By Jeanie Beach
Director of Advancement
Homecoming is always an exciting time. It is an opportunity for students to have a fun week of dress up days, a parade, pep rally, competitions, and a dance. It is also an opportunity for alumni, friends, and the community to re-connect and reminisce. As an alumna myself (Go class of 1983!), this year is especially meaningful as we have planned several events as part of our 50th anniversary alumni weekend celebrations.
Many of the things I enjoyed as a student are still present today: amazing teachers who know you personally, the sense of belonging and of family, coursework designed to prepare our students for college, and even the lighthearted and fun senior pranks (and I have seen some awesome senior pranks over the years). Other things have changed for the better. I have seen our programs grow to include global studies, a winter term, and we’ve added several new athletic opportunities such as equestrian, competition cheer, lacrosse, fencing, bass fishing, and esports. We’ve also seen a tremendous expansion of our fine and performing arts programs.
Of all the things I treasure from my own experience as a student at GWA, what stands out the most are the teachers and staff. They not only guided me academically, but they also taught me some powerful life lessons that have helped shape who I am today. The list is too long to capture here, but let me share just a few thoughts about those who have meant so much to me.
I remember Mrs. Tandree Watts Hodge who taught me the love of wildlife by raising injured baby flying squirrels in our fifth grade classroom (for my close friends, maybe THAT is where I developed my fascination with squirrels). Coach Ron Bradly who taught me a hard life lesson about commitment when he kicked me off the basketball team because I opted to do something fun instead of going to practice one day. Mrs. Faye Carter my sixth grade teacher who was strict, but fair, and who provided daily inspirations with readings from the Guidepost magazine. Ms. Gerri Bachelor who taught me compassion by staying afterschool to help me understand chemistry, which terrified me. Mrs. Marie Bell Preston who sparked my love of learning thorough all the creativity she brought into her English class. (I was even in a class skit with Kyle Chandler! Evidently, some people believe that his acting talents may have exceeded mine.) And Mrs. Faye Machen, our librarian, who told a gangly, insecure teenager that one day she would blossom and find her way in the world.
These are just a few of the tremendous teachers who made a difference in my life. During my years as a student, later as a parent, and now as an employee, I have been blessed by knowing the wonderful teachers who truly cared about me. I hope some of them are able to visit during our homecoming and 50th anniversary festivities. I would like to personally thank them for the impact they have had on my life. I would also like to introduce them to the new faculty and staff. I’m sure they would be proud of those who have followed in their footsteps and who have done such a great job of building on the foundation that has been laid. I also look forward to seeing my fellow alumni this weekend and swapping stories, laughing about all the things we experienced together, and catching up on our lives. I am proud to be a graduate of George Walton Academy and wish GWA a happy homecoming as we welcome our friends back to campus!
