Kim Oliver

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband’s name is Brian and we have 3 children. The oldest is T.J. He and his wife, Staci, have given us 2 precious granddaughters. Piper is 6 and is in kindergarten at BES and Blaykle is 4. Sarah is our middle child. She worked at BES as a para pro while getting her Masters in Special Education. She is now a Special Education teacher in Calhoun City Schools. Our youngest, Zachary, is a sophomore at Buford High School. He plays lacrosse there and we enjoy watching the BHS team’s success throughout the season.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked in a hospital for 2 years after graduating from nursing school. I was recruited out of the hospital by a doctor and spent 5 years as the nurse in his office. I started my school nursing at Harmony Elementary. I loved the school and all the staff there. However, when the opportunity to come to Buford became available, I could not turn it down. Thanks to Cherie Durden for giving me a heads up, and Melanie Reed and Denise Simpson for allowing me to become a part of the Buford family. I love the kids, the staff, the families, and the community here in Buford. I have a passion for helping others and the relationships that I have made over the years have been such a blessing to me.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Buford’s small town. Some of my favorite places to eat in Buford are Bare Bones, Rico’s, Aqua Terra, and Bravo. However, I think there is something to soothe everyone’s palate in downtown Buford.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
This is my 14th year at Buford Elementary

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I have met many interesting people over the years, but one that has been a constant is Gloria Whidby. She retired from Buford Elementary and just couldn’t stay away. She is currently working part time at the BCS Central Office. She is a woman that has been blessed with a heart for others and does many acts of service. She was a pillar in our school and had so many great relationships with the families here in Buford. Hopefully her story can be read in here one day.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I do not watch a lot of T.V., but my favorite show over the last 21 years is American Idol. I love hearing the stories of the contestants on the show and enjoy seeing them use their gifts to entertain and reach others. There is just something about seeing others overcome their fears and/or their adversities to be able to get on that type of platform in front of millions of viewers. It really shows that no matter what your walk of life is or has been, you can use your talents to better yourself no matter what your platform is.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
A favorite saying of mine comes from a good friend. People matter more than things. If we all were to invest more in others, this would have a ripple effect into every community. No matter how much or how little you have, we all have something we can give. It could be something as simple as time.

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
When listening to music, I really like worship music. I can always identify with something in every song and it is very uplifting to me.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The shops…whether old or new, there is something for everyone downtown. It is a quaint little place with a lot of history.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The love and support that is extended in the Buford community is unheard of in a lot of places these days. It is a big part of what has made Buford a special place to be. As we continue to grow as a school system and community, I hope we do not lose the true things that have made this such a desirable place to work, go to school and live. This community unites us all. This is why people choose Buford. This is why I chose Buford.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
When I grow up, or old, many years down the road, I would love to have a compound where my family and friends could live together. I want to sit on the front porch with Brian, and the others and watch all the grandchildren play, volunteer in the community, travel and support each other through that next phase of life. I will continue to try to pay things forward, love on these kiddos and support Buford families until I get there.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My most fond moments in Buford have to be when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Outside of my sweet family and close friends, this community rallied around me and my family and helped us through some really tough times. My administration and my staff family were absolutely amazing. Mrs. Dudish’s kindergarten class/parents extended so much love and support to me and my daughter throughout that time as well. The yard signs, cards, prayers, hugs, meals, my chemo tree, gift cards, and gifts from so many touched my family and I so deeply. There truly are no words to describe it. God had his hand in all of it. Buford was truly part of His plan for me throughout that journey.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Last summer we took a trip with some friends and my sister, Mrs. Currie, and brother in law to Maine. We drove down the east coast to Boston. It was an amazing trip and probably the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen.

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Christmas is my favorite holiday, summer is my favorite time of the year. I love going to the beach, spending time with family, and of course summer lacrosse.