In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
May 23, 2019
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
- K5 Graduation: May 23 @ 7 p.m.
- Fifth-Grade Graduation: May 24 @ 9 a.m.
- Last Day of School/Early Dismissal: May 24
- K4/K5 Student Holiday: May 24
Congratulations and Good Luck to the Class of 2019!
The day they enrolled at GWA, we made a promise to each and every one of the students who graduated just days ago. We promised to provide challenging instruction, engaging experiences, and global perspectives designed to inspire them to live with intellectual curiosity, integrity, and purpose.
That’s the GWA mission. It guides us in all that we do. We consider it a promise we make to all of our students. So when it comes to our new graduates, how did we deliver?...Read More.
Summer Adventurer
GWA junior Ben Howard- pictured with his host brother Kamo, has arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa for his short term exchange at our partner school, Dainfern College. We look forward to hearing updates from Ben over the course of the coming weeks!
Student Trip of a Lifetime to Croatia
Where: Croatia
When: June 8-16, 2020
Cost: $3,990 – includes airfare, all accommodation/transportation costs, excursions, medical insurance, all breakfasts and some dinners
Who: Upper school students (must have completed freshman year by May 2020)
Why: Croatia is perhaps one of the most unique countries in Europe, and sits on the opposite side of the Mediterranean as Italy. The country is known for its incredible natural beauty and cinematographic history, hosting one of the HBO's most popular shows Game of Thrones. George Walton students and trip leaders will embark on an experience of a lifetime, zip-lining across the Cetina River, exploring the famous Plitvice Lakes, sea kayaking on the island of Hvar, and touring the famous historical structures that made Game of Thrones what it was!
For more information, or to register, go to https://travefy.com/trip/gjfc6kkx7ark7uwxgdfb6uuxtjrv2.
Questions? Contact Femke Côté at fcote@gwa.com.
George Walton Academy Awarded Two Grants
Recently, GWA was awarded more than $18,000 from two foundations to support our efforts in developing important programs for students. The Walton County Foundation awarded funds which will enable GWA to provide a STEAM Lab Mobile Cart for grades K3-fifth grade. We were also fortunate to receive funding from the Frances Wood Wilson Foundation to support our fine arts program. The Academy has received other funding this year from the Walton EMC Empowerment Grant, the Herbert and Marian Haley Foundation, the Charles M. Walker Foundation, and the Loveday Foundation Innovation Grant.
The Advancement Department continuously seeks to identify grant funding opportunities. If you serve on a foundation or learn about a grant opportunity, please contact Jeanie Beach at jbeach@gwa.com so we may determine whether it is a good fit for outside funding.
Endless Possibilities
The Annual Loyalty Fund is the most important fundraiser at GWA. As you know, we have our major push in the fall, but the campaign doesn’t formally close until June 30. So, if you’ve made a pledge - or would like to – now is the final push to get this year’s commitments in the books!
Tuition dollars alone do not cover the cost of your child's education and every donation goes to work immediately for the benefit of our students. Thank you to all who have contributed, and to all who plan to give by June 30! Please click HERE to donate online.
George Walton Academy and the Georgia Tuition Tax Credit Scholarship Program, through a state-approved Student Scholarship Organization (SSO), helps Georgia taxpayers redirect a portion of their state tax liability to George Walton Academy and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit. Funds received from the program are made available for qualified applicants in the school’s existing financial aid program.
Help Deserving GWA Students at No Additional Cost to You:
- Your participation helps deserving students attend George Walton Academy
- This program is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit toward your Georgia taxes, and you may claim a deduction on your federal income tax return.
Please contact the GWA Business Office for details.
GWA Summer Camps are open to the community, and attendees do not have to be current George Walton students. Click the link below for an up-to-date listing of camps. Happy camping!
http://bit.ly/gwasummercamps
Class of 2019 Hearn Medallion Recipient
By Laura Nabors, Associate Director of College Counseling
The Hearn Medallion is George Walton Academy’s most distinguished award bestowed on a graduating senior. It is given in memory of Maj. Gen. George J. Hearn, Jr. (Ret.) His son, Lt. Col. George J. Hearn, III (Ret.), is one of our school’s original founders, one the “Dirty Dozen”, who served as Chairman of the Board for fifteen years. This award is selected by the faculty and presented to the senior who demonstrates the highest qualities in leadership, character, conduct, scholarship, and athletics.
This year’s recipient is a shining example of how far hard work, commitment, and conviction can take a person in life. Matthew Enrique McMain is diligent in all things and an encourager to all those he encounters. He is a leader in the classroom and on the soccer field. Matthew is a member of our school’s chapters of the National Honor Society and Senior Beta Club. He faithfully served on the Student Executive Council as Vice President. George Walton Academy is proud of Matthew’s accomplishments and looks forward to his bright future in Annapolis, Maryland, where he will attend the United States Naval Academy.
War Games
For the past few weeks, fifth grade has been learning about World War II in Social Studies. For a culminating project, the students designed games to incorporate their knowledge of WWII. Some games required answering a question before moving to another space, some got a wet sponge in their face if they answered the question incorrectly, and some games were designed to be quite complicated. This was such an engaging experience for the fifth graders and they loved showing off how much they know about World War II.
Final Countdown
Have fun this summer!
By Michael Clancy, Director of College Counseling
Yes, really, have fun this summer.
This advice might come across as a bit hypocritical since earlier Counselor Corner articles included lists of summer enrichment programs (implying this is something you should be doing to get an advantage in college admissions.)
We have also promoted the College Admissions Boot Camp and the SAT Mathematics Prep course that will be offered this summer at GWA. That is what College Counselors tend to do. We tell you about the importance of improving test scores and GPAs...Read More.
And They're Out!
Colorful Creations
GWA first-grade students expressed their artistic sides by creating beautiful and unique watercolor paintings. What a fun way to encourage creativity and turn their imaginations loose!
Jackson Ellerbee Competes in GHSA Golf Championship
Jackson Ellerbee (Class of 2021) spent Monday and Tuesday, May 20 -21 representing GWA at the GHSA Class A Private Golf Championship at Green Island Country Club in Columbus, GA. Following an impressive runner up finish at the Region Championship on May 1st at the Georgia Club in which Jackson fired a career best 69, he earned the right to represent George Walton as an individual in the very competitive 79 golfer field in Columbus.
Jackson, who had also come off of spring football practice the two weeks prior, competed Monday and Tuesday shooting 81 and 84 respectively. “Jackson represented George Walton Academy well this week. He really battled both days and put up very respectable scores on a difficult golf course. Qualifying as a sophomore and being able to experience what it is like to compete in a state championship setting is something that I’m sure he will always remember and will undoubtedly make him a better player over the next two years” said Coach Matt Reynolds.
Green Island Country Club, the site of this year’s State Championship was the previous home to the PGA Tour event, The Southern Open.