Julia Travis has been a student in Buford City Schools since Kindergarten. As she entered her senior year at Buford High School, she set the goal of participating in and accomplishing as much as she could.
“I finished this school year proud of the achievements I made and the work I put in for each of them,” she said.
Julia’s senior year was filled with academic and artistic achievements as she worked hard to exemplify Buford’s strive for excellence.
She was named valedictorian of the Class of 2024, maintained a 4.0 cumulative, unweighted GPA, earned the title of AP Scholar with Distinction, completed 11 AP classes and received both the Kiwanis Club and Buford High School Band Scholarships. She also takes pride in being named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and one of the two BHS STAR Students.
Julia’s favorite subject in school was math, with Mrs. Laura McAdam’s AP Calculus class being a stand out.
“She always offered support, advice, or a joke whenever I needed it, and she pushed me to develop my own math skills as well,” Julia said. “She was a large influence on my decision to pursue teaching in the future.”
Julia plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in mathematics education. “I would like to pursue education as a career because I want to make a positive impact on the next generation of students, just as my own teachers have made on me,” she said.
She currently works at Mathnasium, where she works with students K-12 to “develop their math skills and improve their confidence both in and out of school.”
In addition to her academic pursuits, Julia was dedicated to her extracurriculars. She was a member of Student Leadership Council, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America and ELITE Future Educators. She was also 3rd place winner in the Digital Storytelling State Event.
Julia cites her time in the Buford Marching Band of Wolves as a very influential activity for her.
“Not only did I learn discipline, teamwork, and a good work ethic, but marching band also gave me a place to grow my confidence and leadership skills that I have been able to apply to several other areas in my life,” she said.
In addition to marching band, Julia was also in the Buford High School Wind Ensemble, GMEA District 13 Flute Choir and Tri-M Music Honor Society. She also maintained the titles of flute section leader and woodwind captain.
Outside of school, Julia continues to enjoy playing her flute, as well as reading, baking, listening to music and crocheting.
Julia says the most influential person in her life is her mom. “She has taught me the importance of balance, working hard but also having fun, and being passionate about everything that I do,” she said, “I am incredibly grateful for her endless support and helping me accomplish what I have today.”
Julia is the daughter of Joseph and Jeanne Travis. Her sister, Jessica Travis, is a student at Buford High School.
“I want to be remembered as someone who gave back to and made a positive impact on the community,” Julia said, “I hope that I have been able to give back to the community that has given me so much since Kindergarten.”
