Bulldog Magazine 2021 by George Walton Academy

SUCCESS STORIES START HERE

SUCCESS STORIES START HERE | on our cover

EMMA BARLEY Emma Barley has been a consistent standout as a musician and has been selected for the district band every year since seventh grade when she began her journey with GWA’s nationallyacclaimed marching band. She is proud to have been named once to All-State band and appreciates the opportunities the GWA program has provided for her. Under the direction of Director of Bands Christian Smith, the band program enables musicians to explore and develop their gifts and talents while being part of an exceptional program that is highly regarded throughout the southeast and the nation. As a senior, Emma serves as the drum major for the 2021-22 school year. She is also a member of the Recycling and Creative Writing Clubs. TAYLOR GROSSMAN In addition to earning top recognition as a world-class varsity and competitive majorette, Taylor Grossman also excels in the classroom. Her awards and accolades include: AP Scholar with Distinction, UGA Certificate of Merit Recipient, Wofford Scholar, Presbyterian College Fellow, Best of the Best, and Head of School’s List. She is also a member of the Walton Youth Advocacy Board and has been a talented pianist for more than twelve years. She was named Intermediate Miss Majorette of GA and High School Classic Champion. She plans to continue twirling at the collegiate level. KENNEDY JOHNSON Kennedy Johnson’s talent and passion for sports has sparked an interest in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting. He has been a four-year varsity starter for GWA basketball, was named to the All-Region team, and has developed inspiring leadership skills on and off the court. His creative and innovative spirit led him to develop and launch a school podcast “Dawg Talk” through which he shares GWA news, interviews guests, and strengthens his research and reporting skills. Kennedy also serves as a student ambassador and introduces new students and families to George Walton Academy. He has earned a marketing internship for the 20212022 school year and will work with the school’s advancement team to further develop his communication and promotion skills. BREENA MCGRAW Breena McGraw possesses an undeniable talent when it comes to visual arts and also has a passion for making this world a better place through her dedication to community service and environmental research. She has been named to the top 10 of Best of the Best, is also on the Head of School’s List, and was a finalist for the Governor’s Honors Program in Visual Art. She is part of an ongoing research project on reducing carbon dioxide emissions with urban forests, and is a member of the Interact Club with a focus on community service. She is president of the Beta Club and a member of Model United Nations and National Honor Society, and will have taken an impressive total of 12 Advanced Placement (AP) courses by the time she graduates. CHARLIE STOUT Charlie Stout has caught the eye of college recruiters from across the nation and has verbally committed to the University of Georgia Swim Team as a member of the Class of 2026. A twotime GHSA State Champion, Charlie has been invited to train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, was named a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, earned two designations as a National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association All-American, and captured a spot on the GHSA All-State first team the past two years. He is a member of the Swim Atlanta Junior National Team, and has also been part of the Georgia Zone and Georgia Open Water Zone Teams, which are composed of swimmers who represent Georgia against other southeastern states. Charlie is a Wofford Scholar and a Presbyterian College Fellow, and is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. TAYLOR TINSLEY Taylor Tinsley has more than made a name for herself as a softball standout. By grad year, she is ranked as the #1 pitcher for 2022 in Extra Innings Softball’s Extra Elite 100 and as the #1 pitching recruit by Softball America. For the past three years, she has been named 8A Region Pitcher of the Year, All Region First Team, First Team All County, Team Defensive MVP, and GWA Best of the Best. For the past two years, she has been selected as First Team All State A-Private and has also been named Softball Player of the Year by The Walton Tribune. Taylor has been recognized as the WSB Athlete of the Week and was selected as Athlete of the Year by the Walton Tribune. DOMINIC WILLIAMS Dominic Williams’ love for technology started at a robotics summer camp in lower school. After the camp, he was recruited to a competition robotics team and was quickly promoted to team captain, lead programmer, and member of the Archytas Society. This led to being asked to assist in spearheading the robotics program at GWA. In middle school, while touring MIT, Dominic was invited to join a programming class where he learned robotic programming, coding for website development, and coding for digital security. Dominic was one of two students chosen to represent GWA in a digital foreign exchange with Morocco, through which he became an International Exchange Alumni through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, enabling him to form friendships that remain today. During COVID lockdown, he was honored to be part of the tech team to troubleshoot the digital school program and it’s challenges.

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MEET GWA’S NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL

Q & A WITH MR. HOBBS 4-6

HERE WE GROW AGAIN

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2021-2022 7-13

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WITH GWA ACADEMICS 14-27

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BULLDOG magazine 2021 EDITION HEAD OF SCHOOL MR. GARY HOBBS ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR ADVANCEMENT JEANIE BEACH DESIGN LIZ JONES EDITOR REBECCA WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA RUSSELL, LIZ JONES, STEVE REAGAN, STACY MAY, THE GWA YEARBOOK STAFF, OTHER VARIOUS CONTRIBUTORS

WITH GWA FINE ARTS 28-36

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WITH GWA ATHLETICS 37-45

GWA ALUMNI

BULLDOG LEGACY 48-63

THANKING GWA SUPPORTERS

2020-21 ANNUAL REPORT 64-75

Meet GWA’s New

HEAD OF SCHOOL A Q&A WITH MR. HOBBS What intrigued you the most or attracted you to this opportunity to lead George Walton Academy? I felt very humbled and honored when the Board of Trustees approached me about coming to GWA. Having lived in the community for many years, I know how important the school is to Monroe and the surrounding area. Many friends and acquaintances have children that attend here. There are great families at GWA! The opportunity to work in a place where parents are deeply involved in the

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education of their children made this opportunity extremely attractive to me.

How has your past experience prepared you for the role of Head of School at GWA? I have been fortunate and blessed to have worked as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. In addition, my assignments in personnel and logistics in the military have a great carryover value for the head of school position at GWA. Several of these positions

Why did you choose a career in education? My father was my high school principal. He cared deeply for the children in his school and had a positive influence on thousands of students. My high school basketball coach also had a tremendous influence on me. He was a phenomenal role model. I made the decision in high school to be a teacher and coach because of these two men.

How would you describe your leadership style? I always try to lead by example. I enjoy collaboration with the staff to seek input on matters important to students. It’s important for me to know each employee and his/her strengths. I believe in being available to everyone and being involved with all facets of school operations. I always try to hire the best of the best and

expect them to do a great job every day. I believe the vast majority of people want to do a good job. They want to know what is expected and don’t need anyone to micromanage them.

“The opportunity to work in a place where parents are deeply involved in the education of their children made this opportunity extremely attractive to me.”

Q&A | with Mr. Gary Hobbs

carry great responsibility in the area of supervision of large numbers of people, administration of budgets, management of programs, and multitasking to meet changing requirements.

What do you believe sets GWA apart as a school? GWA is a special place because of the family atmosphere. The people that work here truly enjoy coming to work every day and doing their part to ensure the success of our students. Loyalty to the school by everyone from the board of trustees to the teachers and support staff is amazing. Several of our teachers are graduates of GWA as well as members of our staff. This loyalty over generations

Q & A WITH MR. HOBBS

ensures the great tradition of the school will continue. I believe they set GWA apart from other schools.

“Loyalty to this school by everyone from the Board of Trustees to the teachers and support staff is amazing.”

It’s a year where we celebrate the accomplishments of our students often. Finally, it’s a year where we are able to graduate young men and women who are prepared to do anything they choose to do in life and be successful.

are married to special people, two of whom are in education as well. They have blessed us with six beautiful grandchildren, ranging in age from nine to 20. Linda and I feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful and close family.

As you prepare to embark on this new journey, what excites you the most?

Anything else you would like for our community to know?

The most exciting part of being at GWA is getting to know our students and staff and seeing all they accomplish together.

I would like the GWA community to know how excited I am to be a part of the school. I look forward to meeting everyone involved in GWA. My main focus is on our students. We have one chance with our kids to get it right. We must be successful. The rest of their lives depend on it.

As you reflect on your own time as a student, what value do you place on the studentteacher relationship and the importance of a supportive school community? A great relationship between students and teachers is critical. Students must know that their teachers truly care about them and their success in life. I believe teachers are called to their profession. Being a teacher is a difficult job in the best of situations. The responsibility to ensure student success is always at the forefront of a teacher’s mind.

What is your definition of a great school year? A great school year is a year in which our students are challenged by their teachers and meet those expectations. It’s a year where our seniors set the example for younger students in academics as well as behavior. It’s a year where our athletes give everything they have for their coaches and their teammates no matter whether they win or lose.

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Please tell us about your family - we would love to meet them! I am married to the greatest and most supportive lady in the world. Her name is Linda and we will celebrate our 50th anniversary next year. She is a native of Walton County and a graduate of Monroe Area High School. She was an educator for 40 years. We have three phenomenal children! Caroline, Lauren, and Brian are in education as well. It warms our hearts to know the impact they are having on hundreds of children. All three

GROW

The John Sorrells Greenhouse takes root on campus

“Between the outdoor garden and the greenhouse, students will now have a full range of opportunities to learn about food production, crop rotation, and sustainability.” – JOHN SORRELLS

An exciting new addition to the campus is the John Sorrells Greenhouse. The project, launched at the 2021 Lucky Dawg Gala and Benefit Auction, was the brainchild of Associate Head of School for Fine Arts Brian Cole and was funded through the generous gifts made by our families. The greenhouse itself is named for key donor John Sorrells. One of the original founders of George Walton Academy, Sorrells has seen three daughters and three grandchildren graduate from the school. Grandson Garrett Kirby will earn his diploma with the rest of the class of 2022 next spring.

NEW FOR 2021 - 2022 | greenhouse

Here we

The idea of the greenhouse came to Mr. Cole as he was researching information for his sustainable living class. Entering the third year of the class, Cole has led explorations in crafting chairs out of recycled cardboard, designing and planting a school garden, creating prototype shelters that could be distributed to the homeless population, building beehives to raise honeybees, composting, and setting up hydroponic spaces to start seedlings and grow plants inside his classroom. His real-life approach to teaching encourages students to learn practical skills while thinking about the world around them. “It is our duty as teachers to try to teach students to be better citizens,” said Cole.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2021 - 2022

The greenhouse will allow classes to plant and grow things all year long despite dips and freezes in temperature. “Students of all ages will be able to utilize the greenhouse space to help enhance their learning experience,” said Cole. “The science connection is obvious, but we will have lower school STEM classes working on greenhouse projects, photography classes taking pictures of plants and flowers, drawing classes learning the art of scientific illustration, and robotics and technology classes programming the controls. Additionally, the marketing class will be able to collaborate with the graphic design class to create a plan to sell food and even use the

GREENHOUSE FEATURES: 24’ x 48’ with 8’ sidewalls Evaporative cooling system Automatic wall vents High efficiency exhaust fans Power vented gas heaters Horizontal air flow fans Programmable irrigation system Fertilizer injector Programable zone controller Steel benches Overhead mist and drip irrigation Shade cloth

produce in the cafeteria to feed the students and teachers fresh choices right out of the garden. The possibilities are endless!” “I think any time that you can excite students with an activity, that enhances our George Walton experience,” said lower school STEM teacher Janet Bishop. “So if we can get them in the dirt, get them planting seeds, get them connected to their lessons, then that’s going to enhance their whole, overall experience.”

GROWING YOUNG MINDS Being raised on a farm and knowing the challenges of growing seasons, founding board of trustees’ member John Sorrells and his wife, Perry Nell, made the needed gift to enable GWA to cross the finish line on our Sustainability Greenhouse Classroom and purchase the larger building for our students.  He and Perry Nell supported the idea of having a facility that will give students hands-on experience through planting and nurturing vegetables, fruits, and flowers.  “We love that GWA students of all ages can use the greenhouse as a living classroom to run experiments, test out engineering projects such as irrigation systems, and even have a place to make botanical sketches,” said Mrs. Sorrells.  Most of all, the Sorrells appreciate that students get to learn basic skills for planting in a controlled environment.  “As a young man growing up on a farm, I remember that not all crops were successful due to the weather.  I appreciate that the greenhouse classroom enables students to study and practice what it takes to grow vegetables without having to worry about weather conditions ruining a project,” said Mr. Sorrells.  “Between the outdoor garden and the greenhouse, students will now have a full range of opportunities to learn about food production, crop rotation, and sustainability.”  “Having been a part of GWA since its beginning,” said Mr. Sorrells, “we have seen the school continue to strengthen and grow with each passing year. Supporting the students has always been first and foremost in our minds. We are glad for this opportunity to leave a legacy to the Academy by investing in a program that provides a long-lasting impact with students now and into the future.”

HERE WE GROW AGAIN

“It is our duty as teachers to try to teach students to be better citizens.” – BRIAN COLE

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2021 - 2022

The Science of

EXERCISE DEPARTMENT OF EXERCISE SCIENCE AND ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

George Walton Academy’s comprehensive approach to the physical education experience.

SUCCESS HERE WE STORIES GROW AGAIN START HERE

motion and learn the basics of proper lifting techniques and cardiovascular endurance strategies for lifelong health. “While the majority of this work will be done in the weight room,” said Associate Head of School for Curriculum and Global Studies Femke Côté, “the vision of this department will be to work with all students, whether they play sports or not, to teach them about the importance of health and athletic performance through personalized workouts tailored to their individual goals and with an eye on long term health and wellness.” While these coaches will be spending their time during the day in this academic program, some of them will also serve as coaches and are already looking forward to getting to know our students and putting them on a path to healthy living.

NEW FOR 2021 - 2022 | exercise science & athletic performance

This year, George Walton Academy is proud to introduce a new approach to our Upper School Physical Education program by creating two new, distinct departments that will encapsulate all parts of the student physical education experience. The current PE department head, Coach Holly Atkinson, “The vision of this will chair the newly formed department will be to work Health, Wellness with all students, whether and Nutrition they play sports or not, Department, and our three to teach them about the incoming importance of health and strength and conditioning athletic performance...” coaches, Jordy Paulemon, Carter Smith, and John Patrick, will run the newly formed Exercise Science and Athletic Performance department. Students in the latter department will take part in weight training under the supervision of our new strength and conditioning coaches where they will be introduced to the science of

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2021 - 2022

Success Starts with Improved

FACILITIES An Update on the Go Beyond Campaign

Go Beyond: The Campaign for George Walton Academy began in 2019 with plans to provide needed upgrades to facilities on campus. Spaces funded by the Go Beyond Campaign will include a new athletic facility adjacent to the Nicholson Center featuring a new basketball court and dedicated spaces for wrestling and competitive cheer. The campaign will also fund extensive renovations to the current middle school gym and band hall, transforming these into a state-of-the-art facility for GWA’s

HERE WE GROW AGAIN

nationally-renowned marching band, and provide needed space for piano, and dance. The campaign will also help fund additional tennis courts, a concession stand, and lighting for the lower field (current track area).

conditions and supply lines to return to pre-COVID levels. While we wait, we have been able to accomplish some of the items on our list.

The onset of COVID caused GWA to adjust the timeline of the projects. Soaring material costs and backed up supply chains for construction materials have resulted in a need to reevaluate and determine how we can accomplish some of the items on our checklist while we wait for

New lockers and shelving units were provided to the band to alleviate storage issues. The old carpet was replaced with a more hygienic rubber flooring (that is also instrument friendly) to provide better sound quality. Additional work was completed on the building in preparation for

Band Improvements and Building Renovation

NEW FOR 2021 - 2022 | go beyond progress

IMPROVEMENTS TO BAND FACILITIES provide an environment that enables GWA musicians to focus on strengthening their skills and exploring their talents.

the conversion from gym to new performing arts facility. The roof was replaced and new doors and fresh paint were added. Putting a Spotlight on Spring Sports New lights were added to the track and practice field back in the fall. The new illumination allows for later practices and opportunities to host more competitions for our studentathletes.

Going Beyond For Our Students At the top of our list is a new gymnasium to be built adjacent to the Nicholson Center for middle school PE and athletic practice space. Having two gyms side by side is the model preferred by coaches because it provides opportunities for warmups before games and space to host tournaments. The new gym will also provide dedicated space for wrestling and competitive cheer, as well as practice space for other teams during inclement weather.

Our goal is to have all the funds needed in place so we are ready to take action once construction material supply lines are restored to full capacity. Blessed with $4M in pledges, we have collected $1,778,225 toward this endeavor. If you would like to find out how you can be a part of making our campus the best for our students, call Jeanie Beach at 678-638-3812 or email at jbeach@gwa.com.

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INSPIRING Global Citizens Natasha Garren

Lower School Global Studies Coordinator The 2020-2021 school year marked the debut of the Lower school Global Studies initiative at George Walton Academy, and we are already off to an extraordinary start! Lower School students are immersed in the study of culture, geography, and language, as well as the environmental and geopolitical challenges that affect all of us. The United States has long held a prominent leadership role around the globe – and our effectiveness in that role is only strengthened further through the understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of other nations. Stretching far beyond learning about flags, holidays, food, and famous people from different countries, global studies focuses on the viewpoints, values, challenges, commonalities and differences of cultures. People around the world are all independent yet interdependent in many ways. The local and the global often go hand in hand in the modern world. Life in the United States includes interacting and working with

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people from different cultures and backgrounds. Primary years are an interesting time for students to not only start learning about their own culture, but to also begin comparing it with other cultures while exploring global topics and challenges. I love seeing lower school students excited to learn about the way others live and what challenges they face. During one of our global studies classes this year, our students observed a variety of homes around the world through Google Earth. We discussed geographic, environmental, cultural, and economic factors that influence the way homes are designed and what is inside. They also explored classrooms in different parts of the world and compared them to the classrooms at GWA. It is exciting to see students genuinely curious about other people and cultures from around the world. In the beginning of the school year, I noticed some students would giggle at certain images of different people or unique places that I showed just because they looked different or unfamiliar. But after tackling such topics as

prejudice and stereotypes, their demeanor changed tremendously. They began to take the topics seriously and became empathetic and passionate about the topics and issues presented. Students heard the real-life stories of children in Africa, Asia, and Latin America whose houses do not have running water, and those that have to walk long distances daily in order to collect clean water. They were surprised and saddened to learn that many of these children don’t have an opportunity to attend school.  “Global studies lessons teach us not to judge people and appreciate everything we have,” said fourth grader Braxton Hazelwood. “Some kids in Africa have almost nothing and we have everything we want.” Fourth grader, Eli Rainford added, “I was surprised to learn that people, especially women and children, in some African countries, have to walk at least three miles a day to collect clean water.” No matter what topic we study, I always try to zoom in and out of Monroe to make the local-global

GWA senior Noah Hicks working to start a fire with members of a Hadzabe tribe in Tanzania. INSPIRING GLOBAL CITIZENS

connections clear. Once students see that an issue in their area fits into a larger pattern, they may have more appreciation for its significance. They learn how their decisions and actions impact the areas where they live. For instance, third and fourth graders discussed pollution and environmental issues that our planet is facing. They shared many personal stories of times they witnessed instances of pollution in their hometown. They researched pollution in the land, air, and water. They talked about the importance of recycling and brainstormed ideas about how we can live more sustainably. Currently, these students are working on their class book “From Pollution to Solutions”.     The global studies program encourages students to accept and become familiar with diversity around

them. In order to develop an understanding of America’s identity as a melting pot of cultures and religions, we studied America’s immigration history. As part of this topic, children discussed the reasons why someone would leave their native land to go to a new country, read the stories of real immigrants, and explored the Interactive Tour of Ellis Island-an important part of the history of American immigration. Third graders enjoyed working on the “My Family Heritage Project” where they had a chance to research their own family history by interviewing their family members to learn about the origin of their ancestors. They created a classroom map that shows everyone’s country of origin and shared a report about their family heritage, background, traditions, and special stories. Thanks to this project, students discovered that everyone in their class has an immigrant somewhere in their background or family history. “My favorite thing was working on the My Family Heritage Project,” said third grader Addie Trinh. “We interviewed our family members to learn about our ancestors, then created a mini-me to stick to the map next to the country our family came from to America.”

How does a school provide for students to grow their curiosity that could extend their time on campus to a lifelong passion?

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Noah Hicks (‘22) and Sara Bryan (‘23) have already begun their global journeys through the opportunities provided by GWA. Noah grew up traveling and living abroad, having spent time in Spain through his parents’ work and using summer holidays to travel abroad and see the world. He recently spent time in Africa among the Masai warriors in Kenya and the Hubzabe people in southern Africa. These experiences have allowed him

to better understand what it’s like to be a visitor in a faraway place, as well as better understand the differences that exist culturally between people at home in Georgia and to appreciate the beauty of different backgrounds. He is also part of the first cohort of students taking part in GWA’s Global Diploma Distinction Pathway Program, which will allow him to graduate with a diploma distinction for meeting additional requirements with an emphasis on Global Studies.

I truly believe that the GWA Lower School Global Studies Program is a great opportunity for our younger students to begin acquiring the essential knowledge, criticalthinking skills, and global awareness needed to thrive

Sara Bryan took part in GWA’s Barcelona exchange during her freshman year, an experience which interested her because she had always wanted to travel outside of the country, as well as experience what it would be like to have a sibling. She and her host student, Eva, spent time together in the fall in Georgia and in Spain in January, and she describes her time in Barcelona as the best year of her life! Her time living with another student and with a host family

and lead in our changing international community. Throughout this initiative, our students have opportunities to explore, learn about, and grow to understand how they can make a positive difference in the world.

allowed her to see the similarities and differences in her own way of living, as well as see how the world views America. Sara said of her experience, “the impact that the people had on me showed me how blessed I am. If you would have told me as a 10 year old that I would have a best friend in Spain, I wouldn’t have believed you! It’s crazy to think of how many connections I have across the ocean!”

INSPIRING GLOBAL CITIZENS

ARTFUL SCIENCE 18

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bringing artistic spotlights to science classrooms GWA art students shined the spotlight on lesser-known scientists and inventors as part of a project to bring art to science classrooms. They are people of color and women – including Elizabeth Blackburn, Erich Jarvis, Otis Boykin, Charles Drew, Mae C. Jemison and others. Their important contributions to science and technology are highlighted in these eye-catching pieces. Students took an in-depth look at their subjects’ impressive work and found inspiration in their abilities to overcome gender and racial boundaries. “Learning about Walter Lincoln Hawkins truly made me realize that no matter where you come from, if you work hard you can do truly amazing things. He went from being orphaned as a child and raised by his sister to being the first African American chairman of AT&T Bell Laboratories,” said Emma Barley.

along with tons of other medically-related items. Boykin faced many challenges in his life that are frequently overlooked. Boykin attended university; however, after two years he was forced to drop out because he could not afford tuition. He worked extremely hard for his successes. Otis Boykin’s invention changed modern day medicine and without him, the way we see medicine would be completely different.” Charles Drew was a pioneer in science and an advocate for racial equality. Lillie Barrientos learned about the obstacles Mr. Drew faced as he worked to make it possible for blood supplies to be transported and stored so they could be distributed to others. She explained, “A myth going around at the time (1940’s) impacted the storage of blood because it stated white people and black people

had different types of blood. Drew worked throughout his career to fight this misconception.” American mathematician Katherine Johnson faced many hardships being an African American woman during the time of segregation and discrimination. Hannah Freeman discovered the contributions made by Katherine Johnson despite her limited access to educational opportunities. “She was not given many options for her future but made her way up in NASA and assisted on many important mathematical calculations. She helped send a satellite up as well as sending men to the moon. Katherine overcame the challenges she faced, becoming an inspiration to others. She modeled to never give up and work even harder than before.“

Christian Hansen explained, “What I found most interesting about Percy Julian was the fact that he was able to use proteins, mainly ones found in soybeans, to make treatments to help cure diseases such as arthritis and glaucoma. I also found out that he made a chemical that is used to put out chemical fires. For my art project, I showed Mr. Julian standing in the background watching his discoveries in use.” Mia Berry studied Otis Boykin, an American inventor in the early and middle 1900’s. “Throughout the process of this art project, I learned so much about Mr. Boykin and modern-day medicine. Otis Boykin invented the pacemaker,

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Opportunities to Explore

CURIOSITY Amy Wilkes

Middle School Division Head Middle School is a time of extraordinary transition - not only from Lower School to Upper School, but also from childhood to early adolescence. At George Walton Academy, we understand the unique needs of middle school students and how to help them navigate this period of transition. In addition to the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual changes they are facing, students are also struggling to figure out who they are, both individually and in relation to others. Participation in extracurricular activities offers a variety of benefits that help students through this selfdiscovery process. With more than 15 different sports, over 20 elective class options, and a wide variety of clubs to choose from, there is a place for everyone to explore their interests, develop their talents, and pursue their passions at GWA. Currently, GWA offers four to six different sports each season, including individual sports such as tennis, swim, golf, and horseback riding as well as team sports including football, baseball, volleyball, soccer, and lacrosse, to name a few. The benefits of participating in sports during the middle school years cannot be overstated. Aside from improving overall physical health, sports can also improve mental health, raise academic performance, boost confidence and self esteem, foster

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responsibility and self-discipline, and cultivate teamwork and resilience. Sports also promote school pride and camaraderie. In addition to our rigorous core academic courses, students are able to explore new horizons through a variety of elective options. This year, we offered 27 electives including some old favorites like Band, Physical Education, and Bible as well as some new courses including Board Game Design, Introduction to Computer-Aided Design, and Improv Comedy. Whether in the arts, technology, performance, or maker and design, we want our students to have many opportunities and avenues to explore their curiosities and passions. Clubs and organizations offer another avenue for students to pursue their varied interests. Whether the interest is academic, artistic, or athletic in nature or focused on leadership or service, GWA has opportunities for every student to get involved. Some of our recent offerings include Drama Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Photography Club, Sewing Club, Bible Study, Spanish Club, Recycling Club, Student Council, Engineering Club and GWA TV Morning News. Our clubs and organizations represent a wide range of interests and are regularly updated as student interests change. We encourage students to explore a variety of opportunities

and even lead the charge in establishing new ones that align with their curiosities and passions. Participating in various clubs and organizations has many of the same benefits as playing sports— improved academic achievement, self image, social interactions and relationship building, and the development of essential life skills. In addition, clubs invite students to consider new ideas and perspectives that may spark a passion that would have otherwise been overlooked. Middle school students are overflowing with curiosity and we strive to provide as many opportunities as possible for them to explore and discover those things that they are enthusiastic about and that bring them joy. Equally important, we want students to feel a great sense of identity, community, and belonging. As students engage in various extracurricular activities outside of the classroom, they learn more about themselves and who they want to become, but they also build bonds and friendships with others who share their interests that connect them to a community and give them a strong sense of belonging. We recognize how important belonging is to the development of our students and their ability to truly thrive, and that is why we work so hard to ensure that every student has a place at GWA.

“Whether in the arts, technology, performance, or maker and design, we want our students to have many opportunities and avenues to explore their curiosities and passions.”

MIDDLE SCHOOL

INSPIRING OTHERS TO STEP OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE If you want to know about a particular sport or activity at GWA, just ask seventh-grade student Gabby Rainford—chances are she’s given it a try. Since joining our community almost seven years ago, Gabby has participated in a wide variety of sports and clubs that have helped shape who she is. She didn’t waste any time getting involved either. Starting in first grade, Gabby discovered her love for cheerleading and encouraging others to display their school spirit. Her obvious love for her school and contagious enthusiasm inspire everyone! This year, Gabby traded in her pom poms for a color guard flag because she had always been intrigued by the brilliant splash of color that enveloped the field during marching band performances. Now, she is creating that same feeling of intrigue and excitement in others.

GABBY RAINFORD

When she’s not on the field, you just might find Gabby on stage. Whether it’s performing a dance routine, portraying a role in a theater production, or playing in a piano recital, Gabby shines in front of an audience. While she admits that she gets a little nervous just before going on, you would never guess it by seeing the confidence and emotion with which she performs. To calm her nerves before going on stage, Gabby reminds herself that she can do it and then loses herself in the performance. She’s a great model for how to use positive self-talk to overcome fear - essential when you are taking a risk and trying something new. Throughout her years at GWA, Gabby has taken quite a few risks, and some of them have paid off by uncovering a passion she never knew she had. Tennis is a great example. When she and a friend decided to give it a try in fourth grade, Gabby found a new love and has been playing ever since. Sometimes, she says, “it just takes having a friend with you to give you the confidence you need to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new.” Participating in sports and activities not only helps you find your passions, but it also helps shape who you are and gives you the skills you need to be successful in life. Gabby says that getting involved has helped her develop humility, teamwork, stamina, and a growth mindset. So, to anyone considering trying something new, Gabby says, “Just step out there and do it!”

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SIGN

GWA OFFERS ASL CLASSES

of the times

When America is in a state of crisis, whether it be a natural disaster or a worldwide pandemic, we tune into the media for information from our civic leaders. More often than not, we also see sign language interpreters standing next to those leaders so that Deaf people can also know what is happening. American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most widely used language in the United States, after English and Spanish, respectively. Many schools across our nation have included ASL in their World Language curriculums. George Walton Academy is leading the way in the area by offering this beautiful language to its students.

Laurel Gahan is a nationallycertified interpreter who specialized in educational interpreting at the high school level in public schools for close to 30 years. She has taught ASL for community classes and professional development workshops for interpreters. She has interpreted plays on stage at the Alliance Theater. After retiring, and working for a few years as a freelance interpreter, she joined the World Languages team at GWA. In her classroom, students not only learn the fundamentals of ASL but also learn about the rich culture of the Deaf community and the challenges Deaf people face in a hearing society.

“The thing that I love most about ASL is how the signer takes on the characteristics of all the players in a story,” said Laurel. “So watching a Deaf storyteller is just like watching a movie as you see all the drama and action taking place right there in front of you. It’s a very rich and creative language” If students want to continue their studies of ASL after they graduate, there are career choices that involve working with Deaf people - interpreters, teachers for the deaf, and speech and language therapists, to name a few. In the field of interpreting, students can specialize in legal interpreting,

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

medical interpreting, educational interpreting, or the relatively new field of VRS interpreting which uses video technology to relay telephone calls between hearing and Deaf individuals.

“What I love about the ASL program is that it is different from learning other speaking languages,” said Avery Collin. “If I am ever in a situation where someone needs to communicate with a Deaf person, I would be able to help translate.”

Gahan appreciates the enthusiasm her students express for the course. “It is my hope that as students move beyond the walls of my classroom, they will choose careers that will give them a chance to meet and work with Deaf people.”

When asked what surprises people the most about ASL, Laurel said, “Many people have the misconception that sign language is “so easy,” but unlike all the other classes students take, (in which they use their ears to learn) to learn ASL, you use your eyes - and your brain just isn’t used to taking in information that way. Until students get used to it, it can be quite a challenge.”

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George Walton Academy’s efforts to inspire and equip the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians and innovators have been strengthened even further thanks to two grant awards.

GWA Awarded Grants for

STEM Initiatives

The vision and passion of science teacher Janet Bishop was recognized by Olay as part of their “Face the STEM Gap” initiative which is designed “to shine a spotlight on educators who are STEM heroes and mentors,” emphasizing the focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). GWA was awarded a STEM kit containing scientific tools to foster learning, as well as letters and videos from female leaders in their fields. Additionally, GWA was awarded a School Empowerment Grant from Walton EMC. These funds enable the lower school to expand and explore even more creative approaches to science instruction. Lower school students are now able to enjoy an enhanced STEM experience thanks to new equipment purchased from funds from the Walton Electric Trust, Inc.’s School Empowerment Grant.

STEM

“We now have updated equipment and supplies that will provide a foundational platform for years to come for the George Walton Academy Lower School STEM program,” said Ms. Bishop. “We have K’NEX kits for fifth grade that focus on simple machines, construction straws for K5 and first grade that focus on building and design challenges along with microscopes appropriate for all elementary-age students.” Funds were also used to purchase electronic kits and games to encourage critical thinking, and STEM challenges that incorporate real-world applications.

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“I have been able to see students excited and willing to take on challenges that may be new or hard,

and not give up,” said Ms. Bishop. “In fifth grade, many students are using K’NEX for the first time and

staying engaged and working together in groups. No one sits on the sidelines. In kindergarten, students are now using ageappropriate microscopes and many declare that they are now scientists because they were using the tools of a scientist. Students have also made connections from STEM class into their other academic classes that would not have been possible without this grant.” Ms. Bishop is dedicated to developing engaging and imaginative lessons tailored for each of the lower school grade levels. “In second grade, we’ve built balloon-powered rockets, designed a spacecraft to land on

“What student wouldn’t love to make slime and test how far it can travel down a wall?” – Janet Bishop

our 3-D moonscapes made of baking soda, and partnered with our global studies program to make replicas of volcanoes in Mexico.” To connect to a New England unit in thirdgrade social studies, students designed and engineered a lobster trap. “We’ve definitely been busy with discovery and exploration,” explained Bishop, “We’ve studied the aurora borealis chromatography connection to art, created worm habitats that we released into GWA’s composting bins, carried 2.5 gallons of water around the school campus to talk about water scarcity in the Southwest, and made geodes connected to the students’ rock unit in science. Students engaged in a unit focused on Black History Month as we studied the space shuttle and former NASA astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison.” Moving on to fourth grade, students have learned about the scientific method using sponge capsules,

designed a functional boat from aluminum foil as a tie-in to their social studies unit on early explorers, explored the microscopic world, designed a snowball shooter with a plastic cup and a balloon, and enjoyed a fake snow experiment to determine what makes the best snow. “What student wouldn’t love to make slime and test how far it can travel down a wall?” asked Ms. Bishop. “In fifth grade, we have fun exploring chemical reactions with glow sticks, cold packs, and even Coca-Cola and Mentos.” Students have also learned engineering basics by crafting a catapult out of popsicle sticks and measured metrics with hoop gliders and paper airplanes that they designed and crafted. For Ms. Bishop, each day provides another opportunity to spark a lifelong love of learning. “I love working with our lower school students to open their eyes to the wonder and possibilities of our world.”

STEM

The Chance to

DANCE Genie Wiggins Dance Director Writing, painting, composing, public speaking, designing, engineering, producing podcasts, acting, playing in the band, and singing are just some of the many opportunities offered by GWA for student creativity and expression. And for the third year, dance has become an increasingly popular choice for students who love the chance to express themselves artistically through movement. GWA offers middle and high school students a variety of dance performance classes from beginner through advanced levels including jazz, hip-hop, and ballet, as well as contemporary technique and choreography, with additional genres

peppered throughout. Dance is unique in that it is integrative of all the known intelligences working together in its study: musical, spacial, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, mathematical, and linguistic. I would even argue that dance is its own language. Dance is beneficial in that it is physical, creative and performative. It promotes coordination, cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. It expands students’ abilities to solve problems, take risks, and imagine the infinite possibilities. It increases confidence and it’s just plain FUN! “It’s such a great way to get your energy out and try new things,” said seventh grader Audrey Powell. “I started dance last year and fell in love immediately! Performing is so fun and I can’t wait to do it next year. Mrs. Wiggins is a great teacher and teaches all the techniques and

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everything. I never knew I could dance until I tried it last year!“ Every class performs in the annual winter and spring productions. The 2021 spring dance concert theme was “Dancing Through Space/Out of This World.” The shows featured both teacher and student choreography with all ages and genres of dance represented. The dancers also perform an annual “Thriller”-style flash mob dance every Halloween on campus. “I love it! Dance is awesome and so much fun,” said sixth grader Caroline Flo. “It helps me express myself while having a lot of fun - and is a great stress reliever.” This year, some of our dancers represented GWA for the first time at BravO! National Dance & Talent Competition in Athens. Our competition program is one that we plan to really grow over the next few years. GWA is such a competitive school and dance wants in on the action! As COVID restrictions ease

“Mrs. Wiggins is a great teacher and teaches all the techniques and everything. I never knew I could dance until I tried it last year!“

up, we plan to have our performance companies tour to perform and participate in state and regional events. We have been working on small group choreography projects to allow the students to spread out and work in various locations and collaborate in pods. We have also enjoyed having class outside when the weather permits. “Dance makes me feel really calm and relaxed even when I do fast beat things because I am just in love with the sport. To me, it’s kind of like an escape from reality,” explained seventh grader Amber Fields. In addition to school day electives, GWA also offers dance for elementary-aged students in our after-school program “Beyond the Bell.” Students can choose from combination classes in ballet, jazz and hip-hop.

DANCE

GWA BAND Continues to Lead the Way

After an undefeated marching season and a record number of students making the Honor and Allstate Bands during the 2020-2021 school year, the GWA band program continues to set the standard for excellence. An after-school program has been added to jump start fifthgrade students and prepare them for middle school. The band also launched a new summer camp for beginning band students in and outside the GWA community to build and teach marching fundamentals. Dr. Tyler Jones has been working with the band and leading the private trumpet studio for several years and has now joined the faculty

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to lead the new fourth- and fifthgrade band program. Dr. Jones recently completed his doctorate degree at UGA studying with former principal trumpet player of the NY philharmonic, Phil Smith. Achim Reus leads the most successful private horn students in the state. Prior to working privately in Georgia, Achim was principal horn for 20 years in the Radio Symphony Orchestra, a member of the German Brass, and a performer with the world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic. Mr. Reus brings his expertise and passion for music making to our horn students. Percussion Ensemble meets after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays

to prepare more advanced, sophisticated, and fun music, while also preparing for 2021 Drum line led by Wayne Viar. Mr. Viar, a professional drummer who tours the country and has taught many successful private students and marching bands, comes in several times a week to give individual attention to GWA’s students and has helped grow the percussion section to its largest size in over six years. The Band is fielding an extremely competitive drum line for the 2021 season. World Class WGI Silver medalist and Class A Champion Caroline Maughon will continue to teach and choreograph the GWA guard in the 2021 season. Whether it’s dance, flag,

BAND

or weapon line, she is simply one of the best in the state! In addition to leading the GWA program, Caroline is the Assistant Director of the A Class Guard - Edge Independent, which two of our students, Ella Smith and Barbara Hammons, were able to compete with this past season. This world-class program aims high and makes a lasting impression with talented student-musicians and highly-experienced leadership. There’s no doubt that the GWA Band will continue to capture attention, awards, and well-deserved acclaim.

Learn more about our award-winning fine arts programs and opportunities at gwa.com

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ELI SCORNIK

SETTING AN IMPRESSIVE EXAMPLE

By Christian Smith Director of Bands

Eli started in band in the fifth grade and decided to play the Euphonium, which is like a smaller version of the tuba. Music and the Euphonium came fairly easily to Eli, but what really stuck out was his work ethic. In the fifth and sixth grade he just loved playing and hard work was just play time for him. He was inspired by an older student who was in the seventh grade at the time named Alex Aull. They became great friends and started playing together after school. As a sixth grader in his second year as a Euphonium player, Eli was one of the few students who have ever tried out for District Honor Band and AllState so young and new to their instrument. Students usually don’t begin to try out for district band until the seventh and eighth grade and even then it is very challenging and even more challenging to make it to All-State Band, where students are tested against the very best musicians from all schools in the state. Eli made the District Honor Band and the All-State Band as a

sixth grader, setting the tone for his continued success as a great GWA musician. He has made the District and All-State Bands now every year since the sixth grade, SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW! Eli now holds the record at our school, and I assume probably at most schools, for this amazing achievement! He has been an outstanding soloist in our marching band for multiple years and has been a member of our top ensemble since the eighth grade. Eli has been a member of our leadership team for the past five years and has been one of our low brass section leaders for the past two years and has been a member of our Top 5, or Top Dawgs team for the last two years. During his time in the band, Eli has managed to maintain a fantastic balance of academics, propelling him to early acceptance at Georgia Tech and to begin writing his own musical compositions. He has found

time to explore music through electronics as well as instrumental, including, euphonium, guitar and bass and I’m sure a few instruments I don’t know about. He has also found time to help out our younger students and give back in a way that his mentors gave to him when he was young. Eli has never used time as an excuse not to do something. He always used his time wisely to pursue his studies, his love of music, playing tennis, creating music and to help others to succeed. He is an exceptional young man and we have been blessed to have him in our band program! He will be missed, but I know his example of hard work, passion and success will live on for years to come with our band family! Best of luck with the Georgia Tech Marching Band, they are so lucky to have you!!!

BAND

Sharing The

GWA STORY YEARBOOK

The yearbook staff program provides a chance for students to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Liz Jones, the yearbook advisor for the past four years explains why the yearbook staff plays a vital role in school history. “Even if you aren’t an athlete or a musician or even an

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artist, when you are a part of the yearbook staff, you become a part of everything that the school has to offer. By telling the stories of every person on campus, you become a part of the story yourself. The yearbook is a way to let your voice define the narrative. That’s powerful.”

The yearbook staff (now called publication design) is not your typical high school class. It is a class that tasks students with creating a 300 plus page, full-color book that features everything that happens during the year. From deciding on a theme, designing pages, interviewing

students, writing stories and taking pictures, to organizing sports records and identifying people in pictures, there really is something for everyone on the yearbook staff. The yearbook is the only permanent, tangible record of each school year. GWA typically sells over 600 books. For a student body of a little over 700 students, that is a remarkable number. That success should be attributed in part to a book that consistently achieves high critiques from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and is often featured as examples in the educational materials created for the yearbook publishing company used by the school. It also says a lot about the GWA culture – GWA students are part of a family and they want to have something permanent to remember these connections and the story of the year. This year, the yearbook presentation was one of the first events that really brought the whole school together during COVID. Taking advantage of that opportunity, the yearbook staff came up with the unique idea to bring in a tradition that COVID required the school to modify. At the Christmas tree presentation every year, a favorite event of faculty, parents and students alike, the whole student body sings the “Twelve Days of Christmas” together. The 2020 presentation only allowed for seniors and first graders to participate. Being able to surprise the school with the chance to sing it together was one of the highlights of the year and it fit in perfectly with the theme of the 2021 yearbook, Silver Linings. “Singing the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ at the yearbook presentation was the best way to close out the year,” said the 2001 co-editor-in-chief Josie Evans. “As soon as we started planning for it, I was so excited and it was really hard keeping it a secret. But I’m so glad we did because it made it even more special.”

LEADING WITH DISTINCTION As one of the first students to work towards earning a Fine Arts Distinction designation on her diploma, senior Madison Marable is able to use the fine arts classes she has taken, including publication design (yearbook) and photography as credit toward this special honor. “This distinction helps highlight my love for photography and graphic design,” says Madison. The distinction is something special to help her as she sets out on her path toward a graphic design minor.

Madison and her brother, tenth grader MJ, started at GWA, but decided to try public school for a few years. Ultimately the Marable family, decided to return “home” to George Walton Academy. “GWA reminds me of being a part of a family,” says Madison. “Everyone always has your back. If you are involved in clubs, sports, or any other special classes like yearbook, you feel especially included and as if you have a ton of brothers and sisters to make memories with.”

MADISON MARABLE

Madison plans to major in Criminal Justice as she works to achieve a goal of becoming a criminal defense attorney. “For about three years now, I have dreamt of becoming a criminal defense attorney,” says Marable, “I chose this field of law because I feel as if there are many people who are wrongfully convicted and I would like to help change the numbers.”

This year, Marable is taking on the task of yearbook editor-inchief. Her third year on staff, she has shown an incredible amount of talent, leadership and drive that will make her an excellent yearbook editor. Her favorite part of yearbook is “creating the spreads themselves since you get to design them and make them your own.” She is a part of yearbook, softball, basketball, interact club, beta club and national honors society.

“If you are involved in clubs, sports, or any other special classes like yearbook, you feel especially included and as if you have a ton of brothers and sisters to make memories with.” – Madison Marable

YEARBOOK - PUBLICATION DESIGN

Next year’s yearbook is already in the works. The staff spent two days at the Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange to attend the Jostens summer yearbook workshop. Led by Editor-in-Chief Madison Marable, the group brainstormed theme ideas, discussed staff structure, procedures and organization and learned more indepth tips and techniques to help smoothly ease into yearbook development for the 2022 book. “I love being a part of the yearbook staff,” says Marable, “it allows you to be creative and express yourself while also creating an amazing book for your school.” With the relocation of the school Mac lab to the main high school building, the staff has a fun, creative new space to make magic happen. The GWA community will be excited to see what the 2022 staff comes up with for volume 52 of The Résumé. And the staff can’t wait to share your story!

Learn more about our award-winning fine arts programs and opportunities at gwa.com Order your 2022 Yearbook today!

jostensyearbooks.com 1-877-767-5217

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THE 2021 YEARBOOK DEDICATION GOES TO... Mrs. Katherine Meeks The yearbook dedication is voted on by the senior class. The ballot contains names of everyone that has been employed by George Walton Academy for more than six years.

“To the seniors of 2021 - I have had the absolute privilege of teaching, coaching or traveling with the vast majority of you. I want you all to know that I think the absolute world of you, and this dedication of the yearbook means more to me than you will ever know. To the class of 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and all the other classes I have gotten to teach/ coach in the past or will get to teach/coach at some point in the future - I certainly hope that you will learn in my class or team all sorts of things about history, economics, and softball. I hope you will learn to think and gain a love for life and learning. But above all, I hope that you will leave my class knowing without a doubt these three things: 1. You are not a number. You are so much more. You are not a GPA, AP score, ERA, or batting average. You are a unique individual and are a valued member of this planet for who you are. 2 & 3. You are loved dearly and unconditionally by me and by your Creator and that love is not based on anything you have accomplished in the past or will accomplish in the future. You are loved because you are you, and I will always be there for you. Thank you again so very, very much.” – Katherine Meeks

Success in Athletics

STARTS with Youth Sports

Grace Martin Director of Youth Athletics At GWA, we believe success stories start at a young age in the classroom, on the stage, and on the playing field! Our youth program is truly one of a kind. We believe strongly in the benefits, both mental and physical, of student athletic participation at a young age in both individual and team sports. Other schools certainly offer athletic opportunities for their students. However, those schools must rely on other leagues for team participation. GWA is unique in that we have established an entire program centered around developing a youth sports experience that is both memorable and accessible for all.

YOUTH ATHLETICS

Bella and Bennett Baker participate in youth track, basketball, cheer, and lacrosse and their mom is a raving fan of the program, “GWA Youth Sports is a wonderful way to keep my two children healthy and active, plus they love the social aspect! We also appreciate that there are wonderful coaches who devote time to each athlete.” George Walton’s devotion to youth athletics begins with a dedicated full-time youth athletic director. I’m involved and handle every aspect of the program from the organization of leagues, registration of teams, and seasonal facility use to serving as the direct point of contact for all questions related to the program from both parents and coaches. I am also available to help students during the day if they have questions regarding afterschool activities. Other schools must rely on the county recreational departments for facilities. GWA’s youth programs are woven into the practice and athletic schedules of both our GWA middle school and varsity athletic teams.

Our youth program is committed to ensuring that our parents receive a consistent message related to players, coaching, uniforms, and cost involved in participation. George Walton Academy takes pride in being able to provide a solid educational foundation, including the many lifelong benefits that athletics offer our young people. The belief that building strong minds and bodies through athletic programs is the basis of our core belief in supporting a wellrounded student athlete. The ability to participate and enjoy the learning process of a particular sport at an early age is an essential part of our program at GWA. We want students of all ability levels to enjoy and find athletic opportunities that become a part of their journey to adulthood.

Learn more about our award-winning athletic programs at gwa.com

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This year we have a variety of athletic opportunities for our K5- fith grade students. • Fall - Cheerleading, Football, Majorettes and Lacrosse (all K5-5th grade) • Winter - Basketball (3rd-5th grade) and Wrestling (K5-5th grade) • Spring - Lacrosse (K5-5th grade), Track (K5-5th grade) This past year, GWA hosted our first ever youth track meet. Recreation departments and club teams from surrounding counties traveled to participate. It was exciting for all to experience what makes our youth program stand out and highlight our commitment to the future of our student athletes. While interacting with other private school staff and parents at different events as the youth athletic director, I have been reminded of what makes GWA special in regards to the athletic opportunities. GWA has a strong commitment to providing quality youth programs, focusing on both the mental and physical well-being of all students who participate. Go Bulldogs!

Parents

CHEER “Coach Lamonique Pierre has been the perfect role model. She is a force. I never have to wonder if Bennett and Bella are where they should be or doing what they should be. Her demeanor inspires respect and she gets it from every athlete. No child wonders what they should be doing and each athlete grows with her guidance. They truly do their best under her coaching. I have seen my children grow leaps and bounds as an athletes and individuals. They have grown in confidence, strength and integrity. She’s a big part of building a wonderful athletic foundation for our school.” “Thanks to Nick Knapp, Ben Yeater, and Brandon Baker, my son has had so much fun and become so strong and agile playing football. It is the perfect atmosphere to be a boy. I trust each of those men with my child’s safety and wellbeing. They are truly dedicated dads that know how to build confident young men. I love that GWA offers 8U and 10U tackle football playing with Walton County Athletic Association. What a great way to show Walton County how great it is to be a GWA Bulldog!” “Coach Scott Jackson has a unique ability to show any child that they have athletic ability. I have seen kids that have never held a lacrosse ball or stick become confident and active

FOR GWA YOUTH & MIDDLE SCHOOL COACHES! athletes. He is the coach my kids want to show up to practice for. He’s great at building the athlete up and giving kids the chance that would typically ride a bench. Win or lose, everyone leaves better than the game before. In two short years, he has brought a total new program and sport to Walton county we are so lucky to have lacrosse at our school.” “Michele Bowen, our youth cheer coach is so organized and has helped the cheer program grow significantly. She is very good at making sure practices are at convenient times for working parents and that the girls have a ton of fun while learning what they need to learn for years to come at GWA. I love that everything she does is perfectly age appropriate for raising young ladies.” “Coach Mel Dye was so much fun during the girls youth basketball program. He truly took the youngest team in the league and made them the toughest competitors. He worked with the girls that were always too young or small to play and taught them what it is to be a basketball player. I love how competitive and confident they all became. They walked on the court with butterflies in their stomachs and walked off as energetic ball players.”

YOUTH / MIDDLE COACHES

LACROSSE

Early Success for

Drive by the campus of George Walton Academy on any Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon and you are sure to see young lacrosse players scattered across any of the playing fields. While many are new to the sport, the level of interest and competitiveness from those learning continues to grow and improve. The bulldog lacrosse program features male and female athletes in lower, middle, and high school age divisions. Because of the relative size of the sport in our area, our athletes are often competing against schools of a much larger size. Coach Scott Jackson who is in his third year since beginning the school’s newest athletic program has successfully taken a sport that few in our area knew much about and grown the interest to a level that allows George Walton to field competitive teams at each level.

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GIVING THE MAX FOR LAX Kingston Guertin’s interest in lacrosse was sparked by seeing his cousins out on the field and by watching the sport on TV when he was young. He hadn’t had the chance to participate until GWA introduced the sport under the leadership of Coach Jackson. “I really enjoy the ability to blow off steam, compete athletically, as well as get good exercise while playing a sport I enjoy,” said Guertin. He hopes to continue playing lacrosse through middle and upper school while at George Walton. His dream is to go to Duke or UNC and play lacrosse at the next level.

During this past school year, our lacrosse program expanded to include a high school girls’ team which competed throughout the spring and went up against much larger schools, seeing success along the way. Additionally, the varsity boys team made the state playoffs for the first time in its young history. But while Coach Jackson loves the initial success that the high school teams have had, he is hard at work building the youth programs into something that will benefit his higher-level programs in the near future. The George Walton youth program has seen enormous success. As a start-up program looking to draw interest, these teams allow both students from GWA and from the outside community to participate as

part of the program. Currently, our youth program consists of over 70 athletes who compete across four different age levels. Lacrosse consists of a more developmental season occurring in the fall for those who do not play other sports. The competitive middle and high school seasons occur during the spring. Our junior and senior teams, both consisting of middle school age players, have competed for the championship each of the past two seasons in the GLL. Additionally, plans are in place to continue to grow the program by adding girls youth teams in the upcoming year. With the interest growing in our youth programs and the success of those teams, there’s no doubt our upper school programs will benefit in the coming years.

Not only is Kingston busy participating in lacrosse on the athletic fields, he also is a blackbelt in Kempo, which is a form of kickboxing. He has worked hard at his craft since age four and hopes to begin serving as an instructor when he turns 14. Additionally, Kingston plays the trombone as part of the George Walton band and the guitar in his spare time.

KINGSTON GUERTIN LACROSSE

The George Walton Academy Lady Dogs softball team has enjoyed great success over the past few seasons and looks to continue as they return a great nucleus of talent from last year. Included in that group is the talented one-two combination of flamethrowers Taylor Tinsley and Caroline Conner. Both rising seniors have plenty of pitching experience and success as they compete yearround and are becoming sought after prospects for schools at the

state and country for several years (with Taylor being named the #1 pitcher in her class nation wide), they never stop pushing themselves or one another. This competitive drive is what makes them a particularly special combination.”

Tinsley and Connor are not alone in the talent pool at George Walton. Returners Hannah McDonel, Anslee Parrish, Riley Wilson, and Hayden Stancil will be a huge key in the upcoming year to determining how deep a run the Lady Dogs can make at a potential state title. SOFTBALL TEAM KEEPS THEIR “All of these young are focused EYES ON THE PRIZE women on bringing home a championship. Last year we won the area next level. When talking about these and fell a little short in the Elite 8. two, Coach Katherine Meeks said, Soon after the season ended, the “Caroline and Taylor each have a girls began focusing on ways to get unique drive to better themselves. better – hitting the weight room in Even though they have each been the spring, continuing to hit and considered amongst the top pitchers work on defensive fundamentals on in the their own time, all while being key

One Team, One

DREAM

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contributors for other GWA athletic programs. Additionally, they never dropped the ball in the classroom along the way” said Meeks. The most recent success of the Lady Dawgs softball program did not just happen overnight. The girl’s commitment to the sport has gone unmatched since their time spent in the middle school program. The middle school program has been very instrumental in allowing student-athletes to compete together and polish their skills to get ready for the high school competition. Coming up through the middle school program, these girls have developed great chemistry and have a love for the sport and each other that is easily noticed

GREAT EXPECTATIONS When it comes to the high school and travel softball circuit, there is no bigger name in the 2022 graduating class than Taylor Tinsley. At the high school level, Taylor has accumulated almost every accolade possible from pitcher and player of the year to all region, all county, and all state honors multiple times. Ranked as the number one pitcher in the country for her class, Tinsley will have her choice of universities to attend and pitch for come August 2022. Prior to heading toward her future college destination, Taylor had a busy summer schedule, to be followed by her senior season here at George Walton. During this past summer, Taylor played for the Georgia Impact 18U – Patrick Lewis organization traveling throughout the country with her team competing in invitational tournaments. Their schedule featured stops in Colorado, Oklahoma, Florida, and California to name a few. Taylor enjoys playing with this organization because of the bond that they share and the competitiveness of the tournaments they compete in. “I love making memories with these girls throughout the summer and playing for something that is bigger than just myself” said Tinsley. One of her favorite memories is playing in the PGF Invitational Championship game in which she pitched eight innings while only allowing two hits against their rivals from California. She credits this outing with the beginning of her gaining notoriety from college coaches around the country. She is sure to turn many more heads this year.

However as for now, Taylor is taking it all in and enjoying the many high school experiences available to her. While softball is a big part of who Taylor is, there is so much more that makes Taylor a special young lady. She plays for the high school golf team in the spring and enjoys writing and creating art in her spare time. “When I’m away from the game, I love to do things that are not stressful and allow me to just relax and have fun” said Tinsley. While she enjoyed her travel ball season, Taylor is excited for her senior year at George Walton and the growing expectations for their team. As Taylor pointed out, one advantage of high school ball is that like college, there is an ultimate goal and only one team wins the final game. Taylor said, “We have a great group who genuinely enjoys playing together and we believe we can accomplish the ultimate goal.” Since this

by anyone. Much like this current group of upperclassmen, the rising freshman class highlights several members who have spent the last couple of years in the middle school program and should help to replace some of the graduating talent from the past year. While the softball coaches certainly appreciate the current talent level and potential for success on the field, they recognize that there is more to this group than just wins and losses. “What is so special about this group is their dedication not only to the game, but also to one another. They truly embody all that is good and pure about high school team sports. They have true love for one another, which drives them each to strive to be at their best for one another” said Coach Meeks. We certainly look forward to following this group as they make a run next year at a potential state championship.

TAYLOR TINSLEY group entered high school, the expectation levels have increased each year and the girls have one thing in mind. Of course, for Tinsley and the Lady Dawgs, that would be to bring home a state championship in 2021. Here’s to hoping that Tinsley and the Lady Dawgs can accomplish the one thing they are missing!

LACROSSE

MAKING A SPLASH AND A NAME FOR HIMSELF

CHARLIE STOUT

When it comes to George Walton Academy swimming, the name to know is Charlie Stout. Charlie is a rising senior student-athlete who excels at whatever he puts his mind to. Charlie is coming off a successful junior season that was highlighted by winning a state championship and committing to the University of Georgia to continue his swimming and academic career. When it comes

| with GWA athletics SUCCESS STORIES START HERE

to time in the water, Charlie began at a young age, initially with the Walton Waves before moving over and competing for Swim Atlanta at a larger, more competitive level. Through the travel circuit, Charlie experienced many great accomplishments including his favorite swimming memory of making the winter juniors after a difficult rehab process following a knee injury. This was the first national level meet which exposed him to the greatest competition and pushed him to reach his full potential. Charlie has been competing for GWA since middle school. Since joining several years ago, he noted how the team has grown in numbers and the team culture has developed. While swimming can be largely an individual sport, Charlie has seen the program develop into one

with a greater team-oriented feel and the team members truly care about on another’s success. “Our program is certainly stronger right now than at any point that I’ve witnessed,” Charlie said. He credits Coach Power and his mom, Mandy Stout, who work well together to develop the program, pushing the athletes to be their best, and giving ample opportunities to improve and compete throughout the season. While we look forward to following Charlie as he competes for the University of Georgia in 2022 and beyond, he is excited for his final year at GWA and competing for his school. We certainly wish him the best in his senior season and can’t wait to watch him continue to break records and reach his highest potential.

Held to a Higher

STANDARD

For anyone who has ever attended a swim meet at any level, you know the level of athleticism it takes to compete at a high level. Couple that with the necessary commitment, determination, and grit required and there is no doubt that swimming takes a special student-athlete. Take a deeper look into the swim program at George Walton and one could argue that you would find some of the most committed athletes walking the campus. That’s because while most of us are just waking up and preparing ourselves for our day at school or work, the swim team is already hard at work in the pool, practicing to shave seconds off their times and improve on their craft. Our swim team, which practices at Walton 24 in Monroe, is typically in the water each morning by 6 a.m., before showering, eating something on the way to school, and then beginning their school day. Based on their commitment to the sport, it is no surprise that they have seen drastic improvement throughout the program over the past few seasons.

GWA Athletic Director, Mark Whitley, often says, “Team accomplishments are not our only source of pride with our athletes.” This statement resonates to the core of Coach Doretta Power’s philosophy of coaching. The Swim Dawgs are held to the highest standards in and out of the water. “Character and skill building go hand in hand when leading a team. The camaraderie, sportsmanship, and overall unity this team has shown has surpassed my set expectations for them,” says Coach Power. As the program continues to grow under the direction of Coach Power, new opportunities are becoming available to those younger students who share a passion for the water. GWA Swim Dawgs were excited to introduce the first ever “Swim Dawgs Summer Camp.” The summer camp sessions offer an opportunity for upcoming swimmers and future swim dawgs to develop and enhance techniques while getting to know members of the current team. It

also gives the older students an opportunity to develop bonds with young students and take ownership of the future of the program. “I am so excited about our summer swim camps. This gives me a chance to mentor and get to know future swimmers,” said MK Dopp, Co-Captain 2021-2022. As we reflect on the hard work of this past season, the Swim Dawgs have plenty to celebrate and build on. The varsity girls and boys relay teams qualified and competed in the medley and free relays in the GHSA state championship representing GWA well. Additionally, Madison Taylor, Jake Stout, and Charlie Stout all qualified in individual events with excellent finishes highlighted by Charlie’s 200 IM State Championship and his AllAmerican status from his 100 Meter Breaststroke time. Charlie’s excellent performances have earned him an opportunity to continue his athletic career at the University of Georgia. As a program, the Swim Dawgs will look to continue in their winning ways and even improve on their most successful statistical season in George Walton history when they dive into next season.

SWIM

Bringing Bulldogs

TOGETHER Elizabeth McDonel Director of Dawgs 360 It is more important than ever for our Bulldog parents to be involved in student success. It’s the families, the place, and the spirit that are uniquely George Walton Academy. We look forward to 2021-2022 and a return to a variety of opportunities for volunteering. Dawgs 360 supports the students, teachers and families of GWA in countless ways throughout the year. You will find volunteering creates a lasting relationship between families on a 360 degree, a full circle of influence that supports Bulldog Pride. Dawgs 360 strives to foster involvement by actively engaging families in

SUCCESS STORIES START HERE

support of GWA through events, programs and “fun”raising. It’s a full circle of influence that promotes and celebrates the entire school community and benefits the student experience at all grade levels. For just a $250 membership, families enjoy admission to all concerts, plays, performances, and athletic competitions, with the exception of playoffs. Memberships also include day field trips, class parties, and a 10% discount on regular-priced apparel in the Dawg Shop. We encourage and welcome extended families to join. Please see information on the school website for complete details. If you are ready to get involved with your fellow Bulldogs – please feel free to call 678-635-3818 or email me at emcdonel@gwa.com. My door is always open and the coffee is hot!

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT DAWGS 360 IS UP TO EACH YEAR? HERE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES! Senior BBQ Boo Hoo Breakfast Tailgate Parties Ice Cream Social Dawgs Unleashed  Class Parties Parent Volunteers Bingo and Chili Night Room Parents  Teacher Appreciation Food Drive Faculty/Seniors Volleyball

DAWGS 360 UPCOMING EVENTS! August 26 - Ice Cream Social October 11 - Dawgs Unleashed Golf Tournament October 12 - Dawgs Unleashed - Tennis Tournament October 16 - Dawgs Unleashed - Fun Run and 5k January 27, 2022 - Chili Cook-Off May 2 - 6, 2022 Teacher Appreciation Week

BRINGING BULLDOGS TOGETHER

CLASS OF 2021 COLLEGE DESTINATIONS

SUCCESS GWA ALUMNI STORIES START HERE

Jennifer Allahverdieva Katie Austin William Bailey Hayden Blanz Mikeela Bolle Joe Brown Allison Burrow Sara Camp Alex Carrillo Mallory Carson Gabrielle Cason Julie Cato Natalia Chapar Liam Chirrey Marnie Couch Michael Dagenhart Natalie Dally Cadence Dalton Ryan Denhardt Brooks Dokes Nico Eberhart Evelyn Echols Sam Eckles Jackson Ellerbee Josie Evans Colin Fennell Barbara Hammons Christian Hansen Daniel Harkins Claire Harrison John Hart Adam Head

University of Georgia Georgia College & State University Georgia College & State University Millsaps College Savannah College of Art and Design Georgia Institute of Technology The University of Alabama Berry College University of Georgia Georgia College & State University University of Georgia Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia State University Kennesaw State University University of North Georgia LaGrange College Georgia College & State University Athens Technical College Georgia State University-Perimeter College University of Georgia Lander University Piedmont University Georgia College & State University Stetson University University of Georgia Berry College University of Georgia University of North Georgia Gardner-Webb University Berry College University of Mississippi Georgia State University

Makena Helms Georgia State University Nico Jacoby Kennesaw State University Ryan Jani University of Central Florida Adam Johnston Georgia State University-Perimeter College Landon Kirk Undecided Sarah Kirk University of Georgia Jason Lam Kennesaw State University Jolie Lanier University of Georgia Cole Lazich Georgia College & State University Logan Lewis Citadel Military College Natalie Lucas Auburn University Olivia Lynam Georgia Southern University Jacob Maddox University of North Georgia Jico Manayala Kennesaw State University DoriLord McCullers The University of Alabama Cameron McDevitt Undecided Robby McGoldrick Georgia Institute of Technology Marcus McMain Georgia College & State University Claire McNulty Georgia Institute of Technology Helen Menard University of Georgia Skylar Mercer Kennesaw State University Max Misterka Georgia Southern University Courtlyn Moore Georgia College & State University Russel Moore Georgia State University Jackson Music University of North Georgia Troythomas Myers Georgia State University-Perimeter College Reagan Nash Jacksonville State University Chip Piercy University of North Georgia Mike Pulliam University of North Georgia Suhani Rama Kennesaw State University Mary Elise Roberts Georgia College & State University Eli Scornik Georgia Institute of Technology

Alicia Shaw Abbey Sheppard Madison Smith Lawson Steele Abby Stone Isaiah Strong Benjamin Sydnor Alana Thorpe Rebecca Trifu Ashlyn Turner CC Veal Claire Volk Julia Waldo Molly Whitlow Jake Whitten Robert Wilkinson Reign Williams Jesse Wood

University of Chicago Emory University Jacksonville State University Georgia College & State University University of Mississippi Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Berry College Savannah College of Art and Design Erasmus University Rotterdam Berry College University of North Georgia Furman University The University of Alabama Western Carolina University Berry College University of North Georgia Georgia Southern University University of Georgia

BULLDOG LEGACY

SCHOOL AWARDS Hearn Medallion - Claire McNulty Socratic Award - Claire Volk Vires Acquirit Eundo Award Joe Brown Beta Club Student of the Year Julie Cato (Teacher: Mrs. Rachel Jackson) National Honor Society Student of the Year Claire McNulty (Teacher: Mr. Jeff Lalaian) Valedictorian - Claire McNulty Georgia Institute of Technology Salutatorian - Joe Brown Georgia Institute of Technology

Ray Kroc Youth Achievement Award - Natalie Dally

GWA Cure Dog Scholarship - Katie Austin

Georgia Mining Foundation Scholarship Helen Menard

Monroe Junior Service League - Abbey Sheppard

Atlanta Journal Cup Award - Claire McNulty Youth Leadership Walton - Courtlyn Moore, Jackson Ellerbee, Jolie Lanier, and Jennifer Allahverdieva

Delta Kappa Gamma Educator Scholarship - Sara Camp

Walton County Foundation Scholarship - Eli Scornik

Daughter of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award - Cole Lazich & Sara Camp

Mike Head Memorial Scholarship - Jacob Maddox

Angel Wings Thai Scholarship - Jolie Lanier

Dr. Lavinia Wood Memorial Scholarship Marnie Couch Gary & Rita Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Julie Cato Rotary Service Above Self Scholarship - Natalie Dally American Red Cross Blood Service Scholarship Max Misterka Gene Higginbotham Memorial Scholarship Claire Volk

Walton Electric Trust Scholarship Adam Head & Julie Cato

COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS Hudson Family Foundation Scholarship - Claire Volk

Larrison Law Firm Scholarship - Natalie Lucas

GWA ALUMNI

ACADEMIC AWARDS AND RECOGNITION STAR Student - Claire McNulty (Teacher: Mr. Peter VanWyk) Class of 2021 Competent Toastmasters Joe Brown, Natalia Chapar, Makena Helms, Jolie Lanier, Claire McNulty, Max Misterka, Mary Elise Roberts, Eli Scornik, Julia Waldo

EXTRA-CURICULAR AND ATHLETIC RECOGNITION Bulldog Award - Marnie Couch & Jake Whitten

ALL-STATE Athletic - CC Veal (Softball), Reign Williams (Softball), Michael Dagenhart (Wrestling) Literary - Brooks Dokes, Makena Helms, Claire McNulty Band - Alex Carrillo, Brooks Dokes, Mike Pulliam, Eli Scornik

COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC SIGNINGS Hayden Blanz – Millsaps College (Basketball) Michael Dagenhart - LaGrange College (Football) Nico Eberhart - Lander University (Soccer) Jackson Ellerbee - Stetson University (Football) Ryan Jani - University of Central Florida (Soccer) Jake Whitten - Berry College (Football) Reign Williams - Georgia Southern University (Softball)

BULLDOG LEGACY

CLASS NOTES Class of 1976 Jon Dial was elected to City Council for Walnut Grove, GA in 2020. Debbie Bell Mallory retired from the state of Georgia after 33 years of service. She resides in Cornelia, GA. Class of 1993 Melissa Machen Shannahan has changed her law practice, the Shannahan Law Firm, LLC, to estate and trust planning, wills, tax planning, elder law, and Medicaid planning. Class of 1994 Angel Jimenez will retire from the U.S. Navy in July 2022 after 24 years of service. Brent McGuffey is V.P. with the Wood Butcher, Inc., a commercial millwork company. He is excited to have his daughter start GWA in K4 in the fall. He resides in Monroe, GA. Britton Woodruff is a Global Account Executive with Telefonica At Telefónica where he is responsible for managing the global communication networks for four of the world’s largest banks. He produced a full feature length movie of Euripides “Medea” for his daughter’s high school. He resides in New York. Class of 1997 Yates Austin accepted a position with WithersRavenel as a Senior Utilities Designer. He resides in Greensboro,

NC and adopted a puppy named Basil. Christy McGill joined the Buford City School System as a teacher. She resides in Buford, GA. Class of 1998 Jonathan Conley joined AccuReg as Senior Director of Product Management. He resides in Nashville, TN. April Farlow founded Lydia’s Place, a nonprofit organization that serves young adults age 17-24 who have experienced foster care or homelessness. She resides in Statham, GA. Adam Shumaker was appointed as Director of Digital Media at MARTA in July 2019. He oversees all transit authority digital communications. Class of 2000 Jason Huff announced the birth of his son, Rivers Huff, in November 2020. Courtni S. Karshagen is the Director of HR and Marketing with E2E Benefits Services, Inc. She resides in Buford, GA. Scott Woodbury is now a Lead Energy Engineer for ICF International. He resides in Huntersville, NC. Class of 2001 Brandi Schaefer is an Interior Designer with Carver & Associates. She graduated in May from the Institute for Integrated Nutrition (IIN) in May as a certified health coach. She resides in Locust Grove, GA.

Class of 2002 Shawn Li lives and works in New York City. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Family Therapy and volunteers regularly at Governors Island. Rachel McCarthy Severini welcomed a baby girl, Ann Severini, born in 2020. Class of 2003 David Eakes recently joined Kaiser Permanente as a Senior Software Engineer. Matt Harding joined Activtek Health Solutions as the Director of Sales. He resides in Peachtree Corners, GA. Elyse Sims accepted a position with startup company, Abzu as Marketing Lead. She lives in Kobenhavn, Denmark. Class of 2004 Erin Churney is currently working as an Individual and Family Therapist with Pathways Transition Programs and opened her own practice, Solace Counseling. She resides in Duluth, GA. Meredith Reagan is a Health Communication Specialist with the Centers for Disease Control. She recently served as the communication lead for the Laboratory and Testing Task Force on the CDC’s COVD-19 response. Hugh B. Williamson, IV was hired as a Technical Business Developer with Amazon Web Services to oversee growth and establishment of the fiber network required to support “cloud

computing.” He is relocating to Seattle, WA and became engaged to Nicky Turza. Class of 2006 Andy Jordan is a Certified Financial Planner with Allgood Financial Advisory. He resides in Bogart, GA. Kris Jones was promoted to Purchaser with Klumb Forest Products. He and his wife Lindsey Bettis Jones ’07 welcomed Annie Jones in 2020. Gracie Moulder Farmer is a Real Estate Agent and a Transaction Coordinator with Elite Closing Solutions. She resides in Winterville, GA. Michael McDaniel was promoted to Driver Engineer in 2021 with Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services. He welcomed a son in 2020. Kristen Stretch is an Engineering Manager at Twilio and resides in Lafayette, CO. Class of 2007 Brian Banks is a Software Engineer with Pegasystems and resides in Milton, GA. Elizabeth Gantt is currently working on her real estate license. She and her husband Ryan Corns welcomed their daughter Crosby Anne Corns in August 2020. Lindsey Bettis Jones and Kris Jones ’05 welcomed their daughter Annie Jones in 2020. Jonathan Nwiloh is an Associate Attorney with James Bates Brannon Groover LLP.

Daniel Shackleford is the owner of Shackleford Films, video production company. He has two children: Art (3) and Stu (1). He resides in Watkinsville, GA. Class of 2008 Joanna Malcom is a Pediatric Physical Therapist at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. She married John Stiffey on June 5, 2021. Jordan Shumate Reddy got married in April 2020 to Kevin Reddy. They welcomed their baby girl, James Reddy, in November. Megan Stephens Tankovic owns Meg Danielle Hair & Company, a bridal hair and makeup company that services Atlanta and the Southeast. She and her husband welcomed a baby boy in June 2020. She resides in Suwanee, GA. Kylee Knop Vargason married Mitch Vargason in August 2020. Class of 2009 Mary Franklin was hired to teach fifth grade at Britt Elementary. Anna Potter Money graduated with an Education Specialist degree in Special Education. She is a Special Education Teacher with Huntsville City Schools. She and her husband Jordan Money ‘09 are in the process of adopting a child from China. Lindsey Maxwell Robinson has been with Aflac’s federal relations office since October of

2018. Before joining Aflac, she was a legislative staffer for former U.S. Senator David Perdue. In her current position, she build relationships with Members of Congress and their staff while advocating for Aflac’s legislative priorities. She also manages the federal financial services policy portfolio, which includes data privacy, cybersecurity, and tax issues.  Matthew Salley is a Packaging System Modeling Engineer with Dennis Group and resides in Buford, GA. Class of 2010 Hunter Findley is an Account Engineer with FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers. He and his wife have a one year old son named Bennett. Zoie Mitchell Gomez welcomed the birth of her son Brody in 2020. Elizabeth Kennedy owns a personal training business and power lifting team with Trueborn Strong in Suwanee. Keeli Laughinghouse welcomed her daughter Ellie Page Laughinghouse in March 2021. Carly Magnus was hired with Kessler Creative as Shipping Coordinator. She resides in St. Augustine, FL. Cody Mauldin was promoted to Distributor Sales Executive with Molson Coors and relocated to Omaha, NE.

Shop the Dawg Shop to look your Bulldog best! Your on-campus store offers a great selection of Bulldog essentials including spirit wear, hoodies, polos, skorts and more.

School Hours: Monday – Friday 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Cash, check & cards accepted. 52

GWA ALUMNI

HEART

A for Children: Morgan Robertson ‘18

When the class of 2018 voted for their Senior Superlatives, Morgan Robertson was voted Most Memorable. She participated all four years in varsity softball, varsity track, and was a student athletic trainer. She was a well-respected classmate and was voted Homecoming Queen. Now a student at Fort Valley University, she is working on her degree in Early Childhood Education. When asked why she is choosing Early Childhood Education for a career path, Morgan replied, “I have a passion for kids. People have always told me that I would make a great teacher and I feel that this is the direction that the Lord wants me to take.” As a student at Fort Valley, Morgan is involved in the Student Government Association and helping make changes on campus. She hopes in the future to be able to play softball, but her current focus is on school. When she is not taking classes, Morgan is working for the Boys and Girls Club in Madison, GA. “I want to do my part to give back to my community,” she said.  She has volunteered with Power Hour which consists of activities such as homework or reading. She has also worked with some of the clubs such as Smart Girls and Cycling. “I enjoyed working with young students to get them to try different things that they’ve never done before and to get them involved and educated.” When asked how GWA provided her with the foundation for a successful lead into college, Morgan replied, “When I first got to GWA, coming from public school, it was challenging for me. They set the bar higher and made me work harder in my classes. It helped me write better papers in different formats.”

BULLDOG LEGACY

DISCOVERING

A Sense of Self: Cayce Myers ‘01 One of the greatest joys teachers and administrators experience is when they see successful students build on the foundation provided by the academy to launch their future dreams. When he was a student at GWA, Cayce Myers was ranked in the top ten academically of the Class of 2001.  He was captain of the debate team, president of the Gavel Club, senior class representative, treasurer for the National Honor Society, served in the Key Club, and was in Beta Club for four years.  It was no secret that Cayce was a rising star. Fast forward 20 years and now Cayce is the director of graduate studies and an associate professor at the Virginia Tech School of Communications.  As graduate director, he manages the M.A. program where he works with students on their coursework and research during their twoyear program. He also teaches communications courses that involve media law, public relations, and strategic communication at the 54

GWA ALUMNI

undergraduate and graduate level.  He is also an active researcher on law, communication history, and public relations. He has published two books, Mass Communication Law in Virginia, 4th edition in 2016, and Public Relations History:  Theory, Practice and Profession in 2021. Prior to moving to his position with Virginia Tech, Cayce was a practicing attorney in Georgia. When asked how GWA impacted his success, Cayce replied, “GWA gave me the skill set to achieve in college, particularly in writing and studying.  However, I think that more importantly, GWA gives students a sense of self and place that allows them to succeed when they go on to new settings, such as college.  As a school, George Walton has a special atmosphere that I haven’t found elsewhere.” Cayce attended Emory University, graduating magna cum laude with a B.A. in history and political

science. He earned his M.A. in mass communication from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, J.D. from Mercer University School of Law, LL.M. from the University of Georgia School of Law, and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia Grady College. Cayce and his wife Anne, have a three-year-old daughter Cayce Anne.  They live in Roanoke, Virginia where they are making plans for their own daughter’s education. “I think back on GWA quite a lot, especially now that my daughter is starting K4 at a private school where we live in Virginia.  For me the greatest experience at GWA were the people and the environment that was really like an extended family.  In thinking about that time at George Walton, I have come to appreciate the unique environment the school had that was truly great for me as a student.”

Medical Student Becomes the

TEACHER: Ilya Kim –

CLASS OF 2014 When he enrolled at GWA his junior year, Ilya Kim was not only a new student at the Academy, but he was also new from Russia. Having been in the United States only a year prior, he was still learning the academic world of a student in a U.S. school. “I appreciated the help I received while navigating the college experience,” said Ilya. “At the time, I thought you needed to apply to a crazy amount of colleges and the office graciously sent out dozens of transcripts for me without ever complaining. I was thankful for the support I received while a student there.” Ilya earned a Bachelor of Arts with Departmental Honors (BAH) in Human Biology from Stanford University. He was selected as a Stanford Public Interest Network Fellow working for Ravenswood Family Health Center on a one-year program that allowed him to work in public service transferring clinic health care records from one platform to another. During that year, Ilya was also a Chemistry Labs teaching assistant for general and organic chemistry at Stanford. An accomplished musician, Ilya played in a collaborative orchestra chamber group while at Stanford. Currently, Ilya is a second year medical student at Columbia University in New York City. Last summer, he was a chemistry instructor for the Summer House Professions Education Program (SHPEP) at Columbia. As an instructor, he was able to design and teach his own course in general chemistry. Looking to his future, Ilya is still considering the opportunities before him. “I want to practice medicine, and I hope to include an academic aspect within my practice,” Ilya said. “I have enjoyed teaching students and hope to continue to be involved as an instructor in some capacity.”

BULLDOG LEGACY

Creating BRIGHT futures for the Next Generation: Cedar Hawks Hall – CLASS OF 2014 Cedar Hawks Hall is driven to make a difference in young lives. Barely out of college, having finished her B.S. degree in psychology from Berry College and her M.A.T. in special education and a M.A.T. in

early childhood education from the University of Georgia, she has hit the ground running as the Director of Little Oaks Preschool set to open in fall of 2021. Located on Bold Springs Avenue in Monroe, it will operate in community partnership with Grace Monroe Church. “Through my work with special education, I learned how vital the

first five years of life were to each individual. That time sets a foundation for learning for the rest of their life. I believe the same is true for every child, that in the first five years of their life it is so valuable to pour into

them and foster their development as they begin to figure out our world,” said Cedar. “Opening the preschool was a two-fold dream, because Grace had a dream to open a preschool in their new building location (which is the old Monroe elementary school that they have revitalized), and I felt the Lord calling me to invest in the next generation using my background and education. I have felt God calling

me to potentially open a school one day, but He had different, and better, plans for “one day” to be today!” When asked how GWA helped put her on the path she is on today, Cedar replied, “GWA was a wonderful community of supportive teachers, staff, and peers that believed in me and encouraged me to explore my passions in my college and graduate degree programs. GWA set a wonderful foundation in preparing me for college academically, as well as helping me to feel equipped as I left as a high school graduate years ago.” Her advice for current GWA students to help them build success is, “I would suggest really taking advantage of the resources GWA offers while you are still in school. There are wonderful people who have dedicated their lives to helping young people succeed. GWA offers lots of clubs, programs, counselors, and support - get involved!” Cedar and her husband Shelby reside in Monroe.

IT’S A WIN-WIN

FOR YOUR COMPANY AND GWA

when you advertise through our Corporate Partnership program. Contact us to find out how you can participate. 678-635-3812 or jbeach@gwa.com

GWA ALUMNI

Class of 2011 Jessica Epting Barber is a Physician’s Assistant with Reliance Medical Associates. She and her husband welcomed the birth of their daughter Dallas Kade Barber on June 12, 2021. Tripp Brooks joined Athens Orthopedic Clinic as a Physical Therapist. He resides in Athens, GA. Natalie Ecker was promoted to Risk & Data Analytics Associate Director at The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC). She resides in Melrose, MA. Ilyssa Johnson Green opened Pace & Poppy, a boutique store, in Covington in October 2020. She is also a licensed real estate agent. She resides in Covington, GA. Colton Holder started a handyman business, Holders Handyman Services, with his dad, Alan Holder ’77. Jackie Lane became a certified OB nurse. She works for Piedmont Atlanta Hospital and resides in Smyrna, GA. Jennifer Partain and her fiancé Casey Adams were selected for a home renovation and featured on HGTV Home Town Season 5, Episode 10, Country House, City House. “When we moved to Laurel, MS for work we decided to apply to be featured on the show after several people recommended we look into it,” said Jennifer. Jennifer is a claims specialist with a local roofing company and got into the field after fellow classmate, Preston Dean, introduced her to the industry. “Ten years may have passed since graduation, but the GWA family remains true,” said

Jennifer. “We all still look after one another.”

Trey Lang is fulfilling his baseball coaching dreams.

David Porter graduated in 2020 from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a Veterinarian at Oakwood Animal Hospital in Gainesville, GA.

Class of 2016 Megan Groves accepted a position as a Travel Agent with Expedia. She is currently working on getting her real estate license. She resides in Monroe, GA.

Class of 2012 Logan Duncan was promoted to Assistant Treasurer at Equifax. Prior to his promotion he was Corporate Development / M&A at Equifax. He resides in Atlanta, GA. Katie Johnson is engaged and getting married in 2022. She is a Human Resources Manager with Cleveland Electric Company and resides in Atlanta, GA. Lindsey Davis Martin accepted a job at East Forsyth High School as a math teacher and Head Competition Cheer Coach. EFHS is a brand new school in Forsyth County that will be opening in fall of 2021. She resides in Cumming, GA. Zack Stokes graduated with his PhD from the UCLA Department of Statistics in Spring 2021. During his time at UCLA, he worked as a data science consultant for many clients including Google, the UCLA Department of Medicine, the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, and several start-ups in the Los Angeles area. Accompanied by his fiancée Jessica Peters, he will be starting as a Data Scientist at Amazon out of San Diego this summer. Class of 2013 Kelly Delchamps received a Master’s Degree in Social Work in April 2021. Trey Lang is fulfilling his dream of coaching.  In

Bryce McWaters opened the Peachy Pet Parlor, pet grooming salon, in Monroe, GA.

July 2019, Trey graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Sports Management.  While completing his degree Trey had the opportunity to intern with the Atlanta Braves Baseball Organization working in field operations for the 201819 season.  Trey was offered a position with The Mount Vernon School in Sandy Springs, Georgia as a physical education teacher.  Trey is also an assistant coach for the varsity baseball team and serving as the team’s pitching coach.  Additionally, he was promoted to assistant coach of the girl’s fast pitch softball team. Trey continues to refine his coaching skills by attending continual education classes relating to his major. An avid sports enthusiast, Trey is playing competitive softball and working to achieve excellence in sports management.   Jessie Hall Lazcano is working on her Doctorate in Nursing Anesthesia. Kelsi Nguyen married Casey Shubert ’13 in 2020. They reside in Jackson, GA.

now works for Gravy Solutions as a Revenue Recovery Specialist. Annie Cusack was promoted to HR Business Partner at Amazon. She resides in Cornelius, NC. Dylan Deboer is a Production Support Manager with Good News TV and travels around the country to do virtual and in-person events. He resides in Homosassa, FL. Class of 2015 Jessie Allen recently graduated as an X-Ray Tech and will become a traveling tech within the next year. Mackenzie Britt was promoted to be a Salesforce B2B Commerce Consultant at Ad Victoriam Solutions. She resides in Salt Lake City, UT. Casey Couch celebrated her one-year anniversary as Territory Manager with Mohawk Industries, Inc. She resides in Winston Salem, NC. Kathryn Eady earned her Masters of Accountancy in 2020 from Kennesaw State University. She is part of the Financial Reporting & Assurance Staff with Bennett Thrasher, LLP.

Class of 2017 Kate Hester is studying journalism and entrepreneurship at the University of Georgia. She is involved with Grady Newsource, the campus broadcast news station. She plans to remain at UGA for two more years as a graduate assistant pursuing a masters in Journalism and media management.  “GWA impacted me in so many ways. It taught me how to be a good student, how to handle lots of extra curriculars as well as school work, and it helped me decide what type of person I wanted to be. My teachers at GWA were the best in the world and their guidance and support gave me the confidence I needed to succeed.” Reese Howard graduated from Georgia Tech with Highest Honor in

May receiving a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Operations and Supply Chain Management and a minor in Engineering and Business. She is a Strategy Analyst with Deloitte Consulting. Perry Rogers is an Audit Intern with Grant Thornton and received the Georgia Society of CPA’s Funders Scholarship Award. He is currently attending the University of Georgia. Taylor Wolf graduated from The University of Georgia with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences. Class of 2018 Izzy Ott is the president of the TEAM Program at Piedmont University, which is part of their Student Ambassador Program. She is a tour guide and works in the Undergraduate Admissions office. Delaney Shaw married on 05/29/2021 and celebrated the birth of daughter Amelia Claire Shaw on 02/12/20. He is currently majoring in Business Administration and Marketing at the University of North Georgia. Class of 2020 Melissa Gish broke the school record for wins by a freshman in tennis at Piedmont College with 15 freshman single wins. She was named captain of the team for 2021-22.

Savannah Smith is a Quality Engineer with Newell Brands. She and her fiancé just purchased their first home. She resides in Atlanta, GA. Morgan Tippens Stevens is a mortgage lender with Element Funding. She resides in Athens, GA. Class of 2014

Jennifer Partain and her fiancé Casey Adams were selected for a home renovation and featured on HGTV.

Sara Alderman coached softball at Young Harris College for two years as a graduate assistant while earning her Masters of Science in Fitness and Health Promotion. She

BULLDOG LEGACY

A Passion for Problem SOLVING: Ishaan Dave – CLASS OF 2012 Ishaan Dave is using his love of math and science to make the world a better place by solving problems. He is a 4th year Ph.D. student studying Biostatistics at the University of Georgia. With a research interest in modeling physiological systems, he hopes to accurately identify sources of variability in these systems and understand mechanics underlying kidney and heart functioning. If that is over your head, don’t worry, just take it from us, he is using statistics to examine and report on issues pertaining to health and science, for the betterment of us all. Ishaan’s appreciation for math was nurtured while he was a student at GWA. “I fondly remember my math teachers who inspired a passion for learning due to their enthusiasm for the subject,” he said. During his time at GWA, Ishaan was involved in multiple campus clubs and organizations from marching band, to being a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, Interact Club and Latin Club. Upon graduation from the Academy, Ishaan received a B.S. in Math from Emory and then a Masters of Public Health in Biostatistics also from Emory. “Early in my college career I thought I wanted to go to medical school,” he said when asked about how he chose his current educational path, “but as I took my math courses and found satisfaction in the courses, I realized I needed to focus on a career that would allow me to solve problems using math. I found an accelerated program where you could take an extra year and discovered that Biostatistics was perfect combination of math and science.

GWA ALUMNI

In addition to working on his Ph.D., Ishaan is a consultant for the Biostatistics Core at the Emory Children’s Center where he works on a variety of projects. “Physicians use the Core to ask for help analyzing data, setting up surveys, assist with writing papers or presentations,” said Ishaan. Ishan is also a member of Delta Omega, the Public Health Honor Society, and Vice President of UGA’s Graduate Scholars of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (GSEB), an organization within the college of public health that supports students within the department / college-wide through journal clubs,

service events, and social events. When Ishaan isn’t buried in his computer crunching numbers, he enjoys exploring new food options, traveling (pre-COVID), and remains active by playing Ultimate Frisbee, golf, and card and board games with friends. Looking to the future, Ishaan hopes to continue in a consultant role where he can apply his skills and experience assisting a company with data analysis and methodology needs. He also hopes to be able to share his love of math and science in a teaching role.

From GWA Gavel Club to the

COURTROOM: Bartlett Benton ‘09 It has always been the desire of the Academy to raise young men and women who will go forth and make a meaningful impact in the world. It is especially rewarding when alumni come back to their own community to make a difference. Such is the case with Bartlett Benton, who returned to Monroe in 2021 to open Benton and Benton, a personal injury law firm, with his father, the Honorable Eugene M. Benton. After receiving his J.D. from Georgia State, Bartlett practiced in Atlanta as a defense attorney representing insurance companies and corporations in personal injury lawsuits.  At Benton and Benton, he handles personal

injury and wrongful death cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse.  “GWA was a great experience for me,” Bartlett said, reflecting on his time as a student and how it helped him find success. “I attended GWA from K4-12th grade and many of my best friends today are classmates of mine from GWA. GWA’s AP classes and Gavel Club did a great job of preparing me for college, law school, and the practice of law.” While a student at GWA, Bartlett was involved in Gavel Club and played Varsity Basketball. After

graduation he played basketball at The College of Charleston from 2009-2013. When asked what advice he has for current students on how they can plan for their success, he said, “Spend less time on social media and focus on learning skills that translate to the real world such as effective writing and public speaking.  I highly recommend Gavel Club as a great organization to participate in.” Bartlett currently resides in Monroe, Georgia with his wife, Whitney, and their daughter, Amy Rae.

BULLDOG LEGACY

Eye for DESIGN: Kit King – CLASS OF 2015

Kit King is an up-and-coming interior designer. In 2020 she and her business partner, Dalton Parkman started King Parkman, an Atlanta based design practice serving clients that value investing in timeless pieces to curate authentic homes. Alongside their design services, they also design custom furniture pieces, as well as selling curated pieces.

“George Walton always encouraged students to be involved and I credit being able to time manage different tasks to how involved I was in school,” said Kit. “Being involved led me to form relationships with other students. If it was not for my friendship with Mary Pennington, I would not have visited Auburn University and attended school there.”

Kit attended George Walton for 13 years. While a student, she competed on the swim team, played soccer, and tennis. She was also on student council all four years of high school and served as executive senior class president. She received the Competent Toastmaster title in Gavel Club and participated in Interact Club, Latin Club, Anchor Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“My fondest memory of George Walton was when I went on the New York City trip during class trip week. Being able to go to museums and experience art in all forms in the capital of the design world was monumental for me. It really laid the foundation for further travel later in my life.”

GWA ALUMNI

Kit graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Consumer and Design Sciences in Interior Design with a minor in International Studies. It was there that she met Dalton Parkman and worked on multiple group projects together. They reconnected in late 2019 when they were placed on the same design team at Blackberry Farm Design. While working together at Blackberry Farm, they were reminded of their similar styles and work ethic. “We knew that we both had something special to offer the design world and put our heads together to create King Parkman. As King Parkman continues, our goal is to expand the idea of design throughout our brand.” Their curated pieces can be found at kingparkman.com or on Instagram @king_parkman.

Creating a Flexible LIFESTYLE: Kendra Ponte Helman – CLASS OF 2007 As the workplace evolves, alumni such as Kendra Helman are driving forces in a providing innovative services to businesses. Kendra is General Manager, Services Marketplace at Eden Workplace.

Eden is an all-on-one workplace management platform. They have two segments of their businessservices marketplace and their suite of software. Each segment helps their clients manage their workplace and ensure things run smoothly as the world moves towards a more hybrid workplace. “Our services marketplace allows our clients to select from vetted service providers in their area to complete facility-related projects like plumbing or electrical work or book fun team activities like happy hours or yoga,”

said Kendra. “Managing an office, co-working, co-living, school, etc. can be hectic and my team does all the heavy lifting so our clients can focus on other things. I oversee our accounts division and manage a

team of 13 account managers. Day to day I work closely with my team to make sure our services marketplace is running smoothly and clients are satisfied.” As the workplace continues to change, many professionals are finding the flexibility to work from any location. “It really is a dream come true to be able to work from anywhere! After 10 years in the events world and having to be physically present to do my job, it’s such a relief to have this flexibility. Luckily, my husband Blake can work

from anywhere too, so we’ve taken advantage and have spent time in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California over the last year.” While a student at GWA, Kendra was a member of the Anchor Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Fashion Club. Upon her graduation she attended the University of Georgia where she earned a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising. Prior to Eden, she was in the events and hospitality industry for about 10 years. “In 2013 I accepted a position with the Austin Convention Center. During my time there I was focused on planning large conventions of about 3,000-6,000 attendees in the education and tech fields. After the convention center, I joined a start-up called Galvanize and fell in love with the hustle and bustle of startup life. In 2015, I decided I needed a change and shifted into roles focused on account management, sales, and customer retention....which is how I ended up at Eden. And still love working in the startup world six years later!” When asked what advice she would offer students, Kendra said, “It’s okay to change and grow. Your college degree doesn’t determine the path of your life or career and you don’t have to stay at the same job or same field of work for your entire career. I loved working in the event world for a long time but felt I was ready for something new and did it. I’ve always followed my gut when it comes to all aspects of my life and have made decisions based on what I feel is best for me.” Kendra resides in Austin, TX.

BULLDOG LEGACY

Inspired to Pass on Her Love for

MUSIC:

Sable Thompson – CLASS OF 2012 The true success of a program can be determined by how it continues to influence students well after they have graduated from GWA. Such is the case with Sable Thompson and her longstanding relationship with the GWA band program and her love of music. Sable, who was a band student for five years at GWA, will be the band director at C.W. Davis Middle School in Flowery Branch, GA starting this fall. Prior to her new position, she was the band director at South Effingham Middle School in Guyton, GA. While a student at GWA, Sable had a full schedule. She was part of the Marching Bulldog Band from 2007-2011 and was drum major in 2010 and 2011. She also played in the Wind Ensemble. In addition to her music, she helped start the soccer program in 2008 and was

team captain in her senior year. She was a member of the swim team, Latin Club, Gavel Club, Beta Club and National Honor Society and participated in drama. After graduation from GWA, Sable attended Georgia Perimeter College, currently known as Georgia State University, on a full-ride soccer scholarship. After the season, she decided to pursue her dream of being in the Redcoat Marching Band at the University of Georgia. While there, she served on the leadership team for two years as the clarinet section leader from 2015-2016. As a UGA student, she studied clarinet and played with UGA’s top ensembles, including the Hugh Hodgson Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Cynthia Johnston Turner and the Wind Symphony under the direction of Dr. Jacelyn

www.gwa.com Now Enrolling Pre-K3 to 12th Call our Admissions office today 678-635-3810

GWA ALUMNI

Hartenberger, where she performed many concerts and recorded world premiere pieces. Additionally, she studied conducting and traveled abroad to Italy and Australia. She received her Bachelor of Music in education in 2018. When asked how GWA band impacted her success, she replied, “GWA, especially the band, was my second family. They encouraged, supported, and believed in me. They truly went above and beyond and instilled that through hard work and determination your dreams can come true. They were the foundation that set me up for success from an early age. During my time at GWA, I learned life lessons, such as time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking, that carry on with me even to this day.”

Go to www.gwa.com/alumni to find out more about staying connected!

Sable’s relationship with the band continued long after graduation. While in college she gave clarinet lessons on campus and even performed with GWA students at their concerts. She also worked at the marching band camp several times. Sable credits Christian Smith and Jason Sneath for playing a role in helping her decide to become a band director. “Not only did they make learning music fun, but they also taught and challenged me to be a better version of myself,” she said. “Through their guidance, I gained the confidence and leadership skills to take on the world. I left with inspiration to follow my dreams and took with me lessons that I hope I use to impact my students the same way my mentor teachers at GWA impacted me.”

Load your backpacks with GOAL tax credits! Did you know you could help strengthen our school by redirecting your state tax dollars to GWA?

Apply for your 100% tax credit today at

goalscholarship.org

or for more information, contact Jenni Cole at jcole@gwa.com BULLDOG LEGACY

What’s In a Name?

KAWONKA LANE If you see our new front entrance road sign the next time you are on campus, don’t be confused - it isn’t a spelling error – it isn’t even a real word!  Every year a patron at the Lucky Dawg Gala and Benefit Auction bids for the right to name the lane that runs across the front of the school.  This year’s street name is Kawonka Lane as bestowed upon us by the McFarland family.  What is Kawonka?  We asked the McFarland sisters to give us the background on it and they shared their story. Once upon a time, three sisters demanded bedtime stories from their father. He exhausted the usual fairy tales, stories of his youth in the hills of Alabama and even creepy campfire stories, but these girls

SUCCESS STORIES THANKING GWA SUPPORTERS START HERE

demanded more. So the father did what any good storyteller does - he made up his own. He weaved fanciful stories of a magical place accessible only to those that believed in it. Over the years, as the girls grew up, the town gained an elaborate playground, a “mayor” (Lane Carter), cottages for the residents and finally, a name: Kawonka. Eventually, Kawonka became a reality, and can be found at Shanglebranch, the McFarland’s home. Their grandchildren have grown up with the stories, three cottages and the playground of Kawonka, and more importantly the knowledge that whimsy, play and imagination are never outgrown. We think Kawonka is perfectly fitting for us at GWA. We are a very real place, but we hope that whimsy, play and imagination are woven into the school day. We thank the McFarlands for their sense of humor and their gracious support over the years.

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY ANNUAL REPORT • 2020 - 2021 Record of Contributions and Support Annual Loyalty Fund Donations............................................................$455,023 Go Beyond Campaign...............................................................................$916,949 Corporate Partnerships.............................................................................$278,528 Lucky Dawg Auction & Gala..................................................................... $61,672 Total Raised 2020 - 2021....................................................$1,712,172 Annual Loyalty Fund Parent Participation %............................................. 43%

The Annual Loyalty Fund plays a vital role in the life and mission of George Walton Academy. Money raised beyond tuition through this important program provides the solid financial support necessary to continue the exciting and innovative programs we want every GWA student to experience. Opportunities that are made available to our students through this fund are the heart of what makes a GWA education exceptional.

2020 - 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Gingerbread Christmas Sun., Dec. 5, 2021 • GWA Campus 4-6 p.m.

FAMILY FUN

GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST Show off your baking and decorating skills to win cash prizes!

Mini Christmas parade, photos with Santa, S’mores and hot chocolate, campfires and music, Christmas crafts, reindeer games, and concluding with a Christmas devotional.

Gala

GO TO

gwa.com FOR FULL DETAILS

S AV E T H E D AT E ! Saturday, February 26, 2022 TO B E N E F I T G WA

The Factory at Walton Mills • Monroe | Tickets go on sale in January

THANKING GWA SUPPORTERS

To Contribute to the 2021 - 2022 Annual Fund, use this QR code. These pages have been altered for online viewing to respect the privacy of our families.

January 27

2020 - 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

2020 - 2021 CORPORATE PARTNERS - CORNERSTONE - $25,000

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THANKING GWA SUPPORTERS

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2020 - 2021 CORPORATE PARTNERS - CORNERSTONE - $25,000

Gunner - 2nd Grade, Ethan - 4th Grade

- 8th Grade, ade, Hudson Mac - 11th Gr - 3rd Grade Alice

Charlie -

9th Grade , Avery - 11th Gra Taylor - 8 de, th Grade

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!

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2020 - 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

2020 - 2021 CORPORATE PARTNERS GWA PROUD - $8,000

Reagan (11th) and Cole (7th) Peppers

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YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! Contact us to find out how you can participate in our corporate partner program.

678-635-3812 or jbeach@gwa.com 74

THANKING GWA SUPPORTERS

2020 - 2021 CORPORATE PARTNERS - BULLDOG PARTNERS - $5,000

2020 - 2021 CORPORATE PARTNERS Red & Black Partners - $2,500 Analytical Forensic Associates Atkinson Ferguson, LLC Briscoe Air Crawford & Boyle, LLC Curb Appeal Professionals Stephen Felton, MD; Jana Allen Fuller, FNP-BC Gray Orthodontics The Graceful Manor Senior Care Home Keep Smiling Plumbing Martin’s Upholstery Meadows Funeral Home & Crematory Mike McKinney and Blue Ice Events Profit Resources, Inc. Rogers Concrete Construction, LLC - Robin Pledger Southern Traditions Landscaping Stripling’s General Store Your Pie Zaxby’s Monroe Silver Partners - $1,500 American Tree Care Andrews Termite and Pest Control, Inc. Ashley Hills Pet Center, Inc. Brand and Britt Insurance Agency Britt’s Home Furnishings Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Burman Printing Carmichael’s Fixin Two Motorcycle Repair Great Oaks Senior Living Jones Law Firm Liberty First Bank Little Caesars – Monroe LR Burger Stacy McCullers – Malcom & Malcom Realty McDonald’s – Kip Mercer, Owner McGriff Insurance Services MG Law – Michael Geoffroy Minicozzi Law New London School of Driving Park Place Nursing & Rehab Facility Premier Cleaning, Inc. The Prince Group Still Lumber Company Synovus Watercolors Custom Pools State Rep. Bruce Williamson Sherri Wilson / Real Estate Expert Advisors Paw Prints Partners - $750 Association Management Group Baccus Exterminators, Inc. Baker Group, LLC Chariot Medical Transport Services, LLC EF High School Exchange Year The Joint Chiropractic Monroe Downtown New American Funding - Brittany McLendon Panera Bread - Monroe Peach State Federal Credit Union Sweet Bitz Winged Foot Running & Walking

www.gwa.com

Hooray for GWA!

THANK YOU TO THE WALTON TRIBUNE READERS FOR VOTING GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW!

Accepting applications for PK3 – 12th grade. Call to schedule a private tour! 678-635-3800

Learn more about the outstanding academic offerings at gwa.com.

2020 - 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY One Bulldog Drive Monroe, GA 30655

JOIN U S ECTIVE FOR A FAMILY EVENT

PROSP

! PREVIE W DAY ay, Dec ember 2, 2021 OP Sunday EN HOUSE ,F Sunday ebruar y 6, 20 22 , March 27, 202 Individu 2 al tours schedu & stud led by a ppointm ent shadow d ays are ent thro ughout the yea r Thursd

US POSTAGE PAID MONROE, GA PERMIT NO. 9