Meet Catherine Wysocki, a senior at Buford High School. Catherine was born in Atlanta to Pam and Brian Wysocki and was raised in Braselton and Flowery Branch her whole life. Catherine first started attending the Buford City Schools system in kindergarten and she is now considered a Buford “lifetimer.” Catherine has one older brother, Steven Wysocki, 24, who was in Buford’s graduating class of 2015.
Catherine has excelled academically and upheld a competitive course load during her years at Buford High School. She has taken a total of five AP college level courses, with her favorite being her AP environmental science class. Catherine currently has a weighted GPA of 4.0 which places her in the top 13 percent of her class; she is arguably one of the best students at Buford High School.
When asked what her favorite class was at BHS, Catherine confidently declared that it was marketing.
“Marketing isn’t a core class that is required for graduation, but during my three years of it I was able to learn and have fun,” she said. “The class also helped me to understand what my passion for life would be. I learned that I love business and want to pursue a higher education in it through college.”
Catherine’s favorite teacher is her marketing teacher, Mrs. Simmons.
“She cares a lot about how her students are doing and she is an enthusiastic teacher,” Catherine said. “She is also willing to help you with anything you need and always brings a positive attitude to class every day.”
In addition to her studies, Catherine has been involved in athletics and extracurricular programs at Buford. She is heavily involved in DECA, a BHS program that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Catherine has been a part of DECA for the past two years, and she takes on the role as VP of competition.
“DECA helps a lot with public speaking and communication skills, and it also teaches students how to analyze various business problems,” she said. “As the vice president of competition, I teach and encourage fellow students in the club to compete and broaden their businesses and presentation knowledge.”
Additionally, Catherine plays on Buford’s varsity women’s golf team, a program she has been involved in for the last two years.
“Being a part of the golf team has taught me how to stay positive through hours of hard work and tough conditions,” Catherine said. “Even when you aren’t playing your best you have to keep a positive attitude. Golf is a single person sport that lasts for hours, so there’s no one there to keep your mood up but yourself.”
In her free time, Catherine enjoys working. She has an online jewelry business on Etsy, and she also works as an Instacart shopper. Catherine said she enjoys both roles equally and wishes she had more time to devote to them.
After high school, Catherine plans to attend Georgia Southern University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She hopes to start her own company or work in the area of business management after she completes her degree.
“I chose Georgia Southern because I know that it can give me a quality business education that I can draw on forever,” she said. “I have already committed to Georgia Southern and cannot wait to be there for the next four years!”
Catherine Wysocki is unquestionably a Buford Wolf. She is a committed, intelligent and determined young woman who will undoubtedly change the business world. Catherine, we congratulate you and are so proud of you!
The Buford City Schools Student of the Week spotlight is made possible by the generosity of the City of Buford.
