In Focus

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

• Football Semifinals: Nov. 14 @ Stratford
• Admissions Open House: Nov. 16
• Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 24 - 28
• Christmas Tree Presentation: Dec. 5
• Gingerbread Christmas: Dec. 7
• LS Dance Show: Dec. 9
• 4th Grade Musical Performance: Dec. 12

CLICK HERE to access the GWA website calendar

George Walton Academy Head of School John Marshall is joined by Head Football Coach Logan Beer and Quarterback AJ Dillard for a special sports edition of the podcast. Following an 11-0 regular season and a significant playoff victory against Bulloch Academy, the Bulldogs are preparing to travel to Macon this Friday for the state semifinals against Stratford.

The group discusses the team's undefeated run, which Coach Beer attributes to a disciplined focus on "the process" and controlling fundamentals like minimizing turnovers and penalties. Quarterback AJ Dillard highlights the exceptional team camaraderie, built through rigorous preseason activities like the 'Red Dawn' training with the SWAT team.

In a candid moment, Coach Beer and AJ Dillard share how the team's culture is built around a "more than football" philosophy. They detail how the senior leaders, or "Alpha Dogs," have invested in a character-based approach that includes service projects and Bible studies, demonstrating the impact of faith and leadership on the team's success.

CLICK HERE to listen or find the newest episode of One Bulldog Drive on the Apple podcasts app or at gwa.com on the News page under About.

Fourth-grade students recently began learning multi-digit multiplication in math class. After mastering one-digit multiplication last week, they were ready to take the next step - multiplying with two-digit numbers. To make the lesson fun and memorable, students created “placeholder zero is my hero” headbands, a creative reminder of an important part of the standard algorithm. With their headbands on, they practiced solving problems on the board, on whiteboards, and with partners to reinforce their understanding.

Students in Ms. Dickerson’s sixth-grade Social Studies class have been studying Ancient Egypt. To wrap up the unit, students picked a pharaoh and completed one project from a choice board based on the information they researched. Their options were to construct a 3D tomb, create a magazine, write and perform an interview or podcast, or write a rap or poem about their pharaoh.

For the past three weeks, George Walton Academy has had the joy of welcoming nine middle school and two high school students from St. Paul’s School in Barcelona, Spain. While living with GWA host families, the students experienced Southern life firsthand—sharing home-cooked meals, cheering at school sporting events, and enjoying the rhythm of everyday life in Monroe, Georgia while exploring points of interests along the way. They visited Atlanta, Pigeon Forge, the North Carolina coast, the UGA campus, Disney World, Top Golf, Netherworld, and of course, Waffle House!

Middle school host Julie Litteral commented, “Our time with Giulio turned our home into a bridge between cultures, and it was easily one of the best experiences our family has shared. We will all miss Giulio so much, he has definitely become part of the family."

Our visiting high school students shared some thoughts about their time at GWA. Ani Bolinches (10th grade) said, “I have had the undeniable opportunity to spend a month here. It's been incredible, everyone at school, students and teachers, has treated me great and included me in everything from the first day, which has made the experience unforgettable! A month seems like a long time, but it has gone by really quickly. In conclusion, I have had an amazing time, and have made many friends, which will make it even harder to leave. My host family has also been incredible, which has made the experience even better! Thank you so much St. Paul's and GWA for this unforgettable experience!”

Her classmate, Claudia Sebastià (10th grade) added, “My experience here has been truly amazing and this was especially due to the caring family that welcomed me here, the Atkinsons. Thank you to the excellent kind students and teachers who helped me have a smoother integration during this month. I’ve met people which I will definitely not be forgetting about. The Atkinson family has treated me with joy and has made me feel as part of them. I wish everyone could have the chance to stay with them and feel as I felt, with warmth and love. Disney, football games and cheer have been new and exciting activities I was able to do and it was all because of them. Also, the strong and close bond I’ve build with Mrs. Gervais will be difficult to leave behind as she has treated us with grace and helped us be closer to everyone. I recommend this exchange to outgoing and curious people because it is something I will definitely not be forgetting about. Thank you to everyone involved in organizing this fantastic experience.”

What began as a school exchange quickly became a heartfelt cultural connection, as the students discovered that true richness lies in the warmth of shared traditions, simple moments, and new friendships that cross oceans.

Congratulations to our incredibly talented GIAA STATE CHAMPION competition cheerleaders and their coaches – Ilyssa Green and Missy Frier, on a stellar season and back-to-back championship titles!

Congratulations to our four senior lacrosse athletes who signed their letter of intent to play the sport they love at the collegiate level! These athletes are the first at GWA to sign for lacrosse and they have set the bar high for players that will follow.

Lacrosse Head Coach Scott Jackson commented, “It’s been an honor to coach these four young men and watch them grow over the years. They’ve put in the work, led by example, and helped raise GWA Lacrosse to a championship level. I’m proud of the players, and the people they’ve become. Four college programs just got a whole lot better with these guys joining their rosters.”

Tiedrell Ansley – Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY

David Boozer – Shorter University, Rome, GA

William Ferguson – Piedmont University, Demorest, GA

Jet Hammond – LaGrange College, LaGrange, GA

We wish Tiedrell, David, William, and Jet all the best next year and we look forward to watching them compete in the spring! Go Bulldogs!

GWA placed at last weekend's show! HS team - Champions, MS Team - Reserve Champions

The George Walton Academy Equestrian Team is currently seeking new riders to join their competitive Hunt Seat team!

They are looking for dedicated riders who have been in a lesson program for at least one year and are ready to take the next step in their riding journey. New members may even have the opportunity to compete in our upcoming shows on December 5 and 6!

Upcoming Show Dates:

• December 5–6
• January 10–11
• Region Finals: February 14 – Conyers, GA
• Zone Finals: March 14 – Tryon, NC
• National Finals: April 23–26 – St. Louis, MO

About the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA):

• Open to riders in grades 4–12
• Horses and tack are provided by host teams — no horse ownership required
• Two Hunt Seat classes offered: Equitation on the Flat and Over Fences
• Flat Levels: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, and Open (upper levels may include patterns)
• Over Fences Levels: Novice (cross-rails), Intermediate (2’), and Open (2’6”)
• All riders must wear ASTM/SEI-certified helmets
• Scholarship opportunities available at Zone and National levels
• 2025–26 Competition Season: August 1 – April 30

If you’re interested in joining a supportive team, improving your skills, and competing at an exciting level - contact Maggie Stephens.

Email: maggieaderhold@hotmail.com
Phone: 678-982-2148

The GWA Swim Team kicked off their season with an extremely successful first meet last Friday. Competing against 16 other schools, Junior Varsity took 4th place overall with 86 total points, with Junior Varsity boys taking first place in men’s events. Our Varsity team took 6th place overall with a combined score of 50 points. Anthony Pham was the high point scorer for varsity with 27 points, and Bethany Pham was the high point scorer for JV with 20 points.

After this meet, the following athletes have already qualified for state in various events:

JV:

Sophia Cown: 50m Free, 50m Fly, 50m Back

Atticus Ferguson: 50m Back

Justin Gervais: 50m Free, 50m Back

Rosie Murren: 100m IM, 50m Fly, 50m Breast

Bethany Pham: 50m Free, 50m Back, 50m Fly

Liam Silvers: 50m Free, 100m Free, 50m Fly

Kinsley Smith: 50m Free, 50m Fly, 50m Back

Baylor Thompson: 100m IM, 50m Fly, 50m Breast

Keegan Thompson: 50m Free, 50m Fly, 100m Free

Jack Vannoy: 50m Free, 50m Back, 50m Breast

Maddox Wells: 50m Free, 50m Back

Noah Wells: 50m Free, 50m Back, 50m Fly

Varsity:

Drake Ferguson: 100m Free, 100m Back

Ashley Fields: 50m Free, 100m Free, 50m Back

Anthony Pham: 50m Free, 100m Free, 100m Fly

Bella Weimer: 200m IM, 100m Free, 100m Back

Blake Weimer: 100m IM, 100m Free, 100m Breast

Way to go, Swim Dawgs!

The GWA Interact Club annual Operation Christmas Child project donation drive ends tomorrow, Nov. 14, with a goal of collecting items for 200 Christmas Boxes to be sent to children around the world through Samaritan's Purse. How You Can Help: Donate by Grade Level! We need the entire school community to pitch in! Please see the donation needs listed below by grade level. Drop-off boxes can be found around campus.

Grade Levels & Items Needed:

1) The Hill, 4th, 8th

• Toiletries/Personal Care (washcloths, comb, brush, nail clippers, files, water bottle, flashlight, etc. Please, no toothbrushes!)

2) 1st, 5th, 9th

• School Supplies (pencils, sharpeners, index cards, glue sticks, markers, etc.)

3) 2nd, 6th, 10th

• Small Toys (small toys and stuffed animals that will fit in a shoebox)

4) 3rd, 7th, 11th, 12th

• Accessories (flip flops, sunglasses, hats, winter caps, mittens, hair accessories, unopened undergarments).

Important Donation Guidelines: All donated items must be new. The Club cannot accept the following items: soap, food, candy, gum, toothpaste, or any liquids.

Please help us make Christmas special for kids in need!

Our One Act team had a great showing at state yesterday! We are so proud of them and all the hard work that they put in. What a great way to end the One Act season! Colton Wudtke received an honorable mention, and Peyton Wilson received an Outstanding Performance award! Way to go, Bulldogs!