trusted each other. They knew everyone would be where they needed to be.”

Rather than chasing explosive plays, Buford focused on assignments, field position and ball security, confident preparation would create opportunity.

Defense sets the tone

Throughout the season, Buford’s defense served as both anchor and safety net. The championship game was no different.

The Wolves forced four turnovers, repeatedly halting Carrollton drives before momentum could shift. Junior defensive back Ethan Hauser intercepted a second-quarter pass that stopped a potential scoring drive and kept the game within

reach.

“Buford football does what we need to do on both sides of the ball to win games,” Appling said.

“This year, it was ball control and physicality on offense, which led to high-pressure defense. At times it was bend-but-don’t-break, but the attention to detail these kids had was uncommon.”

Depth, conditioning and disciplined assignment football defined Buford’s identity. Late in games — when fatigue separates contenders from champions — the Wolves were prepared.

Habits over hype

From Week 1 through the postseason, Buford’s routine never changed. Practices emphasized repetition over spectacle. Film sessions focused on correction rather than praise.

“One of the sayings we lived by this year was ‘Do Simple Better,’” Appling said. “This team handled the simple things better than we have in the past. More than anything, it was the connections and relationships — player to coach, player to player.”

That consistency produced a team comfortable in uncomfortable moments.

A defining run

When the offense broke through, it felt earned.

Senior running back Tyriq Green delivered the defining play of the

night — an 82-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that gave Buford the lead for good.

“Watching it now, what stands out most is how far I actually ran,” Green said. “I knew I could do it,

but the fact it happened at that point was amazing.”

The run combined instinct with preparation.

“In the moment, the instinct was just to make a play,” Green said.

“When I saw the cutback open, I hit it. A lot of that came from preparation all season — slowing our eyes down and trusting the read.”

Green finished with 184 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. Buford did not rely on volume. It waited for space — and capitalized.

Finishing the Job

The Wolves added two more scores and continued forcing turnovers to close the game. They controlled the fourth quarter with clock management and field position.

“I know it’s only one game, but going 15-0 is really hard to do,” Appling said. “To stay focused for 17 or 18 weeks and come out on top takes a different level of mental toughness.”

Pressure followed Buford all season but never altered its routine.

A Place in Program History

Appling declined to compare this team to past champions but acknowledged its significance.

“They do have a special place,” he said. “First time in the largest classification and first time as a national champion.”

More than schemes or statistics, Appling pointed to relationships.

“Relationships matter more than X’s and O’s at times,” he said. “This was one of the most close-knit groups we’ve had, and it showed.”

Fifteen wins made the achievement official.

One standard made it sustainable.

Ariah Mills Builds Record-Setting Career at Buford High

Grace Anne Johnson Staff Writer

BUFORD, Ga. — Buford High School freshman Ariah Mills is already building a reputation defined by discipline, determination and rapid success in one of the most demanding sports at the high school level.

Though new to Buford High School this year, Mills has quickly emerged as one of the school’s most accomplished student-athletes, competing in wrestling at a national and international level.

Mills began wrestling at age 8, considered a relatively late start in the sport.

“Everyone starts wrestling when they’re really young — like four or even three,” Mills said. “I was a little behind when I started, but I liked it right off.”

Wrestling runs deep in his family. His father wrestled in high school, and his two older brothers both won state championships at Mill Creek High School. Despite starting later than many of his peers, Mills’ development accelerated quickly.

In 2025 alone, he compiled an impressive list of accomplishments. As an eighth-grader, he won the National Prep School Championship and claimed titles at Super 32 — widely regarded as one of the nation’s most competitive high school tournaments and the FloWrestling Who’s No. 1 Challenge, which determines the topranked wrestler in each weight class. He also earned a U.S. national championship in freestyle wrestling.

Later that year, Mills captured the Under 17 World Championship in freestyle, competing against athletes from countries including Iran, Russia and Ukraine. He became the first wrestler from Georgia to win a gold medal at a world-level wrestling event.

Despite his accolades, teachers and coaches describe Mills as humble and focused.

“Ariah, from his very first day in my class, has always carried himself with joy,” said Becca Powell, a teacher at Buford High School. “You can tell he’s confident, but in a way that shows humility.”

Social studies teacher Chad Roberts said Mills’ work ethic sets him apart.

“He continually wants to get better,” Roberts said. “He’s always watching film and looking for ways to master his craft. He also helps his teammates improve through his attitude and

commitment.”

That discipline extends beyond athletics. Powell said he transitioned seamlessly into Buford City Schools’ academic expectations.

“Sometimes when students move into the district, there’s a learning curve,” Powell said. “Ariah had no trouble with the rigor. The discipline he brings to wrestling shows up in the classroom as well.”

Mills practices up to four hours a day at least four days a week while maintaining his academic responsibilities. He competes weekly for Buford High School, holding a 13-0 record, and travels to one or two national tournaments each month.

Looking ahead, Mills hopes to wrestle collegiately and is considering programs such as Ohio State, Penn State and Oklahoma State. Beyond college, he hopes to represent the United States at the Olympic level.

“I’d love to be an Olympic champion,” Mills said. “After I’m done wrestling, I want to coach and start a kids’ academy. I love helping younger kids.”

Mills said the sport’s demanding nature keeps him motivated.

“The hard work you put in — that’s what I love about wrestling,” he said. “You don’t start off very good. You have to keep getting better.”

He added that wrestling has shaped his mindset beyond competition.

“When you’re down, you have to come back and build back up,” Mills said.

As his career continues to develop, those around him say his commitment to growth — on and off the mat — sets him apart, and Buford High School will continue watching as one of its youngest athletes pursues goals on the sport’s biggest stages.

Buford High School junior Matthew Crabbe competes on cycling’s world stage

Ashton Senter Staff Writer

BUFORD, Ga. — For Buford High School junior Matthew Crabbe, cycling has never been just a sport, it has been part of his life for as long as he can remember.

Introduced to competitive cycling by his father, Crabbe grew up attending races before eventually joining the action himself. Over time, he gravitated toward cyclocross, a discipline known for its demanding terrain, technical skill and unpredictable conditions.

“I was particularly drawn to cyclocross because of the raw nature of it,” Crabbe said. “The strongest and smoothest rider will win. There’s less luck involved, and every course and condition is different, which makes it so much fun.”

That passion has carried him well beyond local competition. This fall marked Crabbe’s fourth trip to Europe for international racing, where he competed in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and the Czech Republic. Two of those races, in France and the Czech Republic, were Junior World Cup events, the highest level of under-19 competition in the sport.

Racing overseas, Crabbe said, presents a significantly different challenge than competing in the United States.

“In the U.S., you might have four or five riders separated at the front,” he said. “In Europe, the first 30 riders are all at the same level. One mistake can drop you from the front to the back instantly.”

The courses themselves are also more demanding. While many American races are held in groomed public parks, European events often take

place on farms or open fields, featuring muddier conditions and sharper terrain changes.

That level of competition helped shape Crabbe’s growth as an athlete.

In mid-December, he finished second at the U.S. National Championships, a result he described as one of his strongest performances of the season.

“All year I felt like I was struggling to put together a race where I was strong the whole way through,” Crabbe said. “That race gave me confidence heading into a big block of holiday training.”

Those performances helped earn Crabbe a spot representing Team USA at the UCI Cyclocross World Championships, scheduled for early February.

Selection for the national team was based on both domestic results and consistency overseas. From 15 European races this season, Crabbe recorded seven top-20 finishes, an encouraging indicator as he approaches the older end of the two-year junior age group.

“The goal is to develop riders who can eventually compete for podiums and top-10 finishes,” Crabbe said. “These results show that next year, that’s possible.”

Balancing elite-level training and international travel with academics has required careful planning. As a junior at Buford High School, Crabbe takes advantage of Georgia’s Dual Enrollment program, allowing him to complete a full college course load online while earning high school credit.

“That flexibility makes everything possible,” he said. “It takes a lot of focus, but it’s important for life after racing.”

Crabbe credits a strong support system for helping him manage the demands of the sport. His parents remain his primary supporters, while

coaches and staff with EuroCross have guided his development since he began attending summer camps at age 13. He is coached by Roger Aspholm, who also directs the FinKraft Junior Cycling Team, and competes on the road with Hot Tubes Development Cycling.

Training for cyclocross requires versatility. A typical week includes long endurance rides, recovery sessions, cyclocross-specific skill work, running, core training and stretching with recovery playing a central role.

“Without good sleep and nutrition, the training doesn’t work,” Crabbe said.

Competing at a high level has not come without challenges. Crabbe suffered a concussion last spring that sidelined him for a month, and he said difficult races, when preparation does not translate to performance, can be

mentally taxing. Extensive international travel has also tested his endurance, including a recent trip home that stretched from one day into three.

Despite those hurdles, international competition reshaped his long-term perspective.

“Racing overseas humbled my goals,” Crabbe said. “I came in expecting podiums, but now I’m focused on improving and aiming for top-15 results. The end goal is still becoming a professional, I just know it takes time.”

Following the World Championships, Crabbe will shift his focus to the road season, beginning with the La Primavera race in Texas before heading back to Europe for multiple race blocks with his team.

For now, his attention remains on the next challenge — and the continued pursuit of growth, one race at a time.

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