In Focus

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

• Deadline to Sign Up for WT Trips: May 15 (see below)
• Baccalaureate: May 15
• Graduation: May 16
• Exam Week/Early Dismissal: May 18-21 (see below)
• Rising Senior Parent Meeting: May 18
• K5 Graduation: May 19
• 5th Grade Graduation: May 20
• Last Day of School: May 21 (early dismissal)

CLICK HERE to access the GWA website calendar

With graduation less than a week away, the George Walton Academy Class of 2026 is savoring these final days together - celebrating milestones, reflecting on their journey as Bulldogs, and looking ahead with anticipation. The diplomas they will receive represent far more than completed coursework; they tell the story of friendships formed, challenges met with determination, and a community that has shaped and supported them along the way. Their accomplishments tell a remarkable story - one that reflects both the strength of this class and the promise they carry into the future.

The Class of 2026 continues our tradition of 100% college acceptance, and their results speak for themselves. This group of 73 seniors submitted a combined 319 college applications, earning an impressive overall acceptance rate of 87%. Their success at top in-state institutions is especially notable: GWA students achieved a 65% acceptance rate at the University of Georgia - well above the in-state average of 30% - and a 63% acceptance rate at Georgia Tech, compared to the statewide average of 28%.

Their efforts in the classroom, on the field, in the community, and on the stage have earned this group more than $7 million in scholarships - the highest total at GWA in the past decade. This figure does not include HOPE or Zell Miller awards, but it does include $95,500 in local and community-based scholarships. Ninety-three percent of the class have qualified for HOPE or Zell Miller scholarships.

Gabby Rainford was selected as the 2026 Walton County Youth of the Year and Madeline Jackson was named STAR Student for Walton County. Eleven seniors have committed to competing at the collegiate level across five different sports, while four GWA band members will continue marching band—three at the University of Georgia and one at Georgia Institute of Technology. Their hard work and dedication have clearly translated into meaningful opportunities for their future.

Our soon-to-be graduates personify the GWA experience. These students are well-rounded; they demonstrate character and leadership on and off campus. They have learned the value of effective communication with 19 of them earning Competent Toastmaster recognition after delivering 10 speeches as a member of the GWA Gavel Club. Fourteen seniors have embraced the opportunity to travel through our Winter Term trips and/or exchange program – gaining a global perspective and strengthening their adaptability. Fifty-nine seniors have participated in our Winter Term internship program - learning beneficial real-world skills as they explored a wide range of career fields. These experiences, along with the values they’ve developed, make our graduates well-equipped for an ever-changing world.

We will celebrate with our graduates at commencement on May 16. It will be a day to reflect on the time we have enjoyed with this group of talented individuals and wish them well as they follow their unique paths with confidence and excitement. They are forever GWA Bulldogs, instilled with the potential for greatness and the ability to achieve goals that will benefit themselves and contribute to the greater good.

Go Bulldogs!

Erin Springstead, Assistant Director of College Counseling

GWA sophomores Nolan Dibble (right) and Mac Ferguson (left) and eighth grader Elsie Dibble have received national honors from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

Nolan and Mac were selected for the 2026 Achievement Award in Writing, while Elsie was recognized in the Promising Young Writers Contest. All three earned the prestigious Superior rating, placing them among the best student writers in the nation. This achievement follows a semester of rigorous drafting and revision within our Writing Center. Congratulations to these dedicated students on their hard work and success!

The annual eighth-grade "Griffinia Bills" event took place once again! The students each wrote two bills and then served in the Griffinia General Assembly to vote. Members of the GWA staff served as the "Governor" and "Chief Justice" to determine if a bill is beneficial, equitable, constitutional, affordable, etc. The students learn how to write a bill, debate a bill, present a bill, and hope that their bills will pass into law. A great time was had by all!

*Please note* - As in previous years, 6th and 7th grade students will follow an adjusted class schedule during exam week while maintaining the same start and dismissal times as students in grades 8–12. See email from Mrs. Beam (dated 4/22/26) for details.

The 2026 Résumé yearbook presentation unveiled a vibrant and creative edition - themed Off Script, capturing Bulldog life in its most authentic moments. The Class of 2026 dedicated the book to upper school academic coach Tonya Coe, while fourth-grade teacher Kim Fulmer was honored with the Cole Award for Innovative Teaching.

The presentation concluded with a heartfelt video montage celebrating the school year and a special farewell to the senior class.

Congratulations to yearbook advisors Liz Jones and Megan Sims along with their the 2026 yearbook staff on a beautiful book!

Alexa Lo - Editor-in-Chief

Gracie Foster - Managing Editor

Amber Fields - Senior Editor

Journey Allen - Copy editor

Maddie Baucom

Jayci Nelms - Jr. Editor

Balie Briscoe - Jr. Editor

Chloe Arnold

Stevie Felton

Lilly Stephens

Drake Ferguson

Audrey Maddox

Ivy Arnold

The annual Senior/Mentor Breakfast gave our soon-to-be graduates the opportunity to honor the people who have impacted their lives, consistently supported them, and served as positive role models. From teachers, coaches, and family members to GWA alumni and community leaders, these mentors have built meaningful relationships with students and have played an important role in shaping their journeys.

Special thanks to guest speaker and mentor Pastor Wes Sorrells for sharing his message on the power of mentorship.

The 2027 Winter Term offers an incredible opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into meaningful, real-world learning - but these trips can only happen with your participation. With the South Africa experience already filled, spots are still available for three unique and inspiring journeys. Each trip requires a minimum of 10 students to move forward, so if something sparks your interest, don’t wait - commit by the May 15, 2026 deadline and be part of something unforgettable. CLICK HERE for sign ups links and trip details (under the 2027 Winter Term Trips tab). Contact Mrs. Suzy at squinlan@gwa.com with any questions.

¡Hola families! We are thrilled to announce our 2027 exchange program with St. Paul’s in Barcelona, Spain! If your middle school child wants to dive into Spanish culture during class trip in January, please fill out this Google Form to register interest. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions—Mrs. McElveen (amcelveen@gwa.com).

Congrats to our extremely talented Honors, AP, and Advanced Art, Class of 2026 artists on an excellent showcase of their works in the 2026 Senior Art Exhibition.

Mr. Jameson’s Portfolio seniors are required to display their works for the Senior Art Exhibition every graduation season. These special students have been exploring ideas and themes throughout a multitude of mediums since August, beginning with meticulous creative writing, and brainstorming at the beginning of the course. These seniors' pieces ranged dramatically - from traditional painting and drawing, digital media, sculptures, and ceramic works.

Congratulations, Addie Hayes! We can’t wait to see her in Athens - on the field and in the stands along with classmates Kade Franklin and Wendy Menard. Go Dawgs!

Saturday’s GIAA Lacrosse Championship games featured two GWA teams and two unforgettable final performances.

The GWA boys’ lacrosse team made history once again, capturing their fourth consecutive GIAA state championship with an 18-2 victory over Strong Rock and continuing to raise the bar for Bulldog lacrosse. The Lady Bulldogs showed incredible heart and determination all season long, battling to the very end with an 12-11 final in overtime in Strong Rock's favor.

Head Lacrosse Coach Scott Jackson commented, “This is a special group of young ladies. This is a young team filled with freshman and new players having to rebuild after two talented senior classes graduated. They had some obstacles to overcome this season but really put it together once the playoff started. They took a talented Strong Rock team that had beaten them by 10 goals two weeks ago into overtime in the state championship game. I'm excited to watch these girls grow together next season and hopefully bring home another state championship.”

“I'm so proud of this senior class,” said Coach Jackson. “This is a group of young men that elevated a program that had never had a winning record before their freshman year. Fast forward four years and they've won over 40 games and captured four state championships. They have set the standard for the GWA lacrosse program, and we look forward to building on their legacy.”

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)

Bulldog Level – $300

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

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)

Be a champion for our student-athletes!

For membership details and sign up - https://gofan.co/event/6497286?schoolId=GA5020

To Learn more about The Champions Club - https://www.gwa.com/athletics/the-champions-club

Get ready for a summer full of fun at GWA! Our June and July camps for ages 5–12 offer something for everyone — from Basketball, Soccer, Football, and Tennis to creative favorites like Camp Chaos, LEGO Camp, Cardboard Creations, Cooking Camp, Silly Science, Disney Camp, Barbie Camp, Minecraft Camp, and more.

Whether your child loves to stay active, get creative, or try something new, GWA Summer Camps are the perfect way to make summer unforgettable.

CLICK HERE to secure your spot! Our summer camps are open to all - campers do not need to be enrolled at GWA! Happy camping!