In Focus

October 2, 2025
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Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Key Deadlines & Dates
Fall Break: Oct. 9 -13
LS Parent/Teacher Conferences: Oct. 14 (No school for LS ONLY)
ACT Testing (optional): Oct. 15
Fall Sports Senior Night: Oct. 17
US Drama Performance: Oct. 18 & 19 (see below)
SAT Testing (optional): Oct. 22
Senior Stone Mt. Trip: Oct. 28
PSAT (grades 10 & 11): Oct. 28
CLICK HERE to access the GWA website calendar
Introducing 1 Bulldog Drive: GWA’s Official Podcast
Welcome to the inaugural episode of 1 Bulldog Drive, the official podcast of George Walton Academy!
We’ve assembled GWA’s top leadership for a conversation about the start of the new school year. Head of School John D. Marshall is joined by Assistant Head of School Kellie Watts and our new Dean of Students, Jonathan Burke.
In this episode, you’ll:
Meet Dean Burke
Hear all about Classroom Observations
Learn about the Peer Tutoring difference
Tune in for an insider's look at the strategic steps GWA is taking to deliver on the promise of being More Than A School. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!
Lora Kate Malcom is SOTM for September
Lora Kate Malcom has been chosen as Rotary Student of the Month for September. She has selected Suzy Quinlan as Teacher of the Month. Lora Kate is an AP Scholar with Distinction and has been named to the Head of School list throughout high school. She is an active member of National Honor Society, Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta. Lora Kate participates in varsity basketball (captain), cheerleading, Gavel Club, Latin Club, Bible Bulldogs Club, Youth Walton Leadership and the GWA student ambassador program. She serves her community as a member of the Monroe First Methodist Church youth group and through her club affiliations. Lora Kate plans to major in nursing.
Congratulations to Lora Kate and Ms. Quinlan!
Gabby Rainford is SOTM for October
Gabby Rainford has been chosen as Rotary Student of the Month for October. She has selected Cécile Gervais as Teacher of the Month. Gabby has been named to the Head of School list, is a Mercer University CASE (Certificate of Achievement and Service Excellence) Scholar and attended the Multicultural Leadership Student Conference at GCSU. She is a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club (president) and Mu Alpla Theta. Gabby actively participates in Student Council, Recycling Club, Literary Club, French Club, and Interact Club and she serves as a GWA student ambassador. She gives back to her community through volunteer work at her church, Victorious Life Church and at the F.I.S.H. donation center. Gabby plans to pursue a degree in nursing.
Congratulations to Gabby and Ms. Gervais!
Moving Ahead in Robotics
Mr. Gasaway's upper school Robotics students are learning to program robots using the Python programming language. After building foundational skills in Python, students are now applying their knowledge to control the robots they built. Each step in the programming challenge requires testing, debugging, and iteration to accomplish even simple tasks like moving one meter forward.
Since each student chose how to build their robot, they must now refine the movements to match their specific design. Each robot has unique properties, so students measure and time movements, make necessary adjustments, and test again. Through this process, students learn to think critically about their programs and determine the best approach to solving problems like traveling precisely two meters.
Students are also learning to collaborate and support each other as they overcome coding challenges and mechanical issues. Robotics at GWA allows students to develop problem-solving skills through hands-on practice and experience, preparing them to become innovative thinkers and effective collaborators in technical fields.
Fifth Graders Bring History to Life
Fifth-grade students transformed their classrooms into a living wax museum, taking visitors on a journey through the American Civil War. Dressed in period costumes, they represented key figures and battles, showcasing weeks of research and preparation.
Each student selected either a Civil War battle or a significant person — including soldiers, generals, nurses, abolitionists, and political leaders. Figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Ulysses S. Grant, Clara Barton, and Robert E. Lee came to life, along with reenactments of battles like Gettysburg, Antietam, and Fort Sumter.
Visitors stopped in front of students to hear short speeches about their subject’s role and impact during the war. These monologues included historical facts, personal stories, and reflections that highlighted the complexity of the period.
The event blended history and performance, impressing everyone with the students’ dedication, creativity, and knowledge. More than a history lesson, the wax museum gave students the chance to step into the shoes of those who shaped a pivotal moment in American history.
Support GWA Today!
Your contribution to the Annual Loyalty Fund impacts every student, every classroom, and every program that makes our school exceptional. By giving to the ALF, you are supporting our people, experiences, and traditions that we all know and love.
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference and is important to shaping the next generation of students. Help us reach our participation goal by donating today! CLICK HERE to contribute.
Help Us Spread the Word!
Prospective families are invited to join us for Coffee & Connections on October 24 at 10 a.m. in Monroe! Hosted at the home of a current GWA parent, this casual gathering is a great way to learn more about George Walton Academy, meet our leadership team, and connect with GWA families. Interested families should register at the link below.
GWA Theatre proudly presents Act Three, Scene Five by Terry Ortwein!
What happens when a group of high school actors attempt to rehearse one of Shakespeare’s most famous scenes? A whole lot of laughter, chaos, and a deeper look into why Shakespeare’s words still matter today.
Performance dates are:
- October 18 at 6 p.m.
- October 19 at 3 p.m.
Come cheer on our cast before they take the stage at competition on October 17! This witty, heartfelt show is a celebration of theatre, teamwork, and finding the fun in Shakespeare.
Tickets are free and can be reserved HERE.
Share Your Feedback!
A survey regarding food service at GWA was emailed to all families yesterday. In case you missed - please see below:
We are working to improve our school’s food service and would greatly value your input. Please take a few minutes to complete our Food Service Survey and share your experiences and suggestions. Your feedback will help us refine menu options, pricing, and overall service for Lower, Middle, and Upper School.
The survey should take no more than 3–5 minutes to complete and will remain open until Wednesday, October 8, 2025. One response per household is sufficient, and you may indicate multiple student divisions within the form if needed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Dr. Jonathan Burke, Dean of Students, at jburke@gwa.com.
Shop the Dawg Shop!
Be game day ready! Stadium seats and cooler weather apparel are now in stock. The clearance rack is 30% off!
On the Road
Follow the 7-0 Dawgs to Monticello on Friday night as they face the Cougars! Their admission gate and concession stand take card or cash. Admission for our varsity football game is $10 for adults and $8 for students.
First Place Sweep
Comp. Cheer season is off to a fantastic start with all three teams - Varsity, MS and Jr Pro - placing first on Saturday at the KCI Invitational hosted by BCA! All teams competed against four teams total. They compete at Tattnall Square in Macon this Saturday.
Congratulations, cheerleaders and coaches!
College Connections
More college reps are coming to GWA! Admissions representatives from across the country visit our Learning Center to meet with upper school students. Freshmen through seniors are encouraged to stop by, ask questions, and explore programs while practicing valuable conversational skills.