Growing up in Georgia, I have lived within a 10 mile radius of Buford my entire life. I am proud to say that I have spent the last 9 of my 14 years of teaching at Buford High School, where I serve students in the Career Readiness and Life Skills Program. It is, as my father likes to say, a “get to” job. Not a “got to”, but rather a job that I GET TO show up to daily and be enriched by some kids that will, simply put, just make your day brighter. I graduated from North Gwinnett High School before attending Brenau University where I received my Undergraduate and Masters Degree in Special Education. While the education that I received along the way was certainly important in starting my career, it was the examples of teaching I got to witness first hand that stuck with me and motivated me over the years that had the greatest impact… It’s the way Lisa Heinz knew each of her students individually and met them at their level, its the way John Payne took extra time to provide examples and encourage, it’s the way Dyke Goodin held students accountable under all circumstances and did it in love, or the way Jim Stewart greeted students each day with enthusiasm… taking little bits and pieces from the greats over the years has helped mold me into the teacher that I hope to be one day. I pray that my students feel loved, seen, and valued when they enter the room and when they graduate from our program at Buford High School.
13 Years ago I said “yes” to the easiest question when Dustin Pruitt asked me to marry him. The most self-less, God-fearing, hard working man that is always thinking of others first… and he’s a whole lot of fun, too! How he continues to put up with me? I’m really not sure, but I’ve stopped asking that question. I am the luckiest. We have two daughters, Katie and Amy, who keep us running back and forth from the tennis courts and now the driving range. We are beyond proud to be their parents while constantly praying for patience and guidance while we navigate each new stage. Thankful we get to do it together and thankful for the examples that our parents have set for us.Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been a Special Education teacher for 14 years. I started my career in Hall County where I taught in the middle school setting for 4 years before going to Gwinnett County for 1 year as I transitioned to high school. I have been teaching at Buford High School for 9 years and am thankful for their trust and encouragement as I work to help reach students at their ability levels reach their goals.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Aqua Terra Bistro is always a favorite because the food is fantastic, but the people that run it are what make it even more special. The Aqua Terra staff has welcomed my students in over the years and given them opportunities to learn the ins and outs of what it is like to work in the food service industry and given them on-site job skills. Rachel Battles, Ryan Battles and Chef Rocky Oliver have a heart for others and I am so thankful. We are also frequent flyers at Rico’s World Kitchen and La Casa Del Taco is basically the bottom of our family’s food pyramid these days…
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Dustin and I built our home here 13 years ago and I have worked for Buford City Schools for 9 of those years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Coach Cassie Bro… she has been everywhere, done everything, always strives for more, makes you wanna be better. Not a Buford native, but man, does she fit right in like she’s been here her whole life. Smart, kind, generous, thoughtful, hardworking, hilarious and always has your back. The friend you want and the friend you hope to be.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Colorado. There and back… over and over. The weather, the scenery and the live music. My favorite place in the world.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
“It’s a Wonderful Life”… the greatest movie of all time. Favorite TV Shows: Ted Lasso, The Studio, The Bear
Q: What advice would you give to people?
In the words of my late grandfather, “Be yourself. Always take the high road. Do your best and to heck with the rest…”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To see Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden…
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Avett Brothers. Love string bands, folk, bluegrass… but love just about all music.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Coach Phil Bollier and I would grab lunch at Lola’s… Phil, if you are lucky enough to know him, is one of the greatest compasses that you can have when working to navigate life. Full of wisdom, experience, God’s truth and life. When he speaks, you listen… and we both really love Lola’s tacos.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that Buford cherishes our “old school” traditions within the schools and community. It’s the little things that set us apart and make us special and I’m thankful that we continue to prioritize these things. It keeps us small, close and connected.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years I see myself in spot much like the one I am in now… a few more gray hairs and fine lines.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
If you had told me back when I was in high school that I would end up being a high school teacher, I never would have believed you. Thankful for a plan greater than my own.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Sun setting at Red Rocks, New York at Christmas, a fall day in Georgia…
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the single best day of the year. “Turkey Frying Day” at my parents house is, hands down, greater than any other holiday. Family and friends hang out, listen to music, build a fire on the patio, and prep for Thanksgiving while frying turkeys… and just about whatever else we feel like throwing in the fryer. It’s the fun, fellowship and joy of the holiday season without the formalities… just show up, hang out and have fun.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Live music, long weekends, patio sitting with friends, The Johnson’s Turkey Frying Day…
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom and dad are world changers and I am really just trying to live up to their example. The goal is to go into each day making someone else’s day easier and brighter… I’ve watched them do this for my entire life and I hope to live up to their legacy and pass this trait along to my daughters as well.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh cut grass or a fire in the fall…
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Love. Rest.