Meet Kara Scoggins, a senior at Buford High School. Kara was born in Lawrenceville, Ga. to Shannon and Leanne Scoggins. She and her brother Garrett, age 21, were raised in the Buford/Suwanee area. Kara came to Buford City Schools in the fifth-grade from Parsons Elementary School (Peachtree Ridge Cluster). She made the move to Buford City Schools because she liked the sense of community and family-like atmosphere.
Kara is a very busy student with a full schedule. She has been the captain of the football and basketball cheerleading squads for three years but has been on both squads for a total of four years. She received the Spirit of Buford award for two years and last year she received the Captain/Leadership award for cheer. Kara has been in the National Honor Society – 2 yrs., Beta Club – 3 yrs., Student Leadership Council – 3 yrs., HOSA/Skills USA – 4 yrs., Spanish Club – 1 yr., Debate Club – 1 yr., Advanced and Intermediate Dance – 3 yrs., and Competition Cheer in 2016. She is currently an intern at Procare Prosthetics and Orthotics and has served as a page at the Georgia State Senate in 2016.
Academically, Kara has excelled as well with a 4.0 GPA and numerous achievements under her belt. She has been designated as an AP Scholar for her performance on AP tests. Kara has made the Presidential Honor Roll all four years at BHS and has been inducted into the National Honor Society. For three years, Kara has been a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. In 2018 and 2019, Kara has placed second at the school’s science fair. She was selected for the Excellence in Healthcare Essentials and Sports Medicine, as well as, the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence.
Language Arts class is Kara’s favorite this year. “I love the application to the real world Dr. Harris presents. As we continue to read timeless poems and novels, the work turns into enjoyment, for these pieces open your eyes to varying perspectives that are still prevalent today,” Kara explains.
When Kara was younger, she sustained a dislocated knee during competition cheerleading and had to undergo physical therapy. During those physical therapy sessions, she fell in love with the process. All these years, Kara has kept that in her mind and decided to pursue a profession in the medical field. She has taken healthcare essentials and sports medicine classes with Coach Brian Rogers. The guidance of Coach Rogers has been a major influence on Kara. He approached Kara during her junior year about an internship at Procare Prosthetics and Orthotics. She claims, “I am thankful for the opportunities Coach Rogers has provided me and his desire to help each of his students find their next steps.”
Kara will attend the University of Georgia in the fall to study biology or genetics. She then plans on attending physical therapy school or another graduate health program.
When asked what she has learned at Buford that she will take with her after she graduates, Kara states, “Buford has taught me there is pride in tradition and history, yet there is also beauty in evolution which requires you to step into the unknown.”
Kara is a well-liked student by both her classmates and staff. BHS Science Department Head, Ms. Lisa Cole sums up why Kara is a true Buford Wolf saying, “Kara exemplifies Buford High School’s standard of excellence both in and out of the classroom. I am impressed with how well she is able to balance her challenging class load and her responsibilities as a member of both the Varsity football and basketball cheerleading squads while maintaining her positive attitude and generous spirit.”
