In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
November 18, 2021
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
- Canned Food Drive: ends tomorrow
- Thanksgiving Holidays: Nov. 22 - 26
- MS Improv Showcase: Dec. 1 @ 4 & 6 p.m.
- Preview Day: Dec. 2 @ 10 a.m.
- Dance Performance: Dec. 2 & 3 (see below)
- Christmas Tree Presentation: Dec. 3
- Gingerbread Christmas: Dec. 5 (see below)
- Early Dismissal Day: Friday, Dec. 17
Grasping Gas Laws
Playing Detective
Eighth-grade teachers Mrs. Bryd (English) and Mr. Griffin (history) collaborated on an intriguing project for students this week. In history class, eighth graders reviewed information about the American Revolution. Next, they toured “museum” exhibits about real-life mysteries surrounding the war and used their knowledge and the evidence presented to discover what really happened during five given events. They had to pick a side and write down supporting ideas.
Students will continue with this project after Thanksgiving break and their focus will be on argument and perspective writing.
Seeing Double
Mark Your Calendar!
The GWA dance program will be presenting their rendition of the holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker,” on December 2 at 10 a.m. and December 3 at 4:15 and 7 p.m. in the lower school gym. “The Nutcracker POPS!” takes the traditional story of the nutcracker ballet and peppers it with contemporary, pop, hip- hop and country variations. Hope to see you there!
Light Up the Night!
Join us as we partner with Downtown Monroe to spread Christmas cheer during the Magical Night of Lights TONIGHT from 6 - 8 p.m. in Childers Park.
Staying Up to Date
As we approach the end of the semester, it is important to review your RenWeb account to confirm that all tuition, lunch, aftercare and bus payments are up to date and that family contact information is current and correct. If you have not recently done so, please take a moment to login and review this information over the Thanksgiving break. Instructions for doing so are available HERE.
Thank You!
The students of George Walton Academy want to thank you for supporting the Annual Loyalty Fund drive. Every gift ensures the best experience for our students and strengthens our programs. If for some reason you were on an extended trip and missed our daily messages and you are fretting because you didn’t make a pledge or gift, have no fear! The campaign runs until June 30, 2022. Click HERE to make your gift.
Tis' the Season!
Help us spread Christmas cheer by decorating and driving your golf cart in the Gingerbread Christmas parade on Dec. 5 or adopting and decorating a tree in the courtyard over Thanksgiving break! Contact Elizabeth McDonel to sign up.
Juniors & Junior Parents,
This is a reminder to please schedule your individual junior meeting with GWA's college counselors. We will discuss and plan your student's tentative senior year schedule, graduation requirements, ACT/SAT testing, as well as future college plans and goals. If you are unable to meet in December, please reply to this email or call Mrs. Nabors at 678-635-3821 to plan for a meeting in January. Appointments will be approximately 45 minutes long. The appointment time slots are aligned with GWA's class schedule, semester exams. Call or email (lnabors@gwa.com) Laura Nabors with questions.
Welcome, Mark Liles!
Cheer Competes at State
Making Waves
By Ella Rowan
The GWA swim team continues to make waves with another amazing meet at Tallulah Falls this past Saturday! Congratulations to Jake Moore, Charlie Stout, Jake Stout, and Timothy Pham for first place in the Boys Relays! The Girls Free Relay placed third earning the team 32 points! Congratulations to Sarah Digby, Riley Root, MK Dopp, and Ella Rowan.
Timothy Pham celebrated his birthday by also taking first place in the 50 Freestyle. Anthony Pham continues his win streak, getting first place in the 50 Butterfly and Backstroke for middle school. Congratulations to Charlie Stout for taking first in the 200 IM and 100 Free, and to Jake Stout for first in the 100 Backstroke. Additionally, Ella Rowan earned the team 15 points in the 200 IM, and Bella Weimer took second in MS 50 Fly. Charlie Stout qualified for three state entries and Jake Stout qualified for two state entries.
Congratulations, swimmers! Keep up the good work.
Taylor Tinsley Signs with UCLA
Caroline Conner Signs with College of Charleston
Reflecting on a Great Season
By Coach David Schnieders
Simply put, it was an extraordinary accomplishment by the varsity team to reach the Elite 8. Further than any GWA Volleyball team in program history. On paper, our measurables would tell you that we should not be able to match up against our opponents, but you cannot measure heart and determination. This team has a surplus of heart and determination. As the season progressed, they learned to play with and for each other. Making every match, truly a team success. Our season record completed at 29 wins and 12 losses. Signature wins against GAC (class 3A State Champ), Flowery Branch (class 4A State Runner-up), Cherokee Bluff, Jefferson HS, Trinity Christian (to carry us to Elite 8 match).
Areas of high level play for individuals:
Delaney Sims - 492 kills (1st Team All-Region)
Kelsey Gasaway - 103 aces (1st Team All-Region)
Abby Wright - 48 blocks (2nd Team All-Region)
Cidella Sims - (Honorable Mention All-Region)
The team would like to thank all the people who supported the volleyball program: Lynn Behnke with heading communications, Heather Dokes with coordinating transportation. Mark Whitley, Megan Sims and Denise Schnieders with building an environment that allowed these players feel GWA volleyball is important, the student body who attended home and away matches (your support is very special and appreciated). The GWA volleyball team thanks you and we are committed to building a GREAT Program!