Vol 4 No 3 01/31/20

Nathaniel Choe

Meet Nathaniel Choe,a second-grade studentatBufordAcademy. Histeachers at BufordAcademy areMrs.Humble and Mrs. Fontenot.Nathaniel is the BufordAcademyReader of the Week

“N at ha ni el is ou r firs ta nd on ly se co nd-g ra de st uden tw ho ha srea ch ed be co mi ng am il li on -wordc lu bmem be ra nd re ac hi ng 100 po in ts in AR (a dv an ce d re ad in g).H es et ag oa lt om ak ei ti nt ot he mi ll io n- wo rd cl ub an dm adei tb ef ore we le ft fo rt he ho li days in De ce mb er,” says Mrs. La na Ni x, Bu fo rd Ac adem y Me di aS pe ci al is t. “Th is is av er yb ig ac hi ev emen tf or as ec on d- gr ader,b ut he is su ch an av id re ader we kn ew he wo ul drea ch h is go al qu ic kl y. ”

The“Diaryofa WimpyKid”series is his favorite book series to read and thatseries’author,Jeff Kinney is his favorite author.Nathaniel also enjoys reading books about sports.Mrs.Nix claims,“His enthusiasm forreading is such ajoy to watch. He lovesreading long books because the longer the book the longer he gets to read.”

David and Jennifer areproud of their son Nathaniel.Heisanolder brother to afour-year-old brother and athree-year-old sister.Nathaniel and his dad love to playMadden on the PS4. He also enjoys playing outside with his friends.Nathaniel currently plays baseball but plans on playing football in the fall.His favorite position to playinbaseball is shortstop because he gets the best view of the infield.Healso plays in the circle and left field

Congratulations Nathaniel! Keep up the good work!GoWolves!

Themedia specialists at the BufordSenior Academyand BufordAcademyselectthe BufordCitySchools Reader of the Week Bufordstudents grades first through fifthhaveachanceatbeing named the Reader of the Week.Inaddition to appearing online and in print, the Reader of the Week receives avoucher to Stars and Strikes for all of their hardwork

Restaurant Inspections

The following restaurant health inspection scores were pulled from the Georgia Department of Public Health between January 15, 2020 and January 27, 2020.

• 37 Main - A Rock Cafe; 37 E Main St NE Buford; 92

• Apple Lounge; 3103a Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Suwanee; 100

• Asian Star; 2133 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd SUITE 7 Suwanee; ...............................................................97

• Cabakis Catering; 2725 Hamilton Mill Rd Suite 1600 Buford;....................................................................95

• Chick-fil-a; 3333 Buford Dr Space 1071 Buford;.............................................................................................90

• Chick-fil-a; 2635 Hamilton Mill Rd Buford; 96

• Choongman Chicken; 80 Horizon Dr Suite 103 & 104 Suwanee; 84

• Clyde Phillips Correctional Institute; 2989 W Rock Quarry Rd NE Buford; 100

• Clyde Phillips Correctional Institute - Officers Dining; 2989 W Rock Quarry Rd NE Buford; 96

• Crazy Dough Pizza; 3730 Buford Dr Buford;...................................................................................................83

• Crepes Square; 80 Horizon Dr Suite 301; ..........................................................................................................89

• Cuppoki; 3333 Buford Dr Suite 1073A Buford; 84

• Dominos Pizza #4128; 2027 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Suite 600 Suwanee; 96

• Frontera Mex-Mex Grill; 2137 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Suwanee; 86

• Fusion Asian Bistro; 1944 Braselton Hwy Suite 101 AND 102 Buford; 90

• G Sisters Restaurant and Kettle Corn; 6986 McEver Rd, Ste A, Buford; ...................................................93

• Gold’s Gym; 1250 Auburn Rd Dacula;.............................................................................................................100

• Golden Phoenix; 4850 Golden Pkwy, Ste 3C, Buford; ...................................................................................93

• Gom Shabu Shabu; 3131 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Suite C-1 Suwanee; 93

• Green Tea #3; 1152 Auburn Rd Suite 210 Dacula; 90

• Houndstooth Grill and Tavern; 6323 Grand Hickory Dr Braselton; 82

• J Buffalo Wings; 3350 Buford Dr Buford 92

• Jok Ga A Dong Chim; 1291 Old Peachtree Rd NW STE 202 Suwanee; 88

• Little Tokyo Mall of Georgia; 3333 Buford Dr Suite 1070 Buford; 92

• Man Hong Chinese Food; 1291 Old Peachtree Rd NW Suite B2 Suwanee; 90

• Mangos Colombian Restaurant; 4450 Nelson Brogdon Blvd SUITE A-10C Buford; ...........................82

• Monterrey Mexican Restaurant; 1000 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suwanee;.............................................94

• Movie Tavern; 2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Suwanee; ..........................................................................83

• Old Fountain Tavern; 1250 Auburn Rd Suite 101 Dacula; ...........................................................................96

• Outback Steakhouse; 145 Celebration Dr Suwanee; ......................................................................................96

• Peking Chinese Restaurant; 360 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite 101A Suwanee; 94

• Pinokio; 1291 Old Peachtree Rd NW Building 300 Suite B6 Suwanee; 95

• Po Noodle House; 1291 Old Peachtree Rd NW Building 300, Suite B4 Suwanee; 91

• Pueblo Maya Mexican Restaurant; 33 Buford Village Way Suite 311 Buford; 88

• Rays Donuts #2; 1955 Gravel Springs Rd Suite B Buford; 96

• Sbarro #863; 3333 Buford Dr Suite 1072 Buford; 88

• Shabuga; 1291 Old Peachtree Rd NW Suite 401 Suwanee; ..........................................................................95

• Shazzy’s Bar and Grill; 4949 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Suite 111-112, Buford; .............................................100

• Silverbacks Sport Center; 4285 Brogdon Exchange NE Suwanee; ...........................................................100

• Spice Wing; 3186 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Suwanee;...............................................................................95

• Subway #26703; 2120 Friendship Rd, Buford; 94

• Subway Sandwiches #57975; 2669 Buford Hwy NE Suite 500 Buford; 97

• Taco Bell Longjohn Silvers #30614; 455 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suwanee; 99

• The Cheesecake Factory; 3333 Buford Dr Space VD01G Buford; 95

• The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant #1532; 3220 Buford Dr Buford; 93

• WNB Factory Suwanee; 2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Suite C-102 Suwanee; 85

• Zaxby’s; 4139 Buford Dr Buford; .......................................................................................................................100

The following reports were filed by the Gwinnett County Police Department from January 13, 2020 and January 26, 2020.

• Officers responded to a forced entry residential burglary in the 3400 block of Harvest Ridge Lane and in the 2300 block of Harvest Ridge Circle. Buford addresses.

• An attempted residential burglary was reported in the 3600 block of Hamilton Mill Road in Buford.

• Reports for non-residential forced entry burglary was filed for locations in the 1700 block of Horizon Parkway and in the 2700 block of Hamilton Mill Road. Buford addresses.

• Robbery-sudden snatching took place in the 5800 block of Cumming Highway in Sugar Hill.

• Motor vehicle theft occurred in the 5000 block of West Broad Street in Sugar Hill and in the 3500 block of Carriage Glen Way in Dacula.

• Police officers filed reports of entering auto theft in the 4200 block of South Lee Street, 1400 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard (3 reports), 2800 block of Springrock Way, and 2700 block of General Lee Way. Buford addresses.

• Incidents for disorderly conduct happened in the 1000 block of Level Creek Road in Sugar Hill and in the 1900 block of Buford Mill Drive in Buford.

• Arrests for DUI were made on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard at Spring Hill Drive in Sugar Hill, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard at Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in Sugar Hill, and Buford Drive at I-85 N on-ramp in Buford.

• Theft by deception occurred in the 400 block of

www.northgwinnettvoice.com • info@northgwinnettvoice.com

Sandtrap Lane in Sugar Hill, 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard in Buford, and 3100 block of Morgan Box Lane in Buford.

• Reports of theft by taking were filed for locations in the 2400 block of Buford Dam Road, 2400 block of Satellite Boulevard, 3700 block of Buford Drive, 3400 block of Buford Drive, 1700 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard, and 3100 block of Gravel Springs Road. Buford addresses.

• Mail theft was reported in the 300 block of West Shadburn Avenue in Buford.

• Officers responded to shoplifting calls in the 4900 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in Sugar Hill, 4100 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 1700 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford, 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard in Buford, 2600

Staff Writers: Nida Merchant

Amy Davis

Anoshka Ramkumar

Contributing Writers: Lynn

Brandon

Nicole Burns

Staff Photographers:

Jennifer Johnson

Nicole Seitz

David Hanks

Cathy

Manning Moore

William Curtis

block of Hamilton Mill Road in Buford, and 2200 block of Hamilton Creek Parkway in Dacula.

• Second-degree criminal damage to property happened in the 1100 block of Horizon Parkway, 1600 block of Horizon Parkway, and 2700 block of Ivy Mill Drive. Buford addresses.

• First-degree criminal damage to property was reported in the 2700 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford.

• Calls for simple battery came in for locations in the 6000 block of Trail Hikes Drive in Sugar Hill, 4600 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in Sugar Hill, 900 block of Crescent Ridge Drive in Buford, 1600 block of Marakanda Trail in Buford, 1700 block of Satellite Boulevard in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 2300 block of Copper Trail Lane in Buford, 3400 block of Southpointe Hill Drive in Buford, and 2500 block of Kirkstone Drive in Buford.

• Reports of battery were filed for locations in the 6200 block of Sparkling Cove Lane, 700 block of Bona Road, 500 block of Power Avenue, Buford Drive at South Lee Street, 3700 block of Ridge Drive, and 1800 block of Appaloosa Lane. Buford addresses.

• Police responded to aggravated assault with a gun calls in the 2500 block of Mill Center Parkway and in the 2900 block of Buford Drive (2 reports). Buford addresses.

• Aggravated assault with a knife or cutting tool occurred in the 2000 block of Rock Creek Road in Buford and in the 2000 block of Tulip Petal Lane in Auburn.

• Financial transaction card fraud took place in the 300 block of Friars Head Drive in Sugar Hill, 600 block of Allen Street in Buford, 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard in Buford, and 2800 block of Shumard Oak Drive in Braselton.

Marketplace sell

Gwinnett County Police were dispatched to the Publix in Sugar Hill in response to a reported robbery. The victim and his mother met responding officers to recount the event. The victim stated he was meeting an interested buyer he connected with on the Facebook Market app to sell two pairs of Nike shoes for $1300.

After arriving at the location, the victim met two teenage Hispanic males. After presenting the shoes, the males attempted to pay the victim using counterfeit money. When confronted about the counterfeit bills, the males darted out of the store, shows in tow.

The victim’s mother, who was waiting outside of the store saw the incident and took pictures of the males as well as trying to stop them as they exited the store.

The mother stated she was pushed back by one of the teenage males and hurt her foot, preventing her from pursuing due further. She did witness the males enter a white Jeep and drive away on SR20.

Officers were able to obtain a video of the encounter from the store manager. The video showed the two males standing near the victim, then suddenly grabbing the shoes and running away from the victim and showed one male exiting through the front door while the other male exited through a side door.

The counterfeit bills left by the suspects were placed into evidence at police headquarters. The account for the individual the victim was to meet was under “Brandon Vasquez”, Joshua.

Scholarship award won by young artist

Jessica Wilson

Congratulations are in order for Buford Highschool student, Anela Leide for winning the Helen Fleming Stone scholarship award.

The Dr. Helen Fleming Stone Scholarship is the highest honor and largest scholarship bestowed on a National Art Honor Society student by the Georgia Art Education Association (GAEA). The scholarship was established by Dr. Helen Stone, a gifted sculptor, and potter, who used proceeds made from her own work to initially fund the scholarship.

Each year high school seniors who are members of the National Art Honor Society submit a portfolio of their work during the Georgia NAHS State Convention for judging by a panel of GAEA officers.

Several students from schools around the state brought in their art portfolios

for judging in which the artistically gifted, Anela won 1st place. The award was given January 25th at the NAHS 2020 conference at the High Museum of Art.

Buford Board of Education Meeting

Minutes

Staff Reports

January 27, 2020 — Chairman Phillip Beard called the January 2020 Buford Board of Education meeting to order at 7 p.m. at the Central Office. Following the Pledge, the BHS Varsity Football team was recognized for their outstanding season which ended with bringing home another State Championship to Buford. The team received a standing ovation and praise from the both the audience and Board. The agenda and December 2019 meeting minutes were approved. The current financial operating balance as of Dec. 31 is $10,621,017.83.

A change order for the new BHS was approved. The final payment on the new BHS was approved in the amount of $48,334.00 to Charles Black Construction. A pay request for BES to BJ’s Mechanical Co. for $6,986.00 was approved. The Board approved a pay request for wrestling mats for the new BHS payable to Resilite Wrestling Mats for $22,282,76. The Board approved a total of nine field

Student Council Elections at North Gwinnett High School

Anoshka Ramkumar

January is a busy month for many high school students in Gwinnett County. For a particular group of students at North Gwinnett High School, January is a time for Student Council (StuCo) Elections. Student Council is a club promoting student involvement in government. The only difference is, this council works to better their school and community as each day goes by. Election time is a time of vital importance for student candidates running for positions that would allow them to make decisions and plan events

trip requests, 10 fundraiser requests, and one community service project. Mrs. Reed briefly explained the Federal Programs Cross Functional Monitoring. The school system is undergoing extensive auditing in order to still qualify for Federal programs.

The principals gave their monthly reports. BES has an enrollment of 375. They have conducted five tuition interest tours with a total of 119 applicants. Feb. 7 is the kickoff of their major fundraiser, the Wolf-a-thon. BA has an enrollment of 1,178 students. Dr. Smith recently conducted professional learning for staff. Another All Pro Dads meeting was successful as was the 100th Day of School. They too will participate in the Wolf-a-thon and the pep rally on Feb. 7. BSA has an enrollment of 806 students. Staff had professional learning days. They had fun with the 100th Day of School and along with BA had a successful All Pro Dads. Their science fair had 81 participants and their spelling bee winner, a fifth-grader beat all others to go on to the region. BMS has an enrollment of 1,225. They are focusing on character development for students school-wide focusing on being a better person. Basketball is winding down. They have four students selected for All-State Chorus and three for All-State Band. BHS has an enrollment of 1,512. The theatre department has been invited to perform at a prestigious event held at Berry College. The Chamber Chorus was performed last Saturday in Athens at the GMEA event and was Dr. Fowler’s

for their graduating class. Each year Students who are a part of the regular body (not in StuCo) must vote for who they believe will represent their class in specific areas, the most popular being Class President. Each student running for their class’ president this year has something special to bring to the table. For example, Luke Deutschman and Bita Jalalian are running together to be the Co-Presidents of the Class of 2021 (Junior Class). “I care a lot about StuCo, and I want to make sure that things run smoothly and in order. I ran with Bita because I believe she’s the best candidate that will help me achieve that goal plus keep StuCo lively and fun for everyone,” stated Luke when asked about what made him decide to run with his friend Bita Jalalian.

In turn, Bita replied just as enthusiastically to the same question, “I’ve always been really passionate about StuCo and Luke asking me to run alongside him gave me that extra boost of confidence that we both can make a difference in this school before we graduate.”

Students have been encouraged all week to interview, campaign, and promote their positions to gain more votes. These are some

last. $8,000 was raised for CHOA by clubs at the school. Riflery remains undefeated. Baseball’s opening day and the first game in their recently renovated field is Feb. 8. BHS’s National Signing Day event is Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at the BHS PAC.

Following the regular meeting business, the audience was given the chance to voice concerns, etc. The meeting was well attended as parents wished to address the resignation of former BHS principal Mr. Lindsey Allen. With the high turnover of the last four years of principals at BHS, parents are not happy with the turnover and stress to the Board to create stability within the school. Parents

candidates’ answers to interview questions.

“If I were elected to be my class’ president, I would do my best to make sure that I made a difference in my community and that everyone has fun,” stated Charley Lacey, who is running for the President of the Class of 2023 (Freshman Class).

“I found that there is a lack of sense of community at North and it is my goal to fix that.” (Dylan McDonald, Grade 11, Running for Class of 2021 President).

“I would really like to improve the spirit and general happiness of the students here at North.” (Langston Denning, Grade 10, Running for Class of 2022 President).

All in all, no matter who comes out victorious in the race for their class’ president, North will always be in good hands with these strong and dedicated student leaders. Final election results

Charley Lacey- Class of 2023 President (Freshman))

Daniel Kim- Class of 2022 President (Sophomore)

Bita Jalalian and Kate Cadogan- Co- Presidents of the Class of 2021 (Juniors)

were upset over the circumstances as they had heard that he did not really resign for personal reasons as the email sent to parents from the school system stated. Parents urged the Board to explain but both Mr. Beard and Dr. Downs declined to comment stating that they could not discuss personnel matters. Dr. Downs explained the hiring process for a new principal. Mr. Beard said that they will first consider applicants from within the school system before moving to outside applicants. Mr. Beard adjourned the meeting moving the Board into an Executive Session. The next Board of Education meeting is on February 24 at noon at the BCS Central Office.

Rockin’ with the oldies

Jessica Wilson

January 21st marked the 100th day of school, a milestone celebrated yearly by students. Special activities throughout the day offered a different approach to learning by utilizing concepts of patterns, counting, sorting and measuring to sharpen math skills in fun ways.

This marker of accomplishment brought excitement to the classrooms and energized students to continue to ‘rock on’ through the school year.

The Buford Elementary and Academy students ‘Rocked’ the 100th day of school by dressing up like the rock stars they are.

Students at Senior Academy seemed to age considerably when arriving at school wearing clothing that would accentuate having attended school for 100 days.

BHS Students Speak Out about vaping at Capital

Staff Reports

On Tuesday, January 28, 2020, student representatives from the Buford High School (BHS) Vaping Attention and Prevention Club (VA2P) met with Governor Brian Kemp to discuss current legislation being proposed to regulate the e-cigarette sales. Senator Renee Unterman sponsored State Bill 298 which would raise the purchasing age of e-cigarettes to 21 years-old, including vaping products without nicotine.

VA2P leadership Marco Borrego, Juan Borrego, and Jada Carabello were accompanied by the club’s advisor, BHS English teacher, Jeff Gillis, to the Capital as they testified before the State Senate on the detriments of vaping to the health of youth today. The U.S. Drug and Food

Administration (FDA) reported that over 4 million students in middle school and high school participated in vaping in 2018.

This is the inaugural year for the VA2P Club and they have engaged in many events to provide awareness of the vaping epidemic. In October Marco and Juan Borrego traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with Congressman Rob Woodall to bring to his attention their concerns of vaping and discuss opportunities to educate others about the dangers of e-cigarette use. On January 16, 2020, the VA2P Club coordinated informational sessions for our Parent Connect event, which included a keynote address from Northside Hospital’s Smoking and Tobacco Cessation program director, Kenneth Haney.

“I am completely in awe of the remarkable work the VA2P Club is doing not just in our community but also within our state and on a national level,” Buford High School Interim Principal, Scott Chafin commented. “These students excel in the classroom and athletics but still make time to educate others about the vaping epidemic. We are proud of the outstanding ambassadors these students are for Buford High School.”

Buford High School Clubs Raises Over $8,000 for CHOA

Anoshka Ramkumar

This past January 25, Buford High School (BHS) Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) hosted the Cookies and Cocoa 5K to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). At the beginning of the school year, the CTSO students partnered with UGA Miracle, a philanthropic student-run organization at the University of Georgia, whose mission is to raise money

for CHOA. BHS students have raised over $12,000 so far this school year with other fundraising events planned.

“Every day, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta relies on the generosity of the surrounding community to care for the more than 400,000 patients they treat annually. Events like Buford High School’s Cookies & Cocoa 5k are so important because they offer each participating individual the opportunity to make an incredible difference in the lives of sick and injured kids across the state and southeast,” Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation’s Program Coordinator, Avery Fiveash, said. “I was truly blown away by the support and leadership of the Buford High School students as they executed a very successful event!”

Though this was the first 5K the CTSO students organized, over 250 runners were involved in the event which raised more than $8,000.

“I am so thankful for the support of Buford High School! The Buford community was well represented at the Cookies and Cocoa 5K,” stated Cole Williams, UGA Miracle’s High School Outreach Co-chair and Executive Board Member. “They are truly making miracles happen for the kids at Children’s and are doing such great things! The students involved themselves in such activities to gain not only volunteer hours but a worldly experience working in support of the children in these organizations. They become more open in terms of the perception of their society, being grateful for what they have, and developing an open mind and heart.”

Julia Lanza, UGA Miracle’s High School Outreach CoChair Assistant Program Director, remarked, “Growing up my high school did not have a UGA miracle program and being able to see a community rally around their high school the way Buford has for this cause is amazing. These students go above and beyond and they don’t even know how much of an impact they are really making. I cannot wait to see what they can do in the future.”

It is always important to look out for others and these students continuously show their involvement. High school students often have a lot going for them such as curriculum, GPA, extracurricular activities, and so much more. So it

is often a wonderful thing for any community seeing its students immersing themselves into outside activities.

Callie McBride, UGA Miracle’s High School Outreach Co-Chair, and Executive Board Member added, “UGA Miracle has been a highlight of my college career and has given me some of the best opportunities these past few years.

The Buford High School students and teachers are absolutely incredible and I am blown away by their impact on this hospital and the families that are a part of it.”

“Working with Buford High School students through UGA Miracle has been one of the highlights of my college

career, UGA Miracle’s High School Outreach Assistant Chair Program Director,” Emma Noble, said. “It is so exciting to see what these amazing students can do and to see the unbelievable community support for not only the students but our wonderful hospitals!” For students who are interested in the medical field, volunteering for this organization can help develop their decisions on a future career in medicine as well as get an insight into helping people. All of this while gaining some service hours for their diploma. Even for students not interested in

(Continued from Page 8)

the medical field, learning about the sick and injured could help expand a student’s knowledge of the conditions they are raising money to help assist.

Jacob Schauer, UGA Miracle’s High School Outreach Assistant Chairman shared, “I am seriously in awe that this is Buford’s first year! They have gone above and beyond for us and, more importantly, the kids! I just want to thank all of them for their hard work and we look forward to many more years partnering with them!”

All in all, Buford High School students have proven themselves in their community to be diligent, dedicated, and dynamic young individuals who have developed a beautiful sense of community cooperation. With many more events like this one in the near distant future, it is for certain that the BHS students can always be counted upon.

Buford soccer prepares for upcoming season

Alicia Couch Payne

BUFORD — Buford’s soccer program held its annual Green and Gold scrimmages on Friday, January 24 at Buford High School. The rain held off long enough to get those two games in. The scrimmages are a great way for the coaches to identify areas that need improvement before the season starts. Each team is a mix of both varsity and JV players.

The green team emerged as the victors of the girls’ scrimmage. “It was a fun opportunity for me to get to know my players and see them all play together,” says Megan Hill, the new BHS Head Girls Soccer Coach. Coach Hill is in her first year at Buford. She previously coached at Peachtree Ridge, Shiloh, and at the collegiate level at Columbus State University.

Boys Head Coach Victor Lane described their scrimmage as “spirited” with the gold team winning 5-3. “I was proud to see the way each team adapted and learned to play together,” Lane claims.

I had the opportunity to get the thoughts of both Hill and Lane on their teams’ upcoming season.

GIRLS

Head Coach: Megan Hill

2019 Record: 12-5-3, 5-0 Team: The team is a good mix of experience levels but they are a little heavy on seniors at nine.

Expected Key Playmakers: Coach Hill says it’s too early for her to pick those out. The coaching staff is still getting to know each player and trying to figure out what position is the right fit for each girl.

Schedule: The regular season begins on Feb. 4 at Lanier and ends on Apr. 14 at Clarke Central with a total of 18 games. She is most excited about their games against St. Pius and Mountain View. “This year our schedule will give

SPORTS

us a good idea of where we need to be in order to have a run in the playoffs,” explains Hill.

Player Notes: Senior goalkeeper Maggie Leland has committed to play for Eastern Carolina University. Midfielder/forward Sydney Borgelt will play for Kennesaw State University next Fall. Coach’s Outlook on the Upcoming Season: “Even though we are very heavily loaded with seniors this is a new season for Buford soccer. There is a lot of change and to see how the girls embrace that change will hopefully make us stronger as a team,” relates Hill.

BOYS

Head Coach: Victor Lane 2019 Record: 2-16-1, 1-4

Team: Returning Starters: Carlos Alvarado (senior, STR), Saul Olvera (senior, STR), Caden Tarala (junior, DEF), Rigo Garcia (junior DEF), Edgar Ramirez (junior, STR/MF), Caleb Mott (sophomore, CM), Nathan Montini (sophomore MF/DEF), Lucas Stevenson (sophomore MF), Ian McManners (sophomore DEF), Hayden Crane (sophomore DEF/MF), Juan Borrego (sophomore MF/DEF), Marco Borrego (sophomore GK) New Additions: Michael Graves (senior, MF & STR), Josh Mott (freshman, MF), Aiden Anderson (freshman, GK)

Schedule: The regular season begins

on Feb. 4 at Lanier and ends on Apr. 14 at Clarke Central with a total of 18 games. 2020 Combined Opponent Record: (170-148-15) including 1 state champion (Wesleyan), 2 Final Fours (Jefferson, Johnson), 1 Elite 8 (Blessed Trinity), and 8 other state playoff teams. “It is a challenging schedule that is designed to prepare our boys for what they would see in the playoffs,”

claims Lane.

Coach’s Outlook on the Upcoming Season: “We have a young team, but it is a squad that I see much potential in. After a 2 win 2019 season, we are aiming to compete against strong 2020 region and non-region regular season opposition with our eyes on getting back into the playoffs,” Lane says of his team and their upcoming season.

Buford freshman softball star shines at Florida tournament

Alicia Couch Payne

Viera, Fla. — Freshman Emma Castorri was a key starter for Buford High School’s Varsity Softball team this past season playing the position of catcher. When she isn’t representing the green and gold, she can be found in the red and black of her travel softball team, Georgia Impact Premier 05 Lewis.

The Georgia Impact Premier 05 Lewis team traveled to Viera, Fla. to compete in the inaugural U.S. Games on January 20. The U.S. Games is a new event that

was the result of a partnership between the United States Specialty Sports Association and USA Softball which was held at the USSSA Space Coast Complex in Viera, Fla. Castorri’s team won the 14U division title. Georgia battled through pool play to make it to the finals. The girls had to compete against OC BatbustersMascarenas in the finals. In the first game, Georgia Impact Premier 05 Lewis won 9-1 but OC Batbusters - Mascarenas shut out Georgia 7-0 forcing a third game. In that third game, Georgia Impact Premier 05 Lewis was able to prevail with a 4-2 victory earning the team the 14U division title. Castorri was entered into the home run derby during the event. She walked away the victor beating out the likes of the former University of Florida Gator and current professional player, Amanda Lorenz.

CAPTION CAPTION CAPTION CAPTION

CAPTION CAPTION CAPTION CAPTION

CAPTION CAPTION CAPTION CAPTION

CAPTION CAPTION CAPTION CAPTION

CAPTION CAPTION

National Book Award

Nominee - New York Times bestseller, Poet Jericho Brown (Adults)

Sunday, February 2 @ 3:00 pm

Suwanee Branch

361 Main Street, Suwanee 30024

Jericho Brown is the recipient of fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Brown’s first book, Please (New Issues 2008), won the American Book Award. His second book, The New Testament (Copper Canyon 2014), won the AnisfieldWolf Book Award. His third collection is The Tradition (Copper Canyon 2019). His poems have appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, TIME magazine, and several volumes of The Best American Poetry at Harvard, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and he is the winner of the Whiting Writer’s Award. Autographed books for sale.

Black

History Month Celebration: Legends of Innovation

Monday, February 17 @ 2:00 pm

Hamilton Mill Branch

3690 Braselton Hwy, Dacula 30019

Come celebrate the unique contributions of Black people throughout the African Diaspora! Participants of all ages are invited to partake in activities that utilize creativity in honor of the innovation shown by Black people throughout the world.

Jeopardy: Black History Edition (Adults)

Saturday, February 22 @ 2:00 pm

Hamilton Mill Branch

3690 Braselton Hwy, Dacula 30019

Come test your knowledge of black history and culture in a fun game of trivia!

Meet the Children’s Author Felicia Lee for a Special Story Time

Saturday, February 29 @ 11:00 am Buford-Sugar Hill Branch 2100 Buford Hwy, Buford 30518

Meet Audrey! Audrey has been waiting all week for her Auntie to take her to the fair. As Audrey prepares to leave, she quickly realizes that she is missing something that could prevent her from going to the fair! Books will be available for sale and signing.

To see a complete list of event dates and locations visit www.gwinnettpl.org

Friday, January 31, 2020

Dorsey Lamar Taylor, age 63, of Cumming, GA passed away January 28, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Dorsey Taylor and Sarah Kathryn Roberts Taylor; grandparents, Bonnie and Barbara Roberts, Darlin and Viola Taylor; aunt, Geneva Taylor; uncle, Burl Roberts. Mr. Taylor is survived by his children, Jennifer and Jeremy Scott, Dahlonega, GA; Ji William and Heather Taylor, Oakwood, GA; Crystal Taylor, New Berlin, NH; grandchildren, Brianna Taylor and Grace Taylor; sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Tony Cook, Cross Hill, SC; aunts, Betty Jean Whiting, Sugar Hill, GA, Yvonne Westmoreland, Gainesville, GA; cosusin, Cindy Taylor; other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Mr. Taylor was born August 8, 1956 in Buford, GA. He was a proud veteran of the Marines. Mr. Taylor was a lifelong resident of Flowery Branch and was owner of Dorsey Taylor Grading and Hauling Company. He was an avid Nascar fan, and he loved the outdoors and animals. Mr. Taylor adored his grandchildren, and he was of the Baptist faith. Interment service will be held on Tuesday, February 4 at 2:30 p.m., at Georgia National Cemetery, 2026 Mount Carmel Church Lane, Canton, with military honors by Marine Corp.

Wayne Phillips, age 69, of Flowery Branch, GA passed away January 28, 2020. He was preceded in death by his partner of twenty-two years, Theresa Cofer Patric; parents, Clyde and Annie Mae Phillips; brothers, Bob Phillips, Don Phillips, Ronnie Phillips. Mr. Phillips is survived by his daughter, Amy Phillips, Gainesvillle, GA; grandchildren, Hailey Windon, Biloxi, MS, Lindsey Phillips, Gainesville, GA; great-granddaughter, DeAnna Windon; sister-in-law, Debra Rolin Phillips, Sugar Hill, GA; extended family, Jason and Illissa Timms, Gainesville, April and Freddie Crews, Flowery Branch, GA, Greg and Angie Cofer, Maysville, GA; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Phillips was born September 28, 1950 in Buford, GA. He was a general contractor in the tire business at Oakwood Tire Company and of Baptist Faith. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 31 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Rev. Eric Stewart officiating.

OBITS & SERVICES

Sharon Poole, age 75, of Buford, GA passed away January 26, 2020. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Crowe Poole; aunts, Piccola Crowe Sears, Roberta Crowe; uncle, Dewitt Crowe. Ms. Poole is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Scott Hodges, Breman, GA, Angie and Johannes Hopper, Buford, GA; grandchildren, Will Hodges, Ben Hodges, Hanna Hopper, Abbie Hopper; first cousins, Judy and Donald Smith and family, Lavonia, GA, Linda Jane and Stanley James and family, Buford, GA; several other cousins. Ms. Poole was born August 20, 1944 in Buford, GA. She was a 1962 graduate of North Gwinnett High School, Suwanee, GA. Ms. Poole was a retired school bus driver from the Buford City School System after forty-one years of service and was a member of West Buford Baptist Church. She adored her daughters and grandchildren and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, January 29 in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home, with Scott Hodges officiating.

Cindy Johnson, age 59, of Suwanee, GA passed away January 24, 2020. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Duess and Willie Bea Ashworth; paternal grandparents, Ernest Willie and Irene Whiting Johnson. Ms. Johnson is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Jeremy Scott and

Stacey Payne, Franklin, TN and Jamie and Alicia Couch Payne, Buford, GA; grandchildren, Adrian William Payne, Aidan Royce Payne, Avery Marie Payne, Addyson Grace Payne and Anna Reese Payne; father, Douglas and Cathy Johnson, Talking Rock, GA; mother Jearldeen Ashworth Greeson, Suwanee, GA; sister, Donna Sue Johnson, Suwanee, GA; aunts and uncle, Helen and Gerald Barrett, Suwanee, GA, Jean Johnson Kilgore, Hoschton, GA and Peggy and Tommy Litchfield, Lawrenceville, GA; uncle and aunt, Calvin and Annette Ashworth, Commerce, GA; and numerous cousins. Ms. Johnson was born January 31, 1960 in Duluth, GA. She was a 1978 graduate of North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, GA. She had been a buyer for the Meggitt Co. She enjoyed bowling and pool. Ms. Johnson’s children and grandchildren was her world. She will be greatly missed by her loving family and host of friends. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Rev. Roland Jackson officiating.

Elsie Harrison, age 94, of Buford, Georgia passed away January 23, 2020. Mrs. Harrison is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Paul Williams of Buford, sons and daughters-in-law, Stanley and Maria Harrison of Flowery Branch, Phil and Beverly Harrison of Flowery Branch; sister, Sula Clack; sister-in-law, Margie Harrison; ten grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Mrs. Harrison was born on November 30, 1925, in Buford, Georgia to the late Willie and Ruby Puckett. She was retired from The Lovable Company and was a member of Friendship Community

Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and was loved by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of fifty-seven years, Grover Harrison, her brother Arnold Puckett, and her sister Faye Crowe. Funeral services were held on January 26 in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Rev. Ted Williams and Reverend Earl Pirkle will officiate.