In Focus

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

• Summer Camps: Register at https://www.gwa.com/campus-life/summer-camps.cfm

• Faculty/Staff Appreciation Week: May 5 - 9

• AP Exams: May 5 - 16

• Semester Exams for Seniors: May 5 - 9

• Spring Band Concert: May 6

• Senior/Faculty Volleyball Game: May 7

• LS Dance Performance: May 8

• Senior Art Exhibit: May 8

• Yearbook Presentation: May 12

• Senior Mentor Breakfast: May 14

• Baccalaureate: May 16

• Class of 2025 Graduation: May 17

• Semester Exams for Grades 8-11: May 19 - 21
• K5 Graduation: May 21
• 5th Grade Graduation: May 22
• Exam Make Up Day: May 22
• Last Day of School: May 22 (early dismissal)

Last week, our Forensic Science students took part in an exciting Arson Inquiry Lab, designed to simulate a real-world fire investigation. Students constructed two-story model structures using craft materials, complete with furniture, windows, doors, and even handmade “bodies.” Each group also developed a fictional backstory to accompany their scene, combining scientific analysis with creative thinking.

Once completed, the structures were set ablaze under careful supervision, allowing students to observe fire behavior, track burn patterns, and determine the point of origin—just like real arson investigators.

Adding depth and authenticity to the lab, students were joined by Capt. John Webster, a Training Captain, with Walton County Fire Rescue and Mr. Charles Drew, one of only 2,500 internationally certified fire investigators also with the county. Both guests shared their real-world expertise, offered guidance during burn analysis, and helped students interpret the physical evidence left behind.

With safety protocols in place and expert support on hand, students gained valuable insight into the complex and fascinating world of fire investigation.

Our second graders recently completed an exciting space-themed project. Each student chose a planet to research, learning about its size, atmosphere, moons, and other facts. After gathering their information, they created colorful models of their planets using a variety of materials. Finally, they presented their projects to their classmates and visiting family members. Great job, second grade!

Ms. Sherre's K4 angels have been exploring the wonderful world of insects. They adopted 10 cute caterpillars and watched them grow, and grow, and grow! The class observed them from their chrysalis. and sat amazed, watching them slowly emerge as butterflies. It was finally time to let Snowy, Pirate, Rose, Pearly, Captain, Smoothie, Flower, Olivia, Lollipop, and Snow Flake go. Ms. Sherre and her angels will be watching for them as they fly around our school.

Please CLICK HERE for a printable 8th-11th exam schedule and detailed exam policies.

Please CLICK HERE for the AP exam schedule.

Senior Gavel Club members delivered their final speeches before family members, fellow Gavel Club members and faculty and staff. They shared memories, advice and anecdotes from their time at GWA as they look towards the future with excitement and gratitude. Thirteen seniors earned the prestigious Competent Toastmaster title by completing their tenth speech — a testament to their dedication and growth. Through the Gavel Club, founded on the Toastmasters mission of fostering communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment, these students have built a foundation of confidence that will serve them well in college and beyond. Congratulations, Seniors!

Senior members: Ashton Grossman, Azalea Snell, Competent Toastmasters – Nell Chapman, Sydney Colson, Audrey Doppelheuer, Rosemary Ferguson, Carolina Green, Ashley Hill, Taylor Jesel, Claire Lawrence, McKenna Rutledge, McNair Shannahan, Moneli Shekarbakht, Ava St. Germain, and Julia Tanase.

2025-2026 Officers: President – Kade Franklin, Sergeant at Arms – Gracie Foster, VP of Job Supervision – Wendy Menard, VP of Membership – Alexa Lo, VP of Education – Isabel Choe, VP of Public Relations – Phillip Akin, Treasurer – Wyatt Akin and Secretary – Peyton Wilson

Parents, faculty and students are invited to the 2025 yearbook presentation on May 12 at 1 p.m. Don't miss the big reveal of the yearbook, the yearbook dedication, the presentation of the Brain Cole Award for Innovation in Education and watch the end of the year recap video.

Seniors Azalea Snell (attending to SCAD-ATL) and Jewel Miller (attending Mercer) were recognized by SCAD at the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts High School Showcase on Thursday, April 24. Azalea's acrylic painting "Debbie" won 2nd place in the Drawing and Painting category, and Jewel's pen and ink illustration "Cat Head" took 1st place in the Design and Photography category.

Our varsity track and field athletes had a great showing at the GIAA Region 4AAA meet last week, with the boys and girls teams earning more than 30 state qualifications. The girls team clinched the Region Championship with a solid spread of points across all disciplines!

Our state-qualified Bulldogs head to GIAA State Meet TODAY! It will be held May 1 - 3 at Strong Rock Christian. With several defending state champions and a girls team hungry for victory, the Dawgs are ready to go!

Region Champions (11):

Region Winner – GWA Girls Team

Shot Put - Kayden Owens

Discus - Ashley Hill

Pole Vault - McKenna Rutledge

1600, 3200 - Azalea Snell

800 - Moneli Shekarbakht

Girls 4x800 - Moneli, Isabel Choe, Emma Konik, Azalea

Girls 4x400 - Moneli, Azalea, Demere Gray, Leila Mathis

Shot put - Roland Crutchfield

Triple Jump - Jackson Wells

Personal Bests at the Region Meet (13):

Audrey Doppelheuer - 100H, 300H

Moneli Shekarbakht - 400, 800

Phillip Akin - 3200

Jett Davis - 100, 200

Adrian Thomas - 100

Wyatt Akin - 400

Jackson Wells - 300H

Carter Rivers - 300H

Cash Sorrow - 800

Jaylen Alston-Taylor - 200

Don't miss your last chance to cheer on our soccer and baseball athletes at home this season! Let's Go Bulldogs!

GWA is pleased to announce our Cultural Exchange to Barcelona, Spain, taking place January 3–24, 2026! This unique opportunity is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who are eager to discover another culture, explore a vibrant European city, and grow through an unforgettable experience.

As part of the exchange: GWA students will travel to Barcelona and stay with host families, attending school and participating in rich cultural activities. In return, Barcelona students will visit GWA from October 17 to November 7, 2025, staying with our families and experiencing American life.

This is not a language immersion program, so no Spanish is required — just an open mind, a curious spirit, and a sense of adventure!

Why join?

· Experience life in another country

· Make international friendships

· Build confidence and independence

· Gain a deeper global perspective

We are currently looking for interested students for this exciting adventure. Spots are limited — don’t miss out. For more information or to express interest, please contact Cecile Gervais cgervais@gwa.com or stop by her classroom.

Have you ever dreamed of walking along the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica? Well, next summer you can take a big step towards making that dream a reality! Join us on May 6 at 6 p.m. in the Learning Center to learn more about the 2026 summer trip to Costa Rica! If you have any questions, please see Mrs. McElveen.

Prospective families are invited to attend an upcoming Grayson admissions event to explore our programs and meet our wonderful community. Our Prospective Parent Mixers—hosted in the homes of current families—offer a relaxed, informal way to connect with our Head of School, faculty, and parents. These gatherings take place in various locations and are open to all prospective parents (and children are invited too!), no matter where they live.

Please go to gwa.com or the link below to RSVP and feel free to contact Director of Admissions Lamonique Pierre at lpierre@gwa.com with any questions.

RSVP HERE

GWA activities don’t stop when the school year ends! Our 2025 camps begin June 2 and run through July 31. Register at the link provided or visit gwa.com.

https://www.gwa.com/campus-life/summer-camps.cfm.

GWA Summer Camps are open to all - campers do not need to be enrolled in the school. Please contact Ashley Kirkpatrick with any questions.