Meet Amari Wansley, a senior at Buford High School. Amari was born to Staci and George Lane in Buford, where he was also raised. Amari started attending Buford City Schools in the second grade alongside his 10 other siblings — Alexis, Quinten, Arianna, Emiya, Josiah, TJ, Xavier, Breanna, Nevaeh and Aveia.
Throughout his four years at Buford High School, Amari has accomplished it all. He has taken four AP classes and numerous honors courses all while maintaining an unweighted 3.9 GPA and a weighted 4.0 GPA. He is also an active member of the student body, participating in many athletic sports teams.
Amari’s favorite classes at Buford High School are the science courses. He said he loves to participate in labs and experience the hands-on learning that isn’t offered in many other courses.
What is most impressive about Amari is his ability to maintain a rigorous academic course load while also greatly performing out on the football and track field. Amari has played and ran on the varsity team for both football and track since his freshman year. In fact, Amari has been a part of the Buford football team since third grade and has even gone on to commit to Florida Atlantic University, where he will continue his academic and football career. As for track, Amari has been on the Buford track team since eighth grade and plans to run on the BHS track team for his senior year.
When asked what he has learned through participating in sports at Buford, Amari said that Buford football has taught him hard work and dedication.
“I’ve learned that you have to make sacrifices in order to succeed big,” he said. “You must separate yourself from just being ordinary in order to stand out.”
In his free time, Amari enjoys hanging out with his friends and family and simply having a good time. He also claims that he is “a legend at iMessage games and that nobody can beat [him].”
Following his graduation from BHS in May, Amari plans to attend Florida Atlantic University, where he will be able to pursue a degree in business and finance.
Part of Amari’s desire to pursue business can be attributed to his favorite teacher, Rebecca Jaunais, the former marketing teacher at Buford High School.
“She always brings good vibes to the classroom and is someone you know you can talk to about anything,” Amari said.
When asked what advice he has for underclassmen, Amari advises, “Value your time at Buford High School and just make memories.” He goes on, “It really feels like yesterday I was walking around the hallways of my freshman year lost. And then all of a sudden I blink my eyes and I have one more semester of high school. Just really value your time and make the most of the time you do have.”
Amari would like to thank the entire staff at each school in Buford.
“From the janitors to the principals, without you guys, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in right now in order to be successful later in life,” he said. “Words can not express how blessed and grateful I am to be a part of Buford. Thank you all.”
Amari Wansley is a smart, athletic and successful young man who has truly embodied what it means to be a Buford Wolf. Without a doubt, Amari will continue on to accomplish many more great things in life and show the world he is a force to be reckoned with. Congratulations, Amari!
