Tanner Moon has been in Buford City Schools since before she was in kindergarten. As the child of a teacher, her pre-K years were spent in Buford as well.
And now, she’s only months away from graduation.
Highly involved in the arts, Moon shines on stage as a member of the dance and chorus programs. However, her academics are impressive as well. Moon boasts a 4.0 unweighted GPA, has taken 16 advanced placement or dual enrollment courses, will graduate as an AP scholar with distinction and scored a 34 on her ACT. For reference, the highest possible score is a 36.
All that success has earned her an acceptance to the University of Georgia for fall 2025.
“I plan to attend the University of Georgia to major in biological engineering in hopes of becoming one of the first doctoral students at the new School of Medicine,” Moon said. “I’m not completely sure which field of medicine I want to specialize in, but I know that I’d like to leverage my academic capacity to improve the lives of others and cannot wait to see how I can invest in scientific advancements to help people experience abundant life.”
In addition to her academic success, Moon is a regular in the dance program.
“I feel the most like myself when I am performing on stage. As a dance student, I have had the opportunity to participate in the BHS Annual Dance Concert and Young Choreographers Showcase,” Moon said. “I am really excited for the dance show this year because it is the 10th anniversary. The show is bringing back the best numbers from previous years in a new way. I am also really excited for my last season on the Competition Dance Team. I love our routines this year and cannot wait to see what they become.”
Moon participated in Varsity Competition Dance and serves as captain for the current season. Additionally, she’s been a member of the Varsity Spirit Dance Team, Varsity Football Sideline Cheer and was a member of the Varsity Game Day Cheerleading team that won the 2023 State Championship.
“Being a member of the Competition Dance Team has taught me a lot about putting the team first above individuals. If we don’t work together to push through every practice, then it shows on the competition floor,” Moon said. “I have seen our team grow tremendously since my freshman year, and I am really looking forward to my last season with my best friends.”
Ashley Smith, dance teacher at BHS, has known Moon since she was a year old and views Moon as an invaluable asset to the dance program.
“Tanner has been a cornerstone of the BHS Dance Program, and Competition and Spirit Dance Teams these past four years. She is a member of the Advanced Dance Class, Competition Dance Team, and was a member of the Spirit Dance Team for two years,” Smith said of Moon’s contributions. “It is hard to think about Buford Dance without Tanner Moon next year. She leaves big shoes to fill and we will certainly miss her energy in the studio and on our stage, but I know she has a bright future ahead of her. I am so thankful for the impact Tanner has made not only on Buford Dance, but my life as well.”
In addition to her dance endeavors, Moon has been a highly successful member of the choral program under instructor Taylor Greer. As a student, she’s been a member of the Chamber Chorus, Music National Honor Society, District Honor Chorus and All-State Chorus. She has participated in the annual Community Holiday Concerts and Variety Shows, as well as Large Group Performance Evaluations Chorus Concerts.
“Tanner was a fantastic member of the choral department. Her talent is obvious as a variety show soloist and featured dancer, and four-time all state chorus member,” Greer said. “But what may not be so public is her leadership and musical intelligence. Tanner was always a student I asked to lead her section and class, even when she was younger than many of them. And she took — and excelled in — AP music theory as a freshman when most students wait until their junior or senior year to take that extremely challenging course.”
Moon was also a member of the Varsity Flag Football team in the inaugural 2023 season playing under head coach Sean Gilbert. She was selected to Gwinnett County’s All-County team and All-Region Offensive Line.
“Tanner was an essential part of our first flag football team. She was a quick learner and fearless in all she was asked to do,” Gilbert said. “Her smile and positive attitude was a tremendous blessing that her teammates and coaches greatly appreciated.”
When she’s not at school, Moon is busy playing piano and singing at Gwinnett Church, as well as walking her new labradoodle puppy, Billie Goat. Her brother Jaxson is a sophomore at Buford, and her older sister Katelynn graduated in 2018. Her mother, Dr. Rebecca Moon, works at the high school as a scheduling coordinator. Her father, Nick Moon, works for Gwinnett County Public Schools.
The true definition of AAA Excellence, Moon has experienced success in academics, athletics and the arts. Despite all of her hard work and dedication, Moon encourages current students to not get too weighed down with school work and responsibilities.
“You are worth more than your grades and accomplishments. It might seem like they dictate your future, but they do not define who you are,” Moon said. “Take it one day at a time and don’t forget that high school is supposed to be fun!”
FEATURED PHOTO: Tanner Moon poses for her varsity flag football picture. Photo courtesy of Tanner Moon.
