Soaring temperatures could not deter the community from celebrating the ribbon cutting of the new $62 million Phillip Beard Stadium on Sunday, July 27, in Buford. City and school officials, local dignitaries and the community witnessed a moment that blended pride, tradition and forward-thinking vision.
The new state-of-the-art stadium is named after Buford City Commission Chairman and Buford School Board Chairman Phillip Beard. Beard has given over 51 years of service to the residents of Buford, never once missing a Commission or School Board meeting. His dedication and leadership have shaped Buford into the top-tier city and school system that it is today.
The actual field is named after a man who has impacted generations of student athletes at Buford High School, Dexter Wood. Wood has served in several roles at BHS, including Head Football Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director, and Athletic Advisor. His leadership and vision helped shape the Buford High School Athletic Department into the department it is today, one with over 60 state championships across 10 different sports.
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was kicked off by a prayer led by Buford Church of God Pastor Joey Grizzle and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Buford High School Chorus Trio and Quartet performed the National Anthem.
Remarks were made by Buford City Schools Superintendent Dr. Amy Chafin, retired BCS Superintendent Melanie Reed, Buford City Manager Bryan Kerlin, BCS Assistant Superintendent of Operations Teresa Hagelthorn, BHS Director of Athletics Facilities and Operations Tony Wolfe, Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Beard…