For Iyanu Banks, Buford wasn’t always home. When she moved from Alpharetta at 12 years old, she missed the comfort of familiarity and the performing life she had once known. But over time, and with much determination, Banks embraced opportunities in the arts at Buford City Schools.
“The area of AAA Excellence that I think I represent most is the Arts because I was involved in Chorus, Musical Theatre, and Dance, along with performing arts clubs throughout high school. However, the performing arts area that I personally think I stood out the most is the choral department,” Banks said. “I was already in love with music well before my freshman year and, as time went on in my high school journey, I became stronger in my sight-reading, fine-tuned my pitch and my voice, and found peace with myself onstage with a black folder in my hand, while also impacting the choral department through what I’ve accomplished.”
In fact, she participated in chorus in both middle and high school and excelled throughout. Banks performed in Georgia Music Educators Association choral events for six years and was even chosen as a GMEA Conference Performance Soloist as a junior. Banks was also a member of the District Honors Chorus, All State Chorus and All State Reading Chorus. Additionally, Banks competed in state Literary competitions and was awarded the Region 8A Girls Soloist Champion title and State 6A Girls Soloist runner-up during her senior year. She was also a regular in the annual spring Variety Shows put on by the Buford High School Choral Department, with her most recent solo being the ’80s rock classic “Alone” by Heart, which was a true showstopper.
Her impressive list of accolades and standout performances didn’t just earn the admiration of audiences — they also caught the attention of Buford’s choral director, Taylor Greer.
“Iyanu works tremendously hard to make art in its highest form. She is a team player and always cheers on the success of others. As a member of our state championship Literary team for three years, Iyanu was named state runner-up Girls Soloist in 2025,” Greer said. “I am proud I got to be her teacher and can’t wait to see where her talent takes her in the future.”
In addition to her musical talents, Banks enjoyed taking the stage as an actor in many of Buford’s theater productions. Whether she was starring in lead roles in shows like “All Shook Up!” or part of the ensemble in performances such as “Mamma Mia!” and “Something Rotten,” Banks was determined to make a name for herself in the theater department as well. She did so by being involved in One Act competitions at Buford for two years. During her sophomore year, she was part of the team that performed “Next to Normal,” and during her junior year, she starred in a lead role in “Into the Woods.” Additionally, she and some classmates participated in Thespys competition and made the Thespys Showcase during her senior year at ThesCon.
“The most influential activities to me have been centered around being involved in the performing arts program,” Banks said. “From being in chorus concerts, to putting on costumes in theatre, and to being in the dance studio with my jazz shoes on — it has been inspiring me to become a professional performing artist one day as a career.”
Now, she’s turning that inspiration into action. This fall, Banks will attend Brenau University to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre. By continuing to build on the foundation she established at Buford, Banks hopes to perform on Broadway and film, produce music and train to perform as a dancer.
In her free time, Banks enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her two brothers — Korede Banks, who graduated from Buford in 2023, and Isimi Banks, a rising junior. She also enjoys watching murder mystery TV shows and court cases as well as theatrical presentations.
But when she’s not relaxing with a show or spending time with loved ones, Banks is honing her craft. She often practices her artistry in the family garage or her dad’s workroom and credits her parents, Daryl and Muinant Banks, for much of her growth and success.
That support, she says, has made all the difference. “My parents have been incredibly influential due to their unwavering support and love for me and my brothers,” Banks said. “My dad has also been influential since he has given me advice on how to become a better performer since he had his experience of being a performer in his younger days.”
Now, as she leaves her high school days behind, Banks hopes to pass along the encouragement she received by inspiring other Buford students to embrace their authentic selves.
“My advice for underclassmen would be to not lose hope, even when it seems impossible to hold on to it. No matter if you win or lose in a competition, get nominated or not for anything, have perfect grades or not, your worth is not tied to any of those things,” Banks said. “Your worth is tied to being the very best you can be as a person, and challenging yourself to be a better version of you.”
Her name, Iyanu, means “miracle” in Nigerian — a fitting reminder of the strength that can come from working hard and showing up every day to be your best self.
