Meet Alicia Ross, a senior at Buford High School. Alicia is the daughter of Cheryl and Michael Ross, and she was born and raised in Buford. Alicia has attended Buford City Schools since kindergarten, making her a lifetimer. Alicia has one younger brother, Brady, 14, who is enrolled as an eighth grader at Buford Middle School.
Throughout her four years at BHS, Alicia has defied all obstacles and achieved the highest academic scores. She has completed 11 AP courses and received the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, which is given to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken. Alongside her amazing exam scores, undeniably, Alicia performs within the top of her class. She has an unweighted 4.0 GPA and has been named valedictorian, which is beyond remarkable. Yet, from a student as outstanding as herself, we would have never expected any less.
Alicia is an engaged member of the student body in addition to her exceptional academic success. She has been a member of NHS for two years, Beta Club for three years and yearbook for three years. Alicia is one of the NHS Senior Executive Council members, alongside senior Gemma Holland, and she is an editor for the yearbook staff. Alicia, on the other hand, has proven herself to be a success in the world of athletics. She has been a member of the Lady Wolves softball team since her freshman year, having played JV in ninth and 10th grades and varsity in 10th and 11th.
“Playing softball has taught me how to push through obstacles and persevere,” Alicia said. “I’ve had to learn how to deal with different people and how to be a great teammate.”
Alicia’s favorite teacher at Buford High School is AP calculus teacher, Coach Johnson.
“I have been incredibly lucky and have had Coach Johnson as my math teacher for three of the four years I’ve been at Buford High School,” she said. “He is not only a fantastic teacher that is truly passionate about his job, but he is also a charismatic, hilarious, and compassionate person.
“He is such a great person all around, and I’m so glad to have been his student for the last several years,” Alicia added.
In her free time, Alicia likes to travel, try new iced coffee drinks, spend time with her friends and family and go on long drives while listening to music with her best friends. She also volunteers to help coach a 10U softball team that plays out of Mountain View.
After graduating high school, Alicia plans to attend Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where she has committed to play softball. Alicia plans to major in either biology or neuroscience with hopes of eventually pursuing a career in the medical field.
Alicia said her mom has inspired her to pursue a profession in the medical field.
“My mom is a nurse, and is one of the kindest, patient and loving people I know,” Alicia said. “I am inspired by how she is so driven to help others in all circumstances, even outside of the workplace.”
When asked what advice she has for underclassmen, Alicia said, “Make the most of your time while you are here. Try new activities, meet different people and challenge yourself. Don’t let yourself get too focused on minor things that won’t matter a few years down the road, and instead put your energy into developing your relationships and finding yourself.
“Most of all, make your high school experience fun! You only get to be in high school once.”
Alicia is wise and knowledgeable beyond her years. We are confident in her ability to succeed in all facets of her life, based on her exemplary work at Buford. Congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished, Alicia! Being valedictorian is a huge accomplishment, and we 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.
