Tiffany Thomas is a 2003 graduate of Buford High School. Tiffany was born and raised in Buford by Deborah Thomas and Timothy “Vino” Thomas, a 1977 BHS graduate. Tiffany has a younger brother, Brandon Glenn, and a younger sister, Gemma Holland, a senior at BHS. Tiffany was a lifetimer at Buford, attending from kindergarten, all the way through the 12th grade.
During her high school years, Tiffany was very active as a cheerleader for the varsity football and varsity basketball squads, as well as a competition cheerleader. In addition to cheerleading, she also had a passion for academics, specifically United States History.
Tiffany was inspired to love learning early on in her academic career; her biggest influence being her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Gerri Pullin. Tiffany says, “I just remember her being so kind and really sparking my love for learning.” Not only did Tiffany develop her passion for learning at Buford, but she also realized the importance of relationships and friendships. She explains how some of her strongest and longest-lasting friendships have been with her fellow Wolves. She learned not to take relationships for granted, and to always make sure to include time for family and friends. She says, “Forging friendships and making time for your family and friends always makes your dark days brighter and your best days even better.”
After graduating from Buford in 2003, Tiffany attended Georgia State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology. At Georgia State, Tiffany was also on the Dean’s list and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. In 2006, she earned her master’s degree from Brenau University in Special Education. She then earned her Education Specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University. Tiffany is currently pursuing an Educational Doctorate from Brenau University.
After college, Tiffany returned to Buford to pursue her dream of being a teacher. She currently teaches first grade at Buford Academy. She lists her inspirations to be a teacher as her own first grade teacher, Mrs. Wayne. As a child, she would even enjoy playing “School” with her friends. Tiffany’s fond memories of Mrs. Wayne’s indoor treehouse inspired her to make learning fun for her own students, saying, “I think teachers have the unique opportunity to see children’s natural curiosity at work, then we have the opportunity to help encourage and motivate our students to become their best selves.” As she motivates her students, Tiffany inspires a new generation of Buford students to learn the same important life lessons she learned from her teachers at Buford.
Currently, Tiffany lives in Braselton, where she raises her four-year-old son, Carter. She adores her son, saying, “he is my whole world; he is very active and keeps me busy.” In addition to raising Carter, Tiffany attends Poplar Hill Baptist Church, where she volunteers on the Spiritual Journey Team. Tiffany also teaches Youth Sunday School at the church, where she further continues her mission to motivate the youth to achieve their full potential.
Growing up in Buford, Tiffany learned the importance of hard work and that a great work ethic will always pay off. Her grandparents, Claude and Elizabeth Welchel, always encouraged her to work towards a goal that is larger than herself. As a product of Buford City Schools, Tiffany also recounts how she learned the importance of community. She says, “I learned very early on that, I should work hard and do something that I feel is meaningful and can help others and my community,” and she carries that lesson with her as she volunteers at her local church and inspires a new generation of Buford students to reach their full potential. As she has focused herself on giving back to her community with her hard work, Tiffany cites one of her favorite scriptures as Galatians 6:9, “and let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Once a Wolf, always a Wolf!
