In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
May 22, 2024
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Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Key Deadlines & Dates
Exams (grades 8-11): May 20-23
K5 Graduation: May 22 @ 7 p.m.
Fifth-Grade Graduation: May 23 at 9 a.m.
Last Day of School: May 23 (early dismissal for all) LS - 11-11:15 a.m., there will be no buses, no aftercare. MS/US will dismiss at 10 a.m.
Summer Camps Registration: register at gwa.com
It’s GREAT to be a GWA Bulldog!
As another busy school year ends, we take pride in the amazing achievements of our students across all levels, and share in the excitement for the opportunities that await our newest graduates. The Class of 2024 is extraordinary! It boasts 50 honor graduates, eight students admitted to the Honors Program at their respective colleges, and two athletes who will compete at the collegiate level. The Class earned over $4 million dollars in scholarship opportunities and 60% prequalified for the HOPE or Zell Scholarship in the University of Georgia system.
GWA is a complete school that develops the whole child, academically, artistically, and athletically. Our students shine in the Fine & Performing Arts: From over 55 dancers taking to the stage, to artists honing their skills in the visual arts, including collaboration with our drama department to create this year’s top-notch theatrical productions and an award-winning band program.
It has also been a stand-out year for Bulldog athletes and coaches! Every varsity sport qualified for the playoffs, and all finished in the top 10. Both lacrosse teams repeated their State Championship titles. GWA had three individual State Champs and 13 All-State players. Lower and middle sports saw an increase in athletic participation and five teams celebrated championships.
GWA students embraced community service opportunities throughout the year and especially during our annual “Winter Term,” which has become one of our most defining programs. Students engaged with and helped senior citizens, volunteered their efforts at FISH, and served at the local Humane Society. Our salutatorian and this year’s Rotary Student of the Year Jordan Smothers dedicated 2,200 service hours to grow an organic garden designed for those experiencing food insecurity.
Our international exchange programs are thriving. With partner schools in both Spain and France, six upper school students took advantage of the opportunity to travel abroad in January. Additionally, seven GWA families graciously welcomed exchange students from CUAM Prep (Mexico City) for a week. The future is bright for international programs at GWA!
Thank you, GWA families, for all that you do and for entrusting us to educate, develop and love your child. We are proud of them. On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I wish you a relaxing and rejuvenating summer. Enjoy these next couple of months.
Go Bulldogs!
John D. Marshall
Head of School
On to the Next!
Congratulations to our 68 Class of 2024 graduates! These scholars, artists, musicians, and athletes have achieved the highest goals, served their community and have continued the legacy of excellence at GWA. We wish each of them continued success and happiness as they pursue their dreams! Go Bulldogs!
Graduation Day photos: https://bit.ly/GWAGradDay24
To purchase a video of the commencement service and other GWA events - go to
On Trial
Ms. Burkhart's sixth-grade English class finished the school year with a mock trial based on events in the classic novel, The Outsiders. Socs and Greasers filled the courtroom as student prosecuting and defense attorneys tried the case of Johnny Cade. Was it murder or self defense? Jurors deliberated... and the verdict was read- "not guilty." Johnny was free to walk out of the courtroom.
On the Move
Middle school Robotics 101 finished up a semester of building, programming, and troubleshooting. The final activity was to build and program their robot to follow a line. Students had to develop the code to fit their design and learn to calibrate the photo sensors to detect a line on the mat. They had to put all the skills they learned to the test to have the robot sense the line and then move forward, even if the line turned. Students had to deal with mechanical, wiring, and programming issues to solve the problem.
They also learned to develop grit to see the task through solving the problem. Many students wanted to give up but worked through the issue by using troubleshooting skills to go beyond what they thought they could do. While the class can be fun it also can teach real-world skills like perseverance and tenacity to complete a difficult task successfully.
2024-2025 Corporate Partnership Program Sign Ups are LIVE!
We are thrilled to announce that our 2024-2025 Corporate Partnership Program is now open for sign-ups! This year, we’ve made some fantastic updates to enhance the partnership experience for our valued business community. To learn more, click HERE.
By joining our Corporate Partnership Program, you’re not only supporting George Walton Academy but also gaining unparalleled exposure within our community. We’re excited to grow together and achieve new heights of success.
Don’t miss out—sign up today to secure your spot and be part of something special. For more details and to join, click HERE or contact the Development Office at bryan@gwa.com or 678-635-3812.
Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make the 2024-2025 school year the best one yet!
Experience Peru
Enrollment remains open for the Winter Term 2025 service trip to Peru until our final three spots are filled! Tour price is $4369. CLICK HERE for the enrollment page. Trip highlights include: walking tours around Lima (including a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and Miraflores), flight to Cuzco in the Andean Mountains, tour of a traditional ceramics workshop, train into Aguas Calientes, guided hiking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu, art and culture service learning project to work with local residents on projects that address community needs, exploring a market featuring regionally handcrafted goods
Host a Fellow!
George Walton Academy participates in a wonderful program with the University of Georgia called the Mandela Washington Fellowship. To learn more - click here for a slide show presentation. Please consider spending a few hours with one of the fellows from Africa. This is a very enriching cultural experience. Email Angie McElveen at amcelveen@gwa.com with your preference of date and she will connect you with a fellow!
Congratulations to our GIAA All-State baseball players Maddox Hansen and Mason Maughon. Tristen Hill and Mason Maughon have been selected to play in the senior All-Star game. Way to go, Bulldogs!
Today's In Focus is proudly sponsored by The Benefit Company (benefitcompany.com).