In Focus

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Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800

• Spirit Wear Day: TOMORROW

• Pre-Game Tailgate: TOMORROW @ 6 p.m.

• Fall Sports Photo Day: Aug. 19 (Youth)

• Sub Meeting: Aug. 19

• Ice Cream Social: Aug. 21

• Champions Club Dinner: Aug. 23 (see below)

• MS Trip Interest Meeting: Aug. 25 (see below)

• Freshmen Retreat: Aug. 27-28

• School Holiday: Monday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day)

• MS/US Honor Code Signing: Sept. 3

• MS/US Professional Dress Day: Sept. 3

• LS Curriculum Night: Sept. 3

• Yearbook Portraits: Sept. 4

• HOCO Week: Sept. 15-20

CLICK HERE to access GWA website calendar

Dear GWA Families,

The 2025-26 school year is off and running!

This morning we kicked off our 56th year of service to the families of Walton County and the surrounding area. Despite drizzle and a long line of cars at Lower School drop-off on day one, it was a pretty smooth start on a rainy morning. Our new SRO, Officer Charlie from the Monroe Police Department, made his rounds and began getting to know our students. The seventy-four members of the great Class of 2026 (see above) departed yesterday for their three-day retreat at Camp Woodlands. Middle School softball, football and cheer teams departed this afternoon for games in Athens. And last but not least, this morning, students turned in their electronic devices without fanfare or drama. Thank you.

We are off to a good start. On behalf of the more than 140 full and part-time GWA staff, we wish you and your family a successful school year. Thank you for sharing your children with us.

Go Bulldogs!

Godspeed,

John D. Marshall

Head of School

The Middle School Mega Relay kicked off the school year in style! Congrats to our winners:

- 8th Grade Champions: Logan Coffey’s team

- 7th Grade Winner: Mrs. Lovett’s class

- 6th Grade Winner: Mrs. Dickerson’s class

A huge thank you to the Monroe Police Department SROs for grilling lunch for our middle schoolers and helping make the day extra special!

Dear George Walton Academy Community,

On behalf of the entire dining team, we are excited to see you back on campus for the 2025-2026 school year! As always, we’re dedicated to ensuring you have a fantastic experience every time you step into the dining hall.

We’re counting on you to let us know how we’re doing. Keep an eye out for signs and QR codes that lead to survey opportunities. Last year, you made some great suggestions. We heard you loud and clear! We’ve now implemented changes including a sandwich option for the Lower School as well as expanded retail items.

This year, you can expect more of the favorites you enjoyed last year:

• Orange Chicken

• Premium Deli Sandwiches

• Seasonal Fruit Options

We’re thrilled to introduce new opportunities to have fun with your food, explore flavors from around the world, and even a chance to step back in time...

Look for special promotions and celebrations including:

• Holiday Feasts

• VegUp – These veggies are ‘giving main character energy’ and taking center stage.

• Global Handhelds – Travel around the globe via street food and sandwiches.

• Time Travelers – A nostalgic trip down memory lane. Pack your bell bottoms.

• Imposters – Think guacamole can only be made with avocado? Think again!

Your health and safety are our top priority. Like last year, we’ll note any common food allergens on the allergy boards. We’re here to help if you have any questions!

More information and photos of the festivities will be shared via the newsletter. Stay tuned and Bon appétit!

Sincerely,

Daniel Fetter, Chef Manager

We are excited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of a favorite GWA tradition on August 21! Join us for the annual Ice Cream Social event at 6-8 p.m. and kick off the school year with something sweet! It’s always a great time to reconnect, meet new families, and get involved with our Bulldog community. Use the QR code or the link below to become a volunteer. While ice cream is still the main event, we’re celebrating big and welcoming all kinds of sweets. Cookies, cupcakes, brownies—bring your favorites to share!

Festivities begin in the breezeway, followed by games and a pep rally on the football. Feel free to bring your friends, family, neighbors — anyone who would enjoy it! The more, the merrier! Go Bulldogs!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrbxwmUlP6Ww4IrI5uI6rsS_P4LHACspUgt8drJpuAjABawg/viewform

Buy your yearbook early before the September price increase! CLICK HERE to purchase.

Game 1 is Friday Night! Cheer on the Dawgs as they take on Cross Keys HS and join us for our Pre-Game Hawaiian Tailgate!

*Friday, Aug. 15

*6:00–7:15 PM

*Field House Parking Lot

Wear your Hawaiian shirts & leis, enjoy music, giveaways, bounce houses, and more before kickoff. Let’s pack the stands and start the season strong!

Purchase your tickets HERE or at the gate. Join The Champions Club (see below) and your admission is covered!

Support GWA athletics and enjoy exclusive benefits with your Champions Club annual membership. Choose the level that’s right for you:

Young Alumni (under age 24) & Grandparents – $100

-Admission for two to all regular season home athletic events

-Champions Club car decals (2)

-GWA Athletics swag

Bulldog Level – $300

-Admission for immediate family (parents and children) to all regular season home athletic events

-Champions Club car decals (2)

-GWA Athletics swag

Golden Bulldog – $1,000

-Admission for immediate family (parents and children) to all regular season home athletic events

-Exclusive Golden Bulldog stadium seats

-Reserved parking at Don Williams Stadium (football only)

-Exclusive GWA Athletics stadium blanket

-Golden Bulldog car decals (2)

-GWA Athletics swag

Be a champion for our student-athletes!

For membership details and sign up - CLICK HERE.

To Learn more about The Champions Club - CLICK HERE.

Our second fall sports photo day is Tuesday, Aug. 19. CLICK HERE for the picture schedule (subject to change). Please contact coaches for details.

The window to sign up for the few remaining spots (New Zealand, Quito, Galápagos) closes at the end of August. Our Winter Term 2026 travel adventures offer engaging learning opportunities for GWA upper school students and provide a chance to delve into culture, cuisine, arts, architecture, history, nature, science, technology and more.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Suzy at squinlan@gwa.com.

For International trips register at https://www.educationaltravel.com/register

*See trip ID info. above