In Focus

January 23, 2025

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

Key Deadlines & Dates

Lacrosse Registration Closes: Jan. 24 (see below)
Open House: Feb. 2
MS Dance: Feb. 8
Spring Sports Photo Day: Feb. 13
Winter Break: Feb. 14-17
School Holiday (Rutledge Day): Feb. 18

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE GWA WEBSITE CALENDAR

Exploring Walton County and Beyond

By John Marshall

One of my most enjoyable experiences since coming to GWA was leading a Capstone Learning Experience (CLE) for high school students during Winter Term. My primary goal was to get to know personally the roughly 100 HS students who were not traveling internationally or doing an internship this month. Second, I wanted to introduce them to cultural treasures in Monroe, the local area and Atlanta. Third, we would spend time interacting with each other and with adults to help students grow comfortable speaking in front of a group. Last, Development Director Britton Ryan and I sought to connect local alumni and students to have relaxed discussions about the school, college life, and potential careers.

It was a fun and engaging two weeks! In Atlanta, we visited the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the Carlos Museum of Art at Emory, the Horizons of Khufu Virtual Reality 3-D Experience located on the Beltline, and had an incredible morning at the State Capitol, hosted by state representatives and GWA alumni Vickie and Bruce Williamson and Tim and Lacey Fleming. Here in Monroe, we learned about the McDaniel-Tichenor House (thanks to board member Angela Yarman for her incredible knowledge of Walton County history!) and On Stage Community Theater, where Iowa transplant and executive director Marc Hammes led us on a lively tour and in an acting class on improvisational comedy. The kids did super! We also toured Oxford College of Emory and did the Clock Tower Escape Room in Covington. Both groups beat the clock!

All in all, I was impressed by our students and the thoughtfulness of their questions and eagerness to learn! Good job, high school Bulldogs!

Hello, Sharks!

By Logan Beer

The Shark Tank Winter Term CLE provided students with valuable insights into key aspects of entrepreneurship. Participants learned how to create a workable business idea, develop a unique selling proposition, and build a brand. The course also covered essential marketing principles, focusing on the 4 P’s of marketing—product, price, place, and promotion. Finally, students had the opportunity to apply their knowledge by presenting and pitching their business ideas to a panel of “Sharks” for feedback and potential investment.

The following products made it to the finals:

Embrace: A glove designed to prevent finger injuries
Fitness in Style: An analytics bead wearable during games to track performance
Gel-ous: A brush that dispenses gel, mousse, or water as you brush your hair
Rain Rompers: Waterproof socks with a buy-one, give-one business model
Cozy Cozy Coat: An all-in-one coat with built-in pillows for comfort in uncomfortable positions
Fashion Sense: An AI outfit generator that creates outfits using clothes you already own

Congratulations to the Cozy Cozy Coat group (Layli Gharavi, Jackson Wells and Cale Fuller) for their winning product and presentation!

Touring France

By Cécile Gervais and Landon Shannahan

Our journey to France with 19 GWA students was nothing short of incredible. As a native Frenchwoman, it was a joy to share the beauty, culture, and history of my country with them.

We began in Paris, where the students had countless "FaceTime" moments from the Eiffel Tower, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. The cooking class in the heart of the city was a hit, full of laughter and delicious food. And of course, the crêpes! I’m fairly certain our group singlehandedly boosted the crêpe economy.

At Versailles, the students enthusiastically embraced their roles as Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, making history come alive as we wandered through the Hall of Mirrors and the stunning gardens.

In Lyon, we explored the fascinating Gallo-Roman ruins and delved into the powerful stories of World War II at the Musée de la Résistance. It was a meaningful and educational experience for everyone.

Finally, our time in Chamonix was nothing short of magical. Sliding through the snowy streets of this alpine town brought so much joy, but the real highlight was our ascent to the Aiguille du Midi. Standing on top of the world, surrounded by glaciers, was awe-inspiring. The students also loved snowshoeing through the pristine trails, where we even organized a friendly race—an experience filled with laughter and unforgettable views. And the food in Chamonix? Simply fantastic.

Ninth grader Landon Shannahan shared his thoughts about the trip, "Imagine standing on the highest mountain in the Alps. Well, I don’t have to. My favorite place we visited in France was Chamonix. There we went to the top of Mont Blanc, snowshoed in the Alps, and ate delicious cheese fondue. I’m glad we visited in January, as there was plenty of snow for snowballs or sledding, so the fun didn’t end when we got back to the hotel. I’m very thankful for this opportunity, since it was my first trip to Europe, and I did not want to leave."

Admissions Season is in Full Swing!

If you know someone who is interested in applying for next year, please email us at admissions@gwa.com. We have already hosted two exciting admissions events and have been busy with tours for prospective families. Interested families can register for our events at gwa.com.

Get Your Gala Tickets Before They're Gone!

2025 Lucky Dawg Gala & Benefit Auction individual & table tickets have officially gone on sale. There are a limited number of tickets available, and they have sold out quickly each year — so go ahead and secure yours while you can. We are excited for an evening of celebration in support of our amazing students, school & community! CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

The George Walton Academy Lucky Dawg Gala & Benefit Auction this year will take place on:

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Beginning at 6 p.m.

at the Factory at Walton Mill

Monroe, GA

Just a reminder to check your Parents Web contact information, have account balances cleared and select your 2025-26 payment plan before the February 15 deadline.

GWA Hosts State Duals

Get ready to cheer on our GWA varsity wrestling team this Saturday at home as wrestlers from 12 schools compete in the GIAA State Duals Championships. Weigh-ins begin at 7 a.m. and round 1 prelims start at 8:30 a.m. Good luck, Bulldogs!

Sign Up Today!

Registration for our 2025 lacrosse season will close TOMORROW – Friday, Jan. 24! We offer lacrosse for both boys and girls from K5 through high school. Please click the link below for details and all registration links.

https://bit.ly/GWAlaxsignups

Making a Big Splash!

Congrats to our GWA Swim Dawgs on a strong showing at last Saturday’s meet hosted by Tallulah Falls School!

The following varsity swimmers qualified for finals, including two girls’ relay teams:

· Anthony Pham

· Morgan Davis

· Maci Gray

· Bella Weimer

· Maya Langston

· Drake Ferguson

· Girls medley relay

· Girls freestyle relay

Anthony won all three of his events: 200 free, 100 free and 100 back.

Our MS and HS swimmers will compete in the Last Chance Meet at Georgia Tech this weekend and look forward to returning to Tech for the GIAA State Meet on Feb. 1. Go Bulldogs!

GWA Musicians Perform at Janfest

Band directors Mr. Smith and Mr. Cornelius and seven of our talented high school band students traveled to the University of Georgia this past weekend for the 75th Janfest Honor Band Musical Festival.

There were over 900 music students from all over the Southeast who auditioned and came together to form eight honor bands with guest conductors from top collegiate and high school programs from all over the United States.

After a day and half of intense practice, each band had the privilege to perform in the beautiful Hodgson Hall at the UGA School of Music.

Congratulations to the following GWA students who auditioned and were chosen to attend this year's Janfest:

Wendy Menard

Maddie Garrett

Carrie Ann Plyler

Kade Franklin

Isaac Osei

Jon Terpstra

Gibson Brady

Congratulations, Artists!

Two of our amazing lower school artists were accepted to have their art on display at the Capitol Art Exhibit held in downtown Atlanta! This is a great honor and opportunity for our students' artworks to make a statement on the importance of art education in schools!