In Focus @ GWA
A news bulletin for the families of George Walton Academy
May 5, 2022
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Key Deadlines & Dates
- School Supplies on Sale: April 28 – June 9 (see below)
- Yearbook Presentation: May 11
- Senior Art Show: May 12
- Senior Mentor Breakfast: May 17
- Senior Banquet: May 17
- Middle School Awards: May 18
- Upper School Awards: May 19
- Baccalaureate: May 20
- Graduation: May 21
- Exams (8-12): May 23 – May 26
- Class of 2023 Parent Meeting: May 24
- K5 Graduation: May 25
- 5th Grade Graduation: May 26
- Last Day of School: Early Dismissal May 26
We are counting down the days to the Class of 2022 baccalaureate and graduation. Please note that tickets are required for field seating for both events (tickets have been sent to seniors). Stadium seating is first come, first served. Don Williams Stadium will open at 6 p.m. for baccalaureate and 8 a.m. for graduation.
Mac Geoffroy is Student of the Month
Mac Geoffroy has been chosen as Rotary Student of the month for April. He has selected Mr. Wilson as Teacher of the Month. Mac is the 2022 GWA Star Student and has been named to the Head of School list and GWA’s Best of the Best. He is a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, GWA Literary, Gavel Club, History Quiz Bowl, Model U.N., Mu Alpha Theta, and Socratic Circle. Mac was a spirited leader in the student section during basketball season and he participated in GWA lacrosse and equestrian. He has shared his musical talents as a four-year member of the GWA Marching Bulldog Band and received GMEA District Band recognition for three years. Mac serves his community through volunteer efforts with the Newton County Boys and Girls Club.
Mac will attend the University of North Carolina in the fall and plans to major in history. Congratulations to Mac and Mr. Wilson!
Quiz Bowl Competes Well at Nationals
Students in the History Quiz Bowl spent the weekend in Washington, D.C. to compete in the International Academic Competition’s National History Quiz Bowl. The group of 11 students competed in 10 rounds of History Quiz Bowl against the best teams in the country and faced some tough competition. Out of three teams, two ended up with winning records, with the third team coming close in many of their games but were ultimately edged out, a few times by a tiebreaker. Senior Cassie Culver competed individually in the Political Science Bee and made it all the way to the semifinals. She and Brady Boyle also competed solo in the History Bee, with Culver reaching the quarterfinal round.
While in Washington, students were also able to tour the capitol and Library of Congress, visit the monuments and Smithsonian, and stopped by Representative Jody Hice’s office. We are proud of all they accomplished and look forward to their continued success next year!
Having a Blast!
Senior Art Show - May 12
GWA will be presenting artwork from our seniors and photography students on Thursday, May 12. The show will take place in the downstairs gallery of the Fine Arts building from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Anyone unable to make the opening will be invited to enjoy the show Friday morning at 8:30 a.m.. Please stop by and visit with the artists and enjoy an exhibition showcasing our students' impressive drawing, painting, and photographic talents.
Beautiful Music
Fine Tuning
Our middle school piano students have worked hard all semester fine tuning their newly acquired skills. We hope you enjoy a taste of two of their most recent musical selections, “Canon in D” arranged by Jennifer Eklund, and “Someday” an original piece written by Jennifer Eklund.
Final Four Continues
Anslee Parrish to Play at Piedmont
Delaney Sims Signs with Alfred University
Parents - Ready to Hit the Court?
Click the link to sign up: https://forms.gle/R31LsFq5qQcmskVf7
If you have any questions, send an email to dschnieders@gwa.com.
Meet Kayla Johnson
We are happy to extend a big Bulldog welcome to Kayla Johnson! She will teach US History and Government & Economy (10th/11th grade). Kayla earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Georgia Gwinnett College and has been teaching for five years. She attended a recent GWA open house event in hopes her daughter would be accepted into the Pre-K3 program and loved the happy, welcoming environment she observed during her visit. Kayla said, “I decided to check for social studies openings, and the rest is history!”
Meet Wandalla Wilson
We are thrilled to introduce new upper school math teacher Wandalla Wilson. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and brings twenty years of classroom experience. Wandalla commented, “Last year when I moved to the area, I quickly became aware of GWA’s outstanding academic reputation. Once I visited the beautiful campus and met the friendly staff, it was obvious how much the faculty cared about the students.” She is eager to meet the students of GWA and encourage a love for algebra!
Meet Daryl Lussi
GWA is excited to announce the hiring of upper school math teacher Daryl Lussi. He will be teaching Geometry and Honors Geometry. He has 38 years of experience in education and he is excited about the opportunity to be a part of a school that is based on Judeo-Christian values. Daryl said, “I will also have the chance to teach my grandsons in the future.”
Feeling the Love!
Garden Tour on May 14
GWA is participating in our first-ever Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts garden tour. The tour takes place Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. More information is available at https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/garden-tour-information.html .
Tickets are now available; buy over the phone - 770-207-8937 or drop by in person to the art center. Please note that if you buy over the phone, you must come by the center to pick up your wristband-ticket and Guide Map. Ticket price: $30.
If you are only interested in visiting the GWA garden, feel free to drop in any time on May 14 free of charge.