2018 GWA Bulldog Magazine

FALL 2018

GW

MISSION STATEMENT

LEADERSHIP

George Walton Academy provides challenging instruction, engaging experiences, and global perspectives designed to inspire lives of intellectual curiosity, integrity, and purpose.

Daniel G. Dolan, Ph.D. Head of School Femke Côté Associate Head of School – Curriculum and Global Studies Jeanie Beach Associate Head of School – Advancement Jenni Cole Associate Head of School – Business Operations

EDITOR Rebecca Williams GRAPHIC DESIGN Liz Jones CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christina Russell Caroline Burnette Femke Côté Ilyssa Green Jeanie Beach Corrie Beth Noll Grace Martin Liz Jones Cari Bailey PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Christina Russell Liz Jones Brian Cole Steve Reagan Cady Studios Elena de la Rosa Ercell Daniels Jeanie Beach Scotty Williams Macy Williams GWA Yearbook Staff GWA Students, Teachers, Parents, Grandparents and Friends

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Mark Whitley Associate Head of School – Athletics Matt Reynolds Dean of Students Cari Bailey Director of Admissions Michael Clancy Director of College Counseling Lynn Robinson Director of Counseling Services Rebecca Williams Director of Strategic Communications Wrynn Carson Director of Student Life Elizabeth McDonel Director of Dawgs 360 2018 - 2019 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Wes Bond Scott Briscoe Michael Geoffroy ’94 Richard Hester ’84 Bob Hill Mike Malcom ’84 Darrell McWaters, Chairman Fei Rawl Roy Roberts ’86 Melissa Machen Shannahan ‘93 Phil Stone Lee Waldo Bruce Williamson Dr. Ray Wright Arthur Bowick, Emeritus

CONTENTS GWAchievers............................................................................. 4 Accomplishments of the Class of 2018

GWAdvantage........................................................................34 Setting students up for success

GWAwesome...........................................................................10 Award-winning musician makes her mark

GWArtist....................................................................................40 Fine Arts program grows by leaps and bounds

I.M.P.A.C.T. ..............................................................................12 Innovative, Modern, Progressive, Adaptive, Creative, and Transformational Spaces

GWAthlete................................................................................48 Stand-out swimmer trains at U.S. Olympic Center

Dawgs 360................................................................................16 Families supporting and enjoying GWA life GWAmbassadors...................................................................18 A warm welcome for new GWA families GWAttention...........................................................................20 An individualized approach to education GWAdventurer.......................................................................32 Global studies opportunities allow students to experience life without borders.

GWAbroad................................................................................54 An expedition of epiphanies GWA Annual Report............................................................57 Thanking GWA’s loyal supporters In Memoriam..........................................................................63 A tribute to two dedicated leaders GWAccomplished.................................................................64 Alumni make GWA proud

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 3

GW in Scholarships Awarded

Pre-Qualified for HOPE & Zell Miller Accepted to Four-Year Colleges

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CLASS OF 2018

$3 Million 78% 100%

SCHOOL AWARDS Hearn Medallion GRAYSON EADY Socratic Award GRAYSON EADY Bulldog Award SYDNEY JERMAN AND GRANT MCDONEL Vires Acquirit Eundo Award WALLIS LUCAS Beta Club Student of the Year MEGAN MCGOLDRICK National Honor Society Senior of the Year EVAN FENNELL

Valedictorian GRAYSON EADY Georgia Institute of Technology

Salutatorian KAITLYN RUTLEDGE University of Georgia

COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS Radford Scholarship EVAN FENNELL

McDonald’s Ray Kroc Award MEGAN MCGOLDRICK

Monroe Junior Service League Scholarship BAYLEE BOWERS

Atlanta Journal Cup Award CLAIRE ROWAN

GWA Cure Dog Scholarship KATE HUTTER

Eagle Scout BEN CARTER

Monroe Pilot Club Scholarship CASEY TRAMMELL Walton County Foundation / J.T. Byrd Scholarship SIMON SCORNIK Hudson Family Foundation Scholarship MORGAN ROBERTSON Dr. Lavinia Wood Memorial Scholarship RACHEL EADY Rita Kennedy Memorial Scholarship CALLIE HOUCK Mike Head Memorial Scholarship JEFFREY CRAVEN Daughters of American Revolution Good Citizenship Awards CLAIRE ROWAN AND GRANT MCDONEL Walton EMC $1,000 Scholarships BRENDEN HEYDE AND STEVI LEE MANNING Rotary Service Above Self Scholarship STEVI LEE MANNING Monroe Junior Woman’s Club STEVI LEE MANNING

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 5

ACADEMIC AWARDS & RECOGNITION Walton County STAR Student DANIELLE MURPHY Delta Kappa Gamma CLAIRE ROWAN National Merit Commended Students WALLIS LUCAS, DANIELLE MURPHY National AP Scholars GRAYSON EADY, WALLIS LUCAS STAR Student DANIELLE MURPHY University of Florida

Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.

AP Scholars with Distinction EVAN FENNELL, DANIELLE MURPHY, KAITLYN RUTLEDGE Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

AP Scholars with Honor MALLORY BATEMAN, BENJAMIN CARTER, JEFFREY CRAVEN, SUMMER HAAG, JACK LAMALYA, SIMON SCORNIK Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

EXTRACURRICULAR & ATHLETIC RECOGNITION

AP Scholars SARAH CATOE, RACHEL EADY, SUSANNA GRIMSLEY, BRENAN HOLSTON, SYDNEY JERMAN, STEVI LEE MANNING, AMY MARTIN, LIBBY LEE MCDANIEL, MEGAN MCGOLDRICK, HALEY RUSSELL

U.S. Army All-American Band SHELLY MILES

Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

Vincent J. Dooley Award BAYLEE BOWERS, GRANT MCDONEL All-Region Athletes TERRANCE TOUSSAINT (Football) TOREY ZANDERS (Football) BAYLEE BOWERS (Basketball) Qualified for State CHRIS FLESSAS (Swimming) Collegiate Athletic Signings TOREY ZANDERS - Kilgore Junior College (Football) MEGAN MCGUINN - Georgia Military College (Softball)  GRANT MCDONEL - Truett McConell (Baseball)

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COLLEGE DESTINATIONS

Mallory Bateman Austin Bell Macy Bell Baylee Bowers Audrey Bradley Davis Briscoe Jesse Brunson Kendra Bryant Ben Carter Sarah Catoe Tori Chapman Roger Coe Jackson Cornelius Jeffrey Craven Neal Dave Molly Downey Grayson Eady Rachel Eady Evan Fennell JT Ferebee Chris Flessas Lexi Gosman Mitchell Greene Susanna Grimsley Summer Haag Andrew Harlan Brenden Heyde Brenan Holston Callie Houck Kate Hutter Sydney Jerman Jack LaMalva Eli Lindsey Wallis Lucas Stevi Lee Manning Andrew Mappes Sara Marchman Kathryn Martin Aubrey Mathewson Gabe McCullers Libby Lee McDaniel Grant McDonel Megan McGoldrick Megan McGuinn Bo McWaters Elisabeth Meyerson Michelle Miles Ryan Moore Josh Murdock Danielle Murphy Izzy Ott Bailey Peeples Zach Ransom Jesse Reid Charlie Ritter Morgan Robertson Claire Rowan Haley Russell Kaitlyn Rutledge Simon Scornik Torrence Sellers Trey Senical Delaney Shaw Noah Shriver Shea Simpson Sy Sutton Terrens Toussaint Casey Trammell Haynes Waldo Lucy Walker Riley Watkins Noah White Jackie Wilson Torey Zanders

Georgia College and State University Georgia College and State University Georgia State University - Perimeter Georgia Southern University University of North Georgia Georgia College and State University University of Georgia University of North Georgia University of Georgia University of Georgia University of Georgia University of North Georgia University of Alabama Mercer University Georgia State University - Perimeter College of Charleston Georgia Institute of Technology University of North Carolina - Wilmington Berry College University of North Georgia University of Kentucky Laboratory Institute of Merchandising Southern Virginia University Reinhardt University University of Georgia University of North Georgia Georgia College and State University Hampton University Georgia College and State University Georgia College and State University University of Georgia University of Georgia Georgia Southern University Furman University University of Georgia University of Georgia Young Harris College University of Georgia Hunter College University of Alabama University of Georgia Truett McConnell University University of Georgia Georgia Military College Georgia State University University of West Georgia Southern Wesleyan University Georgia Southern University Georgia Gwinnett College University of Florida University of Alabama Georgia Southern University Georgia Southern University University of North Georgia Georgia College and State University East Georgia State College Berry College University of Georgia University of Georgia University of Georgia Morehouse College University of Georgia University of North Georgia University of North Georgia Georgia State University - Perimeter Georgia Southern University East George State College University of North Georgia University of Alabama University of Alabama Georgia College and State University University of Georgia University of Tennessee Kilgore College

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 7

• $3 million in scholarships, not including HOPE and Zell Miller.

• 78% prequalified for HOPE or Zell Miller.

• Two National Merit Scholarship commendations.

• Walton County’s STAR student.

• Two UGA Dooley Award recipients.

• Two collegiate athletic scholarship recipients: softball and football.

• One selected for the United States Army All-American band.

• One chosen for the Drum Corp International’s Madison Scouts.

• State Literary winners in Extemporaneous Speaking and Girls Solo.

• One recipient of The Dermatology Associates of Georgia Juried Art Show scholarship.

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PORTRAIT OF A GWA GRADUATE

When you begin an important journey, it’s crucial to set out with your destination in mind.

That’s why the faculty and staff at George Walton Academy – from K4 teachers to those who teach our senior AP classes – approach each day with a firm understanding of what we’d like to see in each Bulldog on graduation day.

George Walton Academy graduates are, above all, individuals with unique gifts, talents and curiosities. They are people of character who share a strong sense of ethical awareness, and they take action courageously in the pursuit of visible results. They engage in collaborative processes to address issues locally and beyond, striving to understand and appreciate perspectives that are culturally diverse, socially informed and globally responsible. As both leaders and valued team members, they contribute in ways that are impactful, relevant and guided by a high standard of personal accountability. They strive to make a positive difference.

GWA graduates are effective communicators, navigating a dynamic landscape of literacies and technologies, and adapt their abilities to meet the needs of many contexts and purposes. Recognizing that failure is a natural and essential part of the learning process, they persevere through setbacks and approach problems as creative and analytical thinkers. They celebrate challenges as an opportunity to grow. By remaining intellectually curious long after their formal education has ended, they continue to pursue a deep understanding of the world around them and their place in it.

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 9

GW SHELLY MILES

1

OF ONLY

125

high school musicians nationwide selected to march with the U.S. Army All-American Band.

An interview with Shelly Miles, GWA ’18, who earned the once-in-a-lifetime experience of playing in the U.S. Army All-American Band at the 2018 All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.

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In addition to Shelly Miles, five additional GWA students have been selected for the honor of performing with the U.S. Army All-American Band: Murphy Pulliam and Justin Cohen (2015), Gracie Conner and Chad Richards (2016) and Grace Pulliam (2017).

Let’s begin with this incredible honor of being chosen for the All-American Band? How did the selection process work?

The process of auditioning was rather lengthy as I was required to send in specific videos which displayed marching and playing exercises as well as a video introducing myself and my high school achievements and service. I also had to write a brief essay about my leadership and achievements. This process was thorough but completely necessary to be selected for such an honor. After being chosen, I had to send in recordings of each song memorized so the band director could make sure each of us was prepared.

“GWA prepares for success and because of the encouragement I have received there, I was able to shoot for a dream I never imagined possible.”

We’d love for you to share about the experience, including some of the most memorable moments.

We were treated like stars! Each member was flown out to San Antonio on New Year’s Day at the expense of the U.S. Army and other sponsors. We stayed in the Grand Hyatt the whole week and practiced several times a day for hours at a time in the Alamo Dome! Throughout the week, we had opportunities to meet and greet with soldiers and learn more about the Army.

Toward the end of the week, there was a special recognition banquet that all the band, football players, and families attended. I was actually one of four finalists for the top award given to a band member, the Calvin P. Titus award.

The next day, we performed at the half-time show for the Bowl Game and played the Star-Spangled Banner. We also were able to watch some of the game! That night we had a closing banquet with the All-American Band where more awards were given. I received the award for standing out in the mellophone section and displaying qualities of leadership.

Now that you’ve had time to reflect on this incredible experience, how would you sum up your feelings?

The whole U.S. Army All-American experience was my biggest accomplishment.

It was the most amazing thing I was blessed to be part of because I was able to represent and honor my country and those who give up their lives for our freedom!

Even though I did earn my spot in the AllAmerican Band, I cannot take full credit for this accomplishment because the leadership skills and lessons of responsibility I learned in the classroom and in the band at George Walton truly prepared me. Each aspect of the school, from classroom learning, to advice, to sports and other activities provide students with the atmosphere to learn time-management, preparation, and study skills. GWA also has a staff of people who constantly give thought-provoking advice about the future and ways to succeed in high school, college, and life overall.

GWA prepares for success and because of the encouragement I have received there, I was able to shoot for a dream I never imagined possible.

Shelly is attending Southern Wesleyan University in Central, S.C. where she is pursuing a degree in Exercise Science, with plans to earn a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She recently earned a spot on the Clemson Tiger Marching Band.

Clemson offers opportunities for students at Southern Wesleyan to participate in its band program.

Good luck, Shelly!

– Shelly Miles Class of 2018

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 11

Thanks to the generosity of George Walton Academy family and friends who contributed to the I.M.P.A.C.T. campaign, students are now enjoying

Innovative, Modern, Progressive, Adaptive, Creative and Transformative spaces.

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“The new lunchroom is amazing! It looks as if Chip and Joanna Gaines created the design. I love how clean everything is and I cannot wait for pizza Friday!!”

– Addie Grace Croker, Third Grader

“All of the new spaces look great and provide an updated look to the campus. It provides an enriched environment for us to socialize and learn in during the day and gives us a comfortable place to go during our breaks.”

– Taryn Shelnutt, Senior

“As an alumna of George Walton, it is amazing to watch the growth of the school happen right in front of me. All of the updates on campus provide a fresh prospective and a new attitude for both students and faculty alike.”

“I really like how nice the new carpet and front office look. It’s really comfortable and makes learning easier!”

– Kevin Clancy, Third Grader

– Sara Smith, Bible Teacher GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 13

“Invigorating, exciting, and rejuvenating! Three simple words describe how the new renovations on campus, have affected me. The front office, the unbelievable new lunchroom, kitchen, and the kindergarten building are truly one of a kind. The kindergarten building (my home away from home), is state of the art. New children’s desks, motion chairs, storage, bulletin boards, and mural are just a few of the wonderful things that make our building even more special. My sincere thanks to everyone that gave to these projects. These renovations will help us to inspire the next generation of Bulldogs!”

– Sherre Cown, K4 Teacher 14 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

If you would like to donate or pledge to the next phase of the I.M.P.A.C.T. campaign, please contact the Director of Advancement, Jeanie Beach, at 678-635-3812 or email jbeach@gwa.com.

From coordinating schedules and contractors to overseeing installations and every single detail, these projects would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of GWA parent, alumna and general contractor Heather Knapp. Thank you!

AND NOW…WHAT’S NEXT? As our efforts to renovate and enhance our academic spaces and common areas continue, we are also turning our attention to our athletic and arts facilities. We are exploring opportunities to significantly improve the band room. We are also discussing the following additions to the field house: · a girls’ locker room · a second story on the side closest to the rest of campus · cardio space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the football field and playground, · and a logo in the center of the floor to show our school pride!

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 15

Building upon a highly-successful debut year, Dawgs 360 is off to a

To help everyone re connect after a bus y summer, Dawgs 36 0 hosted grade-leve l social gatherings fo r parents to enjoy.

strong start for 2018-2019.

Dawgs 360 is your one-way ticket to involvement at GWA! It’s a 360 degree turn, a full circle of influence, that promotes and celebrates Bulldog school pride.

The organization was created to engage the entire school community and benefits the

For just a $100 membership fee*, families enjoy admission to all concerts, plays, performances, and athletic competitions, with the exception of playoffs. A family’s membership also includes all day field trips, class parties and a 10% discount on all regularpriced items in the Dawg Shop.* Please see information on the school website for complete details.

student experience at all grade levels. Dawgs 360 volunteers are the heart of our school and dues go directly to funding student life opportunities.

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To join Dawgs 360, volunteer, or request additional information, email Elizabeth McDonel, Director of Dawgs 360, at emcdonel@gwa.com.

It was a packed house for the inaugural Dawgs 360 Chili Cook-Off! Have you begun preparing your recipe for this year’s challenge?

Make plans to join us for Dawgs Unleashed 2018!

Golf Tournament Monday, October 15 Monroe Golf and Country Club Tennis Tournament Tuesday, October 16 Summit Chase Country Club 5K, Fun Run & Fall Festival Saturday, October 20 GWA Campus Go to GWA.com for details and signup forms.

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 17

GW New students and parents are paired up with a GWA family who is always there to answer questions, provide tips and welcome them to GWA life!

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GREETINGS FROM THE GWA ADMISSIONS OFFICE! As I reflect on the years I’ve worked with prospective families, I appreciate the personal connections that I’ve had the opportunity to make, not only with our newest Bulldogs, but with our amazing community of current parents and students. YOU are GWA’s biggest cheerleaders, YOU are our best marketing tool and we appreciate all that YOU do to share your enthusiasm and your stories with others.

In the past two years, we have kicked-off and enhanced our new family welcoming program. This effort not only helps welcome and acclimate our new families, but also assists in making that initial connection to our community more comfortable for all involved. This year, we have also added grade-level Parent Socials to offer another opportunity for new families as well as our seasoned Bulldog families to make connections, meet, greet and get “plugged-in.”

As we move into the new admissions season, (Yes, it’s already time for our office to begin working on NEXT school year!) we are preparing to introduce another opportunity for our current families to become more involved with the process. If you are interested in visiting with prospective families during an upcoming Preview GWA event, please contact me to become part of our admissions ambassador program! Prospective parents want to hear your story – to find out why you chose GWA, what your family loves about our school, and the programs your students are involved in; whether athletics, clubs, academics or the arts. We also hope you will recommend friends, neighbors, teammates and family members who have school-aged children who would be amazing GWA students.

We would be honored to personally invite these families to our events and we hope you will also invite and encourage them to attend. A list of prospective family events is listed on the back page of the Bulldog Magazine, but I am always happy to schedule a personal visit!

Feel free to reach out to me at any time. I appreciate all that YOU do to make GWA the special place that it is. There is no better time than now to be a GWA Bulldog!

Best,

Did You Know?

GWA Offers Bus Service For: Conyers, Covington, Oxford, Loganville, and Snellville.

Check out gwa.com for details.

CARI BAILEY Director of Admissions 678-635-3810

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 19

W G

Great minds

DON’T THINK ALIKE, so we approach each child individually.

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THE POWER OF PERSONAL ATTENTION

by Emily Duey Griggs, Fourth Grade Teacher Attended GWA K4 – 12th Grade When I was in lower school, I always felt very loved by all of my teachers.

Every single teacher created a relationship with me, one that enabled them to help me extend my learning a step further than just the basics. I was encouraged to research the things I was curious about, read for pleasure, (which I did a lot,) and if I wanted to, even help other kids. More than anything else, my teachers knew things about my life. They would ask questions about how I was and made sure I was doing okay.

My GWA experience inspired me to become a teacher. I saw how kind and thoughtful my teachers were and I wanted to be like them. I have always had a knack for helping people with things and teaching them. My teachers made a huge difference in my life.

For my students, I see myself making a huge effort to know them on a deeper level. I feel like I wouldn’t be able to teach them well unless I know them.

Meeting the kids at their level is also something I really value, because no two kids are the same. Teaching them in the same way wouldn’t work either. I also want to make sure I provide a classroom experience where all the kids are engaged, even if through different means. I want to cater my classroom (and specifically math instruction) to really keep their attention and give them a good foundation.

Individual attention makes a difference to students because they can then see themselves as an individual instead of a number in the classroom. One child might need something explained once, others might need to hear a lesson three different ways, and that’s okay. More than just helping each of them learn content, individual attention helps students socially and emotionally.

Knowing that their teacher accepts their differences is huge, and they will carry that with them. I know I did.

Emily in First Grade

“Meeting the kids at their level is also something I really value, because no two kids are the same.”

– Emily Duey Griggs, Fourth Grade Teacher

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES PERSONAL ATTENTION MAKE? “GWA has been a blessing for us. The teachers made such a difference for Caroline, and enrolling her at GWA is one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We went from our daughter falling between the cracks in the public system, and not getting the support and encouragement she needed, to teachers who totally turned it around for her right off the bat! Mrs. Scott, and all her other teachers & staff, are amazing. Caroline is back to excelling and building her selfconfidence!”

– Ashley Flo, GWA parent

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 21

SAVE THE DATE!

LUCKY DAWG GALA & BENEFIT AUCTION To Benefit GWA Saturday, February 23, 2019 Georgia Club • Statham Tickets go on sale in January

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

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r o f y a r o

Ho

!

A W G

THANK YOU

for voting George Walton Academy

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL

in Walton County!

CHARACTER COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 23

COL. AL SMITH Class of 1986 was awarded the prestigious United States

LEGION OF MERIT on behalf of the President.

GW 24 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

Since graduating from George Walton Academy in 1986, Colonel Al Smith has had a distinguished and honorable career in the U.S. Air Force. After serving 28 years, he recently retired with a list of impressive missions and accomplishments to his credit: • •

•

• • •

•

•

During his tenure, he delivered America’s most senior leaders to destinations worldwide.

He oversaw over 156,000 flight operations, 1,488 Airmen, 15 specially modified aircraft valued at $1.1B and the nation’s most visible military airfield valued at $3B. He successfully executed 47,000 nofail operational missions, as well as 320 presidential and vice-presidential missions.

He oversaw the successful re-opening of the American Embassy in Cuba.

He returned to freedom three detained Americans from North Korea and five detained Americans from Iran.

For his superior initiative and personal endeavor, Colonel Smith was awarded the United States Legion of Merit on behalf of the President of the United States.

As a Command Pilot, he logged more than 3,100 flight hours in a variety of aircraft and has flown numerous combat missions supporting war efforts in multiple combat theaters.

He concluded his service as the Commander, 89th Operations Group at Andrews Air Force Base, where he oversaw all flight and airfield operations at Andrews.

We had the opportunity to ask Col. Smith to reflect on his George Walton Academy experience and are honored to share his thoughts.

We began by asking him what he liked best about his time at GWA. The family atmosphere of GWA. It was truly a community which created an environment of both expectation and accountability. Parents, teachers, school administration, etc. took “ownership” of our growth and development. There were high expectations for academic and athletic achievement, personal behavior, and a continuum of success. Whenever we deviated from those standards, there was no shortage of adults in our life, in addition to our parents, prepared to remind us of the expectations.

Would you say that your teachers and overall experience at George Walton Academy helped shape your future and had an impact on the man you are today? If so, how?

No question. The prevailing attitude at GWA was that of success both today and in the future. Success was individually defined but predicated upon achieving the best results regardless of task. I wrote several Congressional testimonies for 4-star Generals over the years and Ms. Bell’s (GWA English) lessons were embedded. I flew combat missions in multiple theaters and took with me lessons from the “friendly fields of strife” that I learned under Coach Ronald Bradley and Coach Jack Harrison.

I used the GWA principles of expectation and accountability as I led soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines in the joint fight. And, I was privileged to have Mr. Ryland Chapman, the headmaster during my GWA days (and classmate MaryHelen Tucker Chapman) attend my Assumption of Command Ceremony at Andrews back in June 2015. Although it’s been over 30 years since I’ve been back to the campus, GWA has remained a key component of who I am today.

What advice would you have for today’s George Walton Academy students, to encourage them to make the most of their time here at the Academy?

Be patient, be prepared, be persistent.

Patient: Your time will come; the days are long but the years are short; you will remember these days for the rest of your life…don’t wish them away.

Prepared: Preparation is the only hedge you have against a world defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

Time is one of the few things in life you can’t get back. Make the most of the time you have by preparing for tomorrow.

Persistent: There are no elevators to success but rather steep and numerous steps.

Delayed does not mean denied—embrace the struggle and win the day.

Thank you Colonel Smith, for your advice, for being an outstanding representative for George Walton Academy and for your service to our country.

Senior Superlative Awards 1986 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 25

When teachers began planning George Walton Academy’s Vietnam War intensive, “I Did It For You,” they knew it was going to be something special. They had no way of envisioning the scope and scale of what it was to become. It was a massive undertaking and morphed from an interdisciplinary educational project that originally included only a few subjects into a community-wide undertaking.

The project affected the students, teachers and even our collaborators and speakers in ways that we didn’t predict. The veterans were thankful for the opportunity to share their stories with an audience that was ready to listen. Students, teachers, faculty and parents learned about the time period from many points of view. We learned that even though they might have fought in the same conflict, the geography, time period

and assignments led to completely different experiences for our veterans.

The project launched in January with a kickoff party where students and faculty dressed in clothing from the era, a live band played 60’s music, and in a nod to nostalgia, pizza was served with bottled Coca-Cola.

The party was interrupted by protestors and counter-protestors, and ended with news reports and a mock draft. The draft continued throughout the project and students were also able to voluntarily enlist.

They were given dog tags and some even had their cell phones taken away. Many were given MREs (meals ready-to-eat) for lunch.

Student reporters were selected to cover project happenings all over campus, as well as field trips to museums and memorials.

Students wrote letters to veterans, listened

to guest speakers and created art and poetry reflecting their understanding of the Vietnam War. They created a large timeline of the events leading up to and throughout the conflict. Students began the construction of a “living wall” featuring the names and branch of service of local veterans who returned home from Vietnam. Names will be added as we continue to collect them. Quilts of valor were also created and presented to two of our veterans in appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

Some students viewed the Ken Burns Vietnam War special, and our visiting speakers were able to present counterviewpoints of their own. It was a good illustration of the fact that there are multiple sides to every story.

Science teachers transformed the science building into a jungle to offer a full day of “Science of the 60’s.” Students studied battlefield medical advancements, including the use of the helicopter to increase injured soldiers’ survival rates. They also learned about weaponry of the era complete with napalm demonstrations, discussions on advancements in the U.S. space program which culminated in water bottle rocket launches, military tactics unique to this conflict, lessons on the heartbreaking effects of Agent Orange, and the surgical milestone of the first heart transplant.

Many of the students participated in meaningful field trips to the National Infantry Museum in Columbus and the Walk of Heroes Memorial in Conyers.

History was brought to life when a group of veterans landed on our football field in a Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter that was flown in Vietnam. There was also a military Jeep for the students to explore.

The Vietnam War Intensive concluded in March with a closing ceremony and exhibition. Veterans were given a commemorative book that included a collection of the work that was created throughout the intensive. The name “I DID IT FOR YOU,” came from conversations with a veteran about the reasons soldiers go to war. We appreciate all of our veterans for their service and sacrifice. We did this project for you and it taught us so much.

Thank you.

26 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 27

MIDDLE SCHOOL THIS YEAR?

IT’S The next time GWA middle school students roll up their sleeves and lend a helping hand in their community, they’ll not only learn the value of helping others, the experience will also bring a book lesson to life.

EPIC, or Extension Project Inspiring Children, is a project-based learning program that middle school teachers are excited to introduce in 2018. EPIC has been in the works for over a year, as middle school teachers collaborated on ways to extend learning beyond the classroom.

The implementation of the new school schedule allows time for students and teachers to work together on more hands-on, cross-curricular, project-based activities. These EPICs will move beyond traditional teaching methods and combine elements from all academic subjects with real-world applications. The goal of EPIC is for students to think beyond academics, expand their world and learn to be contributing global citizens.

Each EPIC will vary in content and extend through an entire semester. The first will be based on the short novel, “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park, which students were required to read over the summer. The novel combines fact and fiction to tell a story of a young boy in 1985 and a girl in 2008, living in Sudan. Students will work on projects that help them experience the book and develop empathy.

During the second semester, students will engage on and off campus taking part in community service. “GWA wants to be a part of making Monroe an even greater place,” said teacher Megan Sims. “We want to show the kids you can make an impact. Even in middle school, you can make a difference,” added teacher Lori White.

Teachers hope to instill in students a desire to be contributing members of society wherever they end up in life.

Ultimately, the EPIC program aims to inspire creativity, critical thinking, courage, change, curiosity, collaboration, and so much more!

28 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

BULLDO GS OUT AN D ABOUT !

To creative ly celebrat e the 100th school, kin day of dergarten students d as 100-yea ressed up r-old people .

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e res see, th

rable!

Students A lana and Te rence Thorp opportunit e had the y to serve as Georgia Assembly p General ages for Rep resentative and Senato r Martin.

Harrell

e e rid en th r-pulled , e w t Be cto oo e tra ing z on th , the pett nd a r y traile yground trawberr , la s the p g about hey grow t in learn and how hy K5 s w trip plant y to see their s d a e e y o nj it’s s. nts e Farm stude shington a to W

t t just the righ ed singers hi ces an m or GWA’s talent rf pe riety of notes at a va the year. throughout

As part of their study of fourth-gra de students Georgia history, visited the Capitol. Th State ey particip ated in a sc hunt wher avenger e state his tory questi them to im ons led portant par ts of the bu ilding.

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 29

To coincid e with thei r reading of torical acco the hisunt of a fam ily buildin home in 16 g their 37, third gr ade the William Harris Hom students visited estead in M and learned onroe how early Georgia se carved out ttlers a self-suffi cient lifest wilderness yle in the area of our state.

ll the ns to a tulatio at Congra letic teams th ir he th t a it A e W G and giv d d r a h n k wor atch a ver y m er for all at e big che he a d n A t . o e t m e it ga ho mad those w nd beyond! sa playoff

GWA d time-honored It’s a beloved an their customg tin en es pr rs tradition: senio ed hly-individualiz decorated and hig buddies. e ad gr stto their fir Christmas trees

S G O LD L U B D N A OUT T! U O B A 30 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

What a tr learnin ip! A group of g about studen ts th of Italy as they e history, art enjoyed and cult v Pisa, R is it e d Venice, ome, M ure ilan Ve rona an Florence, d much more.

During the lower school character as Bible teache sembly, r Sara Smith spoke abou component t the s needed to build a stro family- incl ng uding hone sty, love, pa encouragem tience, ent and resp ect with God foundation . as the

oo!

F

z the t a un

They are th eh teachers an eart of GWA! Each day d staff give our their all to students to enable our discover th eir potenti only reach al and not it, b imagined th ut go far beyond wh at they ey could ac hieve.

d ing goo e-slapp arm” e n k a the F It was own on nts time “D and K5 stude 4 K n whe ge. the sta took to

Bon Appeti t! It was a delicious hands-on learning ex perience as students practiced the French words for “egg,” “milk ,” “sugar” and “jam” w hile learning to cook crepes.

eir gave th seniors eech n e e t ix p S ls al nd fina tenth a vel Club annu er a G ung o y g at the in ice t, offer banque words of adv s r e s b ie r mem emo aring m George and sh at e im t on’t of their ies d ool . tivit h c Walton c a s GWA hen the oughout w r h p mps !T sto ends ay ca year mmer, d all ages u the s ered for s, from ff o est e ar nd inter y of ics, art a ore. t e i r t a m e v l h h a c and ics to at d so mu t n o a b s o r go and e, Le STEM g, scienc cin e, fen guag n a l n

g forei

From the Te chnology St udent Asso robotics an ciation to d engineeri ng classroo GWA studen m projects, ts have op portunities up their slee to roll ves and sh arpen thei thinking sk r criticalills throug h technolo gy.

wer of the po cover ugh is o d r s h r t work choole s m a le e t also d t a d Mid ises th ion an c t r a e r x o e b colla fun!) nt and e (and ageme creativ en time man th . streng tional skills a organiz

The annual AP art exhibit always amazes! The imagination, creativity and artistry of our students never fails to impress.

Now that’s dedication! No one can deny that cross country athletes are disciplined and determined. They put in the long hours, even on the hottest days, to train and prepare for the next meet.

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 31

ANNA HOWARD learns that Global Studies

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to a world of exploration & discovery.

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Academy’s mission is to prepare students to become contributing citizens in a global society, both while they are here and in their life beyond GWA,” said Femke. “Our Global Studies program allows students to travel and serve, enhance self-development and awareness, and extend their knowledge and interest in global issues.”

Anna Howard took a step out of her comfort zone and a plane to Johannesburg, South Africa as the first student at George Walton to take part in the Partner School Exchange with Dainfern College.

Dainfern College was selected because the school matches very well with George Walton in size, socio-economic demographics, and educational philosophy. Students in 11th and 12th grades were eligible to apply for the experience.

“We were told to write a one page later to the host family but mine ended up being three pages front and back,” Anna explained.

Femke Côté, Associate Head of School – Curriculum and Global Studies, helped facilitate the educational and cultural experience. Once Anna was chosen, Femke helped coordinate the booking and packing process, while also working alongside a contact at Danifern. “Part of George Walton

and the entire team at Dainfern College, were excellent hosts, and Anna made lasting friendships. She was involved in daily Dainfern life--attending classes and performing in extra-curricular activities. She even choreographed the dance for her entire “house” (similar to an American dorm). She looks forward to welcoming her friends from South Africa and Great Britain this summer.

She has been home since June, and she still speaks with her friends from Dainfern daily.”

On the weekends, the Roberts took Anna to several different locations to allow her to On April 29, Anna hugged experience all that South Africa has to offer. her family goodbye, Her adventures included a weekend in Cape boarded the plane for her Town at Table Mountain, a visit to a Lion 15-hour flight, and set off on her five-week Park, and a walk through an open air market adventure. She was hosted by the Roberts where she was able to taste traditional family, who have a daughter, Kirsty, who South African food. “It is different than just is Anna’s age. During the first few weeks at visiting a place,” said Anna, “You have the school, Anna followed opportunity to live Kirsty to school and like you are a part attended classes with of that community.” her. Once Anna While there, Anna “It is different than got to know other and Kirsty had close classmates, she had birthdays and were just visiting a the opportunity able to celebrate place.

You have the to change up her together. schedule, and attend opportunity to live classes that interested have always loved like you are a part of “I her more. to travel. I just did not think I would get that community.”

Anna’s mom, Julie this kind of chance. In Howard, is grateful college I would love – Anna Howard for her daughter’s to do it again. This Class of 2019 opportunity to kind of experience participate in global helps you realize how studies. “Anna’s mature and brave trip to Dainfern you are. It makes was beneficial in exposing her not only to you change up how you live back home. It another culture, but also to experiencing was the time of my life! I would definitely life on her own in a completely different recommend it. I still talk to some of the environment. Travel experience and friends I made every day.” independence will allow her to move forward in life knowing that the decisions that she makes are not only local, but can impact the world. Kirsty and her family,

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 33

THE SECRET’S OUT! Our teachers and programs go

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to give students the edge to succeed in college and life.

34 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

GWAdvantages include:

Three weeks of opportunities in January for upper school students to travel domestically and internationally, participate in internships, or take mini-courses of specialized study.

The Place for Academic Resources and Coaching offers support from skilled specialists and peer-to-peer tutors to accommodate the learning needs of all students.

GWA’s robotics and engineering programs spark creativity and innovation as students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Â

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 35

Additional GWAdvantages include:

Travel opportunities for 2019 include Spain, Belize, the Galapagos Islands and more!

With the Vietnam War nine-week study, GWA launched the first of the school’s “intensives” which provide opportunities for a range of disciplines to explore a common topic from multiple perspectives.

Students visited memorials and museums, engaged in hands-on learning activities, a Huey helicopter landed on campus, and numerous veterans spoke to our students and were honored at two receptions hosted by GWA.

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s p i r T

GWA believes in providing many rich and engaging “beyond the classroom” experiences for students to bring history, culture and lessons to life.

GWA HOW DOES GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY LEAD THE WAY IN EDUCATION? By offering options for customizing the student experience.

Flexible Schedules

Dawg Days Winter Term

Dual Enrollment

Study Halls and Flex Blocks

Independent Study

Summer Courses

Student-Designed Courses

Intra-ships

Global Studies

Adult Enrichment Classes, too!

Most schools teach students to fit in.

We want you to

STAND OUT.

When students are encouraged to explore, discover, and think outside of the box, they reach their full potential and extraordinary things begin to happen. They become active learners, self-directed, collaborative, enthusiastic and fully engaged in the educational experience.

CHARACTER • COMMUNITY • OPPORTUNITY

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 37

From the core subjects to a wide array of elective offerings, George Walton Academy’s approach to academics aims to equip each student with the tools for success. For the 2018-2019 school year, several courses have been added to the George Walton curriculum, offering a variety of courses allowing students to explore interests and improve skills.

GLOBAL HEALTH This science course presents the many career avenues in the healthcare system, while also looking at the healthcare systems in developing countries, with a particular focus on Belize. The Global Health class is in partnership with Duke University and John Hopkins University through Global Public Service Academies. At the end of the course, students will embark on a nine-day trip to Belize where they will be able to practice hands-on skills to screen at-risk populations for diabetes and malnutrition.

BROADCAST JOURNALISM Ideal for those interested in exploring careers in journalism, broadcasting or communications, this course teaches students to gather, evaluate and organize information during the reporting process, as well as how to properly format scripts.

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SPEECH AND DEBATE Students learn how to express ideas and defend them under direct challenge. Debate teaches resourcefulness, the ability to think on one’s feet, and that ideas must be backed by evidence.

DANCE A new addition to the GWA fine arts program for 2018-19, the dance program offers ballet, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary and hip hop.

PIANO During this elective class, students study varying styles of music, composers, and the history behind the music. They also explore music through playing individually and collaboratively.

INDEPENDENT STUDY OPPORTUNITIES Upper school students take part in hands-on learning experiences as academic peer tutors, student lab assistants, and student tech leaders. These elective courses allow students to explore interests or further develop skills and aptitudes they have already identified.

Additionally, these courses enable students to pursue an independent learning capstone consistent with course objectives and exceptions under the instructor.

Academic Peer Tutors are empowered to support other students who need additional help with their studies.

Through this elective course, the peer tutor assists with the academic goals of other students under the supervision of a teacher. Tutors offer assistance through small group learning sessions, as well as through individual lessons. This course teaches tutors how to develop higher order questioning techniques and initiate new methods of instruction for each situation. Students interested in academic peer tutoring are required to interview with the learning center coordinator. Under the supervision of the coordinator, student tutors

assist in all subject areas using class notes and materials and determine the concepts that need to be reviewed.

Tuition relief is offered to those students who qualify for this elective.

Student Lab Assistants work with an instructor to help prepare chemical solutions and set up lab stations.

The students learn about lab safety and more about solutions, solutes, and concentrations. This course is beneficial to those who strive to work in scientific fields such as medicine or research.

Student Tech Leaders assess problem sets from teachers and students throughout the day and address these problems via physical and virtual helpdesk environments. Students are required to maintain and complete several running projects that address problems in educational technology integration.

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 39

KAITLYN RUTLEDGE continues the GWA tradition of artistic excellence by capturing the

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award at the Walton County High School Arts Competition.

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capture her subject’s energy and personality. A talent that did not go unnoticed by her GWA teachers who appreciated Kaitlyn’s dedication to not only her art, but also to her studies, fellow students, school, and community.

GWA grads Kaitlyn Rutledge and Stevi Lee Manning are both attending the University of Georgia this year.

Just take one look at her day planner and there’s no doubt that Kaitlyn Rutledge believes in making the most of every day.

While at GWA she was involved with the cheerleading, swimming, track, and soccer teams. She held positions on the student council, including serving as freshman and junior representative and senior class president. She was also president of the Anchor Club. She devoted time to Beta Club, Gavel Club, and Junior Classical League. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She represented GWA, along with four of her classmates, at Youth Leadership Walton meetings and at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference. She also received the Rotary Club’s Student of the Year award for GWA and was named a semifinalist in the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program in Social Studies. That’s right, she also excelled academically. Oh and did we mention, she was also the Salutatorian for the Class of 2018?

“Kaitlyn is a unique individual in that she possesses artistic talent, academic talent, and the ability to lead and relate to her peers,” said visual arts teacher Steve Reagan.

“She leads through her actions, which include a strong work ethic, consistent positive attitude and willingness to take risks creatively.

I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to teach her and allow her to express her artistic talent.”

Kaitlyn’s love for art was reflected in her course selections: Art 1, Art 2, Honors Art 3, and AP Studio Art for two years. “I saw great improvement in my drawing, painting, printing, and pottery skills due to the fantastic instruction and practice through the GWA arts program,” said Kaitlyn.

And her hard work and dedication to honing her craft certainly paid off.

“Artistically, my proudest accomplishments at GWA include winning the Monroe Dermatologist Association Art Competition’s grand prize of $500 and

receiving Best in Show at the Monroe Art Guild’s annual county-wide high school art show.”

Kaitlyn is now pursuing a degree in business management at the University of Georgia and she credits her alma mater with paving the way. “GWA did a great job of first and foremost getting me into my dream college.

Through GWA, I acquired the testing skills, GPA, and extracurricular activities I needed to build an impressive resume that UGA found compelling. My teachers truly cared for each individual student academically and on a personal level. They taught me so much more about life than what is in the textbook and I am forever grateful for the knowledge, laughter, and light they provided me with throughout high school.”

“GWA did a great job of first and foremost getting me into my dream college.”

– Kaitlyn Rutledge Class of 2018

So how does a busy young lady like that slow down, catch her breath, and create masterpieces? We aren’t sure how she found the time, but we’re glad she did because the world is a more beautiful place thanks to her artistry. Her work is inspiring and insightful, particularly her portraits, which

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In a world where careers in design and arts, technology and videography, and digital marketing and communications are becoming increasingly relevant, most public schools have cut budgets in their fine arts departments. One of the things that sets George Walton Academy apart is the priority placed on the arts and that emphasis starts right at the beginning.

Starting in K4, classes in art and music lay the foundation for creative expression as students learn to create visual works and participate in musical performances.

Private and group piano lessons are offered to students starting in the first grade. In the fifth grade, students can choose between chorus and band as their musical abilities are further developed.

Middle school fine arts choices range from art to band, chorus, drama or dance. These formative years give middle schoolers the opportunity to explore new artistic endeavors and decide which talents they wish to develop.

Once students are in upper school, the fine arts choices are even greater.

Sculpture, photography, graphic design, AP art and photography courses, broadcast journalism and yearbook are added into the mix, making GWA arts one of the most varied departments in the school.

BAND For the past 15 years, the GWA band program has become known for setting a remarkably high standard of excellence. The band students are part of a big family with common goals of music and performance. They continually strive to become even better and their work produces impressive results. The most recent achievements include: •

•

The GWA Symphonic Winds received the top rating of Superior at the Dixie Classic Festival at the Grand N.A.I. in Chattanooga.

In a competition against 98 bands from across the

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• • •

southeast, the GWA Marching Bulldog Band placed in the top three in each competition, winning captions in high music awards, marching visual and general effect. In fact, throughout the competition, the band lost to only six of the 98 bands present (in sports, that’s like a 92-6 record!)

Drum major Lydia Akin was the top drum major at EVERY competitive event the band entered.

And GWA’s Shelly Miles was selected for the U.S. Army All-American Band.

Alumnus Curtis Reep recently received a Drum Corps International win!

Reep competed with the Santa Clara Vanguard this summer. They secured a score of 98.625 at the championship on August 11, winning the title of the 2018 world champions. Alumni Jason Dokes (’17), Justin Cohen (’15) and Murphy Pullium (’15) all placed in the top five with their respective corps.

According to band director Christian Smith, “In band, everyone has a part to play and no one ‘sits the bench.’ This gives every student the opportunity to participate and provides each one the responsibility that what they do or don’t do affects the whole group. They can’t just sit out. They have to get involved.”

To become a band leader, members go through very involved student leadership interviews, teacher recommendations and questionnaires to make sure they are prepared to handle a leadership role. They undergo leadership training and team building exercises.

Benefits of participating in band include learning to multitask, think both critically and creatively, and problem solve. These skills will benefit young people in college and future careers. Once they head off to college, 90% of graduates who were in the GWA band, continue to participate in their college band programs, many of them receiving scholarship money to do so.

Mr. Smith added, “I have a passion for making music and a passion for helping kids become adults. I want them to leave here not just knowing how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb, but with real life skills and knowledge that they can use in the future.

I also love having alums visit and tell me about their successes.”

VISUAL ARTS The last few years have been exciting ones for the visual arts department: • •

• • •

First place wins in the Dermatology Associates of Georgia art show the last two years.

Best in show wins for the Walton County High School Art show three times for a total of $45,000 in scholarships to SCAD and an additional $7,000 for second place.

Over the last two years, GWA AP Art students have earned 12 scores of 5, four scores of 4 and one score of 3.

Additionally, the art department played a key role in the Vietnam Intensive last year through photography, illustration, graphic design, and sculpture. The art department also had a leading part in the installation for the weeklong countywide exhibit and will be taking the lead in this year’s intensive.

Fine arts department head, Brian Cole, who is finishing up his master’s degree in photography this fall through SCAD, said “It has always been exciting to watch students discover and learn photography, but I am really pleased to be able to offer graphic design as an elective. Graphic design is such a relevant skill to be able to use. I’d like for every student who takes this course to be able to become certified in Adobe Creative Suite.”

Additionally, the art department will continue to improve its visibility throughout the school by providing artwork for the walls of GWA. According to visual arts instructor Steve Reagan. “Most recently, students created a mural and bulletin board framing in the kindergarten hallways. A sculpture garden will debut in the near future and an open sculpture studio time one afternoon a week is being considered to enable more intense study. And there’s hope for a fine arts facility for the school in the near future.”

For middle school, a new schedule has created more opportunities for students to take art. “Instead of just three periods of middle school art, we now have five periods during the school day,” said MS art teacher Megan Sims. This flexibility in scheduling allows for more students to choose art as an elective.

The purpose of the middle school visual arts curriculum is to promote creative problem solving, encourage students to

GWA’s sculpture program is also growing.

“In sculpture, the students actually use power tools to create original works of art,” says Cole. “It is a creative way to learn to work in atypical mediums beyond two-dimensional art.”

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think independently, and to instill in them an appreciation for the arts. Students are encouraged to engage in new activities, and to conceptualize and expand upon their own original ideas. “Not only can art help children connect their feelings of self to the community and the world around them, it can also help differentiate them and provide a sense of individuality,” said Ms. Sims. “Students have opportunities to draw, paint and sculpt using a variety of mediums while also learning about artists and art throughout history and from across the globe. “ And GWA’s new lower school art teacher, Chelsea Carver has hit the ground running.

For the first time, lower school art is offered twice a week for grades first through fifth. This allows students to dive deeper in to concepts which will strengthen their abilities for middle school art should they choose to continue art electives.

“I hope that through art class, students will get a boost in confidence as they achieve more than they thought they could,” said Ms. Carver. “Art helps to exercise the other side of the brain and provides a wellrounded educational experience. It also

44 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

has a lot to do with the world and can be used alongside other disciplines to reinforce and add to a child’s educational experience.

She expressed excitement that the fine arts teachers and the teachers all over the school are “masters at their crafts.” She appreciates that these are people with amazing talent and is excited that they want to pass on their knowledge to the kids in their classes.

MUSIC In her 19th year at GWA, music teacher Debbie Dyer finds new ways to open the world of music to her students. She is currently using skills she learned during a course she recently attended that emphasized the importance of teaching children about music before they reach the age of seven. Students sing and create their own music in a special area of her classroom: Arioso land. She uses puppets and stories to allow them to come up with their own tunes.

“The children start with hummingbird puppets where they are just humming different tunes,” she explained. “Other puppets like ghosts and whales allow them to make noises and create music without even

realizing what they are doing. This is a way to encourage children that have no interest in doing a solo to actually perform.”

Her theme this year is “passport to music” where she will introduce songs from 11 different countries as a way to globalize music for her students. Her passport to music partner is Mrs. Kisti Digman, a teacher at a Wellspring School in the country of Rasal-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Through this partnership, she hopes to share the common language of music.

Mrs. Dyer has a 30 year plan so that all of her students will grow up and bring music into their children’s lives. She has a student now whose mother she taught when she was younger. She feels that “history binds us together and I hope that the lessons learned through music will span generations.” She loves helping her students achieve that “lightbulb moment” when they are able to break through and understand more about music.

CHORUS GWA choirs will be branching beyond campus to experience new and exciting choral adventures in 2018-2019. Chorus programs director Aimee Bruce said, “Among trips to the Fabulous Fox Theatre, the choirs will be heading to my alma mater, Berry College, for the annual Choir Festivals. After a day of rehearsals with the amazing vocal coaches of Berry College, our choirs will end the day with their own performance!”

GWA choirs will collaborate with both drama and dance for the Musical and Dessert Theatre this year. In March, fifth12th grade chorus, middle and upper school

drama, as well as middle and upper school dance will present High School Musical.

Audiences will be treated to wonderful performances as the choirs sing at many time-honored GWA traditional events. “Our annual Dessert Theatre will be presented in the school’s wonderful, new cafeteria,” added Bruce, “and all choirs will present the Halloween Bash Choir Concert as well as a Christmas Concert this year.” Finally, the upper school choir will perform at the Music in the Parks Competition where they received all “Excellent” ratings last year.

UPPER SCHOOL DRAMA With the addition of Kayla Marsh to the talented arts faculty, GWA’s drama program is growing and evolving into a more comprehensive theater arts department which will encompass acting, makeup and costume design, stagecraft and set design.

“I’ll be teaming up with our chorus and dance teachers to produce a fifth – 12th grade musical in the spring that will include theater arts, dance and chorus,” explained Ms. Marsh. “We hope the older students will enjoy mentoring the younger students and that the project will spark interest for other students to try out performing arts disciplines.”

She went on to explain that drama benefits students by teaching confidence, presentation skills, teamwork, empathy and understanding, adding that “being able to walk in someone else’s shoes is an essential tool that helps people become better at relationships in general.”

BROADCAST JOURNALISM The broadcast journalism program has now been designed as a class, which will enable students to present the news in a more cohesive way. Students are responsible for gathering data, developing a professional broadcast format, and learning skills such as video editing, livestream media, and video lighting. This is a student-led class that is responsible for creating their own online portfolios and Instagram account to showcase their work.

DANCE The new dance program at GWA is in full swing! The dancers are busy exploring the elements of ballet, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary and hip hop techniques as well as learning choreography for their Winter Dance Showcase on November 30.

New dance program director Genie Wiggins shared: “In addition to performing dance pieces from various genres, the dancers will show off their character dance skills with a zombie inspired ‘ballet,’ Danse Macabre (working title). The ballet will explore Halloween AND Christmas themes, resulting in a “Nightmare Before Christmas” type of dance narrative. You don’t want to miss it!”

YEARBOOK Art teacher Brian Cole produced 18 yearbooks in his time as yearbook adviser at GWA, bringing home countless national awards in journalism and yearbook design.

Liz Jones joined the fine arts department this year to take on the adviser role. With a graphic design background, she continues the tradition of making visually strong yearbooks. “Photography and design have long been the strongest aspects of GWA yearbooks,” said Mrs. Jones. “This year, I want to dive even deeper into creating a book that focuses on the stories that are happening all around us and trying to cover every single student.”

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PIANO Back by Popular Demand and Bigger Than Ever “The gift of playing the piano goes well beyond the music,” believes GWA teacher Corrie Beth Noll. “Students who take piano lessons, learn important life skills such as time management, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving.”

When Corrie Beth Noll came to George Walton in 2014, she was overwhelmed by the response to piano lessons. She began with 40 private lessons, with an ongoing wait list. In an effort to reach more students, she proposed group piano classes as an alternative to private lessons.

During her time as a graduate assistant at UGA, she taught group piano classes and believed this would be a great fit for GWA. Now, what began with 40 students has grown to 80. Students in first through fifth grades are able to take group piano classes, while students sixth grade and above are offered private lessons. “We are excited about a new opportunity for upper school students this year,” said Noll. “For the first time ever, a piano class is being offered to them as a fine arts elective.”

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While group piano classes may seem a little unorthodox to some, they are actually very beneficial to students. During classes, students study varying styles of music, composers, and the history behind the music itself. They also explore music through playing individually and collaboratively.

Weekly, pianists in Noll’s classes perform for one another and learn how to be attentive audience members. At the end of each semester, all piano students in the GWA Piano Studio are invited to perform in front of family and friends in seasonal recitals held in the auditorium on campus.

“Our piano classes provide students of all ability levels the opportunity to learn, play, and explore their potential as pianists and musicians,” explained Noll. “Students who play the piano are shown to have higher test scores and perform better in the classroom. Playing the piano is also beneficial beyond the classroom. It is proven that playing piano contributes to a reduction in stress, it stimulates brain development, and it even promotes positive hormone production. George Walton is the only school in our area to offer this type of opportunity to its students. I am blessed to be a part of such an important and valuable program.”

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.

Open Monday – Friday 7:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cash, check and cards accepted.

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 47

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CHARLIE STOUT is making a splash and dreaming of

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At just 14 years old, Charlie’s talent and determination took him all the way to U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Based on age and national rankings, Charlie was selected to train at the facility in the summer of 2018.

“Charlie is an outstanding athlete full of God-given athletic ability. He gives 100% each time he enters the water, whether it is practice or competition,” said Sheryl Mitchell, George Walton’s swim coach.

The U.S. Olympic Training Center is home to Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American athletes in all sports from boxing to cycling and skating to gymnastics.

Charlie left for Colorado in early May to train for eight days. Each day, he had two, two-hour practices in the water and an additional hour of weight training. During conditioning, the athletes completed many different exercises, including ropes and sprints at an incline. “The practices were hard, especially at the beginning, being at such a high altitude,” said Charlie.

While in Colorado, Charlie was able to meet fellow swimmers as well as other athletes at the training center. The talented swimmer connected with people from Georgia, Florida, Washington and California. “My favorite part about swimming is the friendships you make.

I get to meet so many people from all around the country, but the ones on my team are the ones that I am really close to.

We’re together for sometimes up to five hours a day, so you grow close to those people,” said Charlie.

At age six, Charlie’s parents enrolled him in summer league swimming, in hopes that he would be safer around the water. That summer, Charlie qualified for the Gwinnett County Championship meet in 25-yard freestyle. He finished 11th out of 50 swimmers.

After his success, Charlie begged his parents to keep swimming throughout the year.

When he was eight, Charlie joined Swim Atlanta and at age 12, he broke the Gwinnett County record in 100 freestyle and 50 breast stroke.

These records still stand.

Charlie Stout receives an academic award from Dr. Dolan at awards night.

Charlie has been a Bulldog since kindergarten. In sixth grade, he finally had the chance to share his passion of swimming with GWA when he was able to join the middle school swim team. “We started Charlie at GWA because of the reputation of the school. We wanted a challenging and supportive atmosphere for our kids and that is exactly what we have received,” said Mandy Stout, Charlie’s mother.

Charlie and his younger brother, Jake, had the opportunity to swim together on GWA’s middle school team in 2018. This year will be Charlie’s first year competing on GWA’s varsity team. “Charlie has always loved swimming for his school and Coach Mitchell has always been so supportive,” said Mandy.

Charlie’s swim schedule keeps the Stout family very busy. During the school year, Charlie practices for almost three hours every afternoon and for two hours on Saturday mornings. Since Swim Atlanta is based out of Lawrenceville, the Stout family spends around two hours in the car everyday just going to practice.

“Swimming has taught me a lot about time management.

During the school year I don’t have a lot of downtime between school, homework, and practice. I have to plan ahead and make sure I can get everything done. Grades always come first with my parents,” Charlie stated.

Coach Mitchell shared that Charlie not only works hard in the pool, but also in the classroom. Despite his intense training schedule, Charlie has kept a straight-A average. “He is good at managing his time and uses the time he has in the car to study and get as much of his homework done as possible,” said Mandy Stout.

“It has been a pleasure to watch Charlie grow as an individual and a leader in the world of competitive swimming. We will see Charlie accomplish many of his hopes and dreams because he sets goals and he has a wonderful family helping him along the way,” said Mitchell.

Charlie’s next goal is to make the Junior National team. With his hard work and perseverance, we look forward to seeing what Charlie can accomplish.

“Charlie is an outstanding athlete full of God-given athletic ability. He gives 100% each time he enters the water, whether it is practice or competition.”

– Sheryl Mitchell, George Walton’s swim coach

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NEW FOR 2018-2019 MEN’S LACROSSE AND COMPETITION CHEERLEADING! 50 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

GWA ATHLETICS We are very proud of last year’s accomplishments in the athletic department at George Walton Academy. The dedicated hard work of our players and coaches was at an all-time high, as was the support of our fans who cheer our teams on to victory. We have much to celebrate! There are too many achievements to highlight individually, but just to mention a few: Our Lady Bulldog softball team made it to the GHSA Elite 8.

The middle school girls’ softball and tennis teams went undefeated with 12-0 records.

Three teams qualified for the GHSA state tournament: football, baseball and girls basketball.

GWA players qualified for GHSA tournaments in swimming, track, and golf.

GWA majorettes were the National Baton Twirling Association champions and members of the squad are ranked nationally.

The GWA middle school equestrian team won the 2018 IEA Zone Four Region Championship.

Three GWA wrestlers qualified for the GHSA State Tournament and had impressive finishes.

Although remarkable, we know these accomplishments are not our only source of pride.

We admire our players and our coaches for the leadership they display off the field and in our community. Along with athletic accomplishments, many GWA student athletes are actively involved in community service projects and regularly volunteer at local organizations.

With all of these achievements on display, we have more to cheer about and recognize for the 2018-19 school year! We have added competition cheerleading and men’s lacrosse. It’s easy to see why there is a new level of excitement on campus and around town. Please know that our players, coaches and administration appreciate your dedication and support of George Walton Academy.

Go Bulldogs!

Mark Whitley Associate Head of School – Athletics

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GWA IS A MEMBER OF THE GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.

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GW

FEMKE CÔTÉ

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travels across the globe to bring lessons in

EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION back home to benefit GWA students.

AN EXPEDITION OF EPIPHANIES

by Femke Côté, Associate Head of School – Curriculum and Global Studies I was fortunate to able to travel to Indonesia last summer alongside educators from around the nation to take part in a skills-based training in international experiential education. We spent two weeks engaging with a variety of incredible diverse Indonesian communities, traveling through different parts of the archipelago, learning from locals and from each other.

We took part in training modules where we covered topics including risk management, course and curriculum design, and crosscultural facilitation. We spent time having conversations about comparative religion, cultural and environmental conservation, gender and development, and ethnic minority and difference. I left as an improved professional, a more aware global studies director, and an enriched person.

There are three ways that I believe this relates back to our students and our global studies program as a whole: questioning, curiosity, and wonder. Travel initiates each of these things. It awakens a desire that we often don’t even realize we have until we arrive in an unfamiliar place and begin to feel a beckoning towards the unknown. It’s the elation we feel when we communicate for the first time with a local in her own language and are actually understood. It’s the realization that our host family has started to feel like just family, and leaving them brings up deep feelings of gratitude for the time you had together, but also a

deep sadness for having to leave the ones with whom we have grown so close. I firmly believe that students need these realizations to grow into better developed young people.

Without questions, one would be arrogant and selfish. Without curiosity, one would be passive and inactive. Without wonder, there would be no inspiration and imagination.

To ensure the Academy has the proper risk management conversations to ensure safe and successful journeys.

I also recognized that not every child will have the chance to travel, but each also deserves chances to experience these same epiphanies. On this front, my time on campus throughout the year gains a whole new level of significance as I work alongside teachers to bring global studies into every This past summer, I was afforded the classroom to make sure we are living out chance to have these our mission statement qualities rekindled to provide challenging in me; to experience instruction, engaging this trip as a student experiences, and “I also recognized and be reminded global perspectives why my work in designed to inspire that not every child global studies is so lives of intellectual will have the chance important: curiosity, integrity, and purpose. While to travel, but each To create international travel also deserves chances might speed up partnerships with companies that this process, any to experience these understand our movement out of same epiphanies.” desire to connect one’s comfort zone is, authentically and in essence, a journey – Femke Côté responsibly with toward something people and places unknown, and of difference so hopefully some kind that we can be of discovery. Let your sure that students are being stretched and curiosity guide you. Keep moving forward. challenged to become better versions of Take a step. Better yet, take a leap. Go themselves. adventure. After all, adventures are the best way to learn.

To make sure that trip leaders and chaperones understand the incredibly The more that I travel, the more I realize delicate process that students go through how incredibly interconnected the entire on these trips and to be appropriately world is – there is more that unites us trained and equipped to be good guides than divides us. The familiarity in the throughout the process. world around me, regardless of location, is always fascinating to me. I know that if I

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am in a city, no matter the country, there is a 98% chance that McDonalds has set up shop somewhere close by. If I am in a more remote village, and I begin to play Daddy Yankee’s song “Despacito”, kids will come out of nowhere and begin to dance, even though the only word in the entire song that they know is “despacito”.

When I sit with a woman and begin to ask her about her dreams for her child, she begins to beam and describe all the things that she hopes to provide for her children, and what she hopes they will achieve with what they are given. Humans are human, no matter where you go, and regardless of location, the ways we interact with each

SAM HAMMOND Sam Hammond, GWA ’09, is serving as a member of the Peace Corps in Ukraine, helping stabilize and decentralize their government at a local level. After earning his MBA in International Business at Kennesaw State University and joining the Corps, Hammond saw a need in Ukraine to help localize their government. After reaching out to State Representative Bruce Williamson, who also serves on the GWA Board of Trustees, Hammond was connected with UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute. In partnership with the Institute, he is now playing an active role in bettering Ukraine’s government. With the overall goal being to help improve Ukrainian citizens’ quality of life, Hammond is helping implement a standardized training program for local government officials to create a more efficient system at a county level.

When asked about his time in a new country, Hammond said, “The experience has been an incredible one. I’ve always strongly believed that working in a foreign country for a period of time is a great opportunity to develop unique views on everything from business practices to world politics, and this experience has been no exception to that. It’s amazing to see the rapid growth in Ukraine as they shape their country into what they hope it will become in the future.”

Hammond said that his love for international travel actually began during his time at GWA when he was able to go abroad for the first

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other and our environment are surprisingly similar. We all apparently like skinny fries with a hamburger; the strong beat of a latino hit urges all of us to break out in dance; and mothers all want the same things for their children: to be happy and healthy in whatever they do.

time to Ireland on a class trip, adding, “GWA provided me with a strong foundation that I was able to build upon through future work at university and the workplace.”

KELLEY DELCHAMPS In preparation for beginning her social work graduate program, Kelley Delchamps, GWA ’13, served as a social work intern in the village of Oyuma in Kenya with the organization Living Hope.

After spending a few weeks last summer volunteering with the children there, she knew that she wanted to go for a longer time.

When asked what the purpose of her trip was, Delchamps listed several jobs including mentoring children, helping abandoned children find sanctuary at the home, securing sponsorship for kids and much more. However, she did say that there is a more long term goal to the mission: “My vision for ministry as a whole, especially in rural Kenya, is to no longer be needed. I want to invest in the community so I can train them and encourage them to invest in the children, so that one day they aren’t dependent on western help. So the vision is to no longer be needed.”

GWA is proud to have alumni who recognize global needs and help the world in ways that are sustainable and long-term minded.

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY ANNUAL REPORT • 2017-2018 Record of Contributions and Support

Annual Loyalty Fund Donations.......................................... $412,056.00

I.M.P.A.C.T. Campaign....................................................... $206,443.00

Corporate Partnerships......................................................... $236,533.00

Dawgs Unleashed Event......................................................... $13,060.00

Lucky Dawg Auction & Gala................................................. $95,655.00

Steven Whitley Memorial Scholarship Fund........................... $86,786.00

Total Raised 2017-2018…………..$1,050,533.00

The Annual Report includes all gifts and pledge payments to the Annual Loyalty Fund received by George Walton Academy between July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. Every attempt was made to ensure accuracy in this publication. However errors do occur and we wish to apologize for any inconvenience they may cause. Please contact the Advancement Office at 678-635-3812 with any corrections.

ANNUAL LOYALTY FUND 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.

BENEFACTOR’S CIRCLE (Gifts of $10,000 and up)

SUSTAINER’S COUNCIL (Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999)

Anonymous (2) Chris & Mindy Barber Scott & Christie Briscoe Dan & Erin Dolan Steve & Cassie Felton Brad & Anne Jacoby Harold & Faye Machen Reggie & Linda McFarland Jay & Fei Rawl Melissa Machen Shannahan (’93) Lee & Kelly Waldo

George & Brenda Baker Brian & Jessica Blackburn Wes & Mandy Bond Bill & Sandy Bryson Becky Harris John (’87) & Amy Eccher (’85) Hearn Adam & Stephanie Henderson Richard (’84) and Laurie Hester Rick Howard & Angela Hutchins-Howard Kelly McFarland Jesel (’96) Mike (’84) & Meredith Malcom Marc & Liliana McMain Derek & Mary Ann Parker Hugo & Staci Scornik Brad Smith & Jae Harrison

FOUNDER’S COUNCIL (Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999) Aubrey & Marianne Akin Wayne & Ashley Briscoe Charles M. Walker Foundation Herbert and Marian Haley Foundation Mark & Lisa Hanson Austin & Liz Jones Trey & Jennifer Long Kenneth & Jean Murray Scott & Karen Schorr Cham (’91) & Kelly Stone Stefan & Nicole Sydnor

TRUSTEES’ COUNCIL (Gifts of $1,000 to $2,499) Anonymous Vicki Adams Marvin & Pam Akin Kirby & Marty Atkinson Barry & Jeanie Sorrells (’83) Beach Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Bowick Mr. & Mrs. Harry Brown Dan & Kerry Chapman

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Mark & Jenni Cole Joe & Kelly Cowan Daniel & Debbie Digby Mark & Claudia Engelbracht Mr. & Mrs. William Fortson Michael (’94) & Tara McFarland (’95) Geoffroy Joe & Ginny Gregg David Harcourt Mark & Brittany Hayes Wanda Hickman Douglas Hicks & Catherine Bagwell Bob & Marsha Houck Rob (’86) and Barbara Howard Nick & Heather McFarland (’99) Knapp Tony & Fran Lucas Rick & Vickie Mathis Richard & Karen Maxson Darrell McWaters Kip & June Mercer Brian & Roxanne Misterka Jane Morris Michael & Dessa Morris Helen S. Muse New London School of Driving Bart & Vicky Peppers Doug & Stephanie Pulliam Lisa Pulliam Nathan & Mary Purvis Dwayne & Rebecca Ratliff Thomas & Cathy Reardon John H. & Levon W. Redding Roy Roberts (’86) Chuck & Carolyn Tillman (’81) Steele Wally & Jo Taylor Phil & Ivy Stone Frank & Mary Lillian Thomason John & Susan Thomason Frank & Loy Stone (’93) Turner Robert & Lori White Brad & Paige Williams Don & Angela Williams Bruce & Vickie Hearn (’80) Williamson Ray & Diane Wright

HEADMASTER’S CLUB (Gifts of $500 to $999) Mark & Shannon Allen David Boyle & Jennifer Taylor Jay & Karen Brown Michael & Kristen Brucker Edward L. Cowan, Jr. Todd & Courtney Croker Clay (’87) & Melinda Murray (’87) Dally Ben (’82) & Ann Doster Gene & Lynda Felton Lee & Lisa Garrett Kyle & Amy Gelsthorpe George Walton Youth Basketball Eric & Heather Gravitt Alan & Angel Grimsley

Matt & Kim Bowden (’86) Gunnin James & Kellee Hammond Jason & Andrea Hill – Still Lumber Co. Robert L. Hill Bruce & Jere Lin Hutter Raines & Sally Jordan Mrs. Alvida Lingner Tom & Diane Madden Jason & Melissa McCarthy Frank & Lynda McGoldrick Wendy Meinert Scott & Elaine Millians Wayne & Glenda Molton Jason & Lisa Moore Walt & Beth Nix Don & Nancy Thompson Philip & Anita Tinsley Nate & Stephanie Treadaway Travis & Vickie Vining Dexter & Janet Whaley Scotty & Rebecca Williams Stewart & Sherri Wilson

RED & BLACK CLUB (Gifts of $250 to $499) Johnny & Lynda K. Allen Larry & Ally Aull John & Irma Baldwin Bouler Family Chris & Kelly Bryan Frank & Janet Byers Kenneth & Wrynn Carson Matt (’85) & Rachel Carter Kevin Cloud Brian & Karen Cole Mike & Lisa Conner Ercell & Kim Daniels Development Authority of Walton County Drew & Lindsay Eubank Jeffrey & Stephanie Fennell Clint, Katrina & J.T. Ferebee Gary & Mandy Gudnason Scott & Tabitha Hall Matt & Ida Stone (’97) Harris Mitch & Sue Harris Jack A. Horner Mr. Joseph Johnson, III Carson & Linda Keller Greg & Karin King D.L Knox Victor Lazich Eric & Leslie Mathis Pat & Cindy McGoldrick Mary Carmichael McMorrow (’76) Ryan (’01) & Corrie Beth Noll Robin & Jaime Pledger Les & Christina Russell Kellie Snipes (’86) Art & Chris Stancil Tedo (’05) & Sasha Dlugolenski (’07) Stone Erick & Phyllis Strong Raymond J. Todd Katie Voss (’93)

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Dr. & Mrs. Henry Wall Greg & Angela Yarman

G.W.A. CLUB (Gifts of $100-$249) Anonymous (3) Rebecca Adcock Benny & Paula Allen Jane Martin Atkinson John Martin Atkinson (’98) Porter (’92) & Lorin Atkinson Steve & Cari Bailey Bettie J. Jones-Baker Karen Barrett Walker & Betty Beeson Robert J. Boatwright Debra Broome Gene & Patsy Brunson Kellie Harrison & Kevin Bunch Robert & Judy Burrow Jeff (’88) & Maggie Rivers (’88) Cato Pete & Denise Colson Alan & Debra Cook Femke Côté Jimmy & Sherre Cown Jim & Kimberly Dolvin Mr. & Mrs. John Drake Peter & Heather Dudley Rev. & Mrs. Tony Dyer Will & Leah Ferguson Joe & Di Garren James David Gelsthorpe J. Gharavi Doug & Shirley Glenn Johnny Griffin Alan & Linda Grimsley Steve & Ann Marie Halleck Betty C. Hearn Mr. & Mrs. Preston Herren Robert & Deborah Hillegonds Chris & Jennifer Houck John (‘88) & Julie Howard Mr. & Mrs. James Howell Blake & Rachel (’08) Jackson Louis & Jeanette Jimenez William & Margaret Johnson Elizabeth Lucht Jones Willis B. Jones James & Tina Jordan Sean & Sharon Kennedy Ron & Ann Kessler Mark & Janice Kirkpatrick Fred & Linda King James & Sherry King Maria Knight Marc & Wendy Konik Don & Emily Lane Buddy & Peggy Lawrence Mary R. Lynam Alan & Shannon Maddox Herbert & Pat Bowick (’80) Malcom Horace & Sherrie Malcom, Jr. Terrance Phillips & Cheryl Manning Mary Clancy Maughan

Michael & Stephanie McClellan Jim & Elizabeth McDonel Michael & Tricia McGarity Mike & Diane McGoldrick Greg & DeNita McGuinn Laura McNulty Christopher & Katherine Meeks Tim & Nancy Mersereau Rex & Barbara Mitchell Mark & Alli Mleczko Terry Morrell Steve & Pam Morris Philip H. Mouzon, III Christallyn Murrell Jeff Pete Carolyn Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Pritchett Nina Hopkins Raine Devon & Tanya Rainford Greg (’86) & Lyn Rawlins Pat Reynolds Brian & Jennifer Riddle Vickie Rollins Ron & Tina Scott Megan K. Sims Christian & Mary Smith Sara Smith (’10) Travis & Carolyn Smith Billy & Jane Snipes Jeremy (’04) & Aubrey Southall Pat Stone Lena Sydnor Carolyn Templeton Carolyn Thigpen Phillip & Michelle Tidwell Janet Sorrells Townsend (’84) Donna Trachesel Steven Whitley David & Kerri Wright Ray & Irmgard Wright Peter Van Wyk Steve & Meredith Young

LOYALTY CLUB (Gifts Under $100) Anonymous Joe & Joyce Bailey Jacob & Ora Bailey Russ & Pat Bailey Kyle (’08) & Emily Beach Camille Beach (’14) Don & Wanda Bristol Kenneth & Joanne Carrico Bruce & Stacia Chirrey Richard & Joan Coppinger David & Sara Gasaway Stephen & Danielle Gibson Waldron & Carol Gray Todd & Aimee Gregory Cliff & Joanne Hammond Mrs. Anita Helms Dr. & Mrs. J. Fred Huff Clay & Laura Johns Mr. & Mrs. Joe Kehoe Clarence King Dennis Kirwin Kelly Kreps (’14)

Judy Kuffrey Bill & Lynda Lewis Mike & Teal McKinney Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Odum Jack & Ilene O’Shanic Patricia Peckol Nathan & Janet Pulliam Scott & Cynthia Rowan Scott & Muffin Sewell Ron & Aileene Simpson Russell & Jennifer Stapp Becky Stephens Susan Thomas Lori Volk Gail Wallin Stan & Donna Whitmire

John & Perry Nell Sorrells Chuck & Carolyn Tillman Steele

MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES

A.D. Howard Dr. & Mrs. A. Emerson Johnson, III

AT&T The Benefit Company Cisco McKesson Synchrony Financial Wells Fargo

CORPORATE DONATIONS Amazon Smile Box Tops for Education Extra Credit, Inc. Kroger Lands’ End New London School of Driving Publix Super Markets, Inc. Southstar Energy Services, LLC

Whitney (’03) & Mary Rachel (’05) Taylor Ron & Jennie Taylor Gifts in memory of…

Horace Bowden Jody & Linda Smith Phil & Ivy Stone Daphine Dixon Mrs. George Hearn, III James “Jimmy” Dolvin Jody & Linda Smith

Dick Lingner Mrs. George Hearn, III Larry Gene Martin Jody & Linda Smith Jerry & Jeannette Tillman Chuck & Carolyn Tillman Steele Steven Whitley Barry & Jeanie Beach Mr. Bob Chambers Mark & Jenni Cole Betty C. Hearn Chuck & Carolyn Tillman Steele Phil & Ivy Stone

GIFTS IN KIND Steve & Kim Carter Display It Jimi & Heather Martin Michael & Dessa Morris Jay & Fei Rawl Roy Roberts, Jr.

TRIBUTE GIVING Gifts in honor of…

Arthur & Jeanne Bowick Chuck & Carolyn Tillman Steele Preston Breedlove Chuck & Carolyn Tillman Steele Dick Hester Chuck & Carolyn Tillman Steele Class of 2018 Grant McDonel Jim & Elizabeth McDonel Chris (’11) & Patricia (’13) Pulliam Doug & Stephanie Pulliam

SCHOLARSHIPS STEVEN WHITLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Mr. Steven Whitley served as Associate Headmaster and Upper School Principal at George Walton Academy for 23 years.

Mr. Whitley focused on the individual’s experience at GWA, and his care and concern for his students extended well into their lives. The Steven Whitley Memorial Scholarship Fund was established after his passing in 2017 to honor his legacy, providing both needs- and merit-based awards for GWA students pursuing extraordinary academic, artistic, or leadership opportunities.

Aubrey & Marianne Akin Carolyn Albury Chris &Holly Atkinson Kirby & Martha Atkinson Chris & Mindy Barber

Barry & Jeanie Beach Brett & Teresa Bell Wes & Mandy Bond Scott & Christie Briscoe Wayne & Ashley Briscoe Kenneth & Wrynn Carson Shane & Melissa Cornelius Brian & Kathy Cusack Dan & Erin Dolan Frank & Katie Downey Tony & Debbie Dyer Mark & Claudia Engelbracht Drew & Lindsay Eubank Chip & Libby Ferguson Will & Leah Ferguson William & Stephanie Fortson Michael & Tara Geoffroy Rob & Jill Green Joe & Ginny Gregg Alan & Angel Grimsley Steve & Ann Marie Halleck James & Kellee Hammond David Harcourt Adam & Stephanie Henderson Richard & Laurie Hester Bob Hill Jonathan & Toni Hill John Hogan Mr. & Mrs. James Howell James & Tina Jordan Brad & Lauren Keller Christie King – C King Benefit Auctions Nick & Heather Knapp Danny & Wendy Knight Robert & Donna Lindsey Trey & Jennifer Long Harold & Faye Machen Jeff & Leigh Ann Malcom Jason & Shannon Marler James & Leah Mason Stacy May Michael & Stephanie McClellan Grant McDonel Jim & Elizabeth McDonel Tim & Angie McElveen Reggie & Linda McFarland Russel & Bonny Moore Mike & Teal McKinney John & Jessica Otts Robert & Jennifer Pennington Joseph & Simone Pike Justin Pike Wayne & Lisa Pugh Nathan & Mary Purvis Devon & Tanya Rainford Jay & Fei Rawl Scott & Ashley Marie Rawls Roy Roberts Vickie Rollins Hugo & Staci Scornik Mitch & Karen Shiver Steve South Chuck & Carolyn Steele Phil & Ivy Stone Lee & Kelly Waldo Bruce & Kristal Whitley Mark & Ginger Whitley Cpt. Matthew Whitley

COL (Ret) Milton A. & Mrs. Gail Whitley Bruce & Vickie Hearn Williamson Stewart & Sherri Wilson Ray & Diane Wright From John Sorrells – In honor and in memory of the wives of the founding board of trustees Perry Nell Sorrells Betty Hearn Suzanne Roberts Mary Rae Roberts Schmidt Edith Weaver Jean Green Percy Mitchell Beulah Robertson Dot Williamson Jane Hester Jackie Breedlove Jean McDonald

DR. LAVINIA WOOD SCHOLARSHIP Pete & Gail Wood Carter PARENT DONORS Support from parents is essential to George Walton Academy. Loyal and consistent support from our families enhances the classroom experience for our students and teachers. Participating parents are listed by grade in which their children were enrolled in 201718.

K4 Chris (’95) & Holly Moore (’95) Atkinson Brandon & Amanda Baker Brian & Karen Cole Mike & Lisa Conner Mark & Brittany Hayes Nick & Heather McFarland (’99) Knapp Christallyn Murrell Ryan (’01) & Corrie Beth Noll Nathan & Mary Purvis Stewart & Sherri Wilson K5 Jacob & Ora Bailey Brandon & Amanda Baker Bouler Family Dan & Kerry Chapman Michael (’94) & Tara McFarland (’95) Geoffroy Scott & Tabitha Hall Laura Harrell Rick Howard & Angela Hutchins-Howard Austin & Liz Jones Jeff Pete

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FIRST GRADE Jacob & Ora Bailey Kevin Cloud Pete & Denise Colson Drew & Lindsay Eubank Marc & Wendy Konik Nick & Heather McFarland (’99) Knapp Robin & Jaime Pledger Devon & Tanya Rainford SECOND GRADE Chris (’95) & Holly Moore (’95) Atkinson Scott & Christie Briscoe Wayne & Ashley Briscoe Dan & Kerry Chapman Todd & Courtney Croker Stephen & Danielle Gibson Adam & Stephanie Henderson Jason & Melissa McCarthy Michael & Tricia McGarity Pat & Cindy McGoldrick Melissa Machen Shannahan (’93) THIRD GRADE Aubrey & Marianne Akin Jacob & Ora Bailey John & Irma Baldwin Steve & Cassie Felton Eric & Heather Gravitt Sean & Sharon Kennedy Richard & Karen Maxson Michael & Stephanie McClellan Mike & Teal McKinney Lisa Pulliam Devon & Tanya Rainford Jay & Fei Rawl Frank & Loy Stone (’93) Turner Stewart & Sherri Wilson David & Kerri Wright FOURTH GRADE Benny & Paula Allen Mark & Shannon Allen Chris (’95) & Holly Moore (’95) Atkinson Steve & Cari Bailey Wayne & Ashley Briscoe Dan & Kerry Chapman Daniel & Debbie Digby Will & Leah Ferguson Joe & Di Garren J. Gharavi Todd & Aimee Gregory James & Kellee Hammond Matt & Ida Stone (’97) Harris Mark & Brittany Hayes James & Sherry King Jason & Melissa McCarthy Bart & Vicky Peppers Robin & Jaime Pledger Lisa Pulliam Devon & Tanya Rainford Stefan & Nicole Sydnor John & Susan Thomason

FIFTH GRADE Wes & Mandy Bond Scott & Christie Briscoe David Boyle & Jennifer Taylor Frank & Janet Byers Pete & Denise Colson Michael (’94) & Tara McFarland (’95) Geoffroy J. Gharavi Douglas Hicks & Catherine Bagwell Stephen & Danielle Gibson Jason & Andrea Hill Kelly McFarland Jesel (’96) Ken (’87) & Amy Kilgore Eric & Leslie Mathis Nathan & Mary Purvis Melissa Machen Shannahan (’93) David & Kerri Wright

Douglas Hicks & Catherine Bagwell Chris & Jennifer Houck Kelly McFarland Jesel (’96) Maria Knight Stacy May Wendy Meinert Jason & Lisa Moore Bart & Vicky Peppers Mike (’84) & Meredith Malcom Terrance Phillips & Cheryl Manning Jim & Elizabeth McDonel Nathan & Mary Purvis Jay & Fei Rawl Scott & Cynthia Rowan Megan K. Sims Russell & Jennifer Stapp Nate & Stephanie Treadaway

SIXTH GRADE Porter (’92) & Lorin Atkinson Steve & Cari Bailey Daniel & Debbie Digby Dan & Drin Dolan Steve & Cassie Felton Todd & Aimee Gregory Adam & Stephanie Henderson Kelly McFarland Jesel (’96) Clay & Laura Johns Austin & Liz Jones Eric & Leslie Mathis Mark & Alli Mleczko Scott & Muffin Sewell Megan K. Sims Christian & Mary Smith Cham (’91) & Kelly Stone Raymond J. Todd Travis & Vickie Vining Lori Volk

NINTH GRADE Jacob & Ora Bailey Steve & Cari Bailey Jay & Karen Brown Kenneth & Wrynn Carson Jeff (’88) & Maggie Rivers (’88) Cato Bruce & Stacia Chirrey Clay (’87) & Melinda Murray (’87) Dally Peter & Heather Dudley Kellie Harrison & Kevin Bunch Jeffrey & Stephanie Fennell Brad & Anne Jacoby Victor Lazich Fran Jones Lucas Alan & Shannon Maddox Mike & Diane McGoldrick Marc & Liliana McMain Laura McNulty Brian & Roxanne Misterka Greg (’86) & Lyn Rawlins Roy Roberts (’86) Hugo & Staci Scornik Christian & Mary Smith Chuck & Carolyn Tillman (’81) Steele Cham (’91) & Kelly Stone Erick & Phyllis Strong Stefan & Nicole Sydnor Lori Volk Lee & Kelly Waldo

SEVENTH GRADE Porter (’92) & Lorin Atkinson Chris & Mindy Barber Brian & Jessica Blackburn Chris & Kelly Bryan Matt (’85) & Rachel Carter Todd & Courtney Croker Ben (’82) & Ann Doster Kyle & Amy Gelsthorpe Alan & Angel Grimsley Eric & Heather Gravitt Matt & Ida Stone (’97) Harris Jason & Andrea Hill Brad & Anne Jacoby Derek & Mary Ann Parker Dwayne & Rebecca Ratliff Dexter & Janet Whaley Robert & Lori White Stewart & Sherri Wilson EIGHTH GRADE Kevin Cloud Jim & Kimberly Dolvin David & Sara Gasaway Michael (’94) & Tara McFarland (’95) Geoffroy

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TENTH GRADE Vicki Adams Michael & Kristen Brucker Matt (’85) & Rachel Carter Joe & Kelly Cowan Todd & Courtney Croker Clay (’87) & Melinda Murray (’87) Dally Ben (’82) & Ann Doster Rob (’86) & Barbara Howard Brad & Anne Jacoby Greg & Karin King Trey & Jennifer Long Stacy May Michael & Dessa Morris Terrance Phillips & Cheryl Manning

Dwayne & Rebecca Ratliff Jay & Fei Rawl Nate & Stephanie Treadaway Frank & Loy Stone (’93) Turner Greg & Angela Yarman

ELEVENTH GRADE Benny & Paula Allen Larry & Ally Aull Ercell & Kim Daniels Jim & Kimberly Dolvin Mark & Claudia Engelbracht Lee & Lisa Garrett Joe & Ginny Gregg Mark & Lisa Hanson Richard (’84) & Laurie Hester John (‘88) & Julie Howard Ken (’87) & Amy Kilgore Trey & Jennifer Long Mike (’84) & Meredith Malcom Stacy May Marc & Liliana McMain Greg (’86) & Lyn Rawlins Roy Roberts (’86) Scott & Karen Schorr Brad Smith & Jae Harrison Chuck & Carolyn Tillman (’81) Steele Frank & Loy Stone (’93) Turner Stan & Donna Whitmire Brad & Paige Williams TWELFTH GRADE Dan & Kerry Chapman Frank & Katie Downey Jeffrey & Stephanie Fennell Clint, Katrina & J.T. Ferebee Alan & Angel Grimsley Chris & Jennifer Houck Bruce & Jere Lin Hutter Jim & Elizabeth McDonel Mike & Diane McGoldrick Greg & DeNita McGuinn Scott & Cynthia Rowan Les & Christina Russell Hugo & Staci Scornik Lee & Kelly Waldo Robert & Lori White GRANDPARENT DONORS GWA grandparents are an invaluable source of support for the school. Their financial contributions enhance the learning experience for all GWA students. Grandparents who have contributed to the 2017-2018 Annual Loyalty Fund are listed below.

Rebecca Adcock Marvin & Pam Akin Johnny & Lynda K. Allen Jane Martin Atkinson Kirby & Marty Atkinson Joe & Joyce Bailey Russ & Pat Bailey Bettie J. Jones-Baker George & Brenda Baker Chris & Mindy Barber

Walker & Betty Beeson Robert J. Boatwright Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Bowick Don & Wanda Bristol Debra Broome Mr. & Mrs. Harry Brown Gene & Patsy Brunson Bill & Sandy Bryson Robert & Judy Burrow Kenneth & Joanne Carrico Richard & Joan Coppinger Edward L. Cowan, Jr. Jimmy & Sherre Cown Mr. & Mrs. John Drake Gene & Lynda Felton James David Gelsthorpe Doug & Shirley Glenn Waldron & Carol Gray Alan & Linda Grimsley Cliff & Joanne Hammond David Harcourt Becky Harris Mitch & Sue Harris Mrs. Anita Helms Mr. & Mrs. Preston Herren Wanda Hickman Robert & Deborah Hillegonds Jack A. Horner Bob & Marsha Houck Dr. & Mrs. J. Fred Huff Louis & Jeanette Jimenez William & Margaret Johnson Raines & Sally Jordan Ron & Ann Kessler Fred & Linda King Mr. & Mrs. Joe Kehoe Carson & Linda Keller Clarence King Dennis Kirwin D.L Knox Judy Kuffrey Don & Emily Lane Buddy & Peggy Lawrence Bill & Lynda Lewis Mrs. Alvida Lingner Mary R. Lynam Harold & Faye Machen Tom & Diane Madden Horace & Sherrie Malcom, Jr. Rick & Vickie Mathis Mary Clancy Maughan Reggie & Linda McFarland Frank & Lynda McGoldrick Kip & June Mercer Tim & Nancy Mersereau Rex & Barbara Mitchell Wayne & Glenda Molton Terry Morrell Jane Morris Kenneth & Jean Murray Helen S. Muse Walt & Beth Nix Jack & Ilene O’Shanic Patricia Peckol Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Pritchett Nathan & Janet Pulliam Nina Hopkins Raine Thomas & Cathy Reardon

John H. & Levon W. Redding Pat Reynolds Brian & Jennifer Riddle Ron & Aileene Simpson Travis & Carolyn Smith Art & Chris Stancil Becky Stephens Pat Stone Phil & Ivy Stone Lena Sydnor Carolyn Templeton Susan Thomas Frank & Mary Lillian Thomason Don & Nancy Thompson Phillip & Michelle Tidwell Philip & Anita Tinsley Donna Trachesel Gail Wallin Ray & Irmgard Wright

CLASS OF 1991 Cham Stone CLASS OF 1992 Porter Atkinson CLASS OF 1993 Melissa Machen Shannahan Loy Stone Turner Katie Voss CLASS OF 1994 Michael Geoffroy

ALUMNI SUPPORT

CLASS OF 1995 Chris Atkinson Holly Moore Atkinson Tara McFarland Geoffroy

CLASS OF 1976 Mary Carmichael McMorrow

CLASS OF 1996 Kelly McFarland Jesel

CLASS OF 1979 Ronnie Tillman

CLASS OF 1997 Ida Stone Harris

CLASS OF 1980 Pat Bowick Malcom Vickie Hearn Williamson

CLASS OF 1998 John Martin Atkinson

CLASS OF 1981 Carolyn Tillman Steele CLASS OF 1982 Ben Doster CLASS OF 1983 Jeanie Sorrells Beach CLASS OF 1984 Richard Hester Mike Malcom Janet Sorrells Townsend CLASS OF 1985 Matt Carter Amy Eccher Hearn CLASS OF 1986 Kim Bowden Gunnin Rob Howard Greg Rawlins Roy Roberts Kellie Snipes CLASS OF 1987 Clay Dally Melinda Murray Dally John Hearn Ken Kilgore

I.M.P.A.C.T. CAMPAIGN

CLASS OF 1988 Jeff Cato Maggie River Cato John Howard

CLASS OF 2001 Ryan Noll CLASS OF 2002 Elizabeth Lucht Jones CLASS OF 2004 Jeremy Southall CLASS OF 2005 Sasha Dlugolenski Stone Tedo Stone CLASS OF 2008 Kyle Beach Rachel Hall Jackson CLASS OF 2010 Sara Smith CLASS OF 2013 Philip H. Mouzon, III CLASS OF 2014 Camille Beach Kelly Kreps CLASS OF 2015 Brooks McDonel

The I.M.P.A.C.T. Campaign was initiated in spring of 2018 to support needed upgrades on campus. Benefits of these upgrades include a fresh and modern cafeteria, creation of The PARC Academic Support Centers, welcoming reception area for our front entrance and a revamped media center. Donations listed below are for gifts received as of June 30, 2018. Donors have until June 30, 2020 to complete their pledge payments.

$25,000 AND ABOVE The McFarland Family GIFTS $10,000 - $24,999 Herbert and Marian Haley Foundation Kiki Tree Pictures, Inc. Kenneth & Jean Murray Jay & Fei Rawl Cham & Kelly Stone GIFTS $1,000 - $9,999 Juan & Kim Arrue Ashley Hills Pet Center Atkinson Ferguson, LLC Kirby & Marty Atkinson Brandon & Amanda Baker Chris & Mindy Barber Wes & Mandy Bond David Boyle & Jennifer Taylor Clint & Amber Carper Chae & Alicia Chandler Chris & Tina Marie Cooper Clay & Melinda Dally Daniel & Debbie Digby Michael & Tara Geoffroy Waldron & Carol Gray Rob & Jill Green Mark & Lisa Hanson David & Jill Harkins Russ & Katie Hazelwood Rick Howard & Angela Hutchins-Howard Bruce & Jere Lin Hutter Kelly Jesel Mike & Ann Jones Morris & Peggy Jordan Nicholas & Heather Knapp Michael & Gina Lance Rex & Deanna Lewis Jonathan & Kimberly Locklin Trey & Jennifer Long Mike & Lisa Lynam Richard & Karen Maxson Darrell McWaters Kip & June Mercer Lee & Amy Preston Douglas & Jane Root

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 61

Scott & Karen Schorr Hugo & Staci Scornik Kristen & Susann Shriver Shane & Amy Smith Chuck & Carolyn Steele Phil & Ivy Stone Cynthia & Tom Walker Stewart & Sherri Wilson David & Kerri Wright

CONTRIBUTIONS UP TO $999 Ross & Kim Adair Meredith Machen Adams Aubrey & Marianne Akin Mark & Shannon Allen Animal Medical of Covington, Inc. Cory & Kristy Arnold George & Brenda Baker John & Irma Baldwin Barry & Jeanie Beach Cody & Kelly Bellah Russell & Susan Boyer Frank & Janet Byers Jake & Katie Camp Michael & Lisa Conner Cordero Professional Services, LLC Branden & Femke Côté Covington Hearing Associates Kevin Cox Todd & Courtney Croker Cure Dawgs David & Lynne Deaton Ben & Ann Doster Tony & Deborah Dyer Will & Leash Ferguson Wyn & Jana Fuller Lee & Lisa Garrett Kurt & Carol Guertin Craig, Lenae, Caden & Eden Harvey Mark & Brittany Hayes Wanda Hickman Jason & Andrea Hill Brad & Stacy Holland Alex & Heather Holman Michael & Shannon Horner Rob & Barbara Howard Britt & Sherri Jennings Marc & Wendy Konik Dale Lieske Greg & Tanya Lingner Thomas & Julie Litteral Bob & Janice Lutz Geoff & Ellie Madden Herbert & Pat Malcom Mike & Meredith Malcom Eric & Leslie Mathis Jason & Melissa McCarthy Mike & Teal McKinney Tony & Edie Middlebrooks Doug & Darlene Miller Robert & Amy Mims Brian & Roxanne Misterka Russ & Cynthia Moore Mark & Karen Mumford Kenneth & Christie Murray Thomas & Courtney O’Lenick Tony & Alice O’Lenick

Bart & Vicky Peppers Russell & Jeanie Pope Wayne & Lisa Pugh Nathan & Mary Purvis Les & Christina Russell Melissa Machen Shannahan Kevin & Sheri Simpson Mark & Donna Sisk Morgan Machen Smith James W. Speed William P. Stone III Jason & Susan Sykes John & Ashley Tamasi Keith & Denise Tinsley Hai & Beth Trinh Frank & Loy Turner Travis & Vickie Vining Johnny & Britain Westberry Ben & Holly Whitlow Brad & Paige Williams Roger & Marilyn Williams Bill Wolf Jim & Susan Wood Matt & Hope Woodard

2017-2018 CORPORATE PARTNERS CORNERSTONE PARTNERS $25,000 Element Funding Minerva Beauty PureTalk USA GWA PROUD PARTNERS $8,000 Li-Way Transfer & Storage, Inc. Brysan Utility Contractors, Inc. S&W Automotive Parts, Inc. Dan Chapman & Associates, LLC Bojangles - Monroe BULLDOG PARTNERS $5,000 Bulldog Kia Preston & Malcom Attorneys at Law Nathan Purvis - Re/Max Preferred Parker Road Dental Care – William E. Wolf, D.D.S., P.C. Willco Electric Company T.L. Williams Turn Key Masonry Technical Survey Services Land Surveyors OHCO Outlet Center – Fabrics & Rugs Galore Athens Orthopedic Clinic Rogers Concrete Construction, LLC – Robin Pledger Apex Painting & Decorating, Inc.

62 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

RED & BLACK PARTNERS $2,325 Burrow & Associates, LLC – Attorneys at Law Cowan Ace Hardware MG Law – Michael Geoffroy Crawford & Boyle, LLC Ashley Hills Pet Center, Inc. Snellville, Heating, Air & Plumbing Gray Orthodontics Lake Lanier Islands Rockdale Medical Center Olde Town Awards Animal Medical of Covington Longleaf Hospice Hutter & Associates – General Contractor SILVER PARTNERS - $1,500 Allstate – The Ellerbee Agency BB&T Insurance Services, Inc. New London School of Driving Carmichael’s Stacy McCullers – Malcom & Malcom Realty Synovus Baker Group – Real Estate Services Bruster’s Real Ice Cream JWB Builders – Winn Brown Jennifer Long, Realtor Chapman Hall Realtors T&S Heat / Air of Monroe, LLC The Law Office of Kim Minicozzi, LLC Bowers Fabrication Service, Inc. Great Oaks Senior Living Liberty First Bank Watercolors Custom Pools Shuma Sports Conner Grading & Landscaping Emphil Kennels David LaMalva Attorney, P.C. Little Caesars Monroe Chick-fil-A Monroe Doors by Mike PAW PRINTS PARTNERS - $750 Shannahan Law Firm State Representative Bruce Williamson PeachTee Quilts Meadows Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory Jones Law Firm Park Place Nursing and Rehab Facility Legacy State Bank Still Lumber Company McDonalds of Monroe Jennings & Associates - Tax and Accounting Martins Upholstery Bruce’s Sweet Sensations Baker & Café Mitchell Orthodontics Atkinson / Ferguson, LLC Solid Ground Commercial Landscape Management

PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES

George Walton Academy’s ability to thrive and to continue to be able to offer new generations of students an excellent education is due, in part, to its many loyal friends who donated their time, talent and financial resources to the Academy and its mission.

ANNUAL LOYALTY FUND Donations can be made to the Annual Loyalty Fund by cash, check, credit card or gifts of stock.

BEQUESTS Through your will or living trust, you can provide a legacy for causes that were an important part of your life. A will allows the donor to maintain complete control of assets during his or her lifetime with the knowledge that those assets will be distributed in accordance with the donor’s plan and enacted upon death.

LIFE INSURANCE A life insurance policy naming GWA as owner and beneficiary may provide a substantial future gift to the school. The value of the policy, as well as the annual premium payments, may be tax-deductible and will be treated as annual gifts to the school.

CHARITABLE TRUSTS Charitable remainder trusts may provide lifetime income, immediate tax savings, and avoidance of capital gains tax while establishing a major gift for GWA as the trust’s ultimate beneficiary.

GIFTS-IN-KIND GWA also welcomes donations of goods and/or services for which the school would otherwise have to pay.

RESTRICTED GIFTS Restricted gifts allow the donor to designate specific projects or programs to benefit the Academy.

If you are interested in learning more about ways to support George Walton Academy, please call the Advancement Office at 678-635-3812.

IN MEMORIAM Remembering Former Headmaster James Henry Crawford, Jr. Jim Crawford, who served as George Walton Academy headmaster from 1980-1983, passed away in April of 2018. Originally from Highlands, North Carolina, Mr. Crawford assumed the helm of GWA during a time when the Academy employed 24 faculty members and there were just three buildings on campus. Under his leadership, the first seniors who had attended since kindergarten graduated, the Gib Gray Athletic Complex was completed, the first baccalaureate service was held, the sophomore trip to Washington, D.C. debuted, annual field trips were established, the official flag was adopted, and the tennis teams captured numerous regional titles.

Mr. Crawford was very supportive of his community and enjoyed landscaping, traveling, reading and spending time with his family.

Some of his many memorable experiences in recent years included skydiving in Hawaii in 2014, his baptism in the Jordan River in 2014, and singing in a Christmas Concert at Carnegie Hall in 2016. He will be forever remembered as a devoted husband and father by his wife and best friend of 43 years, Kathey, and his two sons, Eric (Cindy), and Ryan (Jessica).

The Legacy of Mr. Steven Whitley Mr. Steven Whitley served as associate headmaster and upper school principal at George Walton Academy for 23 years.

In that time, our community was blessed by his genuine love of our children, his unwavering support in good times and in bad, and his quiet selflessness that improved the lives of all who knew him.

Mr. Whitley passed in December 2017 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. To celebrate a truly extraordinary man and school leader, GWA has created a scholarship in his name.

Mr. Whitley focused on the individual’s experience at GWA, and his care and concern for his students extended well into their lives.

He encouraged students to set stretch goals to help to make them more attainable, turning opportunities into realities. The Steven Whitley Memorial Scholarship Fund honors his legacy, providing both needs- and merit-based awards for GWA students pursuing extraordinary academic, artistic, or leadership opportunities.

Contribute to the fund, apply for a scholarship, or learn more at gwa.com.

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 63

GW MICHAEL NWILOH GWA Class of 2009 and

FUTURE DOCTOR pursues his dream with passion and perseverance.

64 64 GEORGE GEORGEWALTON WALTONACADEMY ACADEMY

Michael Nwiloh, class of 2009, has definitely mastered the art of making the most of every opportunity.

Mercer University Medical student? CHECK. Professional soccer player with Chivas USA? CHECK. Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia State University? CHECK. Quality control analyst at Mikart, Inc.? CHECK. How does he do it? “My education at George Walton was firstclass and it prepared me for the academic challenges I faced both in undergrad as a chemistry major and in Mercer University School of Medicine,” said Michael. “As a former collegiate and professional soccer player, I am proud of the fact I was able to manage both my academics and athletics throughout college. I believe the discipline I developed throughout this experience will serve me well throughout my career as a physician.”

And the drive to pursue excellence apparently runs in the family.

Michael’s brother, Jonathan (pictured to the left with Michael), who graduated from GWA in 2007, earned his Doctor of Law (J.D.) from Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law. While there, Jonathan served as treasurer of the Student Bar Association, was V.P. of the Business and Tax Law Society and a member of the Black Law Students Association. Prior to Mercer, he earned

a bachelor of arts in economics at UGA where he played on the football team, and was a member of the Economics Society and the African Student Union. He recently joined James Bates Brannan Groover LLP’s Atlanta office as an associate in their Tax, Wealth Planning, Corporate and Transactional Groups. Prior to joining JBBG, Jonathan received his LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

GWA ALUMNI NEWS CLASS OF 1977

CLASS OF 1987

Belinda Harrison is the senior paralegal at the Law Firm of Thompson, Meier & King, PC.

John Hearn is an owner of The Benefit Company. He was recently recognized by IHC as the Most Innovative Employee Benefit Consultant in the nation and his firm was selected by United Benefit Advisors as Firm of the Year.

CLASS OF 1979 Jeanie Morris Caldwell is the equalities manager for CIT Bank in California. She has spent the last 15 years in mortgage banking.

Cathy Petty Nichols is a managing member at CandyBec, LLC.

CLASS OF 1982

CLASS OF 1995

Janet Sorrells Townsend is the assistant vice president commercial lender for Liberty First Bank in Monroe, where she has worked for 10 years.

Meredith Machen Adams is the assistant principal at Dorothy Heights Elementary School in Columbus, Georgia. She returned to public education in 2015 as an academic coach at Fox Elementary and completed her specialist’s degree at LaGrange College in teacher leadership. She served as elementary dean for two years before her recent promotion.

CLASS OF 1997

Staci Gregg Vickers is the assistant superintendent for the Pulaski County Board of Education.

CLASS OF 1984 Dana Jackson Pennington is the senior site manager for Randstad Inhouse Services.

Margie Roberts le Roux owns a travel agency, Umoya Africa Travel, where she enjoys planning trips for her fellow Americans. She also works as a real estate broker and freelance interior designer. She resides in South Africa with her husband and three children.

Yates Austin is the lead dam director at Schnabel Dam Engineering.

Natalie Harris Mann is the assistant director of the University of Georgia Visitors Center, working in marketing and communications.

STEPHEN KUNI (2011) GWA alumnus Stephen Kuni (’11) is living abroad in Australia for a year with the Outdoor Education Group, helping Australian school groups by facilitating outdoor experiences such as rafting, hiking, climbing and more. Before beginning this new adventure, Kuni graduated from Young Harris College with a degree in Outdoor Leadership and was working with Whitewater Express in Tennessee.

Kuni has always had a desire to live in a different country, so one day he Google searched “outdoor jobs in Australia” and this opportunity came up, and from there all the right pieces fell into place. He says that his biggest hope for this job is that he will begin to build a career in the outdoor industry and prepare for more jobs in this field. Although he does not know exactly what the future holds, Kuni says, “The beauty of the outdoor industry is that everything under the realm of an outdoor experience is job training for the future.”

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 65

Pete Morton was named Firefighter of the Year for the City of Asheville, North Carolina. He resides in Black Mountain, N.C. with his family where he has been a firefighter for five years.

CLASS OF 1999 Lindsay Durden is the office manager for PES Structural Engineers.

Reverend Greg Gray is the designated pastor at Thompson Congregational United Church of Christ. He received his master’s degrees in divinity and sacred theology.

Reverend Gray continues to work toward changes that would eradicate discriminatory policies aimed towards the LGBTQ community.

Heather McFarland Knapp is currently a general contractor for The Encore Group. She received her master’s degree in engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Heather was the contractor in charge of the summer remodeling of the GWA cafeteria, The PARC Academic Learning Center and the main office/ lobby.

CLASS OF 1998 Charles Preston opened his new storage facility, Sinclair Storage, located near Lake Sinclair.

CLASS OF 2000 Scott Woodbury is the nuclear dry fuel storage program manager at Duke Energy in North Carolina.

He competed in the Hawaii Ironman World Championship and continues to qualify for other Ironman events and marathons, including the Boston Marathon.

CLASS OF 2001 Amanda Newsom serves as the marketing and communications manager at The Giving Kitchen. The Giving Kitchen serves Atlanta and its surrounding areas, including Walton County. She also developed and runs Classic City Paw Print, a free magazine that promotes pet adoption, as well as responsible ownership and compassion for all animals. She earned her master’s degree in nonprofit management from the University of Georgia.

Brandi Schaefer Dempsey is an interior designer for Carver & Associates.

Kayce Stein Pearce is the director of development at Marcus JJC of Atlanta.

Cayce Meyers recently received a Certificate of Teaching Excellence from Virginia Tech. This certificate recognizes outstanding faculty members in the teaching of undergraduate and graduate students.

Candidates are nominated by their peers and the Virginia Tech’s Awards and Honors Committee selected the department winners.

Tedo Stone released a new record this year, Summer Sun. He and his wife, class of 2007 Sasha Stone, also opened Covington-based City Pharmacy. It was named one of the “most anticipated” restaurants in the Atlanta area and was featured in the Atlantan Modern Luxury Magazine.

CLASS OF 2002

Bethany Leggett is the editor of Golden Isles magazine in Saint Simons Island, Georgia. In June, the publication won the award for the #1 magazine in the state during the 2018 Georgia Press Association’s awards banquet. The GPA award is just the latest recognition earned by Golden Isles magazine. The magazine previously won two national awards at FOLIO: in New York City.

Laurie Murrah-Hanson serves as public service faculty at the University of Georgia. She received her master’s degree in public administration in public policy and nonprofit management from UGA. Rachel McCarthy Harvey is the senior IT analyst and project manager for Weyerhaeuser in Valdosta, Georgia.

She received her master’s degree in business administration from Georgia College & State University.

CLASS OF 2003 Patrick Ryan Baynes is the CEO of Updates Central and recently sold his last company, PeopleLinx, to Frontline. He has received several awards including 40 under 40, Marcum Innovator Finalist and the Gartner Cool Vendor award.

Whitney Taylor Todd is an English professor at Northwestern University.

She received her doctorate degree in English from Northwestern.

CLASS OF 2004 Lindsay Brooks Edwards received her master’s degree in art education from Piedmont College.

Devin Shivers and his wife, Amanda, opened Saltbox Lane in Covington. Saltbox Lane is a home decor store that specializes in interior design, custom furniture, accessories and gifts.

Jeremy Southall is the property insurance underwriter and manager for General Stare in Chicago.

CLASS OF 2005 Michael Jolley is a corporate controller at American Global Logistics.

Celeste Rhinehart Lindsey runs Five Star Academy in Loganville where she recently helped the school obtain NECPA accreditation.

66 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

CLASS OF 2006

Laura Potter Matthias serves as the regional environmental epidemiologist at the Florida Department of Health.

She graduated with a master’s degree in public health from the University of Georgia.

CLASS OF 2007 Ross Bradley was elected to the Monroe City Council District 3. He also owns two Your Pie locations and will open a third location in Monroe in the coming months. He is the owner of Silver Queen, a taco food truck.

Lindsey Bettis Jones works as a forensic interview specialist with A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center.

Emily Reece is an agricultural lender for AgGeorgia Farm Credit.

Sarah Walker Richardson is the philanthropic advisor for Wellspring Living, where she leads development efforts. Wellspring Living is a nonprofit organization that serves girls and women who are at-risk or victimized by sexual exploitation. She received her master’s degree in public administration from Georgia State University.

Brad Schambach is the product development scientist for the North America Advanced Hydration Category at The Coca-Cola Company.

CLASS OF 2008 Heather Calhoun is currently an engineer in the U.S. Army.

Alex Cain Callaway currently teaches Algebra 1 at Berkmar High School. She and her husband welcomed daughter, HopeAnn Callaway this past year.

Kylee Knop recently obtained her master’s degree in school counseling with a K-12 endorsement from Adams State University. She is now the school age coordinator at College Community Early Childhood Center.

She resides in Cedar Rapids, Illinois.

Joanna Malcom received her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of South Carolina.

She recently joined the pediatric rehabilitation physical therapy team at Spartanburg Regional Hospital in Spartanburg, Tennessee.

Jordan Shumate is a managing partner at Shuma Sports and was named Gwinnett Chamber’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Matthew Whitley is an AH-64E Apache helicopter pilot and troop commander in the U.S. Army. He recently returned from a deployment in Iraq and Syria.

Chelsea Whitten recently relocated to Ft. Meyers, Florida where she is an area sales manager for Gartner Inc., one of the world’s largest tech advisory firms. She works with C-level on mission critical priorities and partners with them to solve their business challenges.

Rebekah Reynolds Wood recently moved to California with her husband.

She works for the Sierra Sands Unified School District where she teaches sixth through eighth graders with significant academic and behavioral challenges.

CLASS OF 2009 Barlett Benton is an attorney with Drew, Eckl & Farnham, LLP, practicing in the areas of premises and trucking liability.

Brittany Lampe Connor is a nurse at Emory Midtown. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Georgia College & State University.

Bobby Ellison received his doctorate degree in dental surgery from the University of Tennessee. He resides in Collierville, TN and is a dentist at Higginbotham Family Dental.

Amanda Franklin is a job compliance administrator with E.R. Snell Contractors.

Joshua Gonzales is attending medical school at A.T. Still University in Missouri.

MAKAYLA ZAMMETT (2014) Defining moments in life; they help shape who we are and the lives we lead moving forward.

For 2014 graduate Makayla Zammett, her courageous mom’s battle and victory over cancer motivated her to become an inspiring advocate and fundraiser for Camp Kesem, supporting children facing the same situation.

Camp Kesem is a non-profit organization with more than 85 chapters across the country at various universities. It’s a completely college student-run organization that works to provide year-round support for children whose parents have cancer. Volunteers fundraise all year and provide a completely free summer camp for the kids, in addition to supporting their families through the good and bad times.

Makayla was just four when her mom was diagnosed, and she can relate to the feelings and uncertainty children experience when their parents are cancer patients. She enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to volunteer with Camp Kesem when the chapter launched last year at the University of Alabama. She began as volunteer coordinator and now serves as director of the organization, overseeing all coordinator groups, planning fundraising events throughout the community, identifying new families that need Kesem, and communicating with national representatives to make sure the group is on track. She attended a leadership conference this year and has helped her team increase its fundraising by more than 100 percent. They have now raised almost 20,000 of their 40,000-dollar goal.

“I hope to spread the word of what Kesem is throughout all communities for any families that could be affected,” said Makayla. “Kesem has completely changed my life and made the pain of dealing with cancer a little bit easier.

I hope that every family that has to deal with this situation can have Kesem to lean on in their life.” Makayla is pictured with Camp Kesem codirector Gillian Dooley at last year’s event where 20 children were blessed and more than $27,000 was raised. She is an athletic training major at Alabama and plans to continue her studies to obtain her master’s degree. She intends to pursue a career in collegiate athletics.

Lindsey Robinson Maxwell recently graduated with her master’s degree in political management- legislative affairs from George Washington University.

She is employed as a legislative assistant with the U.S. Senate.

Jesse McConnell is currently working towards his doctorate degree in music at Florida State University.

Anna Potter Money is a special education teacher with the Madison City School system. She is pursuing a graduate certificate in advanced educational leadership from Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

Lisa Shaw Motherway works as a head drone underwriter for the American International Group.

Eric William Schmidt is the director of development services at Georgia Military College. He received his master’s degree in public administration from Georgia College & State University.

Cameron Windham graduated with his bachelor’s degree in finance from Georgia Southern University.

After graduating, he started a financial advisory business with Northwestern Mutual. Following the start of the business, he was named the director of the Northwestern Mutual internship program as well as top financial advisor in Atlanta under 40 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Cameron and his wife welcomed their first daughter, Mary Kent Windham, this past year.

CLASS OF 2010 Emily Gutierrez is currently employed

by Teach for America, working as an ELA 12 teacher in South Bronx, New York City. She earned a master’s degree in teaching from Fordham University.

Cody Mauldin is the marketing manager for MillerCoors and recently relocated to Portland, Oregon to accept a promotion within that company. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from the University of Georgia.

Katie Stanford Tombrello is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in biochemistry at Auburn University.

While at Auburn, she is working in a research lab and teaching undergraduate students who are pursuing degrees in chemistry. After graduation in 2019, she plans to pursue pharmaceutical research in the Atlanta area.

CLASS OF 2011 Madelyn Baggett is a key account manager with Republic National Distribution Company. She manages the South Carolina coast representing RNDC’s Constellation Brands portfolio, bringing their beverages to retail stores in the area.

Lucy Jordan Cauthen received her master’s degree in divinity from Baylor University.

Brandon Coe received his bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Georgia Southern University. Brandon is currently the graphic specialist for Georgia United Credit Union.

Molly Devine is the practice representative for Advantage Chiropractic. Molly is also very involved in politics. She is currently the marketing director for Hosea Cleveland who is running for U.S Congress.

Natalie Ecker is the digital client experience senior associate at DTCC. She is currently attending Boston University, working towards her master’s degree in computer information and data analytics.

Brett Eckles received his master’s degree in electrical engineering from Mercer University. He and his wife have recently relocated from Macon to Covington as Brett is the quality engineer for Becton Dickinson’s Urology and Critical Care Division. He has been certified as Six Sigma Green Belt in Process Improvement.

Jessica Epting received her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from South University. She is a physician assistant with Summit Primary Care and resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rebekah Prather Goodall earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Kennesaw State University. She recently relocated to Gabriola Island in Canada, where she has become a permanent Canadian resident.

Samantha Stevens is making a huge impact on lives across the country and the globe as she works in Washington, D.C. at the Congressional Hunger Center. She focuses on issues of domestic and international food insecurity by monitoring national anti-hunger and anti-poverty policy for her organization and helping develop a curriculum about the root causes of domestic hunger and poverty. She recently traveled to Nairobi for training on international food insecurity.

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 67

Nicole Bell opened her own clothing store, Brunch Babe, with sister and Class of 2014 graduate Taylor Bell. Since opening last year, the company has grown significantly. They now have an office and warehouse space in downtown Covington and are in the top one percent of sellers on their eCommerce platform, Shopify.

CLASS OF 2012 Cassie Cook earned her bachelor’s degree in management information systems from the University of Georgia. She is a consultant at Riskonnect, specializing in integrated enterprise risk management software solutions.

Logan Duncan recently began a new career with Equifax M&A Group as a director of corporate development. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Georgia.

Meghann Knight Gaines is a teacher at Walker Park Elementary school in Walton County.

Myles Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Georgia State University. He coaches both wrestling and track at GWA and leads bible studies at Uplift Sports Ministries in Loganville.

McKenna Parker earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Berry College.

She accepted a position at Piedmont Athens in 2016 and was responsible for training new nurses, and shortly after, she was promoted to charge nurse. McKenna is now the infection prevention nurse and will complete her Medical Practitioner license in November of this year.

CLASS OF 2013 Madison Allen Collins is a personal trainer at Walton Athletic 24.

Kelley Delchamps received her bachelor’s degree in human services and case management from Kennesaw State University. Delchamps returned in July from serving as an orphanage social worker in Kenya. While there, she and fellow missionaries also built a school for the children in the orphanage and in the community.

Tate Gaines is a baseball coach at GWA. Colton Ginn received his bachelor’s degree in environmental economics and management from the University of Georgia. He works as the environmental health and safety manager at Reeves Construction Company.

Jessie Hall received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Augusta University. She works as a registered nurse in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Piedmont HospitalAtlanta.

Anna Millians Hunt received her bachelor’s degree in marketing with a sales management emphasis from Georgia Southern University. She is an outside sales representative with Calsak Plastics.

Caroline Halleck graduated from the University of Georgia. She attends graduate school in Trento, Italy, concentrating on saxophone performance.

Rachel Leach received her bachelor’s degree in film and television from Savannah College of Art and Design.

After graduation, she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee and accepted a position as the production coordinator for Evolve Creative Content Studio.

As the production manager, she has worked on music videos for Toby Mac, Capital Kings, Hollyn, and Zedd, as well as commercials and features for National Geographic and ESPN.

Tyler Jarvis is a firefighter and advanced emergency medical technician for Hall County Fire Services. He received the “Cardiac Life Saving Award” at the Hall County Awards banquet in 2018. Jarvis will start paramedic school in January of 2019.

Casey Schambach is currently attending Georgia Medical College, pursuing his doctorate degree in physical therapy.

CLASS OF 2014

Jada Williams graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in history from Young Harris College.

She is currently working for Walters State Community College as a student affairs intern and plans on enrolling in graduate school in 2019.

CLASS OF 2015

Casey Carrell attends Furman University where he is involved with the drama department. This past year he held a leading part in “Legally Blonde”. He is also active in Greek life, the Student Government Association, and university research.

Parker Cole received an associate of arts degree from the University of North Georgia in 2017. He now works in online sales for his family owned business, Cole’s Automotive Group.

Parker is engaged to Victoria Lynn Coker of Monroe.

Dylan Deboer received his bachelor’s degree in technical communication from Mercer University.

Kaitlyn Fellows will graduate this fall from UGA with a degree in art education. She currently runs her photography business, Kaitlyn Fellows Photography, with a focus on weddings and senior portraits.

Maridith Grimsley has been busy filming scenes for a medical drama on Fox. Catch her playing a nurse on the second season of The Resident.

Audrey Hardison received her bachelor’s degree in studio art, emphasizing in fabric design from the University of Georgia. She recently accepted a position with Atlanta-based retailer Mud Pie, where she will be designing children’s clothes. She has also worked as a freelance graphic designer with Monroe’s Rinse Bath and Body, Co. She designs all advertising materials, as well as the packaging for Rinse goodies, and her designs for Rinse can be found nationwide.

68 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

Michael Ashley was selected to serve as Camp Jekyll’s lead counselor for the 2018 summer camp season. Camp Jekyll is operated by the Georgia 4-H.

Caleb Morris is currently attending UGA, pursuing his degree in international affairs. He spent four months in Washington D.C. in the press office and is now a former White House intern. He worked with the Brian Kemp campaign.

Dilys Osei is a track and field athlete at Emory University. She was the 60mH conference champion and led her team to place third overall in the conference.

Kevin Strohschein attends Tennessee Tech, where he also plays baseball for the Golden Eagles. He was recently named to the Midseason Perfect Game/Rawlings College Baseball All-American Second Team.

David Woody is pursuing his degree in audio production at the Art Institute of Atlanta and is projected to graduate in 2020.

CLASS OF 2017 Joseph Johnson is studying screenwriting at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

JESSICA JOHNSON (2010) Jessica Johnson (’10) has spent the last four years working at Emory University’s Yerkes Primate Research Center as a Research Specialist.

Jones was offered the position after interning in the lab the summer before her senior year of college at the University of Georgia, where she earned a degree in animal science. Johnson works with primates in the lab to better understand how psychosocial factors affect behavioral, metabolic and reproductive health in healthy, aging females.

One thing that surprised Johnson about her field of work is that while she always knew that she wanted to work with animals, she believed that she would work in the field of veterinary medicine. However, while it was not exactly what she expected, she said, “I love what I do here and being a part of the biomedical research field.”

WE BELIEVE...

IN THE POWER OF PRAYER.

IN RIGOROUS AND RELEVANT ACADEMICS.

IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARACTER.

IN EXCEPTIONAL EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES.

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY 69

WE BELIEVE IN…

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Christian values, while respecting the heritage and beliefs of others.

•

Developing future leaders who seek to serve others and live with purpose.

•

Teaching and modeling kindness, integrity, honesty, respect, and compassion.

•

Providing opportunities for students and staff to explore and strengthen their faith

through a variety of offerings: Bible classes, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, NG3,

student-led bible studies, service projects, and faculty and staff weekly devotionals.

Nurturing a strong and supportive community of students, teachers and parents

•

who are committed to bringing out the best in one another.

Train a child up in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

70 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

GW

As the Academy approaches its

50TH ANNIVERSARY, Head of School,

DR. DAN DOLAN, charts a course for the future.

George Walton Academy provides challenging instruction, engaging experiences, and global perspectives designed to inspire lives of intellectual curiosity, integrity, and purpose.

I hope you’ve noticed the common theme that’s demonstrated throughout this magazine – that our students and alumni are big thinkers, talented, innovative, confident, and determined to expand upon their potential and make a meaningful and lasting difference in our world.

This publication intentionally begins and ends with our mission statement because it is the compass that guides us in all we do. As we look to the next fifty years and beyond, GWA will continue to seek new ways to engage our students so that we might prepare and inspire them to be more than they ever thought possible.

GEORGE GEORGE WALTON WALTON ACADEMY ACADEMY7171

George Walton Academy

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

One Bulldog Drive

US POSTAGE

Monroe, GA 30655

MONROE, GA

PAID PERMIT NO. 9

Find us on Facebook George Walton Academy Follow us on Twitter georgewalton

JOIN US FOR ONE OF OUR OPEN HOUSES! Saturday, Oct. 20 at GWA Dawgs Unleashed Festival Thursday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m.

Sunday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.

LEARN MORE AT gwa.com.