Jimmy Ragazino is starting his senior year at Buford High School with outstanding academic achievements — Jimmy is currently ranked second in his class with an unweighted 4.0 GPA, and he is an AP Scholar with Distinction, an award granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Jimmy has taken seven AP classes thus far and will take six more during his senior year.  

One of Jimmy’s notable accomplishments was co-founding the Book Club, an endeavor that has been one of the most influential of Jimmy’s high school career.

“… helping to found it taught me how difficult it is to establish and build an organization,” he said, “and helping to run it has allowed me to become more confident and develop leadership skills.” 

Jimmy has served as chair of the Book Club since his sophomore year and will continue into his senior year. champavo.com

After participating in marching band his freshman year, Jimmy took a hiatus and has since returned to march during his senior year. 

“In regards to band, it was something I did reluctantly my freshman year,” Jimmy said, “but it eventually became one of my main focuses as my high school career progressed.” 

He attributed this in large part to the leadership of band directors Mr. Erik Mason and Ms. Bridget Wildes. 

“Beginning during my junior year, I regained my passion for music and I began to see Buford High School band program as my favorite group of people that I have ever been a part of,” Jimmy said. 

In addition to his renewed love for band, Jimmy has been part of Quiz Bowl since he was a freshman and is a four-year member of the National Art Honors Society, a member of Beta Club and a member of the National Honors Society in his junior and senior years. 

Jimmy’s favorite teacher at BHS is Ms. Lisa Cole, his instructor for AP chemistry during his junior year. 

“She was the reason that I enjoyed AP chemistry leagues more than any other science class that I have taken,” he said. “Alongside her welcoming and charismatic personality, she has an incredibly strong passion for educating every single student in her classes.”

As a senior now, Jimmy has some wisdom to share with underclassmen. 

“Most aspects in high school are only temporary. If there is a class or a fellow student that brings you down, you will eventually be out of that class or away from that student. Learn to cope with those negative circumstances because they will be gone eventually,” he said. “However, that also applies to the classes that you enjoy and the fellow students that make your day. Appreciate those things while you have them because they will be gone in the blink of an eye.” 

During his free time outside of school and when not participating in extracurricular activities, Jimmy enjoys analyzing books, movies and TV shows. He also enjoys creating artwork on occasion. 

After graduation, Jimmy plans to attend college and said he will most likely study a field related to mathematics. 

The Buford City Schools Student of the Week spotlight is made possible by the generosity of the City of Buford.